Journaled Journey of a Camping Newbie

Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, I recently embarked on a journey that was way different from my usual routines – my very first camping trip.

For someone like me who had always found comfort in the familiar, the idea of trading in my cozy bed for a sleeping bag beneath the stars and in the middle of nowhere was a blend of excitement and uncertainty.

And so as I ventured into the great outdoors armed with a tent, a sleeping bag, and a heart full of curiosity and anticipation, join me as I recount the story of my very first camping adventure, complete with its moments of awe, laughter, and perhaps a few mishaps along the way.

My First Camping Escapade

August 12. On the first day, we already encountered a challenge. While @mariasalve, @danahnatalie, me and friends were waiting for the bus that will take us to our destination, it began to rain heavily. But despite the relentless downpour and the terrible traffic jam, the determination to push through with the camping was unwavering.

After an approximate 3-hour bus ride from Cebu City to Naga City, a 20-minute motorcycle ride, and another 20-minute walk, we finally arrived at our camping site: Lake Veloso, San Fernando.

Our team of campers immediately set up our respective tents, and later on, we worked hand in hand in preparing our dinner.

Challenge number 2 coming right up!

As we were busy preparing our food, we then realize that some of the kitchen supplies we brought were limited such as cutting board, sharp knives, camp stove, pots and pans and food containers. And as if things couldn't get any worse, one of the camp stoves unexpectedly malfunctioned, prompting us to improvise and continue our cooking over a crackling wood fire. Because of these unfortunate events, it took us a painstaking amount of time to finish everything and finally be able to eat. Then a sudden rush of realization dawned on me that I was not fully prepared, which is, understandable since it’s my first time. So while we’re eating, I made a mental checklist of the must-have camping essentials so it would be easier the next time.

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Under the Stars: Campers Camaraderie

Right after we finished eating, we gathered around and started introducing ourselves. Most of them already knew each other as they have already shared several mountaineering and camping moments. @danahnatalie, Spencer and I were the first timers. It was so engaging to hear them talk about their mountaineering escapades. Too bad I wasn’t able to take pictures. I made another mental note to take lots of pictures next time. I can clearly see in their eyes and the way they speak about it, that they had a lot of fun doing such activities. Activities that were embedded into their memories forever. Deep inside, I also cannot wait to experience it all and have my own stories to tell about breathtaking summits, daring ascents, and triumphant moments of conquering nature's challenges. I’ll get there someday. One peak at a time. Fingers crossed.

And just like any other normal conversations, it included ghost stories and supernatural encounters that definitely sent shivers down my spine. Anything that screams HORROR is not something I particularly enjoy. Though of course I just kept my cool the whole time because I don’t want to make it too obvious that the anxiety kicked in and I was already uttering a short silent prayer, do I? 😂

Anyway, we also sang happy birthday to two of our friends, Junji and @ybanezkim26. We also had some few shots of tequila and then decided to call it a day. Or so I thought. @danahnatalie and I shared a tent. When we were already settled in, we had our own little chitchats, and while we were doing our best to keep our voices low so we wouldn’t disturb everybody, a couple of minutes later, some of us were still awake and continued talking to each other. @danahnatalie and I were silently listening and at some point butted into the conversation, all the while being inside the tent. However, I was already exhausted so I let myself succumb to sleep momentarily.

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The Morning After

Morning came and guess what? Hello challenge number 3! Although it was more of a personal and private matter, an unwanted visitor came to say hi (if you know, you know 🫣). What a perfect timing. I was again reminded how unprepared I was resulting to another mental note. Good thing Danah woke up earlier and checked up on me. I told her what was happening. So she asked for help to our girl friends and thank heavens, Chiara to the rescue! Yey! Love you girlies!

After I regain my composure and made sure I was fully awake, I went out of the tent and joined the others for breakfast. Before leaving the place, we also took some solo shots and group photos.

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Time has come when we have to go, we proceeded to folding our tents and packing our gears, leaving no trace but footprints and memories. As I headed home, a newfound appreciation for nature's beauty with sense of accomplishment lingered. Sure, we had unfortunate events but each challenge had been met with laughter, resourcefulness, and a growing camaraderie. It was pretty tough and I know I still have so much to learn about camping. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every moment of it. As they say, it’s in the mishaps that make the experience more fun and memorable. And I just know that this camping experience had marked the beginning of my enduring love affair with the great outdoors.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. Until the next chapter of my exploration!

And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.” – Shanti

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