My friends, of course!

by Keith
(Durango, CO)

The clean air, the challenge of a good hike, the sunrises, the campfire, even the all-powerful lure of the s'more -- all of this pales in comparison to hanging around with my good friends for some real "quality time."



Most of the time, it's difficult to even have a conversation with someone without distractions butting in. The ever-present cell phone, the rush of everyday life, the lure of running here or there. But when we get away for the weekend (the rule is always No Cell Phones), we can actually sit around and talk for hours with not a single interruption. And, of course, there's no better place to do this than around the campfire (once you figure out which way the smoke is going to blow!).

My best friend actually craves this time when she has been running around too ragged for too long. She'll ask me, usually in the middle of a stressful moment, "When are we going camping?" It's like a natural response now to the pressure of everyday life.

I'm starting to think our lives are supposed to be more like camping trips than what they usually are, and our friendships should be the way they are around campfires.

The fire, the friends, the food and the fun!

by Jim
(Birmingham, AL)

I love camping because usually there is no cell phone coverage!!!

The campfire is always relaxing.

I love long walks and bike rides through the camp
ground with my wife.

I love swimming and hiking.

I love exploring new places and sight-seeing.

I really enjoy meeting new people and sharing our camping experiences together.

I love cool, quiet mornings with a hot cup of coffee and my dog.

Nothing like a campfire

by Amber
(Denver, CO USA)

The campfire is the best part of camping and what I enjoy most.



Building up a nice fire is really quite enjoyable. Gathering the wood and piling it just right, so that it will burn better. Once you have it going, there is definitely a feeling of accomplishment.

Also, food cooked over a campfire tastes so good. No matter what you are making, it is very good when prepared over an open flame. Camp food is always so much fun to make, things like s'mores, and burgers usually require some preparation that is a whole lot of fun.

Plus, the camp fire is a great place for everyone to gather. When I go camping everyone hangs out around the fire at night.

People can tell ghost stories, camping stories, or just talk about whatever they feel like. There are no interruptions, like ringing phones, and there is no television to get in the way of the interaction.

It is a great way to enjoy an evening with friends or family.

Its like going home

(Michigan)

Entering the wilderness to go camping is like stepping into a home with a lot of square footage where I feel totally free. When out camping I love to hear the quiet of the forest or the trickle of a meandering stream. I love to see wildlife bound by me unaware of my presense and see the wildflowers growing all around me. I love the intoxicating smell of the woodland by day and the campfire at night. Then sleeping under the stars on a cloudless night, ahhhh! Camping is going to the home I never want to leave.