🚌 Camping 101

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🌲 How Do You Camp? Or Do You?

I’ve never been a big-time camper. Back when Gary was alive, we had a truck with a camper on it, and we’d head out with the Butterfields. Their kids had motorbikes, and they’d zip my kids around while we boondocked—no electricity, no water... just good old-fashioned roughing it. We’d toss the kids into the lake for a “bath” and call it good.

Funny thing is, I don’t remember a whole lot from that time. Maybe you do? Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge and the memories come flooding back.

🏕 After Gary

Once Gary passed, I didn’t have a camper of my own. But the Butterfields sure did. First a camp at Kookanusa, then they built a house in Rexford. I spent plenty of time at both places. Not quite camping—but still fun in its own way.

Then along came Rick. He had a fifth wheel when we first met, and we went camping once... but since he lived in it full-time, it didn’t feel like an adventure to him. Later on, in 2011, he got a new camper, and I stayed in it a few times. But let me tell you—that thing was uncomfortable as all get-out.

The couch? Lumpy.
The kitchen table? Even worse.

And back then, I was working all summer. Getting away was hard.

🚐 Our Camper, Our Way

Now? We’re both retired. Free to go wherever we want, whenever we want. And we’ve got a fifth wheel to do it in.

This last trip—we boondocked. No power, no sewer hookups. It wasn’t fancy... but it was ours.

We’re still learning. Still figuring out how to turn this camper into a space that feels like us. Truth is, we bought it from folks who spent six or eight months a year traveling—plugged in, parked on pavement. That’s great if you’re chasing landmarks.

🐾 Not Babysitting Anymore

Rick’s sisters were camping just down the road, so we visited them often. Here’s where we differ: they each have two dogs and spend most of the day keeping track of them—kind of like when I had little kids underfoot.

I’ve had my time babysitting.
Not saying they’re wrong—it’s just not for me anymore.

I told my brother Dennis about the spot, and the first thing he asked was, “Are dogs allowed?” I laughed. Nope, don’t have to think about that one either.

🎯 Our Only Worry? Parking

Really, the only thing we stress over now is finding a good spot to park. Some places require reservations. Some don’t—but then it’s a gamble whether there’ll even be a spot when we roll in. And with a big trailer like ours, scouting ahead isn’t always easy when we’re still hitched up.

🌧 Rain at Night, Sunshine by Day

It rained almost every night we were there, but the days were beautiful—cool and fresh. That’s the magic of camping in the mountains.

When we got home? It was hotter than Hades. But we opened the windows and let the mountain air do its thing. By morning, it was a lovely 50 degrees.

🛻 Campers vs Explorers

One more difference between us and Rick’s sisters? They actually camp. They’re outside their trailers all the time, enjoying the moment.

Us? We set up camp, eat, sleep, and then hop in the truck to explore country roads.

Everyone does camping differently.
We’re still figuring out what “toys” we need.

🤔 What About You?

How do you camp? Or do you? Tent, trailer, cabin, or just day trips with a cooler and a lawn chair—I’d love to hear it.

💬 Let me know in the comments!

Wanda-ism:
Who needs a plan when you’ve got a full tank, a map you probably won’t follow, and snacks?

Pull up a chair. I’ve got a story.