I Like Camping.

• Posted on October 20, 2008 at 1:32 PM
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I guess this would qualify as my introduction Blog.

I'm Kate.

Way back in the days of my youth I was introduced to something known as "a vacation"---many of my friends would go to Disneyland, Toronto, or Mexico... but my family would go camping. Some people may have called us less fortunate, but I beg to differ: I got to sleep in a tent, conquer my fear of wasps, summit mountains, develop the ability to sleep in long carrides, and expand my tolerance of just about everything.

Of course, as a child I didn't really appreciate anything... I just knew I liked hiking up mountains.

Age 11 rolled around and my mother decided we should all go backpacking through Europe, so we did---in backpacking fashion. Sure we rented a car, but we each only had one bag (a backpack, shocker), and we stayed at the coolest, scumiest, cheepist, and awesomeist hostels and budget campgrounds. The World Cup was on in France and I the people I met in bars and at the hostels were from all over the world. It was about this time I realized I was interested in other cultures, and there was no logical reason for me to learn French, seeing as many people in France spoke other languages... but that's besides the point.

Age 11 I had been exploring in England, Scotland and France as well camping throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. and Ontario. I'd say Manitoba too, but it's about the only place more boring than Saskatchewan, and there's too many perogies there to be bothered with camping.

Again, I still really never appreciated the outdoors and adventure. I just took everything for granted.

The next 2 summers I was sent to Camp Monahan, a residential kids camp. It was here I realized I hate girls that bring makeup camping, are obsessed with boys, and are afraid to get dirty. More importantly I learned that even if I hate the people surrounding me, I loved the place---the nature, the activies and the outdoors in general.

A few years later my family finally went on every kids dream vacation---Disneyland! Only we didn't go with some hotel package, or stay at an all inclusive resort... we drove down in our Crown Vic in July, stopping at every National Park to get some hiking in, and camped in tents. Yep. Even tents in the middle of Anaheim... we walked to Disneyland from the campground. Why is there a campground in the middle of Anaheim? I have no idea, but my guess would be so that starving writers and actors could imagine life with there own trailor.

My parents recognized that I didn't want to go back to Camp, all I wanted to do was avoid makeup wearing teenyboppers and go hiking. That's when I was sent on a hiking trip run by the same camp. This ended up being a rather significant turning point, as I finally loved it. Sure, the hike was easy, but I was with other people that just loved camping, and screwing around. Perfect.

The next year I returned to the camp to go on a canoeing trip. This I surprisingly enjoyed even more. In fact it's one of my favourite summers to this day. It was the first time I actually felt like I was on somewhat of an adventure, perhaps becasue canoeing was a bit of unkown territory.

Years went by of going back to the camp. For the past two summers I've gone back and lead the backpacking and canoeing trips. It's a little different as a leader... funnel clouds are a little scarier when you know the counsellor's cell phone doesn't get reception, and you don't have permission to be on the land you're on.

Since my youth I've revisted Europe, backpacking again of course. I fine myself much more interested in travelling to more exotic places now---India, South America, and Africa. And I'm hoping my next trips are a little more vigorous.

I go to the rocky mountains counteless times in the Spring/Summer/Fall months; summiting mountains has become an addiction. I'm also anticipating my attempt of winter camping, and outdoor climbing over the next year. I went on an 8 day kayaking trip this summer as well, and I must say rapids are most definetly a thrill, one that you shouldn't pass up!

Anywho I guess that suffices as an intro. These blogs will reflect my views of trips, and my opinions about... well anything. This one was kind of dry, but I figured it was good to know where I'm coming from. Essentailly you will eventually discover that I'm wild, crazy, opinionated, impulsive and stubborn... but I'll save that for future posts.

-Kate