I’ve been reminded lately that the human body needs rest and relaxation in order to cope with the stresses and pressures of modern living. Back in the old days when Man (gender neutral ladies) had to work every day to survive they still had down times after dark, during rain or bad weather to take a load off, sleep late or have some time with family and friends. Me and the missus have found ourselves more married to the JOB than each other. Working together has its own separate stresses involved, but the main downside is that we get so wrapped up in work, we forget about taking it easy and relieving those stresses. Even our “vacations” turn out to be stressing -  going through airports, driving in strange cities, strange hotel rooms with uncomfortable beds and the whatever that comes with all that.

Even on weekends we always seem to have some project, housekeeping or gardening that keeps us going until suddenly its Monday morning again. Well the missus finally had enough and went out and bought us a tent camper. I have never lost my love of the outdoors, but it always seemed such a hassle to drag out the tent and other camping supplies and then work like a dog to setup all the tent, tarps and kitchen. Now we have this handy tent on wheels that most people refer to as a Pop-up.  Not the same as one of those huge, expensive motor homes or 50 foot campers, but a small trailer that you’re  able to move around by hand (if you’re not on a big hill mind you) and put a bunch of your camping stuff in all the little compartments.

My wife was so excited to go through all the drawers and cabinets since the couple we bought it from left much of their camping stuff inside. Ah the smores maker, a fondue set, popcorn popper, toaster oven and, wait a minute. Fondue set?  That ain’t campin’.  I been campin’ 40 some years and not once did any of the old timers bring out a fondue set. As a matter of fact we didn’t even have s’mores. Back in the day, a big old iron pot, a huge blue coffee pot, 3 or 4 iron skillets, a tarp, some rope and groceries was all we used to take.

Then we got us one a them white gas, pump-up coleman stoves AND a lantern! Next was the canvas tent and later nylon varieties. Then when propane became widely available, a propane stove and lantern tree and heater and fish cooker and on and on was what you needed. Let’s face it, even campin’ ain’t campin’ no more. The modern world has invaded a once sacred practice of the old school, ain’t nuthin’ should be easy school.

But wait a minute I came up here to relax. I actually had the camper setup in 15 minutes and that was after a major correction born from unfamiliarity with our newly obtained piece of modern technology. In 15 minutes it was open, beds in place, power and water connected, air conditioner going, awning setup and I was barely sweating. That was easy.

We actually played Scrabble last night, I haven’t played Scrabble in 30 years or more. As I write we sit in the comfort of a reclining lawn chair with my laptop on, connected to the wireless Internet offered by the boat dock across the cove (for a fee of course), hoping my blackberry doesn’t go off , oh wait did I forget that thing? Drat, oh well I guess they can’t call me

Back to the point of relaxation, I actually slept a total of 18 of the last 24 hours. I’m still drinking coffee at 10:20am and don’t have to worry about mowing the yard.  I have only in a few weak moments even thought about work. I feel like a new person after one of these little getaways. So take it from someone that just recently re-discovered how to relax, buy yourself a popup and hit the road. Remember Monday will come anyway so do yourself a favor and take a break. Go AWAY, do not stay home or those pressures will never fully disappear. Camping is a reasonably inexpensive distraction that even with a tent can be easy and relaxing at a nearby State park or private campgrounds. Nice clear campspots, clean bath houses, electricity and water at the campsite affords almost all the comforts of home at a nominal fee. Even if you like the primitive, work-at-it style camping, most parks have that available as well.
One word of caution, make sure your chosen campground isn’t full by calling ahead or making reservations where able. It can be frustrating to get there only to find there is no availability. You can meet new friends or take along some old ones. The food always tastes better on a camping trip and really thats the only thing you even need to worry about.  What and when for the next meal?  And oh yeah, don’t forget to forget the blackberry.
Peace!
The Sage