Golden October, National Day Holiday
October is a great time for camping, especially during the National Day holiday period. Unfortunately, the continuous rain forced us to stay indoors and hope for a sunny day. After three days of rain, we finally had a chance to get out and explore. Without hesitation, we took our family and hit the road.
Jinan – City of Rich Camping Resources
Jinan, which is surrounded by mountains and rivers, is a city of incredibly rich camping resources. You can choose to explore the hidden paths of southern mountain forests, the sandy beaches of the northern Yellow River at sunset, the wetlands and bird songs of the western side of the city, or the hills and their scenic city views.
Camping Trip at the Reservoir
During this trip, we wanted to camp close to the city, so we chose a campsite next to a man-made reservoir. This campsite was managed by someone else, so we didn’t have to do any preparation work. We only needed to pack our own equipment, drive there with a happy heart, and stay together as a family. The campsite was only eight kilometers away from our home. So, we simply passed through the municipal government and arrived at our destination. We chose it because it was close to our home, and also because I had just undergone a kidney stone surgery. Therefore, the closer it was, the better it would be for my physical condition.
Pleasant Surprise
At around three o’clock in the afternoon, we took only twenty minutes to drive and reach the campsite. The city roads were smooth and our car’s suspension system did well in all aspects, even with my recent surgery. When we got out of our car, we were pleasantly surprised. We didn’t expect to find such a quiet and peaceful place beside the bustling city. The campground was nestled in the mountains and built next to the reservoir, surrounded by vast grasslands. We could spend our free time any way we liked, such as walking the dog, playing football, taking a leisurely walk, or just lazing around.
Cozy Warmth
I selected a nearby tent and settled down, then walked around casually on the grassland. Later, I sat down and watched a group of children playing Frisbee in the center of the grassland. I boiled water and warmed myself up. Gradually, the sky became dim.It’s time to barbecue. All kinds of raw, cooked, meat and vegetable dishes only need to be placed on the grill for a few minutes, with the sauce, they will become delicious. As for me, who is trying to lose weight, I ignore all the recent principles and regulations, everything gives way for the current delicacy.
After eating and drinking, lie in the tent and chat for a while. Without the disturbance of electronic devices, the primitive way of life can be truly experienced. Communication between people becomes more necessary and pure, which is the fundamental purpose of this trip.
A dog smelling the fragrance “floats” over. I was afraid that he would get stomachache, and didn’t plan to feed him. Who knows, he is persistent and sits quietly on the ground without leaving. Well, let’s share it.
It’s still cold, after experiencing three days of rain, Jinan has entered winter overnight. As the night gets later, the temperature gets lower and lower, and eventually some shaking are felt. The temperature inside the tent cannot rise, so in order to avoid catching a cold, we all decide to get into the car to keep warm. There is electricity in the car, and after turning on the warm air for a few minutes, we feel comfortable. In the future, if we go camping in farther places, the car will be our base, with electricity, beds, supplies and warm air, it is more secure than the tent.
Finally, here are some reminders:
-
The temperature is low in the wild and at night, remember to wear more clothes to prevent catching a cold.
-
Make different preparations according to the type of camping, and make sure to bring enough water. Snacks will also be important in some situations.
-
When away from home, the car is your home. Refuel and recharge, it is a mobile house and worry-free supply base. Spread out a mat, it is more comfortable than a tent.
-
Having family members in the car, snow mode is a good choice, with gentle acceleration to avoid carsickness.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.