A Weekend Away from the City - A camping story

Life get’s busy, escape to the woods

Living in a city is full of noise. Beeps, honks, sirens, birds, people… you name it, a city has a sound for that. Well, almost. What a city doesn’t have is a sound for silence. To seek that, we packed our backpacks, sleeping bags, a few meals, and headed out to the woods for a weekend get away.

Tips for a successful camping trip:

  • Manage your weight

  • Know where you can find and filter water

  • Get your permits in advance

  • Plan your route before going

  • Go with friends

  • Have a destination with a view so the hiking is worth it

Enjoying the last light from atop a mountain on a camping trip just outside the city limits. Photograph by Dalton Johnson

Slowing down to a walking pace, from the hustle of daily routine, the pitter patter of our feet fill our ears. Our bodies feel something different as we set our pace slow enough to look around at the trees and notice squirrels chasing each other. Life is different at a walking pace. Life is different outside of the city. Life is different when you go camping.

Tips for better than usual camping meals:

  • Bring two lighters and a cook stove

  • You don’t have to eat dehydrated meals and trail mix for every meal

  • Instant rice and Indian food packets are a great idea

  • Macaroni and Cheese is a light and quick option… try bringing some pre-cooked sausages

While escaping the city, a group of friends enjoy a meal as the sunsets. Photograph by Dalton Johnson

A practice in patience, waiting for our meals as our bellies growled. We wanted take-out from our favorite place, but that wasn’t an option. We only had what we carried in on our backs. Thankfully, the meal was salmon and instant rice. WOW! That was a great camping meal that brought a smile to my face. Now, it was time for the sleeping bag, the stars, and some shut eye.

This camping trip is what we needed to escape the busy life of the city.