San Elijo

Recently we went camping to San Elijo. After three consecutive years of camping there, I am safely calling it bit of a tradition. Josh and I joined my brother and his girlfriend, Brittany at the site.

I am learning that camping requires A LOT of laundry, packing and foresight. I haven't quite found the balance of being prepared and being a "light packer." Despite feeling perpetually disorganized and a bit discombobulated the entire time, I did enjoy being out in nature with old and new friends.

Here are a few things I discovered about myself while camping:

1. It is very clever to bring two sets of car keys. I lost one pair and then, after a mad morning search, discovered them. Then, I locked one pair in a friend's house on the way home. Luckily, I had an extra set so I didn't have to wait for my friend to get home before I could leave San Elijo.

2. I don't need to buy surf racks for my car because I am not so sure I am a dedicated surfer. I managed to squeeze into my wetsuit and paddle out, only to conclude that I don't really enjoy the process of surfing as much as I wish I did. I love the beach, and I am beginning to realize that maybe I should stay on the dry sand and occasionally indulge with an intermittent boogie board ride to cool off!

3. There's no need to over pack or get a manicure and pedicure before camping. Once you are at your site, you realize that warm, old clothes are all you crave. All attempts at looking cute just take away from embracing the scene - which is pretty grungy.

4. The more the merrier! Campfire stories are priceless: The stories people who are drawn to a BBQ over a fire cauldron tell while drinking wine in the great outdoors could not be replicated in a one or five-star restaurant.

5. Next time I camp, I plan to pack light and bring along a great beach chair. Pressure's off, Gidget.