Ok, but it's gonna look messy. I think there are at least a couple of intramural, multi-team meals that threaten to skuttle the whole, carefully crafted Team Meals and Campsites protocol.

:D

thats fine. messy is part of camping. :p

besides, my help is strictly go-fer. teams plan, I'm just a dish washer/bus boy/fire stoker

And sex

messy sex? :snap:

Ok, it's one week out. Is it ok if I start planning again???


Well, ready or not, here goes:


Meals:
There have been a lot of team changes in the lead-up to 2008 Swank Camp. Team Where The Rum Has Gone has gone. Morrigoon is currently WikiListed as a maybe, and - if I understand her posts correctly - is unsure of the logistics of arriving at Swank Camp from another camping trip.

As such, I don't think we can count on the original version of the Big and Girthy Weinie Roast on Saturday Night. HOWZ ABOUT we do it the old fashioned way, and have the Weinie Roast as a Bring Your Own Weinie affair?? A group meal that's not a Team Thing???

I'll supply the hotdog buns and the condiments if everyone will bring along a sausage or two, a hot dog or five, or their big black dick. What d'ya say???


Campsites:
There are no cell phones and no reservations. How are we going to find each other at Sheep Creek Campground?

For us early pioneers (which, if I understand correctly, will be me, GC, GD, Cadaverous Pallor, Kevy Baby and Gus Gus) ... how will we hook up when we get to the campground?

I know generally where the prime sites are that we scoped out last year purposefully for this year's Swank Camp, but I don't know what the site numbers are. If those are taken, we have no set idea of what's our second choice. It's a BIG campground ... not likely that we'll just find each other by chance.


Is there a fairly detailed site map of Sheep Creek anywhere online???

Does anyone have walkies we can use??




Ok, that's all for now. More planning later. Seven Days and Counting!

Last time I was up there I recall being able to get cell reception. So that might be an option, still no?

If not, I don't know. Maybe leave a trail of bacon crumbs?

At the campgrounds we used to go at Eagle Lake when we were kids. There were large kind of bulletin board signs near the enterance with various postings from the Forrest Service. People would leave messages posted to the back of the signs saying stuff like "Fred we're at campsite 27". Any idea if there's anything like that?

So I had my first look at the wiki in a while. I had assumed that with all the manic planning, all the meals had already been spoken for. I was under the wrong impression! Only Friday night has been spoken for.

Guess we should pick a meal, Camp Sausages and Muffins...

Yes

I say my (not so) big black dick will be with me, but will (hopefully) NOT be making an appearance. Also, it will NOT be getting roasted.

I believe that we have the final count of 16 (including Morrigoon). The Wiki has been updated with four people per team. (I haven't included Alex who is a wild card for Saturday night.)

The only concern I have with BYOW is that each of us will need to purchase our own, leaving each of us with a partial pack of unconsumed wienie. However, this would allow us to have what we want. I think it is doable to have one person/group cover the meal, but I am also open to BYOW. If cost is the issue, I know we can work something out (heck: I'll buy several packs of different kinds of meat if needed).

To further muck things up, The Church of the Black Junk would like to do a dinner. The Nearly Naked Hedonists already have Friday dinner. If we (CBJ) took Saturday dinner as well as a breakfast, could we do the weinie roast on Sunday since all but possibly Morrigoon will be there Sunday night? Or conversely, CBJ could do dinner on Sunday.

This also brings to mind the question as to whether we should be planning for more meal coverage? I see the potential for seven group meals: Breakfast and Dinner for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; Breakfast Monday. Any comment from anyone?

Well that's a darn good idea I hadn't thought of. We have some and I am sure others do as well. The only problem is making sure we are on the same channel BEFORE the trip.

ETA: Actually, katiesue's idea of the bulletin board is even better - DOH!

I'm actually a yes now, just haven't re-updated the wiki.

I do know I'm arriving sometime Friday night or at worst by early Saturday (which would be a waste, so expect me Friday). We're coming back from McArthur-Burney on Friday and stopping for what we hope to be an early dinner with my father in Sacramento. Then it's about 4 hours to Kings Canyon. Methinks I shall be sleeping under the stars that night... (if not in my car)

I'm bringing peppers and onions to saute for people to put on their weenies/sausages, and my original plan was to provide the dogs and sausages. I'm still willing to do that. What I don't know about is side dishes.

edit: Sunday night is probably a great weenie roast night, and yes, since I'm not racing back for work, I will be there Sunday night... and yes, I'll bring the weenies.

And as a side note: leftover sausages will work well for Monday breakfast :9

Okay, I have updated the meal wiki with this and added all of the group meals (as mentioned above). Please feel free to modify of necessary.

Also, I can do my breakfast on Sunday instead of Monday if necessary.

Good point. Maybe Monday should be a mish-mash. I have changed my breakfast to Sunday (but again: I am flexible on that).

When camping, there is no such thing as too many weenies.

I'm torn. I do love the idea of semi-fine dining. But I'm also kind of a camping traditionalist. All I really want is some hotdogs stuck on a stick and held over a fire, PB&J, and hashbrowns. So I'm not super-enthused about the whole meal idea. But I'm willing to be a team player and if we are needed to handle one of the meals will be more than happy to oblige. Just let us know.

ETA: Okay, I looked at Kevy's Wiki update. I guess we'll take Saturday breakfast then.

That's not a bad idea, just make monday a scrapple of whatever leftovers we've got.

my walkies are at home charging as I type this. I can verify the frequency tonite after I get home, but as I recall, there was another set on site last year that I believe did in fact work with mine.

in addition chances are good KS and I will be arriving early as well...at least as early as my lead foot and zero sense of direction can get us there. look for the bright red truck w/ stripes rumbling through around noonish (eta)

Or at any party iSm throws.

If it makes you feel any better, I am a simple person and thus, my breakfast is quite simple. I'm not up for the fancy, but I too roll with the flow.

If you would rather take Sunday, let me know - it doesn't make any difference to me.

I suppose I'll consult with the other sausage and muffin, but Saturday or Sunday doesn't matter to me, so as-is is fine.

Just so's you know, Monday Breakfast is tradtionally* a group affair of Garbage Eggs (all leftovers included) and Bacon Feast.


Greg, I was not a big fan of the Team Meal plan last time, but it seems to have worked wonderfully.

Yes, let's move the Wienie Roast to Sunday Night ... BUT, Morrigoon is no longer on a Team, per se. It's not fair for her to handle the cost and logistics of a group meal all by herself that other teams are splitting between their members.

People from other teams were going to help her out, but I think the solution of her (or her designated assistants) bringing the condiments, buns, and sides ... while everyone else provides some group meat, sausage, wienies, black dicks (in one case) or big dicks (widely reported in 2 cases ... maybe to be confirmed one drunken evening) is the best way to go.



As for the camp message board ... that's a great idea for letting latecomers know which campsites we've squatted on ... But not particularly useful for the pioneers jointing forces from the get-go to select and claim those campsites.


I think walkies would be best for that, but I don't have any. (No one had cell reception in Sequioa, but I'm not sure we checked for that in King's Canyon. It makes less sense, though, that there'd be reception down there.)








* By traditionally, I mean something that happened in Swank Camp Year One that was so beloved, I'm assuming we want to make it a perpetual Swank Camp tradition.

Just write BACON really big on a piece of cardboard and make it visible from the road. Radios not necessary ;)

(I am of course just kidding)

Actually, it would be easier to bring the condiments, buns and meat. Meats can be frozen and carry well through an earlier camping trip. Besides which, having just thrown a BBQ for my boyfriend's coworkers, I have plenty at hand.

But if people were interested in sharing some sides, that would rock. Otherwise, it's chips and baked beans for the LoT of ye.

If someone's dying to bring a specific kind of meat with them, go ahead, I'm sure it'll get eaten, but I'll be providing basics.

brats and hot links!!!! theyre sorta hot-doggie arent they?

That's what I was thinking!

Hey NA: I received an email today with a place (Pahaque) having specials on Pet Tents.



This is the small one that can be purchased for $49.00 with Coupon Code 1400. The larger one can be purchased for $59.00 with Coupon Code 1401.

It's like an empanada for bears

I've got radios with a 26-mile range that we'll be bringing.

If I feel creative enough this weekend, maybe I'll make us a LoT Camp Swank flag to fly at one of the sites, not only to mark our claim of Swankdom, but also so others can find us when they arrive...

Hmmm, I've got no radios. And I'm the only one going early who knows where the desired sites are.


Puzzle needs solving. Or solvation!

Well, if I get there my plan for discovery will be to drive around until I find the happeniest party going. Pressure's on you all to make sure that's your camp.

When are you arriving? If it's not during breakfast, or from dinner onwards ... you'll find a mostly deserted camp while we are out having fun.

I have no idea when (or even if) I'll arrive. If that means I end up partying with the Jones family six slots down then I'll have still had a good weekend.

omg this is just cracking me up

I will make sure the radios are charged by this weekend and will bring one to the read-a-thon. If we are successful (staying in Fresno the night before), we may be able to be there around the same time as you.

Also, as each of the early arrivers are getting close, the should call the others (presuming that they haven't already called) to touch base and get an idea on time. If there are a couple of groups arriving around the same time, they could meet up for hunting.

ok, and i'm being serious here. Can someone loan me a radio? I'll come to pick it up.


I'm not buying any. I am soooo unbelievably broke that I'm two clicks from backing out of this trip as it is.

I think you're set.

Hmm... maybe he has me on ignore :D

Oh, that would be awesome.


I want to cry, I'm so financially distraught right now. (Ok, too dramatic, I have a job and a roof and two cars and so much debt that I could sell it all and still owe my soul. I am the standard American!)




And, no, Kevy ...... I only ignore you in person. ;)

Let's pick a radio channel so we can all get in touch as we arrive. Radios are pretty universal, right?

KCRW seems pretty popular with this group, but I don't think you can get them much past the Grapevine.

I prefer KSUE

Much better than KCUF

While the campsite is large it's hardly as vast as the Sahara - and with it's one way paths, I can't imagine anyone having difficulty finding each other (please print out for laughs when I arrive after midnight of Friday). But seriously, I can't go to Disneyland without running into a half dozen of you, I imagine the same will be true of Kings Canyon.

Didn't NM and Bornieo manage to find you in the middle of the night last year?

We had reserved sites. They knew where to look. There were numbers .... in numerical order.




I'm not the best Netsurfer, but I cannot for the life of me find a site map of Sheep Creek Campground. All I know is you enter, keep bearing right and down toward the river. There are two or three large campsites in the angle between the creek and the river (is that right, Not Afraid).

They are da sh!ts, and it's where we wanna be!

Seems like the walkies will work out, at least for some portion of us. I think once we get a critical mass of people arriving/on the road, we'll be able to get the message passed along. Though it's now ocurred to me that it was in the Grant's Grove area that we used to get cell reception, there's a good bit of distance between that and where we're going. But it's also been quite a few years, so I imagine they've improved (though I kinda hope they haven't, it'd be nice to be cut off for a bit).

10 4 good buddy.



I'm cracking up here. The campground is not that big!

Wherever I am is always the happeniest party, and I plan on bring one happening lump while I'm there. You can always find me.

Here's a pic of the inside of iSm's tent:

Except the overstuffed chairs have new upholstery this year. ;)


(but let's hope G.C. stays away from illustrating the one referred to in the Swayze thread.)


Oh? Then why did we spend 20 minutes driving around lost inside it looking for those cool campsites?


Which, heheh, we bothered to write down the site numbers for ... and then, er, did what with that??

Hmmmm ... Disneyphile posted a fairly decent map of Sheep Creek campground in this earlier post.

The lower map has a red zone marked out, but I believe the desired sites are just outside the red-zone, right along the river. But that gives everyone, I hope, a decent idea of where we're first headed when we get there. (Not shown, but the main road from which you enter is just beyond the top of the maps).

Any of this sites by the river are fine. We'll get what we can get. We won't know which site we'll have until we get there and look around. We may end up n the other side of the campground but by the river. Why doesn't someone just bring some poster board and some duct tape, write the site numbers on the poster board when they are decided and tape it to the information board?

I don't know what my plans will be yet. There's a chance I may go up to Oakhurst on Wednesday and drive over from there on Thursday. My brother is in the hospital with a bone infection and I may need to visit him unless he ends up being transfered to a specialist hospital in Palo Alto or San Francisco. We don't know what happening yet.

Again, I've NEVER had a difficult time getting a site at Sheep Creek this early in the year. The ranger told me that this is a particularly dead weekend. But, we really won't know until we get there.

this would be way funnier if you were kidding
;)

OK, I haven't been keeping up with the meal plans but just a reminder to make sure you have food for your own lunches and food for days when you are there and a team isn't making a meal. Thursday dinner is the big one that stands out to me.

Monday breakfast mishmash turned out really good last year. I will probably be bring up some extra breakfast stuff as well since I love me a good camp breakfast. Really all we need is bacon and eggs and leftover veggies.

Our dinner plans are decidedly Asian in nature. I think it's going to be fantastic!

Shoot, I think we need to get ourselves a bigger cooler.

Keep in mind there is a store at Cedar Grove. They have basics as well as ice and wood.

We did a driving tour of the campsite. I drove every road to show you the possibilities. I think you were in a different car...the one that was lost for 20 mins.

Bad news on us getting a walkie to iSm: we went to locate them last night to charge and we were unable to locate them. That and the fact that we will now not be going to the reading on Saturday and that whole plan is out the window.

And a bigger boat.

No worries. I haven't been to Sheep Creek, but looking at Google Earth, it seems pretty comparable to the Grants Grove camp sites and if so, I'm with NA. It's a finite area with obvious roads, shouldn't be too much of a hassle to make a lap and find us.

Sheep Creek has about 1/2 the number of sites as Dorst has. Its not like anyone will get "lost" in the vacuous expanse of Sheep Creek.

I hope to get lost after camp is set up.

Found a site with an interesting description of the campgrounds:
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/u...camp_sk_cg.htm

Fast food?

Oooh, and here's someone's trip report with photos of the campground:
http://www.maryjomellado.com/Camping...sequoia_01.htm

At the lodge I would assume.

And here's a picture of the board where a notice can be placed telling everyone what campsites to go to.

Yes, the lodge has a restaurant as well as a store, laundry and showers.

So, why aren't we staying at the lodge?

:D

Because it's difficult to put up a tent in a hotel room.

Besides a hiking "date" that we've planned, Ken and I are planning on mostly sticking around camp this trip, so there's a good chance we'll be there if any of our folks arrive during an afternoon while everyone else is out. :)

uh......cuz its a CAMPING trip.

camping <> lodge, hotel, motel, motor home, motorlodge, cabin, house, condo, penthouse or suite


but then, thats just this reporters opinion

The wiki list says I need a moleskin.
Is this something we can buy or do we have to skin our own moles?

Who's bringing the bacon post-its to pin to the board?

I was planning on spelling it out in actual bacon across the whole board. ;)

My hammock looks like this:



I wil be in it.

Do we bring our own bear boxes?
Or is this something you can buy?

I'm very tempted to get this:

:D

(Click the smiley.)

You have to bring your own bear box as well as your own bear to keep in it.

What about a twink box?

Oh ho. You're lying. Google says that bear boxes are already at the campsite. Or on female bears. See, this is crazy stuff that mainlanders have at their campsites. You don't see anyone in Hawai'i getting attacked by cougars, bears and coatimundis do you?

You laugh now, but I may very well be the best camper around. I may be the only one left at the end of the trip without bear or cougar bites on their arms and legs.

Twink boxes are MUCH smaller and would not be appropriate for n extended camping trip. They are usually only good for abut 1 use.

I'll make sure Thurston gives you a good hard one.

That just sounds wrong and X-rated.

Some campers at KOA campsites have signs outside their RVs. Wood signs usually that you can get from Knott's Berry Farm or someplace like that.
They'll read: "Jim-Tom and Annie Fishcrease from Azusa, CA."
Are we going to make one for our campsite?

Here's an example:

No.

um, isnt he fixed?


wont they object to us carving up their trees?
good excuse for me to buy a chainsaw though

besides, I already have one of these coming along



:D

I'm in!
I'll make sure iSm packs his chainsaw.

So for anyone who cares, I scrolled through the satellite maps (hey, I'm going to be arriving at night, need to have some idea what I'm doing). Basically, when you're on the 180 and you reach the river, it'll be on your right, and stay on your right for a long time. Very shortly after you cross to the other side of the river, the campground entrance will be on your left (assuming you're approaching from the Fresno side like me).

There is no other way to approach - by car that is. It's a one way road that ends about 6 miles beyond the campground.

If you've gone to the end of the road, you've gone too far. ;)

Sheep Creek is the FIRST campground in a series of 4

All that hard work only to have a glaring grammatical error...

Oooh, chainsaw furniture!! Hasn't Kevy been dying to make an arts&crafts cabinet?? Maybe we can persuade him to make a slightly more rustic bench. Or maybe a wood-crafted hammock.



On a more serious note:

I have no doubt that Swank Camp can be found .... once Swank Camp is established. But the pioneers (for lack of a more romantic term) must be able to find each other BEFORE THAT.

(Otherwise, who decides where the real Swank Camp is????)



Is anyone else going to the Dramatic Reading Party who has a spare radio???

Then why don't you decide to all meet at the entrance at an appointed hour?

I say we all grab sites. The coolest one is the Swank Camp.

That's not a bad idea (the meeting time, not the freeforall).



Unless we come up with some more radios.

Who decides who gets radios and who doesn't?










:D

You know, I hardly think you can use the term "pioneer" if you're going to be using radios.

I'm just baffled by this whole concept. It seems really unnecessary, but have at it "pioneers".

I do. :p

Many of you amuse me. When you all really start to organize for Japan I'll be really amused.

What if the radios don't work?

What if a car breaks down?

What if a tree blocks the road?

What if the campground is closed?

What if the river overflows?

What if we all camp at different campgrounds?

What if we never find each other in the US's deepest canyon on a dead end road in a campground with only 111 sites?

What if it takes all day to peruse each of the 111 sites in great detail?

And. who is going to Rank the Swank on each and every campsite?

I'm staying out of that one. I'll be at TDS at the appointed day, otherwise I'm going to enjoy Tokyo at my own pace.

What's for dinner on Thursday?

I don't know. What are you making for yourself?

I'm going to forage in the woods.

I do. I'll bring one up (or at least try to remember to bring it)

Something to think about (found on http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisi...servations.htm)
Question is, would we/you return within the year? It's tempting to go for the $10 upgrade

meant to last year, never made it out camping since then, so...no thank you. but its not a bad idea I think, if you go alot

I'm thinking of buying the National Park A.P. (it was $60 last year, not sure what it is now). 3 N.P. visits and it's paid for. I'm pretty sure of two ... and a 3rd and 4th are encouraged by having the AP!

Joshua Tree for one! There should be a Swanking!!!

It's $80 http://store.usgs.gov/pass

Fvck!

Ok, neverfrellingmind.

Actually, it COULD be correct if t was meant as a possessive (assuming you are talking about the apostrophe s on their name). It is a sign saying that the trailer/RV/whatever belongs to the Hollmer Family.

No, that's incorrect Kevy. Possessive of a family name comes after the "s," not before.


When you carve the Rustic Wooden Hammock, please use extra care when it comes to grammar!!





OK, this just in ....

As alluded to above, the Sunday Night Big and Girthy Weenie Roast is largely (no pun intended) going to be a Bring-Your-Own-Weenie affair.

The lone surviving member of Team Where the Rum Has Gone will be supplying a starter selection of weenies, and her adopted Team Discovery Channel will be assisting with side dishes, etc.

BUT ... Exotic Sausages, Romantic Weenies, and Big Black Bulging Dicks are strictly B.Y.O.



Sorry, but 4 teams to cover 8 group meals is not going to work. We have declared Thursday dinner a do-it-yourself and Monday breakfast a leftover extravaganza ... but that still leaves 6 meals for 4 teams.

SO ... Team Discovery Channel will organize the Weenie Roast and get things started with the first round of weenies ... but the meal will be brief and unsatisfying unless other weenies are produced. I understand that Kevy's going to be a little shy in this department this year ... and that leaves it to the rest of us to pick up the slack!

To elaborate on that, we will have enough weenies for everyone, but if you desire something more exotic than turkey dogs, Hebrew Nationals, or chicken-apple sausage, then BYOW.

I think we can do a dinner and a breakfast, so that would cover the remaining meal.

Wow.

I was assuming (as noted in my post) that the family name was "Hollmer" (no "s" at the end). The possessive of this family (as a collective: no plural) would be Hollmer's.

If the family name was indeed "Hollmers" the possessive of the name could go either way: Hollmers' or Hollmers's (although I prefer the former). We had a discussion on this issue in a previous thread.

Why not - I think the math is pretty simple: 8 / 4 = 2. Each team would be responsible for two meals.

But it is kind of a moot point: there are seven meals listed in the Wiki (Thursday night is not listed). All meals are covered (although Monday morning does not have a team listed as covering it - it is just listed as Mish Mash).

With the natural change of things, we are at four teams. As far as I am concerned, Team Where the Rum Has Gone is not a part of the picture any more. Team Discovery Channel is made up of innerSpaceman, Gemini Cricket, Morrigoon, Bornieo. Since this last team was "assembled" mainly through attrition, if there is an issue with this, then let's discuss. Since this team is covering two meals, if you would like assistance with this (financially), then let everyone know (I had previously offered to cover the cost of groceries). All that I would ask is to take responsibility for making sure the meal is covered (that is not an edict - just my request).

The only remaining question I see unanswered is Thursday night dinner: do we want to plan for this as a group activity? MOST people will be there for this meal, but since it is setup day, I doubt anyone will want to prep anything. Should we make this a do-it-yourself meal? Or does someone want to volunteer to cover this? (Again: I am willing to contribute $/groceries if people are worried about such).

DISNEYPHILE: Our team is covering Saturday night dinner (I think you and Susan already discussed this, but I am not certain). Also, I am covering Sunday breakfast (I don't mind doing it solo: I am getting good at it).

Actually, the extended Team Discovery Channel (which includes Meal Making Mavens from the Nearly Naked Hedonists) is in preliminary discussions to arrange for Thursday dinner, while we're at it.


(Sheesh, one of those hedonists just LOVES to cook).


Stand by, though. Decisions are still being worked out. If it turns out, as now looks likely, that extended TDC is doing THREE meals, then yeah, some pitch-in for groceries would be sweet.

Happy to help: just let us know what you need. And by "us" I mean Susan as she does all of the shopping. I just drive and write checks.

Ok then for Thursday dinner I'll make Chicken with Tomatillo Salsa. So if others can help with sides - salads and such then we'll be all set.

Left side or right side?

Left

personally, I kinda like both of those (not-so-vague avatar reference here)

:evil:

KS, if you really want to make that many meals, I'm not going to stop you, but I think it wouldn't be too difficult for everyone to bring something they want to grill, light up the BBQ and have a meal of your own choosing.

As long as each team is taking on the responsibility for ONE ENTIRE MEAL, I see nothing wrong with everyone just sort of doing their own thing and pitching in as needed. There may be people that don't want to make a big meal on the first night after all of the effort of setting up camp. Others may want a food extravaganza.

That being said, I am already planning on bringing extra eggs and whatever else I feel like it for MishMash. I don't mind making another salad for Thursday night either. (As long as I actually end up at camp on Thursday night - which it looks like I may at this point.)

Ken and I will help with the Sunday breakfast then too - we have a HUGE box of Bisquick that needs to be used, so we'll make pancakes.

I like pancakes

Hmmm... I wonder what his ORIGINAL post was.

I have some ideas. ;)

Geez, do you guys have World Of Wieners franchises too ???

I guess I had better get my act together. I may be driving up on Tuesday to my brothers' place and leaving from there Thursday morning.

Today's shirt woot might be fun for those of you camping - check it out.

How am I going to get everything I need to get done completed before Tuesday night?

Magic

The latest forecast:

.THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. WINDY. HIGHS 78 TO
85 AT CEDAR GROVE...64 TO 74 AT GRANT GROVE. LOWS 39 TO 44 AT CEDAR
GROVE...31 TO 38 AT GRANT GROVE.
.FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY...MOSTLY CLEAR. BREEZY. HIGHS 80 TO 90 AT
CEDAR GROVE...67 TO 77 AT GRANT GROVE. LOWS 42 TO 48 AT CEDAR
GROVE...33 TO 41 AT GRANT GROVE. I'm worried about Thurston and the heat.

Ya know, I was just reflecting at how I was condemned by a couple friends a few years ago for camping with "too much stuff" and "too big a tent", etc., etc.

Since then, I've never been invited to camp with them again. I just saw some pics from their recent camping trip, and they now have as much crap as I do, and a bigger tent with a porch even! It kinda rubs me the wrong way, because these folks were so critical of me back then. (I was once even told, "Don't bring your portable bedframe. You can make do without it." even though I drove myself and set up my own gear.)

Sorry for the vent, but I had to say something to someone.

That said, I am so glad I have found Swank Camping with friends who appreciate each other and don't give a damn about how each other choose to camp.

Dear Disneyphile,

Don’t be upset – I too pack everything when Lashbear and I go camping (just in case). To give you an idea, some items include:

• 500 feet of copper pipe.
• A M.I.G. Welder.
• A roll of lead sheet.
• A book entitled "101 things to do with Peanut Butter".
• A roll of pretty pink duct tape.
• 1 or 2 Uranium 235 Isotopes.

…the isotopes are always a bitch to find. Finally I found them as Item #U235 in the Tandy Catalogue. And thank God for Amex.

Well, anyway, the bear and I went camping – and low and behold we ran out of gaslight.

No problemo – I ripped a trash can off a post, and rigged a small nukey-lar reactor up in a jiffy. We had enough light and boiling water to power a small nation. A dog lifted its leg on the tank and fair near steamed its ding off.

If only I had packed the fvcking asbestos gloves so I could shut the sucker down. They’ll be on the list next time…

We wish we could go camping with you LoT – one day I know we will.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat. :rolleyes: <--------on behalf of SusieAnne Krellingshaw (this is her).

He's not lying... but it's ME that usually packs all the excess. "Oh dear, we didn't use even half of the $357.00 worth of food we packed for this three day weekend". :D

Having said that, I can't wait for Swank Camping at Yosamite in 2010. Bring it on !!

Why? You've got his cool coat and there will be plenty of shade and water. This won't be any hotter than a summer day in SoCal, and you don't have a/c at home :)

Yeah, I'm woried about summer at home too.

He'll be fine. It will all be fine.

"I put your dog in a box for you...
dog in a box for you,
your dog in a box for you..."

Yes, but is it an air conditioned box?

Give 'em an inch and they want rocket surgery. As it happens, SusieAnne has been nagging me to give her some left-over stuff from our last camping trip. I also gave her the kitchen sink. So here it is for you - and your little dog too !!!

We are bringing a tent designed for eight - for the two of us. Inside will be a queen size bed (not just an air mattress: a bed!

Dear LashStoat

Please post more often!

Kevy, I'm curious about the bed. I want to bring one, but I need to get one pronto and figure out how to transport it ... along with a Lashpair/Disneyphile-level load of other stuff ... otherwise Gemini Cricket and I will have no place to sleep.


Despite seeing zapppop yesterday, I failed to procure his leaky air mattress ... and since it goes nearly flat by morning, I really don't think it's worth the exta effort to get it at this point.


But if I don't come up with something very quickly, and very comfortably, I'm absolutely seriously not going to be at Swank Camp.


A bed sounds like a perfect idea! How in the world are you doing it???

I'm bringing a sleeping bag and a foam pad to put under the sleeping bag.
:)

He built his own disassembleable frame.

Oh fine!


Gemini Cricket, bring a tent.

Hi GD,

Is disassembleable the same as knockdownable - and do you need an allen key?

Stay home.
I'll ride up with Lisa and sleep in another tent, or bring one of my own.
:)

I'm bringing my own tent.
I'm borrowing it from a friend.
:)

Steve,

Colman makes some pretty comfortable camping grade air mattresses and they sell battery air pumps to go with. I got mine at Target (that I bring to NYE) for about $30 (with pump).

Dear IsM,

I'd send you our blowup bed, but I fear it won't get there in time. Could you hire one from a camping shop?

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

The only tool necessary to assemble it is Kevy.

I had a lot of fun reading up on your posts...the time is, what, now?

Disneyphile, who cares what anyone thinks, you are right, you carry your own weight, they can bugger off!!!

Thurston will be fine because he has you, Lisa.

Oh, you Lashes are cracking me up!! So glad to see you!!

And, last but not least, I saw a Yosemite trip for '09????

Anyone want to pm me with that? I don't want to hijiack this thread but I am eager to know what is on the agenda for that. I doubt if I would camp but I would like to grab some accomodations and knowing ahead of time would really help....

Anyways, it sounds like you all are going to have so much fun. I am sorry to be missing it, but, for health reasons our last stint was hard on me and I'd rather have fun so I'll stay home and read your travel tales. And enjoy the photos.

Have fun!

We did that to a friend once. She had packed her entire wardrobe and god knows what else. She had more stuff on her own than 4 other people combined. We wouldn't let her in the car until she pared it down. And she was eternally grateful to us because she said she felt far more relaxed once she let go of all her stuff.

Of course, that was a situation where we were cramming 5 people and all of our gear into a single station wagon, so it would literally have been impossible for her to bring all of that crap.

I'm seriously jealous of this trip! Have fun, swank campers!

Quick answer is that it is something I built. Here is the only picture I can find of it:


Yep

I actually designed it to be set-up and torn down without tools.

You can probably get an even better price at Walmart.

Also, I will be bringing a heavy-duty air pump for blowing up beds that we don't mind sharing (we have four batteries for it plus a card charger just in case.

ALSO: we will be bringing a 10-cup coffee maker.

I think we are shooting for the "going overboard" award on this trip :blush:

You answered one question before I did - thank you!

No Wal*Mart near me. I'll check Target tonight.

I'm much more relaxed about it knowing that the Cricket will be sleeping elsewhere. I'll even settle for zapppop's leak-afflicted mattress because I don't mind the reduced pressure of one body ... but two tends to flatten it to a LoT-appropriate pancake just in time for breakfast.


Paring down is my project for tonight. I seem to have pictured a two week camping trip that I have to revise to 3 days. Alas, you need the same amount of bulky gear for 2 days as for 2 weeks. Let's stay longer!!!








* * * *

My apologies for my grumpiness. That I went all the way down to Orange County yesterday for the air mattress and forgot to get it is really upsetting me. I've been forgetting all kinds of things lately, more and more, and with my family history of Alzheimer's-induced dementia, it's really shaken me up.

If anyone is hurting for space within their vehicle, bring it to us (by Wednesday morning) and we can transport it for you.

answer: duct tape

Ha, if I could find the leak. It's been a puzzlement.



But ... with enough Duct Tape, I could just tape up the whole thing!!! An extra level of padding!

finding is easy. filled, submerged...follow the bubbles.

yeah, but who has a queen sized tub?

Ya know I think I could make one...

shower first!!!!!

Lets not mince words.
The Cricket is sleeping elsewhere because as of a couple of posts ago, he had nowhere to sleep and no ride because someone had a hissy fit.
The Cricket will now have his own tent. And he is not going to let another bonfire-related gathering go to sh!t.
I am having a good time no matter what. I have spent a lot of money I don't have to get ready for this. It also may be a long time before I get to do something vacation-y and fun again.
So, if anyone is thinking of showing up and fvcking up the fun, they're going to p!ss of the Cricket and that's not pretty.

Now then, did someone say queen-sized tub?
:)

Mr. Cricket. Have you seen how many posts there have been in this thread in the last hour? Activity is fast and furious, and will likely continue in this vein for the next two days. My "hissy fit" lasted all of two posts and 3 minutes.

I am a little stressed. Forgetting the entire purpose of my trip to the O.C. yesterday, when I'm concerned about wasting precious gasoline and seeing more signs lately of losing my memory has been more than a tad upsetting to me.

But I apologized for it within 3 minutes and never SHOUTED IN ALL CAPS at you or anyone. Anyways, I have to admit it's less stressful for me to have a collapsing air mattress if I don't have to host anyone in the Happy Potter style iSm tent.


I love you Mr. Cricket, and that goes for everyone else who'll be at Swank Camp.


Camping is anti-stressful. Getting ready for camping is stressful. My renewed apologies.

Fill it. Spritz it with soapy water and watch for the bubbles. :cheers:

We're bringing our Jolly Roger to hoist at our site. I figured it's appropriate to our team name, since "junk" is also a sailing vessel. ;)

Oh, and KB/GusGus, are you bringing the large water bottles again? Ken and I are bringing a case of small bottles that we'll be happy to share with you. Also, are we still doing the taquito dinner and pancake/bacon fest breakfast? I'm going to make the pinto beans tomorrow so I can freeze them in time. (I'm also going to make salsa instead of guacamole, since I can make that ahead of time as well.) And, what do we want to do for dessert?

what, we have to do desert now too?;)


I'll call you in a while so we can hash out details.

Dayum, I've just caught up with this thread. Vicariously enjoying all the plotting, planning and stress.

Have a great time! Next year, maybe I can manage to no longer be a camping virgin! :)

iSm: There's a Walmart along the freeway toward Six Flags. You can pick up a single camp bed (like mine - expandable frame, inflatable mattress) for like $45, or a full size for like $83. (Me wants the full size long time, but me no has da moolah to gets it)

For the record, I'm hitting the road in a couple hours. I'll be coming in sometime after dinner on Friday night.

If we're desperately in need of something, call me. Number's on my website

Ciao!

if theres any way possible, this is how you want to start. however, know that you will be sooo camping spoiled, that anything less would be considered zero.

If I end up spending the night I'll probably just sleep on the ground next to my car (sometimes I sleep on picnic table benches if the ground is too lumpy) -- so all you bear-phobes can sleep soundly knowing that an unwrapped, well-marbled snack is readily available to them. I hope that doesn't strike anybody as too extravagant.

I don't know that I've ever seen preparing for camping viewed as stressful before. Oh well, I hope everybody's stress dissolves with the views as you descend down into King's Canyon so you're fresh and happy by the time you step out of the car.

As long as it is not MY junk being hoisted.

Yes: two 3-gallon bottles plus a cistern. Plus personal size (12 oz?) bottles

Taquitos need guacamole.

I have the Sunday morning breakfast covered solo (Bacon, scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, bacon and bacon). I have the process down pretty good, so I really don't need much help on it. Maybe if you danced naked for me it might provide inspiration.

I don't find it the least bit stressful: I have a wife :D

Sometimes if picnic table benches are too comfortable, I like to sleep on spikes, or pinecones if spikes aren't available. Then I boil up some tree bark for breakfast because bacon is too tasty. These are the woods damn it!

I sleep on the floor at home with regularity so sleeping on the ground while camping isn't a hardship. And setting up a tent for just one night is more pain than reward.

Picnic benches are surprisingly comfortable (for side sleeping). Though every once in a while I wake up suddenly thinking I'm about to fall off (but I've never actually fallen off).

I don't know, would you settle for a Tub-Sized Queen instead ? :D

Wouldn't the actual table be roomier?

Yes, but there's usually stuff on the picnic table.

We're bringing our air mattress. I feel like a bit of a wimp for doing so, but we have the thing and it's not hard to pack. If we didn't have one I wouldn't have gone out and gotten one for this trip, but since we own it there's no good reason to forgo some comfort for the sake of being obstinate. Not that I don't enjoy being obstinate from time to time.

sounds like one of my dads 'survival' vacations to death valley when we were kids.


dad "we need a fire so we can cook"
me and bro's "ok..we need a match"
dad "sorry. no matches for joo. good luck....by the way, we dont eat 'till you three build a fire" *wanders off laughing*
:eek: (knowing full well he had a lighter in his pocket)

Your dad sounds like a funny guy. {probably not to you guys at the time, of course}.

I am sad to be missing this fun but I kind of relate to iSm because if I had planned upon going, I would probably be freaking out right now. It just would not have worked out, it would have been stressful.

So now I am just envious but not stressing. Over this.

It is confirmed. I will be leaving tomorrow evening and driving up to Yosemite to spend Wednesday with my Brother. I will then get up on Thursday morning and head over to Kings Canyon. When you arrive at Sheep Creek, look at the bulletin board for there just might be a sign telling you where Swank Camp is. :) Then, go to said site to find Thurston, Cricket and I hard at work lounging about.

Sounds like we won't need the Bisquick for pancakes. Ken and I are picking up Saturday's dessert then.

I'll let Ken know that you'd like him to dance naked while you're cooking. :evil:

Let's talk Thursday Dinner.

KS is making chicken with tomatillo salsa. I'm going to make a black bean salad. Me thinks we need some Spanish Rice. I'll check at TJ's tomorrow and see if there is anything pre-made unless anyone has another good idea.

Dessert for Thursday is beyond my control ;)

Sounds like lots of beans this trip.

I'll bring the Febreeze! ;)

I can take care of rice on Thursday.

I've got graham crackers and hershey bars but no marshmellows.

I have a pcak of marshmallows in the cupboard.




I just set them out with the other crap.

Not Afraid, are you taking the Cricket with you to your brother's? I'm confused, and want to make sure he has a ride to Swank Camp.

Shoot, I should have arranged to have some delicious gourmet plush puffs marshmallows. Fooey.

We have graham crackers, Hershey bars AND marshmallows.

Score!

We need to have bacon with those smores...

Okay, this is a SERIOUS question: We have 6-1/2 pounds of bacon for Sunday breakfast. Is that enough for 16/17 people? I'm worried that it isn't.

yup.
Cricket, Thurston and I are going on an adventure in the High Sierras.

I was just realizing that this weekend, 8 out of the 10 highest-post-count-posters will be at Camp Swank, including the top six.

15 out of the top 30.

There is going to be a serious vacuum this weekend.

It's time for the lurkers to step up to the plate.

Lurkers and trolls. ;)

I can't believe I haven't hit the road yet... ugh. Gotta get to Vacaville tonight at some kind of decent hour because I'm sure we're departing early tomorrow morning. Ugh, it's already looking like midnight for me.

Homework. Check.
Bacon. Check.
Debauchery. Check.

Have fun y'all!

definately!!!

But I'm going too!

Shirley you aren't serious ?

...I'd double that...

Don't worry I have the Stoat training to be a loser as we speak.....

Minor error: this should be 14 out of the top 30.

Here is a challenge: there are seventeen people going (including Alex). That means that three of the attendees are NOT in the top 30 (30 biggest losers). Can you guess those three without seeing the list of attendees? Or if not, I have pasted the list below (in the spoiler).

It don't mean squat, but I needed a two minute distraction.

I could bring the hot tub if the woods have an outlet.

Yeah and I won't be able to post either so...you know. That will really slow things down.

So just trying to catch up (again) and read through this thread. Just to clarify, are we prepping for camping, or to take over Canada? I just ask because it may change what I bring. I can't see stressing over a camping trip, but I could see the conquering of another nation (sorta) as something that could engender stress in some. Not that I have thought about it yet, but if I'm going camping I think I need to bring:

• Meat that goes on a stick
• Swiss Army Knife to sharpen said stick
• Clothes and shoes (changes not necessary except for socks)
• Fire to cook meat over utilizing the stick
• Shelter of some sort
• A truck to get there in

Now if we are going to be taking over Canada, I will need:

• All of the above
• My trusty .22 rifle
• If the rifle is not available, a larger Swiss Army Knife should do the trick

So you'll be staying in the next camp site over? Or further?

Clothes are so overrated.

Well, we're bringing everything but the kitchen sink (and we even considered bringing that), so I guess take over Canada it is!

too true

Especially if he is wearing the same clothes for five days straight

There's a river

With rocks

Have fun!! I can't wait to see the pictures!

Oh, I don't think anyone will be taking pictures.

LOL Well, not obviously.

That would take the shock out of the blackmail. :evil:

Ok, I can't wait see to see some PG pictures :D

I don't know where I rank, but Tom and I are also afk this weekend, for our first wedding anniversary.

Here's a photo of the infamous black junk that I snapped last year:

Funny, he doesn't look Chinese...

When are NirvanaMan and EH arriving? They're a maybe for Thursday night? Just trying to get a headcount for Thursday dinner and Friday Breakfast.

They'll be arriving on Friday, if I recall what EH told me.

They will definitely be there before Sunday.

Unless they don't come.

Thanks!!

Does that mean we can poke the trolls with sharp sticks? After all none of you are here to stop us:p

You obviously haven't seen ours! Her's is nothing!

Soooo, any idea what outing the group will be on Saturday? Just so I might find you if I come up and/or am late getting there.

Crystal Cave? Nature Trail to Hell? The Long and Windy Road that Leads to your Door?

I will be calling Chris from a pay phone (!) to tell him what sites we are cmping at so he can find us on Friday night. Im sure he will post that information in the board for any late comers.

As for what we're doing Saturday........sleeping.

We should be getting in late Thursday night.

Ken and I will probably be busy being lazy on Saturday. And Friday. And Sunday. ;)

Are you sure there are payphones around there? An awful lot of places are removing payphones.

Dear Nirvana Man,

No self-respecting would-be camper would not include the items listed in my earlier post - and in particular the pink duct tape.

It's good for (in no particular order, of course):

• Repairing leaky air mattresses.
• Kinky bondage sessions.
• Subduing the cat before…well, before.
• Strapping nukey-lar trash cans to tent poles for stability.
• Insulating the handles of marshmallow prongs.
• Preventing snoring (I feel guilt our there).
• Makeshift contraceptive device.
• Accessorising your Barbie Doll.
• Catching flies - insect and bar.
• Repairing flies - tent and trouser.
• Belt - trouser and chastity.
• Retrieving your wallet from a tight crevice between two rocks.
• Makeshift underwear (Galtier style).
• Bikini-line waxing (only without the wax).
• A splint for erectile problems.
• Makeshift crime-scene line.
• Sobriety line (I feel guilt our there).
• Wrapping leftovers and left lovers (later requires plastic sheet).
• Marking His (or Her) side of the bed. I prefer the inside.
• Displaying “Wanted Posters” (see left lovers above).
• Makings hats, brooches and things that fly.
• Removing carbon footprints.
• Toilet blocks, to provide phone details that can be easily removed at will, in an eco-friendly way.

There. I think I have not only captured the many uses of pink duct tape, but the very essence of a Swank Camping Trip – and I haven’t even been on one yet !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX

Hi WendyBeth,

Thanks for the mojo - I revised a few bits, so you may want to review the previous post.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX

You're an artist, you are, Lashstoat. Who knew there were so many applications for pink duct tape?:cheers:

Have fun guys! I'm extra jealous.

And remind me again why LashStoat has not aforeto been a regular around here?


Start the swim, boys. You can make it by Sunday!

I think I will be joining K & T.

I'll be snagging at least one of the days (or at least part of) to go off fishing somewhere. anyone who cares to (and brings their own gear) is welcome to come with.

Would love to but I have no gear (and we have already spent way too much money on this trip).

Well it is a given that Duct tape is a necessity. However as I would always have it with me anyway (red, not pink) I didn't think to give it the mention it deserves.

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

+1

I can bring more if you guys are truly up for it. I have a number of rigs, but somewhat limited tackle. you'd also need licenses and I would naturally assume day permits (to be purchased on site Im sure)

and youre bound to clean your own catch if you plan on eating it.

I would like to go fishing!
:)

We're talking about actual fish, not hot gay men. I know that Nirvanaman's interest might have thrown you.

A license to go fishing??? ::Sigh::

Thank you government for regulating everything in my life. Do I have to register my rod as a potentially lethal weapon as well?

Heh. I said rod.

Yes, but only because it has the potential to make one laugh to death.

um....well, yeah. fishing licenses have been the norm for pretty much my entire life. not sure what they cost now

fishing license rates

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

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

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

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

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

Or you could READ THE WIKI!!!!

Have you done a test set up yet?

Add more bacon

We 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! ;)

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.

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

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

thats what I needed. mucus garcia

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?

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

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

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?

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

No

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

Just no luv anymore....

CP

:)

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

Ken's bringing his skin flute.

I understand he is quite the soloist

He's definitely got the upper hand at mastering just about any tune.

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

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

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

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

Food shopping accomplished.

Beverages remain individual responsibility even at group meals, yes?

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

Yes

The beans turned out SO yummy!

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

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

Send some to us !!!!

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?

1 character.

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.

Is that some sort of euphemism?

The radio thing works by checking the bulletin board when you arrive.

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

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

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

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?

Don't 10-100 on the electric fence.

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.

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

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

Have fun!
Peace, Love, and Bacon!

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

What do you have against those who've already left?

Stoat, you are killing me! :D

Dear Snowflake,

My, you are the observant one. Smoooch.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX

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)?

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.

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.

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!

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...

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

And for ISM to study How to make an Omlete ;)

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.

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.

Hi IsM,

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

And WTF is a frelling?

It's Wednesday...people are already leaving? Don't you people have jobs?

Who the frell wants to know?!

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.

I need to finish packing today.

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.???

We'll tune our radios to 5 as well.

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...

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. :)

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.
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...

Oh! I thought she was driving to King's Canyon via Vegemite.

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!?!?!?!?!?!

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

Maybe he's just up earlier than 4AM

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.

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:

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

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

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

...as seen in "Priscilla, Queen of the desert"

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

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

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

I recommend driving.

Or possibly apache helicopter.

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).

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

http://ww2.aaa.com/scripts/WebObject...userid=&memid=

But can we get discounts on park admission?

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:

Wow look at all this stuff on the wiki!

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

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.

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 #.

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

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. ;)

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

I'm leaving Friday night

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

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

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

I'm already gone.



Oh wait.

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,

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).

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

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

anyone bringing a baseball and mitt?

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.

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.

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?

Damn this is early!

5 a.m.

Leaving.




Goodbye Cool LoT.


:iSm:

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

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

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

They are making good time :D

swanie

That is good time.

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

Yep. Still jealous I am.

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.

I waved as they passed through!

I'm off!

well, we've always suspected that !!

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

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







it has been waaaay too long

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.

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

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

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!!!!

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

:cheers: Have 3 for me!!!

Now now, I do have to drive

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.

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!!

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...

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. :(

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:

Looks like Camp Swank will be minus 1 Bornieo.

Oh well... next year.

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.

I'm off - see you all back on Sunday

Have a good one !!!

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!

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

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!

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

You have seen Kevy's camping bed - full queen size, I believe ?

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 ?

Hey !!! I resemble that remark, buddy !! :p

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.

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

Swank camp 2010? I'm so there!