They call it Murphy’s Law — whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.
Alex Flagg, associate director of Web communications in public relations, knows all about good ol’ Murph.
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Tom O’Connor |
The Flaggs moved to Omaha last year from Portland, Ore. Like many Oregonians, they love the peace and serenity of the great outdoors.
On June 4, Alex picked Becky up after work and headed for Dead Timber State Recreation Area near Scribner, Neb. The following is an account of their experience in Dead Timber:
7 p.m. — The Flaggs arrive at the campground. Rain is forecast, but they aren’t concerned (cue scary music).
8:15 p.m. — They set up camp and try to start a campfire but the humidity was stifling.
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Alex Flagg of the UNMC PR department cuts some firewood during an ill-fated evening at Dead Timber State Park near Scribner, Neb. |
10 p.m. — A large contingent of campers rolls in and parks near the Flaggs, destroying hopes of a peaceful evening in the Nebraska wilderness.
“All we wanted was a quiet night,” Flagg said. “Now, we had country music blasting, a dog barking, a toddler running around and a party breaking out.”
11 p.m. — Light rain starts, the large group departs immediately.
“Weenies,” say the Flaggs.
11:30 p.m. — Rain picks up, serious lightning and thunder follow.
“It sounded like someone was shooting a gun next to our tent,” Alex says. “I’ve never heard thunder that loud and crisp.”
6 a.m. — The Flaggs awake after a nearly sleepless night to a tent filled with water and a ruined camera.
Noon — Wet, tired but not defeated — the Flaggs take a hike at nearby Summit Lake on what they think is a walking trail. It really is a deer path lined with poison ivy. The Flaggs are itching within minutes.
1 p.m. — The Flaggs head toward Omaha for calamine lotion and some conciliatory ice cream.
Later this summer, the Flaggs will head to the Niobrara River for their next camping trip. They hope Mr. Murphy has other plans that weekend.