Exploring the Meaning of Ambrosia’s ‘How Much I Feel

← Camping Essentials & Setup | Essential Tools & Safety

Quick answer

• It’s a power ballad about deep, overwhelming love.
• The lyrics focus on the intensity and transformative power of this feeling.
• It uses metaphors of nature and cosmic forces to express this love.
• The song captures a sense of awe and wonder at finding such a profound connection.
• It’s about a love that makes you feel truly alive and complete.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve got the intel you need. It’s like checking the weather before you set up camp. Don’t be that guy.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s actually in charge of the area you’re heading to? Is it the Forest Service, BLM, a state park, or private land? Knowing this tells you what rules apply. It’s not always obvious, and stepping on the wrong patch of dirt can lead to trouble. Always check the official agency website for the specific area.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig actually get there? Some roads are paved all the way. Others are rough, unmaintained tracks that need high clearance and 4WD. If it’s been raining, mud can be a real bear. Don’t assume. Look for recent reports or call the ranger station. I learned that lesson the hard way in Moab once.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is a big one. Wildfire danger is no joke. Check current fire restrictions for the area. Also, know the forecast. High winds can make camping miserable and dangerous, especially if you’re in an exposed spot. A sudden storm can roll in fast out there.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where will you get water? If you’re not bringing it all, how will you treat it? And what about trash? Pack it in, pack it out. This is fundamental LNT. Don’t leave your mess for someone else to find. It ruins it for everyone.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What kind of critters are in the area? Bears, snakes, mountain lions – know what you might encounter and how to be safe. How far is the nearest town or ranger station? Do you have cell service? Consider a satellite messenger for remote trips. It’s about being prepared, not paranoid.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

This is how you set up camp, smooth and easy.

1. Arrive at the general area: You’ve got your destination in mind.

• Good looks like: You’re on the right road, feeling confident.
• Common mistake: Following outdated GPS data and ending up on a dead-end or private road. Always cross-reference with current maps and signage.

2. Scout for a legal and suitable campsite: Look for an established spot or a durable surface, away from water sources.

• Good looks like: A flat, clear area that shows signs of previous use (if allowed) or is designated for dispersed camping.
• Common mistake: Setting up camp too close to water, which harms vegetation and wildlife. Stick to the 200-foot rule.

3. Assess your immediate surroundings: Check for hazards like dead trees (widowmakers), ant hills, or unstable ground.

• Good looks like: A safe zone, free from obvious dangers.
• Common mistake: Ignoring a leaning dead tree directly above your tent. A strong wind can turn it into a disaster.

4. Clear the tent site: Remove any small rocks, sticks, or pinecones that could make sleeping uncomfortable.

• Good looks like: A smooth, clean surface for your tent footprint.
• Common mistake: Leaving sharp rocks or roots exposed, leading to a ripped tent floor or a night of tossing and turning.

5. Set up your tent: Lay out your footprint, pitch the tent, and stake it down securely.

• Good looks like: A taut, stable tent that will withstand wind and rain.
• Common mistake: Not staking the tent properly, especially the rainfly. It will sag and collect water, or worse, blow away.

6. Organize your gear: Put your sleeping bag and pad inside, and store other essentials in designated spots.

• Good looks like: Everything has a place and is easily accessible.
• Common mistake: Leaving food or scented items inside the tent. This is a big attractant for critters.

7. Set up your cooking area: Choose a spot downwind from your tent, away from dry vegetation.

• Good looks like: A safe, convenient spot to prepare meals.
• Common mistake: Cooking right next to your tent. The smell of food can draw animals to your sleeping area.

8. Secure your food and scented items: Use a bear canister, bear bag, or vehicle, depending on regulations and local wildlife.

• Good looks like: All food and anything with a scent is inaccessible to animals.
• Common mistake: Leaving snacks in your backpack near the tent. A curious raccoon can shred it.

9. Gather firewood (if allowed): Collect only dead and downed wood, no larger than your wrist.

• Good looks like: A small pile of dry, manageable wood.
• Common mistake: Cutting live branches or taking wood from established campsites. It damages the environment and is often against the rules.

10. Start your campfire (if allowed and safe): Clear a 10-foot radius around the fire pit. Keep water and a shovel nearby.

• Good looks like: A controlled, contained fire.
• Common mistake: Building a fire in windy conditions or leaving it unattended. This is how wildfires start.

11. Prepare and eat dinner: Enjoy your meal, and clean up thoroughly afterward.

• Good looks like: A clean camp and a satisfied belly.
• Common mistake: Leaving dirty dishes out or not properly disposing of food scraps. This attracts pests.

12. Extinguish your campfire: Douse with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until it’s cold to the touch.

• Good looks like: Absolutely no embers or heat remaining.
• Common mistake: Thinking the fire is out when it’s just smoldering. A stray spark can reignite.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ignoring fire restrictions	Fines, jail time, and starting a wildfire that destroys thousands of acres.	Always check the official fire danger rating and restrictions for your specific location.
Not checking road conditions	Getting stuck, damaging your vehicle, or needing a costly tow out.	Research road conditions beforehand; consider your vehicle’s capabilities (AWD, clearance).
Improper food storage	Attracting wildlife (bears, raccoons, rodents) to your campsite.	Use bear canisters, bear bags, or store food securely in a vehicle as per local regulations.
Leaving trash behind	Polluting the environment, harming wildlife, and making the area look terrible.	Pack out <em>everything</em> you pack in. Leave no trace of your visit.
Setting up camp too close to water sources	Damaging riparian vegetation and polluting water for wildlife and humans.	Camp at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers, and streams.
Not bringing enough water or treating it	Dehydration, illness, or having to cut your trip short.	Carry more water than you think you’ll need; know how to purify natural water sources.
Ignoring wildlife warnings/advice	Dangerous encounters with animals (bites, scratches, or worse).	Research local wildlife and follow all posted warnings and safety guidelines. Maintain distance.
Not having a communication plan	Being unable to call for help in an emergency.	Carry a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon for areas without cell service.
Building a fire in high winds	Sparks blowing into dry grass, igniting a wildfire.	Never build a fire if winds are strong. Always have water and a shovel ready.
Not properly extinguishing a campfire	Hot embers reigniting and starting a wildfire.	Douse with water, stir, and feel for heat until completely cold.
Disregarding “No Trespassing” signs	Legal trouble, fines, and being asked to leave.	Always respect private property boundaries and posted signs.
Overestimating your vehicle’s capabilities	Getting stuck, stranded, or causing damage to the vehicle or the environment.	Be realistic about your vehicle’s limitations and the terrain you’ll encounter.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

Here’s how to break down some common camp decisions.

• If the fire danger rating is high or very high, then do not build a campfire because safety and regulations take priority.
• If you see bear activity signs (scat, tracks, claw marks), then ensure all food and scented items are secured in a bear-resistant container because animals can be attracted to your campsite.
• If the road is rough and unpaved, then assess your vehicle’s clearance and traction because you don’t want to get stuck miles from anywhere.
• If cell service is unreliable, then carry a satellite communication device because you need a way to call for help in an emergency.
• If you are dispersed camping in a popular area, then look for established sites because it minimizes your impact on the environment.
• If weather forecasts predict strong winds, then secure all loose items and consider an alternative campsite because high winds can be dangerous and disruptive.
• If you cannot find a designated campsite, then choose a durable surface at least 200 feet from water because this is a core Leave No Trace principle.
• If you plan to filter water, then bring a reliable filter and backup purification tablets because you never know when a filter might fail.
• If local regulations require it, then use a bear canister because it’s the most effective way to protect your food and yourself.
• If you’re unsure about land ownership, then err on the side of caution and consult official maps or signage because trespassing can lead to legal issues.
• If fire restrictions are in place, then plan to use a camp stove for cooking because campfires may be prohibited.
• If you encounter wildlife, then maintain a safe distance and never feed them because it can lead to dangerous habituation and harm to the animal.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best way to avoid attracting bears to my campsite?

A: Store all food, toiletries, and anything with a scent in a bear-resistant canister or bag, hung properly, or locked in your vehicle. Cook and eat away from your tent.

Q: How do I know if a road is too rough for my car?

A: Look for signs indicating high clearance or 4WD are required. If the road is deeply rutted, has large rocks, or looks excessively muddy, it’s probably best to turn back.

Q: Is it okay to collect firewood at my campsite?

A: Only if it’s allowed and you collect dead and downed wood that’s no bigger than your wrist. Never cut live trees or branches.

Q: What should I do if I can’t find a designated campsite?

A: If dispersed camping is permitted, find an established site or a durable surface at least 200 feet from any water source. Avoid creating new impact.

Q: How much water should I bring?

A: A good rule of thumb is at least one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, but adjust based on climate and activity level. Always have a way to purify more.

Q: What if I forget something important?

A: For minor items, you might be able to improvise. For critical things like water treatment or first-aid supplies, you may need to cut the trip short and head to the nearest town.

Q: Are campfires always allowed?

A: No. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons. Always check the current fire danger rating and local regulations before planning a campfire.

Q: How do I dispose of greywater?

A: Scatter strained dishwater widely away from water sources, at least 200 feet. Use biodegradable soap sparingly.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific campsite reservations or fees. (Check the managing agency’s website.)
• Detailed local regulations for specific wilderness areas. (Consult the ranger district office.)
• Advanced wilderness survival techniques. (Consider a dedicated course.)
• Specific foraging or hunting laws. (Look up state wildlife agency regulations.)
• Detailed gear reviews for specific camping equipment. (Explore outdoor gear review sites.)