Hello, fellow campers! Summer 2014 was my first season as a "happy camper." I grew up camping with my parents and siblings. We started with all sizes of pop-ups when I was required to go. My parents then went on to a 5th wheel and now a motor home that we call their mobile mansion. I've camped here and there over my adult years, but it's never been my thing. My idea of roughing it was always a holiday inn with black and white tv.

Fast forward and my 7 year old really talked me into it. At the beginning of summer I had a Chevy Impala so I couldn't tow even a small pop-up. So... I invested in an instant tent and got some old equipment from my brother (who has a very long trailer). My car doesn't hold much at all so I recruited my sister to join us and pack her car up as well.

So here we are at the end of our first year. I now own a 2004 Ford F150 STX. I'm looking at hybrids for the next year or so.

I'm a happy camper at last!