Wherever We Land

How do you practice self-care?

Alright campers, gather ’round the virtual campfire. For those of you unfamiliar, I’m Snatcher, and alongside my partner-in-crime (and wife), Nikki, we run the YouTube channel “Wherever We Land.” We spend a good chunk of our free time chasing sunsets and chasing away the cobwebs of daily life, one tent stake at a time. But listen up, this ain’t just about roasting marshmallows and dodging bears (although there have definitely been some close calls!). This, my friends, is about self-care.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: self-care? Isn’t that bubble baths and cucumber slices on your eyes? (Hey, no judgment if that’s your thing.) But for a guy over 40 who wouldn’t be caught dead in a face mask (unless it’s to keep the campfire smoke out), self-care takes a different form. It’s about unplugging, literally and figuratively, and reconnecting with something bigger than the next deadline or the never-ending scroll.

As the great John Muir once said, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that the wild is a necessity; and that mountain parks and wilderness areas are essential to the human spirit.” Yeah, Muir might have been rocking a beard that would make a lumberjack jealous, but the sentiment rings true.

There’s something undeniably therapeutic about sleeping under a canopy of stars, the only alarm clock being a chorus of birdsong. It forces you to slow down, to appreciate the simple things. Remember that time you spent three hours troubleshooting the printer, only to have it jam again the next day? Yeah, me neither. Out in the wilderness, your priorities shift. Suddenly, the biggest concern is whether you have enough firewood for the night, and let me tell you, that kind of simplicity is a balm to the soul.

Speaking of soul-balming, have you ever woken up to a sunrise over a mountain vista? It’s like a technicolor explosion in the sky, a daily reminder that there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. It’s a powerful antidote to the feeling of being stuck in a rut, which, let’s be honest, creeps up on all of us from time to time. As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Camping, my friends, is all about forging your own path, one tent site at a time.

Now, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. Camping isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. There will be nights when the rain comes down in buckets and your tent feels like a flimsy paper boat in a hurricane. There will be days when the bugs seem to have a personal vendetta against you. But here’s the thing: those challenges are what make it all the more rewarding. Because when you finally do get that fire crackling, when you finally do reach that scenic overlook after a grueling hike, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. It’s a reminder that you’re tougher than you think, that you can overcome anything nature throws your way (except maybe a grizzly bear encounter, in which case, run!).

But perhaps the most important aspect of self-care camping is the chance to reconnect with the people you love. Let’s face it, in our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to get lost in the digital noise. Camping forces you to be present, to have real conversations, to share stories under a blanket of stars. It’s a chance to strengthen those bonds that matter most.

So, there you have it, folks. Snatcher’s not-so-secret recipe for self-care: unplug, reconnect with nature, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, head over to our YouTube channel, “Wherever We Land.” Nikki and I document our camping adventures, from the epic to the slightly disastrous (hey, that time we forgot the tent stakes was a learning experience, alright?). We share tips, tricks, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Now, here’s the question I leave you with: When was the last time you truly disconnected? When was the last time you challenged yourself, pushed yourself outside your comfort zone? Maybe it’s time to dust off that old tent, pack a bag of essentials (and maybe some extra bug spray), and head for the hills. After all, as the great Maya Angelou said, “Still I rise.” And sometimes, the best way to rise is to take a break from the daily grind and find yourself under a million twinkling stars.

Now, before you head out there with visions of campfire singalongs and wilderness zen, let’s get down to brass tacks. Western North Carolina, specifically the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a camper’s paradise. Here’s why:

• The Scenery: Let’s start with the obvious. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a visual feast. Think rolling hills cloaked in emerald forests, cascading waterfalls, and vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s like stepping into a Bob Ross painting, minus the happy little trees talking to you (although after a few days of campfire stories, you might start questioning that).
• The Variety: There’s a campsite for every kind of camper in Western North Carolina. Want something rustic and remote? Head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and find a spot nestled amongst the towering pines. Craving a little more action? Pitch your tent near a lake or river and spend your days kayaking, canoeing, or just floating around like a carefree log (which, let’s be honest, sounds pretty darn good right about now).
• The Challenge (if you want it): For the more adventurous souls, there are plenty of challenging hikes that will leave you feeling like you conquered Everest (well, maybe not Everest, but you get the picture). Scale Looking Glass Rock for panoramic views, or conquer the infamous Crabtree Bald for a 360-degree mountain experience. Just remember, the steeper the climb, the sweeter the reward (and the more satisfying that post-hike beer will taste).
• The Charm: Western North Carolina boasts charming towns like Asheville, Bryson City, and Boone, perfect for a post-camping pit stop. Grab a locally brewed beer, browse the quirky shops for unique souvenirs, and soak up the small-town mountain atmosphere.

Now, when it comes to planning your self-care camping adventure, here are a few Snatcher-approved tips:

• Do your research: Not all campsites are created equal. Figure out what kind of experience you’re looking for (rustic retreat or family-friendly fun zone) and choose your campsite accordingly. Most National Park and Forest Service websites have detailed information about campsites, including amenities and reservation details.
• Pack light: Let’s face it, lugging a ton of gear up a mountain is no one’s idea of a good time. Focus on the essentials: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, headlamp, first-aid kit, and of course, some good food and drinks.
• Leave no trace: Respect the environment, folks. Pack out all your trash, be mindful of campfire protocols, and leave the campsite as you found it (or even better!).
• Embrace the unexpected: Things rarely go exactly according to plan when you’re camping. A sudden downpour, a rogue raccoon stealing your snacks (it happens!), a forgotten tent stake – these are all part of the adventure. Learn to roll with the punches and laugh it off.
• Relax and have fun!: This is your time to unwind, to disconnect, and to reconnect with yourself and nature. Don’t get bogged down by a tight schedule or unrealistic expectations. Just kick back, enjoy the fresh air, and let the worries of the world melt away like marshmallows over a crackling fire.

So, are you ready to ditch the Wi-Fi and embrace the wild (well, the controlled wild of a well-maintained campsite)? Western North Carolina awaits, with its breathtaking scenery, diverse activities, and endless opportunities for self-care. Remember, a little dirt under your fingernails and a head full of starry night memories might be just what the doctor ordered (or at least what Snatcher ordered).

Now, head over to “Wherever We Land” on YouTube and join Nikki and me on our camping escapades. We might just inspire you to pack your bags and embark on your own self-care adventure. After all, as the great George Mallory, when asked why he climbed Mount Everest, simply replied, “Because it’s there.”

Well, the mountains of Western North Carolina are there too, and they’re calling your name. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to answer the call and discover the magic of self-care camping.