Camping

Just this past weekend I went camping with a group of friends. This is something we try to do every three or four months as a group. To put it all in perspective, all of us live in LA. As a whole, I feel that Los Angelenos are not really known as a camping crowd. For us, it is a welcome escape from the rigors of the city. We can get out to nature, somewhat, forget our jobs or schools and just enjoy the outdoors.

Man Los Angelenos would scoff at this. I know this because whenever I mention camping as a pastime in casual conversation many ask, "Why would you want to do that?" I have heard everything from, "Why would I leave my comfortable home," to, "I just don't like getting dirty!"

Well, here is why I like camping. The first thing is it is tougher than staying at home. Even if your idea of camping is taking out the mobile home and parking it in a spot, you are giving up a couple of life's luxuries. By the way, I really do not respect the folks that drive a 32' camper out, never leave it and call that camping. To me, camping is sleeping in a tent, cooking over a fire or at least a camp stove and having to walk some odd feet to the bathroom.

Parking a facsimile of your house in a spot is not camping. That is living in a trailer park. By the way, I lived in a trailer park for 3 years growing up so I am not knocking that in the least.

Camping involves getting out of your comfort level. Going somewhere you have never been before and living there for a short time the best you can. It hearkens back to the times when people went places where nobody had been before and you had to make due with what you had on hand.

I can proudly say I have cooked full meals over an open fire pit. I have hiked miles from civilization and to tell the truth, I have never been happier while doing so.

I have to admit, my recent camping experiences have been less than rustic. There has usually been a ready source of ice and firewood, two things that are hard to go without in modern society. But I love getting as rustic as I can get. Even if three are multiple lighters available, I still enjoy starting the fire with a flint and steel. Funny thing is, when I break out the flint, everyone wants a turn to try to start the fire, even if it takes an extra hour.

I guess camping calls on the pioneer in all of us, and sometimes the hard way is the right way. There is nothing like sitting around a camp fore with your friends, enjoying a couple beers, roasting marshmallows, or even steaks, and looking up to a sky unpolluted by light or smog.

Though camping is not always the most comfortable, it provides a connection to the caveman in all of us. We could be the only people out there at least in our minds. That brings a peace beyond the rat race. That is why I love camping.

Now that the Soapbox is set up I want to bring a little attention to the plight of California's State parks. I have camped in at least 5 of them and they provide great facilities to experience the natural wonders of our state. With the poor economy, many state parks may close, which in my mind is a travesty. Please support our state parks and you can do so on Facebook by joining the group, "Keep California State Parks Open." Just search for it on our Facebook account and sign the petition. It is worth it.