Camp sitting

The camping setup

When you arrive in the Valley you can decide how close you want to set up your camp to others. We very much had our own privacy in the two different camps we were in during our five weeks out there.  Both were a short walk from other people so it was easy when we wanted to socialise or cook with others, yet the shrubbery and bushes provided the perfect shelter from the main trail and other camps when we wanted to just have our own space or to retreat.

Our first camp located in the forest just back from the beach

The camping options were:

Along the beach - for a wonderful sea view and the soothing sound of the waves to send you to bed. Though this is the most popular option, so it's the busiest.

In the woods - slightly set back from the beach, you have a bit more privacy and space but you miss the sea view.

In the jungle - if you follow the trail up the Valley into the jungle you can really get some alone time and be surrounded by nature.  This is where the longer term residents hide out away from the tourists and build their super camps. 

Can we keep you please?!

People were really generous with lending us things such as comfy padded mats to sleep on and cast iron pans to explore cooking things like bread.  But the best thing we shared had to be Kiki the kitten!  Kiki used to live in the wild but Mike, not his real name, would put leftover food out for the few wild cats that were dotted around.  He also added a few tins of tuna into the mix and before long a cat called Tipsy was the first to gradually become domesticated.  She was confident coming into the camp, but came more for the food than the attention.  However Kiki was younger and became the cutest and tamest of the cats, she certainly got her fair share of affection and I am sure she must be one of the happiest cats alive as every visitor comes with new admiration and interest in her.  

Kiki the Kitten!

She is the cuddliest, most docile kitten I have ever met, who would even let me carry her around in a sling around my neck (yes a bit keen I know) and would miaow at our tent in the morning for cuddles and attention.  What a treat to have around, and so nice that she spent a lot of her time at our camp as it really added to our experience.  I love having animals around as it makes me think that perhaps there isn't that much we 'have' to do as human beings.  Most creatures are just living, doing their thing and even that can create a great deal of joy.  It also reminds me of the satisfaction and happiness that comes from building relationships, whether that be animal to human or human to human - isn't that ultimately what matters in life and is what you remember?

Spot the kitten...

Our dream camp

The beach camp we had the privilege of inhabiting during the second half of our stay was wonderful.  We'd been told by a local that we could care take that spot whilst the long term resident was away. The camp had it all - the sound and view of the sea, sunrise and sunset, lots of handy equipment like nice bedding and a mosquito net and of course Kiki the kitten.  

However not only did we 'cat sit' and 'camp sit' but we also 'garden sat'! The person who had set up the camp had started their own mini garden containing lots of edible plants including chili, basil, papaya, spring onions and tomatoes.  We planted mint, squash and avacado whilst we were there.  It was just incredible that it was so easy be able to grow food using the seeds we'd find in the jungle or by taking cuttings.  The squash seeds we planted grew 3cm in just the first week of being planted. Already in the camp was a date palm, with so much fruit on it and within two seconds walk were orange and lemon trees as well as java plum trees.  It really is so satisfying to be able to eat what is growing around you.

Garden Sitting

Making the most of what's out there

Time and time again I was amazed and surprised at how easy and rewarding it was to make the most of what was already there.  Scott and I would keep commenting how much we really were living in abundance.  

When we needed basic food supploes, someone who was about to hike out would turn up and donate the goods they didn't want to carry.  When Scott cut his toe on a rock we decided flip flops would be useful - half an hour later I found a pair left behind on the beach, perfectly intact in the right size.  When we talked about how useful it would be to have a chopping board - lo and behold Scott found a long abandoned camp with loads of items that would make our living more comfortable such as a fold out chair.

The abandoned camp full of goodies for the taking

(has since been cleaned up)

The abandoned camp came in handy though it upset us all that it was left in such a state and the owner hadn't even bothered to make a rubbish pile or give the stuff to others.  But I must add that this abandoned camp was an exception, overall camps are left in good shape either with no stuff, or in a tidy way with items that the next person staying there might want (like pans or cooking utensils). Apparently the person who stayed at the now abandoned camp had had to leave in a hurry - a bit of a dodgy character!  Somehow the Valley has a way of weeding out the people that shouldn't be there. 

We were lucky to find the camp before it had been disbanded by the long timers who clean up the place and collect anything that could be of use to them.  

I certainly felt like we were 'glamping' (glam-camping) as the norm for me when camping at festivals is that I have to catch a train and thus only bring what I can carry in a large rucksack on my back.  I usually waddle along with this backpack, guitar in hand and another bag of food and try to bring only the basics  (apart from glitter but luckily that is light weight so doesn't count!).  I jealously eye up fellow campers who have arrived by car as they bring out their double blow up air mattress and camping chairs!  But this time, it was us with that plush set up - the list of things we aquired whilst there, it's really quite absurd....

Living in abundance

Living with little

I don't often meet people who really want to live in the middle of nowhere; the idea of being without electricity, mobile phones, internet, hot showers and the protection of a home doesn't appeal to most.  Perhaps the idea seems just terrifying or too hard to even conceptualise.  Yet I found it to be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences of my twenty eight years on this planet and recommend a period of simple living to all as a way of appreciating what you have and what you really need to live.  It's refreshing to take a step back from everyday life to get perspective.  

Our dream camp on the beach

Two major factors meant the experience was a pleasurable one - 

Great weather - being in Hawaii meant that the weather was generally sunny and warm, making outdoor living and sleeping pleasant.  This becomes a drudge when it's cold or wet as you are spending so much energy on staying dry and warm.

Great people - the fact that a brilliant community of people has formed in the Valley meant that I didn't feel isolated or lonely, which I have experienced in the past in remote areas which is really difficult.  I also enjoyed going there with another person, as it was quite out of my comfort zone and having someone to live it with, means you can appreciate the good bits and work out any difficulties together.  We were surrounded by people who could teach us how to live in this environment and to be resourceful and the fact that everyone is really generous means it is a place of harmony.

These factors allowed us to get the most out of living a simple, outdoor lifestyle without what most see as the 'bare essentials'. Thus if it is something you ever want to try, great weather and people are important factors to bear in mind when deciding how and where to do it!  However I can't sugar coat it, there are always difficulties in any situation which will be covered in the next blog............