Reflections from a first time camper
The first time I ever went camping I slept in a tent under the stars with the top of tent open to the sky, not only for ventilation but because everyone wants to lay “under the stars” and see the beauty of the heavens as they drift off to a peaceful campers-sleep.
Right??!
It’s quite the romanticized notion…until it isn’t.
I learned the hard way that we should have checked the weather.
We might have seen the rain cloud coming in the night that brought, with jarring clarity, the reason perhaps leaving ourselves exposed was a bad idea. My husband scurried around in the middle of the night securing the ceiling of the tent.
I also learned that a good rainfly (the part that covers the top to prevent such lessons) is worth its weight in bug spray.
The tent, really, is a false boundary of protection against all elements. I put far too much responsibility on my tent to keep everything out. How much can a layer of double-ply polyester do anyway?
Dear Tent, I’m sorry.
But, I digress.
The second time I went camping I was armed with a tent that could fit an entire symphony orchestra. We could have, if we wanted to, played table tennis in this thing. This spacious polyester room was arguably bigger than my first apartment.
With all of this luxury, why not bring an air mattress with soft sheets and a quilt?! I could bring a fan too for the heat, and a gas cook top for a proper meal, and well, why not bring some steaks which means I’ll need the large cooler from the garage and all of my best cooking utensils!!
A logical progression of thought in my opinion.
My husband informed me that I was *gasp* “high maintenance”. I mean...total eyeroll moment here…
I learned what glamping is.
I am delighted to see that the Oxford Dictionary has cast this verb in the very best light: a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.
I heartily agree. I am definitely a glamper.
I have also heard of primitive camping. I must confess, the adjective “primitive” sends me into a place of deep anxiety. My mind jumps to people wearing loin cloths, carrying spears and clubs, and grunting to communicate while hunting wild boar to roast on a manually turned spit.
No thanks.
But I have learned that primitive camping can simply mean only needing the basics – food, shelter, water. Read: camp food, a tent, water to drink.
Google will show pictures of simple and basic campsites where folks are sitting around a fire on logs enjoying each other’s company and most importantly, nature.
I see the appeal but question my fortitude to do it – especially when my husband tells me I have carry all of my own stuff.
Umm..excuse me?!
One time we went camping…ok fine, GLAMPING...whatever…and there was a post with electricity and a water pump at each site. This was sooo nice. We could charge our cell phones AND wash our hands.
I mean…lifechanging.
The Electric-Post-and-Water-Pump-Shrine was a perk that I found to greatly elevate my opinion of camping and something of a rarity, I also learned.
I have yet to stay in an RV (which stands for Recreational Vehicle for those of you inexperienced camping people that don’t know – I can’t be the only one). Recreation Vehicle is a bit of a misnomer if you ask me. I find driving my vehicle to go shopping at the mall very recreational, so…
But I feel like camping RV’s must have been invented for people like me. I will have very high hopes if I ever get to stay in one. They appear to have everything you could possibly want.
Apparently there is a table with seats, a bed, a shower, a toilet, outlets, IKEA-worthy storage compartments…
I hear you get to sleep on your sheets, use your towels, eat off of your plates, and it will carry all of your stuff for you.
RV camping is glamping on wheels!
I’m in.
What is your style of camping?
Hello, my name is Abigail and I’m a glamper.
