TheWordWire.com: Camp Fabulous

Camp Fabulous

Camp Fabulous.

That's what Rufus calls me. It's because I can't leave my inner girly-girl at home when we take to the great outdoors. He's like a modern-day Meriwether Lewis blazing a trail and exploring whatever he can find. But I'm no Sacajawea. More like a Sac-a-Something-Else when it comes to leaving modern comforts behind.

Rufus genuinely loves to camp, and I'm inspired by his sheer appreciation of nature. If we could swing staying a week in a five-star resort, he'd still want to sleep outside. I, on the other hand, will sleep in a tent as a trade-off — A hotel stay can eat away most of your travel budget, and I've got too much wanderlust to head home because of that. Yes, I know how unflattering it is to admit this: I camp because I'm (mostly) cheap.

The outdoor enthusiasts among you are shrieking. Besides, anyone who's ever stepped foot in a sporting goods store knows that proper outfitting is like the down payment on a car. But see, I just show up in my ridiculous hoochie shoes and chandelier earrings. Rufus, God love him, takes care of the rest.

Camp Fabulous.

Now, I'm not as much of a Sac-A-Something-Else as it sounds. I do have some responsibilities. I'm Director of Research for finding us a good spot. And Catering Manager for fireside hors d'oeuvres.

I love my job, because it incorporates what, in my opinion, are the two best things about camping.

1. Sitting under the stars, which you can see because a campfire is the only light.
2. Peeking out of the tent in the morning to see a scene like this...

Photo: KevinCart — Sunrise over Canyonlands Needles District

* Our own photos are still to be downloaded, but I appreciate others allowing the
use of theirs. Flickr is a great resource for figuring out where you want to visit.

Camp Fabulous indeed!

On our recent tour of Utah, we camped three nights. On Boulder Mountain In the Fishlake National Forest overlooking Capitol Reef, tucked right into some interesting rock formations and hoodoos in Goblin Valley State Park, and on the desert floor of Canyonlands positioned with direct view of The Needles.

So how about you? Are you a happy camper? Tell me what you love (or don't) about sleeping in the great outdoors.