About That Camping Trip

A long time ago, Dale and I were regular campers. It wasn’t something I grew up doing (my mother thought a hotel without room service was roughing it) but I was really excited to go camping with Dale. We had a small trailer and he taught me everything I needed to know about camping. Over time, our lifestyle changed, we started Civil War reenacting, and eventually we sold our camper. We’ve talked a lot for the past few years about getting back into it so when Hannah said the plans for her bachelorette weekend were to have everyone go camping we decided to go all in and . . . rent a camper van and see if this is something that would work for us!

The van I found was in NH so we drove up to pick her up on Thursday, camped that night on the north shore of MA, and then camped for the weekend in Plymouth with Hannah and her friends.

This van is a converted Chevrolet Express and I’ll say right up front that it’s small for 2 people. And, while there’s good storage for a lot, there’s no storage for things like clothes and extra food. Also, Dale couldn’t stand completely upright and that right there is a deal breaker in terms of what we’re considering for a purchase.

Those drawbacks aside, it worked out perfectly for the weekend. The bed is very comfortable and the solar panels gave us enough power for lights and other onboard amenities, like running water and charging capabilities for our devices.

We were mostly off the grid as there was very little cell phone service and no WiFi. Once I got used to not being able to check my phone for email and Instagram it was very nice to just be unplugged from all of that. And, while I had forgotten how much work camping is, and how much of camping is rummaging around looking for stuff, I really enjoyed myself. We learned a lot about what will and won’t work for us and, while I don’t think we’re quite ready to make a big purchase just yet, I will say that I’m fairly certain camping will be back in our life in the next year or two.

I mean, how do you resist something like that?

As for the bachelorette, Hannah’s friends went all out for her, decorating the campsite and planning special activities like tie-dye t-shirts for everyone. I didn’t take pictures of any of that but I did snag these two of my girlie that her friends took.

She’s very fortunate to have friends who get her and want to make her feel special and celebrated. And, as you can see, I think it’s safe to say she had the time of her life.

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  3. Everything here points to joy–and happy days now + ahead for all of you! What a wonderful weekend, and such a FUN picture of Hannah on the lake. A friend loves her Winnebago Travato. (I’ve been in it and can vouch for standing straight and tall inside it! For you mental tickler file…)

  4. Looks like a great time. Haven’t camped in years but I loved it when the kids were young. Might have to give it another try.

  5. I’m a camper – Doug not so much. 🙂 Looks like a lovely weekend Carole and so happy for Hannah!

  6. I’m glad the weekend was fun and successful! Hannah does look very happy, and you and Dale were mostly comfortable (for the weekend) and you gained some knowledge about camping in the future. I was never a big fan of camping because it’s the same things I do at home, just harder!

  7. I loved camping when I was younger, but not so much now that I don’t have a good place to camp or anyone to go with me. I think camping can be very freeing, and it certainly simplifies things. I’m glad the weekend was such a success for everyone, and it looks like you had good weather. Hannah looks very happy.

  8. Oh, how fun for Hannah!! She looks so happy. (Holy crap, that wedding is coming right up, isn’t it????)

    I think it’s a great idea to rent a couple of different types of rigs to see what might work for you. I really love Ducky, but there are “things.” One of those is that it’s a real low-rider… travel trailers are built with a little more clearance these days.

  9. Looks like a fun and comfortable time! What fun friends your daughter has! In our day very long ago camping was in a tent and sleeping on the ground. How things have changed! (for the better, it looks like!)

  10. I’ve never been a camper and don’t have much desire to be one (I suspect I have PTSD from an overnight camp camp-out that got ruined by a middle-of-the-night thunderstorm), but I do admire the adventures of those who do love to camp. I think you were wise to rent a van to try out, even if it was a tad small. Glad Hannah had such a great weekend!

  11. I went camping with my parents from the time I was 6 months till about 19. We had a pop up camper. We also had a cottage at a lake and used that all summer. My sister now has a teardrop camper and my niece and hubby have a pop up and they all enjoy camping.

    It looks like a nice, fun weekend!

  13. oh I’m so excited for you guys … Hannah’s bachelorette looks like it was lots of fun … and camping??!!! I’m here for all of it (of course vicarious camping is the only kind I’d consider … I’m kind of with your mom!)

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