Goodbye Camping. For now.
And just like that, our 2026 camping season has come to an end. Our camper, Ethel, is now safely back in our driveway. This week we will clean her out and spiff her up and, at some point soon, Dale will winterize her for the cold weather to come.
As I am wont to do, I can’t help but reflect on what a great season of camping we had, from our first trip in April to our last weekend in October. We spent Memorial Day Weekend and the Fourth of July with good friends at their seasonal campground. We had a great week in July at a very close by campground in Plymouth. We had a super fun week in August at a lively campground with our kids and grandkids. And we had September and October at the Cape Cod Canal.
To steal a phrase I heard recently, camping for me is outside-y and not outdoorsy. I love a campfire (especially one during the daytime), a love to sit by a beach and cool off in a pond, I love lunch outside on a picnic table and dinner cooked on the grill. At the same time, I’m comfortably ensconced in a well appointed camper with a coffee maker, microwave, big fridge, and full size bathroom with a shower. I happily watch the sunrise from the big picture window that’s behind my bed. I gratefully turn on the heat when the temperatures are cold and the AC when it gets hot and humid. I enjoy reclining on the couch with a good book or a show on Netflix. In other words, I am in no way roughing it.
But I am still camping. I am outside every day. I am observing birds and critters, watching the light change, noticing the days getting shorter in a way that’s very different than how I would do that at home. The world at the campground is smaller and simpler and there are less distractions. It’s a drilling down of the things that really matter each day.
And I will miss that. The easy banter around the campfire. The quick chats with neighbors – we really had the best neighbors this season. The ships on the canal and the sound of the train whistle. The dogs and the kids and the golf carts going by. I’m ready for a cozy time at home, spreading out and enjoying all of the space I have for doing that.
But it’s a bitter sweet thing to say goodbye to camping until next spring.
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I was never much for actual camping, but the way you do it sounds fantastic — all the joys of being outdoors and enjoying nature with all the comforts of home (or a home substitute). I’m sure it’s sad to wrap up the season, but now you have cozy times at home to look forward to.
Sounds like a fabulous camping season Carole! And now you have wonderful memories to carry you through until next Spring! I used to love a campfire first thing in the morning. And I sure do miss camping and so appreciate you sharing your experiences for me to enjoy.
I have never enjoyed camping much, but I think I could get used to camping your way. I’m glad you had such a good summer camping and can look forward to more next summer.
It sounds like an absolutely magical camping season, Carole!