Dirt Pile in Paradise

We are hoping, with a trip like ours, to introduce the Dudes to amazing, beautiful and wonderful things. But, sometimes, nothing can compare to the joys of a dirt pile.

After our return to Glacier (to lick our wounds), the batteries on the rig were failing. They had been a little fickle but, now they just plain weren’t working at all. And of course, the day they decided to die was the coldest, windiest day we had experienced. The campground has no hook-ups so with no heat, water, light, phone, internet i.e. all of the essentials for living comfortably, the RV was reduced to a very expensive tent. So, we decided to move to a private campground with hook-ups across the street from the park so that we could sort out not only the battery problem but, also continue working on the passport issue.

The campground sat high on a hill overlooking St. Mary Lake with spectacular views of the mountains. It was heavenly. The Dudes dubbed it “Dandelion Farm” because the property was completely covered in “puff balls”. But, it wasn’t the views, the puff balls or even the fact that we had power that interested the Dudes. It was the gigantic pile of dirt across from our campsite that captured their hearts.

It also captured the hearts of our neighbor’s children. It didn’t take long before all 7 kids made the dirt pile – home. It was almost as if someone had told them that there was candy buried there. Here we were viewing some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and the kids were playing with dirt.

This is not the first time we have seen this phenomenon. In fact, every time we get near a dirt pile, the Dudes are drawn to it. It must be a primitive element like the first kid toy. And, just like one has to learn to crawl before one can walk. One must learn to play with and appreciate dirt before moving on to say, jump ropes, bicycles and video games.

Or, maybe it’s just the simple pleasure of relating to or working with the earth. Whatever the draw is, it’s a beautiful thing. Except, of course, for the laundry that follows. The laundry detergent manufactures have noticed this relationship too and use it in advertising. Just think of how many commercials for detergents show children dragging their dirt covered hands down the front of their shirts like it was a napkin or a finger painting.

The kids DID take time out for other activities too; a big game of bean bags kept them busy for a while and running around like a bunch of dogs let off of their leashes occupied the rest of their time.

Having five children, the other parents were quite savvy and brought along an ice cream  “ball”. It’s an ice cream maker contained in a ball that gets churned by the kids rolling it around. It is a much better idea than the old crank version and it keeps all of the kids busy for at least 20 minutes. Extra points go to whomever invented it. It actually rivaled their interest in the dirt pile.

MMMmmmmmm! Ice cream or dirt, which would you choose?

Boy, n.:  a noise with dirt on it.  ~Not Your Average Dictionary