A lot more people would probably go camping if they knew more about this (illusive for many of us) ‘sport’. The closest I ever got was the three-day (in a cabin) camping trip to the Poconos I took as a Girl Scout in my mom’s troop. Or, it could have been the annual family picnics spent every year at French Creek sponsored by a team of Methodist ministers, which included my father. They were fun! Or, maybe it was that lengthy outdoor concert. I don’t know! But, that was the extent of it and though they were all awesome out door experiences, they were just not the real deal. However, those moments of excitement, fun, and sport prompted my feelings of love for the outdoor life. So, I put camping on my bucket-list. But you know life! You always think you have time……but here I am, after lapsed time, and haven’t gone yet.
There’s a lot more attention paid these days to the camping experience as cable programming highlights survival techniques. So, now I want to camp out more than ever before! I often think (considering the way things are in the world) that I might have to utilize some or all of these camping skills. I hate to think of it as a tool for survival, but we might as well be realistic. Peace is not fixed and sure as it should be and we see evidence of the negative impact due to the lack of it. So if push comes to a shove, I’d like to be able to say I’m ready.
But, I don’t know enough about camping to take the journey alone – meaning with my husband. So I googled it; which has become the norm for a very good reason. Lots of sites to choose from. I found About.comCamping and the volume of information was phenomenal. It probably covers everything there is to know about camping. But I stuck with ‘Camping Tips For Beginners’ since I am a novice. I knew I would need shelter so, #1-tent, plus a bed, #2- sleeping bag or something comparable with some kind of padding for it, and like Johnny (John Chapman) Appleseed I’d need a pot; no, not for my head…..but who knows!? #3-food. I can opt to make the food ahead of time and store it in a cooler or I could cook on the grounds using my trusty pot along with other cooking utensils. image My research led to lots of great tips for beginners. Based on what I’ve learned I might be ready. I also felt encouraged when I read that going with one who is an experienced camper would help to ease the stress, nervousness, and discomfort of the new experience. We have a few friends who are avid campers, so that quest will be easily accomplished. We’ll just have to convince them we won’t rain on their parade. – So for now, considering my desire to cross this off my bucket-list and my need to work towards preparedness for what is our unpredictable future, I’m on a mission and you’ll get the update when it’s complete.
To truly enhance my camping experience I’d love to hear from a die-hard camper out there who can suggest some simple tips that would make this first trip be absolutely awesome and a truly fun, but intense learning experience. If you’re out there the guest blog spot (Home page/menu bar) of this site is yours. All of us could use your tips.
