The Fernweh Diaries: Totality and Preparation

April 7 - 13, 2024

Are you planning a camping trip soon? You may be looking forward to a peaceful weekend in the great outdoors, with nothing but the sounds of nature to keep you company. If so, it's essential to ensure you have all the gear you need to make your trip a trip to remember!

Before you head out on your camping trip, take some time to gather all the necessary gear. This might include a tent, sleeping bags, cooking supplies, and clothing appropriate for the Arkansas spring weather. Anything can happen this time of year! Make a list of everything you need and double-check it before you leave. I've reviewed our gear this past week and analyzed how to store and ensure we have the best system for taking quick trips on a whim. So far, I've reorganized our fly fishing gear, camping gear that goes with us when we take our rooftop tent, and camping gear that goes with us when we use a ground tent. For me, the essentials have slimmed down over time. I've packed as little as possible and tried to make it as simple as possible. (Check back next week for a list of all the items I take with us on a one to two-night camping trip!)

One of the highlights of any camping trip is seeing the night sky in all its glory. But what if you could witness something even more incredible? That's precisely what happened to many people camping in Arkansas on April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse occurred. Fancy Hill Cabins and RV Park posted awesome shots of people enjoying the eclipse and the Ouachita Mountains.

The eclipse was a truly unforgettable experience. The sky went dark, and the stars became visible in the middle of the day. Some campers even reported feeling a sense of awe and wonder as they watched the eclipse unfold. I was lucky to experience this celestial event with some of my favorite people! I am still awestruck.

If you're planning a camping trip in the future, why try to time it with a celestial event like a meteor shower or full moon? It's a great way to add excitement to your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime. There's a couple of really cool starry night events coming up. To name a few: the pink moon on April 23, the Lyrids Meteor Shower happening April 21 - 22, and the Eta Aquarids happening May 4 - 5, 2024 (I'll be camping the following evening! I'm hoping to catch a few of these myself.). I urge you to check out some extraordinary celestial events that will be visible near you this summer! Need a place to stay during your adventure? Check out Find A Place Arkansas at findaplacear.com. Find A Place Arkansas has small businesses across the state that are sure to make you feel right at home in the places that we love to explore.

Another adventure this past week has been figuring out headwear for the upcoming fly fishing adventures. I'm stuck on what I should get. I need YOUR help! Share what you wear on your fishing trips in the comments, or send me a DM on Facebook or Instagram!

I believe in the power of shared experiences and knowledge. So, if you have any recommendations for hats that are great for fly fishing or if you've had any memorable camping trips, I'd love to hear from you. Share your ideas and stories in the comments below. And remember, the more we share, the more we learn, and the better our future camping trips will be.

Be inspired + go!

Following the Fernweh