People get on my case about going camping, especially solo. They want to know what is so great about sleeping on the ground inside a tiny nylon shell?

Give it a break. How can they understand. Camping for me is refreshing. Yes, one time I did. My gore-tex tent was parked right on a bear path not far from the water source. That tent felt flimsy that night.

But camping is not about only the tent. It is the total experience. Outdoors I breathe fresh air, hear no traffic. Listen to the waterfalls and rapids in the river. Watch the birds. It is birdwatching from inside the home of the bird.

I sleep well when I camp, most of the time. I love it. Camping in my tent costs a LOT less than a hotel and is sometimes safer. You just have to be prepared with the right equipment, outdoor clothing and attitude.

I feel out of sorts and cheated if I do not lie on the ground and watch the stars at least 4 times a year. Yes, I like to lie outside ON the Ground in almost the same place in each season. Sometimes I am so busy enjoying the stars I do not fall asleep until almost morning. (Same place, give or take a few feet.)

When I learned how to call owls by mimicking their sounds my camping adventures took a new turn. Now I look and listen for the birds of the night as much as I do the birds in daylight.

Right. Friends and family worry about me. They think I am crazy. Maybe its true. But if this is crazy I am glad to be outdoors enjoying the gifts of nature and feeling the energy of the earth. Okay, maybe that sounds odd but it is true for me.

A weekend in the wilderness with my camping gear and birding binoculars can recharge my spirit like nothing else can. I feel in touch with all of creation.