I don't see doing a cabin. A tent can be nicer than the more rustic ones, which for someone squeamish can be pretty nasty, and you don't always know what you are getting. That would definitely not be an improvement. The nicer ones, they are often nicer than a hotel (though a nice cabin, with a fireplace, is very nice in the winter).
As for "real" camping, there is no way that was going to happen. The only way I was able to convince her it was a good idea was because there are "facilities" and we will have electricity for a fan. Well that and I was simply planning on going camping (I was going no matter what she decided, I was originally planning a beach or Harpers Ferry trip alone), and when I invited her she liked the idea of going somewhere with me (though she tried hard to convince me to do a timeshare/vacation rental instead).
mockturtle wrote:
Quote: Apparently, she hates history, including/especially Civil War era history. Me, I'm a history teacher who, after I finish my masters in education, is thinking about getting a masters (or even a doctorate) in history and I'll probably do my thesis/dissertation on some aspect of Civil War history.
Uh-oh! If I were you I'd be looking for another girlfriend.
Edit: not really the place.
I'll just say, yeah, I don't really see it lasting all that long until one or both of us are bored with each other.
I do hope she likes camping though, just because it is always nice to win converts.
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edited 07/31/11 10:52am by Jeff10236 *
Vehicles: 2011 Ford Fusion (for car camping), 2009 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (motorcycle camping) Tents: Boulder Creek Hunter Ridge 4 (cheap 4-season tent from Bass Pro Shops), Alps Mountaineering Vertex 4, Kelty Grand Mesa 6, Big Agnes Fairview 4
the camping is great. We all know thaT. You want her to try doing something you like and that is fine, but give something she likes a try too. You might enjoy a couple of days at a time share or in a nice hotel with room srevice. You could be broadening her horizons and your own as well.
hikenhunter wrote: the camping is great. We all know thaT. You want her to try doing something you like and that is fine, but give something she likes a try too. You might enjoy a couple of days at a time share or in a nice hotel with room srevice. You could be broadening her horizons and your own as well.
The nice hotel, time share or vacation rental (at the beach), aren't really in a teacher's budget (esp. during the summer when I don't get paid). However, I have experienced all of them in the past (except the timeshare, which I would guess is a lot like a regular vacation rental). Vacation rentals on some family vacations while in my teens, or now when my aunt and uncle haven't rented their beach house I can use it. I don't like the feeling of living (for a few days) in someone else's house. When I first left the business world, I lived with my parents for a couple years while I got used to the low pay. Being in my 30's and living with my parents I needed time to myself and about once a month I'd spend the weekend somewhere, anywhere, and often in a nice hotel. I've done it, they're OK, they're even nice for an occasional change of pace. However, it isn't really an option right now even if it was my preference (it isn't) unless I didn't want any money left for vacation activities.
Doing things she likes hasn't really been much of a problem. During our dates we've mostly been doing what she wants (we've once done what I wanted, and then about half of it was scrapped). I suspect on this camping trip we'll mostly do what she wants instead of the historical sites, and whitewater rafting (I didn't even broach the idea of fishing even though that was one of my planned activities when this was going to be a solo camping trip). On this trip that is fine though since the idea is to win a convert to camping, and the more we do that she likes, the more likely she'll enjoy the trip.
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edited 08/02/11 08:20am by Jeff10236 *
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A friend of DW and I (before we were married), organized group camping trips with extended family and some friends. He had a large, boy scout type of tent and basic equipment as lantern, stove, etc. At that point, we didn't have anything. We did borrow some sleeping bags and pretty much just brought ourselves for the weekend.
We were hooked, immediately. We ended up tent camping for many years, and more recently ended up with our popup. We are eternally grateful to this guy for introducing us to something we had no idea we would be interested in. Don't sweat it --- basic thing is to be warm enough (while both awake and sleeping) and well fed (some adult beverages also round out the evening). You'll either love the experience, or take it or leave it. You've done your part.
Pup: 2007 Jayco 1206 w/slide-out + shower
surge brakes, 54w solar panel
TV: 2005 Nissan Xterra 4X4, manual trans
25 years tent camping, 4000+ miles of hiking, lots of biking
Although I love my trailer, I can sleep in a tent with no problem - though I also prefer to have one I can stand up in (which the OP has covered.)
I *hate* sleeping bags - with a passion. I also hate hotels, unless they are very nice and expensive. Sitting here trying to decide if I would prefer a moderate hotel with sheets over a lovely tent with a sleeping bag, I am at a loss.
Not a sleeping bag fan myself. While they do well to keep heat in when it's cold, they are terrible and too small/tight/restricting the rest of the time (I move around when I sleep). I always open my bags and use them as bottom sheets or blankets unless it is winter and I need the better body heat insulation.
As for the camping, she says she liked it. As for other activities, we somehow didn't manage to get to the things I had planned, we did do the one thing she said that she had wanted to do (anyone shocked by that?)
Jeff10236 wrote: As for other activities, we somehow didn't manage to get to the things I had planned, we did do the one thing she said that she had wanted to do (anyone shocked by that?)
Hmmm... even if you and she liked a lot of the same things, it sounds like it would always be her choice what to do... not good in a long term relationship.
Dang man, you did more planning for one trip than I've done in nearly fifty years of camping. Maybe you're trying too hard?
Some thirtyfive years ago I asked a girl I'd dated a couple of times if she'd like to go camping on the NC Outer Banks. She said 'sure' but ONLY if her room mate could go along too and that neither of them had ever camped. Fifteen minutes later we're in my jeep, top down and heading east.
My camping gear for that weekend consisted of two army shelter halves a couple of blankets and a cooler of beer. The girl I was dating complained constantly the whole trip but the roomie - well, she's been camping and backpacking with me ever since.
We've got a nice camper now but still spend at least one weekend each summer watching the sun come up over the Atlantic from a tent. Keep working at it but loosen up a little.
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