When we camped last week in Harrison, Maine, we set up our little tent. While I don’t typically camp more than once a year or so, I have camped most of my life – almost on an annual basis – always in tents, with not too many accoutrements.
We were one of a very few tents at this campground. Everyone looked quite settled. Family name signs hung on the trees. The O’Briens were to our right. The Smiths just across the dirt path. This was camper land. Flowers were planted, hammocks were hung, porch swings were swinging, docks extended into the lake and decks had been constructed. Full-gas grills were set up (almost all cooking burgers and dogs). Lounge chairs and camping chairs surrounded the campfire area. We even spotted some satellite dishes. What we learned as the weekend transpired was that many of the “campers” called this their summer home. Most locals – living minutes to an hour away, summered on Crystal Lake. They paid roughly $3,500 for the season, and essentially plunked down their camper, permanently. These folks have certainly figured out a way to bring most of the comforts of home to the great outdoors.
I found this all quite fascinating. Another comical element was the fact that the campground we stayed at was celebrating Christmas in July last weekend. Many campers were decorated with colorful Christmas lights. Christmas trees were set up outside. Inflatable snowmen and Grinchs could be seen in places. Some campers were really decked out – all I could think of was the campground electrical bill after this theme weekend was over. Kids could build ginger bread houses at 11AM; Santa was visiting and passing out gifts at 2:00 (much to the dismay of the boys, we missed these events since we were visiting their big sister at camp).
My first thought about all of this was this whole scene was maybe just a little hokey – but I quickly changed course thinking that these “permanent” campers have got it all figured out. Other than having to deal with new neighbors (like us) on a regular basis – in fairly close proximity – these folks have discovered how to create their own little paradise.
As I was sitting outside of my tent last Sunday morning on the edge of the lake, sipping a cup of coffee, listening to the loons, it was so peaceful – and far from shabby.
