I was always the girl who preferred “roughing-it” at a 5 star resort or at the very least a new, very clean hotel chain. I wasn’t the least bit interested in campfires or bugs or morning dampness in my pillow.
So, I am as surprised as my husband just how much I enjoy our adventures in Pearl, our 1976 Airstream. When I started seeing articles about glamping and vintage trailers, I began to get very interested in the whole idea.Then we visited a vintage camper rally in a nearby town, and I was hooked on the absolute cuteness factor that was possible. And I began to dream.
Brad found our tin can online and we purchased it immediately upon discovering what great shape she was in. The Hollingsworths were so kind and generous to us leaving EVERYTHING we would need to begin camping immediately, down to an animal skin rug and adorable dishes. How nice is that?
I made new curtains out of vintage tablecloths and sheets, sewed pillows, and put our stamp on things. Looking for items to personalize our home away from home is so fun!
We have owned Pearl for almost a year now and I am hooked on camping. Here is why….
1. The Great Outdoors
I love hearing the birds sing, feeling the breeze through the windows, hiking on trails, and riding bikes around the camp ground. Even though we live in the country with gobs of privacy, it is very different for us to be parked in the deep woods.
2. My Husband Relaxes
Brad is a Type AAA, and it is nearly impossible for him to relax on the farm. His to-do list, which has a mind of its own, constantly nags at him and he can’t resist it. When we are camping, he unwinds and rests.
3. Seeing New Things
We love to visit new areas. There is so much beauty in our country and in Illinois. Our state is spectacular and has such variety in landscapes, and our natural resources are unbelievable. Can you imagine how prosperous our state could be if it wasn’t run by so many crooked politicians who are elected over and over again by the residents of 3 heavily populated counties?
4. Technology-Free Zones
Most state and national parks that we have visited have had poor cellphone and virtually no internet service. I must admit that I am a bit conflicted on this one. There are times that I would like to blog or do research online when we are on the road, but I can’t and I get a little annoyed. I am beginning to realize my annoyance is probably a sign that doing without my tech toys is just what I need.
5. Time to Read
I always have a stack of books waiting to be read, and when we are camping, I feel NO GUILT about reading for hours if I want.
6. Family Time
Campgrounds are full of families having a great time together. Kids are riding bikes, swinging, playing in the dirt, making friends, and hanging out with their parents. I love that.
7. Cheap Entertainment
Camping is inexpensive fun. Granted, we didn’t pay a lot for our camper and we don’t have an expensive boat or other fancy toys that we drag with us to the campground. I’m sure there are folks who spend a ton of money on this hobby, but you certainly don’t have to. Once you pay for your camp spot, the rest of the entertainment is basically free. Enjoying nature is cheap!
8. Clean Campgrounds
We have been so impressed with all the parks we have visited. They are clean and staffed with such nice people and many volunteers. Campers like to talk and we have met some very interesting folks! Accommodations vary from spot to spot and can include pools and tennis courts.
9. Good Local Eats
10. Quirky Finds
All in all, camping is just FUN. No make-up, messy hair, very comfy clothes are the order of the day, at least for me! We have lots to learn and hope to make many more trips to try to learn them. I want to be able to cook great meals over an open fire, I want to make a unique welcome sign, I want to paint a bicycle bright red to decorate our campsite.
I want to quit wanting to “improve” things and make them cuter and just stop and enjoy what God has already made. Maybe I’m not a Type B, after all.
The road less traveled is a really fun road, and if you have taken that path, I’d love to hear about it.
Any recipes, tips, or other advice you want to share? Please do!
Your camper is STUNNING!!! Just like one from a magazine! It is just too darn cute! And you seriously convinced me through this post that I want to get one to travel in with the beans! So much goodness indeed to be found in the forest! You guys have a blast this summer!! Nicole xoxo
Your camper and all her accessories are so cute! We used to more camping and I miss it although we find ourselves in the great outdoors often. Time away for reading and no technology sounds lovely…
Wow, you sure give a good case for camping! I love the outdoors, but I love my time in a good 5 star resort too. I adore the way you decorated your camper, it's very charming.
Sorry.. the Religious Writer comment was actually from me, I was signed up on my husband's blog profile.
~ Lauren
It's a beauty for sure! And every word you have written is so true. The differences in our terminology make me smile – camping over here is strictly tents! We would call holidaying in your camper, caravanning. We, just a couple of years ago, upgraded to a camper trailer (trailer tent?) – but oh, the luxury of a real bed, compared to a camp mattress on the ground!! Our favourite camp fire food is actually smores 🙂 Sherylee.
I miss ours so much and hope to get another trailer. I love all of the reasons you listed because I consider my favorite vacations were camping.
I love your air stream.
This is a dream my husband and I have. I love what you've done with your decorating, so warm and inviting. I'm glad you're able to get away and rest. It is a necessity!
Hi Susan! Your camper is adorable! It looks so homey inside. We used to camp with the kids, and we really enjoyed it. But we'd often get pelted with rain! This would certainly be a huge step up, and make those rain storms just a fun thing to listen to, not a threat to the leaky tent!
Oh, and I couldn't sleep on the ground anymore. That bed looks perfect 🙂
Ceil
WoW are you ever giving me some great ideas Susan! I love Pearl…she's a beaut! I haven't ever really thought of decorating the camp site although the camper is decorated to the hilt. I love the idea of the colorful banner. I would also love having a clothesline for all the wet towels and things. I do take our adirondack chairs in the back of the truck and a cute little table with us, but now I'm thinking more is more when it comes to camping.
I agree with all your reasons to make camping a priority this summer.
Have a great week my dear!
Absolutely adore this.
I think the Illinois countryside
is wonderful, too, and I'm
looking forward to seeing
a tiny bit of it as I travel to
Chicagoland this Friday…..
(Although it's MUCH better
off the beaten path!)
Love all of your pics and
am suddenly longing to try
"glamping," myself : )
Thanks for sharing!
xo Suzanne
I always jokingly say that my idea of camping is a bed and breakfast (not a roughin' it type of gal), but maybe if I did have a camper… I could be converted. At the very least, I would get all those hours to read!
I'm in love with your camper and your style!! I've only camped a few times, along time ago. It wasn't really for me! But all this looks so very good 🙂
A great post and a beautiful Airstream….none of those around the U.K. that I know of.
We have camped (called caravaning over here) all our married life and our son just took our caravan to revamp it for themselves.
Over many years when our children were young we toured Ireland, North and South, France, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland….from above the Artic circle to the South of France. We visited places we could never have afforded to take 4 of us. It was mostly enjoyable but it was also a lot of work for me keeping us in food and clean clothes as we usually went away for a month at a time. We have also camped in New Zealand and that was so special. I remember standing outside one night and staring at the sky and thanking God for his Creation while I looked at the wonderful stars. I now want to sleep in a proper bed and also want someone to make it every day and to give me clean towels etc…..it was good but that phase of our life is over now. I wish you much joy as you have more wonderful experiences in the outdoors. Journeying mercies to you and yours.
I agree, camping can be quite fun! And if you think you found the perfect camper, you should grab that chance to get it, before it's too late. Just look at how much fun you had while traveling and camping out in it! I'm sure you'll have a lot of great memories with it for years to come. Cheers!
Christina Hamilton @ Mount Comfort RV