Camping

Every time I inform other people about our biking adventure I receive this look followed with the response "YOU are going camping? You do not look like a camper."

What does that even mean? How should a camper portray themselves in a non-camping environment? When I mention camping, I mean tent camping...and honestly I have only been tent camping 4 times in my life (2 of those have been a backyard). Yes, I am city girl (and I currently breaking in a pair of heels as I write this entry), but why does that mean I can not enjoy a camping trip?

In order to feel more confident in my camping ability I have decided to goggle "camping tips for non campers" and compile what I have learned from my "research". This entry may be most beneficial for myself (to convince myself I can enjoy camping), but hopefully this will allow any city girl (or guy) to confidently throw on her (or his) country boots and enjoy the mud!

Camping Tips

1) Make a list of your camping gear. Thankfully, Zach and I have complied this list weeks ago and have been gathering items. We have been finishing our pharmacy rotations (and yes we are finally done!) and creating this list a head of time was amazing! The one way to ruin a camping trip is to forget a vital piece of equipment.

2) Go on a "pretend" camping trip...even if this event occurs in a backyard. Setting up a tent may seem easy, but after you have completed a 60 mile bike ride, you are hungry, running out of daylight, and have never set up the tent before....this "easy" task becomes tedious. Zach and I have already completed this step to create a successful camping trip.

3) Bring a bathing suit! Even if there is no water...I will be getting my "tan" on. (for those who do not know me I am a red head that can not tan) And having a bathing suit to relax in after a ride while be amazing!

4) Safety! Bring you insurance cards! You never know when you'll need to take a visit to the local hospital.

5) Bring a washcloth. Never thought about how essential this little cloth would be until I did this "research". Having this small washcloth allows you to wash your face without having to bring your large towel.

6) Arriving late to your campsite. Been there done that with the hilly hundred. Having daylight allows you set up camp appropriately and enjoy a few hours of daylight off of the bike. :)

7) First Aid Kit....Enough said.

8) Cooking elaborate meals is not happening....I am going to have a rough time with this because I like to cook "fancy" meals, but when there are only two people to cook for and limited supplies available....cooking simple meals is in your favor.


Looking up the camping basics has made me feel 100% more confident that I will enjoy this biking trip! 6 more days until the adventure begins!