Saturday, June 23, 2018

Camping


Experience teaches us. We think we know everything but much of that "knowledge" is based on false assumptions. Only when we actually do something do we realize whether our beliefs about an activity are true or not. And many activities (like motorcycling) have unexpected delights. (For me, motorcycling pleases the senses and rewards practice as you develop increasing mastery over a difficult task.)

I started camping this year for the first time since I was a kid. It's turned out much better than I expected. I find deep appeal in the calm that descends soon after you pitch your tent and listen to the quiet sounds of nature. We don't realize how noisy and jarring modern life is until you take away the sources of that. The peace of a campsite is remarkable.

In addition, camping is cheap. When I grab a hotel-room on the road, it's always over $100 and sometimes twice that. A campsite is incredibly low-cost, often as little as $15-25. I paid only $23 per night in Watkins Glen.

Finally, camping inspires us to get closer to nature. I wouldn't have visited Watkins Glen if they didn't have a campground there and am so happy I did. The gorge and waterfalls are magnificent. I got to see -- and feel -- them: you can walk UNDER the waterfalls and put your hand out to touch cool falling water.

Since returning home, I've been filled with insatiable desire to camp again and on bigger scale. I've been researching and buying new camping gear for longer trips. And making better decisions on what to use. Experience taught me what meals I like to cook at a campsite, what equipment works best (and doesn't), what to bring and what to leave home. In short, my observations are honing how to camp with more success. I could never know that without actual experience guiding me.

Have you ever camped? Would you consider it? Imagine seeing this in person...



19 comments:

  1. I'm curious...would your partner ever partake in the camping with you?

    I agree, the more we do something the better we get at it. When I was much younger I enjoyed camping. Now that I'm past 50 (well even before that really) I enjoy my comforts of a clean hot shower and a soft cozy bed. I'm not alone as Robert also prefers that.

    Suzanne

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    1. Yes, Robin said she will -- and that's why I'm buying a bigger tent and gear that will make it comfortable for her. She's willing to camp but not eager to endure hardships I shrug off, so I'm aiming to create a luxury camping experience for her.

      I enjoy comfort as much as you do but find the contrast between easy and hard makes me appreciate easy more. A little hardship now and then is fun.

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  2. Haven’t camped for years, but can remember how fun it was.

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  3. I've camped three times with other people and just got my own tent recently for more and bigger trips.

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  4. I would camp again. The last time I did was 20 years ago in Utah on a rafting trip. I was lucky my sister & her friends are very experienced. I was so close to Watkins Glen every time we went to Cornell to see our son. I think he's been though.

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  5. I camped a lot as a kid, but like Suzanne, I need my comforts. I'm more of a cabin or chalet type of gal ("glamping" they call it!). I'm not averse to nature - I just like her in small doses.

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    1. That's fine; I get it. The important thing is to go outdoors.

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  6. We have camped a lot but not in the past number of years ... Connor camps yearly at a music festival which is really rough camping as there is limited access to showers etc.

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    1. Having a shower is important to me: it's what makes everything bearable.

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  7. Wow! That waterfall looks amazing! And my husband and I love to camp! We have yet to do so this summer. We're hoping to go in a couple weeks, though.

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  8. Before buying new gear to accommodate the bride you may want to give Glamping a try. Check out www.firelightcamps.com. They are up in Ithaca on the grounds of LaTourelle resort and spa. The tents are all set up so you do not need to bring anything. You get a natural foods breakfast and a happy hour every day with a campfire at night with home made smores. You can hike down Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca and you would have the amenities of the LaTourelle Spa right there if she is interested. Let me know if you choose to go there.
    Pat

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  9. I love that camping gets us so close to nature! And it's definitely more affordable than a hotel, that's for sure!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  10. Oh that waterfall is amazing!!!!
    We camped in the Lake District at Half term (May holiday) and it really is so much cheaper. I think we paid £16 a night for me and Chris and then his brother joined us for two nights. I DO find it harder to sleep though. I just find the ground hard and a sleeping bag restrictive though I did just buy a nice blow up mat!x

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  11. I am fascinated with the whole concept of both camping and being self sufficient in a natural setting . that said, I do not camp at all. I used to camp out a little bit when I was younger but right now I’m too high maintenance to be frank. I’m also immune suppressed and worried about tics and what not.
    But I can understand your passion about this. I absolutely love the photos that you posted. That picture of the waterfall is truly awesome.

    I also do agree that there is something very informative about being in a natural setting. All of our experiences are so subjective, yet mother nature is quite definitive. ..
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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  12. You pack so light! What on earth do you eat and wear???

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