Many people enjoy being surrounded
by wilderness, but are less inclined to “rough it.” In The Adirondacks: A History of America’s First Wilderness, Paul
Schneider discusses the conception and evolution of the Great Camps in the
Adirondacks. These were luxurious compounds owned by many of America’s wealthy
elite. Some of these compounds included up to 40 structures sitting on
thousands of acres. These properties had various amenities including dance
halls and bowling alleys, a few even had their own private railroads. While
most of the Great Camps are no longer in use, there are still similar luxurious
camping opportunities for those who wish to experience the outdoors without the
hassle of backpacking. While reading about these extravagant properties I could
not help but think about a similar practice, which has become very popular
today.
Glamping stands for glamorous
camping, and is attractive to “travelers who want to experience the positive
aspects of camping without the uncomfortable negatives.” While glamping, a
guest is able to enjoy the wilderness without having to pitch a tent, build a
fire, or sleep in a sleeping bag. The accommodations can come in the form of
spacious tents or haute rustic cabins. I had recently been reading an article
from The Collective Quarterly
entitled Glamping on the Old Frontier.
While the photos depicted a stunning farmstead in Montana equipped with
immaculate cabins and a beautifully large dining room, I struggle to understand
how the old frontier and luxury camping can go hand in hand. Similarly, how can
luxury camping be associated with the Adirondacks, which was once an
indomitable landscape? I believe that when we are in the wilderness we should
feel belittled by the landscape, by the magnitude of our surroundings. Glamping
dominates the wilderness and so we are not able to fully appreciate it. While
glamping speaks to a crowd that may not be enticed to backpack or camp
traditionally, it also goes against the idea of stepping out of our comfort
zone and enjoying all the wilderness has to offer.
The Adirondacks: The
History of America’s First Wilderness, Paul Schneider
The Collective
Quarterly, http://collectivequarterly.com/issue-1/
Glamping is super fun. It is certainly a different kind of fun than roughing it, perhaps more superficial, but it is still a great time. Sometimes when people are looking for a vacation in nature, they are looking for something easier, something where they can get away from the bustle of weekday life and still live in comfort. I can't really blame these people, as long as they are willing to share the woods with those who do want to rough it responsibly.
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