At first glance this book looks like a cross between a pin-up poster review and a vintage R.V. advertisement. Glamour camping has much more to offer as a concept, though. We sell lightweight gear and canoes for the Boundary Waters and Beyond. Our bookstore is eclectic!! Our philosophy is not a purist exclusive. We figure, if "IT" gets you into the woods, then IT is a good thing. Isn't IT?
Mary Jane Butters has an affinity for the vintage paired with modern sensibilities. As an antique collector and dealer, I can certainly appreciate her point of view. She begins with a short history of women in the outdoors and jumps right into trailer shopping and restoration. M.J. makes it clear that research and more research is key to acquiring and outfitting a new mobile version of your home away from wherever you used to have to be to lay your head on your pillow at night.
Tenting, outdoor bathing, adjusting to small spaces, decorating, ideas, lifestyle, gear, tool kits, safety, maps and more are the waypoints in this GPS of a camping book. Inevitably leading to some fabulous recipes, which is, lets face it, is the key to what most of us think about when camping or Glamping... Good Food.
And... how to cook it over a campfire.
Activities follow, including Junktiquing and other distractions and excuses to hit the road. Who doesn't want to reclaim some items from the past and give them your own flair and flavor n'route to the next International Glamping Weekend?
You might find yourself wondering why this book is on our list and so I'll repeat myself. If reading it gets you outside and sleeping under the stars then you are one step closer to braving the wilds of the Boundary Waters. And... one step closer to a visit to the Canoe Capital of the World... Ely, Minnesota. Besides that, I like the restoration of old things, even trailers, and, I like the restoration of some old ways of thinking.
Namely that camping can be an eventful lifestyle - a celebration - at all levels instead of a difficult endurance exercise. Roughing IT has its place, but being comfortable and happy outdoors is never overrated.
One more thing. The book is fun.
Tim Stouffer
the Boundary Waters Catalog
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