Camping – What is so much fun about sleeping on the ground?
Every time I go camping, people are on my case. They simply do not understand why I enjoy sleeping on the ground or inside a sheet of nylon?
I figure if they have to ask, they will never know. I never see camping like that. Okay, once, just once,. My gore-tex tent was parked right on a bear path not far from the water source. That night the tent was the only thing separating me from bears.
Ah, but you see, camping is more than the tent. It is the total experience. Outdoors I breathe fresh air, hear no traffic. Wait in silence near a bird’s nest for the parent to come and feed its young. It is birdwatching from inside the home of the bird.
No, I am not a masochist. Camping is not a lousy way to sleep. Camping in my tent costs a LOT less than a hotel and is sometimes safer. And if you are adequately prepared, as I usually am, you will be quite comfortable and warm.
I feel out of sorts and cheated if I do not lie on the ground and watch the stars at least 4 times a year. Yes, I like to lie outside ON the Ground in almost the same place in each season. The stars above are absolutely awesome and different every time of the year. (Same place, give or take a few feet.)
When I learned how to call owls by mimicking their sounds my camping adventures took a new turn. Incredible. Now night bird listening is as exciting as watching birds during the day.
Right. Friends and family worry about me. They think I am crazy. Sure the things I do are crazy to people who live in little boxes. But if this is crazy I am glad to be outdoors enjoying the gifts of nature and feeling the energy of the earth. Now that is starting to sound a bit flakey but it is true.
A weekend in the wilderness with my camping gear and birding binoculars can recharge my spirit like nothing else can. I am in touch with all creation.
