As strange as it may seem, every once in a while, I need a break in my routine. A chance to gain a different perspective, to recharge, and to connect with nature. Strangely for me, a guy who spends most of his waking hours pondering how to make the outdoors more comfortable and enjoyable for his clients, I find this by putting myself in the epitome of discomfort, by going camping.
Dirt, mud, bug bites, sunburn, sweat, sleeping on rocks, basic meals that take an hour to prepare, and more. I actually enjoy it. I don’t do glamping. I do Camping! There is something about living without all the fluff. Fire, water, and the occasional S’more. I love it.
Off I go, with 2 children in tow. My daughter 7 and my son 12. This trip took us 201 miles east to a part of the Colorado River known as the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Our first time here. This little-known gem is quite far off the beaten path. Approximately 16 miles off the main highway, through farmland and then desert. After that, another 6 miles down a dirt, washboard road. You have to want to come here to get here. But this is where I like to be. As far away from civilization as possible. If there is no cell phone service, that’s a plus in my book (but there is pretty decent service here).
This was a quick trip. About 36 hours of the great outdoors. Kayaking, fishing, off roading, exploring, horseshoes, Dutch oven pizzas, Dutch oven cinnamon rolls, campfires, s’mores, fitting 3 people in a 2-person tent, watching the sunset, watching the sunrise, skipping rocks, and being mesmerized at the expanse of stars on a new moon night in the middle of nowhere – camping.
Being back home, I’m quite a bit more comfortable, but the memories of this recent trip are etched in my mind forever. And with any luck, they are etched in my children’s too.
Take Care,
WR
Life, Lived Better – Outdoors
