When it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there is nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed getaway, camping offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and the wildlife that roams about. Outdoor days and fireside nights… the perfect combination for those seeking an escape from the ordinary.
During a recent 2-day camping trip with my nephew Connor, our outdoor experience was chock-full of adventure along with a few surprises from Mother Nature.
The morning we arrived at our campsite in the Pocono Mountains, the sun had a bright warmth to it in the clearest blue sky. The air was cool with a fresh scent of mountain pine. We made our new home close to a freshwater trout stream, setting up shelter underneath a canopy of towering Hemlocks.
Our new outdoor ‘homes’
As soon as we unloaded supplies and pitched our tents, we couldn’t wait to explore the area surrounding our campsite. We stored a few supplies in backpacks and off we went. After only a few minutes, we hiked deep into the forest, and it didn’t take long to realize we weren’t alone…
During our adventure through thickets, under tall pines and red oak and birch trees, we came upon an open field and grazing in the overgrown grass we saw this…
Our day was just beginning and there was still so much to do!
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better” – Albert Einstein
ACTIVITIES GALORE
Camping opens the door to a world of exhilarating activities that you may have never considered before. Whether it’s cooking delicious foods over an open fire, trying your hand at fishing, or embarking on a challenging nature hike, camping allows you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. It is an opportunity to rediscover your passions, explore your talents, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Returning from our short hike and wildlife sightings, we built a campfire for cooking food and warmth for the upcoming evening. As soon as we had a hot, blazing fire under control, our next activity was to wet our fishing lines. We both had hopes of chowing down on a few fresh-grilled trout for lunch. As usual, not only did Connor catch our lunch, but he also prepared and cooked it too…over the open woodfire.
THIS STUFF IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY…
Camping provides ample opportunities to engage in physical activities that promote both mental and physical well-being. Whether you choose to explore uncharted paths through dense forests or to enjoy a refreshing swim in cool mountain waters, the benefits of outdoor exercise are undeniable.
Not only does spending time outdoors improve cardiovascular health and strengthen muscles, but it can boost positive moods and reduce stress. How about that? In other words, a short hike or a quick swim can be good for your overall health!
BUT DON’T FORGET to RELAX and absorb the experience
One of the highlights of camping is the camaraderie that forms around the campfire. From sunrise to sunset, the campfire becomes the heart of the campsite, bringing people of all ages together for laughter, storytelling, and unforgettable memories. As the flames dance in the darkness, you will find yourself engrossed in conversations with friends and family, sharing tales of adventure and creating bonds that will last a lifetime. So gather around the fire, roast marshmallows, and let the warmth and glow of the campfire ignite a sense of belonging and togetherness.
HOW TO ENJOY CAMPING WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE
First, make sure to get a copy of my ‘The Ultimate Outdoors and Camping Checklist’. It’s a must-have checklist for anyone considering spending time outdoors away from home. It’s free to download…no strings attached. You can get it HERE.
Here’s a few camping tips on how me and Connor ‘survived’ our two days in the ‘wild’.
1. PACK FOOD…we brought ‘prepared’ meals (in case we didn’t catch any fish!).
2. SHELTER…we chose to use our own tents. A canopy would be fine but no matter what, you’ll need to have a roof over your head at some point…especially for inclement weather.
3. COMFORTABLE SLEEPING accessories…We used sleeping bags with a cushion underneath for extra comfort from the ground. If you plan to sleep directly under the stars, lay a tarp on the ground first to protect from ground moisture.
4. WATER, water and more water. You’ll need to hydrate and clean yourself. Find the latest in portable water storage containers HERE.
5. COOLERS filled with ice, drinks and nutritious energy foods.
6. UTENSILS for eating and grilling.
7. FIRST-AID KIT. At the least, band aides and some type of antiseptic cream. Don’t forget sunscreen! Trust me, especially if you’re camping with children, you’ll need a first-aid kit!
8. DRESS for the WEATHER. You never can be sure of what Mother Nature has in store. Always pack clothing, shoes, hats, etc. appropriate for the location and time of year.
Of course, you’ll need a few camping ‘gadgets’ too
(Don’t forget the music!)
1. FLASHLIGHTS/LANTERNS. We use headlamps a lot. It allows us to move about in the dark with both hands free. If you’re looking for portable lighting specifically for camping, you can find a great selection HERE.
2. CELL PHONES. Good for emergencies and playing games to pass the time away. I’d highly recommend a portable charger too. They’re perfect when you have limited or no access to electricity. They can power-up phones, tablets and other electronics a few times over.
3. MUSIC. This one is especially important to me, as I always like having my favorite tunes playing in the background at the campsite, especially when I’m relaxing by the fire. I often take my portable speaker with me on hikes too! And along with the audio speaker I’ll be sure not to forget my MP3 player which stores my entire music collection. I make sure to take them both with me on every outdoor adventure!
EXPLORE LIFE BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Outdoor days and fireside nights… the perfect combination for those seeking an escape from the ordinary. Camping allows you to experience the purest wonders of nature, and also to engage in exhilarating activities. From the camaraderie around the campfire to the surprises that Mother Nature has in store, the ‘wild’ life of camping provides a gateway to a world of new adventure and self-discovery.
So pack your bags, gather a few camping accessories and venture into the great outdoors. Take your family, meet up with friends or give-it-a-go alone! Either way, be ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and let the magic of camping ignite the spirit in your soul.
Be Safe,
BZ
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