How many books should I take camping?

Let’s get this out in the open right away – camping is not my thing. This is not to say that I don’t love a caravan park, with their bouncing pillows, games rooms and, most importantly, cabins.

It’s just the whole tent, and absence of toilets and showers that leave me (literally and figuratively) cold.

But somehow, I have found myself in the position of going camping – real, no-toilet, mobile reception-free camping – next weekend.

This leaves many things to worry about but most importantly I am concerned about the book situation. As I’m new to camping, I’m not sure exactly how it works and WHAT WE’RE MEANT TO DO WHILE WE’RE AWAY WITH NO SHOWERS (and have I mentioned, toilets?).

Do we just sit and contemplate, or … chat?

And so, when I’m not worrying about the practicalities of tents, camp stoves and building fires, which I have to confess will probably be responsibilities more competently undertaken by the more experienced members of our camping group, I’ll turn to my usual source of comfort: books.

I wonder how many books I should take for a two-night camping trip. I know which books to take to the beach, or on the train to work. But these are reading opportunities that are short-lived, or times when there are other obvious activities in which to partake – anyone feel like a swim or walking to the ice cream van?

I figure that in two wide, empty days I’ll have ample time to read so three books will probably suffice. But what about when it is dark and I’m lying in my tent, wide awake to the sound of everyone else’s snores?

Perhaps the Kindle would be better, although I’ll have to download any books that I might like to read. And be vigilant about charging – there will be no convenient power points where we’ll be staying.

Then there is the question of what to read. Would a light, fluffy, beach read suit this environment? Certainly nothing too earthy will do as I’ll get my fill of that and more while we’re away (sorry Robbie Arnott). Nothing too scary, either. I’m sure I’ll already be spooked by idea of snakes, spiders or kangaroos outside my tent already.

I think escapism would be best – perhaps Dolly Alderton or Liane Moriarty would be my best bets. I’ve heard there’s a new Moriarty out and I know her books sweep me up and can keep me entertained for days. They’ll provide distraction from the bugs and burnt sausages, and I can pretend I am at home, tucked into my comfortable bed.

Or maybe I should look at this camping trip differently. Perhaps it IS an opportunity to sit in stillness, without turning to the crutch that is my beloved audiobooks, kindle or paperbacks. I could calm my mind and live in the moment, rather than someone else’s.

But, as much as I can see this would be wise, for a hopeless book addict, that just isn’t possible. All that I can do is try to intermittently look up from behind the covers to appreciate the beautiful Australian bush, before I once again escape to another reality. Thank goodness for books!