I’ve loved being outdoors for as long as I can remember, especially camping. As a child, I spent most of my time outdoors. I was blissfully happy whenever I was out catching tadpoles or crawfish in the nearby creek or tempting doodlebugs (Ant Lion larvae) from their holes with the gentle swirl of a twig. I would catch horned toads and tarantulas and temporarily house them in a Prince Edward cigar box, releasing them unharmed at the day’s end. I would sit for hours playing in the dirt with my Tonka trucks or join my neighborhood playmates in our “fort” constructed in the trees. My mom would take me camping at Lake Buchanan where we’d swim, fish, and sleep under the stars on the picnic table while providing a tasty meal for the mosquitoes.
As the years passed, our outings ceased due to my mom’s illness. For a long period, my connection to Nature was muted as I began to spend more time indoors. The inherited depression and anxiety took hold, creating some dark episodes in my life. Fortunately, however, I met and married someone who recognized the direct correlation between my mental health and my time spent outdoors. Over the last 40+ years, he has lovingly fostered my love of Nature and constantly urged me to “get outside,” resulting in some amazing camping and hiking adventures. In fact, it was my husband who encouraged me to sign up for the Texas Master Naturalist training (AAMN Class 36).
Despite our small business commitments, we try to go camping as often as possible. Several years ago, we traded our tent for an RV which allowed us more opportunities to spend long weekends in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. I’ve supplemented those trips with solo tent camping and hiking jaunts locally and in West Texas. And recently, I purchased a little teardrop camper of my own for my solo camping trips. I began sharing more and more of my photos and adventures on my Facebook page to positive reviews from friends and family. It wasn’t long before my Facebook page’s musings graduated into a blog. The Melancholy Camper was born.
Through blogging and posting on Facebook and Instagram, I channel my inner “park ranger” and virtually share my excitement and passion for Nature. I attempt to educate others on the many natural wonders that surround them and the resources available to them. I champion my causes like native plants, dark skies, conservation, and our state parks. Through my other passion, photography, I invite others to join me on my adventures, offering them a brief glimpse of what amazing things await them when they step outdoors and onto the trails. This last year, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer some time at the Discovery Center in one of my favorite places, the Guadalupe River State Park. I feel so blessed when I’m able to make a small contribution to a park visitor’s positive experience with Nature and the outdoors. I’ve met some amazing like-minded people. A whole new audience is exposed to my enthusiasm!
For people who struggle with depression and anxiety, it’s so important to find creative and positive outlets to manage the effects of the illness. For many of us, interacting with Nature is a large part of the “treatment.” However, not everyone can go hiking or camping. Not everyone is at the same point on the path to wellness. Some days, it’s all we can do to step out the front door! I describe those times as being “under the rock.” They can be debilitating and dark. So, knowing what a positive and sustaining impact my outdoor activities have on my life, I want to share the positive energy and possibilities with others like me.
I’m by no means an influencer. Nor do I have any aspirations to become one. I’m not an expert on anything but myself. However, I know how being in Nature affects me. How it both soothes and energizes me. How it brings me into the light. Nature nurtures me. I want to pay it forward. If through my small efforts, I can reach just one person coping with depression and/or anxiety and encourage them to take the first of many steps outdoors, then I’ve been successful.
There’s always room around my campfire. Won’t you join me?
You can connect with Kim at the following links
www.themelancholycamper.com (Website)
The Melancholy Camper – Home | Facebook (Facebook)
Kim Clendenen (@themelancholycamper) • Instagram photos and videos (Instagram)