Glamping is defined as camping with amenities. I think it is my definition of amenities that had me confused after this trip but read on.

I have a great friend, Ila. We have been on many trips together. As nurses, we worked together for many years in a local hospital. Ila was actually my preceptor in the operating room. And from there we became great friends. She moved out to California several years ago and is now retired. Glamping fever struck and she has been hooked since. Now Ila knows me well and knows how much I love hotels and clean sheets but she asked anyway….Let’s go Glamping!!!!

This was uncharted waters as I have only two camping experiences under my belt. Tent camping with my son and his scout troop where I am perspiring profusely thinking about that…and swatting mosquitoes. The other experience was when my daddy rented a popup camper and set it up about 40 miles from home in a small park. He liked it so much he drove home that night for a bath. Guess it is genetic.

I am somewhat of a risk-taker and I will try anything at least once. Besides I like traveling. So I agreed and packed my bag. Upon my arrival, I learned that we would be wet camping. Can you believe I am still learning at my age? For those of you that are noncampers, that means you have water, electrical and sewer hook-ups. All hotels have this. So far, not impressed.

I learned so many things on this trip, my head is spinning. I want to share a few tidbits with you regarding my glamping experience:

TRAVEL TRAILER: The Bambi Airstream 16 foot advertisement touts space maximizing options and the capacity to sleep four. They fail to mention these four must be Lilliputians. You know, the little peeps from Jonathan Swift Gulliver’s Travels

PARKING: Backing into the reserved spot was a little tricky. And we were on an incline. There are a lot of steps to go through for this process but Ila seemed focused. I, on the other hand, stood there like deer in headlights. I haven’t picked up anything heavier than a Nordic Bundt pan in a very long time. I think my chatter threw her off her routine. As I am watching her unhitch the truck from the trailer, suddenly the trailer lurched and began rolling back to an abyss. We both lunged to grab the trailer to stop it from plowing through the fence and sailing away in the wild blue yonder. I am not really used to moving that fast. Seems those little blocks that fit behind the wheel are very important. Guess they prevent the trailer from becoming airborne. Note to self.

BATHROOM: The shower and toilet are all in one and built on what I’d refer to as the slimline. There are preparatory measures to be taken for the shower entry. Removing the toilet paper is paramount (especially if you only have one roll). Toilet seat goes down lest you drop your washcloth. To enter, you stand parallel with the shower, inhale and hold, hang onto the hand bar and step up and into the space. I kind of felt like Clark Kent when he was in that phone booth in the old days. When you are completely in the shower (and for Pete’s sakes, make sure you are completely in) only then can you exhale. Douse completely using the handheld shower wand, suds up and rinse. Bam! It’s over! Oh, don’t forget to close the trailer curtains. I stepped out of the shower and I am sure I frightened half of the park.

ACCIDENTS: There are some essentials that need to be packed on these trips. Suggestions are knee braces and canes. People our age probably should not be climbing in and out of trucks carting ice chests and stooping and squatting attaching hoses. (Was I really holding a tube that carries excrement? ) Injuries happen. People that design these mini-vacay homes do not have the elderly in mind. It meant a trip to the pharmacy for us to purchase these items. The victim shall remain nameless.

ANIMALS: Baxter is Ila’s 20-year-old cat that also likes camping. What he doesn’t like is someone invading his space. If you don’t mind a litter box under your bed and a waft of Little Friskies cat food occasionally, this could be for you and your feline friend.

Glamping always includes good food so I give you Camping Caramel Bars. There are lots of versions of this cookie bar and that is the beauty. You can pick, choose and add other ingredients that you prefer as toppings. It is certainly not the most beautiful dessert but it is so very tasty. You can bake in a tart pan, square pan or cake pan. Kids will love to make and eat this! Okay, so this may have been my favorite part of the trip!

One thing I know for sure is that I can cross this off my bucket list!

MAY THE S’MORES BE WITH YOU!

Yield: 10 slices

Camping Caramel Bars

Print

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• CRUST
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon soda
• 1/4 cup Heath's Milk Chocolate toffee bits
• FILLING
• 1/2 cup Smucker's Salted caramel topping
• 1/2 cup Heath's Milk Chocolate toffee bits
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Prepare 9-inch tart pan generously greasing and flouring. Place parchment paper on the bottom.
2. CRUST: Cream the butter and sugar. Combine soda, flour, and oats. Continue mixing slowly until all is mixed well. It will be thick. Fold in the toffee bits with a heavy spoon.
3. Press mixture using your fingers into the tart pan reserving about 1/2 cup to place on top.
4. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Remove and begin to add filling to hot crust.
6. FILLING: Drizzle the caramel on top of the crust. Then sprinkle the toffee bits, coconut, marshmallows and chocolate chips over the top.
7. Take the reserved crust and pinch off bits and place on top.
8. Return to oven for 20 minutes.
9. Cool. Remove from tart pan and slice.

Notes

A square 8x8 pan can also be used. Be sure and use parchment paper to remove easily.