Getting it right, years later…
Comments (1) We just got back from our annual camping trip to the West Coast of Vancouver Island- our dear Tofino! Well, actually, it’s Green Point, Long Beach and Uke that we adore the most, as we find Tofino is turning into a busy and predictable (although still charming) surf and tourist town. But alas, we will continue to call this destination by it’s loveliest name: Tofino… Doesn’t it just roll off the tongue in such a nice way? Tofinooooo…
Anyway, since I find myself 6 months pregnant (again!) while setting up camp this year, and as the official Mama, I decided it was fully within my rights to maximize for comfort this year. Why should I tolerate nights of bad sleep for the sake of Camping? And who said camping had to be uncomfortable?? Why have I believed this for years? SO, with a belly full of baby, I came armed to create ‘The World’s Comfiest Tent’:
Um, yeah, let’s call that a success… I’ll break it down for you: a firmly inflated double height baffled air mattress (heaven!), flannel sheets, copious layers of warm quilts, sunshine (gracious me!) and a beautiful boy gazing at his boots… It was really hard getting out of bed every morning given these conditions and considering that Mr. Finn is a top-notch snuggler. That bed was absolutely key to my coming away from this week feeling like I am actually RELAXED, and not in more discomfort, or more tired, or… well, it’s a little tricky being pregnant while camping.
Backing up a few weeks in this pregnancy, I had spent the earlier part of this month recovering from a separated pelvis- officially the most painful experience of my life, and something I hope to avoid the rest of this pregnancy (and for the rest of my life? ahem). It was only after a couple chiro treatments and several days of bed rest (thank goodness for Dad’s who are available at the drop of a hat!!! xoxoxox!) that I was back on my feet. So suffice to say I didn’t want to risk my body for the fun of a few nights in a tent, even if it is the most beautiful place on earth.
A lovely lovely trip, different from any other, and possibly my favourite so far. And as camping seems to go for me- food always tastes better, the sunshine is more appreciated, the rain is more tolerated, the company of friends is so delightful and ‘just right’… and for the first time ever, the nights were cozy and comfortable. Who knew?
Oh, and Finn wanted you all to know- HE LOVES THE BEACH! Sticks, sand, shovels, water, wind, birds, weird seaweed, happy people… what’s not to love?
So for all of you out there sitting on the fence about camping- take it into your own hands! Bring the hot water bottles, favourite pillows, warmest slippers, and thermos of chamomile tea. Let’s name our experience COMFORT- instead of accepting hand-me-down foamies and slippery sleeping bags that drag down the good name of camping.
Now, why did this never occur to me before? And this leads to further wondering- what other beliefs am I still hauling around with me these days that aren’t my own? hmmm… I might need to do more camping this summer.
Happy comforts, dear readers!
Themocracy