Spring is here, the birds have returned, but we still have snow on the ground. I received a call in the office last week asking if a person could camp. Yes! Our camping season has begun. However, I told them, we still have snow on the ground. Not much, but it comes and goes. It's best to watch the weather report. I am happy to say she did camp and loved it even with the snow. She was prepared for the weather. That is pretty important around here if you are going to camp. One day this week it was snowing, the next day it was sixty degrees and raining. Sometimes it rains, suns or snows., Be prepared for whatever life brings you.

Spring camping at Ananda Ashram offers some very nice perks if you are ready for them. 

1. Fewer bugs
   During the summer we have all kinds of flying insects, ticks* and little creatures that love to get inside your tent. But during our springtime wonderland most of the bugs are still hibernating.
2. Fewer campers
   Many of our campers are fair-weather friends, who love to be in the hot weather and camp when there is no rain or snow. This gives you an excellent opportunity to have a whole section to yourself. If you like privacy there are many spaces available in the woods, if you prefer a platform for your camping needs you'll find several around the grounds. Some even have tarps or a lean-to overhead.
3. The forest is very quiet
   Especially at dusk to dawn you'll notice the forest is very quiet, but when the sun begins to rise you'll notice the birds begin to chirp and sing. Stillness is so apparent in those early hours, a great time to meditate in your tent, or even go into the woods and find your own private space to contemplate "I AM".
4. Deer travel in herds
   It has been a hard winter for our Deer friends, so we have been putting out scraps of food for them to munch on and enjoy the abundance the Ashram has to offer. This draws the Deer in herds of six to as many as 20 have been seen feasting on our left-overs. They skip, jump and play waiting for their turn to eat. It is a beautiful sight seeing all the Deer friends play.
5. With the right gear you'll stay nice and comfortable
   What might you need to know or want to bring to camp in the rain and snow at Ananda Ashram during the cold spring days? 
   • Bring a water bottle to fill up in our Kitchen or Main House tap. The water comes to you from our well purified by ultraviolet light. You might not think so but you can easily get dehydrated in this weather
   • As you may know we offer you three meals at Ananda Ashram, eat heartily to keep your nutrition and calories high, you will burn more energy to keep your body warm. You may want to bring nutrition bars or snacks to eat between meals but keep them in airtight containers in the dining hall or small dining hall (Ask staff to show you where.) Do NOT keep food in your tent!
   • Bring a sturdy tent the snow can become heavy and if your tent isn't rated for snow you could find yourself in a very serious situation. Frostbite is a concern when camping in the cold, even if it's above freezing outside, if you get wet and cold you want to find warm shelter right away. We do have several places you can go if this happens. The Blue Sky Center offers a nice sofa and area to read, it's also called the computer room because you can use the wi-fi there without disturbing anyone else. There are warm showers, and bathrooms there too.
   • Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the cold weather temperatures that are at least 10°F cooler than the actual temperature.  You can always vent the bag if you get too warm. If you’re not sure your sleeping bag is warm enough, you can add a sleeping bag liner. These add extra warmth while also minimizing wear and keeping your bag cleaner. The extra layer can add about 5 – 25°F of warmth.
   • A sleeping bag mat or yoga mat can be helpful to get you off the ground.
   So come spring or fall you will find quiet in the woods here and always have an opportunity to take the time to reflect look deep within and find peace.