Camping Swanking - June 28 - July 3

[BDBopper]

Aww! This sounds like such fun I'll have to pitch my tent!

And by tent I mean Hotel in a neighboring city. Ally + severe allergies + fear of snakes + fist sized insects + general foo foo girliness = the indoor type. :(

Foo Foo? I've never seen that description before. It sounds funny and I have laughed everythime it has rolled off my tongue.. LOL

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Hey Ally, Three RIvers has a bunch. I stayed there a few years ago. Wasn't too bad!

[Morrigoon]

Thank you to whoever added the bear box dimensions. Looks like the cooler I've got my eye on will not only fit.. it'll fit turned end-in! (well, in the larger bear box, at least)

[Capt Jack]

and theres one box per camp slot?

[blueerica]

Yes, that I'm aware of.

[Morrigoon]

But this cooler will hold enough food for Cherny and I. So unless Cherny has a cooler (which would save me the expense of buying one, which would be nice), we can just combine stuff. One cooler for two people=efficiency.

[innerSpaceman]

Hmmm, maybe we'll need Alex to go by the BearBox store, and bring a bunch of BearBoxes up in his otherwise empty care.






BearBoxes stuffed with firewood.

[Morrigoon]

LOL. If bears want wood, they shouldn't be looking in boxes.

[MouseWife]

Will you need the smaller round containers {I believe you can rent them, from the rangers or something like that?} I am not sure what these are for but I know they are recommended for hiking, right?

[€uroMeinke]

Will you need the smaller round containers {I believe you can rent them, from the rangers or something like that?} I am not sure what these are for but I know they are recommended for hiking, right?

Kegs?

[MouseWife]

LOL :snap:

No....

This is from a Yosemite page so I don't know if the rental fee is the same or if your campground offers it.

http://www.nps.gov/archive/yose/wilderness/bfoodstorage.htm

This is just because....

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm

[blueerica]

Though I may be abstaining from the planning department (as I tend to do, at least publicly until the last week or so... (sorry for those who are new to my rediculously loose planning style for things as easy-going as a camping trip))... I'm still really excited to know I'll be camping in a couple of months with some long-time friends and some others I have yet to get to know. Especially my sleeping-outdoors-pal.... Alex.

Unless I'm to tent up with iSm... In which case I'll be snug in my tent, protecting all that might intrude.

[MouseWife]

I am jealous. I really don't think we can swing it at all and I really wanted to experience this. {I would have had a 13 year old boy in tow, are any other kids going to be there?}

I am worried now that the Hubster may not even be able to take off the time we've already booked!!!:(

You stay excited, blueerica, it will be a lot of fun!

[Morrigoon]

So you and your son will be arriving sans husband, then? ;)

[MouseWife]

*chuckle* *chuckle*

Aw, I couldn't do that to him. He is the one who really needs a vacation. Plus, he does all the grunt work. If I were to take the Boy somewhere alone, it would have to be pretty self service.

Gosh, I wish I could bring him around you guys. Let him quiz YOU for a while. He quizzed us all through dinner last night on science and math. :eek:

Anywho, I probably would stay home and clean up these bookshelves...I've been feeling a bit um, hoardish? :D

But....if he is able to I am still working on the first night coming up....I'll just have to leave that until the very end. I swear, sometimes we don't know if we are going until the very end. Even then, we never leave when we plan and are running before anything happens and makes him stay.

I love the bug zapper. My kids love to hang out at my friends house to watch it zap. :evil:

[BDBopper]

Saw an item on sale at Chick Chock today and thought of you guys. Looks like it might be great for camping.

http://www.chickchock.com/

[Not Afraid]

Saw an item on sale at Chick Chock today and thought of you guys. Looks like it might be great for camping.

http://www.chickchock.com/

That would be a great tent lantern!

I've never heard of chickchock until today.

[Morrigoon]

Very amusing site. One product, for one day. Interesting concept.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Though I may be abstaining from the planning department (as I tend to do, at least publicly until the last week or so... (sorry for those who are new to my rediculously loose planning style for things as easy-going as a camping trip))... I'm still really excited to know I'll be camping in a couple of months with some long-time friends and some others I have yet to get to know. Especially my sleeping-outdoors-pal.... Alex.

Unless I'm to tent up with iSm... In which case I'll be snug in my tent, protecting all that might intrude.

I'm a 'beneath the stars' sleeper, as well, unless the weather turns foul. I'll probably bring a single-sleeper tent, just in case. Other wise I'm bagging it outside.

[Capt Jack]

Im starting to think I shouldnt be seen rolling up in a fully equipped motor lodge

[Alex]

I wouldn't care, just so long as you turn off the god*&(*&(*^(*& bing generator at a reasonable hour and don't turn it on again first thing in the morning.

Fail to do that and I will figure out how to get a bear in there with you.

[Morrigoon]

point your hot dog at it?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I think I'm more scared of Alex than any silly old bear.

[Alex]

No need to be. I'm very easy going.

Unless you leave your generator on all night, spend the day sitting in an RV watching satellite TV and then tell me how much you love camping, or decide that 6:00a.m. is the perfect time to toss all your empties in the recycling bins...one at a time.

[Capt Jack]

worry not. Id be too embarassed to show up in a vehicle larger than my house and try to call it anything resembling "camping"

[Alex]

Last time I went camping I did the third thing because the recycle bins were right next to the RV that did the first thing.

It felt good, but was very, very wrong.

[BDBopper]

Very amusing site. One product, for one day. Interesting concept.

It definitely is an interesting concept. In fact there are many sites out there that do just that, or a variation thereof.

If you are interested this is a must see: http://www.dodtracker.com

[Isaac]

I can go to the Grand Canyon but both that and a camping trip in one month might be pushing it considering I'm job hopping right now. So it doesn't look like I'll be able to attend.

:(

[innerSpaceman]

Technically, the camping trip is in July. ;)

[Morrigoon]

Finally committed myself to a tent. Good price too :)

[Capt Jack]

mine arrived yesterday. whoo hoo!

[Disneyphile]

Agh!!! No post in almost a week! :eek:

[Kevy Baby]

Deal with it :D

[innerSpaceman]

Kevy, are you and Gus Gus in or out? We need a tally, and you've been on some damn ship without your pants on, or somethingerother.



Also, is anyone driving up Saturday morning? zapppop needs transportation, but due to work schedule, he can't leave till Saturday. And he would also need a volunteer who's departing camp on Sunday to get him back to SoCal that day.

Any takers??

[Morrigoon]

Nearly bought a light-up plastic drink glass at Target today, but a) it was a margarita glass, not martini, and b) it was the exact one someone gave PB for her birthday this last weekend.

Did I miss the boat on martinis going out of style and margaritas coming in? I know May 5th is coming and all, but all over the place, the plastic picnicware is out, and there are wine glasses and margarita glasses, but not a martini glass in sight (not one I'd want to be seen drinking from, at any rate).

[Not Afraid]

Kevy, are you and GG joining us?

[Not Afraid]

Kevy, are you and Gus Gus in or out? We need a tally, and you've been on some damn ship without your pants on, or somethingerother.



Also, is anyone driving up Saturday morning? zapppop needs transportation, but due to work schedule, he can't leave till Saturday. And he would also need a volunteer who's departing camp on Sunday to get him back to SoCal that day.

Any takers??

Check with NM.

[blueerica]

So, I was just watching some show on Food Network, and I'm inspired to cook for the camping trip. Why does it have to be TWO FARKING MONTHS AWAY?!??!

[Capt Jack]

been mulling over the dietary needs of the trip as well.

any thoughts on how we keep certain items fresh beyond day 1 or 2? I'd love to grill up some shrimp skewers etc, but those would sort of need to stay fairly frozen, wouldnt they?

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy, are you and Gus Gus in or out? We need a tally, and you've been on some damn ship without your pants on, or somethingerother.

Kevy, are you and GG joining us?Yes and yes.

Any thoughts on how we keep certain items fresh beyond day 1 or 2? I'd love to grill up some shrimp skewers etc, but those would sort of need to stay fairly frozen, wouldnt they?A basic cooler will do the trick. Ice is a camper's best friend. You can NEVER have too much ice.

One thing we should do is plan a pre-swanking get-together so that we can plan meals and other details (I assume that we re having communal meals - it makes the most sense). Plus go over who has what as far as camping gear is concerned. For example - we don't all need to bring our own camping stoves.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Yes and yes.

A basic cooler will do the trick. Ice is a camper's best friend. You can NEVER have too much ice.


You could also use dry ice. It's common enough to get at the grocery store. We never use it for it intended purpose though.

[Ghoulish Delight]

We always got a couple blocks of ice (one 5lbs and one 10lbs). Kept 5-7 people's worth of food edible for a full 5 days no problem. Dry is is probably overkill

[Alex]

A cooler and keeping it well iced will generally do ok. But if you want to do that you can also just front load the eating schedule. Eat the shrimp the first night and the eggplant parmesan the last.

You can buy vacuum packed milk and egg product if you find the right store. (Powdered milk is also generally good enough for camp cooking; powdered eggs not so much especially since it is easy to keep them for a long weekend trip.)

There're also some stores somewhat available so you can get certain fresh ingredients (at a significant markup).

For space, consider repacking your dry ingredients in ziploc bags to reduce wasted packaging space. Dried fruits and vegetables are good as well.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

We always got a couple 5 lbs blocks of ice. Lasted us a full 5 day trip no problem. Dry ice is probably overkill.

Dry ice has added benefits for ghost story night. Who is bringing the hook?

[Kevy Baby]

You could also use dry ice (kind of an odd phenomenon: getting burned by ice). It's common enough to get at the grocery store. We never use it for it intended purpose though.I guess I am too used to camping with kids (3-7) and dry ice is avoided. Also, when traditional ice is used and it melts, you don't drain the water - it helps to keep things cooler and for longer than if you do drain it.

I've never had problems with food going bad using a cooler and standard ice. We tend to have separate coolers for drinks (opened frequently) and food (opened infrequently).

[Alex]

Oh, and I'm willing to be on the hook for providing a communal meal (dinner please, I don't generally eat breakfast) but with my meat restrictions I'm going to just assume that I may have to make my own dinner on any other nights.

Plus, since I frequently only eat once a day I tend to eat very large dinners so I don't really want to have to worry about portion size and fairness to the larger group.

[Not Afraid]

Kevy, can you add your name to the Wiki with the date you will be camping, please?

[Prudence]

When we go camping, I make lots of stuff before hand that gets sealed up in boil bags and then frozen. It does double duty as cold-making accessory until it's chow time, when it goes in the pot o' boiling water.

[Capt Jack]

oh, duh. I hadnt thought of that. http://www.bigblockdart.com/Smileys/classic/finger020.gif

ok...so Capt Jacks world famous Tomato Alfredo is on the menu. (ok, maybe not world famous but its pretty durn good, even if I do say so myself)

[Morrigoon]

Well, there goes my farfalle with chicken & asparagus in vodka sauce plans...

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy, can you add your name to the Wiki with the date you will be camping, please?For the ignorant mass of me, what is "the Wiki"?

[innerSpaceman]

See this thread (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=5689) for all the wiki information you need.

[Disneyphile]

The Wiki. (http://lotcamping.pbwiki.com/Key%20Information)

Password to make changes/add names is 123456.

[Kevy Baby]

That will have to come later.

[innerSpaceman]

According to the current Wiki, 17 people have signed up. Three others have expressed their intention to join in. That's the 20 we were shooting for! Hooray. Let's start planning meals and what activities when, so we can try and accommodate the most desires for the most people.

Hooray, next stage planning. Oh, well, then there's carpooling and such. Oooh, so much to do .... we simply can't let another week go by postless in this thread!


Um, though 20 people have stated their intentions, only 5 have made actual re$ervation$ or specific re$ervation arrangement$.


Just sayin' :rolleyes:

[Alex]

Did my check show up?

[innerSpaceman]

Yes, everyone, Alex has paid. Hear that?

Let him be a shining example for the rest of you deadbeats, er, happy campers.

[Morrigoon]

Hey, this is the mortgage paycheck. Some of us have to time things.

[Not Afraid]

REI IS HAVING AN ANNIVERSARY SALE - MAY 4-13.

[innerSpaceman]

[drool]

[Capt Jack]

thank you

[Not Afraid]

The tent I was looking at is at a GREAT price.

[MouseWife]

The REI sale~

Members {which is why I think we received the brochure} also receive 20% off of one full price item with the coupon on the back of the brochure.

I think we will have to go check things out...

[€uroMeinke]

Hmmmm - I think we'll be getting a new tent this week

[blueerica]

Steve, I will have to wait until next weekend (temporary delay on my funding), but your check should be forthcoming!

[BDBopper]

Well folks. This is for reals this time. I am not going to be able to make it out. My trip out to San Antonio is going to be occurring earlier than I thought in the month of June.

I hope to make it to another swanking...or even my own one of these days. Hopefully in the next decade. LOL

[Not Afraid]

Well folks. This is for reals this time. I am not going to be able to make it out. My trip out to San Antonio is going to be occurring earlier than I thought in the month of June.

I hope to make it to another swanking...or even my own one of these days. Hopefully in the next decade. LOL

I'm sorry you won't make it out for this, but I hope you make it to DL sometime soon. We'll just have to make up for it.

[MouseWife]

I have a question~

We may need a camp site to ourselves....can I have a link to how you booked these campsites?


It is possible that we will be meeting some family up there, they'll have their own car, supplies, and poochie.

I would like to make sure and be in the same vicinity...darn close....ya know?

Thanks!

[Not Afraid]

We just blew our wad at REI. :)

We ordered the tent (http://www.rei.com/product/693148)we've been looking at - yay sale - (which means we have a cheap Target one up for grabs), and I ordered the Stainless Coleman Cooler (http://www.rei.com/product/675648) of my dreams - yay 20% member discount. A few other odds and ends and a scheduled pick up at the store to save on shipping and now we're happy campers. :)

[Morrigoon]

Gratz!!! Nice!

[Disneyphile]

We need to keep up with the planning!

I seriously had a dream last night that we arrived, and I had packed everything except my clothes. :eek:

It's a sign that we've been too lax about this!

[Moonliner]

I seriously had a dream last night that we arrived, and I had packed everything except my clothes. :eek:


What?? I thought that was the plan (http://www.sunclad.com/dyerwoods/).

[Disneyphile]

What?? I thought that was the plan (http://www.sunclad.com/dyerwoods/).Well, Rhode Island's a bit far. But, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to check out the laws for Sequoia. ;)

(I wonder how many people think I'm some crazed nudist now after this post and the one about my having danced topless around a campfire...... ;) )

Don't worry - I promise to at least acquire a fake tan before we go, so I won't blind anyone. :evil:




;)

[Not Afraid]

I have a surprisingly easy schedule from Thursday thru the weekend, so maybe I can get some stuff together.

[blueerica]

It's still 7.5 weeks away... right?

[MouseWife]

I am officially out.

Turns out that my sis in law will be at Lake Crowley {Crowley Lake?} and we'll be heading up the 395 instead .

She said we'll probably be camping out at the place she'll be at because it is pretty small. :D

Another time, LoT'ers. :cheers:

[innerSpaceman]

I seriously had a dream last night that we arrived, and I had packed everything except my clothes!

Hahaha ... reminds me of the last big camping trip I did ... it was probably 15 years ago, at Yosemite. My friend Laurie arrived with everything but a change of clothes. And her husband left his wallet at home. They both had all their camping gear.

Then my friends Lisa and Eric arrived ... without the tent poles for their tent. None could be found in any of the camp stores in the Valley. They ended up hanging their tent from a tree limb .... and it hung there all weekend suspended like a giant nylon teardrop.




Ah, good times! :iSm:

[Capt Jack]

I am officially out.

aww. :(

[Not Afraid]

OK. I'm going to propose some pairing up of camping and meal buddies. This is a PROPOSAL. If you disagree, take matters into your own hands, revise the list and let me know. I will put up a WiKi spreadsheet where you can pick the days/meal you want do prepare with your "team".

Meals that will be available are
Friday Dinner
Saturday Breakfast
Saturday Dinner
Sunday Breakfast
Sunday Dinner

I will put up the WiKi spreadsheet tomorrow evening and sign-ups will be on a first come, first served basis. This gives you some time to consult with your teams and come up with your first and second (and perhaps third) meal choices.

Proposed teams (You can name yourselves)
This is who you will share your campsite with and prepare the group meal with. Make sure you consult with your teammate about your team's needs (ie: Bear Box capacity, cooking equipment, etc)

Team 1 - Kevin/Susan/Ken/Teresa
Team 2 - Chris/Lisa/Kara/Tracy
Team 3 - Erica/Audra/Steve/Alex
Team 4 - John/Bill/Cindy/Joe
Team 5 - Erik/CJ/KatieSue/(I'll help with this one too- gotta have something other than meat ;))

MEAL GUIDLINE: $50 per meal (breaks down to $12.50 per person for 5 SCREAMING good meals) NOT including alcohol. You're on your own with the drinks - you're responsible for your own drinks at each meal.

So, the challenge is: GOURMET meal at a BUDGET price. I think we can do it and do it well.


OK, so that's my proposal. Take it, leave it, tear it apart, do whatever you want but come up with some other resolution.


NOTE TO REMEMBER: Each person needs to bring their own MESS KIT (plate, cup, bowl, utensils) to each meal - if you want to eat, that is. ;)

[Kevy Baby]

We're number one!
We're number one!
We're number one!
We're number one!

[Not Afraid]

Kevy's a Dork.

Team 3 = Team Curmudgeon! ;)

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy's a Dork.Well, DUH!

[Morrigoon]

Kevy's a Dork.

Team 3 = Team Curmudgeon! ;)

What does that make us? Team Cuddly?

Looks like a good grouping.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Team 3 - Erica/Audra/Steve/Alex
Team 4 - John/Bill/Cindy/Joe
Team 5 - Erik/CJ/KatieSue/(I'll help with this one too- gotta have something other than meat ;))


Sounds good. Though I must sadly remind my team that I'm not much of a cook. I'll do whatever I'm instructed to do, but y'all should probably count on me for most of the prep and clean-up. Otherwise, you're dining experience will be anything buy gourmet.

[blueerica]

I can cook. But, I really can't spare mental energies to start planning anything this soon.

Are we going to share some of the cooking gear, i.e. camping stoves/pots/etc?

I probably need to visit the wiki to check in on that. But, I won't be doing that for a while. Gourmet isn't difficult to do at all, even if camping.

Also, it depends on which meal we pick up. Earlier meals allow for a little better prep situation. ;) So How about Team 3 picks up Dinner one or either breakfast? ;) Hehehe...

[Disneyphile]

Are we going to share some of the cooking gear, i.e. camping stoves/pots/etc? That's what you'd work out with your team. :)

[Not Afraid]

FYI, I've been consulting with Disneyphile in planning, so she's as up on this stuff as I am. Either one of us can answer questions. (Thanks T!)

[Morrigoon]

I've no skill with breakfasty stuff, so hopefully my team would like to do a dinner?

[blueerica]

That's what you'd work out with your team. :)

This implies each team will bring their own set of pots and pans, stoves, cooking utensils, am I right? That actually seems like we, as a group (all apx 20 of us), would be carrying 5x the equipment... Which seems super inefficient.

I mean, I can deal with it - but it seems weird that we can't share between teams. I'd be more than glad to buy propane to use someone else's camp stove, or have someone buy propane to use mine (well, I'd have to buy a camp stove, first). Or perhaps who ever has a stove brings it, who ever has pots and pans, bring them... Hmmm.

[Morrigoon]

But remember we're on our own for lunches, and for those people arriving early or leaving late, other meals besides.

[blueerica]

Well, that was already mentioned - so I knew that. My lunches won't require pots, pans, stoves, etc. I'm planning on making myself a sandwich to pack in a day bag if I'm hungry while out walking or hiking. Plus, I hope to be not at the campsite at lunch time.

I mean, we're really bringing up our own stoves to cook one meal instead of sharing?

Like I said, I'll deal - but it's a big turn-off (mostly because it seems wasteful in terms of money, time, space and energy).

[blueerica]

I'm thinking about this further. If there's another group out there that would like to split up tools of the cooking trade to be brought up, send me a PM so we can start dividing up what we'll bring.

[Disneyphile]

This implies each team will bring their own set of pots and pans, stoves, cooking utensils, am I right? That actually seems like we, as a group (all apx 20 of us), would be carrying 5x the equipment... Which seems super inefficient.

I mean, I can deal with it - but it seems weird that we can't share between teams. I'd be more than glad to buy propane to use someone else's camp stove, or have someone buy propane to use mine (well, I'd have to buy a camp stove, first). Or perhaps who ever has a stove brings it, who ever has pots and pans, bring them... Hmmm.Um, one or two camp stoves for the entire 5 sites won't cut it. Besides the 5 group meals, we'll still have ourselves to cook for on other meals (especially those of us staying more than Friday night to Sunday), and it really sucks standing in line waiting for an available cooking surface. ;)

Also, that means dragging equipment between campsites. Not that they're all like this, but our camp stove requires two people to carry, about 5 minutes to set-up / 10 to tear-down, and weighs about 60 pounds. It's designed to remain stationary for the duration of need. Needless to say, it's staying at our site, and I'm not willing to make our area the official camp kitchen. ;)

Trust me on this - I've helped organize camping for a group of 100 people over 4 years.

[innerSpaceman]

Um, with all due respect to blueerica ... unless she's willing to pull the entire weight for our "team," everyone in camp is going to starve when it comes time for our meal.


I can't do anything but boil water, EH1812 professes just above to not being much of a cook, and am I just assuming from Alex's other posts that he's ready to subsist on Ritz Crackers?


I think our team needs to be reconstituted ... and all of us last picks at volleyball should be spread-around foisted on other teams.

[Not Afraid]

I think it pretty much works out that each "team" has veteran camper(s) on their team who come fully equipped.;)

[innerSpaceman]

Also ... with respect to the kitchen and equipment ... I don't see us as five separate campsites ... but rather a large group whose tent space must -- by National Park decree -- be spread out among five sites.

I'm sure we will have but one big social center, not three separately going campfires (one for smores, one for getting liquored up, and one for hot dog roasting only).

Similarly, I think we'd be best to pool our efforts and have one, vast Camp Kitchen Extraordinaire. Certainly, we need as many cook surfaces as possible ... but there's no reason they can't all be incorporated into one giant kitchen. Likewise, quadroupling up on pots, pans, spatulas, spoons, and every other such sundry of kitchen life does indeed seem a little wasteful and inefficient.

[Alex]

No, I'm more than happy to cook whatever I am asked to cook. And I can cook. You want fancy breakfast, I'll make fancy breakfast. You want gourmet dinner, I'll make gourmet dinner.

What will happen on the meals I am not cooking for everybody is that I will skip breakfast (even if we pick a breakfast meal and I cook it, I probably won't eat it) since I don't generally eat breakfast and I'll still end up making my own dinners (though when it for myself that generally involves little or no cooking).


At least for my camp I'll bring (and regardless of commitments will have in my car) four burners of Coleman camp stoves. Contribution of propane appreciated. I'll have the basic cooking supplies (a couple pots, cutting board, knife, etc.) if we decide anything additional is needed for what we want to prepare then I'll probably look to someone else to provide it or buy it since this is likely the only trip I'll need it. For example, I don't have a Dutch oven so if we want one we'll have to work it such that I don't have to buy one.

But when it comes to cooking for other people I am more than happy to do so.

[Not Afraid]

Well, I prefer to be self sufficient, but I camp enough so I can be without any problem. And, if you are planning a particular type of meal, there is no guarantee that the equipment you will need will actually be among the equipment that gets brought - hence thinking and providing what you will need the most obvious solution.

In addition, making breakfast or dinner for 20 people (plus coffee, hot water for dishes, etc) will take quite a few stoves to accomplish. Having each team being somewhat self sufficient will ensure we all have everything we need to accomplish delicious meals.

[Disneyphile]

Alex rocks. :)

[Not Afraid]

Alex rocks. :)

Yes, and when I teamed people up, I fingered Alex (and ISM) as the veteran campers on that team.

And, if anyone would like to employ another team on a consultant basis, please do so. I have already offered to assist the poor 3-person team.

[blueerica]

Ahh, somehow I'd not thought about Alex's camping history. I'm glad you can bring a stove! I'm certain the propane can be worked out, easily. I also have plenty of pots and pans, utensils, etc to bring.

I suppose this is also a bit of confusion on my part. Duh... of course one stove for the entire group just won't cut it, but I had assumed that the cooking would be more centralized. It didn't have to be - but in an effort to save space in the bear boxes, I figured it would just be easier. The last time I was up at Sequoia with a multiple site situation, we shared, just so there wouldn't be as many storage space concerns among our group as a whole. The bear boxes are big, but they're not that big.

I suppose I'm also a bit worked up, since I am no longer with much of my former camping gear, which can be discussed another time. So for that, I apologize.

[Not Afraid]

Ahh, somehow I'd not thought about Alex's camping history.

Ahhh, but I DO think about these things.


And, if there is a need for certain camping equipment, maybe there are extras floating about in peoples' messy garages.;)

[Kevy Baby]

Are we going to share some of the cooking gear, i.e. camping stoves/pots/etc?
That's what you'd work out with your team. :)

This implies each team will bring their own set of pots and pans, stoves, cooking utensils, am I right? That actually seems like we, as a group (all apx 20 of us), would be carrying 5x the equipment... Which seems super inefficient.

Well, I prefer to be self sufficient, but I camp enough so I can be without any problem. And, if you are planning a particular type of meal, there is no guarantee that the equipment you will need will actually be among the equipment that gets brought - hence thinking and providing what you will need the most obvious solution.

In addition, making breakfast or dinner for 20 people (plus coffee, hot water for dishes, etc) will take quite a few stoves to accomplish. Having each team being somewhat self sufficient will ensure we all have everything we need to accomplish delicious meals.I will not claim to be as experienced as some of the others here, but I will say that the group camping trips that we are involved with, that we have a kitchen "tent" (actually - two 10' Eazy Ups - one for kitchen and one for pantry) that covers about 20 people. While we do get by on one stove (albeit, a very large and hotter than your average camp stove), a second stove would be handy. Also, we have a large portable sink.

While it wouldn't hurt to have everyone bring their own, I believe it would be much more efficient to have a single common kitchen area.

Just my $0.02

[innerSpaceman]

I don't see how it can work any other way.


1 kitchen. 1 pantry. and 1 opium den.





D'uh. :iSm:

[JWBear]

My offer of doing a sourdough pancake breakfast still holds, if our team would like.

[Not Afraid]

My offer of doing a sourdough pancake breakfast still holds, if our team would like.

I'm not on your team, but PLEASE DO THIS. :D

[Not Afraid]

I will not claim to be as experienced as some of the others here, but I will say that the group camping trips that we are involved with, that we have a kitchen "tent" (actually - two 10' Eazy Ups - one for kitchen and one for pantry) that covers about 20 people. While we do get by on one stove (albeit, a very large and hotter than your average camp stove), a second stove would be handy. Also, we have a large portable sink.

While it wouldn't hurt to have everyone bring their own, I believe it would be much more efficient to have a single common kitchen area.

Just my $0.02

However, I don't believe anyone has a camp kitchen set-up, a stove, a sink and several easy-ups and the stoves that we have are the ones we're going to use.

Now, if anyone in our group has the "complete camp kitchen" to bring, set up and provide for our use, then we can go a bit more in that direction. However, I still plan on being pretty self sufficient with the cooking.


EDIT to add: Also, storage (bear boxes) are at EACH camp site, not at one central area. Same goes for picnic tables.

[blueerica]

I'm trying to remember correctly, but I think we kept our stove inside the bear box when I was last up there, because it was hard to ensure there would be no food residue attracting bears. Does anyone know any different? I may also be remembering this incorrectly.

I guess what I have been trying to say is that while one stove for the entire group is probably not enough, if we each brought one, that's space out of each bear box. One team, or two teams, could have extra space if only three teams brought stoves. Same goes for pots and pans (though they are easier to be cleaned. I'm not sure we put those in the bear box). If stoves are kept outside, then space isn't an issue, except for those traveling in smaller vehicles.

[Disneyphile]

Also, I think people are forgetting one of the key advantages to having each site/team be responsible for a big meal - it means that everyone gets the opportunity to completely relax and be served for 4 whole meals. With one central area for everything, someone is always going to get stuck with cleaning it up. It's seriously been my experience in this - someone decides to use a frying pan, says they'll "clean it later", and then the next person who needs it gets stuck having to clean it (and I've had experiences with people who deliberately do that, just so they can be lazy).

Also, let's say that the people who are bringing the central gear are only coming up for the weekend. What are we all going to use the rest of the days?

What I've learned - coordinate with a small group, and congregate with a large one.

And, our stove would take an entire bear box in itself, so that's out of the question. I've camped in bear-infested areas, and have never ever had a problem with stoves being left out, as long as they're clean. It's simple - keep the area clean, and there's not a problem.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I keep looking at this thread and dream of going. This is going to be so much fun. GAK!

[€uroMeinke]

I keep looking at this thread and dream of going. This is going to be so much fun. GAK!

Then you must go

[Not Afraid]

I'm trying to remember correctly, but I think we kept our stove inside the bear box when I was last up there, because it was hard to ensure there would be no food residue attracting bears. Does anyone know any different? I may also be remembering this incorrectly.

I guess what I have been trying to say is that while one stove for the entire group is probably not enough, if we each brought one, that's space out of each bear box. One team, or two teams, could have extra space if only three teams brought stoves. Same goes for pots and pans (though they are easier to be cleaned. I'm not sure we put those in the bear box). If stoves are kept outside, then space isn't an issue, except for those traveling in smaller vehicles.


I've put my stove in the bear box but have had no problems fitting it in... but, my stove is small. Knowing that I have one bear box between 4 people will hep me pack accordingly. I'm not seeing a storage issue and we're planning on being there the entire time. It seems so much easier to coordinate with 4 than to coordinate with 20.

Of course, if there are kitchen items you need to borrow, I am more than willing to make loans. But, I will only be bringing the things I need to make the meals I plan. For example, I will not be making pasta so I won't be bringing a colander.

[Alex]

Too much stressing about the details.

A pantry seems unnecessary when all the food has to be kept in pre-determined locations (the bear boxes) anyway. Carrying camps stoves around as necessary is easy. Odds are we'll still end up with too much of everything and even if we don't the everybody will still have a grand time.

And if you're doing it right all of your cooking dishes are pretty much clean before you're eating. Worrying about perfection and absolute comfort is the antithesis of camping (even the pseudocamping that is when you pull up to your spot in a car).

[Not Afraid]

Alex is my kind of camper!

[Disneyphile]

Again, I repeat:
Alex rocks. :)

[Kevy Baby]

So I shouldn't be renting a 50' motor home?

[Stan4dSteph]

Also, don't put a stove in a box unless it's completely cool. I was at a football game once and a tailgater slid his Hibachi under the car while he went to the game. You guessed it. Disco inferno.

[Kevy Baby]

Also, don't put a stove in a box unless it's completely cool. I was at a football game once and a tailgater slid his Hibachi under the car while he went to the game. You guessed it. Disco inferno.That happens surprisingly often.

But the bear boxes are usually steel (and usually without a gas tank). Except for paper products that might also be in the bear box, it should be an issue.

[Capt Jack]

does chili count as gourmet?

[Not Afraid]

does chili count as gourmet?

I love chili - but I KNOW NM will want meatmeatmeatmeat (as well). Also, be careful who you slep with post-chili. ;)

[Not Afraid]

I added a packing list page to the LoT Camping Wiki. (http://lotcamping.pbwiki.com/)


There is a link to a file on the top of the page that is a bit prettier.

[Capt Jack]

I envision the campfire scene from Blazing Saddles


that should keep them pesky bears away :D

[Not Afraid]

CJ's bringing the "Bear Repellent"! :)

[Capt Jack]

note to self: beano :blush:

will any non-omnivores be attending? ie: peanut allergies, meats, certain spices etc? I'll probably be making the base up ahead of time, so I'd hate to have my recipe "actually" kill someone.

[Not Afraid]

ISM is allergig to nuts and chocolate. Erica has dairy allergies and is also allergic to something else....Peppers? Oranges?

Chris and I eat anything and everything.

[Gemini Cricket]

Bear box? It must be female.

[Alex]

I don't eat beef or pork. But that is why I'm just going to feed myself so nobody needs to worry about it.

[blueerica]

I just noticed that Erik's coming. That's awesome.

You know, meals can be modification friendly. With my dietary needs (which, NA, I'm beyond impressed that you remembered it at all), I tend to make everything customizable. In camping/prepping for group things, I tend to cook the items separately, able to be added in, if wanted. Not everything, but things we might know in advance people have a problem with.

Note on my allergies: I will eat cheese, though in small amount. Bell peppers are fine, so long as I don't eat too many. Oranges are my only "serious" allergy. And even then... though I watch labels carefully and haven't had it in a long time... I have yet to have an anaphylactic (sp?) reaction.

So, don't modify for me. I can adapt.

However, I'd make meals vegetarian friendly, since I know my team has a vegetarian in the mix (but do you eat fishes, EH?)

[Disneyphile]

I don't eat anything that swims, except shrimp. But, don't worry about me either - because if a team wants to serve fish, I can bring my own meat to the table that night without a problem. :)

[Capt Jack]

cool. the chili recipe can be easily broken down to a 'customizable' vegetarian friendly form(s). that actually makes it easier

[Not Afraid]

OK. Dining Sign-up Sheet is up.

http://lotcamping.pbwiki.com/Team-Dinners

Edit the spreadsheet and add your choice. Password is 123456.

[Kevy Baby]

Man, this whole relaxing thing is a lot of work!

[Not Afraid]

Man, this whole relaxing thing is a lot of work!

If you think that, what do I think?

[Kevy Baby]

If you think that, what do I think?You just calmly realize that you are a slave to my every whim.

[Not Afraid]

HA! IN YOUR DREAMS, BABY.

[Morrigoon]

I think JWBear, aka "Master of the sourdough pancakes" should pick the date for "Team Mini Me" :)

[JWBear]

I think JWBear, aka "Master of the sourdough pancakes" should pick the date for "Team Mini Me" :)

Done. Are we doing bacon as well?

[Disneyphile]

Don't forget sausage in case you run out of bacon. ;)

[Morrigoon]

Done. Are we doing bacon as well?
Presumably you have a griddle...? (Neither Cherny nor I own a camp stove, so if you have one, that's one less expense)

I think bacon is almost mandatory with this group, but on the bright side, if you have a limited supply, you always make them compete for it ;)

And probably some other stuff besides.:coffee:

[JWBear]

Our team only has one camp stove?! Oh dear! We may have to borrow another one for our meal.

[Not Afraid]

We'll be fine. I'm bringing my stove that you can use as well as a large cast iron skillet.

[BarTopDancer]

I think bacon is almost mandatory with this group, but on the bright side, if you have a limited supply, you always make them compete for it ;)

A Few Good Men!

WOOHOO! I WIN! ;)

[innerSpaceman]

Are we starting the three-legged race wars with cooking?


If we are not all pooling our various dragged-out-the-garage camping equipment for the commune, er, common good ... then I hesitate to call this Swank Camping.

[Not Afraid]

Are we starting the three-legged race wars with cooking?


If we are not all pooling our various dragged-out-the-garage camping equipment for the commune, er, common good ... then I hesitate to call this Swank Camping.

If this is a concern of yours, might I suggest you create a new page on the Wiki titled "shared comping equipment" where people can add the equipment they are bringing and are willing to share. The password is 123456.

[Morrigoon]

Our team only has one camp stove?! Oh dear! We may have to borrow another one for our meal.

I mean, if we NEED one I guess I can buy one, but if we can borrow one that would be better. How many burners is your stove? Also remember we have firepits with grills over them, and aluminum foil is cheap (even the non-stick kind)

[innerSpaceman]

might I suggest you create a new page on the Wiki titled "shared comping equipment" where people can add the equipment they are bringing and are willing to share.
I thought comping equipment is stuff you're willing to give away, free :)

[Gemini Cricket]

I thought comping equipment is stuff you're willing to give away, free :)
It is... in LisaLand.
:D

[JWBear]

I mean, if we NEED one I guess I can buy one, but if we can borrow one that would be better. How many burners is your stove? Also remember we have firepits with grills over them, and aluminum foil is cheap (even the non-stick kind)

It's a 2 burner, and I'll need them both for the griddle. I guess we can cook bacon and sausage on the campfire if we can't borrow someone else's stove.

Don't buy one just for the trip. We'll manage.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I really, really, really wanna go.

Can I? :(

[Not Afraid]

Of course you can go, Mark. But, CAN you?

And, all of you other doofi, surely you must know how to read my typing by now.

How's that Wiki page coming along, ISM?

[innerSpaceman]

I'm not creating a Wiki page when I have zero to put on it.


That's right ... I have ZERO camping equipment. My tent, sleeping bag, the end.



I'm toying with buying one of those kewl kamp kitchens with the pumped water sink. But only if we're having a group kitchen that it can become a vital part of.


I'm not anxious to spend a few hundred dollars on something I'll likely use only once. But if we are assembling the ultimate kamp kitchen, I want to contribute something useful. If it's every man (or team) for himself, I'm not so hot on the idea.

[Not Afraid]

If we are not all pooling our various dragged-out-the-garage camping equipment for the commune, er, common good ... then I hesitate to call this Swank Camping.


I'm not creating a Wiki page when I have zero to put on it.


That's right ... I have ZERO camping equipment. My tent, sleeping bag, the end.



If you have nothing to drag out of the garage can you still call it Swank Camping? ;)

[innerSpaceman]

No, I would call it hobo camping.



But I'd like it to be swank. I'm willing to purchase something useful ... and to my mind, nothing has ever proved so useful on my camping trips than a pump-action sink, and lots of kitchen counter space, handy hanging and towel racks and such.

Add in a couple, three camp stoves, and a capuccino maker ... and you've got one heckuva kamp kitchen.





So ... are we having a group kitchen or are we having fiefdoms?

[Not Afraid]

Neither.

We are having group dinners coordinated by teams so that the people who AREN'T cooking can relax and not have to coordinate EVERYTHING. Smaller groups plan better meals.

Personally, it sounds LOVELY to me. (But, even I get sick of trying to coordinate everyone.)

Now, for my part, I' don't have time to argue about this any longer. It's taking up too much of my time - and it is not really necessary.

[Kevy Baby]

But I'd like it to be swank. I'm willing to purchase something useful ... and to my mind, nothing has ever proved so useful on my camping trips than a pump-action sink, and lots of kitchen counter space, handy hanging and towel racks and such.

Add in a couple, three camp stoves, and a capuccino maker ... and you've got one heckuva kamp kitchen.The only thing missing is a butler.

[Capt Jack]

I'll be replacing my busted old camp stove with a new one in the next weeks. probably the three burner one I was looking at.
all are welcome to/should plan to use it freely. I'll endvour to bring enough fuel

[Disneyphile]

ISM - I totally understand where you're coming from on the group kitchen thing. How about we consider that for the future? The big reason being that we'd have to dedicate a whole site to it, plus separate and haul everything back to the bear boxes at every site, all the time.

The communal thing works best at a group campsite. At those, the bear boxes are usually right next to each other, and there's a very large central firepit as well which can easily seat 20+ people around it which also accommodates larger "bonfires".

But, since we are a group divided into 5 sites, it is much easier to just plan with our sitemates, but still party all together.

No matter what, we're going to have fun. And that's going to be most important. :)

[innerSpaceman]

sounds reasonable.


Lazy Fairy is my new approach. I'll check back in with planning around the middle of June. And I'll remain avaible to plan whatever meal plan my mealmates decide to plan.

:iSm:

[blueerica]

I'm in the Lasseiz Faire boat, mehself. There's just no way I can think about any of this rationally until after finals. I signed us up for the Sunday Breakfast. I have a few good ideas about that. If anyone doesn't want to do breakfast, let me know - but I figured it would be a simple one for our group to do. Or even just for me to do. ;)

[innerSpaceman]

Yay, Sunday Breakfast sounds perfect. So does putting off all other planning till mid-June.


I love you, blueerica!






The irony of Alex helping to prepare a meal he won't partake of is not lost on me ... and I take no pleasure in it. But since I will be up at dawn every day, there might as well be one of them where I have something useful to do.

[Isaac]

The irony of Alex helping to prepare a meal he won't partake of is not lost on me ... and I take no pleasure in it. But since I will be up at dawn every day, there might as well be one of them where I have something useful to do.
Alex, don't you like :cakes: ?

[Not Afraid]

Hey, whatever timelines each team wants to follow is fine by me - as long as you've got food for 20 when your meal time comes around.

[innerSpaceman]

Trust me ... it will be Breakfast of the Gods.

[Capt Jack]

I've never cooked for so many before, so I'll need help figuring proportions etc when the time comes to start shopping for grub

[Not Afraid]

I annually cook breakfast for a crowd and have done enough parties that i'm pretty good as estimation. I can help you. ;)

[Not Afraid]

Soooo, we stopped by my second favorite camping store today to get a dutch oven. (REI is the king of camping, but Grants on Newport Blvd is old home.) We walked out of there with the dutch oven, a new tent lantern, a lantern stand and 2 cool Coleman camp chairs. Check these out! It's got a table!

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/products/2126-302_200.jpg

[blueerica]

Actually, NA would be the go-to gal for portioning the whole thing out if you're unsure.

[blueerica]

LOL, NA!

When I read "dutch oven" the first words out of my mouth was "Oh, shut the front door!"

[Morrigoon]

It's a 2 burner, and I'll need them both for the griddle. I guess we can cook bacon and sausage on the campfire if we can't borrow someone else's stove.

Don't buy one just for the trip. We'll manage.

Hmm... okay, yeah, we can do bacon on the campfire if need be. I have a cast-iron pan I can bring. Plus I'm thinking we do some fresh fruit, which Cherny and I can take care of while you're pancaking it.

Speaking of which, I have a set of color coordinated* cutting mats, and presumably we have a picnic table at the site, so you probably don't need to worry about a cutting board. (not that you need that for pancakes, but other things we serve, or lunch prep, etc)

(*- the colors of the mats are assigned to specific categories of food, to prevent cross-contamination, which will be especially handy where there is a lack of hot water with which to sanitize things)

[Morrigoon]

No, I would call it hobo camping.



But I'd like it to be swank. I'm willing to purchase something useful ... and to my mind, nothing has ever proved so useful on my camping trips than a pump-action sink, and lots of kitchen counter space, handy hanging and towel racks and such.

Add in a couple, three camp stoves, and a capuccino maker ... and you've got one heckuva kamp kitchen.

So ... are we having a group kitchen or are we having fiefdoms?

FWIW, I'm sure there will be a significant amount of impromptu sharing of equipment, as things are always forgotten or unanticipated. That's when the power of pitching in (and having extra equipment) will show its colors the strongest. So we'll have fiefdoms that behave communally... the best of both :)

As far as the coffee thing... bloody brilliant. If there are enough folks interested, I may consider making a purchase of a certain type of stove-top espresso maker. That plus a saucepan full of milk and we'd be good for lattes and cappuccinos (and I just *happen* to have a Peet's coffee near me!), which would go quite well I think with pancakes and fruit, yes?

So, here's the question: who would drink espresso-based beverages?

[JWBear]

Hmm... okay, yeah, we can do bacon on the campfire if need be. I have a cast-iron pan I can bring. Plus I'm thinking we do some fresh fruit, which Cherny and I can take care of while you're pancaking it.

Speaking of which, I have a set of color coordinated* cutting mats, and presumably we have a picnic table at the site, so you probably don't need to worry about a cutting board. (not that you need that for pancakes, but other things we serve, or lunch prep, etc)

(*- the colors of the mats are assigned to specific categories of food, to prevent cross-contamination, which will be especially handy where there is a lack of hot water with which to sanitize things)

Coolness. Sounds like a plan.

[Not Afraid]

I also saw this contraption at the camp store yesterday. (http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Camp-Coffeemaker/dp/B0000DDUE7)

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21ZTGMK1CJL._AA216_.jpg

Although, we have at least one french press we are bringing. I will drink ANYTHING coffee in the morning.

[Gemini Cricket]

French Press? Dutch Oven? Chairs?

Sayyyyy, what kind of camping trip is this anyhow?

:D

[Alex]

They have this nifty invention for bringing the comforts of modern living to the wild outdoors:

Suburbs.

[Kevy Baby]

I believe we have access and should be able to bring a coffee maker similar to the one in NA's post.

[Not Afraid]

The dutch oven has a long-standing tradition of use with camping. As for the other accouterments........They are camp necessities as far as I'm concerned.

[Gemini Cricket]

The dutch oven has a long-standing tradition of use with camping. As for the other accouterments........They are camp necessities as far as I'm concerned.
If I go, I'll bring my chaise lounge.
:D

[Not Afraid]

A hammock would be better, IMHO.
http://images.rei.com/media/674755_1753Lrg.JPG
http://images.rei.com/media/r/1159624.jpg

[katiesue]

I hit the REI sale on Saturday and got a few things.

The girl who checked me out said they should be having a used equipment sale coming up in June (each store does it at a different time) and that they have incredible deals.

[Not Afraid]

My tent and cooler should be arriving in Huntington Beach on Wednesday. If I can make it through the store experience without buying anything else, I'll be amazed.

[Disneyphile]

French Press? Dutch Oven? Chairs?

Sayyyyy, what kind of camping trip is this anyhow?

:DIt's called Swank Camping, which is something you should to be involved in. ;)

[Capt Jack]

its all based on the "survival of the comfy-est" mindset

[JWBear]

Page 69... hehehehehehe... (Because I'm 12).

[Kevy Baby]

Not for me: this is page 14.

I have my prefs for 50 posts per page. Many people go with 100 posts per page. You can actually set it to 500 posts per page if you wanted.

[katiesue]

ok after last week which just sucked finally catching up on all this.

My camping skills are limited but I can do/buy/make anything as directed. I got a basic camp cookbook at REI Saturday too.

Looks like the only slot open for Team 5 is Sunday dinner, only I'm going back Sunday so?

[Kevy Baby]

Looks like the only slot open for Team 5 is Sunday dinner, only I'm going back Sunday so?So, it looks like you are staying later than you realized :evil:

[katiesue]

Apparently. ;)

[innerSpaceman]

I'm sure a switch can be arranged ..... for a small fee.:p

[BarTopDancer]

Isn't KatieSue dinner on Sunday?

oh, did I say to much? Oops.

[Alex]

I was going to send a PM about Sunday breakfast to my "team" but it occurs to me that I have no idea what screen name goes with the real life name Audra.

Any help?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I was going to send a PM about Sunday breakfast to my "team" but it occurs to me that I have no idea what screen name goes with the real life name Audra.

Any help?

Eliza Hodgkins 1812

[€uroMeinke]

If there are enough folks interested, I may consider making a purchase of a certain type of stove-top espresso maker. That plus a saucepan full of milk and we'd be good for lattes and cappuccinos (and I just *happen* to have a Peet's coffee near me!), which would go quite well I think with pancakes and fruit, yes?

So, here's the question: who would drink espresso-based beverages?

While I love me a cappuccino, I'll offer one word of caution - most of the camp espresso makers I've seen can serve only a couple espressos per set-up, meaning you could spend most of your morning playing barista if you're not careful. I think distributed coffee production will be necessary to et all us campers moving if they are as caffeine dependent as I am.

[wendybeth]

I have to admit when I'm camping I make regular coffee and dump in copious amounts of International Delight flavored coffee. I'm purely going for the buzz at that point.

[Not Afraid]

While I love me a cappuccino, I'll offer one word of caution - most of the camp espresso makers I've seen can serve only a couple espressos per set-up, meaning you could spend most of your morning playing barista if you're not careful. I think distributed coffee production will be necessary to et all us campers moving if they are as caffeine dependent as I am.


To the right is the Bacon line. To the left is the Cappuccino line.

Is someone bringing stanchions for the queues and trivia cards for the "last piece/cup" contest? ;)

[Alex]

Apparently much time will be saved on my part for not drinking coffee or eating pigs.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

So, will there be any hiking or sightseeing involved?

Or will it be a weekend featuring people sitting around the campfire wolfing Bacon and sipping cappuccino in our evening slippers?

:p

[€uroMeinke]

Hmmm - I wonder if I can find some silk camping pajamas...

[Not Afraid]

So, will there be any hiking or sightseeing involved?

Or will it be a weekend featuring people sitting around the campfire wolfing Bacon and sipping cappuccino in our evening slippers?

:p

If I have it my way, there will be plenty of both activities.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

hahaha -

I think someone needs to bring a giant portable fireplace that we can put next to a tree...

[€uroMeinke]

Hmmm - I wonder if I can find some silk camping pajamas...

Bingo:
http://www.pajamashoppe.com/images/clothing/men/kimonocamoflage_big.jpg
This Unisex Silk Camouflage Kimono Robe and Matching Lounge Pants for Men and Women is awesome! Kimono is 38" long and has a self-tie. Pants have elastic with drawstring waist and pockets. 100% Silk Charmeuse hand or Machine washable. Matching Boxer Shorts sold below. Matching Women's Camisole & Tap Pants (http://www.pajamashoppe.com/camisole_camouflage.html) also available. (Chemise not available)

[Not Afraid]

Honey! Where did you find that picture of us on our last camping trip?


I think we all need something from THIS SITE. (http://www.designsalt.com/cat_search_results.asp?txtsearchParamCat=8&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&I6.x=6&I6.y=14)

It DOES say they are Adventure Pajamas!

OMG! I found more. Check out the High Country Snuggler or the stylish Velour Snuggler (http://loungewear-snugglers-step-ins.1.prime-charles.com/).

If we brought this crew (http://www.got-briefs.com/lounge-wear.html) along, I'm sure GC would join us.

NONONO! THIS ONE! (http://www.thenoiseboard.com/lofiversion/index.php/t14341.html)

http://www.internationalmale.com/HanoverAssets/intmale/product_images/pb55zz.jpg

[Kevy Baby]

I think it would be perfect for everyone to be lounging around in these:

http://www.got-briefs.com/union-suit.jpg

[Not Afraid]

Well, GD and NM already have some.

[wendybeth]

Okay, I'll go, but only if you promise to bring this guy:

http://www.undergear.com/HanoverAssets/undergear/large_images/p746zz.jpg

[Morrigoon]

OMG, I am dying at all these suggestions!

I was going to say, Euro, that that's one way to keep the 'skeeters off!

Please tell me someone has found a battery-powered lava lamp?

[Chernabog]

Oh my god do I wish the men came with the pajamas. Rawr!

[JWBear]

Oh my god do I wish the men came with the pajamas. Rawr!

If they did, I suspect that some people here would never leave their tents.

[Capt Jack]

Bingo:
http://www.pajamashoppe.com/images/clothing/men/kimonocamoflage_big.jpg

if I actually wore PJ's I could totally wear those

guess I'll have to figure out something. my normal sleep attire isnt gonna cut it

[MouseWife]

Ooo! I have pink Dr. Dentons!! I have some cool flannel pjs' but after seeing all of these wonderful mens' designs I can't quite think of what they look like....

I dig the camo style but someone has really got to make captions speaking for the models....:evil:

[innerSpaceman]

If they did, I suspect that some people here would never leave their tents.

Or perhaps, if these men were lounging around camp, some people here would simply have tents with them at all times. :eek:

[Not Afraid]

Badum bum.

[Alex]

Since I haven't worn pajamas since I was five, I'm guessing nobody wants to see me in mine.

Also, it is wrong to judge intelligence by physical appearance, but if it were at all possible are not those two (in the camo) obviously in the dull knife drawer?

[Not Afraid]

My stuff arrived at REI!!!

[innerSpaceman]

Badum bum.



Lest we forget that I also have red longjohns (of death), but cannot wear them for fear of causing, ahem, alarm.

[Morrigoon]

Just came across this image again in my photobucket, and felt compelled to post it:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/LoT%20images/SwankyBearNap.jpg

[Disneyphile]

guess I'll have to figure out something. my normal sleep attire isnt gonna cut itNo kidding. I'm a naturist when it comes to sleep attire, so um.... yeah. I guess I'll have to break out some of the PJ's I wear to parties, but never sleep in. :blush:

[Kevy Baby]

Eh screw it... I'm going au natural.

[innerSpaceman]

I just realized I have a prior engagement that weekend.

[Capt Jack]

awww :(

bring 'em. :D

[Kevy Baby]

awww :(

bring 'em. :DI think he was responding to my post :evil:

[Capt Jack]

I think he was responding to my post :evil:

oh...duh.
more :coffee: stat!

yeah. I guess I'll have to break out some of the PJ's I wear to parties, but never sleep in. :blush:

or not :evil:

[blueerica]

I just realized I have a prior engagement that weekend.

Wha.......?

[BarTopDancer]

Eh screw it... I'm going au natural.

I just realized I have a prior engagement that weekend.

awww :(

bring 'em. :D

I think he was responding to my post :evil:

Wha.......?

See above :p

[innerSpaceman]

:) :) :) :) :D :D :D :D :D :) :) :)







(all the smileys I apparently left out of my JOKE post about Kevy's plan to smite all Swank Campers with blindness)

[Kevy Baby]

Dang... I was hoping we could stress Erica out :evil:

[innerSpaceman]

Not before Finals, for God's Sake!!!

[Not Afraid]

Soooo, we've got some extra camping equipment that we'd be willing to free-cycle. I know there is a tent and some melamine dishes. We're going to test out all of out equipment this weekend and see what is available. I'll make a list, if anyone's interested.

[Capt Jack]

dibs! I'll take enough of the dishes/utensils to use on the trip.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, fine. I was just going to claim those.


Well, I declare LoT dibs useless. First one to Long Beach gets them!

[Capt Jack]

I only need enough for one.

[innerSpaceman]

Mud-wrestling it is, then.

[Capt Jack]

http://bohicagaming.com/images/owned/lol_dog.jpg

[blueerica]

Haha... well, no. I don't think I'd have been stressed out. Just bummed out.

I was totally confused. Too much stuff going into my brain lately. I seem to be missing the simplest of jokes. :(

[Morrigoon]

No posts in 2 days? Has hell frozen over?

[innerSpaceman]

The calm before the storm, I suspect.





As for me, I'm off to the Grand Canyon with zapppop in 2 weeks, and I can only handle one National Park adventure prep at a time.

[Kevy Baby]

No posts in 2 days? Has hell frozen over?

As for me, I'm off to the Grand Canyon with zapppop in 2 weeks, and I can only handle one National Park adventure prep at a time.I have a war (http://www.potrerowar.org/) next weekend. One camping excursion at a time.

[JWBear]

Ah.... war. Brings back memories....

[Alex]

I'm in Yosemite next weekend. Realizing that I have done more planning for this trip than for Yosemite I've decided to equalize things by continuing to not thing about the Yosemite trip while simultaneously ceasing to think about the King's Canyon trip.

[MouseWife]

I'm in Yosemite next weekend.


What do you plan on doing in Yosemite?

[Alex]

I don't know. I haven't given it any thought.

[MouseWife]

Wow. We aren't going until end of June/first of July. We know some things for sure that we want to do:

Go down the Merced either in our raft or in a rental.

Enjoy a few of their evening programs.

Eat a Philly Cheesesteak at the Lodge.

Go for a night bikeride.

Do the Mist Trail.

Go up to Glacier Point.

See the giant Sequoias.

Ride the free bus at night.

Go for rides in the early morning to see the valley as it is waking up.

And, before we hit Yosemite, I am hoping to check out the Devil's Postpile, some hot springs, Crowley Lake, and whatever else we can find out that way. {now this area, I need to research...I think that Bodie is actually out of the way....:( }

[Capt Jack]

postpile is weird looking. doesnt seem at all natural to me, even after they explained it
totally worth the trip IMO

[MouseWife]

I've seen it before, can't remember its' story. But, this time I want to go on top of it. *gack* the guy who does the shows of CA, did a show on Mammoth and he was on the top. I've seen from the bottom and, yes, it doesn't seem natural.

But, I've seen this somewhere else, I can't quite recall where. It wasn't in a large scale as the Postpile {nor was it even compared} but it looked familiar.

[Alex]

I skipped your list because I really don't want to think about it. I'll get there, settle in, and then decide what to do. I may end up sitting on my ass for four days or I may end up crawling all over the valley. I probably won't go to the lodge if I can avoid it (nothing like a giant hotel next door to ruin the feeling of camping).

[innerSpaceman]

Well, then I'll say this for MouseWife's sake.


My favorite hike/stroll in the Park is on the cliffs above the Valley, with the trailhead located on the road to Glacier Point. This hike, which features only one difficult section, is better than Glacier Point by far.

It's a loop which first goes out a tangent to a spot called The Fissures, which are a series of five gaping cracks in the cliff where you can look straight down to oblivion. Right nearby is beautiful Taft Point, with its fantastic view of El Capitan.

The hike backtracks a bit, through a beautiful fern valley, and then downhill through a lovely forest till it reaches and parallels the rim of Yosemite Valley, with stunning views directly across to Yosemite Falls.

Then the trail heads uphill and comes to the base of Sentinal Dome. There's a stunning view of Half Dome from here and, if you climb to the top of Sentinel Dome (not really that arduous), you are afforded a spectacular 360-degree panorama of Yosemite Valley and the Sierras.

Returning to the bottom of Sentinel Dome, there's a short cut path (not very scenic) leading back to the Parking Area where the loop began. It's about a 4 mile trek, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. After the Mist Trail, absolutely the best hike in the Park ... and far easier.

[MouseWife]

Well, then I'll say this for MouseWife's sake.


My favorite hike/stroll in the Park is on the cliffs above the Valley, with the trailhead located on the road to Glacier Point. This hike, which features only one difficult section, is better than Glacier Point by far.

... and far easier.

Thank you! Oh, do you recall the name of this? I have a book full of hikes/trails. Easier than the Mist trail with all of those views? The Hubster may have taken this hike before...well, he took the one where you get on to it from the valley floor. Not the same, eh? He's done the Panorama but I don't think I'll venture that far.

I want to do a lot of hiking, but, not suffer so much with it. :D

I do like to plan because I don't want to forget anything and love to try new places. We found a trail last time, purely by accident. Found it by the new trail by the lower falls. We had my daughter and husband with us and hadn't planned on such a hike. It was a good work out, steep. But, nothing really to look at. It ended up behind the Ansel Adams gallery, just east of it.

I am not looking forward to the heat. I have been spoiled by the cool temps in the winter/spring. Ack! I don't even have any shorts out yet!

Alex, sorry if my list turned you off. I understand but I am really excited and am eager for any suggestions.

LOL I am just the opposite. A lodge is quite the welcome sight. :D I have a night with a cabin w/o a bath and am trying daily to get upgraded {I am 90% sure I'll get upgraded...} and the next two days in a cabin. I'd rather stay in the Lodge but nothing available.

AND I have to fess up. I leaned towards Crowley Lake because I didn't want to have to lug all of the gear up for just two nights of camping and then still have to carry all of the things we'll use on the rest of our trip. PITA

I am really going to study the maps, though, and see what we can do while we are up there. Who knows where we'll end up those days we don't have set reservations?

[blueerica]

I skipped your list because I really don't want to think about it. I'll get there, settle in, and then decide what to do. I may end up sitting on my ass for four days or I may end up crawling all over the valley. I probably won't go to the lodge if I can avoid it (nothing like a giant hotel next door to ruin the feeling of camping).

Wow, you are my kind of camper. I make few plans. I usually end up doing a LOT, and if I don't - I probably needed to do not-a-lot.

[innerSpaceman]

I like to plan stuff far in advance ... and then forget about it all. About a week out from any trip, I'll start getting preparations ready ... but the plans are old and hopefully not contemplated much in the lead-up to doing the stuff that I don't want to have overthought.


Mousewife, s'far as I know ... that trail is called The Taft Point / Sentinel Dome Loop. The trailhead and parking area are along the Glacier Point road, with decent signage, and should be clearly marked on any trail map of the park.

[MouseWife]

Thank you much, iSm. I will write that one down.

I over plan. Then, I only do a few things. I never do everything I plan to. That is why I have to keep going back. :D

I will look up places, see what there is around there to do, print up a bunch of info, make up a 'travel book' for only the places we'll be going to {that huge AAA book is too much} and if we go to those places, I let the gang know what we can do and then we decide what we will do.

Well, the more we go the less I need to carry but new trails {thank you, iSm} are always welcome because I want to explore as much as I can.

[MouseWife]

iSm~ I found the information about the hike your recommended.

I also found a few others on that website. Seems I have some new hikes to fill my days.

{they are all easy-moderate, too!} ;)

Thanks for the tip!