Camping on the Ground? In a Tent? Are you Crazy?
No matter when I go off to camp somewhere, someone gets on my case. They simply do not understand why I enjoy sleeping on the ground or inside a sheet of nylon?
I figure if they have to ask, they will never know. I never see camping like that. Well, once I did. My gore-tex tent was parked right on a bear path not far from the water source. That night the tent was the only thing separating me from bears.
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.
No, I am not a masochist. Camping is not a lousy way to sleep. It is surely an affordable alternative to the prices of hotels and motels these days. I am usually very comfortable because I go camping well prepared for all sorts of weather and inclement conditions.
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. You would be surprised how the stars look from the same place at different times of the year. (more or less).)
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. Maybe I do some crazy things. 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.
Tags: birding binoculars, birdwatching, camping, nature, outdoor recreation, tenting
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