In the fall of 2019, shortly after Bratty’s visit to ‘move out’, SO’s birthday was approaching.  We had a camping trip planned with friends and I had some sites reserved.  Since Bratty was now in driving distance, and it was her Dad’s birthday, I texted Bratty and invited her along and mentioned she could bring a friend if she wanted.  I thought it would be alright since one of the couples going with us were SO’s friends who Bratty knew and behaved well around so I thought they would be good company.  The other couple were my friends who Bratty was rude to when she was invited to their home for dinner on a prior visit but I knew they wouldn’t have any issues with her joining us. 

I offered for Bratty to drive down to us first and we could all carpool to the campsite together but she would have to drive down a day earlier as we were leaving in the morning.  If Bratty wanted to drive herself straight there, than she should plan to pay the $25 entrance fee (it is a National Park) for herself but I would take care of the other costs and equipment (campsite fees, tents, etc.).  I also advised Bratty that no one else was vegan so she should plan to bring her own meals but we were bringing some veggies/sides to share and she was welcome to those. 

Bratty said she would like to join us and would let me know if they were bringing anyone.  Bratty asked around but no one wanted to go with her (shockingly).  Bratty did find one high school friend living near her who did want a ride south for the weekend to visit her mother, who lived about 10 minutes from our house.  This friend had an infant son who would be going as well.  The friend would not be camping but just along for part of the ride to our town (6 hours) and then Bratty would continue on the rest of the way to the campsite (5 hours, so a total of 11 hours or so). 

Now, if Bratty just drove directly to the campsite it would take her 7 hours total without the detour to drop her friend off, so most people would just say sorry friend but that is too far out of the way.  Bratty, however, lacking basic common sense, told the friend she would drop her and her infant son off and then drive herself to the campsite.  Not only was this too much driving to do for one day but the infant would surely slow them down.  Bratty did not want to drive down the day before and thought it would be better to have company for part of the drive.

Bratty told us her plan.  It really made no sense to me and I thought it was a terrible plan.  I told SO and he agreed but we both decided it was Bratty’s problem to deal with.  I gave her the campsite information and told her we would be there by late afternoon Friday, and departing on Sunday morning.   We’ll see what happens in Part 2 when Bratty kicks the Camping Chaos into high gear.