A Desert Escape From The City Life

Most people picture themselves on their ideal vacation either lounging on beach or something more adventurous like zip-lining through a tropical rainforest. This year, I opted for something a little bit out of the ordinary for my family vacation and invited myself on my parent’s yearly hunting trip near Wells, Nevada. This city girl had to put away the heels to make room for my boots, forget about wi-fi and cellphone service, and choose some entertaining reading material in preparation for my journey. The plan was to get in touch with nature and get away from everyday technology.

20151016_085552_resized_1

Although the ride felt like a never-ending desert slowly consuming my energy and interest for the last three hours, my daughter was excited to see some cows and horses on the way as she peeked through the window. We passed by a small mansion on top of a hill, many working farms, and a large lake in the middle of the desert that offers free camping areas with tables and a great view, this was sometime after passing a sign for a hot spring nearby. As much as I yearned to experience a therapeutic soak in a hot spring, I’ll have to squeeze that into another adventure because we didn’t want to arrive at night.

20151018_114051_resized

It rained and poured on and off for the first two days which was surprisingly relaxing. I entertained myself with Mindy Kaling’s new book “Why not me?” which had me laughing out loud as I snuggled under a blanket and often looked out the window in hopes of seeing a wild animal pass by. Still, I took a stroll in the rain to get a better view of our surroundings and kicked the ball a few times before it began to rain again.

20151017_121718_001_resized_1

The campsite we picked out was obviously a favorite among hunters and campers, near a small river that ran through the mountains and next to a beautiful landscape, and within a mine field of what we believe was cow or deer poop. The outdoor toilet facility was one of a kind and had an exclusive view like no other I’ve ever personally seen. We used the bathroom in our trailer, but had a good laugh at the creativity of the creator.

mey martinez photography

Once our large group of family and friends returned from hunting in the afternoon, I quickly jumped on the 4-wheeler to have some fun exploring the surrounding area. It was an adrenaline rush. When I saw our neighbor had set up a large glamping tent with a wood fire burner, I knew I had to share it with everyone. I’m sure they prepared all of this themselves, but I know there are companies out there who take the hassle out of your hands and provide a full glamping set-up anywhere in the United States like Shelter Co.

20151023_093653_resized

The fourth day was filled with excitement! We sighted a big herd of deer a few yards away over the mountain just behind our camp. With one clean shot, the male mule deer came tumbling down the steep hill. I had never experienced anything like it, the feeling of sadness overcame the excitement at the sight. This sport is not for the faint of heart, it is legally done with a permit to prevent over-population. Never shoot unless you have a perfect shot and it is lethal, anything less would be cruel. The meat can be sold or stored and cooked and the fur can be used as well. It took them a while to find it as the sun had just set and the night was getting pitch black. The deer was huge, meaning mature in age, with nine tips on its horns and weighing about 250lbs. He was a majestic creature. I wish I could have seen him alive and close up!

20151022_115557_resized

The sun was out so this made it the perfect day for 4-wheeling and target shooting. It was fun learning to shoot a shotgun, but the 22 rifle was much easier for my petite figure to handle. We drove through the mountains for fun in search of wildlife and new paths, which we found. We saw squirrels, hawks, crows, cows, and golden eagles. The elk and deer were harder to spot because they blend and hide easily in the hills. I am still in awe of the beautiful scenery and challenge all of you to go outdoors and have an escapade of your own.

Gone Glamping, Camping for softies

If you’re more into the idea of the great outdoors than the buggy, dirty reality of it all, then glamping is for you.

The act of glamping is perfect for those who want to experience the opulence of the great outdoors but, want to still get creature comforts with a bit of luxury.

Glamping DIY can be the staycation you’ve been wanting, it is easy to set up in the comfort of your own backyard, which means you can keep all your luxurious indulgences at your fingertips.

Whether your makeshift glamping experience is a bell-tent, a yurt, an airstream, or a treehouse, with a little bit of planning and creativity you can re-create the experience yourself for a fraction of the price-tag.

Here’s some dwellings you can buy that are guaranteed to set you on the path to five-star glamping experience in your own backyard.

Bell Tent
12765553

Domes
oasisdome-8

Yurts
Pacific_Yurt_used_for_lakeside_recreation_cabin

Tipi
TaytoPark2

Camping isn’t for everyone, try Glamping instead

If camping isn’t for you, try glamping! Glamping is a new trend where you can have a one of a kind experience in nature with the best amenities and plush interiors for all your needed creature comforts.

It’s a tempting option for those who want to escape the big city and get closer to the great outdoors without sacrificing the city’s comforts.

This new trend has been gaining popularity, and many local destinations are offering some sort of glamping experience for their guests.

If you enjoy the outdoors and want a weekend away, luxury camping is the best option for those willing to spend the money.

The New Daily rounded up some of the best glamping experiences in Australia below, we are sharing them.

Happy Glamper, Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Happy Glamper lets you choose your location and they’ll set your campsite up for you. It is $300/per night for two people and glampers can choose to stay in a vintage Airstream silver caravan, Lotus Belle or belle tent.
Lotus-Belle-Camerons-Bight-site-68-800x600

St. Jerome’s – the hotel, Melbourne, VIC
St. Jerome’s is a new glamping hotel that aims to provide an outdoor urban glamping experience on the rooftop of Melbourne Central train station. Rooms start at $330/per night and feature luxury-style bell tents, fitted with thick quilts, carpet, heating and other plush interior designs.
st

Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, NSW
Paperbark Camp was conceived by the owners in Africa in the 1980 and was built to disappear into the incredible surrounds of Jervis Bay. Paperbark offers guests deluxe safari tents that start at $395/per night and are fitted with armchairs, wicker furniture, a comfortable bed and shelves stocked with necessities.
pb-800x333

Roar and Snore, Taronga Zoo, NSW
At the Roar and Snore guests can shack up at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo for a night. Roar and Snore offers glampers the opportunity to stay in a fully-furnished and spacious tents that overlooks the harbor for $320/per night. Guests can expect a buffet dinner and personal night tour from a zoo keeper for the most safari-like experience Australia has to offer.
tz-800x487

Nightfall, Lamington National Park, QLD
Nightfall is nestled in the Lamington National Park and allows guests to truly feel lost. This Australian glamping site has safari tents that are made with solid timbers floors, tasteful timber furniture, a hand-carved stone basin, rain-head shower and a fireplace for winter nights. Each tent comes with complimentary champagne and a gourmet platter and rates start at $455/per tent.
nt-800x437

Wilson Island, QLD
Wilson Island is a tiny island on the Great Barrier Reef where only 12 guests can stay at one time. Wilson Island has “designer-inspired” tents that have king-size beds, binoculars for nature watching, robes, toiletries, daily housekeeping and a personal chef to lead you on your dining journey. Rates for this island glamping experience start at $928/per person.
wi-800x490