"When Nature Calls"
When Nature calls (it doesnò€™t always mean find the nearest tree or gas station) it calls to the heart and the senses, and since Iò€™m writing this in early spring, sheò€™s calling to me in a very loud voice. This is when I start planning my first camping trip of the season, and in so doing it occurred to me that with the economy being in the state itò€™s in that a lot of people canò€™t afford those yearly vacations and occasional weekends away that they were used to taking. So camping might just be the answer for some folks. Now itò€™s not for everyone, if your used too five star hotels, indoor pools, and room service, camping might be a shock to your system (Ha! Ha!). Seriously though I think everybody should try camping at least once in their lives, if for no other reason than to say that you did. You might find you really like it. For me itò€™s the simple pleasures, like waking up in the morning with the sun shining, the birds singing, a slight breeze blowing while chipmunks play nearby. You might make some breakfast, or grab something at a restaurant. Then during the days activities, whether it be hiking, canoeing, swimming in the local lakes or rivers, or just taking a scenic drive, you spot a family of deer grazing, or running through the woods. If youò€™re lucky enough (depending on where you go camping) you might even see a bald eagle, in the evenings youò€™ll probably spot a raccoon or two. Now with the thrill of the day still coursing through your body, you head back to camp. This, to some, is the best part of the day. You light the campfire, cook some steaks or burgers, (if you havenò€™t already had a picnic or cook out during your day) maybe toast some marshmallows, make some smores, and unwind with your loved ones. You can discuss the day quietly, while listening to the sound of nature at night, until itò€™s time to go to your tent, and rest up for the next dayò€™s adventure.Written by Bob Wegener 5/06/09 http://loveoftheoutdoors.com