Camping Confession

This weekend will be my first "real" camping experience. We'll be at one of the group campsites in the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. I'm excited and worried. Excited because there will be hiking, exploring, beautiful vistas and hopefully a good mix of solitude and companionship. Worried because I don't know if I'm really cut out for roughing it.

After all, I was raised in a family that detests camping. My mom made my dad pack away his gear many years ago. Mention camping to my sister and she envisions Survivor. You can count the number of family camping excursions on one asterisked finger. The asterisk would refer to a footnote about "camping" in a completely furbished cabin with electricity, running water and telephone. By that definition, I've also camped by Disneyland.

I suppose part of my worries stem from a desire to do things right the first time. When I picture the ideal camper, I imagine rugged men and women with survival skills and know-how. If you were to look me up in the thesaurus today, rugged would be an antonym. I want to change that. I just have to remind myself it won't happen overnight. Even experienced campers had to start somewhere and learn from their mistakes.

So the best I can do is read up, ask for advice, purchase proper gear and be as prepared as possible. I want this weekend to be fun and safe. This isn't full-fledged backpacking in the wilderness, but it's a beginning. I'm looking forward to it.