When our son and his family moved to Colorado last spring we sent along our strong and durable nylon tent we’ve used for many years. It was bittersweet. It felt good to pass it on, but a bit sad knowing we probably won’t go tent camping again.
We have enjoyed camping cabins in Minnesota State Parks lately so we still get to go camping, but it requires a bit more intentionality to plan and reserve a cabin verses picking up the tent (and all the equipment) and heading out.
There are many fond and fun memories that go along with tent camping. We took several family vacations when our boys were younger: to state parks in Minnesota for weekend getaways, and longer vacations to national parks. I have kept a vacation journal over the years. It’s enjoyable to look back to the places we’ve been and to remember the wonderful times we shared as a family.
In addition to experiencing the amazing national treasures, the rituals of camping are dear to us: planning the trip, loading the car, finding a site, setting up the tent and possibly the screen tent, getting the sleeping bags and pillows and suitcases arranged in the tent, packing/unpacking the camping box with all the cooking paraphernalia that’s needed including dishes and wash basin, setting up the camp stove, placing the tablecloth on the table, finding the lanterns, keeping the cooler in the vehicle, filling the water jug, remembering towels, setting up camp chairs, gathering wood for the bonfire and finding the matches and all the ingredients for s’mores and on and on and on…so much fun…so much work…so worth it!
This past week our son and his wife and two children, age 4 (almost 5) and 3 years old, took the tent to Rocky Mountain National Park and camped for two nights there. It was exciting to think about the new memories they will make with the tent.
And…our older son and his wife and daughter went camping in a Minnesota State Park over the weekend.
Here’s to making more camping memories…
You’ve passed along a wonderful camping legacy (and a tent). Now you will hear their stories…
Yes, we hope so. Both families said they had a great time camping.
Oh Valerie, another area where our lives parallel. I have always loved camping and while our tent was a pretty big canvas one, our packing, unpacking, and enjoying experience was the same. I wish I had kept a journal as you did. Our tent also went to Colorado with one of our sons and our grandchildren. Thank you for your memories.
I truly miss camping 😍
It’s fun to know this about you Lori. And your tent ending up in Colorado too. How fun is that!
What a wonderful thing to have passed on to your child and his family. A piece of your personal history now lives with them. What a lovely continuation of family life!
A beautiful way to look at it. Thanks Sheri.