outdoor camping, camping hikingWe just got back from a whirlwind camping hiking trip in a northern state where our sleeping bags, hiking boots, and camping stove were tested in the cold fall temperatures. We were outdoor camping by a lake in southern Minnesota, and while the scenery was gorgeous and the campground practically deserted, we were not used to the cold morning and evening temperatures. Since the woods were damp, we brought some firewood from town so we could get our morning campfires built quickly to warm us up. It was the first time we've ever been outdoor camping this late in the season that far north, so we were thrilled to have our warm, windproof tent and our warmer sleeping bags to curl up in at night. We actually had a wonderful time walking through the winds, listening to the sounds of the few birds who hadn't gone south already, watching the occasional fish jump, and eating like little piggies to keep our energy level up. We love outdoor camping, and by braving it in the 30's and 40 degree temperatures, we proved that we can extend our camping season well into fall, a relief for us because outdoor camping is our number one enjoyment in life.