Camping - Who else loves camping?

No matter when I go off to camp somewhere, someone gets on my case. They worry that the nylon tent is not secure or I will catch cold from sleeping on the ground?

I figure if they have to ask, they will never know. I never see camping like that. Well, once I did. I was inches away from the bear who was just going to get some water. I thanked my stars for my tent that night. That tent felt flimsy that night.

Ah, but you see, camping is more than the tent. Not just the tent or the ground, it is everything. Being outdoors is truly BEING. Breathe fresh air. Listen to the lack of noise. Wait in silence near a bird’s nest for the parent to come and feed its young. It is birdwatching from inside the home of the bird.

I sleep well when I camp, most of the time. I love it. Camping in my tent costs a LOT less than a hotel and is sometimes safer. You just have to be prepared with the right equipment, outdoor clothing and attitude.

Every season I yearn to lie on the ground and watch the stars. If I miss it, I feel cheated. Yes, I like to lie outside ON the Ground in almost the same place in each season. You would be surprised how the stars look from the same place at different times of the year. (more or less).)

When I learned how to call owls by mimicking their sounds my camping adventures took a new turn. Incredible. Now night bird listening is as exciting as watching birds during the day.

Sometimes in bad weather, friends worry about me. I would rather be out there. Sure the things I do are crazy to people who live in little boxes. Enjoying nature outdoors is my reward for living on this earth. Might be odd to think that way. Okay, maybe that sounds odd but it is true for me.

A weekend in the wilderness with my camping gear and birding binoculars can recharge my spirit like nothing else can. I am in touch with all creation.