We went camping at our favorite North Alabama tiny, unknown campground: Buck’s Pocket.

We went for the endless views,

IMG_0624 (2)

IMG_0611

The time with family,

IMG_0616 (2)

IMG_0570

The campfire,

IMG_0390

(and accompanying marshmallows,)

IMG_0399

and so that our kids could get a hot breakfast.

Because they only get that when Gramamma is around.

IMG_0414

And especially, to get away from it all.

To be in a canyon where cell phones don’t work,

where football can’t be watched,

and where computers don’t exist.

IMG_0388

Because there’s just nothing like seeing your kids run and play and enjoy the outdoors like they should.

IMG_0196

IMG_0197

(I swear – my computer stayed in it’s case in the car the whole time.  The rest of my family were nature heathens.  Not me.)

(But I did have wi-fi on my iPhone.)

The kids love camping because they get to play with their cousins (like this rousing game of “mean police keeping the bad guys off the slide,”)

IMG_0354

get smoked by their much younger cousin’s bravery,

Slide Bravery

(but never dare change their cautious ways,)

to go on Gramamma’s fabulous treasure hunts,

IMG_0202

IMG_0206

IMG_0211

and to ponder deeply the meaning of life.

IMG_0146

…or at least the meaning of why they can’t go camping every day.

IMG_0254

My one true reason for going camping – ever – is for the photo ops.

Sure, I enjoy the outdoors…the crisp air…the life slowdown.  But the photos.  They’re the best.

I don’t know the answers as to why, but my kids are so much cuter in the wild.

IMG_0048

Maybe it’s because they have more room to make messes and be loud and run recklessly without destroying my house.

IMG_0464

Maybe it’s the nostalgia created by the  vintage playground equipment that I myself played on years ago.

IMG_0510

IMG_0089

IMG_0289

IMG_0552

IMG_0443 - Copy

Maybe it’s the fresh air and it’s effect on their hair and complexion,

IMG_0074

IMG_0127

IMG_0261

IMG_0439

IMG_0245

But whatever the reason, every camping trip, I come away with my new favorite photo of each kid.

Ali, October 2011:

IMG_8288

Ali, June 2012:

IMG_5435

Ali, October 2012:

IMG_0465

Noah, October 2011:

IMG_8253

Noah, June 2012:

IMG_5804

Noah, October 2012:

IMG_0314

So if you can’t think of any other reason you’d want to smell like burnt wood for days and obsessively and repeatedly check your kid’s every freckle to make sure none morphed into ticks, I assure you: the photos are worth it.

18 thoughts on “Reasons To Do Life In the Wild.

  1. We are going camping at Bucks Pocket this weekend!! This is our first family camping trip-me, hubby and our three girls. We are beginners so we are only staying one night, but we are super excited.

    1. That’s awesome! Let me know how it goes – we so love it there! We always stay in the rentable RVs and also stay one night – so no judgement here! :)

  2. Rachel, those are two super cute kids ya got there. I had no idea Alabama was hilly or so tree covered. Very pretty!

  3. Sitting around a campfire is probably the thing I like most when camping and I don’t care if I smell like smoke…it all comes out in the wash. That picture of your niece going down the slide is hysterical…that look on her face is priceless.

  4. your kids are so cute! and you make me want to, like my husband, buy a pop up camper. and your mom does treasure hunts? wow. just wow. what a gramma.

  5. You got some great shots and it looks like fun was had by all! I especially love the metal animal swing…those were always my favorites when I was little. Retro play ground equipment is perfect for photo ops!

  6. Love your blog , north Alabama, and bucks pocket camping! It is indeed the most beautiful place especially when the leaves are turning.

Leave a Reply to Rachel Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *