One of the best things about camping is camping with others you know and love. Last October I was camping with my family and there was a large group behind us covering several campsites and they were having a blast! The other thing we noticed was that every single one of them had a hybrid trailer. If you don't know, a hybrid trailer combines the soft-sided beds with the hard-sided main compartment. They are fairly rare (though gaining popularity), so it was unusual to see so many in one place. Come to find out, they were a hybrid trailer group that gets together twice a year--Memorial Day weekend and Columbus Day weekend. This was the Columbus Day adventure, and it's the one without the kids, so needless to say they were taking full advantage! :) They got me thinking--I wondered if any of my extended family would like to go camping? I come from a large extended family on my mother's side. She's one of 7 siblings, most of whom have kids, now those kids are expanding their families, so you get the picture. I thought maybe a few of them would be game. I put a message out on Facebook just to get an idea of who might be interested. Well, turns out EVERYONE was! Cabins were rented for those who prefer not to camp, campsites were booked, and plans for dinners and outings were made. My sister and brother in law even came up from Florida to join us and some long time family friends who live in the area came, too! It was amazing!! I had no idea that my errant thought last October would bring so much fun and so many memories this July. I don't know if this will become a yearly thing--right now I'm thinking every few years--but I am so glad we did it. Life is short, enjoy every minute with those you love! Happy camping, everyone!
