Camano Island Sunshine

Celea McInerny
Apr 6, 2016
4 min read

With the sun shining and the taste of Summer on my lips, all I wanted to do this week was enjoy the beautiful weather. I immediately thought of Camano Island because the campground is peaceful, I love the beach, and there are multiple trails to explore-especially for Mac. Camano Island feels very warm in the sun, and with views of the Olympics, Sound, and Ranier, total bliss can be absorbed from this area. The location is also only an hour north of Seattle and supports cell phone connections.

I have been to Camano in the past, both to camp and hike. The campground I stayed at previously was forested and secluded. I intended to stay there, but to my surprise, it was closed and the adjacent campground was open. I was instantly excited to check it out, and was even more excited that I could get a view from my spot. I circled the loop to find the best spot, and because it was a weekday, the campground was nearly empty. I ended up choosing one of the most perfect and unobstructed spots. In front of me was the sound and mountains, and on my campground was a large yard, a firepit, and a place to hang my hammock. I was in serious awe that I could just settle myself into this area. This was better than any experience a five star hotel could give me. I will be coming back to this spot as often as possible.

Another reason why I wanted to get out to Camano, was because I thought it would be the most comfortable place to experiment with freeze dried meals. I picked out a variety of options with my Dad at REI on Easter Sunday. I got everything from biscuits and gravy, to pad thai, and creme brulee. I had also picked up a complete cooking set from Cabela’s which included pots and pans, plates and bowls, and cups. My little Coleman stove top is the perfect size for a propane burner and was only $20. I had everything I needed to survive, and was ready to “live off the land”.

I also stopped at the last store before the park to pick up firewood and flowers to complete my make-shift home. As soon as I got to my perfect spot, I started to boil water and hang up my hammock. I made pad thai first which took 20 minutes to steep. I simply poured the required amount of boiling water into the freeze dried food packet, sealed it up, and waited. I then put together a set for the food and garnished it to produce perfect pictures. The freeze dried food was surprisingly tasty, not making me feel gross or too full. I also enjoyed how there was very little mess and cleanup. It was also reassuring that I will not attract bugs or animals, and I don’t need to worry about food spoiling.

After some time eating, soaking in the sun, and taking in the views, Mac was ready to explore the area. We explored an unlabeled trail that left directly from the campground. I instantly fell in love with the deep ravine and the wood staircases that led us down it. We walked down the stairs and back up the hill to see the dense forest. Mac had a blast running through the woods, and I am sure he was thrilled it wasn’t raining. After an evening hike, we went back to the camp ground to build a fire and relax. From my job, I was given an iPhone 6s with an unlimited data package from T-mobile. With faster upload and download speeds than Verizon, I was able to catch up on all my shows from my campsite. It was one of the most relaxing days and am still fantasizing over my mini getaway. I slept well in the back of my car, but the one thing I forgot was my custom cut sleeping pad. I made up for it by bringing lots of blankets and pillows.

The next morning, I woke up to find out that the second best spot (next to me) had been filled with a giant RV. I decided to not make it awkward by saying hello. I then prepared some hot cocoa and biscuits and gravy for breakfast. After the neighbor decided to talk to me for an extended period of time, I decided I should move locations and spend another night. I really had only planned to spend one night, but with no reason to go back to the city, I decided to stay out in the wilderness.

I took Mac for a walk around the campground to search for another perfect spot. All of the sites had an amazing view of the water, but I was looking for a nice secluded area that would keep people from talking to me. I ended up finding an amazing location that included a raised driveway, lower living area, and a small trail that led to the ledge (where I can hang my hammock and enjoy secluded views). I was more than comfortable here. After reserving my spot, Mac and I headed into town to run some errands and get more water. When we got back, I took Mac on a walk to the beach and the woods. I made beef stroganoff and creme brulee for dinner and then proceeded to set up my evening hammock setting. I brought my giant portable batteries to power strings of light over and under the hammock. I then patiently waited for the late sunset to take pictures. Mac enjoyed resting on my lap in the hammock and gave him a place to feel comfortable. Mac really didn’t mind spending two nights in the woods, he found ways to have fun running through the woods and chasing rabbits.

I eventually made my way back home the next morning before work. This was one of the best getaways I could have ever undertaken, the sun was so refreshing and camping was made easy due to the freeze dried meals and unlimited data from T-mobile. I can’t wait to get back outdoors, and Mac is begging for his jackets to wear outside as well.