Wednesday, September 15, 2010

THE ADIRONDACK CAMPING MINDSET

     The often repeated mantra frequently heard in the Adirondacks is: "We're going camping this weekend!" Camping means different things to different ones.
     To some it conjures up the image of open skies, a campfire ring and a small backpackers tent. Others may see it as loading the camper trailer and driving to a multi-site campground and setting up camp in a prescribed manner by leveling the trailer and settling in.
     This is quite different than the concept of Adirondack camps which are, more or less, permanent structures built by owners on their own properties or leased land. The camping experience tends to be a more mobile experience in most peoples mind.
     For many, the whole Adirondack summer remembrance revolves around that camping experience whether only a short week in duration or a full month or more. Some even stretch the event over a few weekends, holding down their jobs during the work week and enjoying the weekends by camping at different localities.
    Often an individual's life history can be viewed by the different stages of their camping experiences. As the body grows older it is not so easy to camp on the bare ground or with minimal shelter and bed to sleep in. There is a natural progression toward campers, which are often easier on the body if not easier on the pocketbook.
     The one thing that can be said is that camping not only builds character in a person but it also builds lasting memories.

No comments:

Post a Comment