Hello Camping Season! The RV is out of storage and we just returned from our first trip. Unfortunately, the weather was not ideal. It rained a lot.  And the pristine condition that we left the RV in when it went into it’s winter slumber is now covered in mud.  We are still trying to get the tent ends to dry out, but the sun has been very shy this May. Once again, the opening on HD Indoor Storage cannot come soon enough — I wouldn’t be waiting for third day to dry outside.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sour on our RV camping.  The right attitude and packing can make the difference.

Camping Requires Letting Go of Perfection

I think the greatest lesson from camping is that it will not be perfect. It may not be what you expect. But, if you can let go and roll with it – great things can happen. Despite the weather it was a good trip.  A little rain can slow things down. But, a good conversation can take off, an old board game has a new life and you remember how satisfying a puzzle can be.

As I have said before, Is there such a thing as a bad camping trip? I was just reading “Go Forth and Camp: Tips for making camping easy” and the author also recalled her history of camping with her family.

And while that week was never without incident — on one trip we lost a tent into the lake and my dad sunburned the bottom of his feet — it was always worth it in the end.

But, Don’t Leave Everything Up To Chance

“Letting go” is easier when you have some options, like a few board games or puzzles. Remember the Scout Motto of “Be Prepared” — think through some situations that might occur, so that if they come up, you’re covered.  I enjoy our RV because I have the room to tuck away those necessities that smooth the bumps in a trip.  My tweezers came in handy this last trip when a nasty splinter appeared. Poison Ivy Wash was a lifesaver last summer.  And there is a basket of sunscreen, bug spray and itch cream that are along for the ride for the season.

What Is Your Camping “Necessity”?

I can do without a lot of things.  And I have weathered, quite a few unpleasant scenarios (i.e., nursing a little camper’s late night stomach bug while dry camping). But, I have found one thing that can make or break me is Coffee.  To be a little quirkier, iced coffee.  I find I can weather almost every storm if I have my iced coffee. So, after our first season of camping, I made sure I had a coffee maker and I pack ice or ice trays for the freezer. My fellow campers appreciate this commitment.

Think about one or two things that might make you a bit more comfortable? Your pillow, a camping chair with a footrest, chocolate.  I found this link with new camping gear suggestions.  I think the canned wine may be a new camping necessity.

I’m looking forward to a Camping Season full of adventure and challenges. As always tips are much appreciated!