My wife's going camping this weekend.

[bif]

In years past it would be an excuse to get totally shit-faced every night. But I've been clean for over 5 years, so about the only bad things I'm going to do is treat myself to some fried food!

She's going camping with her brothers and cousins. I went every year for years and years. As I've told the fam, I hate camping and the only thing that made it tolerable was alcohol. Now that I don't drink, I REALLY hate it. So I've been skipping it for the last four years. I did go the first year after quitting drinking and had an absolutely miserable time. So I'm through with camping.

[flying_wahini]

1. So instead have your fried food and watch a TV show that she isn't interested in. Win/win

Sounds like a great plan to me!

[bif]

2. Exactly!

We're both retired as we spend a lot of time around the house. It'll be a nice break.

[Ocelot II]

3. I also hate camping, used to get dragged by my ex to places

that had no plumbing or electricity, had to pee in the woods and bathe in a cold lake. Did. Not. Like. I didn't drink on these trips but maybe I'd have liked them better if I had. Still, you're better off staying home, enjoying the indoor plumbing and electric lights, eating some delicious fried food and not drinking.

[Polly Hennessey]

4. I went camping once and once was enough. Never

understood the camping thing. Why should I go out in the woods with critters and bugs sharing my space and still have to cook, cleanup, and swat flies. I can cook and cleanup in my own home and not have to swat flies. A picnic in the park is my limit.

[Ocelot II]

5. Agree! I like being outdoors and I enjoy a walk in the woods, but

when it comes to cooking, bathing, bathroom needs and sleeping, I want at least a basic motel room. I remember camping in Glacier Park and it rained and the tent leaked and my sleeping bag got wet and I knew there were bears out there. Never again.

[CANADIANBEAVER69]

7. that gave me a chuckle

I remember camping in Glacier Park and it rained and the tent leaked and my sleeping bag got wet and I knew there were bears out there. Never again.

sounds like a childhood memory that I have of a camping trip we did. I like camping, and I have done many in the rain, but I camp with my sister who was a scout leader, so she knows how to set up a good dry camp. Each to their own, I totally get wanting comfort with some of the basics. As you age, I think your needs change. Camping can become more of a chore than a fun experience.

[bif]

8. A chore indeed!

My wife spends a coupe days preparing for the weekend. And at the end, 1/2 the day on Sunday when she gets back. What a pain in the neck!

I do miss sipping wine and sitting around the campfire telling stories. But it sure isn't the same without booze.

[CANADIANBEAVER69]

9. Yes, sitting around the campfire

that's the best part for me.

[Srkdqltr]

6. As a woman camping is not a vacation. Have to do all cooking and cleaning primitive style is not fun.

While hubby and kids enjoy nooooo.

My idea of camping is a hotel with room service.