St. Andrews State Park, Florida.
Original Photo by SnapDragon X.
All rights reserved, yo.
Greetings, Dear Reader!
The SnapDragon Family is currently on the road, seeing some sights during this all-too-depressing season of lockdown during winter in Pennsylvania.
(starts shivering, and hides head beneath a blanket)
We’re cozied up in our Berkshire Class-A RV, embracing the open road and relishing the chance to travel to the American southeast.
Sure it’s just us three—we’re still in a pandemic, mind you—but we’re outta the house, and it’s an adventure all the same.
Iced coffees, sweatpants, and our favorite tunes, at the ready.
Full tank. Fresh wiper blades.
Family.
And throughout these days of State Park living, your girl SnapDragon’s been a-thinkin’.
We’ve seen a lot of other people with the same let’s-get-out-for-a-bit mentality.
We’ve seen other big-ass RVs; teardrop pull-trailers; fifth-wheels; gorgeous Airstream silver bullets; even a handful of tents.
And as we’ve hopped from site to site, I’ve thought to myself, Why do humans do this? Why do we find joy in camping? Why do we like to simplify our lives for a few weeks at a time, relishing the solitude, only to then return to Life As Usual?
These questions were particularly prevalent as I peered across the Savannah trees, covered in deliciously-dreamy moss, and spotted a single, solitary tent.
The tent was a nondescript blue and gray nylon, and looked especially thin and cold as the rain beat mercilessly down upon it. A station wagon was nestled beside it, a reliably dry companion amidst the storm.
And from my perch in our fully-equipped house on wheels, hot mug of coffee in hand, I thought, Damn. That’s dedication, yo.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not judging. Maybe that tent was a paradise compared to what its owner had come from: A roof, four(ish) walls, and a place to zip up and shut off from the world at the end of the day.
I mean, really: Isn’t that what it’s all about?
We humans like to carve out spaces of our own.
We like to stake our claim, and say, Here I am.
And perhaps the whole idea of camping—or glamping, like we do—is to remind ourselves of what truly matters.
Air. Sunshine. Fire. Water.
Good people. Good books. Good conversation.
And as we sojourn on a newly paved path, or trails long since forgotten by campers past, may we remember who we are.
May we remember that the only guarantee in life is this moment here between us.
This one.
This day, this night.
This exchange of breath that keeps us going.
Simple.
Magical.
Human.
We are here.
. . .
What are your thoughts on this, dear friends? Do you ever go camping? Why or why not? What do we gain from traveling? From getting out of our permanent homes for a bit?
Let’s chat!
. . .
SnapDragon is a writer, painter, blogger, and die-hard devotee of the breakfast burrito.
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Sounds truly awesome. I haven’t been camping since I was a kid.
Thanks, Robin! We’re having fun. 🕊
I miss camping- I remember it and have fond memories- I was also struck with the range of different modes from the fellow with just a tent to the lavish coaches when camping in Yosemite
We’re hoping to visit Yosemite in the next couple of years. We learned the hard way that you have to book waaaay in advance! Thanks for your comment, friend. 🕊
It’s getting harder every year you have to enter a lottery now for some things- we graduated from camping in the valley to doing the high Sierra camp circuit- good luck and if nothing else go see even if you can’t camp if you’ve never
Oh, definitely! 🕊
We love to camp! My husband and I. We sold our Big RV, but we are going to buy a 5th wheel maybe in the summer. I hope. I think it does our minds and souls good to get away to a different environment. Driving through different towns and cities, seeing different architecture, different scenery, different people. Viva la difference! We leave our problems and stress behind for a few days. We sing to the radio or my iPod. Who care if we can’t carry a tune. Have fun out there! HAPPY TRAILS to you!
Thanks so much, friend! We’re having a blast. And I agree that there is so much value in simply seeing different places, even from the highway! Wishing you some camping fun in the near future. 🕊
Shutting down, checking back in with the nature from whence we came, savoring some real peace… it’s truly necessary. I love to camp. Sounds like you do, too. Bravo!
Thanks, friend! It sure is peaceful. Hopefully you can camp soon! 🕊
Sounds like just the right break in the monotony of life during the pandemic! <3 Loved the photos. All the best to you and your family!
Thanks, Cheryl! It’s definitely a wonderful break. Wishing you well! 🕊
The last time I went camping was probably in 2012. It was fun with friends and I enjoyed it. I may have forgotten what’s it like to go camping…
I don’t really like traveling though. If I do travel, it would be either for work or moving away. Reasons for this? I don’t like to spend money for travel because working for money is a hard work 😅
But I do visit the beach or lake from time to time
Haha. It can be costly, that’s for sure! I once saw a quote that said, “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” In spirit, anyway! Thanks for your comment, friend. 🕊
Sounds like a beautiful family trip. Living in Utah, I have quite a collection of camping opportunities which I take advantage of as much as I can. There’s not much better than s’mores, a cozy fire, and story-telling with friends. I think I love camping so much because I feel in tune with nature. Once you’re out there, there’s no hiding from the weather, animals, even yourself. Enjoy these blissful moments 🙂
Thanks so much, E.L. It really does help to quiet the busyness in my head, at least for a handful of moments. We drove through Zion National Park several years ago, before we had our RV; it was absolutely stunning. Hopefully we’ll make it back sometime soon! Wishing you well. 🕊
I love camping. I’m not as dedicated as the camper you encountered: I tent and not in the winter. Here in British Columbia, there are a great many beautiful sites a stone’s throw away. Near water, with a crackling fire, friends, and a glass of “it’s five o’clock somewhere” is my happy place. I’m glad you’re able to get out and enjoy it during these weird and challenging times. 😊
That sounds so wonderful, Em! Thanks for your comment. 🕊
I’ve traveled by camper but that was long ago when I was a kid. I don’t think I could do it anymore. I admire your stamina. With that said, there isn’t any reason why I couldn’t go for a walk, although I’d have to go into town to do it because we don’t have sidewalks out in this little subdivision. Because of my disability, I don’t trust walking in the street.
You’re right: we don’t need to go camping to enjoy the wonders of nature! Here’s hoping you can find time to enjoy the outdoors soon, friend. Thanks for your comment! 🕊
Like so many Aussies, we like to get out into the bush at least a couple of times a year. No RV or camper trailer for us, we have a sturdy Black Wolf tent. Compared to my hiking treks as a young man, with my accommodation in my backpack, it’s definitely glamping, and the list of things to be crammed into the SUV grow longer every year. The 3 x 3 metre tent + awning is no longer considered adequate, so we usually take a gazebo as well. There’s a collapsible cupboard for our kitchen things, a Weber bbq and a cozy rug for the floor. There’s at least one banjo and a ukulele. There are comfortable chairs to sit in. But once the paraphernalia is set up, it’s still just as magical as ever. I particularly love the sounds of the bush at night. Although possums growling a metre from your head take a bit of getting used to! I’m glad we don’t have bears, just koalas, wombats and kangaroos.
Oh, friend! That sounds quite lovely, indeed. Happy Camping to you and yours! Thanks for your comment. 🕊
I love your words here Snap. I’m pining to go in holiday. I’m very privileged to say travel has always been a large part of my life. Unfortunately COVID has turned the opportunity to do so its head. Even through my job – layovers have been consigned to hotel rooms for a year now. I’m a big believer in it’s power to open hearts and minds. I enjoy camping too. Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday 🙏
Thanks, AP2! I hope you are able to travel for leisure soon, and that we are all able to safely resume “normal” activities that bring us joy. Be well, my friend. 🕊
It’s been a long time since I’ve camped – and TBH, I’m not a fan of tent camping. I like that one can get pretty far off the beaten path and have the quiet, see the stars, etc – but I really like having a toilet. I know – it’s the flimsiest excuse, but there it is. Glamping though – that sounds a lot more my speed. A real bed. A functional kitchen. Solid roof and walls. For me, those things are important. But – and I say this with caution – until we get some things settled (including a move) that’s going on the back burner. Glad you and the family had a magical time!
We have been living in a world where seeking “more” has been a priority for some time. In reality, this will lead to permanent dissatisfaction because we will always want *more*.
In my thinking we leave our cosy houses and “real world” life to go camping – or glamping – to embrace having less. When we have fewer decisions to make, and fewer places to go, and fewer deadlines, we can enjoy the beauty of the world around us.
One of my friends invites me out for walks, and whenever we go it is just she and I and the world around us. Birds, lush trees, dirt paths, and the sun beaming down or the light mist of rain and clouds. I realise what I’ve been missing all the years I spent glued to my computer and my phone and my XBox. These things are not inherently “bad”, but we risk being consumed by them and forgetting about the world we live in.
Thank you for the reminder to get out in the world, to enjoy a cool breeze, and soak in some much needed Vitamin D. 😊
Well said as always, my friend. Hope you are able to soak up some of that sunshine! 🕊