Travel Diary: Our First Wild Camp – Above the World
This was a day I’d been looking forward to for months—and it didn’t disappoint. Our first ever wild camping trip, and what a place to begin. After walking nearly 10 miles with a 17kg backpack, we reached the top of the hill, and it felt like we were standing on the edge of the world. Just me, the dogs, and the endless views stretching out into the distance.
Setting up camp was a moment I’ll never forget. The dogs settled right in, happily exploring and then curling up nearby. Everything I needed was in that pack and the simplicity of it all felt perfect. We cooked, we shared snacks, and we sat watching the world slow down.
Then came the sunset—breathtaking. The sky lit up in soft golds and pinks, casting long shadows over the hills. I felt completely at peace. I remember thinking, I wish I’d done this years ago.
The night, though… it was cold. Colder than I’d expected. Even zipped into my sleeping bag, I felt the chill creep in. But it didn’t take away from the experience, it just made the morning sunlight and hot coffee even better.
This was more than just a walk and a camp. It was a reset. A reminder of how much joy there is in doing something for the first time and how good it feels to carry your own world on your back and sleep under the stars.
What I Learned from My First Wild Camp
I learned that I’m stronger than I thought.
Carrying a heavy pack for 10 miles up steep hills sounded daunting, but I did it. Step by step, I proved to myself that I could manage more than I imagined not just physically, but mentally too.
I learned the value of slowing down.
Out there, with no phone signal, no noise, no distractions it was just the wind, the view, and the dogs breathing beside me. Every moment felt richer. I noticed things I usually miss; the way the sky shifts as evening falls, the quiet comfort of shared silence, the flicker of light on distant fields.
I learned that discomfort doesn’t ruin joy.
Yes, the night was cold. My legs ached. My gear wasn’t perfect. But none of that took away from the peace and pride I felt. In fact, it made the whole experience more real more earned.
I learned how little I need to feel full.
A tent, a stove, some food, two furry companions, and a view that stopped me in my tracks. That was enough. More than enough.
And most of all, I learned that I want to do this again. Not someday. Soon.
Create Your Own Website With Webador