Ifthere’s one thing you canbe sure of,it’sthat mother nature
hasatwistedsense ofhumour.Prepareforhot weather andshe’ll
send in an icy wind. Ready to rug up? You’re basically willing a
heatwave to hit. Check out weather reports before you leave, but
take their predictions with a grain of salt: your best bet is to head
off equipped for all seasons.
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Dependinghow deep into the wilderness you venture, you’ll
probably be leaving modern amenities behind – including
one-stop-shop supermarkets and access to emergency supplies.
Adopt the scout motto and be prepared, writing a thorough
packing list before you leave town and making sure everything
is ticked off. After all, you wouldn’t want to be stranded in
WoopWoop with a grumbly tum and no toilet paper.
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There are a number of different ways to camp: roughingitin a swag;
spending thenightin a van; unfurling a pop-up tentfordummies;
or ‘glamping’ in what’s essentially a circus big top. (Some even
come complete withwooden verandas tokeep your tootsiesdry
on a dewy morning.) Decide on your camping style and prepare
accordingly–youwon’t needahair straightenerifyou’re going old
schoolin a canvasA-frame tent,forinstance.
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The idea ofgoingoffline for a few days might be enough to send
you into a cold sweat, but that’s exactly why this campingtrip is
so darn important. It’s an excuse to finally ditch all those screens
and spend time enjoyingthe real-life world, instead. Embrace the
technology detox by leavingyour phone at home (or at least, locked
upsafely in the car). Youprobably won’t haveproper reception,
anyway – the notifications can wait.
Not all campsites are created equal.So, there are a few things to
keep in mind when choosing the best spot to pitch your tent. Flat
ground will prevent you from sliding down a hill while you slumber.
Be aware of campground rules – some don’t allow group bookings
or noise after dark – and pick a destination that suits your holiday
vibe. Steer clear of anthills and overhanging branches, but hunt for
showers, barbecues and shade. Also important: your proximity to the
toiletblock.Too close, andyou’ll bebreathingineau de bog; too far
away and each wizz will become a cross-country hike.
...................Imagine rocking up to your campsite as grey clouds are rolling in, only to
discover your tent is riddled with holes, and you’re notquite sure which
pole goes where. Wouldn’t be such a great start, eh? Practise setting up
your tent and gear at home before you go – that way, not only will you
have the process down pat, you can also check for tears; missing tent
pegs; air mattress punctures; and other possible obstacles.
...................Camping involves a lot of lugging things around, from house to car to
campsite andbackagain.Ifyou’re temptedto throw everything you
own in the boot, ‘just in case’, consider which items you’ll actually use.
Ditchanything that will likelysit aroundtaking up space, andcreating a
trippinghazardwhen you’re on a stealthynighttime triptothebeach.
...................Gettingdirty isn’t for everyone, but when it comes to camping, you have
no sayin the matter. Youwillbecoveredwithdust andgrime withinfive
minutes ofbeing at the campground.Youwillleschew dirt-free couches
for rocksandlogs wrappedinspider websandmud.Theonly optionis
to embrace the filth(and turn to baby wipes or river swims when things
get really dire). Soon enough you’ll be home and showered, anyway,
anditwill belikethisjauntinto mucky nature never evenhappened.the great outdoors