Solo Camping for Two (ふたりソロキャンプ)

Taste of Japan Soba

I said I was sorry.

It just slipped out.

Shizuku-chan's friends invited me out.

How could I say "no"?

Anyway, your past happened to come up.

I didn't tell them much.

I know not to do that.

I thought I was helping you out.

Fine. Just forget about it.

Besides, it doesn't sound like you're lying.

You get where I'm coming from?

But from now on, mind your own business.

Maybe you're trying to help, but I'm not into it.

S-Sure, I'll keep that in mind.

Also, you're paying today.

What?!

That's all my forgiveness will cost.

Pretty good deal, right?

Fine. It's on me.

Solo Camping for Two

Episode 15 Camping Like Ships Passing in the Night

Taste of Japan Soba

Hey, could I get another beer?

Beer tastes great when someone else pays for it.

Damn it.

What should I drink next?

There's something else, too.

It seems Shizuku and Kana have met.

That was, uh...

I knew it! That was you, too?!

No, wait! It was more like...

We just happened to run into each other.

Well, that can't be helped, I guess.

Exactly. That was just an accident.

An accident, huh?

The way you're talking makes it sound like you saw Kana-chan.

Huh? Yeah.

She suddenly showed up at my place.

I see. So she went to see you after all.

And you both feel better now?

I guess.

Then it was worth the effort.

Hold on. I put myself through the wringer for this,

so why's he so carefree?

Is he the oblivious protagonist of some rom-com?

On top of that, I'm treating him to dinner for some reason.

Oh, whatever.

It's been 15 years since I started camping.

Gen was the reason I started.

Kinokura-kun.

What's up?

We were talking about hanging out together.

You know what he's like. He wouldn't be any fun.

He's always so unfriendly.

Unfriendly, huh?

It looked to me like he was smiling.

These days, we talk a bit,

but back then, he was standoffish.

Except when it came to camping, then he had plenty to say.

Even if he seemed annoyed at first, he'd start talking up a storm eventually.

I saw it as my way in with him,

but it was fun hearing about a world I didn't know.

But even after I developed an interest in camping, he refused to go with me.

I gave up and went camping by myself

after I graduated from high school and got my driver's license.

At first, I made one mistake after another.

I went back and forth between being sick of camping and wanting to try again.

It took a while for me to establish my personal style.

Even I'm amazed that I've kept this up for so long.

But it's no big deal.

Gen and I are just similar on a fundamental level.

I have a lot of friends, while Gen's always alone.

We were totally different.

But I was drawn to his attitude.

I think I already had my answer back then.

Doing things with others is fun, but sometimes I need to be alone.

Camping's the hobby I've kept up with the longest,

but I'm not as into it as Gen.

I prefer to enjoy it in moderation.

I enjoy the gear I like the way I want.

I enjoy a bit of camping when I feel like going.

That's the right level for me.

I'll use feet to prevent the stand from sinking into the gravel.

Hello.

Time to get set up.

All right.

I can't wait any longer.

That's good!

That's the stuff.

I love eating sashimi while camping.

It's crowded over here.

I'll try going over there.

That should do it.

I heard this area was pretty sandy in places.

I'm glad I brought my beach pegs.

There are several types of pegs for use in various situations.

There are round pegs that are nearly perfectly circular.

They're easy to hammer in, can be used in a variety of locations,

and come in a broad range of types.

V- and Y-shaped pegs have a lot of surface area and don't come out easily.

However, dirt can get into the grooves, making them a pain to clean.

There are screw pegs, which are Y-pegs twisted to make them more secure.

There are also cross pegs, which are weighed down by snow and sand.

Additionally, at beaches, some campers use sandbags to weigh down pegs

or attach the tent itself to sandbags and bury them.

The view is nice. I could really go for a drink right now, but...

That trash is bothering me!

Honestly, who buries their trash?

Regardless of size, it's impossible for a manager to keep the entire campsite clean.

Therefore, campers are asked to follow campsite etiquette.

Campsites deal with garbage in a variety of ways,

such as allowing sorted garbage to be disposed on site

Please take your trash with you. - Management

or asking campers to take theirs with them.

However, no matter the location, garbage should never be dumped carelessly.

Those who can't even dispose of their garbage properly have no right to enjoy activities.

Now it's clean.

So good.

Now I just have to cook them.

Sandwich presses are so versatile. It makes them fun to use.

They should be ready soon.

My oddball stick dumplings in a sandwich press are done!

They're cooked just right.

This tomato and cheese dumpling is so good.

Plum Pulp

This one's plum and shiso leaves.

And this one's packed with pickled ginger.