Sedalia author pens a book on the joys of camping

While serving in the U.S. Army, camping for three months in Honduras while on active duty was not exactly paradise for Mellody Allee. Years later, Allee realized how fun and relaxing camping could be and decided to write a carry along guide for other camping enthusiasts.

“Camping in a Pop-Up Camper is Paradise,” a 232-page book was published in June by the first-time Sedalia author.

Allee said her first camping experience occurred while serving in the Army, but for the past 22 years, she and her husband camp as often as they can throughout Missouri and other states.

“We started camping and I found out I did like it,” Allee said.

The couple started out in a tent, then switched to a pop-up, then to a hard side trailer and back to the pop-up.

“I felt like a sardine in a tin can,” Allee said of the trailer. “If I’m going to be out in the woods camping, I want to feel the breeze and hear the birds.”

As the years went by, Allee began to make a checklist before each camping trip, reminding the couple what to pack and activities to do.

Allee said she wanted to find a book about camping in a pop-up and began searching book stores and online, but only found books about RV or tent camping.

“I can’t be the only person out there that wants a book like this,” she said.

After searching with no luck, she decided to write a book about her own experiences with tips and checklists for campers to take with them as they head out to the woods.

Her book covers things such as maintenance for a pop-up, camping recipes, games to play, activities to do, conservation and first aid.

Allee includes many checklists with blank spots for people to fill in their own things to remember or their favorite recipes.

The book is for any camper whether they camp in a tent, pop-up or an RV, Allee said.

Allee described camping in a pop-up as, “all the luxuries of an RV and all of the natures of a tent.”

Nearly all of the photos in the book also have been taken by Allee.

Friday, Allee will be signing copies of her book from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sedalia Book and Toy.

“Camping in a Pop-Up Camper is Paradise,” also can be purchased at Amazon.com or popuptimes.com.

Allee said she is already working on a second book which will give tips about playing billiards.

For more information about Allee, visit mellodylawsonallee.com.