Just outside the border between campsite and forest is where the title of this site begins.  Hours earlier, I taught my oldest son, Jack, the important skill – and art – of peeing in the great outdoors.  There’s something natural about it, but yet the act is not intuitive.  Balancing in that position – with the pelvis out and feet back – is not easy for little men at age 3 or 4.  But Jack figured it out, and was proud of his new freedom to let it fly anywhere he wanted.

Unfortunately, I didn’t initially teach him about the importance of finding the right spot.  Or about topography.  Or gravity, apparently.  As I was working on dinner around the fire, I heard “Ahh!  Dad!  It’s coming back at me!”

And this began the capture of the many lessons I’ve taught – and learned – while camping.  The sources are car camping, backpacking, and canoe camping.  With my brother, with my boys, or with good friends.  In the Midwest, Canada, or the Pacific Northwest.  At a campground, on the trail, or somewhere in between.  I love being outside, learning something new on every trip.  Between trips, I research and plan.

As an engineer*, I over-analyze everything.  And that is why I’m sharing my thoughts here.  I have benefited from many people who have provided advice.  I want to return that favor, and hopefully provide that advice in a way that makes the rationale clear and understandable.

Advice will come in many forms: lessons learned about life and camping, gear reviews and selections, book reviews, location reviews, and trip reports.  And along the way, I’m here if you would like to request, suggest, or critique.  Thanks for joining me on this adventure!

Cheers,

Steve

* I am not a licensed or certified engineer, if that matters where you live.  I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and currently work in consumer product development.