Camping Lessons

One of my goals for this year was to go camping--something that I've never done as an adult. John Muir wrote, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...”

That's so true.

After just a short three-and-a-half day camping trip I learned some things:

1. Shorts and a t-shirt are the most any man should wear, especially during Michigan's summers.
2. A fishing hat comes in handy to protect against sun, but count on looking ridiculous.
3. Avoid mirrors (see #2).
4. A clean camper is a happy camper.
5. Showering outdoors is heaven.
6. It is never too early for a good cold beer, especially if it is from Founders Brewing Company.
7. Camping is no excuse for bad food. We had nachos, frittata, steak kabobs (even me, the vegetarian!--and they were delicious), upside down pineapple doughnuts (that were beyond delicious), and Guinness Cakes. And cava, of course.
8. I've never been in a kayak, but after 10-minutes of expert instruction, I made it all the way across Pentwater Lake--and was greeted with cheers, a bag of Sun Chips, and a cold one.
9. If a fat man on a scooter falls over, stop and help him up.
10. If you're given the keys to a 5-speed Ford-150 on a dirt path, drive it like you own it.
11. Coleman Biowipes are perhaps one of the most useful inventions ever.
12. The most important thoughts and conversations you might have are most likely to happen in the utter blackness of night in a forest with only the sounds of crickets.
13. Muir was right. Wilderness is a necessity.