Where Have I been? Travel Edition!

Hello friends! I didn’t post yesterday because it was a travel day for me. I was on a short road trip back from the lovely beaches of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. My family goes camping in Ocean City, Maryland every summer. Camping is our favorite pastime as my mom’s family enjoyed it too. As you can see in the photo to the left, we had a lovely time taking pictures on the jetty next to the harbor. My sister is on the left and her best friend that came along for the trip is on the right.

We spent one day at Assateague Island enjoying the beach and wild horses. Legend has it that these horses are descendants of horses that were shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland/Virginia hundreds of years ago. It is thought that the ship was probably Spanish and was carrying livestock to America. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate for us and it was cloudy with a high of 74. Needless to say I was a bit chilly and sat on the beach in my bikini bottoms and hoodie. The water was like ice!

Later on that day my mom and I took a little trip to one of her favorite stores called The Barn (colonial decorating and all things country) and then picked up some fresh corn grown locally in Delaware at a little produce store. There’s nothing better than fresh veggies and fruits.

After dinner we went to the campground’s karaoke night where my sister and a few other girls sang a Carrie Underwood song and then danced the Cotton Eyed Joe (oh memories of middle school flooding back anyone?) I must say that line dancing takes the wind out of you. I was so tired by the end of the night. When we got back to our campsite my dad had lit a fire in the fire ring. We sat around playing charades and telling funny stories. My sister was obsessed with puns all weekend so everything she said had a double meaning. At least it kept her laughing!

On Sunday it was cloudy again and not worth the beach trip. We went to a zoo in Salisbury, MD for some fuzzy animal sight seeing. I fell in love with the flamingos. A few of them were having a fit about something and kept poking at each other. It was adorable. We also saw this beautiful owl who wasn’t too happy to see us. He swiveled his head around when my sister started talking to it. He blinked a few times and opened his beak a little wanting to say something back.

When we got back to our campsite my sister and her friend engaged in their typical shenanigans and it ended up with my sister on the ground her camp chair. Silly girls.

Finally, we went to the boardwalk and people watched. It never fails to be entertaining. People are crazy, that’s all I can say! The girls had a good time spotting cute boys. Ok, I admit to having fun finding them first and then telling them where to look and when to start flipping their hair to get the boys’ attention. I’m just as bad as they are but it was a good time!

I hope you enjoyed the photos and my weekend recap! P.S. Leave a comment on whether or not you would like it if I started focusing a little more on “what’s in my closet” type things! Thanks!

 

 

Travel Edition: Going Camping

What to Pack for a Camping Trip

        A favorite past time of mine and my family’s is camping. Growing up we didn’t have money to spend staying at a resort or hotel. So with a little saving and planning ahead, my parents bought a Coleman pop-up camper. After that, we took many vacations every year in our pull-behind camper. We camped all over- the mountains of Virginia, Myrtle Beach, Civil War battlefields, Colonial Williamsburg, a theme park or two, and many other places. One of our most cherished vacation spots however, is Ocean City, MD. While not necessarily known for the ‘classy’ atmosphere, it has been a beloved place for families in the MD/DE/PA area to go during the summer for many generations. My family is no exception to this. 

       This weekend we’re planning a Mother’s Day camping trip to ‘OC’ as the locals call it,  for my mom and my ‘Aunt’ Terri (no biological relation but she and her husband are just like family).

         For any newbie campers out there you may be wondering where to start, what to pack, and what to expect. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone! I’ve been camping since I was 5 and still don’t know it all.  But I’m here to share with you what I do know!

1. Where do I start?

        Well, you start by planning the kind of trip you want and location. For first timers, I do not recommend traipsing out into the wilderness with no experience. Its not smart. My family has always enjoyed staying at state parks (usually very inexpensive!) or at a privately owned campground. Now some of you may be saying “that isn’t camping” and I suppose compared to the rough and rugged campers you would be right. But this is a perfect mix of nature and convenience. 

       The second thing you need to think about is what you will be staying in- tent, pop-up camper, or an RV. Tent camping is the closest thing to the real deal but from experience it is so uncomfortable. If you aren’t committed to buying anything bigger than a tent, then there are many places around the country that will let you rent to test it out. Go with what makes you comfortable. 

2. What do I pack?

       That is a loaded question because there is so much that I could tell you to bring! It really depends on where you are going, how long, and what your activities will be. Going to the beach and mountains are completely different settings that require totally different gear. Not only that, but each season at both places requires different things as well. 

       For my trip to the beach this weekend, I know it will still be a bit brisk down at the shore line so I will be packing light weight clothes with jackets to go over top. A look I love on the beach is bikini bottoms with a cute hoodie on top. I’ll still get my legs nice and tan without being too chilled. I’ll also be bring my Sperrys, sun screen, big hat, neutral color shorts, jeans, a few neutral color tops, bright accessories, and my Vera Bradley beach towel. 

       Regardless of where you go there are a few things you simply must bring: bug spray, small toiletries bag, first aid kit, bath towels, and depending on if you’ll be dining in or not, cookware, lighter, and charcoal. 

3. What should I expect? 

       You should expect a lot of memories to be made and a few mistakes that will make you laugh eventually. My family and I still make some whopper mistakes when we go camping but they make for a great memory later.

       Also, expect to see wildlife. When we camp at OC, we go to Assateague State Park at least once for a day. This beachy area is home to dozens of wild horses and an even bigger population of heron and deer. After being with these creatures that roam freely around the park you learn respect for nature and to leave it alone. Take your pictures but don’t get in their way, you’ll regret it. 

       Finally, expect for plans to be shifted around. You can never stick to an agenda when camping. And maybe that’s a good thing. Be flexible and don’t let your trip be ruined. 

Do you have any tips for camping? Comment below! 

-Liz