So I am taking a camping trip with my mom this week. This is the first time in years I have either gone camping or camped with my mom. I am now in Pinole, CA, at my mom’s. It’s strange because so far my trip has more resembled a backpacking trip than a camping trip. Could this be because I stuffed my hiking backpack with camping gear–tent, sleeping bag, pads, pillows, stove, etc–in order to take a trip on Amtrak to the Bay Area? I think so! My wife even took a picture of me with backpack on when she dropped me off at the train station, as if she was sending me off on a trip to Yosemite. Furthermore, I have taken the train several times before in this exact same fashion in order to go backpacking with my brother.
Admittedly, it felt a little odd getting “all dressed up” as if I’m going on a hiking trip. But taking the train required I pack compactly, with or without subsequent backpacking.
And on that point, all is well. It is nice to be camping again. It is also nice to spend time with my mom, who always enjoys outdoor adventures.
As for backpacking, I am telling myself that this is a good dress rehearsal for my next backpacking trip 🙂
p.s. Day 300!