Jul 18 2008
Roughing it… or not
We are going camping again in just a few weeks! The kids are so excited as they really enjoyed camping a couple of weeks ago. When we went to the Grand Canyon we relied on Jared’s parents for the things we didn’t yet have. But now that we have decided to do a lot of camping we needed to fill in the gaps between what we already have and what we still needed. Jared knows that for me to really be able to enjoy the experience I need to have every possible item available to make things easier, cleaner, more organized, and more comfortable. So he bought at least one (or more) of everything the camping department had to offer. We now have 2 tents, several sleeping bags, several air mattresses, a tent light/fan, a fan, 2 lanterns, several flashlights, an axe, a double burner stove, a griddle to go across the stove, frying pans and pots, a tea kettle, a shower, a clothesline, a Dutch oven, various cooking utensils and paraphernalia, a huge cooler, several camp chairs, dish pans and other things for keeping things clean, and I can’t think what else. We also ordered the hitch-mounted carrier for the back of the Suburban so we have room for all this stuff. When we went to the GC, we were already stuffed to the gills so with all the added stuff we definitely needed something to add cargo room. All our camping stuff is packed into big Rubbermaid tubs now so we can just put those on the carrier and put a cargo net over them to secure them.
We are so excited to go! Our original plan was to go over Labor Day weekend. But then Jared got invited to speak at a conference that weekend so we had to change our plans and are now going earlier in August.
So, I’m hoping we have everything we need to make this a fun, safe, organized, comfortable experience so that I will continue to want to go camping. Tell me what your favorite, must-have piece of camping gear is!
I would probably say all of the above. Tom and I have never been camping together because it’s not really our thing. However, I do want to do it at some point because I think it would be great for the boys. We do have a lot of great places to camp here in New York. You’ve inspired me to think about doing it. It’s hard to want to go camping when I would really rather go to NYC for the weekend or something.
I forgot about the clothesline. It was definitely helpful and nice to have dry towels in the morning. Have fun!
HA…used to be a cot to sleep on was probably my favorite piece of camping equipment. Never did like the hard ground. BUT anymore I think a motel would be the best thing about camping or maybe the shower! Have FUN!
I so remember those days…..!