‘
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not your typical camping type of girl. I hate bugs. I hate nature. I hate bad weather. I hate dirt. I hate a lot of things okay. But for some strange reason, I don’t hate camping. I really don’t. You would think that camping involves the majority of the things that I can’t stand, but somehow, I am able to get past them and still have an enjoyable time. So for my fellow camping amateurs, here is what I learned while camping. Take these tips and run with them and you too can survive a camping adventure (maybe). I wish you luck.
- Don’t forget the marshmallows. How did we manage to forget the marshmallows when camping? We have no idea who was responsible for that misfortune (ahem Kevin), but all we do know is that we had a lovely fire, roasting sticks, graham crackers, chocolate and yet no marshmallows to make s’mores. What is camping without s’mores? Nothing.
- Bring socks. Lots of socks. You might actually be enjoying camping until you wake up the next morning and it’s pouring rain and your shoes are soaked and your poor littles toes are freezing and threatening to fall off. Nothing feels better than putting on a dry pair of socks. I promise.
- Makeup wipes are your best friend. I am the biggest preacher of making sure you wash your face every night. But lugging your Clarisonic and six-step skin care routine into the wild may not be the best choice. You don’t want to be high maintenance after all. So grab a pack of makeup wipes, the Simple Brand ones are my favourite, they are super gentle for sensitive skin and were able to remove all my face and eye makeup.
- Fashion does not exist in the wild. As a wannabe fashion blogger, I know you would probably expect me to dress in the perfect camping ensemble. I’m talking a Free People flannel, distressed denim, sneaker wedges (HA), and a leather baseball cap camping. But no, there was none of that for me. Comfort is all that matters. I wore a t-shirt, jeggings, and old Converse. Yes, that’s right. I think that’s the plainest outfit I’ve ever worn. Aren’t you proud? I didn’t even accessorize.
- Get over your fear of outhouses. As much as I wish there was plumbing and running water on campsites, there isn’t. So, suck it up and do your business in that hole. The first time is the hardest I promise.
- Pitching a tent isn’t as hard as it looks. Team work is absolutely key. I think we probably set the world record for pitching a tent in the shortest amount of time. Where is the Guinness Book of World Records when you need it?
- Bathe in Bug Spray. Mosquitoes love me. It’s quite unfortunate. And it’s even more unfortunate when I am allergic to them and swell up when I’m bitten. I know what you are thinking, “Tay, how did you survive camping by a lake where there are swarms of mosquitos?” My answer for you is to be prepared. I took every precaution there is. First, don’t eat bananas, eat oranges. Apparently mosquitoes love bananas and not oranges, who knew! Secondly, stuff your pockets with dryer sheets. I’m thinking of making a onesie out of dryer sheets. I have no idea how these fend of mosquitos. Thirdly, don’t let any bare skin show. I don’t care how hot it is. Wear tightly knitted fabrics that won’t let those pesky suckers in. Lastly, reapply bug spray every five minutes. If you can’t smell your bug spray aroma from 5 miles away, you’re doing it wrong.