Camping it up

I've never been one for adventures, but my interest has been sparked by a trip advertised on Trek America: The Westerner 3.
It involves visiting a range of American sights including LA, San Francisco, San Diego Las Vegas, the Californian coast, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion National Park across 4 states over 3 weeks.

Yet, there's the continuous voice in my head whispering away doubts to me, and the biggest doubt of all? It's a camping trip. The closest I've got to camping in my life is building a blanket fort in my room. I'm nearing the age of 30- in fact I'll probably be 30 by the time I would end up going- am I too old to be sleeping on the floor? If I accidentally leave a tiny gap in the zip of the tent, will a massive bug find it's way into my mouth? Will I accidentally end up spooning my tent buddy? What if I have to get up in the night and stumble through the darkness to get to the toilet? What if  a mountain lion mauls the tent???

On the other hand, there are some intriguing and exciting prospects: sleeping under the stars, cooking over a campfire, being 'at one' with nature, experiencing back packing.

I can get into camp life in terms of cooking; I love a barbecue, but the lack of home comforts is a bit of a worry. I'm not talking about hair straighteners and make-up, I can live without that, but having a proper shower or bath, a bed and the risk of not being eaten alive by bugs or other animals are things would be nice.# first world problems

Reservations

No 'proper' shower
Dry shampoo is something I'm well acquired with. Plus there are a couple of nights that are spent in hotels or hostels. If I smell of bonfire, surely everyone else will.

Night time noises
Night time noises in the wild? It's ok when I know what the noise is at home, however out in the sticks? Is it a wild animal, a landslide or just someone snoring?

Other people
I'm not the best with meeting people even though it's probably unlikely that I'll hate everyone in the group While around the campfire I can probably listen to stories rather than contribute, sing songs or read a book, I hope I don't come across as stand-offish.

Being lonely
The likelihood is that I would be going alone. If I was going with a friend or partner I would jump at the chance and many of the doubts would be eradicated. I can occupy myself on my own; reading a book, etc but I'm worried about being lonely when I'm with the group. Looking at the itinerary, there's some activities that I'm not that fussed about doing but I don't want to seem like a party pooper by not taking part. It's not the not taking part that bothers me, but what other people think. I'd love to go with someone, not just so there's someone I know, but also someone to 'share memories' with.

3 weeks
I love travelling, but I also like being at home. 3 weeks, especially camping, seems a long time. On the other hand, it's only 3 weeks; we've been in lockdown longer that that, and it will probably fly by.

Perks

Seeing some amazing sights

Being able to visit 4 states and see the Grand Canyon, San Diego, San Francisco, Pacific Coast Highway and other iconic landmarks seems too good an opportunity to miss.

Cooking over a campfire

The ultimate barbecue... and marshmallows :)

Once in a lifetime

This would be a chance to see places in one go that I probably wouldn't get the chance to otherwise, and probably wouldn't get the chance to see again.

The nerves of camping, going alone and being away for three weeks seem irrelevant when I consider it's only 3 weeks, I will get to experience something new and some amazing sights.