My sister Laura and I are going camping this coming weekend. Questions of our sanity for camping the first weekend of October aside, we’re using this trip as the first dip of our toe into the pool of backpacking.

We’re heading out to Lake Maria State Park to a “hike-in” private campsite that has a toilet, firepit and picnic table. As we need to hike in to our campsite – this won’t be your typical “car camping” expedition. No big cooler, no suitcase….need to carry everything (or almost everything) on our backs. Granted, we’ll only be about a mile from our car, but still. Planning meals and what to take along is drastically altered when you have to carry it on your back.

Weather’s supposed to be cool, but not rainy/windy. That could change between now and then, but right now it’s looking good! Can’t wait!