Camping: Love It or Loathe It?

Posted on October 25th, 2011 by peanutbutterfingers

Man oh man those TRX straps own me! They’re seriously legit and get my arms shaking as I try to stabilize myself. I have a feeling sore triceps are in my future after today’s upper body workout.

I began my time at the gym with a two-mile run before completing the following exercises:

arm workout

And just like that, it was time for breakfast!

Breakfast

On the menu for today was strawberry banana overnight oats that I made by combining the following in a Tupperware container last night:

  • 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
  • 6 ounces strawberry banana Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 banana, sliced

overnight oats 002

This morning, I added a few fresh banana slices on top before digging in.

Nice and thick!

Camping: Love It or Loathe It?

This weekend as my family and I sat around the campfire making s’mores on Saturday night, we started talking about our old camping adventures. (Shout out to those of you who noticed Ryan drunkenly paying homage to the song “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night” around the fire.)

Ryan joked with my parents saying that I describe my family’s camping adventures as the holy grail of camping. Seriously though, my family and I had a blast camping when I was growing up and I have wonderful memories associated with our camping trips.

I told Ryan that we were “gourmet” campers. We slept in tents and everything, but when it came to food, we made seriously delicious meals over the campfire, like beef stew or trout caught fresh from a nearby stream.

Just check out the tent my parents set up:

awesome tent

Totally kidding. Smile 

Our tent looked more like this:

bear tent

Only minus the bear.

Since I wasn’t an early riser until after college, as a child my sister and I would sleep in on camping trips and wake up to the smell of bacon and eggs cooking on the campfire. It was fantastic!

I haven’t gone camping with my family in years, though I have pitched a tent with friends. (<—I really need to bust out my awesome hat from those pictures again!)

Camping adventures with friends include lots of beer (Natty Light, baby), granola bars for breakfast and hot dogs on a stick for dinner. Not quite the same thing as family camping, but fun in a different way! 

My family and I are hoping to plan a fun camping trip next month if the timing works out with everyone’s schedule. I’m already excited about it!

Question of the Morning

  • Camping: Love it or loathe it?
  • What is your favorite thing to do on a camping trip?

My answers:

Love it (obviously) and my favorite thing to do while camping is hike, make s’mores and play random games around the campfire like Would You Rather? and Catch Phrase.

Filed under: Breakfast

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124 Responses to “Camping: Love It or Loathe It?”

  1. 1
    Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife, on October 25th, 2011 at 8:58 am Said:

    I love camping too! My husband is a serious outdoorsman, so he has all the great gear and knows how to do EVERYthing. It rocks. I love the stars at night.

    While there I love roasting mallows, hiking around, and sleeping in!

    Triceps extensions ROCK!! And they are seriously killer with TRX–so go you!

      

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  2. 2
    Claire @ Live and Love to Eat, on October 25th, 2011 at 8:59 am Said:

    I’m not much of a camper… I like going to camp fires then going home to a warm bed and running water! :)

      

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  3. 3
    Kristy @ KristyRuns, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:00 am Said:

    I love camping! Especially in north Georgia in the fall. S’mores are one of the best parts! :)

      

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  4. 4
    Gabby Bladdick, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:01 am Said:

    LOVE camping! My family sounds a lot like yours! We cook better meals in the middle of nowhere, than we do in our own kitchens at home. I just love the whole atmosphere – waking up to eggs and bacon, grilling out for lunch and hanging out by the water or going on a canoe trip, and then cooking a massive dinner and eating s’mores around the campfire. And of course, lots of beer and laughs. :) Love it!

      

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  5. 5
    Brandi @ The Vitamin Bee, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:08 am Said:

    I detest camping. I just don’t understand it! A house, bed, and bathroom trump everything else.

    I’m also highly allergic to almost everything outdoors (like grass, no joke) so it’s not so fun for me.

      

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  6. 6
    SkinnyRunner, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:13 am Said:

    thats how my friends camp in southern california – all the gadgets, gourmet food, and pretty much better living than in my own house.

      

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  7. 7
    Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter), on October 25th, 2011 at 9:15 am Said:

    I love camping! Although I say that having only camped one time, and on a beach with a built in fire pit and picnic tables..

      

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  8. 8
    Jihane @Sinful Sundays, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:17 am Said:

    Never been camping. It sounds like a good idea in theory, but I don’t think I’ll ever put it into practice. I mean, I like nature and think it’s beautiful and stuff, but I don’t know…I think if I ever met someone who has done it before and could make it comfortable for me I could give it a try. I learned more about it when Oprah went camping with Gayle on her show but I feel like I couldn’t afford her version of “camping” lol.

      

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  9. 9
    Lindsey @ Happy or Hungry, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:18 am Said:

    LOVE it!!!! Camping is one of my fave things ever and I was lucky enough to be able to go three times this past summer! I do not mind sleeping in the tent at all, and we definitely had some gourmet meals.

    My fave thing to do while camping is definitely make s’mores and tell ghost stories around the campfire, hike, canoe, and also hit up the beach! I love lake swimming so I like to take full advantage of the beach. Fun times. I wish I was camping right now.

      

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  10. 10
    Sarah, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:21 am Said:

    I have very fond family camping memories too. My parents would take us on 2 week camping adventures each summer as our vacation. It was great b/c I saw a lot of the US and Canada!

      

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  11. 11
    kaitlin @4loveofcarrots, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:21 am Said:

    I love nature and hiking and being outdoors but camping isn’t my cup of tea, I prefer to sleep in a comfy bed. I actually have never been real camping, so I guess I can’t say until I actually try it

      

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  12. 12
    Lauren, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:25 am Said:

    Sorry, but loathe it! I went once as a kid and hated feeling kind of dirty and uncomfortable the whole time. Just not mah thing! I guess I’m a little too high maintenance!

      

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  13. 13
    Corrie Anne, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:25 am Said:

    LOATHE. I hate camping. I really do. My huband tries to convince me by choosing places near to good running trails. But I always get sooo cold. And I hate the smell of smoke. WAH! lol

      

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  14. 14
    Khushboo, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:25 am Said:

    I’ve only been camping once and that too, it was when I was super unfit…I LOATHED it then but I’m sure I would really enjoy it now, given the company is right!

      

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  15. 15
    Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:27 am Said:

    LOL! When I saw the first tent I thought, “OMG they didn’t!!!” If only camping could actually be that glamorous! I’m a bit on the fence with camping… I’m generally ok with it if it’s just for a long weekend or something, with good weather, lots to do, and fun people to be around. But if it’s rainy and cold, and if there are no bathrooms… you’ll find me in a hotel. ;)

      

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  16. 16
    Lauren, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:29 am Said:

    Love it! The best camping memory I have is my boyfriend & I went on a 2day hiking trip. We saw like 3 people the whole time and 3 moose – so cool but kinda scary since they were SO close to us.

      

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  17. 17
    Abby, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:31 am Said:

    Love it! I used to go camping with a bunch of my girl friends and it was hilarious! Who says boys need to be there to do everything for us?! My favorite thing we did was huddle around a campfire, make s’mores and drink hot chocolate and just have a girl fest. Good conversation, heart-to-heart confessionals and digging deep in our faith. Love camping :)

      

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  18. 18
    Gina @ Running to the Kitchen, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:33 am Said:

    I’ve never been camping and I have to say that nothing about it appeals to me! The thought of sleeping outside, not having access to a bathroom or shower and having to cook over a fire sounds miserable….haha

      

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  19. 19
    Brit, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:33 am Said:

    I love camping! My favorite part is cooking over the campfire! I also like playing with the campfire; it is always an adventure to get it started and keep it going.

      

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  20. 20
    Sabrina @ Coffee With Sabrina, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:35 am Said:

    LOVE CAMPING! I love being unplugged from the world, staying up all night chatting with the people you are with. Oh, and can’t forget to make s’mores!

    I might go camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness this weekend. While its not really roughing it, it still is a ton of fun! I love being outdoors this time of year.

      

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  21. 21
    Kaelin, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:37 am Said:

    Camping – LOVE IT!!! My family graduated from a tent, to a pop up camper, to a pull behind trailer. We were also “gourmet” eaters, making lots of fun stuff over the fire. My dad would bake biscuits over the fire in the mornings, yum!!!

    Like you, my favorite thing to do while camping is hiking and sitting around the fire eating smores and spending time with my family or friends.

      

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  22. 22
    Emily, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:37 am Said:

    Love it! I’ve never actually camped with my family, but for the last 5 summers my girlfriends and I have went on a camping trip to lake michigan.
    Nothing beats campfire conversations and burnt marshmallows, in my opinion.

      

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  23. 23
    chelsea, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:37 am Said:

    i love camping!! It gives me an excuse not to shower for days! LOL but really its nice to just get up and hang out outside and explore! but I dont really like sleeping in a tent, i like campers!

      

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  24. 24
    Steph @ StephSnacks, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:38 am Said:

    I gotta admit it.. camping isn’t my thing so I have to say ‘loathe’.

      

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  25. 25
    Tia, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:39 am Said:

    I love camping, we use to do so much of it when we were younger. It was an easy way for all of our family to get together! Because there was SO many of us it was hard to all meet at someones house, no one ever had enough room. I’m hoping to get a couple camping/hiking adventures in next summer if I can convince the hubs .. and the dogs lol!

      

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  26. 26
    Becky @ Fit Chick on the Fly, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:40 am Said:

    Just recently I went on a one day camping trip with a big group of friends. This “camping” trip was a bit different because it was in someones backyard, and there were about 40 of us sleeping outside in tents. We all consumed one too many beers the night before and endless rounds of flip cup!

    Camping with friends is always a blast, but you’re right…totally different then family camping. I’m not sure which I’d prefer: family camping with great food prepared for me, or friend camping with endless drunken nights. Thats a tough call!

      

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  27. 27
    Amanda, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:41 am Said:

    I’ve only been camping once – it rained the entire time and the mosquitos were fierce! Also, it was “wilderness” camping, which meant no showers on site and a scary bathroom situation. I loathed it!!

    I’m okay with hiking during the day, but at night, I like my comfy bed and long, hot shower! :)

      

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  28. 28
    Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:42 am Said:

    I’m the same as you – I have tons of memories camping with my family growing up, and gourmet meals were definitely a must! My dad makes amazing meals in the dutch oven over the campfire. I’m drooling as I think of it! Today I still love camping. You’re right, camping with friends is a little different than camping with family, but it’s still fun. ;)

      

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  29. 29
    Lena @ Fit on the Rocks, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:43 am Said:

    I enjoy camping, but I can’t say that I love it. My favorite thing to do is definitely cook and eat around the campfire with some adult beverages. It’s just so peaceful and fun :) Luckily, I have some friends who like to cook pretty gourmet, so no hot dogs on sticks here!

      

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  30. 30
    Lori, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:44 am Said:

    I absolutely love camping! I camp several times a year – my future in-laws camp almost half the weekends in the summer usually! I love to hike when I’m camping, but my favorite part about it is chatting with family and friends. :) There’s nothing else to distract you from enjoying your time together when you’re camping.

      

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  31. 31
    Brittany *Sparkles*, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:47 am Said:

    Camping consists of S’mores and Catch Phrase!! I’m with you on that!!

    I do like camping a lot.. but I hate hate bugs, so I show up with an ARSENAL of bug spray! Glamping seems pretty awesome — if I could convince my friends/family to drag king sized beds out into the wilderness for me I would.

      

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  32. 32
    Ashley @ Good Taste Healthy Me, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:47 am Said:

    I used to absolutely HATE it. My fiance has been going since he was a little kid and has dragged me for years. But now I absolutely love it. I get to relax and just enjoy the time. I love sitting around the fire and going on hikes etc.

      

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  33. 33
    Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud!, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:48 am Said:

    I adore camping, after all it is pretty much all there was to do in Alaska! (kidding… kinda). Our camping involved a lot of beer, smores and food as well :)

      

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  34. 34
    Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:50 am Said:

    I like camping as long as I have something comfortable to sleep on and there are showers nearby. :)

    I love the TRX! The funny thing is- I have one in my house, but usually only ever use one when I’m at the gym!

      

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  35. 35
    Faith @ For the Health of It, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:51 am Said:

    Ugh, me and camping are just not friends. I love hiking, and I love staying in mountain lodges, but tents are just not my thang.

      

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  36. 36
    Julia, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:55 am Said:

    My family and I just went camping this past weekend!! Typically I loathe it because it is too cold for my tastes, but I really had a good time this past weekend. The temperature was perfect 70s during the day and upper 40s at night. Much like your family, our trips are all about the food. My favorite is breakfast. We had biscuits and gravy and sausage on Saturday and French Toast and bacon on Sunday. Good luck planning your trip.

      

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  37. 37
    Katie @ Peace Love and Oats, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:56 am Said:

    I LOVE camping! I haven’t been in ages, but my favorite part is just being outdoors! And roasting marshmellows… I also love the smell of the campfire!

      

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  38. 38
    Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:04 am Said:

    I love camping! I haven’t been for the last couple summers, but the last time I did go, I had a blast.

      

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  39. 39
    Heather, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:06 am Said:

    I’ve only been camping once, and it was at the KOA with my dad. So, we had our own cabin and campfire and everything sort of laid out for us. It was so nice to unwind, though! My favorite thing is staying up late chatting around the fire. :-)

      

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  40. 40
    Lindsey, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:06 am Said:

    I am so not a camping fan! haha. I find it a lot of work, uncomfortable, cold sleeps and I just don’t enjoy it! Such a downer I am ;) But I do like camp fires and s’mores but going home to my warm bed after :)

      

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  41. 41
    Rachel @ The Peach and The Pit, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:07 am Said:

    I love sitting around the camp fire. I could sit, chat and stare into the fire for hours!

      

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  42. 42
    Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:10 am Said:

    I adore camping! I went all the time with my family growing up too—it was seriously the best. My twin sister and I loved to read magazines around the campfire. And my mom and I have a special tent of setting up the tent just the two of us—it’s been known to take hours and for the past several years, it’s involved plenty of wine for inspiration. :)

      

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  43. 43
    Gen, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:11 am Said:

    I’ve actually never gone camping before….i think I’d like it though.

      

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  44. 44
    Cheryl, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:13 am Said:

    I just went camping earlier this month and while I like the idea of camping I don’t really think it’s right for me. The people I was with also made ‘gourmet’ meals but it took SO long to prep, cook, and clean I felt like that’s all I did for the entire weekend instead of actually enjoying nature.

      

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  45. 45
    Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:13 am Said:

    I used to go to camp every summer when I was little and while I loved the smores and stories and swimming in the lake I hated the bugs and bunk beds. I think I’m more of a glamping kind of girl! ;p

      

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  46. 46
    Cait's Plate, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:14 am Said:

    I LOVE camping. And s’mores are obviously my favorite part (that and fires because I’m kind of obsessed with cozy fires)

    Worst parts are definitely – REEKING of smoke (in your hair, clothes, everywhere) from the fire and the bug bites!

      

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  47. 47
    Flea @ vintageowl, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:18 am Said:

    “I love not camping”.

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:39 am

    ha! :)

      

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  48. 48
    Becki, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:22 am Said:

    I have not gone camping in the States but my partner LOVES it. We’re hoping to go next year in Idaho mountains – so watch out US!

      

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  49. 49
    claire, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:24 am Said:

    I love camping, too! The Beeks family is also gourmet campers…there is not “roughing” it! My mom packs fresh berries, cheeses, wine, steaks and other delicious things.
    We sleep on cozy mattress pads with goose down sleeping bags,etc. My parents even have a hanging ceiling light and fan in their tent…and they sleep on a cot that’s as comfortable as my bed at home. I absolutely have roughed it (slept in a college “renal” tent (<–we have those up north haha) where my feet were hanging out and ended up SOAKED to the bone in the morning!

      

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  50. 50
    Kim @ The Family Practice, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:24 am Said:

    Camping in November? Wow! Thats the difference living in Florida I suppose

      

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  51. 51
    Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:27 am Said:

    I used to love camping with my family every summer as a kid. We used to go a couple times each summer, but we used a pop-up camper and not a tent because my mom is a wimp :)

    It was still a blast tho! and I still remember the smell of waking up to eggs and bacon on the grill!

      

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  52. 52
    Lindsay @ biking before bed, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:28 am Said:

    I have so many great camping stories and memories from growing up. One of the best desserts we ever made was cake mix put in hollow out orange peals. Wrapped in foil and cooked in the fire. And s’mores with peanut butter!

      

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  53. 53
    Rebecca @ Miss Magnolia Munches & Moves, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:29 am Said:

    I love camping! My favorite part is sitting around the fire, drinking hot toddies, and visiting with friends.

      

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  54. 54
    Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:30 am Said:

    If I can be one of those gourmet campers, I’m in! Otherwise, I prefer the Hilton. But I do know how to have fun regardless, so I guess that’s the most important thing…

      

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  55. 55
    laurel, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:31 am Said:

    Love it!! We need to plan a trip! My mom would only pick out camping sites that had showers and electricity…so we could watch TV at night…what else are you supposed to do??! ;)

      

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  56. 56
    Kate, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:50 am Said:

    Hi Julie! When you do your strength training, are the weight amounts listed per arm? Like with the bicep curls, are they free weights with 15 lbs per arm…or are they with a bar with 15lbs total? You might inspire me to increase my weight…at least for the first set… :)

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:39 am

    yes! per arm! i used two 15 lb. dumbbells for biceps. :)

      

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  57. 57
    Rachel @ Betty LIVIN, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:51 am Said:

    I absolutely LOVE to camp! I was raised in a small town in Northern Canada and nothing is better than looking up at a night sky full of stars next to a fire. Heaven.

      

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  58. 58
    Cat @Breakfast to Bed, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:53 am Said:

    I’m sorry, I had something to say until you said “natty light” and now drinking memories are forcing me to go puke. Later gator.

      

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  59. 59
    Liz @ Something To Chew On, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:53 am Said:

    I love camping!! But I need to be in a tent. I don’t live at home anymore, but once in awhile my entire family takes the trailer out camping…and I bring my own tent :)

      

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  60. 60
    Natalie, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:55 am Said:

    Just got back from a fabulous weekend of camping at Palo Duro Canyon in Canyon, TX! Who would have thought that something so beautiful would be that close to Amarillo, TX?!

    My family is definitely not campers and the only other camping trip I’ve been on was a week-long trip hiking in Colorado at Wilderness with my high school Young Life group. It was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever been on! This past weekend was also pretty awesome! Anytime I get to hike, I am a happy girl! That would definitely be my favorite part about the great outdoors!

      

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  61. 61
    Allison, on October 25th, 2011 at 10:57 am Said:

    Love it your not too far from Salt Springs

      

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  62. 62
    Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:04 am Said:

    I think camping is fun i you have the right company! I went on a camping trip with my boyfriend and some of our college friends and we had a blast!

      

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  63. 63
    Faith, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:08 am Said:

    Not a camping fan…it may have something to do with the fact that my dad is the epitome of mountain/wilderness man (think conan the barbarian) so our trips were more like survival trips. I love my sweet Daddy but he never understood why I didn’t want to “build character” that way. ;)

      

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  64. 64
    Erin @ The Grass Skirt, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:09 am Said:

    I went camping last weekend for the very first time, and I thought that I’d hate it. I am not exactly an outdoorsy girl. I loved it though and cannot wait to go again!

      

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  65. 65
    Molly, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:14 am Said:

    Ahh I can so relate to this post! I just went camping with my parents this past weekend and they packed good beer, hamburgers (not even the pre made frozen kind), eggs, bacon, and pancakes! It was totally gourmet compared to the trip I did with friends which was full of half cooked oatmeal and PB+Js for every meal, haha. I also totally waited until my Dad had the coffee made and the fire warm before crawling out of the tent. LOVE camping!

      

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  66. 66
    Heather@Just a Colorado Gal, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:16 am Said:

    I absolutely love it! I usually go at least a dozen times every year, and backpacking is one of my absolute favorite things :) We like to combine some mountain climbing trips (14ers!) with camping so we’ll go bag a peak and then come down and sleep under the stars. Perfect!

      

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  67. 67
    Lisa@Healthy Diaries, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:18 am Said:

    I’ve never been camping and it’s something i’ve always wanted to do! I live in Illinois, where did your family go camping out here?

      

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  68. 68
    Gina B, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:19 am Said:

    I love reading about people who love camping, because to me it’s my nightmare! It does open up my eyes a bit to read the joys, and I do understand:

    I love being outside, doing outdoorsy things, and campfires. My family owns a piece of land with a cabin, and we’ll go up for the day and shoot skeet, play horseshoes, fish in the pond, hike and grill…but when it’s time to A) Sleep B) Get clean or C) Use the rinky dink outhouse….I PEACE out! :) I’m too afraid of the dark and animals, don’t like to feel dirty, and have too many tummy issues to rely on the great outdoors! lol

      

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  69. 69
    Katie @Sunny Side Up, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:23 am Said:

    Camping is one of my favourite things to do, and we are so spoiled living in the mountains. Where else do you go to just talk?? I even went when I was 36 weeks pregnant last year!

    We are total camping gourmets too, and purists in the sense that everything needs to be made over the fire. We pop popcorn in a big pot, make pumpkin spice pancakes, pasta, nachos, everything on the fire!

      

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  70. 70
    Lindsay Loves Veggies, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:26 am Said:

    I love camping! There’s something about sitting around a campfire that’s just very relaxing! :)

      

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  71. 71
    Andrea, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:27 am Said:

    Camping rocks!! I love tent camping – gives you a reason to not shower, love waking up early to the sun shining through the tent and the birds signing, spending all day out in the woods hiking, and sitting around the fire at night. I also like the more ritzy style of camping with the camper and setting up shop in a campground (or fairgrounds) with a bunch of your friends and having potluck dinners, playing cards around the table in the evening. Great times!

      

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  72. 72
    cristina, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:33 am Said:

    Loathe it! One of my first memories is camping in Yosemite with my family when I was little. A giant bear came onto our campground, roared at us, stole a bag of marshmallows and ran away. It was traumatizing to say the least!

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:38 am

    OH MY GOSH!

      

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  73. 73
    Alaina, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:35 am Said:

    Love to camp! When I was younger, I would go on camping trips with girl scouts. And then when I met my husband, I did more of the hiking/camping/mountain man kind of thing. I love just being around nature and cooking on the fire. So romantic. :-P

      

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  74. 74
    stevie, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:36 am Said:

    My boyfriend has been camping with his family may times and wanted me to try it out this summer. I was so opposed to it and planed to only stay one night but I ended up enjoying it so much that we stayed a second night!

      

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    Michelle @ Yoga Health for Life, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:37 am Said:

    LOVE it!!! I only started camping several years ago, but wow was I a quick addict! We’re going on a two-day camping and canoeing trip this weekend in fact! We’ll be canoeing the St. Mary’s River that forms the Florida-Georgia border, and depending upon the winds, we’ll end up camping in Georgia on one bank or Florida on the other! I love to just watch nature on camping trips, as well as canoe, devour ‘smores, tend to the campfire, and play Catch Phrase as well!

      

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    Chelsa, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:39 am Said:

    loathe it! I’m way to much of a diva for camping. I like campfires, but only the backyard kind. I don’t like sleeping on air mattresses or worse, the ground! I’ve tried to love it so many times but it just never works out for me. So many of my friends love camping and I wish I could too.

      

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    Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:39 am Said:

    I love camping. I did it for the first time this year and I really enjoyed how laid back and fun it was. It really forced me to just relax and enjoy my family rather than run around and try to get everything done on my to do list. I can’t wait to do it again.

      

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    Nicole, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:44 am Said:

    I have to go with loathing camping. Just wasn’t something we did growing up.

    But I am all about the trail mix!

    The Kidless Kronicles

      

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    Lauren B., on October 25th, 2011 at 11:54 am Said:

    I have only gone camping, officially, one time in my life. My husband and I are not opposed to camping, but we never grew up doing it and prefer nice hotels. :) That said, we were so proud of ourselves for being “rugged” and going camping with our church group a couple of years ago. Had a blast on the trip, but 10 days later, a firey poison oak showed up like you wouldn’t believe… around my lady parts!!!! Don’t think I will be going camping again anytime soon… unless it’s in a souped-up camper! :)

      

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    Julie, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:57 am Said:

    I have never been camping! :/

      

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    Jen @ Strides and Glides, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:00 pm Said:

    I love camping! I grew up in a mountain town so how could I not love it. My favorite thing is making interesting meals but they seem to always taste amazing.

      

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    Brittany, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:05 pm Said:

    I haven’t gone camping in forever! I guess it depends where and how the weather is before I decide if I love it or thoathe it.

      

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    Christelle, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:15 pm Said:

    I used to hate camping! I would only camp out in my back yard as a kid and have sleep-overs in the tent. But 2 summers ago, a big gang of friends packed up some canoes with camping gear and headed out on the river and we set up our camping gear for the weekend, and I had soooo much fun! I haven’t gone since, but I’m open to the idea now. I love camp fires, we have camp fires at the beach almost every weekend, roasting hotdogs and marshmellows!

      

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    Danica @ GirlsThatRun, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:20 pm Said:

    I love camping as long as there is a real bathroom :) Beach camping is one of my favorites, but nothing beats the amount of stars you can see when camping in the mountains!

      

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    Elise, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:23 pm Said:

    I LOVE camping — the more rustic the better. My favorite place is actually the Quetico in Canada — canoeing + camping + no people/electricity/shower for days = heaven. And the fishing is to die for. The only downside? Having to dig a hole to do your business.

      

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    Kathleen, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:24 pm Said:

    Mike & I go camping all the time with our dogs and we all love it! The past two years we’ve gone camping at a campsite with a 10 minute walk to the beach – love it! (And that’s awesome for us since we live in Central PA). We always make sure we bring big bones for the dogs to munch on when we hang out around the fire – they love it!

      

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    chelsey @ clean eating chelsey, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:35 pm Said:

    I am NOT a camper – no siree!!

      

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    kathleen @ the daily crumb, on October 25th, 2011 at 12:41 pm Said:

    definitely NOT a camper. i have tried to think of ways to explain why without sounding like a total prima donna, but no such luck, so i’ll just leave it at that :)

      

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    Krystina (Organically Me), on October 25th, 2011 at 1:03 pm Said:

    Haha I laughed out loud at the bear picture.

    I’ve never been camping, but I’ve wanted to try it out!

      

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    janetha, on October 25th, 2011 at 1:09 pm Said:

    looooooooooooooooooooove it!

      

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    Jennifer, on October 25th, 2011 at 1:24 pm Said:

    I’m not one with nature. I want a shower and a nice warm bed. However I would like to try camping on the beach….

      

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    Christina, on October 25th, 2011 at 1:40 pm Said:

    LOVE camping. My favorite thing to do is hike and cook over the fire.

    Also, a fun game you might like to play is called ‘Butt Writing.” Basically a person stands with their back to everyone else and has to spell their name (or any other word) in the air with their butt. Its SO funny!

      

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    Amber K, on October 25th, 2011 at 1:43 pm Said:

    Hate with a passion. Growing up camping trips were always remembered as “the one where….” and the thing was always something bad. Just to name a few there was:
    “the one where…my brother got stung by a bee in his eye”

    “the one where…my mom’s chair broke and she fell on a shovel needing to be rushed to the hospital”

    and “the one where…I got stung by some random bug and my knee swelled up to about four times it’s normal size.” Yeah….camping is not for me!

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:37 am

    oh wow! yeah, i’m pretty sure those experiences would ruin camping for me, too!

      

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    Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries, on October 25th, 2011 at 2:07 pm Said:

    I’ve NEVER been camping!

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:37 am

    colleen! blasphemy!

      

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    Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:45 am

    I know! So shameful! My mom always said that camping would be staying at a motel. I’ve never stayed at a motel and I’ve never slept in a tent. Thanks for NOTHIN’, Mom! ;)

      

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    Jess@atasteofconfidence, on October 25th, 2011 at 2:22 pm Said:

    I love camping but I did this summer in Yellowstone and was TERRIFIED of the bears. I bought bear spray and was crazy the entire time.

      

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    sue, on October 25th, 2011 at 2:39 pm Said:

    I love all of the aspects of camping (camp fires, cooking over the fire, toast marshmallows, etc.) until it comes time to go to bed — then I don’t want a sleeping bag or a tent. I want a real bed in a hotel room or home!

      

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    Yolie @ Practising Wellness, on October 25th, 2011 at 3:05 pm Said:

    Oh, I love camping! <3 It's so much fun! I'd never done it before until I met my boyfriend, but now we've camped all over the England, Europe and New Zealand! :-P We went camping in Aspen just a couple of weeks ago, and got snowed on and our tent was flooded…but it was still so cool! :-P
    I love sitting around the campfire, making BBQ'd goodies, and snuggling up in layers and layers of sleeping bags watching a movie at night.
    I also love hiking – cause when we camp, we usually hike – and waking up when the sun rises! <3 xyx

      

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    Gen, on October 25th, 2011 at 3:18 pm Said:

    I’ve camped only once in my life and I must admit, I’m not a camp lover. I especially miss a real and cosy bathroom, but I like everything that’s around camping like living outside and the simplicity of it. It can be fun for a couple of days with friends!

      

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    Nathan Miller, on October 25th, 2011 at 3:37 pm Said:

    Oh my. Camping was a rituual in my family. We went twice a month in the summer of Indiana. It was a huge ordeal and we had a camping crew that involved 4 other families. We would even get together at the beginning of the year, have a party, plan which weekends we would go, and then decide who would bring what. Then the week before each weekend we would go, we would get together to discuss the MENU! As you can tell our camping revolved around food. Our staples were pizza pockets! White bread topped with pizza sauce and your topping and cooked inside castiron pizza pocket makers like this one:
    http://mustardseeds.typepad.com/.a/6a00e554ba60338834011570b3eea2970b-500wi

    So many of my fondest memories were with my family and camping. Food, basketball, sneaking our parents liquor…. haha..

    We too did the tent thing until my parents decided it was roughing it too much, so they got a camper but kept the tent and the kids then stayed in the tent behind the camper! Kinda like having our own room! Hope you get that camping episode booked asap!

      

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    Julie, on October 25th, 2011 at 3:49 pm Said:

    I love camping! My dad and I still hunt for perfect marshmallow roasting sticks for s’mores! Have you ever heard of snipe hunting??? :-) Check it out on urbandictionary.com if you haven’t!

      

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    erica, on October 25th, 2011 at 4:59 pm Said:

    being from hawaii, camping usually means it’s on the beach. in tents. sand EVERYWHERE! i loathe it! but i see pics from my friends camping and hiking trips in washington, and i am envious.

    i do love campfires and smores though :)

      

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  102. 102
    Hillary, on October 25th, 2011 at 5:23 pm Said:

    Would you believe that I’ve never been camping? Ever? I’ve been to summer camp, but I’ve never done the whole “sleep in a tent outside in the woods” thing in my life!

      

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  103. 103
    Hope, on October 25th, 2011 at 5:51 pm Said:

    I’ve never gone camping ever! I would like to but I think I’d be nervous. I don’t do well with the outdoors and the whole bathroom situation.

      

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    elena, on October 25th, 2011 at 6:10 pm Said:

    i love camping especially in an r.v. but maybe that’s not real camping like you do in a tent!

      

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    Laura @ Backstage Balance, on October 25th, 2011 at 6:47 pm Said:

    I love camping… haven’t been for a couple of years, I was especially bummed to have missed out this summer. There’s always winter camping, which is surprisingly not bad here in Wisconsin!

      

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    Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy, on October 25th, 2011 at 7:06 pm Said:

    My idea of camping is a five star hotel ;) . I went camping one time on a girl’s trip, and it was fun, but I’ve already had the experience one time and don’t really need it again anytime soon!

      

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    Danielle, on October 25th, 2011 at 7:59 pm Said:

    LOATHE It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Went a lot as a kid and wish to never go again. My husband’s family loves it. RV or not I am still not camping! They got me to go twice, NEVER again. I told them if they want to me to ever go again they better find me a nice hotel nearby and I will visit them during the day.

    I hate tents, I hate sleeping bags, I hate air mattresses, I hate the lack of heat or AC in a tent, I hate bathrooms/showers at campgrounds, etc. You get the point I hate the majority of it.

    I do love the scenery, I love hiking, and I love the s’mores.

      

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    Fun Things to Do on a Family Camping Trip | Fun Things To Do With, on October 25th, 2011 at 8:06 pm Said:
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    Amy, on October 25th, 2011 at 8:30 pm Said:

    Julie have you heard of “Glamping” — I seriously would so do it!

    http://goglamping.net/

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:36 am

    AWESOME.

      

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    Lauren, on October 25th, 2011 at 9:41 pm Said:

    Have you ever tried P90X?

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    October 26th, 2011 at 8:36 am

    no! i’ve heard it’s a great workout though!

      

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  111. 111
    Carly, on October 25th, 2011 at 11:03 pm Said:

    I LOOOOOVE camping! :)

      

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    Kanoe, on October 26th, 2011 at 8:06 am Said:

    I absolutely LOVE camping! I haven’t done it in years and I miss it so much. We did family camping trips and then I also went on camping trips with other friends families every summer as a kid and it was fun. My favorite thing to do on a camping trip was swimming at the lake(b/c we camped at the lake :-) ) and cooking hot dogs & hamburgers on the fire. Outdoor grilled food is so much more AWESOME then anything else. I don’t do it much now though b/c I live in the DC Metro area so let’s just say camping is not as easily accessible LOL. I’m from Oklahoma where we have tons of camping spots & lakes so I miss that :-(

      

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    Laura @ First Class Great Outdoors, on October 26th, 2011 at 4:35 pm Said:

    LOVE camping…but only until recently. My only experiences as a child were two horrible overnights with my Girl Scout troop. I swore off camping after that.

    My husband, however, loves to camp. He also hunts and fishes. I told him I would give it a try – for him – and I was hooked. It’s a much different experience as an adult, having control over the whole camping process and going with someone I actually like :)

    My blog is actually centered around my journey from a strictly indoors girl to a more high-maintenance outdoors-woman. I’ve come a long way…

      

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    Christina Marie, on October 27th, 2011 at 1:01 pm Said:

    LOVE IT!

    I didn’t camp growing up but the family did a lot of “float trips” (BIG thing in Missouri.)

    These days my friends have many annual camping trips including:

    *April float/camp (there is nobody floating/camping in April, we have 60-80 people at this one and it’s a riot.)

    *October Skeet shoot campout (sometimes with real tepees)

    *Garden of the Gods in S. Illinois

    *Winter Campoot in January on a friend’s family farm complete with fireworks and hoo-ha (Captain and apple cider) It’s usually super-cold, this past year it got down to 11 degrees.

    We don’t tend to camp a lot in the summer in STL because it gets so.unbearably.hot.

      

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    Nicole, on October 28th, 2011 at 9:27 pm Said:

    I’ve only been camping once when I was young and it was not a very fun experience lol! All I really remember about it is sitting squished in the tent while it pours and making sure nothing was getting wet. But the way you describe it makes it sound like a blast!

      

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    Mara, on October 31st, 2011 at 10:51 am Said:

    I’ve only been camping once, but loved it. My boyfriend grew up camping, and so I’m learning great tips from him :)

      

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