There is a strong camping tradition in our family. But my husband and I have different approaches to it. He's all about planning and equipment--REI figures in big--and I'm all about getting out the door and keeping things simple. One memorable impromptu trip I took was with the three younger kids. It involved throwing a folding web chaise lounge and four sleeping bags into the back of a VW rabbit with a a half hour notice. I suppose I'm boasting about only taking a bit of tin foil, frozen hot dogs and tortillas and fixins', and a few healthy snacks for breakfast and taking off for a night in the woods. I slept on the chaise by the fire for one of the most memorable and delicious nights I've ever had camping, just because I was really in the mood for it right then. Say "wanna go camping?" to kids of a certain age and they're all in too!
I know that is not an ideal scenario for almost everybody. And I'm not saying that there's anything at all wrong with being supplied with a full camp kitchen and completely planned menus. It's just not where I'm at.
A nice compromise for us is our teeny vintage Shasta trailer "cabin" which already has almost everything we need in it. And Mr. Cottage can menu plan to his hearts content. A peek inside is here.
But this was my own breakfast on our first morning out this time.
Two of our boys' families came along for a night or two out car camping under the stars. Four kids aged six to almost thirteen: the golden age of childhood. Once past the initial adjustment of lack of internet and electronics which adults must actively and compassionately compensate for with activities and interaction, children pick up the outdoor pace.
, After all, everyone needs their own creature comforts. Mine includes my point and shoot camera, a pair of binos, and a mini camp library which always includes Mary Jane Butters. I planned a shoot of the camper closet basics, but then I got lost in the camp action too. My son and I won a round of egg toss, but I had one more outfit change than planned! haha!
A few essentials that sometimes get left behind. You can't take things for granted even in an established campground! And with no server, everyone stows cell phones which are a common timepiece these days. Not that it matters so much at camp, but everyone seems to keep asking what time it is. . . .
This fat guy was about an inch and a half long, and quite friendly.
It was nice to get home to a hot shower too!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by while I was away!
The perfect summer is still waiting!
I'm off to see what you've been up to!
Jacqueline
Join me at
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteOh, dear friend, I'm not about the camping. We had a great camper tralier and a deck on our Lake Lots 10 years ago. Complete with a bark trail and a burn pit...the hot dog holders, grill...all the comforts of home away from home. When we moved here we sold lot, camper and all! I now look forward to vacationing at Bennett Spring State Park where the cabins and the condos are plentiful. We book our reservation a year in advance. Love getting in touch with nature. The nature walks, "Mr. Ed's" fly fishing...limited TV and internet acccess! To each his own...so they say! Thanks for sharing your camping trip! Welcome home, dear friend!
Fondly,
Pat
Oh, it sounds like you had a wonderful time! Hubby and I haven't been for a couple of years, but sure do enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI could camp in a cute little Shasta trailer but not in a tent! Looks like you had a great time. Enjoy the week ahead. Pamela
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your camping adventure... it brought back allot of childhood memories for me. My Family camped at least three weeks every summer and it was great to be so close to nature. Have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteWanda
I love this post! Such fun imagining you throwing the kids and a few sleeping bags in the car. And I adore you Shasta cabin and cabin mug! So nice to get everyone away from their cell phones, isn't it? I'm not familiar with Mary Jane Butter. Will have to look her up.
ReplyDeleteLove your trailer...
ReplyDeleteDo we get to see inside??
I'll bet it is fabulous...
Can't get my linkwithin gadget to work...any advise??
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Oh Jacqueline, you are truly a brave soul. I have always had a fear of things that go bump in the night. Our last camping trip was in a motor home, one over night in Santa Fe KOA and then north of Taos in the national forest camp ground. I hate to admit, I had my hot rollers and electric skillet. I am so ashamed. LOL.. I think Girl Scout camp in France cured me... I encountered a bear on the way to the bathrooms.. at night.. Love your photos though and am so envious of you! Happy Sunday. xo marlis
ReplyDeleteI've never been much of a camper, but I do love to spend the day in the wilderness and the night in a comfy resort. Surprisingly, both of our daughters love to camp with their families. It looks like you had perfect camping weather!
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqueline: I completely agree with you. The smell of the campfire and the sweet smell of a warm sunny day in the trees is the best. Brings back so many memories of years gone by. Then, why do I drive down the road in a motorhome with all the comforts of home?? Don't ask me, just old age I guess. All those memories came from years and years ago..But I'm glad I have them..Happy Sunday..Judy
ReplyDeleteLOVE to camp, and really need to do it soon - been much too long.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good time.
Campfire coffee is pretty good especially with the scent of pine and fir trees rolling around you! Your little trailer is so cute!
ReplyDeleteNothing like chilling out in the bush for a couple of nights. I'm afraid that is my limit to roughing it these days. Fun though. Glad you enjoyed it all. It's more fun with a crowd,especially family. x
ReplyDeleteYou brought back memories of one of our first camping trips as a family - Steve bought a tent, came home and said "pack some clothes". We through everything together in about 30 minutes and headed up the road to camp. After we got settled, I drove to the grocery store and picked up food. I think that was one of the best camping trips we ever had.
ReplyDeletesounds like a great little get away, jacqueline! and you even have the perfect cup for camping!:)
ReplyDeleteCamping is a wonderful way for kids and adults to have fun together, especially since no one can be "connected." Looks like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
I love to get away and commune with nature. A perfect day is out in the woods away from all the gadgets, but nowadays, at the end of the day, I like my comfy bed. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura
My family loves to camp. I blogged on a recent tent camp trip. I love your vintage camper :) Family camping memories are the best.
ReplyDelete~betty
Thank you for coming by, I'm very honored for your visit...camping I haven't done since I was very young with my Aunt & Uncle...I'm not even sure I would appreciate it anymore...I do really want to visit the area though...I haven't been there in years...I love your tiny Shasta trailer. I keep saying I would love to own one but probably won't ever...I hadn't realize that MaryJane had a cookbook, I love her Magazine...wishing you a grand day today and a lovely new week...with love Janice
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time visit for me and I am so impressed with your photography. Really good stuff. I'll be back on a regular basis.
Oh Jacqueline, I wish my memory were better--I have a vague memory of our families being together I think around Sandia Mtn camping or maybe it was just for the day--sooo long ago. Seems there was another family, too. Do you remember that? I love being outdoors, but not sleeping so much! One time when the girls were much younger, I thought it would be fun to sleep out on the deck. During the night I felt something on my cheek. I sat up and wiped it off----it was a baby slug!!! YUK!!! As I was wiping that off my cheek, i saw a critter run across my pillow!!! I said, "That's it" and I went in!! Enough with the bugs already! So much for my "camping" adventures! Glad yours are more fun! Loved the post! Kay
ReplyDeleteJacqueline!
ReplyDeleteGirl. how did I not know this about you? You have a cabin on wheels? I think you know I have one too...it is a shell of a camper still. My hope was to be camping in it by fall of last year. Then Honey had the heart attack... it still sits covered in my backyard, waiting to be nipped and tucked... and all buttoned up and taken on a maiden voyage.
But oh, how I dream of decorating it! I just hopped over to see yours. Lovely.
I must see more!
Looks like fun was had by all...
and what can I say about electronics? what did we do without them? Now we think we can't live without them.
love the egg toss. Must incorporate that at the next family picnic.
--see you later, Pat
we have zero camping experience. 2 yrs ago we rented an RV for 2 weeks and drove to Canada with my family of 10. ranks up there with the best vacations ever!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like so much fun!!! Here is the camper of my dreams! Once I get my hands on a camper, its so going Cath Kidston!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4468550740_cc52b0a0d5.jpg
Wonderful. Camping is great either way it's planned. Love the trailer.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, we used to really enjoy family camping trips when our daughters were growing up.
ReplyDeleteI love your camper, Jacqueline! It's so dear. (Thanks for the link to the interior photos.) I hope you had the most wonderful time camping. I only just learned about Mary Jane Butters but have started subscribing to her magazine and I have to say I'm hooked! Each one is a collectors item.
ReplyDelete