Camping....a collaboration with Tinny!

**Another post from Vicky. Enjoy!**


Most of my friends were surprised to find out this little secret: I have never been camping.


Well, that's not entirely true....

Growing up we would set up the tent once a year in the back yard and "camp" with my dad. And in college my sorority had camping retreats at my best friend's grandparent's ranch in Crawford, Tx. Heather and I would set up our tent and then sneak inside to sleep in the big, comfy guest bed. So, yes, I've never done the "roughing it" camping.

This was all changed a few weekends ago when my husband and I, along with three other seminary couples, packed our car for a Malibu camping trip. We headed to the beach on Saturday morning so Matt and the guys could surf then we ventured into Malibu canyon to our campsite. The camp grounds are located in Malibu Creek State Park. There are about 40 or so camping spots and they were all full (which is very rare for February in Ca). After unloading all of our gear (which took up the whole trunk and back seat of our car...) we headed down Mulholland Drive to one of my favorite SoCal spots, Malibu Wines.

Matt, Kara, Mark and Vicky at Malibu Wines

A few bottles deep. With all the camping couples + a few extras. 

Now, I know that not all camping trips begin with wine tasting but lets just say it made my first camping experience magical! Malibu Wines is a small winery in Malibu. It's "tasting room" is an outdoor space with three bars and lots of Adarondak chairs, wine-barrel tables, and picnic benches. It is picturesque. And the wine is divine! The four couples spent a few hours sampling the wine and enjoying the beautiful day. By the end of the night we were all members of the wine club (only $50 a quarter and you get three bottles of wine (at $35 each) and unlimited tasting...yes please!) and ready to get settled at the campsite.

Setting up our tents was interesting. We were all still feeling the effects of Malibu Wines and it was dark. But, after a few mishaps we were all set up and had a fire going. All of our couple friends are pro campers so they brought grills and outdoor cooking equipment which meant yummy campfire food. Hamburgers, steamed veggies, smores, and much more. As the stars began to come out (yes, you could actually see the stars...a rarity in So Cal), we wound down the evening with good conversations and music.

Sleeping outside was...well, it was rough. Southern California is typically 60s-70s in February but it drops down to the 40s at night. I brought every outer layer I owned. So as we settled into our tent for the night I zipped up my sleeping bag and snuggled up against Matt for the extra body heat. I tossed and turned much of the night and by morning decided that we needed to invest in a sleeping pad. Earlier in the day when were scouting out sites to pitch our tent we made sure there were no rocks in the area. Well, by morning I'm sure I found every little rock, or speck of rock, underneath us.

Waking up in the California mountains was awesome. We ended the trip with breakfast burritos and packed up the camp. It's official, I love camping :)

Matt and I by the campfire. <3

After having gone once, here are a few pieces of advice for your next camping trip:

1) Invest in a sleeping pad. If you've read the post, you'll know why I'm suggesting this!
2) Be an adventurous campfire cooker. You can cook virtually anything in tin foil over some coals. So before you go on your next camping trip google "tin foil campfire dinners" and try something new!
3) Explore your surroundings. Not every place you camp will have a winery close by but being away from home means getting the chance to explore new areas. Take a hike, drive into the nearest town, or even mosey on over to your neighbors at the campground and see what they recommend in the area.
4) Borrow, borrow, borrow! If you're on a budget, like us, and can't afford a lot of camping gear then chances are you have a friend who can loan you a sleeping bag or tent.
5) Just get out there and do it! If you were like me and had never been camping just do it! It is so much fun to be out there with nature. And its a cheap vacation!

Happy camping!
XOXO,
Vicky