Camping on the Ground? In a Tent? Are you Crazy?
People get on my case about going camping, especially solo. 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. Okay, once, just once,. I was inside a gore-tex shell along a well populated bear path to water. Tent fabric rips a lot more easily than you might imagine as I did that night.
But camping is not about only 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. Listen to the waterfalls and rapids in the river. Watch the birds. It is birdwatching from inside the home of the bird.
I sleep well when I camp, most of the time. I love it. It is surely an affordable alternative to the prices of hotels and motels these days. And if you are adequately prepared, as I usually am, you will be quite comfortable and warm.
If I do not lie on the ground and watch the stars at least 4 times a year (once for every season), I feel cheated. Yes, I like to lie outside ON the Ground in almost the same place in each season. The stars above are absolutely awesome and different every time of the year. (at least the same field).)
When I learned how to call owls by mimicking their sounds my camping adventures took a new turn. Now I look and listen for the birds of the night as much as I do the birds in daylight.
Yes, my friends and colleages think I am crazy. Perhaps I am. I love being outdoors with nature. So call me crazy if you want. 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.
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Tags: birding binoculars, birdwatching, camping, nature, outdoor recreation, tenting
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