This past weekend, my family joined two other families for a nice weekend at a local campsite here in Alabama. My family was one of two that was camping–tents, sleeping bags, flashlights and battery-powered radios. The other two families opted for glamping–RVs with A/C, TV and other creature comforts.
Speaking of creatures, I shouldn’t lead you to believe that I am hardcore camper. I abhor snakes, lizards and tree frogs and would prefer to camp in places where these creepy crawlers (and slitherers) didn’t exist. But, it’s worth putting up with them to enjoy the fishing, cooking out, and roasting of marshmallows.
Those of you who have met me know that I have enjoyed my share of s’mores. Our family sticks with the classic s’mores recipe: Honeymaid Graham Crackers, Hershey Chocolate Bars, and Jet-Puffed Marshmallows. There’s just one ‘problem’. My youngest son, Timothy, loves to make s’mores, but he doesn’t like to eat them. Who knew that I would have a kid that did not want to eat gooey marshmallow chocolate sandwiches? It doesn’t seem possible. So, Timothy makes s’mores and, being a good mother who would never let good food (especially food involving chocolate) go to waste, I eat his share.
It seems I’m not the only American who likes the great outdoors but would like it even better if there were citronella candles and s’mores stations every ten feet. These are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
- A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed?
- Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.
- Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.
- Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.
- Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.
- Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.
- The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.
- Need more signs to keep area pristine.
- A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.
P.S. Are you a camper or a glamper? Share your stories and photos with me, please!
Photo credit: memecenter.com
