CAMPOLOGY

As the Campologist's wife, I sometimes feel pressured into the big outdoors. Don’t get me wrong… I love camping, backpacking, car camping, and hotel camping… but I am not a paddler.  I prefer to have my feet moving under me with a grounded sense of getting somewhere.  When in a canoe I’m restless and often have a feeling that I have paddled for hours and really haven't got anywhere. When I tell people I don't like canoeing, I get raised eyebrows and the wispy sounds of "really" oozing from their judgemental mouths. I feel like there is something wrong with me.

There is something about a good pocket knife that somehow completes me. Perhaps it is hard-wired into all red-blooded homo sapiens.  

The creation of the first knife, or more accurately described as a cutting tool, could in fact have been the evolutionary tipping point that began the human race’s eventual domination of the planet. 

When you are camping, there all always things that need to be strapped up, on or down.  There are so many great options that are safe and useful… one you never should use is a bungee cord.  

Bungee cords are both, not secure, and dangerous… very dangerous. 

I didn’t die… nor did I sleep!

This is a short, yet painfully accurate reflection of my late fall backpacking trip last weekend. 

It was a beautiful November day in frosty Ontario and I was restless. I desperately needed one last camping trip under my belt before the frost sets rock hard for 4 unforgiving months. Like a kid waiting at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning, I vibrated with eager anticipation. 

My “essential” list is small, light and crafted from decades of experience.  Two items that surprise many are earplugs and a sleep mask. 

My select pile of essential goodies goes with me on every camping trip whether it be a multi-week adventure in the far north or a one-day flash into the mountains to cleanse the soul. So why a sleep mask and earplugs. 

With the summer finally here, everyone knows to apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water and stay within the view of the lifeguards. But the Global Lyme Alliance (GLM) is spreading the word about one of the season’s biggest—but rarely mentioned dangers—the tick. GLM has compiled a list of Top 10 Tick Prevention Tips to help everyone outdoors avoid becoming a victim of these disease-carrying menaces.

Being the Campologist's wife has its challenges and advantages.  As I have said in my first post, I do like camping and have the Campologist to thank for that. 

I have always been an "outdoorsy girl". My family camped for many

summers in a 16' travel trailer with a kitchen, comfy bed, and a bathroom nearby. I did go to girl guide camp (although I must admit, I kind of hated it ) and that is about it.

Napping breaks a hiking day into 2 chunks and recharges the legs

Long days on the trails or water are the best kind of days. 

Particularly during the extended summer days, or better yet the never-ending summer sun of the far north.