Watching the spectacle of the sky as it turns into a million shades of glorious
Dawn and dusk are some of my favorite times when camping. I like to rise just before dawn and watch the sun crest in the east as I graze my animals. Experiencing the the shifting colors in the sky as the sun rises is a wonderful way to start the day. Likewise, watching the setting sun paint the sky in hues reminiscent of a Monet landscape is a delightful way to wrap up the day.
Star gazing
If you live in the suburbs like I do, you’ll be lucky to see five stars on a good night. But when you’re camping on a clear summer night the stars will come out in full force. When not clouded by light pollution, the human eye can see across a distance of 2.5 million light years to gaze at the Andromeda Galaxy. Next month in August you’ll be able to watch the year’s most noted summertime display of meteor showers; the Perseids.
You'll never have a cup of joe that tastes as good as one enjoyed on a crisp morning while the horses and mules graze nearby
The times that you get incredibly close to wildlife
Spotting the native wildlife is a big part of visiting remote areas. I’ll never forget the first times I spotted moose grazing, or a bear slowly ambling away as I rode past. By far the most common camp visitors are the magpies dancing and crying in the trees above while dressed in brilliant blue. These beautiful and inquisitive birds are far from shy and will encourage you to feed them but, as with any wild animal, please don’t.
Cozy sweaters and coffee in the morning
In the high country it gets chilly and frost is not uncommon in the early mornings. A warm camp sweater and a hot cup of coffee are welcome friends as you watch the steam rising into the fresh mountain air through tired eyes. You’ll never have a cup of joe that tastes as good as one enjoyed on crisp summer morning while the horses and mules graze nearby.
The way the sun sparkles and glimmers through the trees
trees reflected in riverSunlight beaming and streaming through the forest is magical. Curtains of light softly falling to earth from high above and mixing with the deep shadows
of the trees. It’s fabulous.
Fresh camp bread, cooked over fire. Hot, aromatic, and somehow tasting better than anything from a regular kitchen
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