One of summer's simple pleasures
Published on April 4, 2006 By jennybean In Misc
Until I met my husband, I had never been camping. I was extremely nervous when he asked me to come along on a family trip to go camping up north. I didn't know what to expect, I thought it would be in the middle of nowhere deep in the woods with nobody else around. Well I was glad to have had such low expectations, because I think that made me have an even better time when I got there. Now, I do know that some people actually do go on those rustic camping trips I had imagined, but we went to a campground with lots of people around, a nice beach and, yes, bathrooms! And showers! Now that was more like it!

Ever since that first trip which was about 6 years ago, we have gone camping every summer. Up north here in Michigan is stunning in the summer. I am getting very excited because it is that time where we are getting in touch with friends to plan dates and make reservations for campsites for the summer. In my opinion, it's really is one of the best mini-vacations you can take. It costs only about $20 a night (and that's if you have a whole site to yourself), we can drive to most sites we like in under 4 hours, and you have no choice but to relax while you are there. What cracks me up are the people who go camping and set up the T.V. outside or stay in their camper the whole time adn watch TV. It seems every year we go, we end up seeing more and more trailers at the site and less and less tents. We are tent campers.

I think camping is either a love it or hate it type of deal. Just curious to see who here goes camping, and if so, trailer or tent?

Comments (Page 1)
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on Apr 04, 2006
I love camping. Definately tent/backpack. I prefer primitive camping to "site" camping but have done both.
on Apr 04, 2006
I would love to do some actual backpack, hiking, "real" camping! How long do you usually go for?
on Apr 04, 2006
Anywhere from a week to a couple of months. A number of years ago I hiked the Appalachian Trail. That took six months, but I was a lot younger then.
on Apr 04, 2006
Oh wow! My friend actually just left this past Thursday to hike the Appalachian Trail...by herself! She is also planning on taking about 6 months to complete it. I have to admit I am worried about her going on her own, but she couldn't find anyone who was able to leave their job and family for that long. She is supposed to give me a call every time she gets to a city where she gets signal for her cell, just to check in with me and someone knows she is alright. She is from Utah and also used to camp and hike for a few months at a time. How do you guys do that? I don't think I have it in me Although that would be very cool.

So did you encounter anything scary or extremely challenging on the trail? Did you go on your own, or with friends?


on Apr 04, 2006
I go for both.

With Scouts we'll "pack in" all we need for some trips, and on others we'll "truck camp" bringing every conceivable luxury from home in the back of trucks. We have a portable kitchen that would be the envy of any cooking show! Tents are the only shelter, but comfy cots make it on truck trips.

Family-wise we started with a pop-up, and have graduated to a park model on a year-round leased lot at the coast, we keep the boat, jet ski's and a golfcart on site ( as well as a stocked bar and Karoke equip ). The pool is one block away and the ICW is 12 blocks down, it's really more of a 2nd home than a camp site.

My wife's idea of roughing it begins with non-matching curtains, so getting her in a tent is out off the question, but she does fondly remember our pop-up days.....
on Apr 04, 2006
I did it alone, but met quite a few good people along the trail. It was a good time. I hope she thought to do some mail drops for supplies. It's the cheapest/easiest way to stay supplied for the trip.

She may have some trouble with the cell phone, but there are several town along the way where it may work. There's always pay phones.

Do you know if she's going from North to South, or South to North? Starting this time of year I would assume she's starting in Georgia.

The most difficult time for me was starting out, as I started in Maine and it was still pretty darned cold at night.
on Apr 04, 2006
Yep, she has another friend of ours sending her some supplies when she needs them. Well I have to say I am relieved that it's not unusual for people to go on their own. I'm hoping she'll meet some people along the way. She did start from Georgia. Thanks for easing my mind a bit
on Apr 04, 2006
Dynosoar:

Hey, sounds liek you're all set! Sounds like you guys have a great time!

My wife's idea of roughing it begins with non-matching curtains, so getting her in a tent is out off the question

Hey, whatever gets her out there! I have to admit, I wouldn't complain if I could afford camper to sleep in instead of the ground.

on Apr 04, 2006
No problem. A good many people hike the trail alone every year. As long as she has a bit of sense about her surroundings she souldn't have any problems. Well, except maybe for blisters on her feet

Most people, myself included when I did it, mail the supplies out to preplanned stops before they even start out. It takes a bit of advacned planning and more or less keeping to a schedule to make the post offices before running out of food, but it's worth it.

One thing many people underestimate is their caloric intake when hiking. You wind up eating far more than you thought you would.
on Apr 04, 2006
Most people, myself included when I did it, mail the supplies out to preplanned stops before they even start out. It takes a bit of advacned planning and more or less keeping to a schedule to make the post offices before running out of food, but it's worth it.


Yeah, I am pretty sure she also did that. I had so many questions about what I was taking care of for her while she was gone, I didnt catch every detail. That sounds like a very smart thing to do, and I am sure I remember her saying she was only leaving 2 boxes for our friend to send her, and the rest she was picking the rest up herself at stops.

One thing many people underestimate is their caloric intake when hiking. You wind up eating far more than you thought you would.


I guess that's a good thing if you are walking all day then!

on Apr 04, 2006
I have done both, and your statement about relaxing is dead on.  I go to fish and just slow down, but have not been in awhile.  Caught a 6 pound Cat on one of my last trips!  Best Cat fish I have ever caught.
on Apr 04, 2006
Dr. Guy:

Holy catfish! Yep, don't you love how you don't have to even look at your watch all day and do whatever you want at your own pace? We try not to even take a watch while camping just for the pleasure of knowing we dont need to know what time it is. It is the most relaxing vacation you can take!
on Apr 04, 2006
I don't mind roughing it a little but am not a huge camper. We used to go to my grandparents' cabin in the UP. No indoor plumbing, bugs everywhere and the kids all slept in a bunk house. We pumped water, used an outhouse, spent days fishing and hiking and spent nights chasing fire flies and playing cards by lantern light.

I've only camped in tents as an adult and am not a huge fan. I am too spoiled with creature comforts these days. It's fun once in a great while though.
on Apr 04, 2006
I've only camped in tents as an adult and am not a huge fan. I am too spoiled with creature comforts these days. It's fun once in a great while though.


That's one good thing about going, though. There is no better appreciation for your own bed and shower than after getting back from camping. The luxury of having clean feet and no sand or dirt on your body, and clean clothes whenver you want!
on Apr 04, 2006
I have the opposite feeling about camping. Once I get out there I never want to come back.
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