The smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning amidst the crisp outdoor air. Smoke hangs in the air, maybe a stream babbles in the distance. You eat, you drink and you soak up the forest, as nature delivers a small batch of leafy therapy. I can’t think of many things that are more classic than camping. The original ‘getting off the grid,’ simply because that’s probably where we started as a collective humanity. Life sprung out of this so-called recreation and for me, life springs from it.
Last year, I was a fool, and possibly for many years before that. I didn’t realize how much I loved camping until I started backpacking again. This year, I aim to make up for the lack of woods, fresh food, sleeping under the stars and chats next to a glowing campfire as tequila enters the bloodstream.
My favorite spot is a childhood default. The first time I can remember entering the woods for an extended stay was Pipi Valley. What seemed like a long drive as a kid was definitely not. Maybe one and a half hours out of Sacramento, this place is certainly convenient. Having come here for almost my entire life, it seems to change every time, which always amazes me and never gets old. A cozy valley squeezed in the hills near Pioneer, CA, it may not offer much in terms of hiking, but relaxation is king here. The woo of the forest gets me every damn time… And I am totally ready for some forest wooing right about now. May 1st, booked.
Now it’s your turn, even though it’s not quite Summer, tell me, how much do you camp per year? What are you favorite spots and why? Any favorite memories deep in nature?
ELIAS VISUALS 
This post REALLY made me want to go backpacking. Lovely photos, too. One of my favorite trips was to Lake Shoshone in Yellowstone NP. Lovely, and very secluded for such a popular park.
Don’t worry, I’m going backpacking later in May too. My goal is two trips a month during Summer. That spot sounds awesome, I love tucked away secrets. Any gems that came out of it?
Two trips a month sounds ideal!
I think the highlight for me was when two bison trotted up right behind us on one of the trails. We scrambled up a hill to get out of the way- they were HUGE- and they plowed right on by, snorting. Also the starts were some of the best I’ve ever seen. And of course, the natural hot springs and geysers. What a strange place.
oops… the stars*
That sounds like an awesome experience! I’m jealous, and now probably have to go there, possibly immediately. Thanks, Haha.
Why, you’re so welcome! Yellowstone is amazing and you should go there as soon as your schedule and bank account allow. 🙂
Of course, but first… Mt. Whitney in July!
Great photos, makes we want to grab my tent and get out there! How do you get the fancy star pictures?
Like you I haven’t been camping for year, before we did it late last summer and it was great!! Definitely doing more of that this summer. The only thing I don’t love about camping is that you have to book a campground spot here. Back home you can camp where ever you want without getting into trouble:)
I have never camped somewhere you Didn’t have to book a spot in advance. In California, it seems that’s the absolute norm. Get out there!
We will get out there for sure – but maybe wait a month or so, it is still below freezing here during the night! 🙂 We are 1000 meter above sea level so takes bit longer for spring to really thaw things up.