Camping Outdoors

“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they would live a lot differently,” says Bill Watterson. Camping trips are a great way to experience nature and the great outdoors. My most memorable experience in nature was during the summer of 2015 when my family and I decided to embark on our first camping trip at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia. The state park was located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain encompassing 3538 acres, making it the largest state park in Georgia. The park offered breathtaking views of deep canyons, waterfalls, wildlife and more. Although I was reluctant at first, due to the lack of connectivity for my electronic devices, camping was not so bad after all. Camping outdoors to become one with nature allowed my family to reconnect with each other, become adventurous and explore the great outdoors for an unforgettable experience.

The first day of my camping trip with my parent, brother and sister began in the morning as we hit the road with our luggage and camping equipment pack snuggly in the back of our SUV. We took the two-hour drive from the highway rumble in metro Atlanta to our forest destination in total absence of civilization. Once we arrived, we did not pitch the tent near a bunch of RVs. We set up camp in the wild so we could hear the cries of the animals in the night and wake up surrounded by trees and creepy crawling little neighbors.

The next day we were awakened by the bright sunlight and the cool fresh crisp air. We gathered firewood to prepare the perfect meal to sustain us for a fun filled day ahead. Using aluminum camping pots, we whipped up sausage, scrambled eggs and potatoes. After breakfast, we laced up our Nike’s and headed out for a hike on the Waterfall Trail. The trail was 1.8 miles round trip and strenuous, but it was well worth it to see the clear water flow and hear the calming ripples. Every half mile down the canyon, we able to view waterfalls, first Cherokee Falls and then Hemlock Falls. Chiseled canyon walls were along the path as we crossed a variety of surfaces including dirt paths, wooden boardwalks, and 600 metal stairs. The canyon rim was beautiful as it was filled with bright green trees and foliage.

The afternoon was spent learning how to tie various knots with ropes. This required us to be disciplined and focused in order for us to successfully tie the knots. Learning this could assist with first aid, fishing, survival and creating additional camping tools. Next, we went fishing after borrowing poles from the campsite. After placing bait on the hook, we cast the lure. We heard the splash of the lure in the pond as we stood on the bank. However, after standing along the bank for an hour I did not a thing. Fishing taught me patience and that you can’t give up after only a few minutes. It takes time for the perfect catch just as it takes hard work and perseverance to be successful in school and work.

That evening after dinner we gathered around the fire to chat and play games. Fun was had by all and we slept soundly through the night since we were exhausted from the days activities. The next morning, we prepared to go home. We broke down the tent, cleaned up the camp site and packed the SUV for our return home.

My first camping trip with my family was a time I will never forget. Camping eliminated distractions and allowed my family to reconnect. While camping, I like the hiking and gaining awareness of the beauty of nature. Additionally, I like the smell of the fresh air, sitting by the campfire and gazing at the beautiful bright stars shining in the night sky. Overall, our first camping trip brought our family closer together, brought out the adventurous spirit in all of us and gave us the most unforgettable experience of our lives. Being in the great outdoors was an exhilarating experience.