CAMPING RECONSIDERED

Regular readers and anyone who asks, or doesn't, since I'm not shy about sharing in spite of no interest (LOL), know that camping is not my thing.  However, since Hub and I have been hanging out together for over 50 years, I've done A LOT of camping because it definitely IS his thing and I've gone along cuz: 1) I love him; 2) I like the idea of camping;  3) I thought if I kept trying, I'd learn to like it; 4) I wanted our boys to have camping experiences; 5) nature is pretty.

But a few years ago I stopped going.  I decided I was not going to learn to love it.  So Hub went alone, several times each summer (and of course during snowboard season, when he also stays in his cozy camper on some trips.)  He thoroughly enjoys his nature getaways -- long and challenging hikes, kayaking on lakes, gazing into his campfires, his solitude to do as he pleases in his own timeframe, no one else to consider, etc. etc.  I was fine staying at home, but resentment started to set in as well.  I'm not proud of this, but it's a longer story with lots of moving parts.  Suffice to say, we decided last year that I'd go on one or two camping trips with him each summer.  I went once last year.  It went well.  This year we've had so many home projects and truck issues that had to get resolved before he could load up the truck camper, that one trip was all we could schedule.  We went last week.

Mt. Rainier in summer is one of my favorite places to go.  It is so breathtakingly beautiful.  The campground where we stay is quiet, no hook-ups, rarely any rowdies or kids on bikes; just lots of hikers and quiet-seekers, like us. I still went with some hesitation.  I've convinced myself that I "hate" camping.  Even after last year, when the outing turned out OK, I still wasn't convinced.  So this year I decided to keep an almost hour by hour journal of what I "like" and what I "dislike" about camping, to try to find some objectivity.  It was instructive.

What I discovered is that I like being with Hub; I like being in beautiful places; I like that it was warm and sunny this time; I like all the hikes we did (moderate, not too challenging, but beautiful forest trails and views of the mountain); I like the relative perks of the camper -- warm and dry and sorta like a real "house" with lots of amenities. (toilet! shower! lights run from a solar panel!)  I definitely would not sleep in a tent and live at the picnic table!

What I don't like and which overshadows almost everything else is being uncomfortable.  This physical discomfort sensitivity is only one characteristic of being (it's a real thing, confirmed by my therapist) a Highly Sensitive Person.  I can go from "too hot" to "too cold" in seconds.  My body feels every fluctuation, both internally (aches and palpitations) and externally (lumpy pillows and itchy bug bites).  You get the idea. Nothing escapes my sensitivity meter.  And camping is not exactly an activity that creates comfort.  I was uncomfortable a lot!

The camper, while "cozy" is also cramped, with not enough storage space apparently, so that in short order every surface was cluttered with gear and clothing and dishes.  Visual chaos disturbs me; also things always in the way. 

I absolutely hate campfire smoke.  It will find me no matter where I sit/stand.  Thankfully Hub agrees with me on this, although he is more tolerant than I.  He now uses a propane fire ring for his campfire experiences even when on his own.  I know, it's burning fossil fuel, but it's instead of breathing in woodsmoke particulate matter, getting a sore throat, and stinking like a smoke jumper, so there's that.  I'd personally forgo the the whole fire thing completely, and have.  I just go inside at night like any sensible person, but for the S'mores this trip.  Each night I made one, ate it, and retired inside to my Kindle.

Plus, so much gear!  And logistical hassles.  I really hate that.  Why must I pack up a bunch of stuff that is much more conveniently located in my big beautiful house in order to drive it all to a new location in the woods?  We have woods here, and a fire ring, and beautiful gardens, and views of water and mountains and day hikes within easy driving distance!  Plus, we have more privacy at home -- neighbors at campsites are much closer and "in my space" than my neighbors in our neighborhood.  While we have all of that, it is in the heart of the city, so it's a more citified "nature" I guess.  I do get the idea of a "getaway".  I just prefer convenience.

And yet...what surprisingly came out Top Three on my "like" list were: 1) sharing the experience with Hub cuz I love him, as previously mentioned, and still true; 2) the hikes we did (which is shocking to note, since I also have traditionally hated hiking, but I've found my sweet spot with that in terms of distance and challenge and I loved it!); 3) no phone/no computer -- it felt great to be out of cell/WiFi range and have no idea what was happening anywhere but where I was.

I still don't think I'll be adding camping to my "must do"/"can't wait" summer fun list.  But I do think it's reasonable to go once/twice a season to get away, to see and do new things, to be in closer proximity to activities like hiking and kayaking, which are easier to access without the hassle of a commute to get there and back in one day's timeframe.

I guess camping, like life, is full of some "dislikes" one must endure to get to the "likes" that can sometimes compensate. There were way more "dislikes" in my journal, and yet, sitting here now I am recalling the closeness I shared with Hub;  the spectacular views of Rainier; the quiet private place we found to hang out at one trail's end completely alone together with a huge view of Rainier and wildflowers surrounding us; the cooling air we found after a hot hike, sitting on the edge of the rushing glacial melt White River; the hikes through the forest, at times challenging, but beautiful and peaceful.  It was worth some "dislikes", this time, to make those memories.  I'll try to recall that next year when Hub gets the camping bug again.

At least, that's the view from here...©