Gone Camping

Dave and I met about nine years ago. We worked for the same company, and had seen each other around for a bit before we ever hung out outside of work. After a few hangouts which consisted of hikes, cliff jumping, and dinners, I invited him on a camping trip. At the time I was playing on a co-ed soccer team, and a bunch of the guys from my team wanted to organize a camping trip. So naturally I asked “new-guy-Dave-who-I-was-kinda-interested-in” if he wanted to come camping with me and a bunch of dudes from my soccer team. 😂 Luckily, he said yes! And that camping trip was the start of something great. It was just the beginning of many more camping trips, time spent outdoors, and many years of Dave and I together as a couple.

My soccer friends? They created a yearly tradition and have been organizing this large camping trip every single year since. This year, Dave and I went back with the old crew (and many new faces) to spend some time in the woods. And it was so worth it. It’s more like adult summer camp to be totally honest. We played pickleball, tennis, went canoeing, did arts and crafts, made big family meals and hung around a fire. I never went to a sleep-away summer camp as a kid, but I imagine it would be something like this. It was so nice to spend some time in nature to enjoy the simple things in life with friends new and old.

Now that the seasons are changing and we’re entering a cooler month, I want to just encourage you to get outside. Spend time in the woods, or by the beach, wrapped up in a big hoodie sweatshirt. Notice the way that nature itself changes with the leaves turning different colors and then falling. Or the mornings become more brisk with a haze of fog that covers the ground. Notice the way the air feels different on your skin and in your nostrils. And then connect that back to how you’ve been possibly feeling different lately? I know I have. I feel more tired. I wake up with the alarm and hit snooze a couple of times knowing how chilly it will be once I get out from under the covers. I think if we can lovingly and gently accept the seasons changing than we can apply the same kind of understanding and patience towards ourselves. We can ease into the changes. 🍁

Below are some items I brought on this year’s camping trip. Some items I’ve had for a long time, and some are new additions. Enjoy!

S’well Stainless Steel Salad Bowl Kit– I originally packed this on a whim because it was gifted to me, but I ended up using it the whole time for my meals.

COAL Beanie– You probably know by now that I’m a big fan of the brand COAL. They have the best beanies and they are perfect for those chillier nights!

Überleben Zünden Fire Starter– I love this timeless tool. It really comes in handy more times than you realize, especially while camping.

Rumpl The Original Puffy Blanket– These feel like a sleeping bag so they definitely keep you warm. The bonus is that they roll up very small so they are easy to pack!

Adler Rheinland Hatchet– My friend gifted me this axe from Adler, a German brand that’s new to the US. Great for splitting firewood while camping or at home.