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Donna McArthur's avatar

I love luxury as much as the next person but there is nothing like being out in nature camping. Not the camping where you're bumper to bumper with other campers getting asphyxiated by the many campfires hanging in the valley and people 'enjoying happy hour' but the kind where there's more solitude and isolation. It is deeply soul-satisfying.

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Yes indeed! Camping in January in New Zealand can be more of the former type (when all the schools are on holiday), but March is just perfect, when the weather is still warm and there's hardly any people around 😀

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Don Boivin's avatar

I'm inspired! I used to camp all the time but not for some years now. My favorite part is hearing the night sounds while lying in "bed." I really like having some sort of screening to look up at the stars, too (as long as it's not going to rain).

What beautiful pictures!

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Thanks Don. Happy to have inspired you 😃 In terms of soundscapes, the cicadas seemed to be in overdrive this year! We heard a few owls too, and possibly some kiwis, which are known to live on that part of the coast (and are an endangered species). And the stars were incredible, especially at the beginning of the trip before the moon got fat! Thanks for your comments 😊

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Jenni Hulburt's avatar

I can relate to many of your sentiments and experiences here. I appreciate the reset of camping, amidst the “grumbles” as you say because yes, they do exist. But ultimately, there is still something nourishing about it all. Thanks for the reflection.

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Thanks for getting it Jenni. Yes, nourishing is the word 😊

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Sophie S.'s avatar

I used to go camping a lot, but now that we live off the grid and mostly outdoors, when we go away I want a nice Airbnb or hotel 🤣 that being said, the most beautiful spots are found far away from roads and comfort. By taking a tent you really get to explore the true beauty this country has to offer. Kinda feeling like a camping trip now! Also sad summer is over when I see those beautiful beaches!

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

I'm definitely not feeling like camping since the weather turned this week, but glad I packed it in before the Autumn arrived! (And not averse to a bit of luxury now and again either) 😄

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Kerri's avatar

This is what I want! I love camping but your words resonated with me for what I want for life in general. With pressures of work, life, people making demands, I find myself more and more yearning to strip it all back and have quiet and simplicity. Just need to work out how to get to that point.

Once again, your beautifully written words reflect my own thoughts . Thank you xx

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Thanks so much Kerri, and yes, me too! I'm thinking more and more about how to strip life back to its basics. We in the Westernised world make it so much more complicated than it needs to be, and our health is suffering as a result! I'm so glad it resonated with you x

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Danielle ⛈️'s avatar

Wonderful!! How lovely. Thank you for sharing. XO

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Thank you Danielle 😊

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Jane Pike's avatar

I love this Vicki! I have similar experiences of realising how profoundly disconnected we've become ever time we camp or sleep outside. I have a theory that every leader that gets elected should spend a month wild camping before they enter government-- I'm convinced then things would be different! Thank you for sharing this xx

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

What a great idea Jane! I'd love to see how Donald Trump fares in the wilderness (or Chris Luxon for that matter) 😀

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Jane Pike's avatar

I'm willing to drop him off with a tarpaulin and a flask 😆

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Oh yes please! 😀

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Catherine Maher's avatar

awesome piece Vicki - felt I was right there in your NZ paradise while reading it - beautiful writing, as always!

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Oh thank you Catherine, that is lovely feedback 😊

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Dr Michelle Tolfrey's avatar

Such beautiful photos and words Vicki. I’m a late bloomer in terms of camping, but I really do love it (in the right conditions - no more festivals for now!). The invitation to really pause and be is a rare and precious gift ♥️

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Thanks Michelle. Ah yes, camping at festivals is a whole different experience. Equally enlivening but in very different ways! I think I've probably left those days behind too 😄

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Dana Leigh Lyons's avatar

This sounds glorious and like the medicine I’m most needing, Vicki. Love, love, love.

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Thanks Dana. It's medicine indeed 😃

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Lucy Fleetwood's avatar

Hoe utterly beautiful 💕

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Thank you Lucy 😊

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Anton's avatar

Your reflections on disconnecting from technology during your camping adventures offer a refreshing perspective on engaging with life more intimately. Your narrative encourages readers to embrace moments of solitude and presence, highlighting the profound insights that emerge when we step away from digital distractions. Thank you for sharing this inspiring reminder of the value found in unplugging and immersing ourselves in the natural world.

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Dr Michelle Tolfrey's avatar

Such beautiful photos! I’m a late bloomer in terms of camping, but I really do love it (in the right conditions - no more festivals for now!). The invitation to really pause and be is a rare and precious gift ♥️

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