My Second Camp Ride And What Did I Learn

It was only my second camp out, nothing to brag about really. However I feel like documenting it just so that I can find my bearing in the future when I need some reference.

This time, I went back to the same camp site with the same equipment.

I didn't even have a knife with me, or even a multitool. All I had is what you see in the photo. A table, a gas burner, a cooker and a paper cup (the paper cup itself was actually a cup of soup. I emptied it into my stomach and used it as tea cup).

In a way this is a de-evolution in terms of complexity. Last time I had sausage and I had to boil them. This time I had nothing that I need to cook. All is MRE food.

Just pour hot or even room temperature water and wait for a while and they are good to go. There wasn't even any scene that necessitates the use of detergent. Clean water goes in and comes out of the cooker into the food package, food is eaten and the package is dumped.

It could be considered as dull, yes, yet at the same time it could be considered as liberating. To me at least.

Here's what I learned this time:
1. Depending on the purpose of the camp, bringing the least stuff I could is very relaxing.
Truth be told, I envy very much the campers nearby because they have got a fire going on and the food is sizzling, juicy and smells good. I don't have that. But what I do have is a peace of mind, knowing that I can spend my time doing what I came out to do - nothing. I could just sit there and wait for the food to cook without messing around. I just ate them, discard them, then sit there and enjoy my cup of tea while looking up at the sky, appreciating God's work.

2. At some point of time I have to accept the fact that camp site is not my house, bugs are around me and I have to take the risk to live with them and try to spot them before any damage is done.
I was borne and raised in a city, never was outdoor activity my choice of pastime. Doing this camping now is actually an active training to prepare myself for the long term goal of Long Way Round.

3. Sourcing for water is my next topic.
I have been bringing at least 4 litres of water for both camping. This is not a viable option in the long run. I either have to accept the tap water at the camp site, or accept the fact that the water after boiled should be OK, or go get myself a water purifier.

4. Learn of multiple use of the same thing.
A friend advised me of this and it was very helpful. This time I used my down jacket as pillow, my shower towel as wiping towel, my soup cup as tea cup, my tent top as the clothes line to sun dry my sleeping bag. I am sure this is nothing in the eyes of a veteran, but I am glad that I learned them anyway.

5. Learn to be with myself.
This sounds a little Zen but this is the best way I could say it. I learned to make peace with myself having nothing to do.

Next time, I want to try to do more cooking. Still no bon fire or bbq, but at least cutting something up and slow cook them while sipping a drink or something. Yeah, something like that. :-)

Let me share some photos of the camp site with you.

Cheers!

CK