HAPPY EASTER!
Since I am currently in Scotland and cannot be with my family this Easter holiday, I decided to write a post about a family tradition we share.
During the Summer months, one of my top memories in California has been our yearly camping trips. When my brother and I were younger, we used to head up to Eel River with multiple families annually. The older we got, the busier our schedules became {as they do}. We now keep it local and drive out to Hendy Woods to sit around the campfire and roast marshmallows.
I’m not your typical ‘outdoorsy’ type, but I wholeheartedly believe that nature is the cheapest kind of therapy. No wifi, no make-up, no problems. Camping truly forces you to live. You no longer have an excuse to be distracted and avoid a face-to-face conversation with another human being {god forbid}. You can’t constantly be on your beloved phone, staring at the pictures of other people ‘living’ their lives. You have a chance to live yours. I am just as much of a culprit of this as anyone, but ridding myself of my technology is the most freeing feeling. My mind clears and I allow myself the opportunity to get up and do something.
I have no plans of throwing out my make up collection, popping off my acrylic nails, or buying a backpack, but I am oh so green with envy for those that have.
Camping also reminds me of the many childhood memories I keep somewhere in the back of my mind. I fully embrace the entire experience. I love unpacking the food into the tiny wooden cupboard, watching the boys attempt to set up the tent, and starting a fire just because I can.
I hope to carry on this tradition with my family one day. It’s one of the most important ones to me. One year recently, I had my wisdom teeth removed a day before, and still insisted I make the annual family camping trip. You can imagine I made it less than 24 hours before I found myself back home with my feet on the couch. But this is my level of dedication to the cause.
On our drive home, we always stop at Gowen’s Oak Tree, a side-of-the-road fruit stand.
It not only sells the best fresh fruit and applesauce, but brings a sense of comfort each time we drive past or stop in to collect the daily pick. It reminds me of where I’m coming from, that I am with family, and that I am heading home. Apples aren’t your typical comfort food, but in this case it gets the job done.
What are your favorite family traditions?
Or favorite camping spots in Northern California?