My daughter brought to my attention the ironic side of going camping. We pack up and drive at least an hour to sleep and hang out outside without all the modern technologies, but we pack everything but the kitchen sink! If we're trying to get away from technology and the comforts of home, why are we bringing all these comforts camping with us?

Because I like my comfort, that's why! I like my meats marinating in the cooler so I just have to throw them on the grill. I like my hot water bottles in case it's cold at night. I like bringing preboiled potatoes so they're ready to fry. I like my tent that goes up as easy as an umbrella, and I like my propane tent heater just in case there's a chill in the air. I like too many clothes, towels, blankets, and flotation devices. I like the weenie and marshmallow stick I bought from Canadian tire instead of having to find one on the ground. I like fire starter, air matrices, bug spray, and sun screen.

And then when it's all over, I love coming home to a real bed, a real bathroom, and 5 days of reality TV waiting for me in my VCR.