camping
In just a few days, I will be enjoying the great outdoors! It’s only been 2 1/2 weeks since we’ve been back from our first trip. This trip, were going to Mammoth and staying in a condo. Last trip we camped for the remaining four days. Which was a bit hairy at times with a 2 yr. old and 3 mos. old but we managed. I’m so glad we did it too! We even cloth diapered. The condo at Bass Lake had a washer and dryer and while camping in Yosemite we used the laundry mat at Curry Village. I only did the washing at Curry Village and let the diapers air dry in the sunshine on a tree branch at our site. It worked out nicely. My 2 yr. old loved being in nature and enjoyed boat rides on the lake. He saw tons of wildlife including a BEAR! While driving back to our campsite, our first day in the park, we watched a bear eating in a meadow through the car window. It was really neat. Tristan also saw a “Big ole Buck” on a bike ride first thing in the morning around the campground.
It was so amazing to see nature through his eyes. He chased the squirrels to the holes and around the campsite and collected specimens to but into his bug kit. Our hike to Vernal Falls was quite a journey and I think he understood it’s significance. We camped quite a few times as a kid and my husband and I consider ourselves experienced campers. We’ve done a lot of camping. Every time I walk away from a campsite, I have a new perspective on life. Unplugging for the few days and recharging your soul with Mother Nature is a must! Getting away from all the stimulus and “roughing -it” for a few days makes you appreciate the things we have in life.
With all the wonderful things about nature we can’t forget about being kind to the areas we visit. Especially, preserved lands. While we were in Yosemite we saw two groups at different times posing out in a meadow that had signs out in front clearly stating to keep out! Littering along trails and walking off the designated path is uncool and so is crossing a rope to take pictures. Basically, you want to tread lightly and think green. Which means, do what we can to minimize waste and keep your carbon footprint low. Your children’s, children will thank us!
Here are a few tips on treading lightly during your next outdoor adventure:
I don’t know about you but I think of Woodsy Owl when planning a trip- “Give a Hoot, Don’t Polute!”
Pack in pack out: If you can take home all of your recyclables! Some places have a spot for you to recycle bottles (glass and plastic) and cans Great, if they do but if not plan to take home (that includes anything else that can be recycled).
Keep a light load: Pack lightly! Remember everything you pack you have to unpack.
Ditch the waterbottles: Purchase a Klean Kanteen or other stainless steel water bottle or BPA free one and fill up with tap. Or if you can’t do that then buy gallon jugs of water rather than packages of individual bottles and refill that way!
Home away from home: Bring baked good one the trip! Saves money and the planet. No unnecessary packaging and it’s feels like home!
Channel Charlie Brown’s, Pig- Pen: Soak in the hot springs, take a dip in a river or lake, or use a pail of water and grab a wash cloth. Add a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s soap and you’re good to go! Always use biodegradable products when using nature as a bathtub. Or skip it all together if you can!
Do Not Cross This Rope: Need I say more.
Ride Together: Cut back on pollution, car pool together! Especially, if you plan to take day trips away from the area you staying at.
Leave the City at Home: It’s like being in a movie theathre. If you staying at a campground be kind to other campers and turn off your cell phone. Sheesh!
Use solar lamps or candles and matches for lighting around the campfire- Who needs batteries, kerosene or propane!
Bugs! Get a good all natural bug spray that does not contain DEET. Or take a few garlic pills
Campfire: Don’t burn colored ads/cardboard or plastic. Don’t decapitate a tree for wood either. Lint is a great fire starter. My husband and I inherited the washer ring we used as a fire pit growing up. It’s a great way to repurpose and old washer.
Main Be eco consciece & mindful
