Camping Swanking - June 28 - July 3

[innerSpaceman]

I'm breaking this out of the general 2007 swanking thread because a camping excursion requires a little more planning and prep.

Specifically, the campgrounds in Sequioa/Kings Canyon that take reservations start taking them less than a week from now on February 7. There's only two that take ressies, but that leads me to believe they are among the more popular camgrounds ... and are that way for a reason. In any event, all other things being equal, I'd prefer to have ressies than not.

Still, I will gladly defer to the knowledge and experience of people who have camped in Sequoia, and if first-come, first-served campgrounds are more desireable ... we can certainly go that route a bit more spontaneously. One caveat to that, though ... is that you can't save campgrounds for people who aren't there. So in a situation (such as the one I envision for this swanking) where some people start out on a Thursday, but most come up for the weekend ... it would be difficult for everyone to get camp sites near one another.

Just sayin'


Here's (http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/camp_region.htm) a handy map of all the campgrounds and where they are, with some info below on the various amenities and logistics. Someone mentioned an affinity for Sheep Creek in the 2007 Swankings Thread. Dorst and Lodgepole are the two that accept reservations.

So, let's pick the date, and otherwise get the ball rolling. Especially if we determine that ball needs reservations. And let's determine that real soon, eh?



Ah, waking up in the woods to the smell of coffee and hot bacon!
:coffee:
Swanky Camping!!

[BarTopDancer]

ooo Camping!

Any weekend but the last weekend in April and first weekend in May work for me.

[Gemini Cricket]

I'll bring a pen to ward off mountain lions.

[Not Afraid]

As far as saving campgrounds.....ythe first person to arrive just pays for them all, puts the little sign on the post and maybe a chair or something in the camp. That should be enough to save it.

As for campgrounds, Dorst and Lodgepole are in Sequoia rather than Kings Canyon and Sequoia is always MUCH more crowded (which I why I usually camp in Kings Canyon).

Last weekend of April is Coachella and is out for us. Lashbear wil be here in April, so we can't go camping when he's here.

[Disneyphile]

First weekend in May for us too!

(And like iSm, I prefer reserved sites, but I'll go along with the majority decision. :) )

[Not Afraid]

If everyone feels most comfortable making a ressie than we have the three to choose from. Dorst in Sequoia (higher elevation than the others and it will be COOOOLD at night); Grant Grove (nice area, a bit lower but nothing great or; Cedar Grove - Canyon View. I've only stayed at Sheep Creek in this area and it is LOVELY! I like being in a canyon with the Kings River rushing by and Zumwalt Meadows an Muir Rock just down the way. However, the canyon dead ends, so you don't have as many places to go - driving. Hiking is great and horse back riding is close by. It is also a bit warmer in the canyon than it is at the higher elevations and early May can still be a bit icy.

Of course, I've camped in actual snow in Sequoia proper in April. Nice way to chill with wine if there's no river nearby.

I've also seen bears in all of these areas. They start at the higher elevations and work their way to the lower ones as the year progresses, but bears will be bears.

[Morrigoon]

Oh jeez, I gotta get me some camping gear! Luckily, already got the cot as a guest bed (if you don't have one of these, ya gotta get 'em... it's a folding frame, like the chairs, and on top of the frame is a zip pouch to hold a very thick inflatable mattress :) LIke a real twin bed, almost.

Need a tent though, LOL. Maybe I should look into one of those fancy ren-faire dealies ;) j/k.

[Alex]

I won't be joining since I'm already committed to a Yosemite trip around the same time, but for those who haven't been, keep two things in mind:

1) You have to keep all your food in bear lockers so don't go crazy with what you bring, particularly if you're going to pack in the maximum people per campsite. Not all of the campgrounds have overflow community lockers you can use if you have too much (I don't recall Grant's Grove having any).

2) Grant's Grove I liked because it was relatively easy to get everywhere else of interest but other than a couple big trees there really isn't much right there (and I find big trees to be the least interesting part of the scenery around there). It does, however, have a full ranger station and a large amphitheater hosting (even early in the season, I presume) ranger programs. So overall we liked it and it wasn't a problem going without a reservation since we made sure one person in our party arrived early to stake out some space. That said, if you're going to need more than two campsites it can be difficult to find that many really nice ones consecutively (though you really only need one and the rest are for sleeping).

Also, I notice that iSm is presuming that someone else in the group will be getting up early so he can wake to the smell of coffee and bacon (I'm always an early riser when camping so I never wake up to the smell of food).

[innerSpaceman]

Um, no ... I was advertising the smell of bacon and coffee to entice others.


I would be shocked if anyone woke up before me in a camping situation. I'll likely have been for a hike in the forest, then back at camp making coffee and bacon before another soul wakes up.

[Capt Jack]

that works for me. I usually sleep in on camp trips. just remember:
bacon, crisp
coffee...strong and black as coal
bears...try not to piss any off before I wake up or at least make sure theyre fed and in a good humor.

be forwarned: Jack is NOT a morning person :coffee:

I'd love to attend. I'll leave it to you folks to pick where and when and endevour to be there.

[Ghoulish Delight]

We've always stayed in the Grant Grove area. I wouldn't mind a change of scenery, but neither would I mind the familiarity. As Alex said, it's relatively central and easy to get places and we found a good variety of hiking around it. And having the full ranger station right there was a definite plus.

I think I vote for no reservations, mostly because, if memory serves, the large group sites that are reservable are the dullest, most featureless camp spots. We can do better just grabbing our own.

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, I'm good with grabbing our own ... but I would like a fairly pretty camping location ... with the paramount concern being things of beauty and interest reasonably nearby or get-to-able.


Let's narrow dates by a process of elimination. zapppop and I are not available the weekend of either June 2 or June 9 (we'll be at a different National Park).

[Ghoulish Delight]

... but I would like a fairly pretty camping location

These pictures are embarrassingly old, but they do show what a typical Grants Grove area camp site looks like.

http://www.jenniegreg.com/RandomImages/s1.jpg

http://www.jenniegreg.com/RandomImages/s2.jpg

http://www.jenniegreg.com/RandomImages/s3.jpg

[Cadaverous Pallor]

:blush: :blush: :blush:

I can't believe he posted those ancient pics! Hello 1997! :blush: I'm not even in the pictures, but I'm embarrassed by my bad framing and low-res scans. Just remember what download times were back in the late 90's.

Anyway, I concur with GD - Grant's Grove is great and I'd be fine with a new spot as well. I've never been this early in the year so I have no clue what crowding would be like.

[Alex]

When I was up there last it was in the same timeframe and while the Grant's Grove filled up pretty good (definitely get someone there early if you want consecutive sites) I don't think it completely filled. That probably changes the closer you get to Memorial Day though.

I liked the spots over by the stream that runs between the campground and the ranger station/amphitheater/restaurant/showers. The sites in the rocks looked cool too, but probably not so much when it is still chilly.

[Not Afraid]

I'll have to find/scan/post pics from Sheep Creek and Zumwalt. It's magical. But, I really LOVE the water.

[€uroMeinke]

I definately prefer the valley with the river right there, the granite cliff faces, caves, and zumwalt. Maybe we'll be lucky and they'll do another controled burn again - hiling at night through a red glowing path was awsome.

Must hunt for pictures

[Not Afraid]

Photos on the way.

[Not Afraid]

May I present Kings Canyon (lower Canyon area) (http://web.mac.com/lisacone/iWeb/Site/Kings%20Canyon.html)

Yeah, old pics too.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Those must have been from €'s stint as a Tijuana police officer.

[€uroMeinke]

Cool - where did you find all those?

[Not Afraid]

On the shared drive.

[Alex]

I think this link will work but if you'd like a slideshow of my general photos from the area (no campground photos) taken May 2005, here are 85 or so (http://flickr.com/photos/obfusciatrist/sets/409156/show/).

[Not Afraid]

Great pics, Alex. I didn't notice the date on your post and I thought it was much later than May. Things look a bit dryer than they normally do in May. Although, it does very from year to year.

[JWBear]

May I present Kings Canyon (lower Canyon area) (http://web.mac.com/lisacone/iWeb/Site/Kings%20Canyon.html)

Yeah, old pics too.

Some of those shots are prime avatar material! :evil:

[Alex]

Assuming the exif information in the photos is correct most of them were taken May 25 which is later in the month than I thought it had been.

It was beautiful weather (though still cold at night) but the river was still running pretty full.

[Not Afraid]

Oh? Dare I ask which ones were especially avatarish?

[Not Afraid]

Assuming the exif information in the photos is correct most of them were taken May 25 which is later in the month than I thought it had been.

It was beautiful weather (though still cold at night) but the river was still running pretty full.

I've been there in August and that river is still churning. Actually, the coldest camping trip I think we've ever done was Tuolume Meadows in mid-August. That was the year they didn't even open up Tioga until July 1 due to the snow. It was 27 at night in Whilte Wolf Campgroud. We were NOT prepared. I think I bought my first polartec that trip.
Oh, that was also the trip Chris saw his first "Large Black Dog" in the forest. It was running.....fast. Luckily it was running away from us because it wasn't a dog.

[Ghoulish Delight]

We spent 5 days one July during which there were still large snow drifts all over the place.

[Not Afraid]

Yeah, that's why the higher elevations are a bit more of a crap shoot early in the year. You never know just how cold it will be. My brother said it has been unusually cold this year - and he's lived in the Sierras for 30 years.

[Alex]

Oh, that was also the trip Chris saw his first "Large Black Dog" in the forest. It was running.....fast. Luckily it was running away from us because it wasn't a dog.

Did you notice my large black dog photo in the middle of the slideshow? Boy was I missing my long lens at that moment.

[Not Afraid]

Yes, I saw that puppy. Cute little thing. ;)

I've seen quite a few bears in my time. The later in the year it is, the hungrier they get, it seems.

[blueerica]

I should find some of my Sequoia pics videos at my uncle's place.

Oh, and yes, I had a bear in my camp, as captured by my uncle at the site next door...

[Not Afraid]

My SIL's friend came home to a full-grown bear staning on it's hind legs in her kitchen eating ice cream with his paw straight out of the container.

Bear had no manners!

[blueerica]

Haha! Classic!

[Kevy Baby]

Need a tent though, LOL. Maybe I should look into one of those fancy ren-faire dealies ;) j/k.Something like this?

http://homepage.mac.com/kelder/.Pictures/Potrero%20War/DSC00609.jpg

[Prudence]

I like my pavilion because it doesn't need guy wires on the outside. (And it's been through a storm, so this has been tested.) Fewer people tripping over people at night. And the spokes in the hub-and-spoke design make a shelf of sorts. Or closet rod. Man, I want to take it camping again.

[innerSpaceman]

So ... is May too early? Would it be too cold?

If not, the weekend of May 12 looks promising, except that the 13th being Mother's Day might be problematic for some. The following weekend, of the 19th is the weekend before Memorial Day.

So if neither of those two mid-May weekends will work, I think we're looking at either the June 16th weekend (which ironically includes Father's Day, possibly a problem for some) or the following weekend of the 23rd. And then we run into 4th of July problems after that.

I've added a poll to the top of this thread. Please vote for any dates that work for you.



.

[innerSpaceman]

As well as deciding when, we must also decide where. I'd like to camp within reasonable distance of most of the stuff we'd like to most see and do.

Here's (http://www.americansouthwest.net/california/sequoia/hiking.html) a decent listing of hikes and points-of-interest in Sequoia.

The things that sound most interesting to me are Moro Rock, some Sequoia-filled forests, Tokepah Falls, and maybe a hike up to Alta Peak. Is any of that stuff near Sheep Creek, or should we be looking closer to Lodgepole?


.

[€uroMeinke]

As well as deciding when, we must also decide where. I'd like to camp within reasonable distance of most of the stuff we'd like to most see and do.

Here's (http://www.americansouthwest.net/california/sequoia/hiking.html) a decent listing of hikes and points-of-interest in Sequoia.

The things that sound most interesting to me are Moro Rock, some Sequoia-filled forests, Tokepah Falls, and maybe a hike up to Alta Peak. Is any of that stuff near Sheep Creek, or should we be looking closer to Lodgepole?


.

Not really, because now you are looking at Sequoia instead of Kings Canyon

I've done Moro Rock and some of the major Redwood sights on my way out though -since those are rather close to the roadside. I still think Kings Canyon is a better place to make camp, from a lounging perspective.

[Ghoulish Delight]

What happened to the first weekend in May as an option? I think that was the one that worked best for us.

[innerSpaceman]

Any weekend but the last weekend in April and first weekend in May work for me.(emphasis added)

First weekend in May for us too!

So, I'm not sure if Disneyphile was saying the first weekend in May was also bad for them, or if she was misreading what BarTopDancer had posted.

Clarification, please.


But, assuming people meant what they posted, I left the first weekend in May off the poll. For now.

[Disneyphile]

Clarification, please.First weekend in May is great for us. :)

In the meantime, I also voted for Mother's Day weekend.

Either of those are perfect timing.

[innerSpaceman]

fixed.

[innerSpaceman]

And, as of now, Cinco de Mayo weekend is in a three-way tie with two weekends in mid and late June.

Howzabout we let the poll run thru February ... and if there's still no decisive winner ... we'll have a tie-breaker question!!



Is the end of this month ok to set the date, or is that too late for people's fast-filling Springtime calendars?

[Alex]

If it goes into June, and I'm welcome, I might be interested (I have to work one weekend in June but don't know which yet).

[Not Afraid]

I'm reviving this thread because I think we need to plan.

[Morrigoon]

Funny you bring it up, I was just looking at camping stuff at the store Friday.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm glad someone revived this. I kept meaning to ... but I don't want to do anything more to jinx my bad leg. I can barely walk again. Planning a camping trip is right out ... but if it's planned by others and turns out to happen, I would very much like to go if I am able.

[blueerica]

Yipes. Lemme know when. Luckily, I am one person, and don't require much outside of space for a sleeping bag. ;) I just have to make sure that this doesn't interfere with other plans and/or school crap.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

pleasegodnotinapril




toobusymyheadwillexplode

[Not Afraid]

Do I have to do everything around here????? ;)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We're not going, but we're hoping for not-the-weekend-of-May-19.

[innerSpaceman]

There was no clear winner in the poll ... so it's a three-way tie (oooh, with 2 votes apiece) between May 5 Cinco de Mayo weekend, June 23 weekend, and July 1 Steve's Birthday weekend.


What do we do for a tiebreaker??? Feats of skill, I hope!

[Capt Jack]

oooh, June 30 is a Blue Moon.
not that it means anything, but I do like a good full moon when camping

[BarTopDancer]

I am now on the pick a date and if I can make it I will side of things.

Life is on hold until the playoff schedule is released.

[Disneyphile]

Oooh! I like the June 30th Blue Moon idea. :snap:

[katiesue]

I like the June 30 blue moon as well.

[Not Afraid]

i will gladly be overridden, but I really HATE camping past memorial Day. The crowds are horrible and there are CHILDREN (gasp) everywhere and it's noisey as heck. It totally cramps my Nature Girl act.

[Morrigoon]

I'm sort of in the pick-a-day-and-I'll-try-to-go camp.

[Kevy Baby]

Can the poll be reopened? I don't think I was able to vote. Or maybe I did and just don't remember.


I am now on the pick a date and if I can make it I will side of things.

Life is on hold until the playoff schedule is released.IF they even make the payoffs, the Ducks will surely get shut down in the first round. :evil:

Oooh! I like the June 30th Blue Moon idea. :snap:Then we can all sing the Marcels by the campfire.

[Not Afraid]

I've reopened it.

[Kevy Baby]

I've reopened it.
My goshen - two admin functions in less than a half hour. You must be worn out by now :D

[Not Afraid]

I'm fricken exhausted! ;)

[blueerica]

I went for July 1. Only because it's the only thing that looks reasonable on my schedule (a.k.a. it's between summer sessions and I don't think I have plans for that particular day)

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, I'd like to take Cinco de Mayo weekend out of the running please. I'm performing a wedding that Sunday (in the Arcadia Suite at the Grand Cal, btw, with reception to follow at Club 33, of all places).

So, pretty please, one of the other choices of weekend.

[BarTopDancer]

IF they even make the payoffs, the Ducks will surely get shut down in the first round. :evil:

Uh... We already MADE the playoffs. We are 3rd place points wise in the NHL, first in our division, 2nd in our conference. We will take the Cup. You'll see. Then you and my roommate can KMA! /sob :( :( :( :( :( :(









:p

[Kevy Baby]

Shows you how much I follow hockey these days.

[Not Afraid]

If someone will come up with a date that makes mostly everyone happy, I will get things rolling. But, I just can't bear to deal with the date decision. Just tell me when we're going and I'll plan.

[Morrigoon]

Well, can't do May 19/20, that weekend's taken, and mother's day and father's day always have potential conflicts, so...

I'd say Cinco de Mayo or any of the later dates would be good. Probably not too late though as the weather.... ugh.

[Alex]

Just some advice from my experiences with another group of camping friends and our repeated attempts to get weekend trips scheduled.

A date will never be reached by committee. Somebody just needs to stand up and say "This is the weekend I will be there, I've reserved two sites [if reservations have been made], hope to see you there."

[blueerica]

I agree with Alex - however, I'm in no position to make such a decision. If I looked at every weekend on the calendar (pretty much between here and the end of the year) I'd say I could do none of them.

If someone threw down a date then it could be made to happen.

On that note, might it be too late to get any of the aforementioned dates? If I remember correctly, many campsites at more touristy destinations, such as Sequoia and Kings Canyon book up kind of early for weekends during the nice weather months.

[BDBopper]

(Bangs his head on the wall) Why oh why do I have to live on the other end of the country I'm going to miss all the swankings!! :(

And now I fel like Don Music on Sesame Steet banging his head on the piano - "I'll never get it right! NEVER! (Bang) NEVER! (Bang) NEVER! (Bang)

[Morrigoon]

Hahah, OMG, I totally forgot about that character! Classic!

Cinco de Mayo is only 3 weeks away. If folks can do it then, let's do it then, if not, let's scratch it off the list so at least we've narrowed it down!

[Disneyphile]

Ken and I need to wait until at least June now, due to finances.

[innerSpaceman]

I've already elminated Cinco de Mayo. I'm performing a wedding at the Resort that weekend, and it's also the weekour our fellow swanker, Snowflake, is in town.


How's June 23rd weekend?

Hearing no grevious objections to that weekend in the next 48 hours, I nominate our LoT Secretary of Dynamic Activity Planning to see what can be done about setting it in stone.

[katiesue]

Isn't Moonliner in town June 23/24 weekend?

[innerSpaceman]

Really???

Actually, I just looked at the poll, and the June 30-July 1 weekend is winning by a landslide. I take that back about June 23 ... because the entire point of the poll was to find a clear winner. Until recently, everything was tied tightly. For some reason, June-July got a slew of votes since then.

So ... The poll winner - absent any fervent objections - will be decided after this weekend. April 16, the votes will be tallied and the Secretary of Dynamic Activity Planning will be asked to make arrangements!




BTW, I did not vote for that weekend ... but I'd LOVE to spend my birthday Swankamping with you guys!

[Not Afraid]

Well, by some strange fat, I have no overnights scheduled for June 30 weekend so I can even go. It's late in the years and that sucks, but we'll see what we can do.

[innerSpaceman]

Is it the chicken kind? Or the kind you get liposuctioned?

[Not Afraid]

LOL! Leave me alone.

[Not Afraid]

OK. I really want to stay at Sheep Creek, but since they don't take reservations I don't want to risk it. So, we're probably going to go with Dorst in Sequoia NP. That weekend is available and, as soon as we get a confirmation on who is going and how many cars/tents we will have, I can make areservation for us.

See, I like this part of the planning. ;)

[innerSpaceman]

Me, with the Sydney Opera House tent. 1 car that I can fit others in (gas-guzzling Ford Explorer)

[blueerica]

Hmmm.... Count me in, mostly. It will be just before the end of the first session of summer semester, though I think I can pull it off, since my classes are Human Sexuality and Business Law, and I can handle two finals. Egads I loves me some Business Law!

[NirvanaMan]

I love campin like a fat kid love cake

[BDBopper]

... but I'd LOVE to spend my birthday Swankamping with you guys!

Same here and mine is in September but I live all the way across country. Oh well. Nothing is ever perfect. LOL

Sounds like a very fun trip and a very fun swanking. I'll be there in Spirit. I'll be the :tiki: shaped totem pole! :)

[Kevy Baby]

Chances are pretty good that we (Susan and I) would go. However, what little energy I have remaining at the moment can't even begin to fathom our camping excursion Memorial Day weekend (Portrero War), mcuh les anything in June.

However, we would probably be up for using Susan's van for the excursion which would allow us to transport other persons and cargo.

But don't ask me about it for at least a couple of weeks.

[Morrigoon]

Incidentally, this is the best deal (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11113095&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4014042&Mo=22&pos=0&No=19&ViewAll=23&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=48806&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=) I've seen on a tent so far. Not that there aren't cheaper, mind you, but not at that size.

[blueerica]

I love campin like a fat kid love cake

Come with! I'm feeling increasingly certain I can make this happen!
Oh, but would Babette be able to make it? ;)

[Morrigoon]

Count me in for a car and a tent (which I still have to buy). And for some serious competition with Disneyphile in the "campsite decoration" competition. :evil: I just picked up a 10x13 sun shelter, so I'm part way there :)

Will this be the swankiest camp ever, or what?

[Chernabog]

I want to go too!!! I can take the Mini up there, but it won't fit anything more than one other person and our stuff. How much does reserving the space cost?

[innerSpaceman]

Camping spaces cost next to nothing, but the space is limited. I don't know what the particular restrictions are in Sequioa/Kings Canyon ... but there's usually a 2-car per space limit, and there might even be a limit on how many spaces we can reserve.

Not sure. Not Afraid will let us know the low down.

[Morrigoon]

We await your widom, oh mighty one!

[Moonliner]

Really???

Actually, I just looked at the poll, and the June 30-July 1 weekend is winning by a landslide. I take that back about June 23 ... because the entire point of the poll was to find a clear winner. Until recently, everything was tied tightly. For some reason, June-July got a slew of votes since then.

So ... The poll winner - absent any fervent objections - will be decided after this weekend. April 16, the votes will be tallied and the Secretary of Dynamic Activity Planning will be asked to make arrangements!


Yes! June 30th!!! The clear winner!!!! That's the ticket! Yup yup yup, not that previous weekend, no no no....

:)


Oh, and Yes Katiesue... Frontliner and I will be in town June 22-25th. (Did I mention the 25th is my birthday?)

[Not Afraid]

Errr, Please someone tell me that everyone is not going camping the weekend Headliner and I drop in... :eek: (June 22-25)

Did I mention the 25th is my Birthday?

No, we're looking at the following weekend.


Soooooo

Campgrounds in Dorst (reservable in Sequoia)) are $20 per night with a maximum of 6 people at each site. Most have restrictions for 2 cars and limited automobile space. The smallest parking space seems to be 24 feet (back in only) but some are larger.

I have a PDF of the campsite map and, in the best of all possible worlds, we would be able to get sites next to each other. But, we'll have to see when we actually get a number of people/cars/tents. That's actually the first bit of information we need to decide on after we nail down the date.

[blueerica]

Put me down, pretty please!

[Not Afraid]

We also need to think about car pooling as much as possible. Those with large(r) vehicles should probably look to adding passengers who will chip in for gas. Of course, we bring so much **** with us, we need the entire car. ;)

[innerSpaceman]

Well, the date seems pretty darned nailed. I know I said we'd keep the poll open till Monday, and we will. But with Moonliner now confirmed for the June 24 weekend, and the June 30 weekend leading in the poll by 2-to-1, I think that it's clinched for June 30.


As for waiting for people to chime in with an "I'm In" ... I say to hell with that. Lemme run thru this thread real quick, count up the people who expressed interest ... and let's just reserve space for that plus 5.

[katiesue]

I'm in - just need to double check with the boss but it shouldn't be a problem. Happy to drive and or carpool/pay for gas with anyone.

[Not Afraid]

I need the number of cars - that's most important. ALSO........are we just doing Friday and Saturday nights? Are people going to make the 5 hour drive after work on Friday? How about days off? Take off Friday or Monday?

[innerSpaceman]

I'm going up Thursday, with any other advance scouts who want to be Frontiersmen!


Ok, by my count, we have about 20 swankers interested.

I think, at this point, it's better if they opt out specifically or - - for purposes of simply reserving space, we will assume they're in.


Ok, there's me, Not Afraid, €uroMeinke, blueerica, BarTopDancer, Gemini Cricket, Ghoulish Delight, Cadaverous Pallor, Disneyphile, Frodo Potter, Morrigoon, Chernabog, Capt Jack, katiesue, Kevy Baby (and Gus Gus, I assume), NirvanaMan (and Babette, I assume), maybe zapppop and possibly even the likes of Alex Stroup.

[Not Afraid]

Should we start another, definitive poll? (oh Moderator :evil:)

[Morrigoon]

Cherny and I are discussing being tent-mates and carpoolers, FWIW.

[innerSpaceman]

Should we start another, definitive poll?
No, I don't think that's necessary ... or expedient.


If we end up with two much space reserved, we can always either cancel one site .. or spread out a little and each pay $2 more a night. Ooooooh! Break the Lashbank!


I almost think, at $20 per nite, we should purposefully get more sites than we need just so we can have more parking spaces! Carpooling is going to be difficult, what with all the sh!t we are each going to bring for 2 or 3 days in the woods!

[Morrigoon]

Do we want to stick with getting a few individual sites, or do we want to get a group site?

[Not Afraid]

Group sites are for minimum 20 people and all are sold out for that weekend (at least the reservable ones are).

[Morrigoon]

Rats.

I think if we were going to add a day, might be better to add Friday to improve our chances of getting adjacent sites.

[innerSpaceman]

Yeah, but we don't want group cites (those are usually less nice). We want regular campsites. Just, ya know, a bunch of them. 4 or 5, I reckon.

[Not Afraid]

I can reserve specific sites.

Dorst Campground Map (http://www.sequoiatrip.com/pdfs/dorstmap_ver2_2004_campsites.pdf)

Site Reservations (http://www.recreation.gov/nrso/Dorst_Creek/Campsites/r/campsiteSearch.do?site=all&type=9&minimal=no&search=site&criteria=new&agency=NRSO&parkId=70940&search=site)

[Morrigoon]

Oh, coolness :)

[Disneyphile]

Ken and I are definitely in - we'll be driving up early Friday morning. :)

One car between the two of us (yes, I bring a lot of crap, and I won't block the windows while driving).

And our tent takes up about 8'x14' of space when assembled. (Not sure how large the sites are.) So, if we have to get our own due to space, we're not opposed to paying the full $20 per night. :)

[Morrigoon]

Hmm... no electricity to the campsites. Guess I shouldn't invest in the pre-lit tent eh? ;)

Note to self: pick up solar lamps... and some garden fencing ;)

[Disneyphile]

Note to self: pick up solar lamps... and some garden fencing ;)We already have those. :p And, we've got the lawn decor too - an entire flock of pink flamingos, a lawn gnome, and a few other ornaments. Also, a "Welcome" mat. :p

(Wait, I shouldn't be telling any of these trade secrets, lest I blow the competition for us.... hmmmmm. )

[Morrigoon]

Muahahah! I know all your trade secrets, woman!

(Of course, that's not gonna help me much, as you've pretty much locked up all the best (worst?) stuff)

[Disneyphile]

Plus, we now have the Cadillac of camping stoves/grills. Everyone will bow to our superiority of roughing it! :p

[Morrigoon]

Actually, what we'll be doing is lining up to use it :D

Of course, in addition to worrying about decorations, I have to worry about what I'm going to be decorating. So far this is the price leader (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11113095&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4014042&Mo=22&pos=0&No=19&ViewAll=23&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=48806&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=) for what I'd like. Oooh, or this nice little set (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5493342). Dang, that's good for the price :)

[Morrigoon]

And you thought geeks only put LED fans (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4767725) in their desktops...

[innerSpaceman]

I can reserve specific sites.

Dorst Campground Map (http://www.sequoiatrip.com/pdfs/dorstmap_ver2_2004_campsites.pdf)

Site Reservations (http://www.recreation.gov/nrso/Dorst_Creek/Campsites/r/campsiteSearch.do?site=all&type=9&minimal=no&search=site&criteria=new&agency=NRSO&parkId=70940&search=site)

Hmmm, at the Site Reservation Site, they list spots by Loop letter ... but the Map doesn't label the loops by letter, rather by range of specific campsite number.

Never having been there before, my guess would be that best spots - - no other features being known - would be those with naught between them and Buds Creek that runs through camp.

57 thru 60 look like a nice grouping that fits the bill.

Can you reserve more than one site at a time on that website??


Dates we'd be looking at are Thursday, June 28 thru Monday the 2nd (even though most people will likely leave Sunday, it's best not to commit to bugging out by noon that day.)

[Not Afraid]

FYI-ALL.

ISM is going to pop by our house on his way to the Mouse this afternoon. We're going to go through the reservation site with the map and choose probably 5 (maybe 6) sites to reserve. At least we'll have that part down.

Then I can start thinking about food!

[blueerica]

Might anyone be willing to leave at around 1:30 or 2ish (or whenver I can speed over there by) on Thursday? I have a class that runs until 12:45 in the afternoon... Please, please, pretty please!?

[Not Afraid]

We have camping sites!!!!!!

[Not Afraid]

"If you like camping in style, you'll like Dorst Campground"

Sounds like our kinda place.

[blueerica]

!!!

[innerSpaceman]

Woot! We have five campsites along the shady side of Dorst Campground's Fashionable Loop E.

There's room for 20 people ... so the first to chime in with a definite committment of money will get the prized spots at the Swankamping of the Century.

The camping fee is going to be $50 per person. Payment to :iSm: will guarantee your spot on the tour.

There's also a $20 one-time National Park entry fee per vehicle. Oh, and whatever you'll spend on vittles, camping gear, and camp decorations.



From our campground, there's a wonderful hike to the Muir Grove of giant Sequoias ... far more secluded and intitmate than the more touristy groves near parking lots and vending machines. Also accessible from our campsite is a shorter hike to Little Baldy, an exposed granite dome with a panaramic view of the Sierras.

We're planning a day trip to nearby Kings Canyon, and other adventures are possible to Crystal Caverns or Tokopah Falls.


Besides the optional adventure excursions, there will be plenty of lounging at the swankiest camp west of the Mississippi, gourmet camp cookouts, and bonding sessions around the campfire.



The campsites are available starting Thursday, June 28, and people are free to stay through and including Monday night, July 2.




Roughing It - - the Swanky Way. LoT CampOut. June into July 2007!

[blueerica]

$50/person???

Wow... camping sure has gotten expensive! I'll need to sit a little bit on this one before I can make a final decision on it - though I'm pretty sure I'm good to go.

[CoasterMatt]

Well, seeing as that's the time of year I make my most money, I'll be passing this trip by... have fun, though :)

[Not Afraid]

It works out to $10 per person per night.

Sure, not everyone will be staying all those nights ... but it's cheaper for those that do.;)



We had to book all the campsites together to guarantee our block of consecutive sites. It wasn't easy finding and booking five adjoining sites for a weekend in the summer splendor of Sequoia.




(btw, this is iSm browbeating you about money from Not Afraid's applaptop.)

[blueerica]

Like I said, I'm 99.9% sure I'll go, but I just need to estimate my bills, tuition, etc, between now and then. I didn't realize the Sequoias went up to $40 a night for a site (presuming 4 on each site)... I'm just experiencing sticker shock is all... This better be swanky.. ;)


The other thing I need to know is whether anyone will be leaving not quite so early, so that I can join them. That's probably as much a deciding factor as anything else.

[€uroMeinke]

I didn't realize the Sequoias went up to $40 a night for a site (presuming 4 on each site)... I'm just experiencing sticker shock is all... This better be swanky.. ;)

Ah - well cost is actually $20/night per campsite - plus some sort of assessment for additional vehicles I believe. I think the presumption was a minimum of 10 people (9 responded affirmatively to the proposed date above), so we know we have a commitment of at least 10 (2 per camp site) so $50/person according to current commitments - if more swankers camp, the price will drop.

[Kevy Baby]

Put me down, pretty please!Ok...

You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny.

Ok, there's [snip] Kevy Baby (and Gus Gus, I assume)...That would be a correct assumption.

[Morrigoon]

$50 swanking? There'd better be appletinis involved ;)

Hmm... note to self: find plastic martini glasses

[blueerica]

Oh ****, then I'm easily down. Plus, I checked everything out - affording it, plus food, etc should be fine.

Mark me down, dammit! I wants my spot!

To note, I've never owned a tent... Wait... maybe I still do from Grand Canyon.. Anyhow, I don't think I've camped under any kind of cover in 10 years. I prefer the stars.... :)

I should see about that GC tent.

[Morrigoon]

Count me in!

[Kevy Baby]

Count me in!I can't count that high

[Prudence]

(btw, this is iSm browbeating you about money from Not Afraid's applaptop.)

Do the typos come built in on that machine?

[Morrigoon]

I can't count that high

When you run out of fingers and toes, I'm sure you can find something else to count on

[blueerica]

SQUEEE!!!

(And no, I didn't know what "squeee" meant until this very moment...)

I really can't wait..... TOO MUCH FRICKING FUN - That's what this trip will be!

[€uroMeinke]

When you run out of fingers and toes, I'm sure you can find something else to count on

And if not, they have drugs now that can help with that

[Cadaverous Pallor]

We're in but we're just doing the weekend. Don't know how the cost to each person will shake out if people come and go. Makes me glad I'm not playing accountant on this one :)

Of course we'll just leave Kevy with the bill, right?

ETA - I work that Saturday. I've gotten so used to not working weekends! :( :( :( We'll see if I can pull a day off but I'm already piling up days off...

[blueerica]

Day off! This one will be worth it!

[Disneyphile]

We're still definitely in. :)

[libraryvixen]

What if a person wanted to visit? I live about 2 hours away, can't camp overnight, but would love to say hello for the day!

[Alex]

I'd love to join you all but it probably can't be done with me doing five days in Yosemite over Memorial Day.

[Not Afraid]

Dorst Campground Map (http://www.sequoiatrip.com/pdfs/dorstmap_ver2_2004_campsites.pdf)

Here is a map of the campground. The sites we have reserved are 121 through 125. We're near-ish to a creek and near to one of the hiking trails. AND, there no one across from us.

We had a bit if challenge finding 5 sites that were close to one another. Our only other option was 129 and the other outside sites near by, That loop seemed very crowded and there is no restroom nearby.

In order to get consecutive sites and days, we needed to block out all sites for all days. That's why there is the same per-person charge for everyone - regardless what days you decide to go.

And, if you only want to come up for a night or 2, do so. We just need to monitor the parking situation.

[Not Afraid]

What if a person wanted to visit? I live about 2 hours away, can't camp overnight, but would love to say hello for the day!

Come on up! The only issue would be that a) cell phone probably won't work up there and b) you should let us know when you'll be arriving so we can make sure we're in camp.

And, bring a sleeping bag. I'm sure you could bunk with someone for a night.

[Not Afraid]

I'd love to join you all but it probably can't be done with me doing five days in Yosemite over Memorial Day.

You're relatively close, aren't you? Come up for a couple of nights.

[Alex]

If there are still slots available as the date approaches I might, but at this point I couldn't commit to it.

[libraryvixen]

Come on up! The only issue would be that a) cell phone probably won't work up there and b) you should let us know when you'll be arriving so we can make sure we're in camp.

And, bring a sleeping bag. I'm sure you could bunk with someone for a night.

Excellent, I'll let you know what's up with my schedule so I can see everyone!

[Morrigoon]

If I get the tent I'm looking at getting, I'm sure you could stay with Joe and I

[Morrigoon]

So, I'm wondering if you guys'd like to take the campsite decorating one step further... like each site being themed around a different land? I know Kevy's got the serious Renaissance pavilion/fantasyland thing going, it'd be cool to continue that. Just a thought, if you guys would like to go in that direction.

[Not Afraid]

I have a great idea for Tomorrowland - I just don't know if I want to cart a bunch of crap. I've gotten pretty stealth with my camping supplies.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I hope that if we just show up and camp without decoration we will still be allowed to hang out. I promise to restrain myself from destroying the plastic flamingos :D

To me, a tent, a campfire, and a sleeping bag are the images that evoke "camping", and that's what I want to experience.

If my schedule allows me to go, that is. :(

[Alex]

I probably won't be there so my comments have approximately zero weight but keep in mind that all of the other people in the campground aren't looking to find Disneyland-in-the-Mountains.

Go too far and they'll find you more annoying than amusing. You don't want to end up in the pariah category with the people who leave their RV generators running all night.

[blueerica]

I'm kind of in the NA boat on this one. I was thinking more along the lines of candles and what-not. I tend to be a minimalist with goods (ie. Sleep outside instead of tent whenever possible), so I'm hoping to keep it that way. ;) At least for myself.

Plus, as Alex reminds us, we do have to be mindful of the other campers.

[Morrigoon]

I hope that if we just show up and camp without decoration we will still be allowed to hang out. I promise to restrain myself from destroying the plastic flamingos :D

To me, a tent, a campfire, and a sleeping bag are the images that evoke "camping", and that's what I want to experience.

If my schedule allows me to go, that is. :(
So.... Bear Country? ;)

I could go Adventureland or Main Street with my stuff.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm not going all Disneyland with my camping decorations ... and it should be pointed out that camping decorations make no noise and - except for potential battery-powered xmas lights - won't be a visual nuisance either.

People coming to Dorst campground may be looking to get away from newscasts, traffic, and civilization ... but they have no reasonable expectation of getting away from people. There are 200 fairly close-together campsites there.

I daresay, though we will attempt to be respectful of our neighbors, our group of 20 will be far more of a nuisance in general loudness of mirth than anything even possible via fun camp decorations.



In any event, we have five consecutive campsites which span one entire stretch of a Loop, and no one is across from us. If we make our main social center towards the center of our fiefdom, and concentrate our decorations where we ourselves can enjoy them ... we will keep our noise pollution to a minimum and keep our decorations invisible to all but deer and bear.



But don't feel you have to participate in decorating madness. We are out to have fun. And this is fun for some. Your milage may vary.

[Disneyphile]

Actually, you might all be spared the sight of our lawn flamingos - turns out we put them in storage, way in the back with the wedding decor. I don't think I'm that adventurous to pull 'em out just for this. :p

[Stan4dSteph]

This sounds like fun, except for the strange decor ideas, and would be a good way to celebrate my birthday if I were in CA.

[Capt Jack]

anyone bringing pets?

[Morrigoon]

I had considered it, but pets can't (and shouldn't) be left unattended, and I thought having my dog along would really put a cramp in being able to do all the great side trips :ism: talked about.

[Capt Jack]

excellent point.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm bringing goldfish.

[Not Afraid]

The way I feel about the decor thing is that, people can decorate if they want to. I think it would be fun and amusing as long as it is not to disruptive. But, decor is certainly not mandatory to be included in the trip.

I like to be excessive in the food department, so I probably won't do anything special for decoration. Food, however, is a whole different story.


And, given Charles' reaction to the wire cage, I'm disinclined to bring him along. Besides, he'd make some tasty bear food and that would just be sad.

[Morrigoon]

I'm not against bringing him if other folks are already going to be bringing pets, I just didn't want to be the one to initiate such a thing, and be the only one, because then it's more of an imposition, IMO. If others are already bringing pets, then the worries about doing things where he can't come would be eliminated and I might consider it.

[Morrigoon]

I like to be excessive in the food department, so I probably won't do anything special for decoration. Food, however, is a whole different story.

Speaking of food, how are we planning that? Group meals or each bring own? I'm guessing each bring own since we have different arrival and departure times.

The decor thing is just supposed to be for fun.

[Not Afraid]

This is my own concept for the "food thingie".

Breakfasts shoule be big, excessive and include bacon. Lunches should be on our own and should be packable. Dinners should be a group effort.

What we should probably do is divide into "meal teams" and do the group thing that way. I'm a pro at gourmet camp cooking, so I'd be more than happy to coordinate overall menu planning as well as organize a meal or 2.

[Morrigoon]

Excellent. Yeah, I was starting to think about supplies and it occurred to me it would be helpful to know which resources would be shared, and which needed to be acquired.

[Capt Jack]

I cant even commit yet and Im getting very excited about this

[Alex]

Keep in mind the relatively limited food storage space (though it'll help if it turns out you don't completely fill your five spots).

I don't konw about that camp specifically but when we were up in that area the rangers were real pains about proper storage.

[Morrigoon]

Me too (the excited part). Probably more so than I ought to be, but it gives me something to look forward to when I'm bored, which is approximately Monday through Friday.

[Morrigoon]

Keep in mind the relatively limited food storage space (though it'll help if it turns out you don't completely fill your five spots).

I don't konw about that camp specifically but when we were up in that area the rangers were real pains about proper storage.

Well, Cherny says that's the exact campground he stayed at last year, and the bears definitely visited. SOmeone left an apple in a backpack and the bear shredded the backpack.

[Not Afraid]

There will be one bear box for each campsite and we REALLY want to use them. There WILL be bears (not to mention pesky other varmits). I'll try to find the dimensions of a camp bear box, but keep in mind ALL items with a scent need to go into the box. That includes toiletries, food, spices, soap, etc. You CANNOT keep any of this stuff in your tent unless you want company) and you risk a bear break-in if you keep stuff in your car. They have incredible senses of smell.

[Morrigoon]

Question: Citronella candles too? I'm guessing they only repel insects...

[Not Afraid]

ANYTHING with a scent must be stored.

What must be stored?

All food and anything with a scent (even if you don't consider it food). This includes garbage, recyclables, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, first-aid kits, baby wipes, lotion, hairspray, scented tissue, air freshener, pet food, insect repellent, tobacco products, baby car-seats, and window cleaner. Bears recognize ice chests, cans, bottles, and grocery bags so store them also.

How to Store Items Properly

Use the metal storage boxes that are provided in much of the park.
Shop and pack for your visit so that everything will fit in the boxes and is easy to store upon arrival.
All items should be put in the locker before setting up camp.
Seal foods in containers to minimize smells.
Remove baby carseats from vehicles when parked overnight.
When storage boxes are not available, put all food and related supplies, including ice chests, in vehicle trunk with food sealed in air-tight containers.
In vehicles without trunks, all food and related supplies, including ice chests, must be stored out of sight. Cover them completely to hide them from view.
In Picnic Areas

Store all food and related supplies properly, including ice chests. Never leave food unattended. Dispose of all garbage properly.

In Campgrounds

In all campgrounds, store all food and related supplies in the metal storage boxes. Only when camping where there are no metal boxes, store food and related supplies out of sight inside a vehicle. Never leave camp unattended if food is not stored. Store food day and night. Take infant carseats out of vehicles when parked overnight. Bears may enter campsites during the day, even if people are there. Keep a clean camp. Put trash in bear-proof cans and dumpsters regularly.

While Day-Hiking

Properly store all food and related supplies left at the trailhead, including ice chests. Don't leave your backpack and walk off to take a photograph. Bears know packs are a source of food.

What should I do with my food if I go backpacking? more...

Lodging

Store all food and related supplies indoors. Put all garbage in bear-proof cans and dumpsters. Take infant carseats out of vehicles when parked overnight.

When You See a Bear

Never approach any bear, regardless of its size. If you encounter a bear, act immediately. Throw objects at it from a safe distance. Yell, clap your hands, and bang pots together. If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear. Use caution if you see cubs, as the mother may act aggressively to defend them. When done together, these actions have been successful in scaring bears away. Never try to directly retrieve anything once a bear has it.

[Alex]

Didn't mean to imply that the rangers were wrong to be pains about it, just that even if you're willing to take the risk the rangers will probably be a problem.

Don't know what the drinking is like in this group of people but that was a big source of trouble on our last big group. Everybody who drank brought the normal party quantity of beer for a four day party and there wasn't room left for food.

[Not Afraid]

OK, this was harder to find that it should've been:

Bear box size dimensions: most sites have boxes that measure 21"h x 33"d x 48"l but some sites have 16"h x 17"d x 44"l.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Question: Citronella candles too? I'm guessing they only repel insects...


I don't think I would based on this (http://www.tiderip.com/FAQ.htm):

Please do not bring insect repellent with citronella, it actually attracts grizzly bears, they will want to rub all over you

unless you are into that sort of thing. The same probably holds true for black bears.

[Not Afraid]

Too bad LashStoat isn't going to join us.


"Rob! Cut it out!"
ROBERT!
OMG!

[Alex]

Never seen the warning in California but did in a New Mexico campground that you should avoid having sex as that can attract them as well.

So no orgies.

[Not Afraid]

I guess the orgy tent can stay at home then.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Don't know what the drinking is like in this group of people but that was a big source of trouble on our last big group. Everybody who drank brought the normal party quantity of beer for a four day party and there wasn't room left for food.

Hard alcohol is much more space-economical.

[Morrigoon]

unless you are into that sort of thing. The same probably holds true for black bears.

Kinky. But not my thing. :cool:

[Not Afraid]

If we don't store the alcohol, we could wake up to this:

http://www.wetasschronicles.com/BearNap.jpg

[Morrigoon]

Hard alcohol is much more space-economical.

Agreed.

As far as non-likker drinkies, does anyone else like Kool-Aid?

Oh, what are our water resources, anyway?

[Not Afraid]

We will need to bring our own drinking water. There is water for doing dishes available, but it is not potable.

[Not Afraid]

I'm going to start a working list:

Supplies:

Charchol
Lighter fluid or Starter
Drinking Water

Meal ideas:

Breakfasts:

Scrambled Eggs
Cheese
Chopped veggies
Bacon
Tortillas
Salsa

Dinner:

Kabob meat (beef/chicken/lamb/fish) - pre marinated
Chopped veggies
Couscous or pre-cooked rice
Caesar Salad

I'm hungry!

[BarTopDancer]

I'm bringing Sharky to keep the bears away.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Is there still room at the camp grounds or should this late comer count herself out?

And if there is room left, should I plan on hitchhiking or could I grab a lift with a swanky camper?

[Capt Jack]

So no orgies.


ferget it. Im out








;) (j/k)

[Alex]

If anybody has room for it there is a fair amount of money to be saved by hauling in a supply of fireword rather than buying it at camp or the park stores.

Actually, do they allow campfires in summer? I know some campgrounds don't.

[BarTopDancer]

Actually I am probably a no-go at this point. My summer is already super crazy. EH can have my spot if she so desires.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Actually I am probably a no-go at this point. My summer is already super crazy. EH can have my spot if she so desires.

I will happily take your spot if it means I can attend, but I'm sad you won't be joining.

[Morrigoon]

I'm pretty sure we have plenty of space for all, aren't we at about 2 people per camping space at the moment?

The more the merrier cheaper :) :snap:

[Morrigoon]

Oh, and NA... if that bear gets in our stuff, he'll probably end up more like this:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/LoT%20images/SwankyBearNap.jpg

[Not Afraid]

At this point, anyone who wants to go can go. We have 5 sites, each can have 6 people and 2 cars. I don't think we're at any risk of running out of space yet - and there may be a chance of getting one additional space IF we need it.

Carpooling will be a must, though. And, food consolidation.

[Morrigoon]

Yeah, the food's gonna be the big thing.

Pasta might be a good idea for at least one meal, because it takes up hardly any space dry and we don't have to store the drinking water we cook it in.

BTW: I can bring at least some of the charcoal, we have quite a bit at home as we hardly ever barbecue. Do the sites have grills already? I forget. Otherwise, is someone already bringing a grill?

[Morrigoon]

Just a thought: should we get a new poll going, or an evite, to get an idea of who's going? Evite might be more flexible as people change/make up their minds... (wish vB had polls where you could change your answer)

[Not Afraid]

Yeah, we need to talk equipment too.

How many stoves do we have and who has large pots and pans? I actually have a really large stock pot and 2 fanastic iron skillets - one with a grill bottom. I'm thinking about getting a dutch oven as well. One large plastic salad bowl would be good (I only have ceramic).

We have more than one French Press and a tea kettle we always bring.

We also have a 2-burner stove.

And, I'd prefer it if we didn't use paper plates. If everyone brings their own place setting/plate/cup we would be better campers.

[katiesue]

Quick question. If I can make it (working it out with the boss) I can only take Friday off meaning going up on Friday and back on Sunday. Is this ok?

[Chernabog]

Never seen the warning in California but did in a New Mexico campground that you should avoid having sex as that can attract them as well.

So no orgies.


No WAY, Morrigoon and I were finally planning on consummating our friendship among the redwoods. OK, that's it, I'm out.

;)

(Actually tho I did fool around with someone on the last camping trip, and I highly recommend it.... quite interesting out there in the woods, you just have to watch out for men in hockey masks with machetes)

Also, the whole bear box thing, the camping trip I went on to Dorst was a sober trip, so we didn't have any alcohol space issues in the bear box.

The bears came every night -- once to try and get into the bear box, and once when (as morrigoon said) a bear came REALLY close to this guy's tent and obliterated his backpack to get at an apple he left in there. He came out of his tent, saw the bear, and banged pots together and it scared the bear off REAL quick. Scary tho.

The sites we went to had a grill and/or a firepit for each site (I can't remember if it is AND or OR, or if they were combined into one thing). There were restrooms for every number of sites (maybe it was like one restroom for each 10+ sites??). And you park the car like right near the tent sites, so it isn't like there's a lot of schlepping.

There are no showers that I know of there. We had to drive to a different area to use showers. I did bathe in a creek once that was near the campsite, and it was so cold there I almost became a woman temporarily.

Yes yes, I set myself up there. :P

[Not Afraid]

Quick question. If I can make it (working it out with the boss) I can only take Friday off meaning going up on Friday and back on Sunday. Is this ok?

Yes! We've got a range of days so anyone can come up for as long as they want to.

[Not Afraid]

Sex in the woods is the best!

[katiesue]

Yay - now back to the boss negotiations. I'm out the week before for Madzers graduation and our trip to Nashville already. Eh it's just work they'll be fine without me.

[Morrigoon]

No WAY, Morrigoon and I were finally planning on consummating our friendship among the redwoods. OK, that's it, I'm out.

;)

(Actually tho I did fool around with someone on the last camping trip, and I highly recommend it.... quite interesting out there in the woods, you just have to watch out for men in hockey masks with machetes)
LOL :eek:

I have extra pots & pans, but they're not the over-the-campfire variety. However, I can bring them for use over a camp stove if someone would like me to.

Are we going to start keeping an itemized list of who's bringing what?

[Morrigoon]

Quick question. If I can make it (working it out with the boss) I can only take Friday off meaning going up on Friday and back on Sunday. Is this ok?

I wouldn't be surprised if you could even find a carpool buddy for those dates.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Sex in the woods is the best!

Naughty NA!

Once I tried to get a boyfriend to be naughty in the woods. And he insisted that someone would walk by. And I insisted that we hadn't passed anyone in hours and would be fine. He relents, we begin...and someone walks by. That put an end to outside antics. Ever again. Not very adventurous, that one.

[Alex]

Yeah, experimental evidence suggests that it isn't immediately fatal in New Mexico either.

[Not Afraid]

Are we going to start keeping an itemized list of who's bringing what?

Yes, but first I need to figure out the best way to do this. There must be a way do do this in an orderly fashion electronically.:confused:

[Morrigoon]

evite, probably

Put an "ask guests to bring something" list up once we figure out what our needs are.

[katiesue]

Don't have sex at the bottom of a dry creek bed. Not that I'd know anything about that or anything but ermm it's not comfy. (I think I still may have bruises from 1983 - well if it were me of course).

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Great. The day after the Swanking I'm gonna be seeing News reports about a bear attacking a bunch of naked people who were having sex in the woods. "Sidecar's" have now been banned from National Forests...

:p

[Not Afraid]

What? You're staying home?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I would like nothing better to go. Just on the fence about it right now.

[innerSpaceman]

Blankets are good for sex in the woods. Up against treetrunks is damn hot, but can be a wee bit uncomfortable (only afterwards, if everyone's otherwise enjoying themselves).


Oh, and sex in the woods is sooo much better if someone walks by. :iSm:






You all have fun planning out all the minutia ... I'm going to spend my time finding someone to have sex with me in the woods.

[Not Afraid]

So, I get stuck with the minutia because I already have someone to have sex with me in the woods?

[innerSpaceman]

Oh, I wouldn't put it quite that way. Perhaps Chris comes up short in comparison to the nearby Sequoias, but I wouldn't call it minutia exactly.

[Not Afraid]

LOL!

OK. Here's a ready-made camping equipment list (http://gorp.away.com/gorp/gear/packlst_camp.htm). At least it is a god place to start until we figure out how to work off a shared document.

[innerSpaceman]

You mean there's an inflatable chapel? I know we'll be there on Sunday, but I think our souls are safe if we skip services.

At least it is a god place to start ...

[Not Afraid]

Inflatable chaple. Inflatable furniture. We'll just get you an inflatable boyfriend to go with the theme. ;)

[innerSpaceman]

Good. At least he won't be shy about having sex with me in the woods.

[Morrigoon]

For the sake of ease (and avoiding popups), here's the text version of that checklist (edited down since I don't think any of us are bringing little ones who need toys):

(oh holy crap it's long when you cut and paste it! sorry!)

Shelter and Sleeping

Ground Cloth
Tent(s)
Sleeping Pads for everyone
Portable chairs and stools
Sleeping bag, down or synthetic, rated to 450
Pillows
Screen house (optional)

The Camp Kitchen

Stove (be sure to test it each time before you go)
Stove fuel
Charcoal and lighter fuel, if grilling
Firewood and kindling, if allowed
Matches
Cooking pots and pans
Water bladder (for keeping water at your site)
Utensil set (including spoons, knives, forks, plus cooking utensils, such as serving spoons, knives, spatulas)
Can opener
Mess kits for everyone (plates, cups, bowls), or paper plates, etc.
Cooler or coolers
Ice for cooler
Dish detergent
Dish towels
Sponge
Plastic basin for washing dishes
Paper towels
Napkins
Tablecloth
Trash bags
Foil
Plastic wrap
Zipper-lock bags
Hot pads
Citronella candle

Food Items

Snacks
Fruit
Peanut Butter and bread (very quick and handy if your kids like it)
Butter
Cooking oil
Condiments
Beverages, such as juice boxes, milk
Breakfast food
Lunch food
Dinner
Coffee
Tea
Hot Chocolate
Milk and Sugar if needed
Desserts
Marshmallows
Graham crackers and Hershey bars (if you want to make s'mores)

Handy Campsite Tools

Rope or twine
Clothes pins
Duct tape
Lightweight hand saw
Hammer
Swiss Army Knife
Screwdriver or multi-tool
Small, hand-held broom (for sweeping out the tent).

Light Sources

Lantern (at least one per tent makes camping much more enjoyable)
Flashlights for all
Headlamps

Toiletries

Bath towels and washcloths
Soap in plastic container
Antibacterial hand soap (the kind that doesn't require water, very handy)
Shampoo
Quarters for pay showers
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Dental floss
Razor
Toilet paper and trowel (in case there's no bathroom)
Combs
Brush
Lip balm
Baby wipes (very handy for campsite cleanup)
Small hand mirror
Or get a pre-assembled traveler's toiletry kit

Family Medical Kit

pre-assembled medical kit, or pack the following:
Bandages
Hydrogen peroxide
Benadryl
Antibiotic ointment
Burn ointment
Thermometer
Bug repellent
Needed prescriptions
Fever reducer appropriate for various ages in your family
Tweezers (good for removing splinters and ticks)
Moleskin
Sunscreen

Clothing For All

Extra shoes
Extra socks
Sports sandals
Pants or sweat pants
Shorts
Underwear
Long underwear (synthetic)
Pajamas
Shirts and tee shirts
Sweatshirt
Jacket
Rain jacket
Sun hats
Sunglasses
Warm hats
Mittens or gloves

Play Equipment

Swim Towels
Bathing suits
Water shoes, if needed
Hiking boots or shoes
Daypacks
Water bottles
Camera and film
Video camera
Reading material for all
PFDs for boating
Guidebooks and maps
Camping reservation info

Make Camp Life Easier

* Camp for at least two nights, if possible. There's a lot of work involved in packing, and setting up and breaking down camp. The longer you camp, the more enjoyment you'll get out of your efforts.

* Organize, organize, organize. Store all of your gear together, if possible, so you can haul it all out at once.

* Store small items together in plastic, lidded, tubs. Store them in organized fashion, such as all your cooking gear in one tub, camp tools in another, etc. Put together a small container of eating and cooking utensils.

* Buy some things, such as dish towels, small dish detergent, spatula, cooking knife, etc., and reserve them only for camping. That way you don't have to pack them up each time you want to go; instead, they're waiting for you with your camp supplies.

* Camp with another family. If you forget something, maybe they'll have what you need!

[Disneyphile]

NA - our new gas stove/grill (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=9941-768&categoryid=27203) has interchangeable tops - there are burners, grills, and griddles, making for a very large cooking surface (about 12" x 24"). We're happy to share it for cooking the group meals - we can get all of the main course on it, leaving any sides to other cooking methods (if cooking simultaneously). The tops are non-stick, so clean-up is fairly easy. :)

Also - put us down for bringing an ample supply of bacon-wrapped asparagus skewers for dinner on one of the nights. I'll even prep them at home in advance, so they're ready to throw on the grill. :)

[Not Afraid]

I'm going to work on getting an interactive spreadsheet on line. This may take some time to organize and I have to do it with a PC since the program isn't compatable with a mac. :rollyeys: But, I'll get there. That should make it easier IF I organize it well.

[Not Afraid]

DP, can you find a picture of your fabu stove on line?

[Disneyphile]

DP, can you find a picture of your fabu stove on line?Re-read my post. I edited it to link to the info and photos. :)

Also, I discovered something awhile back that makes washing dishes a LOT easier - put liquid dish soap in a spray bottle, and top with water to dilute. Spray the dish, wipe and rinse. :D I love my spray bottle "dishwasher". (And Dawn is the best for greasy surfaces.) I highly recommend folks to bring one to make their lives much easier. :)

[Alex]

Find one of teh free Wiki sites and cretae a wiki page for this trip then anybody you give the password to can update or add.

[innerSpaceman]

And after we've done all the organizing for this trip, we can either go camping as planned ... or we can invade and occupy a small country.

[MouseWife]

Or create that highly anticipated commune....

[Alex]

I'm only participating in planning since I'm probably not going. If I were going my planning would be:

1) Say "Yeah, we'll be there."

2) Several months later: "when was that trip again? This Saturday? Oh."

3) Night before: I should go buy some groceries...I"ll just get them on the way out of town.

4) Pack in the morning I depart just picking random camping stuff out of storage.

5) Have a blast even though I find out I forgot the sleeping bags, eating utensils, and clean socks.

To get you started here is a Wiki (http://lotcamping.pbwiki.com/FrontPage) for it with the above supply list (though if you're really going to take all that crap you might as well just stay home and have Safeway.com deliver some citronella candles).

Use it if you want. The password to make changes is 123456.

[CoasterMatt]

Please, take lot's of pictures, and have a swankin' good time :)

[blueerica]

EH1812 - Yes! Please come along!!!

Also, I think we should start the list, but divy it up closer to the time. We could also have a general "food fund" where people pitch in, and 1 person buys. Cooking shifts rotated.

/whistles

[Stan4dSteph]

If anyone has a water filter (like this (http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455 24442586716&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574489160625&bmUID=1176778403007)) it can cut down on the amount of bottled water you'd need to bring. Just make sure it's rated to filter out giardia.

[Not Afraid]

Well, the more I think about it, the easier I want to make it. So, I'm thinking group breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday and group dinners on Friday, Saturday and maybe Sunday. The rest of the time, we can wing it. Otherwise, I'm not going to have any fun. And, I want to have fun.

[Not Afraid]

OK. Let's start here:

Who is coming?
What day(s) are you going to be there?
What time are you arriving?
What time are you leaving?
Do you have a vehicle?
What shared major kitchen equipment do you have? (Stove. cooler. big stuff)

[€uroMeinke]

Yikes! 180 posts and they all seem to be in this thread!

My thoughts:

Mmmmm Sex in the woods - something inspiring about those giant redwoods....As for Bears, one can always have sex in someone else's unattended campsite to throw them off...
Steph - you must come celebrate your birthday with us in the woods. I suggest flying into the bay area and catching a ride with Alex
Cindy - Settle down, we'll get there - your multi-post enthusiasm is scaring me, we've plenty of time to make sure everything works out okay - even if we forget our socks...
Alex - visible mojo for the wiki - if the site has wifi, we'll have to video conference you in
Woohoo - this is going to be one great swanking! I can't wait

[innerSpaceman]

This is my personal guide to fun. Lots of planning and preparation weeks beforetime. Then stop. Stop for at least a month, more if you can. Forgetaboutit all.


Then, maybe a week out, consult the plan again. Go buy everything you need and pack it up.

Too much planning ruins fun. Not enough planning ruins fun.


I think we are having the requisite spurt of planning now that ressies and dates are all settled. It will calm down in a little while ... and come the end of June, the adventure will seem spontaneous again!

[Morrigoon]

Cindy - Settle down, we'll get there - your multi-post enthusiasm is scaring me, we've plenty of time to make sure everything works out okay - even if we forget our socks...

Heheh... it's true, I'm way too excited for how far away it is, but FWIW, any expenses have to be spread over several non-mortgage paychecks, so I have to plan way ahead, and as far as enthusiasm is concerned, like I said, I get bored at work :D

[Ghoulish Delight]

To get you started here is a Wiki (http://lotcamping.pbwiki.com/FrontPage) for it with the above supply list (though if you're really going to take all that crap you might as well just stay home and have Safeway.com deliver some citronella candles).
The phrase "LoT Wiki" just ran through my head. Hmmmm........

Anyway, our prospects for attending, even weekend only, are waning. We've both been piling up in the time off department, especially considering the 2 weeks we're taking later this year.

[innerSpaceman]

Eh, a LoT can happen in 72 days.




And there will be subtle and not-so-subtle reminders on a frequent basis that this is going to be the biggest, most historic, likely swankiest LoT event ever.


If you ultimately can't make it, we'll miss you terribly. But I'll believe that when I don't see it.



And we could always resort to making Staff attendance mandatory.

[Morrigoon]

Oh, I do hope you guys can still come!

[innerSpaceman]

Does CP really not get any two consecutive days off?



We are going to be there Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday ... there's no rule that overnight visitors must visit on the actual weekend.


Then, of course, there's that late-season flu pandemic that always strikes in late June. ;)

[Ghoulish Delight]

We are going to be there Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday ... there's no rule that overnight visitors must visit on the actual weekend.


Then, of course, there's that late-season flu pandemic that always strikes in late June. ;)

Nope, on the weekends that she works Saturdays she get Friday and Sunday off. Plus, we're not driving 8 hours for a single night, so that would mean taking Friday off for me either way.

[Not Afraid]

It's about a 5-6 hours drive.

[Disneyphile]

Ken came up with an awesome idea during dinner.... about dinner (and breakfast):

5 campsites = 5 "hosted" meals (2 dinners/3 breakfasts or vice versa)

Once everyone picks "campsite partners", then those 4-6 people can coordinate a group meal for everyone and host it at their site for that morning/night.

The advantages:

Much easier for 4-6 people to coordinate a meal than 15-20.
Leaves a "surprise" element that can be fun to plan - a campsite could theme the meal, offer a certain cuisine, etc., thus inviting the rest of the folks to a whole dining "experience".
With coordination being small, it's easier to plan for food locker storage at each site
Each campsite spends one morning/night doing the cooking and cleaning, getting to completely relax for those other 4 group meals.Whadaya all think? :)

[BDBopper]

Oh my gosh this is so tempting.

I am planning to Greyhound out to San Antonio sometime in June (I am thinking about moving in with a friend out there...another story for another thread). What if I did that in late June and use a "Discovery Pass" to come out to Cali for camping?

A ccouple questions:

1. Would you be willing to have me come out for this?
2. I would have no camping supplies with me whatsoever. Would anyone be willing to share?
3. Should I just "Forget it" and come out another time?

I ask these questions since I am new to several of you and I have no idea what your comfort level is with me.

[JWBear]

Bill & I are tentatively in. We'll be more definite in a couple of weeks.

We may need to carpool up with somebody; our largest car is the Mini.

I have a lot of camping crap, including a smallish Colman campstove and a Colman lantern. I also have a large canvas tent that is older than I am (but still in good shape). I also volunteer for cooking duty. I have lots of camp cooking experience.

Smores. We must have smores.

[BDBopper]

Ken came up with an awesome idea during dinner.... about dinner (and breakfast):

5 campsites = 5 "hosted" meals (2 dinners/3 breakfasts or vice versa)

Once everyone picks "campsite partners", then those 4-6 people can coordinate a group meal for everyone and host it at their site for that morning/night.

The advantages:

Much easier for 4-6 people to coordinate a meal than 15-20.
Leaves a "surprise" element that can be fun to plan - a campsite could theme the meal, offer a certain cuisine, etc., thus inviting the rest of the folks to a whole dining "experience".
With coordination being small, it's easier to plan for food locker storage at each site
Each campsite spends one morning/night doing the cooking and cleaning, getting to completely relax for those other 4 group meals.Whadaya all think? :)

Teresa, You're a genius!

[Not Afraid]

Ken came up with an awesome idea during dinner.... about dinner (and breakfast):

5 campsites = 5 "hosted" meals (2 dinners/3 breakfasts or vice versa)

Once everyone picks "campsite partners", then those 4-6 people can coordinate a group meal for everyone and host it at their site for that morning/night.

The advantages:

Much easier for 4-6 people to coordinate a meal than 15-20.
Leaves a "surprise" element that can be fun to plan - a campsite could theme the meal, offer a certain cuisine, etc., thus inviting the rest of the folks to a whole dining "experience".
With coordination being small, it's easier to plan for food locker storage at each site
Each campsite spends one morning/night doing the cooking and cleaning, getting to completely relax for those other 4 group meals.Whadaya all think? :)

FANSASTIC!!!!

Oh my gosh this is so tempting.

I am planning to Greyhound out to San Antonio sometime in June (I am thinking about moving in with a friend out there...another story for another thread). What if I did that in late June and use a "Discovery Pass" to come out to Cali for camping?

A ccouple questions:

1. Would you be willing to have me come out for this?
2. I would have no camping supplies with me whatsoever. Would anyone be willing to share?
3. Should I just "Forget it" and come out another time?

I ask these questions since I am new to several of you and I have no idea what your comfort level is with me.

The biggest issue I see would be lack of equipment and transportation. But, you never know.....

Bill & I are tentatively in. We'll be more definite in a couple of weeks.

We may need to carpool up with somebody; our largest car is the Mini.

I have a lot of camping crap, including a smallish Colman campstove and a Colman lantern. I also have a large canvas tent that is older than I am (but still in good shape). I also volunteer for cooking duty. I have lots of camp cooking experience.

Smores. We must have smores.

I say fit it all in the Mini (although that may require a smaller tent if your tent is similar to what I grew up with). The nice thing about the Mini is that it takes up about 1/2 the space of my Volvo or Susan's van. Makes parking MUCH easier. I think you should go for it.

[JWBear]

For anyone interested, here's some pics of the campground that I found online:

http://www.ra.ethz.ch/sabbatical2002/2002-06-19/dorst-creek-zelt_big.jpg
http://www.ra.ethz.ch/sabbatical2002/2002-06-19/dorst-creek-bearlocker_big.jpg

Oh... And I also have 2 large ice chests.

[blueerica]

If I end up driving, I do have an Explorer Sport. What that means is that I have only 4 seats - 3, if you take mine out of the equation. My car is better suited for folding down the back two seats and hauling big stuff, like big chests, for other people. Or at least that's what I've done in the past.

FYI, that is. :)