My family were NOT “outdoor” people.  Cars were fine, motels were great, even a friend’s couch would do, but the great outdoors was for the birds (and the bugs…).

Even with my sheltered childhood I was very interested in getting outdoors. Unfortunately with my lack of experience and knowledge, the results were less than exceptional.  My very first camping trip I brought pajamas, a blanket, and pink fuzzy slippers.  Thank goodness for the kindness of the other campers who made sure I had food and water!

My next time out into the great outdoors I actually brought food, but forgot the can opener.  Another time I didn’t bring enough water and spent the next couple of months trying to get over the giardia I picked up drinking from a stream.

At the age of 47 I found myself planning my first true camping trip.

Me, the girl who never “camped” more than 15 feet from a car, the girl who usually packed at least two changes of clothing for each day just in case, the girl who had a two room tent with a “porch”…  I was going to have to carry everything I brought to the campsite, and then lug it out again…

I have rarely been so happy!