This was taken from an interview my son Simon did with me for a school project.
How often do you go camping?
About five times per year.
Why do you go camping?
I go camping because I love to be in the outdoors. I also love to explore places that few other people can get to. That is why I own a 4WD. There is something wonderful about the tranquility of a bush setting, sitting around the campfire with a magnificent blanket of stars above your head that just can't be found in city living.
What is your favorite thing to do when camping?
My favorite thing to do when camping is to drink a small glass of port late in the evening with my friends and family while sitting around a warm campfire on a cool evening.
Would you recommend camping to others and why?
Camping is not for everyone, but I would recommend that people give it a try. One of my friends who was unsure of camping once said to me after coming on a few camping trips "Wes, I finally get it". Unless people try they may miss an experience of a lifetime. The vast expanses of desert in the outback, or the magnificence of rugged mountain ranges. or the thick vegetation of coastal rain forests can all be enjoyed so much more when you set up your tent and get amongst it.
If you could go camping to one place on earth where would it be and why?
I really love our usual camp site on the Turon River near Capertee NSW. It is remote enough that you rarely see other campers in the area, and it is also close enough to Sydney so that you can get there for a weekend. My second choice would be anywhere in the Australian Outback.
Do you think that camping is just a thing for men?
No, it is best enjoyed with your wife and family. It is also good to share the experience with friends.
What is a tip that you could give other people about camping?
Don't try anything too ambitious to begin with. Experiment with different locations and types of equipment. You can often borrow things from friends while you're trying to figure out what will work for you.
