I am very excited, my Beau and I with our two dogs are going camping and fishing next week for 3 nights. Neither of us have done this since we were kids. I pratically grew up outdoors and so did he, but we never really thought of camping as an alternative to touristy travels and pride events that leave us cold.

Are any of you active in the outdoors? Just curious

Any forest fire alerts where you're going? In some forests, you're now required to have an ax, shovel, and bucket with you.

I never sleep better than when I'm sleeping in a tent. There was this one time, ten years ago in southeast Washington state near Clarkston and Lewiston ID. I was so far away from everyone that it was absolutely silent. No birds, no planes, no nothing. I've never been anywhere else where I've experienced total silence.

I bought a second MSR International campstove last week. I'm looking for an excuse to use it.

My dream New Year's Eve experience would be to go out camping. To hell with the parties.

On my recent trip to Traverse City, MI, I took the long way home, State Route 37 (M37), which cuts right thru the heart of several national forests. For much of its length, it's lined with fishin' holes, canoe liveries, campgrounds, and dirt roads leading off to even more isolated ones. This road definitely gets my nod as a place for further exploration. :cool:

Used to camp all the time and once owned a ridiculous number of tents (5!!!!)

Lately I'm getting into bouldering. Challenging stuff!

I don't do much "real" camping but opt for car camping. As long as I can find a place that has individual campsites but isn't completely packed, then I think it's still a great outdoors experience.

Is this the Official Lesbian Thread? wink

No, dear. That would be Portuguese Flannel!

Only if you can find a toaster oven that runs on Coleman fuel.

QUOTE]Only if you can find a toaster oven that runs on Coleman fuel. [/QB][/QUOTE]

Whats so hard about finding one of those?

Don't laugh - works great wink

(Actually mine runs on propane not Coleman)

Rob

We're taking an RV to a Gator game in Sept. Screw the toaster - we're hoping that the blender and ice-cream maker won't overburden the generator.

I love hiking, have been several times this year, but overnights are tough, they just don't make tents long enough. The last time I slept in a two-person tent my feet stuck out and about froze!

How Tall are you? wink

Eureka makes several nice backpacking tents -

I have a Summit XT that has a 7'6" Floor; about 9#,; it is really meant as a 3 person tent; but it is a great 2 person tent for weekend backpacking. Roomy, practical, and well made.

http://www.eurekacamping.com/summitxt.asp

I know they have some one and two man tents with up to a 8' floor.

I also have a 'Timberline 6 Outfitters' tent which is HUGE, and damn near indestructable, had it for 20 years; they still make them.

If you seriously have a problem with length - can I suggest a tent with a vestibule?

If you need a XTL sleeping bag I get mine from Cabella's - great camping catalog!

Eureka's have always been good to me.

Rob

[ August 19, 2004, 07:35 AM: Message edited by: ITJock ]

Ah yes, Cabela's! My bud and I are going to hit up the Dundee, MI store/compound on the way home from Ann Arbor for the Miami game. Walking around those aisles will help burn off all those White Castles we'll have powered down on the way there! :cool:

I know what you mean - the first time I went into Cabelas I stood and took one sweeping look around :cool: - I was greated by a very good looking guy who was obviously checking me out - I thought I had gone to heaven. wink

Rob

[ August 19, 2004, 03:01 PM: Message edited by: ITJock ]

Well - for only the second time in my life - I'm off camping this weekend.

I am not a mechanical person (the understatement of all time) so the concept of a tent is way beyond my comprehension. At least a cabin has a foundation...

So, I'm in charge of food. Teriyaka chicken on Friday night and lamb kabobs on Saturday. Oh yeah...and beer.

Just out of curiosity, is it in poor form if I just decide to sleep in the car if it gets too cold? Or am I obligated to sleep in the tent because of all the work that goes into setting it up? eek!

Regarding being non-mechanical and technical- that crap used to frustrate the hell out of me....

But I've actually learned to enjoy putting things together by reading directions and taking my time.

Seriously- if you take your time and don't make yourself rushed to put up the tent, it can be a lot of fun.

Especially if you are with the right guy and you can make a fun, flirting game out of making each other ask for help and assisting with putting it together....

If your tent is set up correctly, and you have waterproofed it correctly, then it should be fine.

As for warmth - make sure you have a nice thick Air mattress and a warm sleepiung bag (big enough for two just in case). You will actually be MUCH warmer in the sleeping bag on top of either a foam or air mattress than you would be in the car.

If you are driving up real close to your campsite so that size and weight is not a consideration in packing... and you are still really worried about being cold: May I suggest the Coleman "Power Cat Heater"?

The 'Cat' utilizes platinum technology to provide safe, flameless warmth that is sized small enough to take with you. This unique little Catalytic Heater also features convenient electronic ignition and incorporates a fan for improved heat circulation. The Heater is operated by a pressure-regulated propane fuel system powered by a disposable 1-lb. propane cylinder. It is small (about 12" sq), lightweight, and will only set you back about $60-80- depending ($69.99 from Cabela's, about the same at Walmart).

Not exactly my idea of 'roughing it', but certainly an option to consider. They came out about three years ago, and I went camping last summer with someone who had one - pretty nice.

Rob

[ May 16, 2006, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: ITJock ]