While there’s still the chance of a late snowstorm or two hitting our corner of the word in the coming months, I think it’s safe to say that spring is here and as the temperature rises, I find myself thinking more and more about camping.
The rainstorm we had last Tuesday is what caused my thoughts to drift towards escaping for a weekend to enjoy some time away from technology, work and portable devices. In fact, last week’s rain reminded me of the most relaxing camping weekend I’ve ever experienced.
A few years ago, my wife and I took a long weekend off to camp in the Bridger-Tetons. One of our favorite places is at Boulder Lake, near Pinedale, and after a couple of hours on the road with the customary stop at the Farson Mercantile thrown in for good measure, we had set up camp amongst the trees. Moments after eating our dinner, a thunderstorm started to open up above us, forcing an early end to the evening. Over the course of the long weekend, the rain did not let up, but for a couple of hours here and there. That allowed us time to make a campfire and cook a meal before the rains resumed.
The following couple of days consisted of napping and reading. That was it, and it was wonderful. The light patter of raindrops hitting the tent was all we needed to fall asleep and the smell of the forest during a storm is wholly unique to that time and place --something that can’t be recreated with a candle or aerosol spray.
Was it the absolute best time I’ve ever had camping? No, but it was incredibly relaxing and that’s the biggest thing I want from any camping excursion.
Summer in Southwestern Wyoming is a great time to get out and enjoy the natural beauty available to us. Even if the weather isn’t on our side, there are plenty of ways to recharge our batteries while we’re enjoying time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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