So, I mentioned in my last post that a rustic camping trip is the way to go if you don’t want to spend money on a resort – or there are none in the vicinity that are worth the money. Well…make sure you check the weather even if it’s normally a warm season, or you just might find yourself out in the cold – literally. A few weeks ago I took a trip to Washington, DC for work and to visit some great old friends. Since this trip ran into a weekend, my boyfriend invited me to visit his parents in Michigan, and to take a road trip with his car from Michigan all the way back to Atlanta.
Of course we decided to make a bit of an adventure out of it and stop in Mammoth Cave National Park as a half way stop. We both really love the outdoors and camping seemed like the perfect way to spend a night. Especially when the average temperature in Northern Kentucky around this time is a high of 75 degrees and a low of 45 degrees. BUT, when we left Michigan it was rainy and 40 degrees. Rain and cold are a pretty bad start to a night in the outdoors. Which is why you always need to come prepared! This is where my wonderful boyfriend thought ahead. He brought a nice warm sleeping bag rated for -30 degrees (which he graciously gave to me) and the right protection for our tent from damp ground and rain. Being cold and wet in a tent is never a pleasant experience.
Fortunately, when we finally arrived in Mammoth Cave National Park, it had stopped raining and cleared up. A clear sky can sometimes mean colder weather, and it certainly did that night. But because we came prepared with warm weather gear, a delicious dinner, and wine it turned out to be a delightful spring night under the stars.
You may be thinking, 30 degree weather = miserable. But if you come prepared you can make a great night out of a campfire, dinner, stars and good company. I know I’m a Northerner and I may just be crazy, but here is a list of supplies that can turn any camping outing into a perfect night (and those longer stays that you can reach by car, motorboat..and even canoes and kayaks!).
1. Gear
- Tent – even if you think there may be a shelter or lean-to at the camp site, always come prepared with a tent. If you arrive and all shelters are taken, it is not normally pleasant sleeping outside if you even have the slightest chance of rain. Besides, when it’s chilly you will likely wake up in the morning with frost in your hair!
- Sleeping Bag – always make sure you have a warm enough sleeping bag. Although my -30 degree bag may have been a bit extreme, even in the summer months camp sites in the woods and mountains generally get cold at night. At least have a bag that reaches down to 30-50 degrees in the summertime.
- Firewood – pay attention to the signs of National and State Parks! There are some nasty bugs destroying the trees and bringing in firewood from home may be extremely harmful. If you’re not one to want to wander around in the dark to search for sticks, buy some at nearby gas stations or at a Park store. Lighter fluid doesn’t hurt either….
- Cooking utensils - If you are picky about your food (I know I am) pack silverware, a plate, a bowl, and a mug for everyone. Next, buy a cast iron pan – they are not expensive and you can cook ANYTHING in them. they are perfect for the steak, eggs, bacon, fish, or vegetables that you want to cook. Don’t forget a knife for chopping if you need to prepare anything. If you don’t like using the grills that are sometimes hanging above the fire pits, buy a grate that will fit over a campfire. The other multi-purpose cooking tool is Aluminum Foil. It is extremely good for keeping anything warm or for cooking food that you would normally throw in an oven. Last, ground coffee and a french press. If you are not a morning person, or can’t do without your coffee don’t leave home without these. Besides, a good cup of coffee in the woods, by a campfire is priceless after crawling out of your tent in the morning. Finally, a lighter is always helpful and bring along some little tea lights for some nice candle light. Also, don’t forget paper towels, lots of paper towels – and a garbage bag!!
- Wine Opener – I always forget this…if this is important to you, don’t overlook the disappointment of camping without one.
- Layers – it never hurts to have too many layers of sweatshirts, socks, extra shoes and hats.
2. The main event – Meals- Fire – The perfect meal is as easy to prepare in the woods as it is at home – minus the making the fire part. Make sure you build your fire with enough time to get hot before you begin your cooking and make sure you have enough wood to last the night and for the morning meal. If you are looking at normal bundles, buy at least two bundles for a night and a breakfast meal.
- Food – Here’s an example of a easy shopping list: Steak, bell peppers, feta cheese, blue cheese, garlic bread, salt and pepper, eggs, bacon, ground coffee, WATER (don’t drink out of that stream that looks crystal clear), preferred beverage (in my case, wine). This is the makings of a simple but delicious dinner and breakfast (butter and/or olive oil can be helpful). Steaks can be cooked on the grill or a cast iron pan, eggs and bacon can be cooked just like over a stove in your pan and the peppers can be stuffed with the cheese and a little bit of olive oil, wrapped in Aluminum Foil and thrown right into the fire along with the garlic bread!
3. Clean – up – I take for granted my experience in the wilderness – for anyone uncomfortable with those little noises in the woods, a stick crack here, glowing eyes there, just remember, ‘it’s probably nothing’. Generally they are small animals, raccoon, fox, etc.. but if you are uncomfortable, make sure you clean up, don’t ever ever ever bring food into your tent. And on top of that, no toothpaste, gum, deodorant, or that pair of gloves you used as an oven mit should be brought in your tent. Lock everything in your car or buy a bear barrel. I have never had a problem with any kind of animal and if you are careful you should feel confident that you won’t either.
If you haven’t already figured it out, this is clearly not f or an extreme backpacking/hiking trip. But if you are not one to want to spend extended time in the woods, this is a perfect way to experience the woods without the perils of getting lost, no outhouses, and no wine for days on end. I know camping can be daunting to some, but if you prepare like this it won’t feel like ‘roughing it.’ With the ‘minimal’ gear and food we packed we were able to have a delicious, candlelit dinner under the stars of steak, stuffed peppers and delicious wine. When you get used to these ‘drive-up’ campsites, get out and try a hike or backpacking trip. You will see sights and have experiences that you can’t ever imagine until you surrender yourself to the wilderness.
Pictures are from the Northville Placid Trail from Long Lake to the Cold River Lean-Tos – This was a 15 miles each way backpacking trip and we still managed to cook up some delicious meals and carry wine and scotch!
