Have you ever been camping?
I have been camping, and I can report that it is not my idea of a relaxing vacation. There have been some amazing moments. But unless glamping is involved, I could happily live the rest of my life without roughing it in the woods again.
My Formative Camping Adventures
My most memorable camping trips were in Kenya, as part of an Outward Bound experience. I did it twice: once when I was 15, and again after finishing my high school exams. I will admit that both were amazing learning experiences. Climbing Mt. Kenya after a grueling multi-day hike is a fairly epic way to celebrate finishing school.
The second trip was the wildest. It began with a bus ride from Nairobi: 7 hours of driving, after which we were dropped in the middle of absolutely nowhere with a few changes of clothes, camping supplies, a map and a compass. Our task was to find our way to a specific point over the next 4 days. No trails, no buildings, just us and the wilderness. I would never want to repeat it, but I did come back with stories, which is more than I can say for most bus rides.
Family Camping Trips
I have also been camping with family, which came with its own unique struggles, and its own joys. There was the matter of mastering cooking over a fire. There was the question of how on earth you properly clean raw food outdoors. I have the memories. I am not sure I have the answers.
Why I Might Be a One-and-Done Camper
Don’t get me wrong. There is something exhilarating about being out in nature, and about the camaraderie around a campfire. But I love a comfy bed, a hot shower and food that does not taste of campfire smoke. Camping is simply not my idea of relaxation.
Glamping, On the Other Hand
Glamping has potential. A luxurious tent, a real mattress, someone else making gourmet campfire food: that is a kind of “camping” I could get on board with. If anything deserves a second chance, it is probably that.
Have you been camping? What were your experiences like? Let me know in the comments.
2 responses to “Camping: My Love-Hate Relationship”
As aa scout, camping to us wasn’t for fun. It was competition, it meant being prepared and giving it your best. From the tent, campsite, structures, to everything.
It was bitter sweet 😂there was a time our tent was swept away by heavy rains We cried the whole night as we were just form ones. A few years later, more experienced, we escaped the campsite and went on our own hiking trail. It was mad fun! Well except the tiredness and a very bad cold afterwards.
Would I want that again? Aaaaah did I mention the bonfires? Definitely!!!!!! When are we going camping again? 😁
I was a brownie and a girl guide in primary school but I don’t remember going camping. I remember learning about knots and marching.
Going camping now? Eh, not unless someone else is pitching the tents, carrying our gear and supplies, cooking, cleaning up, etc. 😅