What Camping Taught Me

This a couple weekends ago, we went camping in the Berkshires. It was the first time my husband and I had tent camped in 20ish years and the first time for our 5-year-old.

He was extremely excited about fishing, so queue up the last-minute trip to Dick's Sporting Goods to purchase a tackle box, fishing rod, and worms before heading out for our camping adventure. We got there, set up our tent, and got dinner going; thankfully, we camped with our neighbors, so us newbies had some guidance!

Hanging out with the neighbors dog and heating up coffee on the fire!

The first night was SO cold, like a low of 33 at night, I was NOT prepared. We got up, and that morning campfire warmed my soul and my feet! We head out for the day, find a nice pond along our route back to the campground, pull into the turnoff, and pull out my phone to watch a youtube tutorial on setting up a fishing rod. I have NO service.

I start to set up the fishing rod from what I could remember it looking like as a kid, and this big red pickup truck pulls up behind us, and I'm starting to feel insecure about my fishing abilities. Now I'm getting frustrated that I didn't set it up before I left and that there is a chance I let our kid down if I can't figure it out. We take it out for its first cast, and it's a total flop.

I look back at the big red pickup truck and debate if I want to ask for help. I sallow my pride and walk up to the truck, he rolls down his window, and I ask, "Excuse me, sir, do you fish?" He responds, "I do!" "Would you mind looking at how I set up the rod? I haven't fished in 20 years!" He responded, "I would love to." I have to tell you; I have never been so relieved, grateful, and appreciative of someone's help.

This man's name is Russ, and he was the perfect person for the job. His wife told me that he taught all their children and foster children how to fish. Russ saved the day; the only change needed to my setup was adding more weight. I got this photo of my Russ, my husband, and our son Silas walking down to the lake's edge.

I will never forget how Russ saved the day and was willing to help us out even during this crazy pandemic. Russ gave us this wonderful gift of our son fishing for the first time. He showed Silas how to cast and gave him a few pointers. Zach and I sat and watched Silas fish, and we were without cellular distractions for the first time in who knows how long, and it was terrific. I miss the days of not being accessible all the time.

I was reminded that asking for help is never a bad thing especially when it depends on the happiness of someone you love.

If you want to get in touch about a photoshoot please email me at amber@amberjones.com or call me at 860-550-5454. I can’t wait to hear from you.