Camping offers the opportunity to get un-plugged from the chaos of city life. Connecting with nature brings out the best in us. We learn to appreciate the world we live in and the animals we share it with. Spending time outdoors teaches respect for our environment and all God’s creatures more than we could ever learn from any class or book.
Fill each awesome day exploring a new hiking trail, fishing, kayaking, canoeing or swimming, sailing or just relaxing in a hammock.
Nights are my favorite around the campsite. Catching up with friends and family around a campfire, listening to everyone tell stories of their own campouts can be especially entertaining. A few years ago I was part of a combined family weekend camp. Waking early the first morning I watched in confused amazement as one of my best girlfriends played a game of tug of war with two feisty raccoons and a bag of marshmallows in the back of her husband’s SUV. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to win. I admire her determination…and the raccoon’s bravery. I never knew she liked marshmallows all that much. In the same situation I would have gladly let those furry little critters take whatever they wanted just to avoid the confrontation. I still get a good laugh remembering that trip and several others.
Learn from our camping blunder; keep your food in airtight containers. Wildlife is well, wild. Feeding wild animals increases their dependence on us for food over their instinct to forage. Keep in mind we are only visitors in nature. Our good intentions to make friends sharing cheesy poofs, and other processed treats with squirrels, deer, raccoons and other lake animals will have lasting negative effects.
Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything you brought in and keep it out of reach, out of sight, and out of scent of the local wildlife.
Check out the camping link on laketexoma.com to plan your next campfire story.