on last year's road trip…joshua tree, ca
trips have been the catalyst for many a minimalist transformation. the realization that one can be comfortable and happy with nothing more than what fits into a backpack is incredibly liberating and mind expanding. i am hoping to apply this principle in reverse as we prepare for four nights of camping…with our family of four…in a prius (after spending a few nights with family). last year's camping trip was done in our now defunct 1999 honda-crv which was not huge but had more space to pack than this car.
first, i have to be sure that the camping supplies fit. we need our tent, air mattresses and sleeping bags. this is the first round of "necessities"…sleeping, eating and a few comfort items.
tent, tarp, rug
tiny broom and dust pan (same one we use in the house)
garbage bag (to put the tent and tarp in, if we have to pack it up wet)
2 air mattresses (with pumps charged)
4 sleeping bags
4 small pillows
4 small chairs
beach sheet (full size sheet) (doubles as table cloth)
clothesline + 10 clothespins
flashlight (with new batteries)
bug spray, sunscreen, itch cream
bandaids, neosporin-to-go
matches (in waterproof container)
marshmallow sticks
wipes?? (we have some left-over from babysitting)
advil, allergy pills
toothpaste, shower gel/shampoo in one (shared by everyone)
a couple old kitchen towels (to eat off of)
knife with cover
frisbee, card game(s)??
umbrellas
things we are not taking this time, but did on our last trip (in this category):
plastic bin
4 enamel bowls
4 spoons, 4 forks (our regular ones from home)
washcloth, dish towel, dish soap
small cutting board
salt + pepper
can opener
a few ziploc bags
small cooler
laundry detergent
personal packing list is up next. it always gives us a sort of embarrassed/proud laugh to wedge ourselves in between the huge rv's with our humble accommodations. i'm so glad to not have the burden of taking care of all that equipment and to not have to pay for the gas to haul those beasts around…that feels great until it starts to rain or the temperatures dip below 50 degrees…but, oh well, we are camping! :)
love,
jane
first, i have to be sure that the camping supplies fit. we need our tent, air mattresses and sleeping bags. this is the first round of "necessities"…sleeping, eating and a few comfort items.
tent, tarp, rug
tiny broom and dust pan (same one we use in the house)
garbage bag (to put the tent and tarp in, if we have to pack it up wet)
2 air mattresses (with pumps charged)
4 sleeping bags
4 small pillows
4 small chairs
beach sheet (full size sheet) (doubles as table cloth)
clothesline + 10 clothespins
flashlight (with new batteries)
bug spray, sunscreen, itch cream
bandaids, neosporin-to-go
matches (in waterproof container)
marshmallow sticks
wipes?? (we have some left-over from babysitting)
advil, allergy pills
toothpaste, shower gel/shampoo in one (shared by everyone)
a couple old kitchen towels (to eat off of)
knife with cover
frisbee, card game(s)??
umbrellas
things we are not taking this time, but did on our last trip (in this category):
plastic bin
4 enamel bowls
4 spoons, 4 forks (our regular ones from home)
washcloth, dish towel, dish soap
small cutting board
salt + pepper
can opener
a few ziploc bags
small cooler
laundry detergent
personal packing list is up next. it always gives us a sort of embarrassed/proud laugh to wedge ourselves in between the huge rv's with our humble accommodations. i'm so glad to not have the burden of taking care of all that equipment and to not have to pay for the gas to haul those beasts around…that feels great until it starts to rain or the temperatures dip below 50 degrees…but, oh well, we are camping! :)
love,
jane
