Next summer's Camping trip

But CLAIRE!!! Didn't you JUST get back from your last camping trip for THIS SUMMER??? 

Why yes I did. But because I cannot shut of the running thoughts in my head the best thing I can do for me, is make plans.  Also many popular national parks require booking up to a year in advance. 

So this summer I did 3 short camping trips.  Next summer the plan is to spend a minimum of 12 nights camping. It could be as many as 17 depending on which option I choose. They will not all be consecutive, but it will be without coming home. As a teacher I know I have summers off, but my husband doesn't know his life that far out, so while I would love for him to join me for part of the trip, I plan for what I know and make changes where needed. 

I LOVE lists. This summer I came back from each of my trips with lessons. Most of which involve different things to bring with me.  So today while it is all still fresh in my mind I am making a list I wont lose of things I will need for next summer. 

1. 2 Liter Water bladder 

2. Rain Pants 

3. Wide Toe Box Hiking Boots

4. Better sleeping pad for side sleepers 

5. Bear Spray

6. Enough Audiobooks to have 1 per day I am gone- Addictive personality type with no access to internet will require pre-downloaded books. 

7. A list of places to eat when I don't want to cook for myself. 

8. Back up plans for each stage of the trip

9. Toilet Option- including poop tube. 

10. Realistic Expectations 

I have a few different trip options already mapped out because I am who I am and I'd be gone between 20 and 30 days depending on the trip. If I have a really big drive day am I building in enough rest time? If I've spent a lot of nights on the ground am I planning accordingly for getting a hotel or Airbnb so my back can take a break and maybe I can get in a hot tub? 

I love planning trips. Having everything (and it's backup) mapped out and booked. Planning my summer 2021 trip got me through that school year. Having this summer's camping trips as a goal made the last 6 weeks of school easier. So it's my hope that by having something to plan and look forward to that this gives my brain something to do when work is overwhelming or dragging me down. 

Signing off for Now

Claire