by Gina Scarpa

Tamra has recovered from her breast reduction surgery on The Real Housewives of Orange County and Vicki pays her a visit to see how she's feeling. She certainly has a lot of snide comments to make about the size of Tamra's chest but I think she looks better au natural.

Alexis comes up with the idea to invite all of the women to go "glamping". I never knew there was such a thing as glamorous camping (it kinda seems to defeat the purpose) but then again, nothing surprises me in the OC anymore. Tamra is out because of her recuperation and Slade puts the kibosh on Gretchen going it, making the argument that she needs to rest her voice. Lord, all we need is another Bunco party incident.

Vicki, Briana, Alexis, her friend/assistant Shannon, and Heather head to El Capitan in Santa Barbara. First up for glamping - picking out food and drinks to be delivered to the campsite. Next, settling in to their cabins. This hardly seems like roughing it. Vicki immediately disappears to call Brooks, which Briana doesn't seem to be too thrilled about. Her mom is getting serious with some guy she hardly knows. You can't blame her.

Nobody seems to be able to start a fire but Heather finally gets it going, while Alexis and Shannon complain about the time it's taking to cook the food. To top things off, they're paid a visit by a skunk but Vicki screams at it and scares it away.  Good to know that technique works across the board.  With Housewives, with woodland creatures...

The camping trip ends up bringing Vicki and Alexis closer together, especially without Tamra there to stir the pot, but the rift continues between Heather and Alexis.  Alexis doesn't seem to notice but Heather constantly questions her authenticity and just can't relate to her on just about any level.

Back in the OC, Gretchen visits a vocal producer and gets emotional because she feels like her voice is not doing well.  She can't hit the top notes in "Fever" and cries all the way home about it too.  The Pussycat Dolls really couldn't reschedule her for another performance, given her situation, or is the drama of "Will Gretchen be able to sing or won't she?" just too tempting an opportunity to pass up?  I think we all know the answer.

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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