As we are preparing for an upcoming camping trip, I've been reminded of a few lessons we learned from our July camping trip. I think if we can remember these things, we'll have a much better trip.
Lesson #1: Pack everything you want to take and then put back the kitchen sink.
We packed our car full to the brim last time with stuff for camping. I think we only used about 1/4 of the stuff we took. Items that we didn't use: propane lantern, the cast iron skillet we just had to bring and most of the kitchen items we thought we might need. This time around...we're only taking what we can put (and carry) in two backpacks. I'm liking this idea much better.
Lesson #2: When trying to scare away raccoons from your food, running straight at them and yelling "ahhhhhhh" doesn't work. We found that the raccoon just stands there and looks at you like you are an idiot.
Lesson #3: Camping trips are much cheaper when you remember to close your refrigerator door when you leave for 3 days (and your apartment will smell a lot better when you return).
Lesson #4: Folding a tarp under your tent correctly makes sleeping in the rain much more enjoyable and a whole lot drier...we think this might make a less grumpy wife.
Needless to say, we've been enjoying camping and are looking forward to our next trip as evidenced by Sarah coming home last night to Matt strutting around the kitchen with his backpack on, fully loaded with all his gear so he could "test" everything out. I think the backpack was on for at least an hour.
Scouts would also tell you that digging a little drainage ditch around the tent will move the water away from the tent so it does not puddle under the tent.
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