Few activities in the world today are independent on some sort of cool technology. It’s a good thing that people are still into camping, since if it weren’t for that, we’d all be staying at home perhaps watching other people camp on a travel channel that comes with one your satellite dish deals. That’s okay once in a while, but when I think about the past and present, nothing beats the times of good friends and family sitting around a campfire.
Perhaps it’s hard to appreciate these days, since everyone is in such a rush all of the time. The campfire though is really the one activity that allows you to forget about all of the worries in the world and just enjoy the sights, the heat and most of all, sincere conversation with everyone around you. A phenomenon I notice is that around a campfire, the best stories are always told, as well a true sense of openness and honestly towards each individual. How often does that happe anymore?
I remember back in New York when I would go camping in the Adirondacks near Schroon River. My uncle would load up a boat full of firewood purchased from some local “country gentleman” and I would immediately want nightfall to come. We’d all crowd around, maybe crack open a drink or several, and just talk for hours on end. No TV. No phones. We would simply watch each log burn away as the light and heat radiated around in a circle, providing just enough light for us to see our surroundings.
It’s hard to appreciate that when you’re in the moment, yet when it’s gone, you want to just go back to it. Next time you’re around a campfire, simply take the time and take it in. You’ll feel better that you did.
