Friday, May 29, 2009

what's your comfort level?

...


This week's Aloha Friday question is...

Would you rather camp - whether that's in a tent, pop-up, or RV - or stay in a hotel? I guess what I'm really asking is; Are you a camper?

I love to camp. I love staying in a nice hotel, too, but in most cases, I would rather camp.

I only went camping once as a child. It was nothing too remarkable and I don't remember much about it. It wasn't until I was invited to go camping with Don's family when I was 15 that I had the true experience of camping. We spent a week camping in a large army tent near a stream with two other families. No showers, no TV, no microwaves, no comfy bed, and no plumbing (which meant porta-pottys).

But guess what? I fell in love with camping. I fell in love fresh air and blue sky. I fell in love with wide open spaces and aspen trees (among others) and campfires. I fell in love with being outside all day long; fishing, hiking, playing, relaxing - all with a sense of being carefree with none of the normal responsibilities. Yes, I fell in love with camping that week. I also fell in love with a 15 year old boy that week.

Since that week, I spent many more camping trips with Don's family. Then Don and I started camping on a regular basis; short weekends and full weeks - always in a tent. Camping in California was a little different than camping in Colorado. After a couple of trips in a tent with inadequate sleeping bags, we decided a pop-up would be a better choice for our young family. We've owned two in the last 19 years and have camped here in Colorado as well as Wyoming and South Dakota.

I ask this question today because we're in the process of making plans for some kind of summer vacation. Everyone's choice is camping so we're picking the week and looking for a good place to go. So to answer my own question... I would rather go camping.

30 comments:

East Coast Wahine said...

I've tried it before and I am not a camper! *L* I love a nice hotel!

Susan said...

I am not a "camper" as such. Although I lived and traveled in an RV for 4 years & loved that. It was having my own lieele "home" and "bed" right with me. It's the sights, history and interesting things we SAW that was it for us though. Now days, give me a nice motel.
Susan

Momma Roar said...

Great question!

I never camped as a kid and only started going when we got married and joined the other campers at our church's annual camping weekend. We've only ever had a tent, but this year I would love to borrow someone's pop-up. Last year we didn't go b/c T had a building project he couldn't get away from and the year before only he and Quintin went and I drove up for the day on Sat and church Sunday. I'm a little nervous to go this year with 3, but Colin is at a better age and it should be fine.

While I do enjoy camping and the different experiences of it, once a year is plenty at this point. I guess I'd rather have a hotel and air conditioning!! Heehee

Andrea said...

That's so funny! I recently made reservations for my family at a state park cabin when we went on vacation. I ended up having to cancel because my whole family outvoted me and wanted to go to a hotel instead. I was just trying to save us some money, and it's not like we would have really been camping; there were beds, a/c, heat, and everything! Oh well, maybe we'll get to stay there sometime...

bcriminger said...

I camped quite a bit as a kid and worked at summer camp for three years during high school. There is a special place in my heart for campfires, hobo dinners and sleeping under the stars. But if it is cold out, I'd take a hotel any day!

Auntie E said...

I was in the Army and have had enough of camping. However I would prefer A camper Trailer or an RV if I have to camp out. Hotel are always my top Choice.

I am Harriet said...

Been there...done that...
I like my mosquito-free bedroom with it's cable hook-up and built in plumbing. amen.

http://iamharriet.blogspot.com/2009/05/friday_29.html

Karen said...

I grew up with a family that camped and then married a "camper" whose family also likes to jeep. So we've camped a lot, first in a tent, then a pop-up and finally graduated to a small trailer. I like having a fridge and a potty. We enjoy camping in Colorado and we've taken several trips to Yellowstone and the southwest. We haven't done a lot of camping the past few years, with kids schedules and all. But later this summer we hope to do a road trip somewhere instate.

Kimmie said...

Hotel, hands down! lol My Aloha Friday

Jamey said...

I love camping but most of the time when we go somewhere it's in a hotel. We took the kids once in a tent (last summer) and it didn't go all that well. I think a pop up would be better. We all want to try it again this summer so we will but for the most part we are hotel stayers!!

AudreyO said...

I prefer a hotel. When my kids were young we did camp, but now, I much prefer the comfort of a hotel.

Brandi said...

I love camping. It is so much fun.

Karen said...

Good morning. I am over from Susan's blog. While reading about her garage sale this past weekend, i scrolled down through her favorite blog titles and your Title caught my eye.
Gee! Do you think just because my blog is called "Some Days Are Diamonds" that we might have something in common! I've loved John Denver since he first recorded Poems,Prayers and Promises. It is because of him that I LONG to have a cabin in Colorado. To experience God's gift of all four seasons!
I LOVE CAMPING! Although, after starting with a van conversion, to a pop-up tent trailer, to a couple different trailers and motorhomes, we are now quite settled in our mode of camping for the past 2 years. I think I should call it RVing, but I still think of it as camping. As long as I'm outdoors - I am a happy camper. And we are off for 2 weeks this summer to go back to Sturgis SD and then my husband is leaving me in Colorado for 2 weeks to soak up the monsoons that I so love! Well, and hit some antique stores and just generally veg out by myself for a while. I will be in HEAVEN! COlorado is where I truly long to be!
I am so happy I found you! I will be following along with a big grin on my face!
Have a wonderful day! Karen

annies home said...

I love to camp if I am with those that also like to camp I pretty much go with the flow if those I am with would rather be in a hotel I can do that as well each has its own points of greatness I just love to go

Unknown said...

I love to camp -- but I must stay in a cabin. I won't sleep in a tent there are to many crazy people out there these days.

Becca said...

I love to camp outside in a sleeping bag (no tent) every once in a while but on a general basis I prefer a hotel.

sues2u2 said...

As a child I loved to camp out on the ground in a tent but nowadays give me either a trailer, rv or hotel w/ hotel being my first choice! lol I do really enjoy traveling by car though & stopping to see the giant ball of string & the building decorated w/ corn cobs.

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

My idea of camping would be the Holiday Inn.

Tara said...

I used to camp.. and thought I loved it.. when I realized that most people are able to sleep at night in their tent.. lol I never did.. I stayed awake all night scared out of my mind..with every sound and shadow..cast on the tent. lol Too many sci fi movies. I am a Ritz Carlton kind of person lol

Deb said...

I camped a lot in college and afterward - until I started dating my hubby, who hates camping. I haven't been in years and really miss it. I'd love to take my girls, so they can experience it but we have no camping gear. I love to travel though - whether it's a hotel or campsite, all's good. :)

MightyMom said...

I love camping!

but I must have a toilet....or maybe I could try this...


http://www.halfpastkissintime.com/2009/05/you-go-girl.html

:)

LZ said...

I LOVE camping, but, if I was with my girls, would prefer a hotel. Just DH and I? A tent would be great!
We debated camping in a tent with them this year, but realized that we just have to bring too much stuff - food, etc. - that would make a tent really impractical.

Beth @ TheAngelForever said...

My idea of camping is at a hotel with a flushing toilet, running water, and a pool!

Jennifer said...

I am not a camper. I want a bed and indoor plumbing.

Melissa said...

I'm afraid I'm not much of a camper. I love to hike and be outdoors, but at the end of the day, I want a shower and a bed :)

Valerie said...

Hate camping - hotel for me!!

Jake said...

You raised me a camper... I like sleeping in a sleeping bag on the ground and not showering for a week.

Unknown said...

Great question! I am an even split. I love love love backpacking but don't prefer camping in an organized campground. However, since having kids nice hotels are more my style. I HATE not being able to hose them down after a dirty day at play in the outdoors!

MightyMom said...

here's a camping story for ya.



http://www.halfpastkissintime.com/2009/05/true-life-campfire-tale.html

Mrs4444 said...

Me, too. Camping rocks. I love the smell of a good campfire, the sound of the leaves in the trees above, and even the rain on the outside of a DRY tent. You hit it on the head with the carefree part of camping; Hubs loves to cook, and I just kick back with a good book. I can't wait to do some camping this summer...