First we had to set things up.
Well, it took me quite a while to figure the tent stuff out. I even had some bad words to say, but I eventually got it done.
Here is the view from the pasture.
It took me a while to work up the courage to actually try this. I have camped once in the yard with my grand kids. Ariel and I made it through the night but it was a lumpy bumpy uncomfortable night.
I had a camping mattress I purchased last year to go on a camp cot. The dogs thought this was a perfect spot for them.
Hannah cuddled up on my chest or sat on my head. She also snores.
Oh Charlie.
He was sure that there was something under the tent. So he sat up and stared intently at the floor. I pulled him back to bed and he got up again to stare at the floor.
Sleep was evading me. So I gave it up and walked out to the edge of the woods.
Stars, Milky Way, and Fireflies????
Wait. Fireflies?
Yes, they were out! This isn't a great shot, but I'm going to use it anyway.
The clouds moved off and then....The Milky Way!
Wait.
I also took time to attempt a night shot of our little camp. Dang.
It looks so cozy that even I might want to camp there!
It looks so cozy that even I might want to camp there!
Wait.
I was!
I used a little camp light my daughter in law gave me to light up the inside of the tent and let the fire do the rest.
Just as I was starting to fall asleep nicely, I heard a bird in the forest sing a few notes. In a short while, the forest was waking up and birdsong was all I heard.
I opened the flap and stepped out. The birds did me a favor.
Good morning red and blue sky!
I checked the weather app and discovered it was going to rain in a few minutes. I must have learned something yesterday. I took out the rain thingy and installed it in the predawn light. No curse words either!
I packed up the camera and some other things then headed to the house.
Adventure done.
I'll do it again.
Now for a nap.
[PS. No bugs.]
A good first try and only a FEW swear words -- well done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gas! Maybe you will get more sleep the next time. Especially love the photo of the camp in the dark. Lori
ReplyDeleteThat was a cool first night. Love the fireflies. As an old Camp Fire Girl, but mostly Eagle Scout Mom, check the ground next time for flatness, mark it with little flags. Use a plain tarp just under the tent then set the tent up. Be sure and set up your tent some time and seam seal the seams. You put it on both the inside and outside of all seams. Most WalMarts or military surplus stores carry it in their camping/tent sections. Its a glue liquid in a dobber sponge bottle. It keeps rain from leaking into the tent. Gotta have hot dogs and s'mores on the fire! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI knew most of those details. We did have hot dogs, but I cooked them at home as the colored fire isn't good for cooking.
DeleteI enjoyed the experience so much.
Sounds like it was a bit of a challenge but good preparation for the next time!
ReplyDeleteIt was. I learned a lot about dealing with a tent!
DeleteWe invested in a pump-up air mattress. It was actually more comfortable that the beds in the cottage, It may have required a bit of refilling for the next night (can’t remember now) but it got us through the night well.
ReplyDeleteThey now make 'air' mattresses that self inflate? I have a nice mattress but it is not very wide and the dogs believe they need to be on it with me!
DeleteThanks for that tip!
The sleepless night led to some lovely photos! The Milky Way always fills me with wonder.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get fireflies here, so thanks for the photo.
You are welcome, they were so amazing.
DeleteGreat camping spot!! Even more fun shared with your grand daughter. Amazing there were no bugs. They are terrible and relentless here = less/enjoyable time spent outdoors for all of us, including horses.
ReplyDeleteYou took great photos of your camping adventure!
Ariel wasn't there, she did cancel out but we did have fun 10 years ago when we tried a camp out in the yard.
DeleteIt was a beautiful night to be out.
You have more courage than I do. I would not be able to be out there overnight. It certainly is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI felt very comfortable in the forest. I'd rather be there than in a house with walls. But I am odd that way.
DeleteNicely done! I have never camped. We had a cottage for 50 years. They were lonely summers, though. No teens around.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really camped for 'real' like that ever either so it was a great new experience.
DeleteThat sounded like a sweet time with your pups. I remember one of the times I went camping on Dartmoor with a group of people when I had just crossed into the 20 age. It was a walking weekend. Somebody got the great idea of an initiation by putting sprigs of gorse bushes into my sleeping bag that took me a week to heal from. But surprisingly I enjoyed waking up to having a sheep almost stick his nose to mine as I poked my nose out of the tent, and the early morning light because I sure didn't sleep much that night. It was fun listening to your experience and I look forward to the next one.
ReplyDeleteGood memories!
DeleteYou’ll get better and quicker at setting up the camp site and soon won’t have to use any swear words! 🤣 I’ve said my share over our years of camping in a tent. Rarely do I remember taking down the tent on a sunny, balmy day. It was usually raining and either freezing cold or blazing hot. We have camped in CO when it was as so cold our pillow froze to the side of the tent from condensation. Those were the days! RHill, TX
ReplyDeleteI think it is the fun and experience of it all that makes the best memories...even when they weren't the best situations!
DeleteLD...My younger son, 47 years old, loves to pitch a tent out in his back yard and sleep. He has done it ever since he was young. Now in Maine he has to worry about the wild life, including moose.
ReplyDelete