We were inspired by an elderly couple from Leskovac that we met in Albania, a woman who teaches at a school and her husband. They traveled the entire region like that and we said why don’t we try it too 🙈 It must be a nice feeling to wake up in a place you want, surrounded by nature and the chirping of birds like we are today. Don’t ask what is allowed where, we don’t know that yet.
We bought sleeping bags for camping at @decathlonsrbija , it said that they are for up to -5 🌡️
Lara has chickenpox and she doesn’t get it anymore, we got a doctor’s certificate that she can go outside so she slept at her grandmother’s tonight and we slept in the forest. 🌲
The movie we watched on @netflix is called CHAMPIONS
And while I’m writing about what’s new – I crashed the drone that I recently bought and I was shocked that the repair cost as much as a large service. 🧑🔧
There, so…
Camping is supposed to be an adventure, an escape from the everyday routines that keep us glued to screens and surrounded by the hum of modern life. For weeks, we had been planning our first-ever camping trip, envisioning ourselves sitting around a crackling fire, roasting marshmallows, and falling asleep under a sky full of stars. The reality, however, turned out to be a bit different. Our grand outdoor adventure quickly transformed into an unexpected night spent huddled in the car, but somehow, it became a night we would never forget.
The Excitement of the First Camping Trip
When we first decided to go camping, we were filled with excitement. We scoured the internet for the best beginner-friendly campsites, watched videos on how to set up a tent, and made lists of all the essentials we would need. The checklist included sleeping bags, a tent, lanterns, bug spray, and, of course, plenty of snacks. We were determined to do it right.
The morning of our trip, we packed up the car, feeling a sense of adventure. The drive to the campsite was beautiful—winding roads lined with towering trees, a golden sunset peeking through the branches, and the occasional deer sighting that made us gasp with wonder. We were certain this was going to be a magical experience.
The First Signs of Trouble
When we arrived at the campsite, our enthusiasm was still high. We found our reserved spot near a quiet lake and set about unpacking. But as soon as we started setting up the tent, we realized we were in trouble.
First, the instructions made no sense. We tried to follow the diagrams, but the poles weren’t cooperating, and the fabric seemed to have a mind of its own. After what felt like an eternity of fumbling, the tent still looked more like a collapsed parachute than a cozy shelter.
To make matters worse, the wind started picking up. A strong gust swept through the trees, sending leaves and dust flying. We watched in horror as our half-assembled tent tumbled a few feet away, caught in the wind’s grip. We chased after it, trying to hold it down, but our frustration grew with each failed attempt.
Nature’s Unexpected Challenges
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the temperature dropped, and the mosquitoes came out in full force. They buzzed around us mercilessly, feasting on our exposed skin. We quickly sprayed ourselves with bug repellent, but it was no match for the swarm that seemed to have singled us out as their evening buffet.
Then came the realization that we had forgotten something crucial—firewood. We had imagined ourselves sitting by a warm fire, but without firewood, our grand plans of cooking dinner and enjoying the glow of flickering flames were out the window. The nearest store was miles away, and driving back in the dark on unfamiliar roads didn’t seem like a great idea.
With our tent situation unresolved, no fire to keep us warm, and a growing chill in the air, we exchanged a look that spoke volumes. This was not going according to plan.
Plan B: Sleeping in the Car
After a long, exhausting debate, we made the only logical decision: we would sleep in the car. It wasn’t what we had envisioned, but at least it was warm, bug-free, and guaranteed to stay in one place.
We rearranged the seats to create as much space as possible, layering our sleeping bags and blankets to make it somewhat comfortable. It was a tight squeeze, and our limbs ended up tangled in awkward positions, but at that moment, it felt like the safest and coziest option.
As we lay there, staring through the windshield at the dark sky, we started laughing. What else could we do? Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong, yet we were still here, together, sharing this ridiculous experience.
Finding Joy in the Unexpected
Though the night wasn’t the picturesque camping trip we had imagined, it had its own kind of magic. We talked for hours, telling stories, reminiscing about childhood adventures, and making plans to try camping again—properly, next time.
At some point, we even cracked open our snacks, turning the front seat into a makeshift dining area. Chips, cookies, and granola bars never tasted so good. The simplicity of it all, the spontaneity, made it oddly perfect.
Outside, the sounds of nature surrounded us. Crickets chirped, an owl hooted in the distance, and the wind rustled through the trees. Even from the car, we could appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors.
As we drifted off to sleep, squeezed together in our tiny mobile shelter, we realized that camping wasn’t just about the perfect setup or the ideal fire. It was about stepping outside of our comfort zones, embracing the unexpected, and finding joy in the little moments.
Morning Light and Lessons Learned
When the first rays of sunlight filtered through the windows, we woke up feeling stiff but strangely accomplished. We had survived our first night “camping,” even if it wasn’t in the traditional sense.
Stepping out of the car, we stretched and took in the breathtaking morning view. Mist hovered over the lake, the air smelled fresh and earthy, and birds sang their morning songs. Despite all the mishaps, we had made it through the night, and somehow, the experience felt more meaningful because of its imperfections.
As we packed up, we laughed at ourselves and made a new plan. Next time, we would double-check our supplies, practice setting up the tent beforehand, and maybe—just maybe—bring a backup plan that didn’t involve sleeping in the car.
But for now, we had a story to tell, a memory to cherish, and the satisfaction of knowing that even when things don’t go as planned, adventure finds a way to make itself unforgettable. ❤️
