OFFICIAL Kings Canyon Camp Swank Thread

[GusGus]

On the other hand, there is a good chance that pants would be forgotten if not added to the packing list.

Or in my life, even if they were on the list!:eek:

[GusGus]

And now we can all rest easy because the BIG ASS TENT has arrived.

[Capt Jack]

did anyone post a link or other directions for getting there? Ive been looking back in the thread here at work, but havent yet stumbled across it

thanks in advance

[Disneyphile]

Well, the beans are on the stove simmering right now, and smelling awesome. I added a lot of smoked ham, bacon, and garlic to them. :D

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

CaptJack - I did a yahoo map search. A google search might help too.

[Kevy Baby]

did anyone post a link or other directions for getting there? Ive been looking back in the thread here at work, but havent yet stumbled across it

thanks in advance

CaptJack - I did a yahoo map search. A google search might help too.Or you could READ THE WIKI (http://lotcamping.pbwiki.com/Key+Information)!!!!

And now we can all rest easy because the BIG ASS TENT has arrived.Have you done a test set up yet?

Well, the beans are on the stove simmering right now, and smelling awesome. I added a lot of smoked ham, bacon, and garlic to them. :DAdd more bacon

[Disneyphile]

Add more baconWe only had a pound. ;) Between that and all the ham, there's almost an equal ratio of beans.

I also added about 30 cloves of fresh garlic. Man, it's going to be a tasty but smelly night! ;)

[Kevy Baby]

We only had a pound.Well get your butt to the store and get more!!!

[Disneyphile]

Well get your butt to the store and get more!!!
If I add one more thing to that pot, it's going to overflow! :p

We started off with 10 cups of dry beans, which expanded to over 20 cups overnight. After adding the ham bone, ham, garlic, fresh mild chilies, and bacon, there's not even room for the onion. However, that can probably go in once I pull the bone in another hour of so.

[Ghoulish Delight]

did anyone post a link or other directions for getting there? Ive been looking back in the thread here at work, but havent yet stumbled across it

thanks in advance
Go north for a long time. Get on the 180. Keep left when it branches off at Generals Hwy. Drive for a while. Pass a gas station. Drive some more. Camp's on the left. If you hit the end of the road, turn around and go back about 6 miles.

ETA: Pop this location into Google Maps and it'll get you there: CA-180 @36.791720, -118.680822

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I think we need to change the name from Camp Swank to Hoof Hearted...

[Capt Jack]

ETA: Pop this location into Google Maps and it'll get you there: CA-180 @36.791720, -118.680822

thats what I needed. mucus garcia

[innerSpaceman]

What I need, assuming Fed Ex is going to come around to seeing things my way, is to know the mechanism or proceedure for paying for the campsites.

Something was mentioned about a drop box. Can you drop a check in there? Who would it get made out to? Can you drop a slip of paper with your credit card number? Can you leave a slice of yummy bacon?

[Ghoulish Delight]

If they don't take checks, I'm sure one of us will be willing to cover you for cash and be recipients of a check

[innerSpaceman]

Yay, Fed Ex bowed to my will. I'll be camping after all. I'm so happy and relieved.

[Capt Jack]

interesting. mine too. one damn thing I really wanted for this trip....should have arrived a week ago....came about 30 min ago.

nothin like that last second, eh?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Is this where we break into "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow?"

[Kevy Baby]

Is this where we break into "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow?"No

[innerSpaceman]

It could be one of the campfire songs. Who's bringing the guitar??

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Just no luv anymore....

[Ghoulish Delight]

It could be one of the campfire songs. Who's bringing the guitar??
CP

[innerSpaceman]

:)

[Kevy Baby]

I'm bringing a baby grand piano (do ya think I want to lug a full concert grand all the way up?).

[Disneyphile]

Ken's bringing his skin flute.

[Kevy Baby]

Ken's bringing his skin flute.I understand he is quite the soloist

[Disneyphile]

I understand he is quite the soloistHe's definitely got the upper hand at mastering just about any tune.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Wow - something else in the Universe that I have no desire to see...

[Disneyphile]

Just comforting the disturbed and disturbing the comfortable. :evil:

[€uroMeinke]

We've packed the car - NA, GC and Thurston barely fit. We're really gonna have to pare down if I get that Smart Car

[LashStoat]

I gotta learn how to do the Quote Inclusion thing...

[Ghoulish Delight]

Food shopping accomplished.

Beverages remain individual responsibility even at group meals, yes?

[€uroMeinke]

Just saw NA, GC & Thurston off - it's gonna get a lonely around here

[Kevy Baby]

Beverages remain individual responsibility even at group meals, yes?Yes

[Disneyphile]

The beans turned out SO yummy!

We're now cleaning up all our camp stuff and packing it into the boxes for transport. YAY!!

[lashbear]

I gotta learn how to do the Quote Inclusion thing...
Click the "Quote" button on any post you want to quote. I'll show you how to multi-quote when I get home...

[lashbear]

The beans turned out SO yummy!

We're now cleaning up all our camp stuff and packing it into the boxes for transport. YAY!!
Send some to us !!!!

[innerSpaceman]

Food shopping accomplished.

Beverages remain individual responsibility even at group meals, yes?
Pretty much, yeah. And everyone's supposed to have their own "mess kit."

Within that general guideline, there's always extra everything with everyone willing to share.





So, um, how does this radio thing work, and what channel are we all going to use?

[LashStoat]

1 character.

[Capt Jack]

the one I gave you is pre set to channel 5, as is mine.

turn the switch on top next to the antenna to turn it on. it also controls the volume. it'll beep a couple times. you should see a number 5 showing

on the front of the radio, theres a button with a symbol of a lock and the word 'call'. press and relase that to call my radio. after a second or two it will make a sound like an old cell phone, if youre in range, mine will do the same. up in the mountains the range was pretty decent. not sure what the range is yet for this trip

to talk, press the button on the side with your thumb and hold it to talk. talk into the front of the radio. release the button when done.

[Kevy Baby]

I'll show you how to multi-quote when I get home...Is that some sort of euphemism?

So, um, how does this radio thing work, and what channel are we all going to use?The radio thing works by checking the bulletin board when you arrive.

[€uroMeinke]

the one I gave you is pre set to channel 5, as is mine.

turn the switch on top next to the antenna to turn it on. it also controls the volume. it'll beep a couple times. you should see a number 5 showing

on the front of the radio, theres a button with a symbol of a lock and the word 'call'. press and relase that to call my radio. after a second or two it will make a sound like an old cell phone, if youre in range, mine will do the same. up in the mountains the range was pretty decent. not sure what the range is yet for this trip

to talk, press the button on the side with your thumb and hold it to talk. talk into the front of the radio. release the button when done.

But now we must post and learn the 10-code so we can ask for each other's 20

[Kevy Baby]

Damnit, taking a vacation is hard work. I am just wrapping up a 13 hour day in preparation for the next few days. The good news is that I am not spending the first half of my first day of vacation at the office (like I did last time).

This is the down side of being a key player in a company

[GusGus]

The good news is that I am not spending the first half of my first day of vacation at the office (like I did last time).

yayyyy!!:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[LashStoat]

Damnit, taking a vacation is hard work. I am just wrapping up a 13 hour day in preparation for the next few days. The good news is that I am not spending the first half of my first day of vacation at the office (like I did last time).

This is the down side of being a key player in a company

There you go - wrapping up the day is yet another use for duct tape.

Also - do you work for a locksmith or a piano company?

[CoasterMatt]

Don't 10-100 on the electric fence.

[NirvanaMan]

I'm totally going to start planning, shopping and prepping tomorrow. As I need to leave Thursday....this seems a bit premature, but never can be too prepared.

[LashStoat]

...and don't forget the fvcking duct tape.

[lashbear]

Have a lovely time (to everyone that hasn't left already.....)

[CoasterMatt]

Have fun!
Peace, Love, and Bacon!

[LashStoat]

If we swim really really hard could we still make it?

Probably not...but this is as close to an out-of-body experience that I've ever had, and I love you for it.

Have a great time, and send lots of pics.

The Stoat. XXX

[Ghoulish Delight]

Have a lovely time (to everyone that hasn't left already.....)
What do you have against those who've already left?

[Snowflake]

1 character.

Stoat, you are killing me! :D

[LashStoat]

Dear Snowflake,

My, you are the observant one. Smoooch.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX

[innerSpaceman]

Yay, eggs were on special, Knott's Jams were on special. Customized omelettes with English Muffins all set for Friday morning ... oh, except we need an omelette chef.


Anyone besides Stoat have that particular talent? He'll still be swimming Friday morning.



Oh, and can we all communicate by radio (those who have some)?

[LashStoat]

What - so you think I can't swim and cook an omlette at the same time.

Oh ye of little faith.

But there'd have to be bacon food meat.

And a towel.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Uhoh, we're going to have a lot of English muffins. Our Saturday breakfast also involved English muffins (and suasages, of course).

Got about 80% of our packing done last night. All that's left is to get ice (god bless 24hr. ice-block vending machines!), get food in the coolers, and wedge the last of the stuff into the trunk around said coolers.

We will also be making an early morning stop to pick up some Plush Puffs after all. Yay! With 17 people, and considering I'm getting them for free, there won't be a lot to go around, but y'all are in for a marshmallowy treat.

[innerSpaceman]

I was all set to pack the truck last night when the short circuit they supposedly fixed last week blew out again, taking my door locks and power seats with it. So it's back in the shop today, and all the pack-up will have to be done tonight.

The only thing I have left to get is batteries. I don't know what kind or how many zapppop's leaky air mattress takes, and he's not bringing that over till tonight. Cutting it rather close, since I'll then have to go get batteries and hopefully have time to inflate it and try and find the source of the leak.

Ugh, I want to go to bed ultra early so I can beat the sun to the road tomorrow.





Oh, and at Swank Camp, there can never be too much English Muffin .... or Bacon!

[LashStoat]

Now don't go reading too much into this, or it will lead to a whole new thread in a whole new galaxy, far far away...

[katiesue]

I've got a campstove toaster for the english muffins.

And for ISM to study How to make an Omlete (http://www.pineapple-girl.com/omelet.htm) ;)

[LashStoat]

Dear IsM,

When since does a bloody mattress take batteries???

You are so in need of a ..umm.. escape [!] it ain't funny.

So, I'm officially putting you in charge of the LashPair's Swank Camping Experience. Live the dream for us, as we are still swimming across the big wet patch.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[innerSpaceman]

I will live the dream for ALL AUSTRALIA.


Maybe teams should have coordinated better for breakfast so we don't have the same side dishes over and over and frelling over again. Oh well.



It's an odd fact that, during Swank Camp, and suitable to my stature, I'm a hobbit when it comes to breakfast. The team breakfasts at roughly 10:00 are my Second Breakfast. I've been awake since Five and have enjoyed First Breakfast at Six.

By the time Second Breakfast comes around, I've already been on a hike thru the wilderness. I'd bring back some venison or something, but I don't kill anything I don't cook. And I can't cook ... so let me have a look at that omelette link.

[LashStoat]

Hi IsM,

What time is it there...it's 3:30am here.

And WTF is a frelling?

[Matterhorn Fan]

Have a lovely time (to everyone that hasn't left already.....)It's Wednesday...people are already leaving? Don't you people have jobs?

[JWBear]

...And WTF is a frelling?

Who the frell (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=frell) wants to know?!

[LashStoat]

Hi Ms. Matterhorn,

Yep - they've all got jobs, but they are are all on stress leave. The stress was most likely caused by the intense planning of the trip, and in particular the size of the batteries required and the amount of bacon (sorry) needed along with other stuff like Bisquik (?) and fishing poles.

I say all of this because Lashbear and I are jealous that we are still swimming across the big wet patch and won't make it in time.

Bugger.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[Disneyphile]

I need to finish packing today.

[innerSpaceman]

Really, I'm a tech-challenged old man ... can we all tune to the same channel and communicate by radio ... or is it just me and Bob on our set, etc., etc.???

[Disneyphile]

We'll tune our radios to 5 as well.

[Matterhorn Fan]

Stoat,

It would seem that your stress leave did not begin early enough. Can't you hitch a ride with a sea turtle or something?

[Stan4dSteph]

Stoat,

It would seem that your stress leave did not begin early enough. Can't you hitch a ride with a sea turtle or something?Now I've got "Go With the Flow" stuck in my head...

[innerSpaceman]

It tickles me no end that Not Afraid is driving to King's Canyon via Yosemite after giving me endless crap about my notion of driving to King's Canyon via Yosemite. :)

[lashbear]

What do you have against those who've already left?
well, let's face it, I could tell them there's free bacon at wal-mart all day, and they wouldn't know now that they're incommunicado..... But if you see them sometime soon :rolleyes: tell them I wished them good luck and a lovely trip. And free bacon.
Dear IsM,

When since does a bloody mattress take batteries???
Er, Honeybun, our inflatable mattress downstairs in Green Point takes batteries..... You think I can blow that hard or that long ?


...Don't answer that...

It tickles me no end that Not Afraid is driving to King's Canyon via Yosemite after giving me endless crap about my notion of driving to King's Canyon via Yosemite. :)
Oh! I thought she was driving to King's Canyon via Vegemite.

Who the frell (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=frell) wants to know?!
I'll show the stoat all about Frelling when I get home tonight...... :evil:

[Ponine]

I'll show the stoat all about Frelling when I get home tonight...... :evil:
WHen he signed off, he said it was 3am....
what exactly are you doing up later than 3AM!?!?!?!?!?!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Now I've got "Go With the Flow" stuck in my head...

Hey! I thought I was the only person in the world who had that on my ipod playlist. (It makes me so happy.)

[Ghoulish Delight]

WHen he signed off, he said it was 3am....
what exactly are you doing up later than 3AM!?!?!?!?!?!
Maybe he's just up earlier than 4AM

[innerSpaceman]

Ugh, 4am is when I'm getting up tomorrow.

I got up at 4:30 today to try and acclimate myself, but that was a zzzzzzzzz mistake.

[lashbear]

WHen he signed off, he said it was 3am....
what exactly are you doing up later than 3AM!?!?!?!?!?!
My post was made at 6:15am over breakfast. Now I'm at work.. hehehehe.

We have a 4 day weekend coming up tomorrow. Yay. Maybe we'll go to Kings Canyon. :rolleyes:

[innerSpaceman]

Don't tease. I miss you guys soooo much.

[Disneyphile]

If I recall, there is also a Kings Canyon in Australia...

[BDBopper]

Have a great time everyone! :)

[MouseWife]

Now I've got "Go With the Flow" stuck in my head...

I'm guessing this isn't the Queens of the Stone Age version?

[lashbear]

If I recall, there is also a Kings Canyon in Australia...
...as seen in "Priscilla, Queen of the desert"

[Disneyphile]

We so should have planned a simultaneous Kings Canyon campout!

And, it would have been totally awesome if there were a way to Skype from both places too. :D

[BDBopper]

And, it would have been totally awesome if there were a way to Skype from both places too. :D

I second that emotion! :)

[Disneyphile]

We have finally begun packing the car. Our goal is to only have the cooler to load in the morning, make a stop for ice and wood and hit the open road! :D

[NirvanaMan]

Starting to think about what I should bring.....and how to get there and stuff.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Starting to think about what I should bring.....and how to get there and stuff.
I recommend driving.

Or possibly apache helicopter.

[Alex]

I made my first decision, and two days early. I will start my drive to King's Canyon on Friday (leaving from work). But I'll start out heading north (because that gives me a way out of the Bay Area on a road I haven't used before).

I'm assuming that will start to shift towards south at some point.


I did confirm that I know where the sleeping bags are (since we haven't used them since the move).

[NirvanaMan]

For anyone interested, our website (AAA) has a good map available of the region.

http://ww2.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/AAAOnline?association=aaa&club=004&page=AAAMapGallery&userid=&memid=

[€uroMeinke]

But can we get discounts on park admission?

[innerSpaceman]

Well, except for the cooler and a few personal items I will use before daybreak, the truck is packed. Thanks to zapppop for bringing his air mattress tonight ... when he'd be available to help load up the truck. Despite that I thought it would be crammed tighter than a slave ship, it's merely packed to the gills.

I Love My Truck!!


Still, it's the culmination of several days of grabbing stuff from around the house, packing junk in bags and crates, and now loading it in the car. Then a six hour drive ... and the work really begins.

But camping is the funnest work of all. I Love Swank Camp!



And for every swankster who hoists a pirate flag, breaks out the lawn flamingo or pitches a Harry Potter tent, there are souls every bit as swanky who are just now thinking about what to throw in the car.


But the differences are striking, and can best be summed up by this beautiful exchange between NirvanaMan and €uroMeinke early in last years' expedition:




Erik: You have Martini glasses?!!??




Christian: ..... would you like one?








:cheers:


Ah, let the swank times roll. :iSm:

[NirvanaMan]

Wow look at all this stuff on the wiki!

[NirvanaMan]

there are souls every bit as swanky who are just now thinking about what to throw in the car.


Hell...I haven't even decided which car to take...let alone what to put in it.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh sh!t, the Wiki !! Er, I guess I'd better change from 'maybe' since I'm leaving in about 6 hours. Oh, and then I suppose I should frelling sleep.

[katiesue]

I think I'm ready. I've made salsa and preped what I can. Only one emergency trip to the supermarket for stuff I forgot.

Now a shower and bed. ISM we'll be on the road at 4ish as well so you can call me for our progress. I think you have the #.

[€uroMeinke]

Thanks to the early expedition, I only have to pack clothes and liquor

[Disneyphile]

This is a sober trip for us. My stomach's been having issues since I returned from the cruise, probably because I drank almost every night of the voyage. So, we'll be toasting you all with something less intoxicating. ;)

[NirvanaMan]

I didn't realize everyone was leaving so early...

[€uroMeinke]

I'm leaving Friday night

[Disneyphile]

Car is completely packed! YAY!!!!!!!!! :D

[frodo potter]

now all we need is a few hours sleep and we are off to the races.

[LashStoat]

Bear - they're leaving on Friday night, and we haven't even swum past New Zealand. And will you please hold the fvcking fry pan higher - the salt water is making the bacon soggy.

XXX

[BarTopDancer]

I'm already gone.



Oh wait.

[NirvanaMan]

Beginning to pack the car. I think the hammock has to stay behind as I can't think of any way we could hang it without damaging a tree.

[lashbear]

Beginning to pack the car. I think the hammock has to stay behind as I can't think of any way we could hang it without damaging a tree.
Tree Straps !! (http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=13881941)

[€uroMeinke]

Beginning to pack the car. I think the hammock has to stay behind as I can't think of any way we could hang it without damaging a tree.

REI had many tree friendly hammock attachments - I know, I spend a long time reviewing the packaging of several alternative, until I picked the prettiest one,

[wendybeth]

Bear - they're leaving on Friday night, and we haven't even swum past New Zealand. And will you please hold the fvcking fry pan higher - the salt water is making the bacon soggy.



XXX

Don't let the kiwis get a hold of the bacon! (And take care around the Galapagos- I'm fairly certain the sea turtles are bacon virgins. One bite of the stuff and the whole ecosystem may be imperiled).

[NirvanaMan]

Damnit. Those would have been perfect. I wonder if amazon delivers to the woods?

[NirvanaMan]

That actually inspired an idea that might just work. Brainstorming rocks.

[NirvanaMan]

anyone bringing a baseball and mitt?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Ooh, I will now, good call. Perhaps a football too.

CP's been asleep for a about 4 hours. I napped on and off. In about half an hour, gonna go get an ice block (I'm giddy about that, I LOVE those crazy ice block vending machines). Then food packing and the last few bags and boxes.

It's good to know that I've retained my skills at packing stuff into an economy sedan from the days when I'd squeeze 3/4 of my dorm room into my Cavalier. This was a cake walk compared to that, makes me wonder what I'm forgetting.

[LashStoat]

Dear GD,

You haven't packed CP, as she is still snoozing - God I hope you left room for her...although I'll miss you both while you are away.

Hugs,

The Stoat.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

zzzZZZZZzzzzzz

snortHUH? Wha, I'm here, I'm up, I'm up, I'mupI'mup.

Warning: CP has severe bed head as she took a shower, quickly blow dried and went to sleep at 8:30pm.

Ghoulish giddily gets ice (3 times fast!). It's the last unknown factor. Then pack the rest, which is all on the kitchen floor, and get going.

I miss the Bear and Stoat, and everyone else who isn't going. Susie A K is coming, yes?

[katiesue]

Damn this is early!

[innerSpaceman]

5 a.m.

Leaving.




Goodbye Cool LoT.


:iSm:

[LashStoat]

I miss the Bear and Stoat, and everyone else who isn't going. Susie A K is coming, yes?

Sadly, SaK can't attend - however, she assures me she'll be working on many projects, including the condom conundrum caused by the stickyness of the duct tape (see Stoat Art).

Happy Trails - take heaps of pics.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX

[lashbear]

Did they remember to pack the Satellite Dish so they can continue to post ???

[swanie]

Spoke to katiesue and she and Capt. Jack were already in Bakersfield as of 8:00am.

They are making good time :D

swanie

[MouseWife]

That is good time.

What fun they will have!! :snap: :snap:

[Betty]

Yep. Still jealous I am.

[NirvanaMan]

Range Rover is fully packed...oh crap, I need to fit EH and her stuff in too. Hmm, must I sacrifice a package of bacon to fit it all in?

I am going to try to leave the office at 3. I already told my staff and my VP but that doesn't mean that some last minute BS won't arise. Let's hope for the best.

[Mousey Girl]

Spoke to katiesue and she and Capt. Jack were already in Bakersfield as of 8:00am.

They are making good time :D

swanie


I waved as they passed through!

[NirvanaMan]

I'm off!

[lashbear]

well, we've always suspected that !!

[€uroMeinke]

I'm still here - tomorrow after work I head out for my taste of national Park wonders - and a cocktail

[Mousey Girl]

hmmm....****....tail....







it has been waaaay too long

[€uroMeinke]

What do you know, pay phones do still exist - at least at the bottom of Kings Canyon. Seems they got the prized campsites and have a nice row of tents erected along the river. For those of you (like myself) who will be joining them later - head for sites 13 & 14, that's where you'll find them.

[Alex]

Damn! And I really wanted to impress certain people with my ability to find a large group of people in a confined space.

[€uroMeinke]

Yeah, I forgot to ask them if they needed to use the radios...

[MouseWife]

You don't know the restraint I am using to stay right here.

I love the outdoors. I prefer to enjoy it and then go indoors but I love the smells and the sounds.

Y'all have the time of your lives!!!!

[€uroMeinke]

There are sites available - join us - I will make cocktails

[wolfy999]

:cheers: Have 3 for me!!!

[€uroMeinke]

Now now, I do have to drive

[LashStoat]

Dear All,

As Bear and I were swimming past New Zealand, I placed my satellite dish on my head, and holding the palm pilot high enough that there would not be any salt water ingress, found an image of King's Canyon.

I have to say, I have no idea why you'd be so pre-possessed about it. :confused:

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[MouseWife]

There are sites available - join us - I will make cocktails


I could use a cocktail right now!! LOL

{or maybe I'll just snatch a muscle relaxant...tmj is annoying}

I am not kidding when I say both the Hubster and mention it and look at one another longingly but are stuck.

I saw that there is a Yosemite trip next year? Depending on the time of year, I will try my best to get to that 'meet'. People say we go there too much but it just feels like home. {people say the same thing about Disneyland, now that I think of it....}

Stoat! I love your pumpkin!!

[€uroMeinke]

I

Stoat! I love your pumpkin!!

That is quite the Jack-O**-Lantern isn't it?

Reminds me of the DIY sex toys book I saw at the Barns and Noble - whole chapter devoted to gourds...

Just keep swimming...

[MouseWife]

Gourds? Well, the things people can imagine. Someone looked at that pumpking and saw that. LOL

Well, my kids found a rock that they called the 'butt' rock. And, a Homer Simpson rock. I had a hard time visualizing it but I guess it is like seeing Jesus on the side of a building kind of thing.

Wouldn't that be friggen' cool if there were a river/stream that we could ride to the campground?

I have rafted/canoed.....and not just on the Rivers' of America.

I do miss the fun that you can have in a place with rivers, mountains, etc.

The only hikes going on around here on the prices on gasoline. :(

[wendybeth]

There are sites available - join us - I will make cocktails


Evil bastard. I think I may have to plan to join the next trip. Someone has to get drunk on tequila and bring the wrath of the rangers down upon you all- may as well be me.

I'm sooo jealous- you all have a lovely time!:cheers:

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Looks like Camp Swank will be minus 1 Bornieo.

Oh well... next year.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Maybe we should plan something on the beach up this way or in Santa Barbara. I kind of like camping, but not enough to make a huge trek out of it. I do miss my swankers though.

[lashbear]

Evil bastard. I think I may have to plan to join the next trip. Someone has to get drunk on tequila and bring the wrath of the rangers down upon you all- may as well be me.

I'm sooo jealous- you all have a lovely time!:cheers:
Make sure you plan for the 2010 Swank Camping... We WILL have swum there by then, and I'll join you in the te-kill-ya drinking (via frozen margaritas, of course....)

I can't wait. In fact, I'm getting another of those count-down thingies going. should I set it for around this time? is April more temperate, or is it too cold? Will I be a hot, sweaty bear in May? I'll set it for 1 June at the moment, and we'll adjust from there.

[€uroMeinke]

I'm off - see you all back on Sunday

[lashbear]

Have a good one !!!

[Deebs]

I really wish I liked camping. I know the company would make all the difference, but still. I just can't like sleeping without bed linens, on an actual bed.

I'll be thinking of you all though, really. Have a great time!

[Chernabog]

Deebs is a woman after my own heart!! :)

[MouseWife]

Deebs~ I am not a camper. When we did the housekeeping camp, I brought a mattress pad, sheets, and my home down comforter. It is the company that makes all the difference and for that, I am sad to not be there.

But tonight, while I am sad I have to get up early for work, I will enjoy brushing my teeth in my bathroom and jumping into my bed.

My glass if half full, by the way. Gotta be happy with what I have.

Chris, hope you are having a pleasant drive {are you alone? hopefully people are calling you to help keep you awake???} and give our best to the gang!

[Morrigoon]

I have something approximating a real bed, and last year I brought real linens. sleeping bag tis year!

BTW... will be arrivomg at an ungodly hour tonight. My nav is saying 230am

[MouseWife]

OMG That is an ungodly hour!!!

Well, yes, but you are a swanky camper.


I have a question: those of you who do camping well, when were you introduced to it?

[wendybeth]

Make sure you plan for the 2010 Swank Camping... We WILL have swum there by then, and I'll join you in the te-kill-ya drinking (via frozen margaritas, of course....)

I can't wait. In fact, I'm getting another of those count-down thingies going. should I set it for around this time? is April more temperate, or is it too cold? Will I be a hot, sweaty bear in May? I'll set it for 1 June at the moment, and we'll adjust from there.

Okay, Bear- we're on! That gives me ample time to talk Eric into it. :D Actually, we're pretty good campers- anyone from the PNW has to be. One of these years we'll have to do it up right and have a Cascade Mountain range camping trip. Nothing better, anywhere in the world.

[LashStoat]

Dear Morigoon,

You've been v. quiet while I've been positively manic - have you checked out the ->Beatnik->Stoat Art thread ? Please say "Hi" my love.

Dear WendyBeth,

PNW - that's the monthly thing isn't it ? Or is it the Pretty North West ? You'll have to forgive us, as we are crazy from ingesting salt water, plus Bear got the fvcking Cherries Jubilee wet, along with the cheese and crackers. Blimey Charlie.

Hang on, "Bear quick, pass the baseball bat - it's another one of them big bitey mongrel b*stards". Oh...and pass another Mai-Tai...that's a good love".

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[LashStoat]

I have a question: those of you who do camping well, when were you introduced to it?

Dear MouseWife,

Like many of the folk here, "We were born to camp it up all of our lives".

It's not a choice you know - it's just the way we were painted...only they used slightly more paint on Bear than me...and an extra yard of chiffon (he said, charitably)...

But I've always maintained that a chiffon tent ain't no match for camouflage canvas - different strokes for different folks.

I hope that answers your question - but I suspect it will raise more !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[lashbear]

I really wish I liked camping. I know the company would make all the difference, but still. I just can't like sleeping without bed linens, on an actual bed. !
You have seen Kevy's camping bed - full queen size, I believe ?

plus Bear got the fvcking Cherries Jubilee wet, along with the cheese and crackers. Blimey Charlie.

Hang on, "Bear quick, pass the baseball bat - it's another one of them big bitey mongrel b*stards". Oh...and pass another Mai-Tai...that's a good love".
.
A) It's all right - the Pavlova's still dry.
B) It should be in the Bat-Belt. Along with the Bana-nana-nana-nanas
3) No Mai-tai mix left - will a Sidecar do ?

it's just the way we were painted...only they used slightly more paint on Bear than me...and an extra yard of chiffon .
Hey !!! I resemble that remark, buddy !! :p

[LashStoat]

Bear - Bear !!!,

I can see the island of NukuPukiAnukiWannaLayu !!!

Quick - break out the sea-grass skirts and "Kava-in-a-kokonut (tm)".

Whaddya mean yah didn't pack the Goddamn ukulele?

Bugger, we could have at least used it as a paddle.

Rasn-fasn.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[lashbear]

NukuPukiAnukiWannaLayu.
I hear they're nice steamed with ginger and soy.

[tracilicious]

Swank camp 2010? I'm so there!

[MouseWife]

Dear MouseWife,

Like many of the folk here, "We were born to camp it up all of our lives".

It's not a choice you know - it's just the way we were painted...only they used slightly more paint on Bear than me...and an extra yard of chiffon (he said, charitably)...

But I've always maintained that a chiffon tent ain't no match for camouflage canvas - different strokes for different folks.

I hope that answers your question - but I suspect it will raise more !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

:snap: :D ;)

I get it!! I really get it!!!

Deliciously funny, my dear Stoat!!

{Your words are soooo wonderful! So colorful and fun to imagine!!! Who needs camp swank anyways? ;) }

[LashStoat]

Well...cause to re-joyce. !!!

Smooch,

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[lashbear]

Well...cause to re-joyce. !!!.
...Does that mean we can go back and see her, huh?, does it ?

[~MS~]

O M G I love love love it and yeah our boy and his chiffon rocks! 2010 is going to be a banner year for sure!

[MouseWife]

...Does that mean we can go back and see her, huh?, does it ?


hee hee

It had better!!!

What is really funny, since you mentioned it, when I send an email, I usually put 'Joyce' as the subject {I don't usually get all fancy schmancy with a real subject} and when I get it back it says 'RE-Joyce'. :D

And yes, ~MS~, '09 is just going to be all about planning for '10 and the fun when the boys are back in town!!! I only got a snippet of them and we all fell in love with them. Can't wait for their return visit!

[~MS~]

You have to share!!!!!!! There really isn't enough time for all of us to have all we want of them but we'll make do with what crumbs we get! Missy is still in love with her laughing bird from her Uncle Bears! My niece only got a few hours with them and fell head over heels....she asks about them all the time. One of us needs to win the big lotto so we can just move them over here as kept men!

[MouseWife]

One of us needs to win the big lotto so we can just move them over here as kept men!


:snap: Sounds like the set up!! LOL

Quite honestly, to those whom I introduced them to, they were two of the nicest and most positive people they'd ever met.

Two. In one couple. How rare is that? {LOL well, maybe not on the LoT?}

[Matterhorn Fan]

And yes, ~MS~, '09 is just going to be all about planning for '10 and the fun when the boys are back in town!!! I only got a snippet of them and we all fell in love with them. Can't wait for their return visit!2010, eh?

Oh, Bear, Stoat....there will be an east coast component to this rumored 2010 trip, right?

[lashbear]

There may well yet be quite a surprise for the east coast. Cannot confirm anything yet, not even Al Lutz knows about this....

[€uroMeinke]

I'm back from my swank camp apetizer. Sadly I had to miss the night's weenie roast in favor of getting home in time to sleep a bit before going to work. Picture and stories to follow - but believe you me, next time I will not allow myself to be limited to just the weekend.

[tracilicious]

Weenie roast? Is Kevy taking his pants off too close to the fire?

[€uroMeinke]

Weenie roast? Is Kevy taking his pants off too close to the fire?

I can neither confirm nor deny such rumors

[lashbear]

How about pics ? and how many posts were recieved upon arrival ??

[NirvanaMan]

I arrived at EH's house last night at about 12:30 pm. Just over a 4 hour drive. Not bad. Of course that involved a positively spirited drive through the mountain twisties. Exhilarating indeed!

We did stay for the giant weenie roast. Had a few sausages then packed into the truck, revved the 300hp Jaguar-derrived AJ-V8 motor, slipped the 6-speed ZF transmission back into manu-matic sport shift and blasted through the gorgeous terrain at deliciously fast speeds - flashing mustangs and the like to pull aside to let me through.

We took the 63 shortcut on the way back, as we did on the way in and it worked out great again.

Pictures will have to come later, after I get home and pack. At work now uncomfortably sporting my noose (necktie) and longing for the rushing rivers, camping martinis and my hammock.

[tracilicious]

We did stay for the giant weenie roast.

I'm sure Kevy will be thrilled that you called his weenie giant.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

On the way up the mountain, only the road ahead was illuminated by the brilliance of the high beams. Looking left and right, I could sense the expanse and depth surrounding us as we advanced upwards. At one point the headlights were turned off and it was as though the world had been uncreated. We moved through an exhilarating and strange Nothingness that felt like Everything all at once. It was magical.

The sun roof gave us our first glimpse at a starlit sky. About halfway to our destination, NM pulled off the road so that we could stand outside the car and look above. No headlights; only a new moon to light the way - an awe inspiring marvel. Our modern world turned upside down: dark below and light above. A loveliness that takes the breath away.

And the speedy, gut-tingling ascent wasn't half bad either. Vroom and swish!

As for the rest, I'm reveling in sensory memory right now, and I wish to go back. Simply put: Want. More. Camp. Swank.

I echo Chris when I say that I will not be shortening my stay next time. This kind of blissful escape deserves longevity.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

I'm sure Kevy will be thrilled that you called his weenie giant.

I giant weenie was most definitely present. It even had its own pedestal.

[Morrigoon]

Note: If your nav system ever tells you to take the 245,, or as I shall henceforth be calling it, "the road of suck", tell your nav system to go fvck itself. Now what's this about a shortcut?
(says the woman who kjust reached Bakersfield at 5pm)

[MouseWife]

Eliza~ I love your description of your arrival to Camp Swank.

I love looking up at the stars. I get so very sad when I step out my back door, the fence just 4 feet away and the neighbors 4 more feet away. The lights all around totally screw up any good view of the stars. It makes me really miss being out in the middle of no where.

I can't wait to see photos of the trip from everyone!!

[Morrigoon]

it really was awesome

[lashbear]

But what about the Bacon ?

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

There was a plethora of bacon.

However, we discovered that when you wrap a piece of bacon around a roasting wiener, it doesn't really cook so much as turn a nasty shade of grey. [Shudder.]

[€uroMeinke]

There was a plethora of bacon.

However, we discovered that when you wrap a piece of bacon around a roasting wiener, it doesn't really cook so much as turn a nasty shade of grey. [Shudder.]


Huh - how do you suppose the street vendors on Hollywood Blvd do it?

[MouseWife]

Have you guys eaten from those vendors???? It sure smells good but I always worry....

I wonder if they boil it and then when they grill it that makes it crispy?
I dunno.

Morri~ I can't wait for your trip report, too!!!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I've gazed upon Paradise, witnessed the rise of the Taquito Kid, locked eyes with a black bear, and basked in the light of the glowing crotch. I've been lulled to sleep by the roar of a king's river, serenaded by dulcet tones of a Steller's Jay, and aroused by the screams of a Smorgasm.

Camp Swank, you were glorious.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh and for the record, not that this was a surprise to me, but Alex makes an excellent hiking companion, no matter how much he'd like everyone to believe otherwise.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I already miss the roar of our river. After a 13 mile hike, it was all I wanted to hear. Now my brain attempts to convert the sounds of traffic into sounds of water.

Garbage scrambled eggs were amazing. Held us through until we got all the way home. Afterwards, I actually made it to guitar lessons, but my mind was not there.

More later...

[innerSpaceman]

Swank Camp Comes of Age ....




... is how I shall entitle the story I'll eventually write about this year's edition. (I never did write up last year's .... largely because so many of the stories were potentially embarrassing to people).

This year .... less youthful exhuberance and more deep passion, truth, beauty and love.




Too tired to describe any details. A nice drive home (thanks for the tip about Route 63, NirvanaMan. That shall be the route forevermore.) Then an EMERGENCY load of laundry if ever there was one, and a certified Hazmat shower. Sigh, then and only then the internet. 916 new posts. I lose the game, yet gain the world. Swank Camp was magnificent.

For now, I'll have to let Ghoulish Delight's clever innuendos fire the imaginations of those who stayed home, and cheer the hearts of those who lived like kings on the banks of the Kings'.

[CoasterMatt]

While you guys were out, I got promoted at work, and landed a spot as a union representative- oh yeah, I also moved my main computer system into a new shiny brushed aluminum case (http://picasaweb.google.com/CoasterMatt/AtomicCookieBlastFurnaceBaconEdition).

It's great that you had a great time, welcome back :)

[belleh5]

Pictures??

I'm so jealous, maybe next year......

[Alex]

Photos in essentially the near random order in which they ended up uploaded. Click on photo for a larger version if you want one (and much bigger are available on request). Put in spoiler tags so the page doesn't jump around while they're loading.

Roaring River Falls

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2566885718_8d601eb379.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2566885718_8d601eb379_b.jpg)


The ability to find faces in random formations is amazing. This one is above Mist Falls. For those along it was not the Sphinx, nor was the other one. The Sphinx is on a completely different trail (if you follow the one over the bridge).


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2566882980_1ea262c696.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2566882980_1ea262c696_b.jpg)


Mist Falls. Hardly any of my river shots came out. With full sun, it was just too bright to have anything around it. And when tight there just isn't enough context to make it impressive.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2566057349_305edd6440.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2566057349_305edd6440_b.jpg)


In the presence of big dead trees, some people are moved to meditation


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2566880370_3bff9bae1d.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2566880370_3bff9bae1d_b.jpg)


while others are moved to grope themselves


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2566047055_b9fd7538c9.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2566047055_b9fd7538c9_b.jpg)


During the Mist Falls hike, we had lunch on this rock but first iSm enjoyed the view.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2566878086_aff7dcfd04.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2566878086_aff7dcfd04_b.jpg)


Ignoring a briefly glimpsed deer butt seen on the way home, the second largest non-bird animal seen over the weekend.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2566876730_d6a27ac809.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2566876730_d6a27ac809_b.jpg)


The Mist Falls hiking group on a bridge. The great thing about having the camera is not being in the pictures. Alas it was a bit too far away to be trying a handheld shot.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2566873560_dd39235475.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2566873560_dd39235475_b.jpg)


GD does some breakfast disco...apparently while wearing a falconry glove.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2566042129_e3df1a677b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2566042129_e3df1a677b_b.jpg)


The view looming above Swank Camp
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2566864842_d41cdc0f7d.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2566864842_d41cdc0f7d_b.jpg)


Much of group crawling around on the rocks at Roaring River Falls.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2566044879_ec57940666.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2566044879_ec57940666_b.jpg)


A view down one of the many side canyons driving down into Kings Canyon near dawn.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2566039641_599f2d1042.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2566039641_599f2d1042_b.jpg)


A spot of fast water just above Boyden Cave


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2566863572_71c6a86075.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2566863572_71c6a86075_b.jpg)


Ignoring that deer butt, the largest non-bird animal seen over the weekend. But at least it was evil.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2565971119_abd4f601f1.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2565971119_abd4f601f1_b.jpg)


And finally, the only really good picture I took over the weekend. But I guess that is why you shoot a lot. Once again at Roaring River Falls.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2566051297_ca0295de56.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2566051297_ca0295de56_b.jpg)

[wendybeth]

Great pictures!

Did Lisa bring kitty home?

[alphabassettgrrl]

And finally, the only really good picture I took over the weekend. But I guess that is why you shoot a lot. Once again at Roaring River Falls.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2566051297_ca0295de56.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2566051297_ca0295de56_b.jpg)


I like that one!

[Gemini Cricket]

I had a great time!
Will post more later.
Now I shall shower and go to bed.
:)

[Snowflake]

Alex
great pics, seriously, more please

To all, welcome back, can't wait to hear stories so I can be properly jealous!

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Huh - how do you suppose the street vendors on Hollywood Blvd do it?

I think they may grill the bacon first. Or they wrap the bacon around the dog and grill. There was something amiss with cooking it directly in the flame.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

While you guys were out, I got promoted at work, and landed a spot as a union representative- oh yeah, I also moved my main computer system into a new shiny brushed aluminum case (http://picasaweb.google.com/CoasterMatt/AtomicCookieBlastFurnaceBaconEdition).

It's great that you had a great time, welcome back :)

Congrats!

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Wonderful pics, Alex. Thanks! And it was a real pleasure to meet you.

[MouseWife]

Wonderful photo show! Thank you for taking the time to upload them!

[cirquelover]

Thanks Alex. It sounds like everyone had a great time, as was to be expected. I can't wait to hear more!

[NirvanaMan]

To our friends down undah' who likely drowned on the swim across the mighty oceans to join us at camp swank, I want you to know that you were with us in spirit, though you could not join us in person (or in skype).


http://lh4.ggpht.com/erikjrobinson/SE4SXpOTVzI/AAAAAAAABg0/0AyZcwztXLg/s800/P1010703.JP

http://picasaweb.google.com/erikjrobinson/SwankCamping2008KingsCanyon/photo?authkey=HraiW2ZGXVI#5210122016326375218

[NirvanaMan]

And with that I present, my pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/erikjrobinson/SwankCamping2008KingsCanyon?authkey=HraiW2ZGXVI

[Not Afraid]

1503 was the number of new posts.

I am clean, my legs are shaved, my hair is washed, my feet aren't even dirty any more! I feel sadly human again. I miss the dirt. I miss the roar of the river. I miss the pitch black of night and the incredible array of stars. I miss the smell of campfire. I miss the smell of bacon frying in the morning. I miss the chill of the night air. I miss the warm cocoon of my sleeping bag. I miss my hammock. I miss all of the wonderful friends I got to spend the weekend with. But, I'm very happy to be home with my husband and kitties.

Pics will come soon.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Damn - I want some Bacon...

[Not Afraid]

OOOOOHHHHH! GC and I saw a bear on the way home!!!!!1

[wolfy999]

I hope you took a pic of bear!

[€uroMeinke]

Here's my Companion pic to Alex's

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/P1010218.JPG

[Not Afraid]

I'll have to tweak the photos before I can upload them.

[Morrigoon]

I'm still in the middle of uploading my previous photos. Hopefully I'll have some up by the end of the evening (she said, at 12:44am when the evening had long since ended)

[LashStoat]

Had a few sausages then packed into the truck, revved the 300hp Jaguar-derrived AJ-V8 motor, slipped the 6-speed ZF transmission back into manu-matic sport shift and blasted through the gorgeous terrain at deliciously fast speeds - flashing mustangs and the like to pull aside to let me through.


To anyone out there fantasising that NirvanaMan wasn't straight, the bubble has been well and truly burst with a twin-cam roundy-roundy thing, heat extractor bits and a manyfold cover.

[LashStoat]

On the way up the mountain, only the road ahead was illuminated by the brilliance of the high beams. Looking left and right, I could sense the expanse and depth surrounding us as we advanced upwards. At one point the headlights were turned off and it was as though the world had been uncreated. We moved through an exhilarating and strange Nothingness that felt like Everything all at once. It was magical.

The sun roof gave us our first glimpse at a starlit sky. About halfway to our destination, NM pulled off the road so that we could stand outside the car and look above. No headlights; only a new moon to light the way - an awe inspiring marvel. Our modern world turned upside down: dark below and light above. A loveliness that takes the breath away.

And the speedy, gut-tingling ascent wasn't half bad either. Vroom and swish!

As for the rest, I'm reveling in sensory memory right now, and I wish to go back. Simply put: Want. More. Camp. Swank.

I echo Chris when I say that I will not be shortening my stay next time. This kind of blissful escape deserves longevity.

You macerate my raisin soul.

[LashStoat]

I've gazed upon Paradise, witnessed the rise of the Taquito Kid, locked eyes with a black bear, and basked in the light of the glowing crotch. I've been lulled to sleep by the roar of a king's river, serenaded by dulcet tones of a Steller's Jay, and aroused by the screams of a Smorgasm.

Camp Swank, you were glorious.


Please provide the address of Stellar J. Smorgasm...she sounds perfect for Jerry Springer.

[LashStoat]

And with that I present, my pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/erikjrobinson/SwankCamping2008KingsCanyon?authkey=HraiW2ZGXVI

Thanks so much NM...I can't wait to share the same experience with Bear and you LoT.

Hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[LashStoat]

...and to you Alex, for you great pics.

:)

[LashStoat]

Hey Morrigoon,

Smooch !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[LashStoat]

Dear Ms. Pallor,

I trust that the crotch that Mr. Delight was referring to wasn't the bear "with whom he locked eyes".

Thank God you were in that flimsy nylon tent - that'll keep 'em out...

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[Morrigoon]

Hey Morrigoon,

Smooch !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.
Awww! *smooch back*

And just for you... an early pic before I finish my upload
Not Afraid and Euro, on Muir's Pulpit
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090367.jpg

[Morrigoon]

Okay, as of 2:04am, my album is a work in progress, but to view whatever I've gotten uploaded (photobucket's bulk uploader keeps crashing):
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/

[lashbear]

Hey, you guys.... what's with all the pictures of trees and stuff ?? Where's the Bacon? Where's the girthy weiners ?? Where's Bob Eubanks ??

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm going to have to sort through pics before posting. Should give me something to do at work today.

[Snowflake]

Goonie, great pics so far.

Boy, ain't nature in all it's magnificent splendor grand?

I guess I had better start accumulating some camping gear now, to prepare for Camp Swank 2009 and 2010 when the Lashes show up.

[katiesue]

I left the memory card at home - oops :rolleyes:

Here's what I got -
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/kathyteater/misc029.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/kathyteater/misc031.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/kathyteater/misc026.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/kathyteater/misc030.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/kathyteater/misc024.jpg

[wolfy999]

All the pics are making me jealous.....2010 just might be in the plans!

[Snowflake]

Fab pics Katie!

Okay, I am really, really jealous.

Must-get-in better-shape-for-Swank-Camp-2009.

[innerSpaceman]

Hahaha, Morrigoon must have gotten to Grant's Grove on the way out just a little before I did.


Ok, so the Grove of Sequioas is its own tiny, magical ecosystem. The entire forest, not just the giant trees, looks, smells and especially sounds different from the immediately surrounding woods. The bird song in the area is splendiforous and, with one Amazonian birdcall in particular, rather strange seeming for California.

Grant Grove is somewhere in between Muir Grove and Giant Forest on the natural-setting scale. It's not in its pure and natural state like the former, but not nearly as tacky touristy as the latter. But there are split-rail fences along paved paths, and some signage. The trees are named for the States of the Union and Civil War Era Persons. So I'm wandering in to the grove, thinking of the era when the trees were discovered by Westerners and first named ... when who should come around the corner but a group of a dozen or so Amish Folk ... all dressed in period garb, the ladies in full Little House on the Praire dresses and bonnets, and all of them speaking together in their Germanic/English mixed tongue.

OMG, I was instantly and magically transported to the Pioneer Days of Sequioia Discovery!! It was fantastic!



I'm so glad Morri encountered them also!

[Not Afraid]

GC and I also witnessed the Amish. GC was out on the trail while I stayed in the parking lot with Thurston. An enormous bus pulls into the lot and about 40 Amish people emerge, walking in pairs to see the giant trees. The bus was from somewhere in Ohio and it's dash was decorated with garlands of red silk roses.

Later, while in the Giant Forest, I tried to take a nap but the symphony of international languages surrounding me was too wonderful to not keep cracking open my eyes and looking around me.

[Ghoulish Delight]

We stopped at the store at Grant Grove and saw the Amish folks getting ready to head out there, so you must not have been too far behind us.

[innerSpaceman]

An enormous bus pulls into the lot and about 40 Amish people emerge, walking in pairs to see the giant trees.

Silly me, I was looking for the horses and buggies in the parking lot. I didn't think they'd take a bus.


I love them ... they made my entire side trip to Grant's Grove so fantastic.

[Morrigoon]

I had initially accidentally pulled into the campground along the road down, so after making a U-turn I found myself STUCK BEHIND AN EFFING BUS for the remainder of the road down. In frustration, I grabbed the first parking space I could in order to get out from waiting behind the bus. But my annoyance dissipated INSTANTLY the moment all those cute little Amish people emerged from the bus. Because how can you be annoyed in the presence of cute little Amish people?

I tried to tactfully take a couple photos from a discreet distance.

[Gemini Cricket]

I think they were Mennonites.
Amish don't use modern modern modes of transportation...
Not sure though.

[Morrigoon]

No, they will if someone else is driving them. And I'm not sure if Mennonites do the Germanic tongue thing or not.

edit: crap, I've spent the last hour posting spoilerized photos... only to realize I posted them to the Sooo thread. Perhaps some kind soul will move them over here?

[innerSpaceman]

I would have liked to have seen a Mennonites vs. Amish Grudge Match in the Grant Grove parking lot!

[Gemini Cricket]

Don't the Amish also separate themselves from the outside world? I think Mennonites travel a lot. Seen a lot of them at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

[Gemini Cricket]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/kathyteater/misc029.jpg

The High Voltage Box, my Adventure Staff and Me.

:D

[Snowflake]

The High Voltage Box, my Adventure Staff and Me.

:D

And when I first saw it (the little avatar), I thought you were Capt. Jack! Love the scrub on your chin! Thank goodness I'm getting new glasses soon!

[Morrigoon]

You may be right then.

[Gemini Cricket]

Here are my Camp Swank 2008 photos (http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/)

Here are some highlights:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/CampSwank2008014.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/CampSwank2008027.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/CampSwank2008090.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/CampSwank2008002.jpg

[Morrigoon]

Okay, I'm impatient. Please forgive me for reposting things I'd accidentally posted in the Sooo... thread:

Okay, time for some pics.


I arrived Friday night/Saturday morning at about 2:30am (give or take), so I slept in my car that first night. Didn't sleep long, of course, so I was up with the morning crowd.

Thurston finds himself in a bit of a pickle
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090128.jpg

Alex arrived shortly after I got up, camera in hand.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090129.jpg

DP and FP lounge it up while the breakfast team gets cracking
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090131.jpg

Thurston is still in a pickle
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090134.jpg

Mommy? A little help please? (Actually, I include this because I have only a few pics that include Susan, and this is one of them)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090135.jpg

My home away from home
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090136.jpg

Thurston gets lovies
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090139.jpg

Thurston gets delightfully dirty. Note the goatee of dirt
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090140.jpg

Morning on "our" river. Or is it evening? I slept through the middle of the day, so this could be either half.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090141.jpg

The essence of Camp Swank
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090142.jpg


More to come...

[Morrigoon]

And some more:

Capt Jack "The Taquito Kid" takes another bite
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090145.jpg

Mmm... campfire (it was freakishly cold that night, even for camping), and a dutch oven full of Susan's hand-rolled taquitos
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090146.jpg

Without the flash, it was actually this dark
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090147.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090148.jpg

Okay, actually, this is about right
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090150.jpg

Squirrel!
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090155.jpg

Just one part of the "Estate du Swank"
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090156.jpg

One thing I tried on this trip was to focus a bit more on portraits (I usually photograph landscapes almost exclusively). So here's Kevy.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090158.jpg

So, Zumwalt Meadows?
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090162.jpg

Pretty! (Can't help it, I love landscapes)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090163.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090164.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090166.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090170.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090174.jpg

Avant Garde waterfall worship
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090176.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090179.jpg

Spider Ken, Spider Ken, does whatever a Spider Ken does...
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090182.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090183.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090185.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090191.jpg

[Morrigoon]

More pics

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090195.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090196.jpg

Gemini Cricket in repose
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090198.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090202.jpg

There's like, rocks and stuff
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090204.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090206.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090207.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090209.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090215.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090220.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090221.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090257.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090266.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090270.jpg

Capt Jack takes a picture of swankers on the bridge
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090273.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090280.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090282.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090283.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090285.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090286.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090293.jpg

[Morrigoon]

And the last of my accidentally-posted-to-the-Sooo...-thread-pics:

I'm Sammy the Snake and I sing about the letter Ssssssssss.... oh yessss...
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090295.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090299.jpg

I'll post more later. Hopefully in the right thread ;)

[Ponine]

And when I first saw it (the little avatar), I thought you were Capt. Jack! Love the scrub on your chin! Thank goodness I'm getting new glasses soon!

It's the hat. They should never be allowed to camp with the same hat.

[Kevy Baby]

...and don't forget the fvcking duct tape.We brought some. But it was gray. And it went unused

What do you know, pay phones do still exist - at least at the bottom of Kings Canyon. Seems they got the prized campsites and have a nice row of tents erected along the river. For those of you (like myself) who will be joining them later - head for sites 13 & 14, that's where you'll find them.If you went to sites 13 & 14, you found them empty. Those were our sites used strictly for extra parking and bear boxes (the one thing that was wrong with Sheep Creek was the fact that there is only one bear box per site).

I really wish I liked camping. I know the company would make all the difference, but still. I just can't like sleeping without bed linens, on an actual bed.Us too, but we resolved that problem by bringing a queen sized bed with linens (including a feather mattress and comforter).

Well...cause to re-joyce. !!!Did someone mention Joyce?

http://home.mindspring.com/%7Ekevin_elder/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/joyce1.jpg

Weenie roast? Is Kevy taking his pants off too close to the fire?Kevy kept his pants on to prevent roasting.

I already miss the roar of our river.I had a hard time falling asleep last night without the sounds of the river.

[Morrigoon]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090300.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090301.jpg

Following the leader, the leader, the leader...
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090305.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090312.jpg

"The Old Couple"... they were cute, and they did eventually make it back ;)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090314.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090319.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090323.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090330.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090362.jpg

NA re-enacts the early days of the Sierra Club on Muir's Pulpit
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090365.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090366.jpg

I just LOVE this picture
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/camping/2008%20-%20Camp%20Swank/P1090367.jpg

[Not Afraid]

I've uploaded all of my pics here (http://picasaweb.google.com/lisacone/SwankCamp2KingsCanyonJune2008) (and I do mean all).

A few highlights:

The first bear sighting. Thurston went nuts barking at these guys in the drive thru line in Oakhurst.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7JFHgsbzI/AAAAAAAAACY/C2DqpcFEpJg/IMG_4605.JPG?imgmax=800


Can we go home now?

http://lh4.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7JMZF0i7I/AAAAAAAAACs/3EE-KE65qaM/IMG_4609.JPG?imgmax=800
GC relaxing at the Awahnee.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7KDqyyjJI/AAAAAAAAAFI/1DgCLsPzOr4/IMG_4643.JPG?imgmax=512

You talkin' to me?

http://lh5.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7KK0DrtRI/AAAAAAAAAFk/YDcG4ABdME0/IMG_4650.JPG?imgmax=512

"You may have an axe, boy scout, but look what my tool can do!"

http://lh4.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7KmZ0wB-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/KH1qj3Z_2T8/IMG_4666.JPG?imgmax=800

[Snowflake]

NA, what were those wonderful shoes you were wearing? Privo Floats?

[Gemini Cricket]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/Camp%20Swank%202008/P1090198copy.jpg

[Not Afraid]

Thurston decides that old ash might get rid of the wrinkles.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7LGiP-NfI/AAAAAAAAAIM/eaGS_B72qhA/IMG_4687.JPG?imgmax=512



Camping is such hard work!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7LO8dLWEI/AAAAAAAAAIo/sUQPGu-eFso/IMG_4693.JPG?imgmax=800

May I have another peanut? If you don't give me one right now I will wake CJ up at 5:30 am tomorrow."

http://lh3.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7LZXhf9hI/AAAAAAAAAJE/3Yq88oBd5t8/IMG_4699.JPG?imgmax=512

The power of water.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7LuxcwBAI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/kC7aqsmmUKs/IMG_4711.JPG?imgmax=800

The Bear.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7N2eVTI6I/AAAAAAAAAPg/OwASlRJPDJI/IMG_4789.JPG?imgmax=800

[Not Afraid]

NA, what were those wonderful shoes you were wearing? Privo Floats?

Ecco's probably. I wore Eccos and Tevas the entire time.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Fffvck. I went through and pared down our 600+ pictures to the best 145 or so, but the upload got messed up and I have to start over. Grrrr.

[Not Afraid]

Hurry up!!! I want to see the butterfly.

[innerSpaceman]

I had a hard time falling asleep last night without the sounds of the river.

I have a hard time sleeping without some sort of white noise. So I battery-powered my soothing sound generator and brought it with me to Swank Camp. Ha! What a waste.

But, I'm so glad it was not among the things I left in my truck last night, as I could not fall asleep without the sound of the river ... or, in my case, the next best facsimile sound.

[Gemini Cricket]

NA ~ The colors in your pics came out so vibrant! Best camera ever!
:)

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Wonderful Pics everyone. :snap: I need to go!

[Not Afraid]

The boys skipping stones.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/lisacone/SE7NY4SDVeI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/Z5c2PuGD5_o/IMG_4772.JPG?imgmax=800