The Perfect Campsite

[Paul Magnanti]

Something I wrote that I thought I'd share…  

Was in a philosophical mood.

May be of interest. Or not. :)

http://www.pmags.com/the-perfect-campsite

[Valerie E]

Nice!

I consider myself very lucky that I've had a few "perfect campsites" of my own… :^)

[BlackHatGuy]

Nice writeup. I've got a slightly different take on it – the perfect campsite is the one I'm currently occupying….

[Valerie E]

Oh Doug, LOL — "If you can't be with the one you love, honey, love the one you're with…", eh?

Maybe you wouldn't say that if you'd camped in some of the horrible places my husband used to choose: two examples would be the ones I nicknamed "the elk toilet" and "the bug swarm". Sigh. Now I feel I have to vet all campsites!

Edited: Typo, dammit!

[Paul Magnanti]

Doug, normally I agree with you..but there are times when my times were soured I must confess.

When the Mrs. and I went to the Great Sand Dunes over Thanksgiving one year, it was magical. We had the place nearly to ourselves. Our campsite bordered the Dunes and it was a short walk to be out in that giant sandbox.

The mixture of sand and snow was very memorable.

The cold but clear nights were awesome. A campfire warmed us. The only two other parties in the campground were obviously seeking solitude as well and parked far away.

Fast forward to last September..after Labor Day no less.

On the way back from Taos, we decided to camp in the Sand Dunes again.

Much to my surprise, the campground was nearly full. As we were doing a B&B in Taos for our anniversary, we were not equipped for backpacking (Sidenote: My wife was shocked that I proposed a non-outdoor trip for our anniversary. Even more shocked? My mother! She said to the Mrs and I on the phone: "About time Paul"…:) ).

The Sand Dunes were noisy. They were crowded. It did not feel like an outdoor trip but more like what an outdoor Disneyland.

Conditions that admittedly put me on edge and bring out the worst in my personality.

The only time I felt some of the magic was when the Mrs and I woke up very early, went to a picnic ground by the side of the dunes and made a quick breakfast. We walked the dunes in early Fall morning.

The trip reminded me of what we only go to improved campgrounds off-season (which is hard to do with budget cutbacks..see the Sand Dunes) and why I avoid popular spots when backpacking if I can.

Perhaps more of a reflection on me..but there you have it.

[BlackHatGuy]

"Perhaps more of a reflection on me..but there you have it."

Not at all, and I truly hope you didn't take my post as a criticism of your piece, it most certainly wasn't meant that way.

I think my thought is more a reflection on the time we get to spend in the backcountry. I think I got out twice last year, that's it. You're out there much more, and therefore have more of an opportunity for less than perfect situations. :-) I'll be getting out more soon, and I'm sure I'll change my tune!

Valerie, you made me laugh out loud!

[Paul Magnanti]

Doug,

Oh no! I didn't think that at all. Your comment t made me think and that is what is known as a "good thing" :)

At least my campsites did not involve (too much) elk poop! :)

[George F]

Nice piece Paul, thanks for sharing it. It got me thinking of some of the best campsites I've been in over the years, all different, all with a certain sense of place that set them apart. The down side is that growing up I spent summers in the Galilee area and worked in a couple of the local restaurants and now I have a hankering for chowder and clam cakes. Oh well, off to the store I go. At least I have a fryer.

[Jay Wilkerson]

Evolution Valley

[Author]

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