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| Linda and Ward's 17-footer |
I wasn't at all sure whether I would still be able to sleep on the ground with just a little skinny Thermarest mattress between me and the ground, but it turned out to be just fine. In some ways it was just as comfy as being in my own bed, as long as I didn't think about it too much, and kept turning every now and then. But Linda and Ward have their very own trailer with everything one needs: a nice comfy bed, stove, fridge, and even a tiny but efficient freezer!
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| Carol and Linda inside, Riley in Linda's lap |
While the other three of us had tents and camp stoves, it seems this is a really nice way to experience the wilderness: take your home right along with you. They drove into the campsite and disconnected the trailer from their vehicle, leveled it, and were all ready to go. I was quite impressed with how nice it is. You can see their bed in the back, a small table with plenty of room for up to four people to sit around and chat.
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| Linda putting the tablecloth on the picnic table |
But the most impressive thing of all to me was this tablecloth. Linda has been using this for fifty years, as it was a wedding gift and they just had their fiftieth anniversary last month! It has no holes in it, and she said the hummingbirds are attracted to the pattern. They just don't make things like that any more, do they?
The only problem I had with the camping trip is the mosquitoes. I am still scratching at least a dozen spots, even though I keep doctoring them up with anti-itch cream. It was a small price to pay for such a good experience, though. (scratch, scratch)
:-)
Even tenting is much better today. They don't make tents like they used to. I'm lucky. Mosquitoes rarely bother with me.
ReplyDeleteI love the tablecloth....and the memories and history it has behind it.
ReplyDeleteLinda and Ward are glampers. Glamping (glamourous camping) is becoming very fashionable now. And as someone who camped beside slag heaps with no facilities too often as I child I say it is the only way to go.
ReplyDeleteLove that tablecloth too.
I have never been tempted to own a camper or RV. Too much cost, upkeep and load to pull around. But then I no longer desire to tent camp either. We are motel "campers".
ReplyDeleteThe mosquitoes have been awful in our yard this summer. They love me and I have had to resort to bug spray if I want to sit outside or work in the garden.
I used to think using a camper or motorhome wasn't "real" camping. But after spending an extremely rainy night in a tent near Rialto Beach last fall, those campers are beginning to look much better! :)
ReplyDeleteWe had a motorhome for several years when we were traveling with 6 kids. It seems like a lot of work now. We now stay in motels or B&Bs - or Airbnb. I still love to see new places but I need a good mattress.
ReplyDeleteI miss camping in the tent. We used to camp all the time. We did have a Motorhome at one time...I grew tired of it after living in it for over a year. Those four walls will get to you! :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I camped in tents for years when we were young and first seven years of marriage. Even several times when the first child was born. After that, I only camped when I had to supervise youth group trips or boy scout adventures. Been a while since that, but I'm thinking I'm no longer tent/sleep on the ground material. I want one of those campers. Which means I'll probably have to switch my VW bug for something bigger.
ReplyDeleteThere's always a downside to everything. But this one seemed worth the itching.
ReplyDeleteMosquito's do not like my tough french skin. They never bothered my Dad either but my Mom.....drawn to her like bears to a honey pot. I don't know about being in those small campers - walls are kinda close, but at least you are dry. I had a 32 ft one and was quite happy with that. Every once in a while we still rough it with the tents, just for old times sake, but still like high n dry better.
ReplyDeleteThat little camper reminds me of the 27 foot sail boat I lived in for 5 days while I sailed from island to island. Fun but cramped.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to be said for a little trailer, especially if your spouse isn't happy sleeping on the ground, or has any health issues. Better to be out in a trailer than not out!
ReplyDeleteYou're a hardy soul, DJan!
ReplyDeleteWe tented all over North America till we were 55. Then went to a small pop up camper till 60. Then got an ultra lite coyote with fold down ends (beds & bathroom) all which I just sold on Craigs List. So now at 74 were doing pet friendly motels. The perogatives of aging are not all bad....:)
ReplyDeleteUgh these mosquitoes today seem to have extra itchy venom. Nothing much works, even trying to not scratch is purely awful. We have a camper, but after this summer of floods where no camp sites were available..I'm beginning to wish we didn't have one.
ReplyDeleteAw, it isn't camping unless you sleep on the ground. Guess I am a purist. Take some Benadryl for the itching. I just did that and it knocked it right out. The itch is just an allergic reaction.
ReplyDeleteOh ya... I hear ya!! Those nasty mosquitoes always put a damper on enjoying the great outdoor.
ReplyDeleteThat table cloth is amazing...to last 50 years with no holes. Absolutely amazing.
I think I'd prefer sleeping 'outdoors'...campers are a bit 'cramped' and somewhat 'too closed in' for me.
great outdoors
DeleteMe? I prefer a bed. But then I'm a soft old Northeastener. Try some DEET to ward off those mosquitoes ... they're nasty things.
ReplyDeleteMosquitos! Ugh. It's hard to stay away from them. Sorry you got so bit up.
ReplyDeleteHats off to you for sleeping on the ground.
And that tablecloth! VERY IMPRESSIVE. I have 50+ year old table cloths from my grandmother that I can't part with but the stains are too bad to use them.
Glad you enjoyed your getaway.
xo jj
ah, the dreaded skeeter bites. dang critters!
ReplyDeletelove the 50 yo tablecloth. :)
I haven't camped outside since I was 9. You are giving me an itch, and it's not from a mosquito bite. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you survived and got back safely DJan! The tablecloth is lovely. I have several and wouldn't be without. While I was on holiday recently, I was attracted to some beautiful napkins; white and silky looking. Of all the things to treat oneself to on holiday, they were IT. I just had to have them. I think Larry thought I was mad.
ReplyDeleteThe camper is so sweet but I'm sorry you weren't in it.
I love the tablecloth and that it's a 50-year old wedding gift that's still being used. Trailers are nice, although when I used to own one I felt like it made camping seem like more of a chore with a mini version of another house to keep clean.
ReplyDeleteThe mosquitos are horrible here this year! I've been bitten and ended up with giant welts that lasted for weeks and left bruises. I'm not sure why I've had such bad reactions to them this year. Hopefully your bites are of the smaller, less extreme variety. Try not to scratch them!
My camping days are over. But I miss seeing fireflies around a nice roaring campfire. Luckily, we have back yard fires. But we don't see many flies.
ReplyDeleteThe camper is really cute. I'd love one of those. The tablecloth story is really a sweet one. I love that she is still using it.
ReplyDeleteMosquitos are the down side of camping. That is for sure. For me, the other downside is allergies. I always have terrible allergies from sleeping in the night air. Then, the is the time that we bundled Keicha up in our best feather sleeping bag when she was very small so she would be warm in the tent. Not long after putting her down for the night, she had a terrible asthma attack. That is when we discovered she was allergic to down comforters and sleeping bags.
Oh no... mosquitoes always eat me up. I hope the anti-itch cream helps. I'm so glad you had such fun. The camper looks really comfy and convenient. That's the way I would want to camp.
ReplyDelete