Only real campers know the hard work that goes into preparing for a camping vacation. We have done it every which way and I think we have it down pat now. In the beginning, we used to lug all of the comforts of home out to the camper and it was a real ordeal, but over the years we have purchased those things so that all we have to do is pack our clothes and food and head out. Our camper now boasts it's own set of pots and pans, microwave, coffee maker, comforters and sheets, towels, crock-pot etc. A mini home away from home.
When we first started out back in 1983, all we had was a green Coleman cabin tent, a few air mattress, a Coleman propane lantern,a Coleman stove and an adventurous spirit. It was truly roughing it. Picture outhouses...that was the level of camping that we did our first year. We were 24 and 23 respectively and had a 7 month old baby boy in tow. We were brave, naive, and maybe a little stupid...but we sure had alot of fun.
We have come a long way, but some people may consider what we do still roughing it. Our camper does not have a bathroom or a shower, but thank goodness campgrounds have ratings that consider the cleanliness of the bathrooms, showers and pools. Were we go is clean and pretty modern, but it is still camping. I have been known to share my shower with a few mosquitoes and perhaps a moth or two. It is camping after all.
So...why does anyone subject themselves to this kind of vacation? I don't know if I can put it into words very well because it is more of a feeling. There is something about setting up your campsite deep in the woods and actually being self sufficient that is quite satisfying. Or waking up to the dappled sunlight coming through the trees and into your bed and realizing that even you can feel adventurous and anything is possible ( a mountain hike, an early morning canoe ride, a day of fishing or horseback riding, or just a day of sitting by the ocean or a lake). And after a day of all of that and just breathing in outside air only, you come back to your little spot, cook your dinner, and watch the sun go down. Campfires are lit and lawn chairs are set up in the round. Your teenage son pulls out his guitar and strums quietly and then you just talk and laugh, maybe roast a marshmallow or two. When it gets late you crawl into bed, turn on your overhead lantern and try to keep your eyes open to read a few pages of the book that you picked out just for this vacation. More than likely you will drift off to the sound of crickets and the sweet smell of campfire on your skin. Like I said...it's a feeling, but it's a very good feeling.
When we first started out back in 1983, all we had was a green Coleman cabin tent, a few air mattress, a Coleman propane lantern,a Coleman stove and an adventurous spirit. It was truly roughing it. Picture outhouses...that was the level of camping that we did our first year. We were 24 and 23 respectively and had a 7 month old baby boy in tow. We were brave, naive, and maybe a little stupid...but we sure had alot of fun.
We have come a long way, but some people may consider what we do still roughing it. Our camper does not have a bathroom or a shower, but thank goodness campgrounds have ratings that consider the cleanliness of the bathrooms, showers and pools. Were we go is clean and pretty modern, but it is still camping. I have been known to share my shower with a few mosquitoes and perhaps a moth or two. It is camping after all.
So...why does anyone subject themselves to this kind of vacation? I don't know if I can put it into words very well because it is more of a feeling. There is something about setting up your campsite deep in the woods and actually being self sufficient that is quite satisfying. Or waking up to the dappled sunlight coming through the trees and into your bed and realizing that even you can feel adventurous and anything is possible ( a mountain hike, an early morning canoe ride, a day of fishing or horseback riding, or just a day of sitting by the ocean or a lake). And after a day of all of that and just breathing in outside air only, you come back to your little spot, cook your dinner, and watch the sun go down. Campfires are lit and lawn chairs are set up in the round. Your teenage son pulls out his guitar and strums quietly and then you just talk and laugh, maybe roast a marshmallow or two. When it gets late you crawl into bed, turn on your overhead lantern and try to keep your eyes open to read a few pages of the book that you picked out just for this vacation. More than likely you will drift off to the sound of crickets and the sweet smell of campfire on your skin. Like I said...it's a feeling, but it's a very good feeling.
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