today was the first day of camping! this is something i've been saying that we'd do since we were returning from new zealand 4 years ago! i loved camping as a kid so i was very excited that i finally was doing this. it's the first time for me to go camping as an adult where i'm in charge, instead of tagging along with someone else or having a guide. this means planning it out, setting up camp, cooking, etc. coming up with a camping menu as a vegan posed a challenge at first because people usually are into grilling meat and having eggs for breakfast. plus, i didn't want to have food that i normally have at home. luckily, i got some ideas from the internet. the night before we went to get the last of the camping gear that we would need such as a lantern and some metal skewers for cooking over the fire. (we have headlamps but we need more than that.)

slow down for wildlife

we left LA later than i had hoped for. first we got gas and ice and then i realized we didn't have the stove! we packed everything but that! so we had to turn back but luckily we were only a couple freeway exits away. i stopped by my bank to get some cash but the atm was out and the bank was just opening. so i guess it was a good thing that things happened the way they did or else i wouldn't have gotten cash. sure i could in theory stop at some other bank or get cash out if i buy something at a store but do i want to go through all that trouble? no.

we made a pit stop in bakersfield to get the last of the camping provisions, including a first aid kit, chocolate (a must!), tissue, drinks (for the road), and an outdoor game to kill time while camping. i had planned on reaching sequoia national park around lunch time, setting up camp at one of the campgrounds near the entrance, then making lunch. well, around 1:30pm we reached the park entrance and i was hungry. i was dismayed to see that all campgrounds were full except up north at grant grove in kings canyon national park, a 2 hour drive plus an additional 30 minute delay due to construction. i didn't know if i could make it, hunger-wise. for some odd reason, the park smelled like tea tree. it was probably another type of tree but i thought that the odor was similar.

montecito sequoia lodge

on the way we stopped at montecito sequoia lodge. it was very nice, like teen horror movies. seriously, there was a lake with kids doing activities. it's like "friday the 13th" or one of the segments in "creepshow". it was so nice that twiddle thumbs started to ask if we could stay there instead of camping. um, but i don't think the lodges have kitchens nor do i think the restaurant has vegan meals. next time!

we stayed at azalea and paid by self registration envelope. i had no idea how this self registration works nor the bear-proof boxes at each campsite so let me just explain a little. i went around the whole campground once because i didn't know what to look for! there's a board, kind of a like what you'd expect to see for a map. it has postings and there are some instructions. you grab a campsite and then go to register. you note on the envelope your campsite, which days you are staying, and some other info. you may pay by cash or check but you do not get change. so if you are gonna do this, bring a pen and your checkbook so you don't overpay.

our tent

we set up the tent clumsily as we had only done it once before in my living room. i just gotta say that the thin metal pegs that came with the tent suck! i'm definitely gonna buy the thick and sturdy plastic tent pegs i saw for sale. we started making dinner right away since we missed lunch. we made veggie burgers, chips, herb corn, and a peach blueberry crumble for dessert. we had brought a jug of ice tea that was going to last us for pretty much the whole weekend. after we cleaned up, we put away the food and scented items into the bear-proof box. damn, there were so many! i didn't want to take any risks so i really put all toiletries and all that kind of stuff in the. the box size is very generous.

veggie burger and chips

herb corn

peach blueberry crumble

once it got to night time, i realized that one head lamp is wonky and not working. also, the air mattress is not full so it's not comfortable at all. i told twiddle thumbs to charge the pump first but she said it would be alright. i charged it for just a little bit while we were packing the car. of course, the pump went out before the mattress was full. well, we'll never make that mistake again. when i was preparing for this trip, i didn't really think about weather and clothes. i didn't plan on how cold it would be. if i still lived in santa cruz, it wouldn't be so bad. however, i don't. it was quite cold at night. we viewed the stars for a bit. boy, do i miss santa cruz! getting back to nature like this has made me realize just how much i miss it. i know i always say that i miss santa cruz but it's for different reasons. now i'm missing the trees. it was great to work among the redwoods. always felt like i was on endor and that an ewok would pop out.

bear-proof storage box for food and scented items

other tips i learned. bring a gazebo tent to keep bugs out of the picnic area! our camping neighbors had this and that's when i finally realized why those gazebo tents exist! i always thought it was so silly. i never thought about bugs before. it allows you to set the table and leave food out--brilliant! twiddle thumbs learned not to wear sandals if the campsite is dusty--she ended up with such dirty feet! bring food that doesn't require cooking, just in case, so you can eat on the road. something like peanut butter and jelly would've been great once we realized that it would be another 2.5 hours at least until we got to eat after entering the national park. also, be prepared for all sorts of weather. i was thinking more that it'd be hot and that my sleeping bag is quite warm. i just wasn't prepared for the cold. bring a warm hat, warm pajamas, and an extra blanket!