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.

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

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)

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!!

it really was awesome

But what about the Bacon ?

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?

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!!!

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.