Day Camping

Since we're still bringing our landscape back to life after the long winter, my wife and I had a lot to do over the weekend, and we didn't want to take up an entire weekend backpacking. But we were itching to get out in the wilds and away from the house. So we did the next best thing: "day camping".

The idea is quite simple. You load up your backpacks, hike out to a pretty spot somewhere in the wilderness, set up camp, and then relax. Perhaps explore around the area, have some tea, read a book, or take a nap. Fix an early dinner, break camp, and then head back to the car.

(Trail heading towards the hills)

As silly as it sounds, it is really enjoyable. The key is to pack just what you need (or want). We did pack a tent, just in case an afternoon thunder-boomer rolled in. We brought our sleeping pads for camp lounging. We brought a stove and cookware for dinner and afternoon tea. What we didn't have to bring was night-time "winter" clothing, sleeping bags, change of clothing, or lots of food. This extra space in our packs allowed us to bring other items that would be foolhardy on a real backpack trip, like a hefty pair of binoculars and a large hardback book.

(Valley below us in the Lost Creek Wilderness)

We really didn't do much but relax and explore the immediate surroundings of camp.

We returned to camp for a quick dinner. I experimented with one of my backpacking creations which didn't turn out that well, but I choked it down nonetheless. After striking the tent and packing up, we hiked back down to the car.

(View from atop Lizard Rock)

All in all it was a fun and relaxing trip. I recommend those who are short on time but long on cabin fever to give this a try.