Camping Swanking - June 28 - July 3

[Morrigoon]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

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

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

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

[Not Afraid]

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

[Morrigoon]

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

[Not Afraid]

ANYTHING with a scent must be stored.

What must be stored?

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

How to Store Items Properly

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

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

In Campgrounds

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

While Day-Hiking

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

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

Lodging

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

When You See a Bear

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

[Alex]

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

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

[Not Afraid]

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

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

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

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

I don't think I would based on this:

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

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

[Not Afraid]

Too bad LashStoat isn't going to join us.


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

[Alex]

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

So no orgies.

[Not Afraid]

I guess the orgy tent can stay at home then.