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“Goin’ Camping . . .”
After several years of not camping since our little camper became unusable, I decided it was time to reconnect with the great outdoors. I bought a small 2-person tent and a twin air mattress with a built-in pump and was excited to rekindle my love for camping.
Setting Up the Tent
On July 5, I chose a hidden, shady area of the yard that still felt like I was “somewhere else.” Setting up the tent was easy and straightforward, a good start to my camping adventure.
The Air Mattress Dilemma
Not wanting to use a manual air pump, I aired up the mattress in the house. I soon realized how awkward it would be to transport it down the hill to the tent. Determined to make it work, I loaded the mattress into my trunk and drove it down the short distance.
Carrying it to the tent was another challenge, and when I tried to fit the mattress inside, it was too big! After some pushing and prodding, I let some air out so I could bend it inside. Once it was in, it fit great. Note to self: bring a manual pump next time!
Friday Evening Vibes
Enjoying the Night Outdoors
I set up my stuff, brought my phone and Kindle, and settled in for the night. The night noises—peepers, crickets, birds, and even the nearby traffic—created a soothing atmosphere. Once I cooled off from all the moving around, the temperature was pleasant.
The highlight the next morning was hearing the birds‘ “dawn chorus” as all the nearby birds sang and called at once.
Notes from Early Saturday Morning
Sunday Morning Merlin App IDs – Who’s Nearby?
My Camping Challenges and Rewards
Getting up and down from the “waterbed-like feel” of my (reduced) air mattress was challenging, but I made it work. The middle-of-the-night bathroom trips added to the adventure: finding my shoes, getting off the mattress, unzipping the tent opening, navigating the dark, grabbing the toilet paper and zipper bag for used TP, squatting, then getting back into the tent, removing shoes, and trying to go back to sleep. Whew!
Despite these hurdles, I enjoyed being outside so much that I spent the next night in the tent, too! However, I woke up Saturday morning to find a dog tick on my pillow. Yikes! He didn’t last.
My hubby has no desire to tent camp again, but after a few more tests in the yard, I might venture to Elkmont or Cades Cove nearby for a solo camp—if I can find our old camping gear!
Looking Ahead – More Camping!
This experience reminded me of the simple joys of camping: the peacefulness of nature, the excitement of sleeping under the stars, and the beauty of waking up to the sounds of the wild. It was a delightful escape, even if it was just in my backyard. I plan to try to camp at least once a month while the weather cooperates!
“The outside is the only place we can truly be inside the world.”
— Daniel J. Rice
Don’t miss more adventures from the Smoky Mountain Nature Lady!
