As the holiday season rolls in, many look forward to shopping and family gatherings. But for us, Black Friday in 2024 marked the perfect time for a short getaway—our annual camping trip. This year, we chose the great outdoors Green Ridge State Forest, Maryland USA, and it turned out to be an adventure filled with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable memories.
Prepping for Winter Camping
Despite temperatures dipping to a brisk 28 degrees Fahrenheit, we were determined to embrace the cold. Our beloved golden retriever, Lela, and our adventure cat, Boba, joined us on this frosty escapade. My husband took on the role of the ultimate camper, preparing our tent with a hot tent stove and layering our furry friends in cozy blankets to keep them warm. It was heartwarming to see everyone bundled up, ready to face the elements together.
Blessed by little sprinkles of snow
The campsite was a picturesque, with delicate sprinkles of snow falling intermittently, creating a magical backdrop for our adventure. Our friends, who also joined us on this trip, brought along their dogs—Inu, Darla, and Mac—turning our camping group into a lively pack of pets and humans alike. The camaraderie was palpable, and the laughter echoed through the trees as we all gathered around the fire, making memories. Of course I took advantage of these moments to have my cat Boba model for me!
Firewood don’t come easy
The guys worked hard chopping wood to keep the fire roaring, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. It was a sight to behold: the camaraderie of friends, the crackling fire, and the warmth it provided against the backdrop of a snowy landscape. I took this opportunity to capture these moments with my camera, a passion that I cherish deeply. Photography isn’t just a job for me; it’s a way to document the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.
Snow and Gear don’t go well!
With the unpredictable weather, bringing the right photography gear was essential. I was grateful for my rain cover for the camera, which proved invaluable as snowflakes danced around us. This was the second time I had used it, and it was reassuring to have that extra layer of protection. Along with a variety of lenses and my trusty tripod, I was ready to capture every precious moment. As always, I brought a film option for myself with weapon of choice this time as my Yashica medium format TRL camera with a roll of Kodak Portra 400. This is such an old camera but the imperfections never get old for me!
No picture? Never happened.
As our trip neared its end, we adhered to our beloved tradition of taking a big group picture. After a short hike, we stumbled upon a rustic cabin. We all squeezed in, with our pets nestled among us, and captured that perfect shot. The laughter and joy radiated from our faces, encapsulating the spirit of our adventure.
Reflecting on this trip, I feel grateful for the memories we created. From capturing the playful antics of the dogs to the warmth of friends huddled under blankets, every moment was a reminder of what truly matters. This Black Friday camping trip was more than just a getaway; it was a celebration of friendship, love, and the beauty of nature, wrapped in the warmth of shared experiences. I can’t wait to do it all again next year!
