Several times a year, I go camping. It works out to be at least monthly from March to November. I even went camping in February in the snow once. I haven’t done it since, but it was quite the adventure and I didn’t die, so there was that.
In the Pacific Northwest, our weather changes so much that one year we can have a beautiful clear camp out in March, and the next it will be a torrential downpour. One camp out we camped on a horse ranch, and I was able to ask questions. This weekend we are headed out to another horse ranch far enough from the highway it’s like being in the middle of no where. These are the times I run ideas through my head for things I can use in my books.
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I love being out in the woods with no cell service. I do make sure my iPad is fully charged and whatever I’m working on it downloaded. It is so much a heaven on earth and do not get nearly enough.
Those who know me know that while I might live in the suburbs but if I had anything to say about it, and money wasn’t an option, I’d live on a multi-acre ranch with animals—not sure which ones but there would be horses, cows and chickens.
One of my favorite scenes that was inspired by one of my camp outs was from an upcoming book—Loving Bonnie.
“You going to tell me what happened last night?” She grabbed her clothes and pulled her bra back on even with me frowning.
I shivered all over again, just like when I got home from making the rounds after midnight. “I’m just saying I don’t think we need to be concerned about noises coming from our tent.”
She paused and stared. Her gaze darted back and forth as she considered who’s tents stood between us and where the horses were kept.
“No.” Her hand covered her mouth and her smile. “Haven’t they been married like forever?”
“You’ve seen them. I just can’t get it of my head.” I rubbed my temples.
Bonnie laughed and straddled my lap. “Yes, they are cute together.” She rubbed against my lap.
“Can we not think of Ryan and Heather?”
She buried her head in the crook of my shoulder, laughing. “You’re a dork.”
“As long as I’m your dork.” My lips captured hers for a moment before someone shook the side of our tent. Loving Bonnie—Coming 2024
My kiddo loves camping, too. The further into the middle of nowhere, the better. Me, my idea of camping is a hotel room or a 5th wheel. Glad your trips have helped you with research for your books. Hugs, Katina!
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