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Newbies: From Nervousness to Excitement and all of the Details In Between!

  • aprilcoons128
  • Jan 3
  • 6 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Camping Adventure

We are thrilled to embark on our new camping adventure! While the excitement is palpable, it's accompanied by nervousness, fear, and a bit of overwhelm. After all, there's so much we don't know yet. Despite these challenges, our journey has given us some fun and memorable moments.

 

How it All Began

It all started when we went camping with my in-laws in their RV.



That weekend sparked a curiosity that led us to explore Facebook Marketplace, where we encountered an overwhelming 1,593,528 (give or take) ads! Initially, we thought of a small—very small—A-frame pop-up trailer. We pictured ourselves enjoying the outdoors in one of those cute little campers. However, just as we were ready to check one out, we learned that our SUV couldn't tow it, which put a tiny hold on our plans.

 

But the excitement wasn't halted long! Corby had always wanted a truck, so he decided to get one that week. We were back on track and eager to explore travel trailers with our new wheels. The adventure of browsing through options began, and we quickly realized that choosing the right camper was no easy task. There were so many choices available that it made my head spin! I shut down my computer more than a dozen times as I tried to make sense of everything.

 

After adjusting our expectations, we narrowed our search to something no longer than 22 feet and around 3,000 pounds. I wanted something newer with ample space, and Corby wanted something smaller and compact. Eventually, we found our travel trailer: a 2024 Autumn Ridge 182RB. What caught my eye was the abundance of storage space essential for minimizing clutter. The interior features lighter colors, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As soon as we stepped inside, we could envision ourselves creating lasting memories in this "cute little trailer."



A little about my husband's view while shopping—he's new to towing a trailer and was a bit nervous. However, he's a road warrior at heart, and I did not doubt that he would drive like a champ. He quickly showed that and proved to himself that he was comfortable towing the trailer. I believe it will only get easier as he gains more experience.

 

In just over a month and a half, we have transitioned from repeat guests at my in-laws' campsite to proud travel trailer owners! Given how great the deal was, we couldn't pass it up. Our excitement now simmers as we shop online, watch tutorials, and gaze out the window at our trailer under its cover as we eagerly await spring. We can't wait to hit the road and see what awaits us!

 

First-Timers

Having great camping role models in my in-laws, Debbie and Mick, makes us feel more prepared for our upcoming journeys. Since our first big trip—and many others will be with them this year—their years of experience will help us avoid feeling overwhelmed. I am incredibly grateful for their expertise and support. They are just as excited as we are to camp together.


It will be excellent to plan new adventures, set up camp, and enjoy the great outdoors. Debbie, a passionate farm-to-table chef, loves finding and trying new recipes, which aligns perfectly with my interests. While we are still a bit nervous, our eagerness to understand the camping world and the close support of experienced campers ease our fears. Our motto is, "We just have to be more excited than scared."

 

As newlyweds, we are also navigating life together as a unit. Since we are accustomed to "new" experiences, we are in the perfect position to build our confidence together in the camping community. This is one area where we have the same level of experience, and we can grow together.

 

Key Experiences

Our goals and plans heavily revolve around visiting the fantastic national and state parks in the U.S. I would love to see them all this year, even though I know that isn't feasible. I'm kind of a "go big or go home" type. Fortunately, I have my husband, who is a bit more realistic without squashing my dreams.

 

The joy of outdoor living and exploring nature is new; I didn't grow up outdoors. While I went camping occasionally, I lived in the city, and hiking and camping were not part of my upbringing—more like vacations a couple of times each summer. On the other hand, Corby is from a small town in south-central Michigan, in the Irish Hills area. It's a rural community where everyone knows everyone and the outdoors is where people spend their time. His parents are also very active, living by the philosophy of "MOVE"—if you don't use it, you lose it. Their love for hiking quickly became something I was also genuinely interested in.

 

Since joining his family, I have hiked mountains and trails in good and bad weather. If you had asked me ten years ago if I ever thought I would own a camper, the answer would have been a hearty laugh and a resounding NO. Yet here we are. I'm grateful to live in the city because it feels like "home," but I also cherish the escape to the country. There is so much balance in having the opportunity to experience both worlds.

 

Little did I know, while living in the city and enjoying beaches and boats, that so many breathtaking sceneries and local wildlife were out there waiting to capture my attention. I am awestruck by the world around me when I'm in nature. I never take it for granted; I always take a moment to pause, be present, and express gratitude for my life and the space I happen to be in. Outdoor living may not have been for me in the past, but now I can't imagine not working hard to get out there as much as I can.

 

Cooking and Eating Outdoors

One of the things I look forward to the most is the exciting adventures in outdoor cooking and meal preparation. I enjoy finding new, simple meals so we don't always have to eat out. While we love dining out and typically go at least once a week, throwing together a fresh salad using local farmers' market ingredients during our travels or preparing fun foil packets over the fire is incredibly exciting.

 

This enthusiasm inspired me to start a blog. I've always wanted to create one, as they are fun and creative. With so many food-related and camping blogs, I couldn't resist joining in. As a new empty nester, I constantly explore new hobbies and activities. Creative writing has always interested me, and I love narrating the world around me, which made starting a blog a perfect fit to fulfill that desire.

 

Through my blog, I can share the joys of camping and easy and enjoyable recipes for outdoor cooking. I hope that others in the community will also join in and share their favorites. I love hearing other people's stories—about where they are from and the family recipes they hold dear.

 

Creating a Community Cookbook

I am excited to find and share inspiration for compiling a community cookbook from fellow campers. I love sharing unique recipes and tips learned from other outdoor enthusiasts. I plan to build connections and friendships within the camping community. If you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share, please don't hesitate to send it to me HERE.

 

Navigating Gadgets and Gear

Camping involves more than simply heading to a beautiful state park or beach, preparing a nice meal, and watching the sunset. There are logistics and numerous factors to consider regarding the camper and the camping experience. A travel trailer requires countless essential gadgets and items. I've been trying to resist the temptation to purchase every gadget available.

 

I've reached out on social media for tips and tricks, and the responses have been incredibly valuable. I've saved a few hundred dollars by not giving in to the urge to buy every item advertised to me—or to satisfy my love for organization. I've received practical advice on what to prioritize when stocking the camper, and I'm committed to implementing that advice.

 

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months as we continue to stock the camper!


Learning as We Go

We fully embrace the learning curve of camping and outdoor living and look forward to sharing our personal growth, newfound skills, and many delicious recipes we acquire. We are preparing to celebrate our successes while overcoming challenges during our adventures.

 

Transitioning from an indoor city girl to an outdoor lifestyle, even if only part-time, is exciting. I love the conveniences of a nearby market, always knowing where everything is, and encountering plenty of people daily. However, I look forward to mornings with a view, the tranquility of nature, spending time with just Corby and Milo, and genuinely taking a moment to appreciate life and all that surrounds me. I welcome the slower pace I once saw as a negative in life. I've said it before and will say it again: We are so excited about this new adventure!!

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