I’ve been waiting to take my new dog, Kaya, camping. Truth is, I needed it. I have been working really hard and I miss my wilderness quests where I get some distance from my day-to-day life and decompress. I’ve been looking forward to putting on my gear, and taking the two of us into the woods packs and all. I’m a three-season camper, and it’s always a long wait through the winter until I can enjoy my favorite hobby: solo camping with my dog.
I’ve had my eye on this last weekend for about 10 days. Rain was forecast, and with each day the odds were less and less there would be any. The temperatures were looking good. I prefer nights that don’t go below freezing and days that are 50 or above, at the bottom of the temperature range. By Wednesday it was go time. Down came the camping gear from our attic, and I put together supplies for an overnighter with a dog.
Saturday we hit the trail and it was marvelous. We ran into a family on their way back to the parking area and they asked where we were going to camp. “I never know. We’ll find a place that’s quiet and set back from the trail.”
The wind was roaring. It even picked up the tent at one point while we were inside, but Kaya and I weighed it down. The night was cold, but my trusty sleeping bag kept me warm and Kaya has her own blanket, which was serving her well.
It sure was chilly. Made the campfire and morning hot chocolate all the more pleasant. The first camping trip of the season was an unclassified success!
What are you waiting to get a jump on?
“When a man’s willing and eager the gods join in.”
– Aeschylus
