Camping Therapy

Camping therapy is available to all who seek freedom, connection, sanity, and happiness. It is the respite that also elevates our survival of the unknown and problem-solving skills. Since survival on all levels is the focus of my Tough Cookie tales, read on to find out how camping taught me to always plan for the unexpected and how to adapt. In many ways, camping prepared me for what is yet to be revealed in future blog posts.

Free Is An Unbeatable Price

The love of nature and exploring is the fun and healing power of camping. Writing and being in nature go hand in hand because both are spiritual connections. Whenever I have a choice, I prefer to handwrite a draft by the ocean, in the mountains, hiking in wide open spaces, or walking in a favorite park with lots of trees.

Several of my previous posts were initially drafted while sitting in the back of my 2002 Nissan Xterra (yes, I still own it) with the back door up, inspired by the powerful waves, the courage of the surfers, and the endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Other posts got their start in the Open Space areas of the Sandia Mountains. Some while walking for hours or sitting on rocks to release the stress of injustices, unspeakable sorrow, and disappointment in some people I thought would care and enjoy spending time with me. Never once has Mother Nature let me down in that way.

Tent Camping Life Lessons

In New Mexico Get Away, I wrote briefly about my tent camping travels with Pete in a Toyota Corolla with 12.1 cubic foot cargo space. We lived in Illinois then, the Chicagoland area, and for vacation would be on the road for two weeks camping in the Western states with a $200 budget.

Human beings are creatures of comfort, and nothing takes you out of your daily comfort zone like camping. It requires creating a temporary shelter, water supply, meal planning, toileting solutions, staying warm, dry, and safe, knowing what to do in an emergency, and maintaining a positive attitude when the weather has other plans.

In the Corolla’s tiny trunk, our 8′ x 10′ Coleman canvas tent with poles, the large heavy-duty tarp for under the tent, all the tent poles and stakes, numerous tools like an axe, hammer, knives, portable toilet, shovel, jumper cables, auto repair necessities, flares, sleeping bags and pads, hiking boots, hats and outerwear for different elevations had to somehow fit. (One year for Christmas, Pete bought me battery-operated socks. I wish I still had them!)

In the back seat, we had the Coleman 48-quart cooler, the camp stove and propane, several one-gallon water bottles, dry food, our clothes and personal items for two weeks, the first aid supplies, all my camera equipment, tripod, blankets and pillows.

The sliver of space in the front was reserved for snacks and maps.

LIFE LESSON: You always give up something to get something.

Research And Plan If You Want To Have Happy Camper Days

So, $200 divided by 14 is $14.29 per day. At least the Toyota’s 4-cylinder engine, although scary as mornings without coffee when driving mountain passes, was great on gas.

Because of our tight budget, the only option available was Free Camping sites, also known as dispersed camping. The Western states have an abundance of free camping on public lands with diversity and grandeur galore. Our plan included pitching our tent on public land close to the entrance of National Parks or National Monuments. The following day we left early to explore the park or monument, take photos, have a picnic, and do some hiking.

Pete did most of the driving, and I did most of the navigating. It didn’t take long for me to realize that if I screwed up with the directions, my camping companion would not stop anywhere to ask for directions. On no, he better don’t!

LIFE LESSON: Home is where you pitch your tent.

The annual two-week cure for the Rat Race Blues gifted us with many memories of Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico. Below are a few photos that I took of those travels:

Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico preserves the home and territory of the Ancestral Pueblos dating between 1150 and 1600AD. I saw my first hummingbird here while we were having a picnic. It was attracted to Pete’s purple t-shirt and hovered within a foot of him. I still love the little guys and hang feeders every year.

This is the highway for you if you love high elevations, switchbacks, spectacular scenery, and waterfalls. This photo was taken on our way from Silverton to Ouray, Colorado.

The park protects the sacred land of the Ancestral people. It is a World Heritage Site and Dark Sky Park.

Sedona is known for its red rocks that seem to pull you in spiritually, energy vortexes, and UFO sightings. I will be writing about the mystical experiences I’ve had there in future posts.

I got the Wild West feeling here. Between the Cody Wyoming Rodeo, the mountains, and the forests, you have your pick of many recreational opportunities.

LIFE LESSON: I don’t need more high dollar therapy; I need to camp more.

Always Let A Family Member Or Close Friend Know Your Plan

Welcome To Camp Quitcherbitchin

On those days when I am exhausted from traveling and taking care of all the campsite chores, I try to remember two things. First, I am lucky to be strong enough physically and mentally to be camping. Second, some children and adults throughout the world never get to experience the natural beauty of their homeland or any other country. When that reminder pops into my head, I feel most fortunate to have the opportunities and memories I do of my outdoor peace and quiet. I quit my bitchin, and everything I packed in, I packed out.

Leave only your footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Waste nothing but time. In other words, leave your campsite like you want to find the next one you will be staying at.

LIFE LESSON: Mother Nature in all her beauty does not care if you are safe, warm, or have enough water. Watch the sky, know the weather report, be aware as you walk around or hike, and educate yourself about wildlife in the area. Listen to your gut, and always be prepared and grateful. And one more thing–Happy Trails Always!

Copyright © 2022-2024 Marilyn K Fuller. All Rights Reserved.

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