But, ultimately, as I reflect back on our family camping adventure last weekend, I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only did all 24 of us get along, but we all had a blast.  Camping seemed to bridge the gap between individuals, and the campfire discussions caused people to laugh like crazy.  I was literally amazed at how well 24 different people – adults and kids included – could get along.  From a small geocaching adventure, to hauling all of our fishing gear down to the water in my daughter’s wagon, everyone managed to have a blast.

The fishing wasn’t great at all – only one cat fish was claimed in a couple of hours time – and we only managed to have enough time to find two geocaches.  But it really wasn’t about the amount of fish caught, or how long of a hike we went on, it was about spending time with family.

And we did plenty of that.

Getting all of the kids outside was awesome, sleeping under the stars was even better, and spending quality time with one another – with only minor Facebook surfing the entire weekend – was worth all the effort and time that we put into planning it.

I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

While I work with technology every day, and actually do enjoy technology most of the time, I think the constant need to be “connected” – at the dinner table, at family gatherings, in a deer blind, while riding in a car, etc. – is really putting a damper on our abilities to connect with each other; it’s putting a damper on our willingness to engage in a real conversation.

It’s kind of sad, actually.

As we were camping a few weekends ago though, I did notice some real positives to the whole camping experience – and the things I noticed are things which will keep me camping, hunting, etc. for many years to come.

It was pretty incredible to see, despite all the technological advances in the world, and the ease with which we can connect to a machine, that camping kept everyone grounded.  Even in the rainy weather, I found myself playing Trivial Pursuit with the family and talking.  Talking!  It was amazing to just talk – while playing the game, while sitting around the campfire – and not have to have a conversation through some social networking site or through an email.

It was very refreshing.

I think moments in a deer blind, and moments like these in a campground – any moment outside with family and friends, for that matter – provide us with an opportunity to really, truly connect – no smart phone or electronic device required.

And while I will admit that technology and smart phones can never be completely avoided – and that even I played a game or two of Angry Birds while it was raining – it’s still nice to participate in these simple activities, which connect all of us, while disconnecting us from today’s “smart” society.

Hunting, camping, hiking – simply being outside – can have that effect on people – it can make us actually speak to one another.

After getting settled in we decided to get a few lines in the water while we still had some daylight. The fish did not cooperate, but while attempting some slide baiting on the big ulua poles a few pesky puhis (eels) decided to take the bait. It made the evening eventful, but it was not what we were looking to catch. Uluas were the sought-after prize. They are the commonly known outside of Hawaii as Giant Trevally and they can reach weights of over 100 lbs. Catching a 100 lb. ulua can be the experience of a lifetime. Our evening gave us no such experience.

After managing no hookups on any fish we settled in around the fire to share some food, share some stories and gaze at the amazing number of stars in the sky. Life couldn’t get much better than laying on a black sand beach and staring up at the stars. It’s simply a breathtaking view.

The next day we awoke to discover that rain had crept in on us during the night. Several campers had the wonderful experience of getting soaked through leaking tents. Thankfully, we are in Hawaii and during the day it was warm enough to dry the wet belongings (except for the trashed cell phone). I was one of the earlier risers and I decided I was going to get right back into fishing. I walked out to fish a point where several Omilus have been caught on previous trips. If you missed that post, you can check it out here. I enjoyed about an hour or so of fishing (to no avail) and then decided to head back to camp.

On the way back I decided to hike up the hill and get some pics of the views and of our camp down below. The views did not disappoint, as you can see in the pictures. After arriving back at camp I enjoyed some warm oatmeal (the best camp food) and few cups of coffee.

Our group decided it was time to get back to fishing and we headed off to a spot up the coast a little ways to set the ulua poles up. We tried fishing for anything that would bite. Plenty of Hagi (the chattering fish mentioned in my other post here) were being caught, so we decided to keep a few for a quick afternoon snack. Nothing like eating fresh fish off the grill!

After several hours of fishing it was time to head back and pack up for the hike out. On our way out we stopped, as always, at the cool spring to rinse off and rejuvenate on our way back. Nothing is better than taking a dip in that cool freshwater after you have been hiking for a while.

As usual, this trip was full of stunning views of the ocean and the island. The fish did not cooperate, but it was still an enjoyable trip for everyone involved. Stay tuned for the next post about the journey to Ka’aha Point that took place a couple days later…

The amazing part about this whole scenario, though, was that I was surrounded by kids…..who were outside….and using their imagination.  Plenty of adults would associate camping with campfires, beer drinking, and s’mores, but here I was surrounded by kids and having a great time.

We were in a zone.

My wife’s work – at least a few of them from there anyway – take one camping trip a year.  We always have a great time, and this year was no exception, except for one thing:  it brought back my faith in kids’ abilities to have a great time while outside; they do still have imaginations.

These kids had access to electronic devices, a lake, multiple playgrounds, and a host of other not so productive or creative things, and yet here they were participating in a game that was started by a five year old and myself.  And not only did they participate in this simple, fun, creative activity, they did so until their parents made them go to bed after 11pm.

It was awesome.  It restored my faith in kids.  And it proved the point that I have written about a few times on this blog already:  the outdoor experience doesn’t have to be anything overtly spectacular or creative. It can be something as simple as two Magna Doodles, a flashlight, a campfire, and a few camping chairs.

In four hours I never heard DS or Ipod.  Not once!

You got to love that!

To some, this ritual that my family and I participate in seems like a case of temporary insanity.  What sane person would throw away years and years of evolution and modernization, leave the creature comforts of home, and head to the woods to sleep with nothing between them and the great outdoors except some nylon with windows?  On the surface I suppose it does seem a little ridiculous to those who’ve never camped, but if they only took a minute to live the experience, I firmly believe they might change their mind.

Camping, like hunting and fishing, has been a part of my life since I was a little kid.  It was ingrained in us when we were young, and at least a few times during the year, we head to a wooded state park or campground, and take in a healthy dose of the great outdoors.

It’s refreshing.

I leave the creature comforts of home, because – similar to hunting and fishing – it connects me with who I really am.  Lying in a tent, and letting the tree frogs serenade you to sleep, can ground a person.  And who doesn’t like to wake up, step out of the tent, and have the smell of a camp stove breakfast start the morning?

Camping is an honest activity – and that is one of the main things that draw me to it.  Plus, because I know how to survive without the conveniences of modern life, I have a distinct advantage when it comes to survival and comfort during times of slight disaster – power outages, ice storms, etc.  It allows us an opportunity to return to where we came from, get in touch with nature and ourselves, and have a great time.

And, even if heading to the woods and sleeping under the stars doesn’t appeal to you, you should at least thank camping for one simple reason:  Smore, anyone?!

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We’ve camped in many parts of the state, and at many state parks, but for some reason we’ve never camped on the east side of state.  I’m not sure why that is, or why all of us gravitates towards the middle and west side of the state, but that has always been the case.  This past weekend, after my wife’s uncle found a neat little park on the east side of the state, we changed all of that.

Tawas Point State Park is a very unique park.  It is located near East Tawas, Mi, and its shear location makes it a prime camping destination.  With Tawas Bay on one side, and Lake Huron on the other, the park provides all occupants with some very unique and scenic views.

We stayed there with the wife’s family last weekend, and had an absolute blast.  I think all of us were sorry that we hadn’t camped on this side of the state until this point.  The park’s scenery is top-notch, and the unique location makes for a very memorable trip.

The park also features a lighthouse that is located within the park, and is available for tours.  We paid the low fee of $2 and headed inside.  Getting to see Lake Huron and Tawas Bay from the top of the lighthouse was a very unique experience.

There aren’t many hunting opportunities nearby, but for those who like to fish there is ample opportunity for that.  Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate for us, so we weren’t able to get any fishing in, but there is a state pier located directly across from the park, and it provides ample opportunity to take in some scenery and catch a few fish.

And for those interested, there are some great kite boarding opportunities.  I’ve never been myself, but it is HUGE in this part of the state, and they were out in full force even though the weather wasn’t that great.

The camping area of the park is very well kept.   Everyone was very friendly, and all the facilities were perfect.  The beach areas are very unique, and provide opportunities to swim in Tawas Bay or Lake Huron.  There are also ample bike paths within the park, and I took full advantage of those while we were there too.

We had an excellent time, and despite the wind and the weather our Eureka tent performed superbly as well.  Little Abby had a great time, and got to get her hands in the sand for the first time.  They even had a little walkway so that we could take the stroller right down on the beach, and she loved every minute of that even though it felt like we could get blown away at any minute; there were 30+mph winds at one point, and it made things very interesting.

Last weekend was a great time and we enjoyed every minute of our time within Tawas Point State Park.  If you’re looking for a park in Michigan, and want to camp on the east side of the state, you can’t go wrong with this park.  Its uniqueness and one of a kind opportunities will keep you coming back.

Note: Stay tuned this week for some more trailcam pics I found last weekend, as well as an interesting post about something Jeff discovered with the trailcam pics.

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I’m a hunter.  I’m a fisherman.  I ride quads.  I camp.

What do all of these things have in common?  One,  they show that I have a deep love for the outdoors, and love being outside.  Two, they show that my outdoor pursuits are very diverse – that they don’t just fit one particular mold, or align with one particular outdoor love.  What they also show is that – above anything else – I like to be in the outdoors; it doesn’t matter what form it is in, or what gear I use to enjoy it, I have a love for being outside.

Sadly, in this day in age all of us get caught up in selfishness when it comes to our outdoor pursuits – the whole my way is the better way mentality.  This is a sad reality, and ultimately puts us at odds against one another while hurting the very thing that we all have in common – a love of the outdoors.  It tends to hide the real reasons we do what we do, and it causes all of us to get lost in the common interests we have; it makes us look shallow.

The only outdoor headlines you hear these days have to do with an outdoor accident; anti’s trying to prevent us from enjoying our lifestyles; or the worst one of all – outdoorsmen/women fighting amongst themselves over non-issues, which gives ammunition to the anti’s and pulls us away from our ultimate goal:  to protect our outdoor resources, so that all of us – the hunter, the equestrian rider, the fisherman, the dirt bike rider – can enjoy the natural resources we have at our disposal.  Rather than having headlines that outline the good all of us who enjoy the outdoors have done, news articles focus on all the negative stigmas that outdoor pursuits have associated with them – and we only help their cause by fighting amongst ourselves.

We all need to sit back and take a good look at ourselves – a good look at what goals we want to accomplish, and how we are to go about them.  All of us outdoor enthusiasts, especially in these particular times, need to be on the same page; we need to be telling other people about what we do; we need to be telling other people the good that comes from our investment into the outdoors; we need to be united.

For it doesn’t matter how we enjoy the outdoors – what does matter is that we ENJOY the outdoors.  All of us who enjoy the natural world – whether it be through licensing fees, river clean-up, adopt-a-highway, NRA membership, Safari Club membership, QDMA membership, or whichever way you decide – we all need to remember that we are on the same team, and through these various organizations and helpfulness are striving to protect our natural world.

All of us need to put our differences aside, and share with people all of the good we do for our natural world.  Those are the things that will go along way to preserve and defend our outdoors.

And these things need to start right now.

This past weekend we finally headed out for our first camping trip, and our first opportunity to actually use the tent and see how it performed – and perform it did.

Our first night spent in the tent was done so during a Tornado Watch, and subsequent downpour.  And when I say downpour, I mean downpour.  We awoke the next morning to approximately 6 inches of standing water – or more – not more than a foot from where the tent was setup.  And I’m happy to report that the tent, or us, were not wet.  In fact, the tent didn’t take in any water at all, even with a dog patrolling the outer edges of it throughout the night – and any of you who’ve camped before know, that usually, touching the outer walls of a tent during a downpour is a no-no.  The Copper Canyon just held its ground, though, and kept us dry throughout the whole ordeal.  Apparently, the Stormshield was functioning in full force.

The Copper Canyon is an excellent tent all around.  Its 15 X 12 frame provided ample space for an air bed, a pack n’ play, and a large dog crate – with plenty of space left over to move around inside the tent.  I think the biggest selling point of the tent is its sure height; the copper canyon is 7′ 4″ tall, and allows for any adult to stand up inside it.  Also, its straight walls allow for standing room in any part of tent – there is no ducking to get into the tent, and as any of you who’ve camped at all know, that is a HUGE plus.

Despite the tent’s sure size, it is still very easy to set up, and can be done in mere minutes with a two-person crew.  The wife and I had no problems getting the tent set up, and the directions are very easy to understand as well.

I only found two drawbacks about the tent:  weight, and the awning.  The sure weight of the tent, at 44lbs, might discourage some.  Honestly, though, it is a necessary evil in order to have such a big tent, and was well worth the trade-off for me.  The awning on the tent was very helpful, considering the amount of rain we had, but it is also one of the negative aspects of the tent; it tends to hold water no matter how the awning is set up.  Also, if it is not set up exactly right, and tightened down properly, it will drip water between the actual tent entrance and the start of the awning – kind of an annoyance, but not a major problem.

At almost $400 I can understand a few families shying away from this tent.  My overall opinion, though, is that this tent is worth every penny.  The space of the tent is more than adequate for many families; the inside height of the tent is its best feature, and makes the tent well worth the price; and the ease of use, and sure durability of the tent makes it well worth the investment for a family, like us, who camps quite often in not the best weather conditions.

The Eureka Copper Canyon 1512 is a great tent, and gets a 9.5 out of 10 from the wife and I.  If you doubt the construction, or the durability of this tent, all you have to do is take a look at the pictures in this post, and remember that – even with all that water – we were kept completely dry throughout one heck of a thunderstorm.

The weekend was a great time, and despite some bad weather we whethered the storm – no pun intended.  The Copper Canyon was instrumental in that great time, and allowed everything to stay dry despite some very harsh conditions.  We would recommend the tent to anyone, and are looking forward to our next camping trip with it.

We are heading out of state to one of Indiana’s many state parks, and I’m looking forward to it.  Last year we only went camping once, and that is a sin.  I love camping, and I’m not sure how we managed to only go one time last year, but it happened.  This year we are definitely going to change that, and I can’t wait to get Abby out in the great outdoors, and watch her as she learns all about the camping experience.

In preparation for our trip, we put up our brand new tent that we are going to use this year.   It’s a Eureka Copper Canyon 1512, and so far we are pretty impressed with the tent.  We received the tent last year, after being contacted by Greg Squires from Shopatron, Inc.   He asked if we would like to receive a complimentary tent, and without a doubt, we accepted that offer.  Of course, there was a stipulation, and that was that we had to write an honest review for the site.

Obviously, I can’t write a full review – since we haven’t actually used the tent yet – but I can say that the setup, especially for such a large tent, was a breeze.  I was impressed at how easy it went together, although I think setting it up in a good wind might be a little bit of a challenge.  Otherwise, though, the setup was a breeze, and the directions were very clear and concise.  They also contained excellent pictures, which is very helpful when setting up a new tent.

Our initial feelings on the tent are very positive, and we’re looking forward to putting it through its paces in a week and half.  After that I will be sure to write a full review.  And one great review it will be, since we will have an air mattress, a pack and play, and a dog crate inside the tent.

I snapped a picture of the tent last night -  just after we finished doing our trial run setup.  As you can see, the tent is huge, and the wife, Abby, and the Great White Dorkness fit nicely inside it.

Stay tuned for the full review in a week and a half.

Normally everyone was awake before me. They would be sitting around the kitchen counter enjoying their black go-go juice. They might even be sitting out on the deck enjoying the start of another great day on the Torch River. I was a little different, since I hate coffee, so I would head to the fridge and pour my cup of orange juice. I love the smell of coffee, but I could never get used to the taste.

Slowly I would walk down the hallway onto the laminated wood floor of the living room, ease the sliding glass door open, and proceed out onto the deck. The river, which was only a few feet away, would normally call to me and I would grab my fishing pole, already rigged with bobber and worm, and head out onto the dock to try my luck for that morning. The fish weren’t big, but they were a challenge to catch, and that was good enough for me.

After trying my luck on catching the perch, rock bass, or bluegill, that decided to fall prey to my hook and bobber, I would check in on everyone and see what was happening for lunch, or see who wanted to lose at a game of horse shoes. Some afternoons were spent on the pontoon, taking in the sun and the sights, and getting in some football throwing while wading on the Torch Lake sandbar. It was a rough life.

Evenings would bring about food-all kinds of food-from ribs, to frogmore stew, to pork chop and scallop potato casserole. We always ate good-no doubt about that. Of course, even with all of this food available for consumption, it wasn’t anything a nice cold beer couldn’t wash down. And boy did we drink plenty of that-in moderation of course!

All of my vacation days went pretty much like what I described. They were great, and as always went way too fast. It is amazing how time just flies by when you’re on vacation and almost comes to a stand still when you’re at work. I still haven’t adjusted to having to wear socks yet. I was barefoot pretty much everyday, sometimes with sandles on, and it was awesome.

Now it is back to reality, and to be honest I like being home. I like getting back into the routine of everyday life, but I can’t help but think about what it would feel like to be at the cottage again-being able to walk out my back door and enjoy a little fishing. Hopefully those days will return once again. I’m sure it won’t be soon enough.

Note: Stay tuned for more vacation posts. I have plenty. What’s in store you ask? Well, there will be a swan story (and no it’s not a nice story). I will introduce you to a little vacation friend that we met, and I will also be covering a few of our fishing escapades. I have plenty of things to write about, and I finally have my internet connection back as well, so the posts will keep on coming!