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Anyone for camping?

6/13/2015

9 Comments

 
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A group of ten backpackers, some of them two Canadians, a Briton and a Dutchman, took off their clothes to brave the freezing conditions near the Mount Kinabalu summit on May 30. Their action sparked anger and disgust among the native community who revere the sacred mountain as the resting place of their ancestors. The disrespectful tourists have been fined and are serving a three day prison sentence before being deported. Hopefully, the youngsters have learned a valuable life lesson.

But not all people who want to experience living in wild conditions carry their essentials in a pack. Families like to camp in a tent where they can listen to the rustle of trees, birdsong or the crash of the ocean, with plenty of equipment to ensure they enjoy their rest among nature's blessings—trees, mountains, streams and the sea.

At the moment, I've broken away from writing fiction. My memoirs take up all my attention. I've started at 1942 (not that I remember much before the age of two) and have worked my way to the 1970s, when we went camping.

My husband never lost his love of the outdoor life and the family often went camping. At first, he'd erect an old tent with a flat section that formed an overhead cover to use as an outdoor living area. We parked the Land Rover behind sand hills on remote beaches and camped directly on the beach—all supplies assembled beforehand and essentials stored in hanging 'handy-bags' I'd sewn to keep articles away from crawling creatures. I loved to organize this way. As time progressed, we bought a new Andre Jamet tent with two interior zip up bedrooms.

The man of the expedition spent most of the day fishing and we'd eat his catch every night, cooked on an open fire on the sand, or a gas stove with two burners. We'd eat the fresh food first, but a lot of our supplies consisted of cans if we remained in isolation for two weeks or more.

Sometimes we took our neighbour's son, who had an eating disorder and brought his own suitcase full of things he preferred to eat, mostly baby cereal, powdered milk and potato crisps. By the end of a two-week stint, he ate some of our food to his mother's delight when we delivered him home.

I'd supervise my children's daily wash which consisted of a dip in the sea with a bar of soap. This turned into a daily challenge when a shark turned up. They ran out of the shallow water screaming and pointing. Soon, their shivers got to me, and I sent them for a run along the beach to get warm. We didn't use towels to dry off because they couldn't be washed and would have been rigid with salt. The shark followed them there and back to me. From then on, we were wary.


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When done properly with all the right equipment and knowledge, camping can be fun. Staying in a tent is a great way to be in the fresh air and still be comfortable. Below is a guide to camping.

Organize where you are going to eat and how you mean to cook, be it on an open fire, or gas. Bring lightweight pots and pans, something to eat off, utensils and of course, food. Bring fresh water if you're away from camp sites. Fold up chairs and tables are handy. Wash your pots straight after you have finished your meal so that animals and insects are not attracted to dirty dishes around your tent. Take washing up liquid, tea towels and other essentials such as can openers, napkins and tissues. Boxes come in handy for food storage and plastic bags can be used to fasten opened food. Take a first aid kit with things such as plasters and bandages, and you might need a source of light. Tips from WikiHow. 

What about you? When you take a break from your everyday life, do you long for an adventure out of doors, or are you happier to remain surrounded by comfort in a hotel?


9 Comments
Alana link
6/12/2015 09:10:31 pm

Nowadays, I prefer the comfort of a B&B (when I can afford it) but when my husband and I were younger, we did tent camping. Not quite like you though, Francene! I think your memoir will be a superior read.

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Ruchi Singh link
6/12/2015 10:12:56 pm

Thank you for such an enlightening post, we should be prepared and acknowledge all the etiquettes of the place we are visiting.

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Carrie Tripp link
6/13/2015 02:36:27 am

We camped a lot when we were first married and when the kids were younger. Now my back can't take the ground or an air mattress very well.

My son was telling me about the hikers just last night while we were fishing at the lake. He told me they were arrested for causing an earthquake, however, which I found absurd. Now, I'm going to have to chase down this new story.

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Francene
6/13/2015 02:47:11 am

I read another article that mentioned blue flashes in the sky above the mountain. Apparently, they're seen just before an earthquake. Did the kids cause that by exposing their natural bodies? I don't think so. Nature wouldn't take offence. ;-)

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Tina link
6/13/2015 03:54:02 am

We don't have much camp sites or facilities in India but it's a wonderful way to spend a weekend amidst nature. Would love to do it some day

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Sacha link
6/13/2015 09:49:34 am

camping is not my thing I tried it twice and Was like...no way but I do enjoy seeing the peace others get from camping

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Ajay Pai link
6/13/2015 06:15:10 pm

Hi Francene, I believe, you have lived your life to the fullest. The way you have narrated your camping experience here is just so awesome. The tips from Wikihow is very handy and helpful for those who are into camping.
Thanku for the share.

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Lisa link
6/18/2015 08:14:20 pm

I haven't been camping in years, but after reading this, I'm quite keen to get cracking when my son is a little older.

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Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com link
6/19/2015 08:37:52 am

My idea of camping is staying at a Holiday Inn with sketchy wifi. I'm afraid I won't be taking any of your advice in the near future. I had read that story about the backpackers and wondered what on earth they were thinking. Glad they only got 3 days in jail but I'll bet they don't do that again!

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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