This Wild Wonderland

Reconnecting with the human animal through a whole-system approach to conservation.

31.8.14

Ah camping...

Whether you're backpacking, at a campsite, in a tent, hammock, or car
there is so much joy in being liberated from the stresses and routine of modern life.

Most people are familiar with pitching a tent, rolling out sleeping bags, or tying up a hammock.
But how many people know how to live and function out of their cars?

One thing I really love about car camping is the mobility of it. If you need to leave your spot quickly or drive out early in the morning it's great to not have the extra worry or time spent breaking down a tent. 

Here's a little list of some reasons to fall in love with car camping:

1. Mobility
 As I said previously, you can hop in the driver's seat and get going a lot quicker than you can if you're camping in a tent. 

2. Less Restrictions
If you're doing any kind of traveling, other than backpacking, car camping is a great option for sleep, storage, and safety. You can lock up your stuff, you can park and "camp" a lot more places - particularly parking lots, and you don't need to pack and unload gear to the same degree that you do for tent and hammock camping.

3. Weather & Seasons
When you're car camping, it doesn't matter if it's raining, snowing, hailing, or the middle of summer. There are so many easy ways to keep warm, keep cool, and stay dry.

4. Storage
Again, car camping offers a lot more security for your belongings than tent or hammock camping does. You can also bring along a lot more if you're traveling a long distance, or staying out of civilization a long period of time.

6. Anytime, Almost Anywhere
Car camping is extremely flexible. If you have your car, you have shelter. No matter what time of day or night, no matter what you packed or didn't pack, you have a safe place to snuggle up for the night.



Obviously, there are a million and a half reasons to love sleeping in tents or hammocks under the stars, but I feel a lot of appreciation for the mobility and flexibility that car camping offers.
I love knowing how to make my car function as a "base camp", and knowing that I have a safe place to keep my belongings and sleep when I'm traveling.





Knowing how to make the most of your car is essential.
I have a Subaru, which means it's easy for me to convert the back into a bed and living space. That doesn't in anyway mean that it's impossible to sleep comfortably in other types of vehicles, each one has it's quirks and selling points.

Hatchbacks, Wagons, and SUVs are my vehicles of preference, but I will try to touch on some basics and tips and tricks for life in other cars and trucks (eventually).


Here's some clips of a nice weekend car camping trip off the Peak to Peak



This spot is way too beautiful. I can't get over it. There's tons of free camping in the mountains and although some of the spots are neglected and abused (I'll be doing a rant post about this eventually) the beauty of the mountains and trees cannot be ignored.



Dandies! Oh my god, so I love 'smores, I mean, who doesn't? So when I found vegan marshmallows by Dandies, well needless to say, I have a supply of them ALWAYS. If you haven't tried them already, please do! You won't regret it.



My little baby Rosa, the rock climber!




Like mama like doga.


Hold tight for some more car camping and other camping posts coming real soon!

7.6.14

Cascade!
The first of the 46 my siblings and I have done.  This was also a bittersweet trip as I'm moving across the country soon.  I can't think of a better way to spend the last bit of my time in New York other than to spend it with my little hearts.
It's become a tradition to take my siblings on a camping trip up north every year.  2 nights, 2 hikes - one big and one small.  This year we decided to hike Cascade Mountain which is number 36 on the list of the 46 high peaks.  




After a good night's rest, everyone woke up happy and ready to go!




So much green!








<3 So much love to these two precious flowers.


Oh! And a pretty forest flower!


Almost to the top, but not quite there yet.


The ascent,






Such a beautifully sight after finally reaching the peak!












:)








Ah yes, and the blackflies, oh the blackflies.  I guess that's what I get for planning a trip up north in June!  There were thousands of them, and they ate us all alive, but it was worth it!








Eli and Emily doing the shoo-fly dance.




On our way back down the mountain, Yazzy with no shoes on her feet of course.




A yummy vegan celebration lunch!


After the hike we spent the evening relaxing in Wilmington.  The kids love the beach, even when it's icy cold!  Although, Eli's favorite part is the digger.








Mermaid sisters!




Before leaving the next morning we made our way back to the beach for one last dip!




Eli showing off his muscles.



Another wonderful family trip!  I love them all, and I love these mountains.
<3<3<3<3