I dream of camping....in my new camper, at my favourite camping spot (Marco Polo Land, P.E.I.), and all the new summer memories to be made. To me, there is nothing as relaxing as camping. Now, I know there are many of you who would disagree with that (especially those who really rough it... in a tent)...
...but to me, camping is a time where we finally truly relax and just enjoy all that is summer. I remember last summer, once we finally figured out how to use the propane stove in our camper, sitting at our little table smelling the sausages sizzling in the frying pan, sipping our tea, and listening to the radio while reading the newspaper. Granted, those are all things you can do from the comfort of home, but to do them without interrupting ourselves is where the true gift of camping arises. At home, we often jump up and down from our seats to throw in a load of wash, answer the telephone, or solve some crucial problem that one of our children encounters. And, although our children are along for the ride, when we are camping they seem better able to entertain themselves - riding their bikes, exploring with their friends or cousins, and checking out the goodies at the canteen. Happily, there is very little house work to do in a tiny camper like ours, and once we catch a quick shower, the day lies stretched out before us like a sleepy cat. It is ours to fill as we like, meals are relaxed and unhurried... 
...and the day naturally ends with the requisite campfire and sugary s'mores (and maybe a slug of cold beer or wine for the adults). Conversation seems freer by the glow of the campfire, and even the kids seem more involved in the pockets of conversations that go on amongst the ranks. My hubby usually gets prodded to tell a scary story or two...which he is actually too good at (to the chagrin of the little ones) and even the occasional wafts of campfire smoke in the eyes doesn't deter us from this nightly ritual. I especially enjoy the good sleep I get which is enhanced by the fresh air washing over us as we sleep with the screens open. Sure, that sleep is disrupted at times by other campers talking too loud at their own late-night fires, but it is all part of the experience. After all, that's what it is all about...the great outdoors: where life is unstructured, catnaps are to be had, and schedules are unimportant.
~Sigh~...a little over two more months, and we'll begin the packing stage - making sure our camper is at the ready for whenever the mood for adventure strikes us. Undoubtedly, our trips will be closer to home, due to the astronomical gasoline prices...but that's fine with me. My favourite spots are just a hop, skip and/or a ferry ride from here, anyway!
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