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Camping 101 - Missing in Action

Okay, so I was a den mother throughout my son's cub scout years, but I (along with another mother who has since become a close friend) did not care to actually accompany our boys on the camping/sleeping through the night aspect. We stuck around for the hikes, the swims and canoeing, the airplane contests, even the campfire building and cookouts, but when nightfall rolled in, we rolled out and let a Dad or two stay over.

In a few days, I will have a chance to go camping in the Rocky Mountains. My children and I went to the area last August so I am really looking forward to the cool, dry air of the mountains. Problem: I like to vacation in a resort hotel where I eat five star meals prepared FOR me. I enjoy lounging by a pool or ocean when outside, or lolling in a King sized bed in air conditioning while inside. And, I like to end the vacation with a full body massage, pedicure and manicure so I actually return home looking and feeling as though I had a vacation.

For reasons TIN (tangential in nature), I am going camping with my son and a friend and his mother. Now, I admit that I feel somewhat ashamed as the 'other' mother is so excited about this trip that she is literally frothing at the mouth. She has a tent, a sleeping bag, and I don't know for sure but certainly suspect, that she has been buying and hoarding warm socks, sweats, and hoodies for our event. She is probably the type who also makes up batches of trail mix and chocolate chip cookies with raisins and pecans to keep her energy high - well, one can only hope she shares.

So now comes your part. I am hoping you will offer some helpful hints of what I can do to look anything but the novice that I am. What are absolute musts for me to take. What are some rookie no nos that I should avoid at all costs? And any tasty recipes that require little cooking would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone know of a great masseuse in the area?

By Ronda Miller

July 16, 2009

At Random

From the Citizen Journalism Academy

Discussion

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16 July 2009
at 10:28 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Ronda — I won't be any help here! I am not a camper and would prefer to sleep inside and have an inside restroom. My idea of camping is an RV or a hotel. Good luck!
16 July 2009
at 10:34 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Thanks, schula. I don't usually think of myself as a girlie girl having grown up on a farm and enjoy spending as much time as possible out-of-doors, but sometimes (especially while vacationing) one just wants/needs to be pampered.
16 July 2009
at 10:37 a.m.

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Informed (Anonymous) says…

If you're going to be in your own tent, set it up at home first. That way, you make sure that everything is there (poles, stakes, etc.) and you also are familiar with HOW to set it up.
16 July 2009
at 10:41 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I like that idea, informed. It will make me look surefooted as though I know what I am doing. Maybe I can even be missing one stake and have something in mind as a backup stick for stake to make myself look knowledgeable. Great advice. Thanks!
16 July 2009
at 11 a.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

Just remember ronda, the snakes, spiders, mosquitoes, flies, sand fleas, ticks, bears, cougars, tigers, bats, serial killers and weird looking hitchhikers will all not bother you if you leave them alone. Just ignore that screeching screaming outside the tent at two o'clock in the morning. Sounds like good times. Oh, and a helpful hint, throw a stun grenade in your sleeping bag before you crawl into it.
16 July 2009
at 11:05 a.m.

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Music_Girl (Anonymous) says…

2 words…bug spray! haha…here is a list of stuff I can think of right now to take. I'm sure there is stuff I'll forget though. How long will you be staying?

Tent
Sleeping bag
bug spray
baby wipes (or similar product)
hand sanitizer
plenty of sturdy socks
sturdy clothes in general (shorts, shirts, long pants, etc)
sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots
hair brush
mouth wash (teeth brushing isn't always possible)
deoderant (a kind that won't melt)
glasses case/contact solution (if applicable)
first aid kit
any necessary medication (ibprofen, allergy meds, scripts, etc)
car cell phone charger
map (know where the nearest help station is, hospital, etc)
battery powered weather radio set to location where you're at
Optional: air mattress (I have a bad back and love this thing!)

snacks:
beef jerky
chex mix
water
juice that doesn't require a fridge
nuts
crackers
granola bars
smore stuff (grahm crackers, marshmellows and chocolate)
if coolness is available:
hot dogs and sandwich stuff

That's all I have for now…hope that helps!
16 July 2009
at 11:09 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Oh yeah, all those bugs autie just mentioned is another reason I am not a camper.

16 July 2009
at 11:12 a.m.

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meggers (Anonymous) says…

Ronda,

Ziploc bags are a must. Not the slide-type- they don't seal properly. Go with the old yellow and blue make green thing.

For food, corn on the cob can be cooked right in the husk over the grill. Turns out great! I've found that it works pretty well to take frozen meat in the cooler. By the time you go to cook it, it's just barely thawed out, so you don't have worries of it going bad or not being kept cold enough if your ice has done some melting. Another cooler tip, freeze water bottles and stick them in there. They keep stuff cool, plus you have ice cold water to drink when they thaw.

A favorite of mine is 'Simply Potatoes' Southwest-style hash browns. Just spray some non-stick spray in a foil pan and cook them over the fire. I've found that you can also make canned biscuits in a foil pan by tightly covering it with foil. It helps to put it sort of to the edge of the fire, so the middle has a chance to rise before the outsides are done. Scrambled eggs and diced ham work great in a foil pan, too.

A collapsible water container is always very handy. Just fill it up and hang it from a tree, so you have running water for your hands, dishes, etc. For that matter, you can get a portable shower that's essentially a larger version of the same thing. Hopefully, you'll be in an area that has shower facilities, though, so you won't need to worry about it.

For your tent, a double-wide air mattress always makes sleeping more comfortable. If rain is in the forecast, there's a spray you can put on your tent to waterproof it. You can probably find it at Target or Wally World.

If, like me, you're pretty attached to your coffee in the morning, there are coffee pots that will plug into your lighter/adapter and brew it just like at home. Otherwise, you can get an old fashioned camping pot for 10 bucks or so. You just need to have a fire going for it to brew.

Other than that, antibacterial wipes, a lantern, liquid soap (and some cheapo plastic dishes), paper towels (the select-a-size ones work great for camping tp, too!), clothesline (if you plan on getting wet at all) and clothespins, rain ponchos, oven mitts, bug stuff, etc.

Your trips sounds great- have fun!!!!
16 July 2009
at 11:19 a.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

Ms. Rodanda,
Don't go without “Ronaldo's Portable Margarita Machine” (RPMM), a cordless drill with a 1/4” socket square drive adaptor, and an Oster smoothie kit.
Pour your margarita mix and ice in the container, turn it upside down, and insert the bit adapter into the thingy that you normally stick in the blender and pull the trigger on the drill. 45 seconds later, you have the perfect blended margarita.
Make sure your cordless drill has enough power and speed, 1/2” chuck, and at least 1300 rpm.
It all fits easily in a backpack, and block ice wrapped in a towel then multiple layers of newspaper, and then a plastic baggy lasts for a long time.
I just use my pocket knife to hack off the ice for use in the mobile margarita machine, but a hatchet would work just fine too.
16 July 2009
at 11:43 a.m.

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Easy_Does_It (Anonymous) says…

If you are going to Rocky Mtn Nat. Park they do not have showers. - There is a maytag laundry where you can rent a shower. I appreciate them being there but it is not luxury. Bring flip flops to avoid foot fungi.

Take your time hiking, it is great.
16 July 2009
at 11:43 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

OMG! You are all so funny and experienced!

autie, I will be going with a stalker so I should be safe from serial (cereal) eaters and killers. I love the sound of a coyote or a hoot owl during the night - as long as I have someone to snuggle up against. I like the idea of a stun gun going into the sleeping bag….after TIN man has already crawled inside. ;)

music girl, your list makes me so exhausted it is no wonder I don't want to go camping. Why take a vacation that involves adding more work to and after your vacation? I just don't get it. I enjoy packing very light and usually take a carry on while catching flights to Nassau….this is so non vacation like… ;( Terrific list of items though..I don't believe you left anything out…well, that item Ret mentions.

meggers, great advice. I am a half a cup of coffee a day person and I use instant (I know, I should be ashamed, but I don't tolerate caffeine well) so I should be okay on that note. I love the idea of frozen corn on the cob and the simply potatoes! I bought steaks recently at the buy one get one free at Dillons this past week…Looks like one meal will be taken care of. What my travel companions don't get is that I really enjoy shoveling food into my mouth constantly….Two guys and another mom and I don't want to fear being hungry….

Ret, are your ““Ronaldo's Portable Margarita Machine” (RPMM)” on the market as yet? I think the idea of a margarita might just save me…perhaps I should begin drinking now. I didn't realize just what a handy fellow you are.

schula, I am glad you empathize with me…thanks…. If I feel like crying, I will call you.
16 July 2009
at 12:11 p.m.

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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…

In the late sixties we drove around the west in a VW van, remember those, and after we parked we put up the tent and had day hikes to places in the area.
My ex was an excellent cook so he took care of all that.
When we were in the Rocky Mountains we stopped by a couple of trout streams and fished for our breakfast.
He could cook up a meal worthy of Emeril on a campfire.
He was a city boy born and bred in the ghetto, so a drive by shooting didn't make him turn a hair, but an owl hooting at night nearby brought him upright out of a sound sleep staring wildly around him.
“What is that,” he would say.
“Oh, that,” I would answer. “That is the great horned owl. You know the idea that the devil has horns came from the nocturnal activities of this bird. It can be quite, well, we don't need to go into the grisly details, do we dear? Dear?
16 July 2009
at 12:23 p.m.

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autie (Anonymous) says…

My God, Music Girl, are you going camping or to colonize the new world…about the only things you really need are a blanket, fishing poles, tackle, bait, beer, a bag of doritos and maybe that margarita makin machine Renaldo was talking about..and an ice chest. bingo set to go.
16 July 2009
at 12:46 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I agree, autie I would never make it out of the house if I had to purchase and tote all those items. I don't have my house stocked that well. I do think sun screen, bug spray, water are essential items though….along with the margarita machine. Nix the fishing poles…..beer…..tackle……bait (I have TIN man for that)…..

Irish, and you let a good man such as that go? Or did the great horned owl carry him away? Good memories it seems….thanks for sharing them.

I had the opportunity to camp out with some old goats at Clinton Lake…training those of us who were the cub leaders. They broke us up into separate groups and had us cook the recipe and bag of food they handed us. I believe I got to do the roast chicken in an empty coffee can. I can't remember all the things we ate that night, but I know they included gumbo and some type of cherry dump cake dessert. It was a terrific meal and it tasted even better after going on a long hike to identify native plants, etc. Nothing like the great outdoors to fire up an appetite…unfortunately it seems to work the same for all the critters autie previously mentioned.

The above reminds me…one of the women who shared my tent had a handy device that she could stick over the front of her privates…and pee standing up. How cool is that! (okay, so you guys don't appreciate that one as much as the ladies)…I must get one of those for sure!
16 July 2009
at 1:08 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

hehehehe. I love this. At our age this is hilarious. You are going to need to recharge that hover round.;)
If we were younger my advice would be much different, but if I were an over 30 doing this..I'd have a back up in place. I'd have made reservations and paid for rooms somewhere close at all locations we would be staying..dang the cost! That way, if we needed them for any reason they would be there, even if if were just for a shower, or someone got hurt, or we had to run into town and needed a place to rest in between in town excursions. You could keep excess belongs there and not at the campsite if that is less dangerous.If the weather turns bad you aren't out of luck finding a room. If it turns out 400 neo nazi's or Lithuanian Nose Hummers were having their annual event, you might not want to stay. :)

You taking the pups? They'll make great guard dogs!
Arrrggghhhh!
(they can pee on the other camper's tent flap zippers)
:D

16 July 2009
at 1:39 p.m.

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tvc (Anonymous) says…

For reasons TIN, you should remember your tent is not soundproof.
16 July 2009
at 1:57 p.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Before I forget, everyone can have the whole day off tomorrow! I will be working an event in Atchison for my second job later in the afternoon.
16 July 2009
at 2:01 p.m.

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geekin_topekan (Anonymous) says…

Matches in a water proof container or just keep your bic dry.
Those solar camper's showers which are a large water bag that sets in the sun work great! If you remember to fill them up in the AM that is. they take about a hour in direct sunlight for a moderately warm shower.
My ultimate campfire coffee method which I share with no one:
1.Fill the blue enamel coffee pot to halfway (eyeballed).
2.Pour coffee grounds directly onto the water until you have covered the entire water surface with a half inch thick floating cover of grounds.(No perculator,they are for girls!)
3.Place on top of fire or coals, somewhere where you can reach it with GLOVED hands and allow it to come to a rolling boil.
4.Let it boil for about 5 minutes and remove from fire pit.
5.Pour COLD water slowly, very gracefully, into the pot until the level reaches two inches from the top.
6.Place it back onto the coals and let it heat the now full pot to steaming perfection.
7.Enjoy your campfire coffee with pine fresh mountain air.

When you get toward the bottom of the pot pour the last cup very slowly so as not to get grounds in your mug. Throw the last inch or so of sludgy coffee water out with a swish of water to rinse.

Bring one warm shirt. It will get COLD up there, trust me.
16 July 2009
at 2:16 p.m.

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coolmom (Anonymous) says…

in a pan over the fire you can make great eggs by putting them cracked open with whatever you want with them mushrooms etc in ziploc bags in a pan of boiling water. each bag would belong to someone and after cooking its easy to clean.
16 July 2009
at 2:36 p.m.

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gontek (Anonymous) says…

my advice - don't pretend to be something you are not.

Just bring plenty of cash, wear your nicest evening wear and stylish shades (don't forget a fashionable hat), then find out where the closest department stores, spas and restaurants are. Bring spare car keys, and sneak out when you get the chance. If anyone asks, just tell them you have to go see a man about a wallaby.

Everyone else probably has extra of everything that has been recommended. Remember, scouts are honorable and everything, but not above bribery.

Sounds like you are getting plenty of other advice that is better. By really roughing it, you will learn to get better at camping. Sounds like that's not for you. Embrace who you are, and have a great vacation like you want.
16 July 2009
at 2:57 p.m.

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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…

I had to catch the fish and clean it while my ex cooked it. The big bad guy from the Ghetto, and he was the size and shape of a good running back which he was in semi-pro football, he could not bring himself to bait a hook.
At a lake I baited a hook with a minnow and he yelled and stepped back with a look of utter horror on his face.
It screamed in pain, he said, I know it did.
I will never forget that moment. I still feel guilty about that.
He did enjoy the fish I caught - and cleaned.
16 July 2009
at 4:05 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Wow! Getting some great advice.

tvc, for those same TIN reasons, we have been practicing…a lot! ;)

schula, thanks for the day off. Hopefully we can do this each week. I love four day work weeks!

geek, excellent advice about the matches…and the coffee sounds terrific. The TIN man drinks a little coffee with his milk so he needs it to be very strong.

coolmom, I have used that recipe in the microwave so I know it works…good time to try it. And lets face it, it may be eggs morning, noon, and night. Thanks! Cheese, mushrooms (toadstools for TIN), chives, etc., etc., YES!

gontec, sounds like the best advice yet. I'll have them drop me off at a resort close by their campsite and they can pick me up on the way home…better yet, why make the drive (I have a tendency to get car sick and am terrified of heights) when I can just go to the Plaza in KC while they are gone! I'll tell them you gave me permission. About that wallaby…..

Irish, he was obviously a good and honorable man. Although I have met some real brutes who are still nice to worms. Or maybe that was real worms who were nice brutes.

pups are going to be boarded. They had a recent haircut and their pink, soft skin shows too close to the surface. They might get a nasty sunburn, although we could easily spot ticks against their white fur should they get any….TIN has mentioned recently I may be boarded with them now that he has read this blog….
16 July 2009
at 4:39 p.m.

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Music_Girl (Anonymous) says…

autie, I can't help it. I love making lists and I love being prepared. I have been on one too many trips where I was the only one that thought to bring toilet paper and bug spray. One trip, I was the only one who brought anything but chips. Call it a blessing or a curse but when I go somewhere, if you need it chances are I have it haha.

16 July 2009
at 5:06 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

But they will kill us trying, right? :) Yeah, that tip I think I can do (live) without…thinks I am a city girl…uh huh….
16 July 2009
at 5:12 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

The Rockies afford camping above the mosquito line yet beneath the frost line. And the night sky offers far more than just five stars, so buck up, buckaroo.

( Don't forget that oil can. TIN Man needs to have the occasional stiff part lubricated. )
16 July 2009
at 7:12 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, the 8 oz bottle at Walmart is the best buy at Walmart, sounds like you're going to need it in that Astro- naumically dry mountain air.
(Mamma wolves are going to shooing the pups into the dens while those two are in the woods at night)

Reading the comments, I'm reminded how handy it is to always date a man who has all the equipment and knowledge to do whatever task is needed, and just go along for the fun. Let them do the planning, the packing, the camp cooking. If they are the expert so be it. Of course this should require the phone number of a previous woman who they took camping (etc) for references, lol.
16 July 2009
at 10:50 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

“glasses case/contact solution (if applicable)” It is amazing to me how many uses that contact solution actually has. Does the manufacturer know? They couldn't or the price would go sky high, but these are great suggestions.

tangieTIN, yes, I can hardly wait to share space with you and others in our family under the brilliant night sky. A place where there is seemingly no end to that velvet blanket above us….as long as there is a way for me to somehow get some rest all will be well.

I agree that relaxing and allowing the caveman to do his thing, be in his element, is a terrific suggestion. It has been difficult over the past dozen years having to do it all alone. It is time for me to let go of control and go with the flow….hopefully someone will find me downstream at some point…. :) As far as phone number to previous camp mates….probably not a good idea, but his mother has gone before and said it was the best vacation she ever had..thus her present frothing of the mouth….maybe caveman doesn't fall far from cave woman……hehehe
16 July 2009
at 10:57 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

hmm… “frothing at the mouth”….

I suppose we're all limited by our metaphors.
That pre-departure boarding is sounding better by the moment.

( hmm… kennel… or water…? )
16 July 2009
at 11:11 p.m.

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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…

Well I think you should be shot for doing something like this against your will…or perhaps its the Tin man with the stiff something that should be shot…First its SARA P. now what are you doing trying to chanel her woodsy self….My GOD woman what is wrong with you.
I think you need intervention or something…I must speak with Multi about this…Call Jan she would know what to do…bla bla bla bla bla bla…oh my god….buz buz buz…lmaortff
16 July 2009
at 11:23 p.m.

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vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) says…

A folding chair and a good book by the campfire always put me in a very relaxed mood.
16 July 2009
at 11:43 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

susie…it is good you came in out of the sun! It will cool down the next couple of days. Yep, I am headed off with the TIN man against my best thoughts…but I'll have my son with me so all will be well…no worries.

vertigo, I agree that just looking into a campfire will help relax and make things right. I am ready to relax and enjoy.

16 July 2009
at 11:45 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

Susie, can you just feel that venomous video coming your way?

ROFL!

We could always go camping about 60 ft away from them, and just when their tent gets quiet, we can start telling stupid loud 4th grade jokes like the boy scouts do.
17 July 2009
at 12:05 a.m.

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geekin_topekan (Anonymous) says…

Take at least one roll of toilet paper. Keep it stored near the toidy area in an empty coffee can.
Be sure to get some salt water taffy while you're up there.
BeuxJo's Pizza near Idaho Springs.
Charlie Eagleplume's near Estes.
If you get near Co/.Springs, be sure and check out Poor Richard's downtown.
17 July 2009
at 8:11 a.m.

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gontek (Anonymous) says…

one last piece of advice from me - In case you can't escape, make sure to fill a flask full of your favorite hard liquor. That way, if somebody gets a small injury or scrape, you can sterilize the wound with alcohol…

And when nothing else is going your way, have a nip. Before long, you will be having more fun than anyone.
17 July 2009
at 8:13 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Really you, ladies! You wouldn't want to disrupt our sleep!

geekin, toilet paper and first aid kit are tops on my list. I do so love salt water taffy and haven't had it for some time. Thanks for the mention of the food eats…pizza, etc.! Coffee can once empty? ;)
17 July 2009
at 8:27 a.m.

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ranger73 (Anonymous) says…

Just make sure you don't keep all those snacks and food in your tent, or you will definitely have visitors…chipmunks, raccoons, skunks…even the bigger, meaner guys.
Hang your food, and trash for that matter, up off the ground away from trees at least 10ft. up. Keeps bears (and more human types) from midnite snacks.
17 July 2009
at 10:16 a.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

I heard knocking two sticks together keeps the mountain lions away.
17 July 2009
at 10:25 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

gontek, “favorite hard liquor”….that line has too many possibilities, but I am turning away, red faced and embarrassed ( yeah, sure) and will leave it to autie, roe, multi, irish, susie, ret…. any number of other people to deal with. Oh, I forget, we will have ret's handy dandy mobile margarita machine…must mean tequila is our means of disinfectant…..

ranger, I'll let tange climb the tree…or his rabid mother (she is so excited she will shimmy it in no time flat).

We only have one stick…what is the sound of one stick swishing in the mountain air……..
17 July 2009
at 10:43 a.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

favorite hard liquor
Well now..I never ever would have thought of that until you were turning away, red faced and embarrassed!

I thought liquor could not freeze even at high altitudes.And Just why does the thought of a frozen popsicle make you turn red?

As for the lone stick..reads a lot like a forest after a fire..the wind whistles through it, the remaining sticks stand shockingly still compared to when they had smaller limbs and foliage for the wind to catch :(

17 July 2009
at 11:15 a.m.

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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…

I will be at the first “5 Star” just down the road….and when do we expect you back so we know when to start sending out the rescue and boy scout's ? And don't forget to leave a very small Footprint in the
And what is Tin man trying out that you love to do and he finds not so exciting…anything???? Inquiring minds want to know.
That is a BLOG in its self…”what we give up to be in a relationship” or ” How we reinvent ourselves to find the perfect match”. I have lot's o experence on this.
17 July 2009
at 11:36 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Multi — did you learn that two stick thing from watching the Parent Trap with Hayley Mills? BTW, that is one of my favorite movies.

Off to Atchison to work the Lakefest event. Will check in again tomorrow and tell you how it went.
17 July 2009
at 12:43 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

susie, I am hoping neither of us is giving up anything. It seems like at this point we are gaining everything. I love to joke about the tortures of camping, heights, car sickness (oh, my god)….but I love being out of doors and think of myself as a tomboy….not a nature nut, back pack carrying, biken nut….but an outdoorsey kind of girl. I'll have a wonderful experience I am sure. The company is terrific, and you can't beat the mountains…sky…trees…..I was born in Ft. Collins, so I will be close to home. (I am sending you a private to find out which five star you will be staying in)…. ; )

schula…hope you all had a chance to vote on my “other” blog before scampering off for the weekend. It was great seeing you last night! Have a terrific time at Lakefest.
17 July 2009
at 7:50 p.m.

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twinetowngirl (Anonymous) says…

Ronda,
I have some stuff if you need to borrow it…let me know.

Also, didnt read all the comments, but DONT leave food in your tent!!!
And racoons can figure out how to get the coolers open…trust me!! LOL
17 July 2009
at 10:38 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

twine, I take it you possibly had some recent experience with food in coolers and raccoons! I trust you had an overall good time though.

How nice for you to return to cooler weather. I sure hope it lasts.

A certain party had sleeping bags delivered today that weren't up to snuff…he is sending them back and has already placed an order for the premium ones…we will be sleeping in warmth and cozy comfort on a queen size air mattress. Think I will actually ever be able to sleep in?

It would be interesting to see what all was on your list….thanks for your kind offer!
17 July 2009
at 10:56 p.m.

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SusieCreamcheeze (Anonymous) says…

Do take some sleeping pills…they are great if you wake up to pee you will go right back to sleep.
I have had plenty of nights sleeping in the barn with mares due to foal and trail rides in the wide open and with M. camping and sleeping in the back of the pick up at Tuttle Creek..OH BOY that was fun!
Have fun and watch out for Poision Ivy
17 July 2009
at 11:49 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

“Camping 101 - Missing in Action”

I just got the dichotomy. May I call you MIA?
18 July 2009
at 12:17 a.m.

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mdrndgtl (Anonymous) says…

It's always good practice to keep a vial of gypsy tears nearby. Just a suggestion…

18 July 2009
at 7:58 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

susie, good suggestion. Tylenol usually serves to knock me out, but some fever and/or anti inflammatory meds. should be helpful as well. I think Ret's machine will keep us happy campers and able to sleep (or pass out) quite well. I don't seem to have a problem with poison ivy, but there is always a first time for that too.

TIN and MIA: what a combo…and you already call me anything you want ….why stop now…..so go ahead and call me Mia for reasons….T…I…N….. ;)

no need for gypsy tears…we are cautious adults. Although I will watch carefully for gypsies in the area.
18 July 2009
at 5:01 p.m.

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twinetowngirl (Anonymous) says…

ok…what are gypsy tears?

And no, I have only heard about the racoons being smarter than the coolers. Once heard of a guy who knowing that they wash everything before they eat it, gave them sugar cubes…how mean is that!!
My little boyscout leaves in about an hour to go experience the Colorado mtns…I leave thurs…I can't wait!!
Maybe I'll do a drive by and pick ya up…Twine to the resue!!! LOL
18 July 2009
at 8:01 p.m.

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justmesis (Anonymous) says…

Hope you have a cot. The ground gets very hard after a few hours. Put the sleeping bag on the cot, zip up tight and try and enjoy. After all the years I have gone camping I can't say that I really enjoyed it. Enjoy your time with Scotty-boy! love ya.
19 July 2009
at 1:31 p.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Hey Ronda — I was able to vote on on your other blog, — btw, who won? I couldn't find the winner.

Lakefest was great — got lost on the way there but it all worked out in the end. I think it was close to 2:15 a.m. when I finally got home.
19 July 2009
at 1:47 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

tin and mia=

Aim Nit
Aim Tin
Main Ti
Main It
Anti Mi
At Mini
A I Mint
A Mi Nit
A Mi Tin
Am I Nit
Am I Tin ◄ see, it really is just her!
Am In Ti
Am In It
Ma I Nit
Ma I Tin
Ma In Ti
Ma In It
Man I Ti
Man I It
Mat I In
Tam I In
An Mi Ti
An Mi It
Ant I Mi
Tan I Mi
At Mi In
19 July 2009
at 1:55 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Save the cots for triage; we'll be sleeping on an oversize, queen-size inflatable, in a tent we can stand upright within. “Woody,” not tinny.
(I can hear hardcore backpackers groaning as I type.)
All the accoutrements… five star camping, at its best.
19 July 2009
at 3:06 p.m.

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twinetowngirl (Anonymous) says…

Multi must have lots of time on her hands
19 July 2009
at 3:46 p.m.

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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…

Multi, it was well worth the effort. How did you make that pointing thing?

19 July 2009
at 4:09 p.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

LOL!
twine..are you kidding? There are lots of online sites that do that if you just type in a name. I just happened as I was reading to think when she told Susie to call her anything to see what other combinations tin and mia might come up with. The 'I am Tin' was just a totally unexpected bonus.

Irish, everything on LJW is not all-about-you. Simple error. I know you feel targeted now, but try to read the comments that don't have your name on them and think, “This might not be about me.” (Put a post-it on the top corner of the computer?)
It will help you relax. Not everyone is after you.
:)
19 July 2009
at 4:46 p.m.

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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…

It is a well documented fact that Grizlie Bears can smell sleeping bag farts up to ten miles away.

They smell like a Sonic Blast (Reeces pieces) to the Bears.
19 July 2009
at 4:59 p.m.

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twinetowngirl (Anonymous) says…

Irish, everything on LJW is not all-about-you. Simple error. I know you feel targeted now, but try to read the comments that don't have your name on them and think, “This might not be about me.” (Put a post-it on the top corner of the computer?)
It will help you relax. Not everyone is after you.
:)

Did I miss something here? I think she was asking how you made that arrow pointing to I AM TIN
19 July 2009
at 6:28 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Whoa…what i am…what I am…what he is…what we are ….so many names. so little time.

jestmesis…good to hear from you. Yes, compared to how you and hubby (grisly bear that he is) camp, we are doing it in five star form..

.And I suspect Corbett is incorrect…it is dogs who think cat poo smells like candy…. well tange is getting too much candy, speaking of candy.

We will have a terrific time as long as I close my eyes and sleep through the high, steep parts….and close my eyes and sleep through the lumbering through my campsite parts….and sleep throughout the night. and manage not to get car sick..gosh…where are those sleeping pills? Wish you were with us, sis! I felt better once TIN man began pulling all his equipment out on me this morning. He has it all…loaded TIN man that he is.. And I have to honor Scotty …he is an Eagle Scout…and then TIN man's mama…she is frothing at the mouth and bringing burger patties and real bacon….

twine, make sure I have your cell phone number and you have mine. I love the idea of twinegirl leading me down the mountains with twine tied around my waist, blindfolded so I can't feel the vertigo. I'll lose weight which is a plus, and I'll make sure to drop Reeces pieces along the way so you can track me down… Really, Corbett!

Save the cots for triage…will we be needing triage?….. ”:*|
19 July 2009
at 6:38 p.m.

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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…

It is a well documented fact that Grizzlies love Reeces pieces, especially in a Sonic Blast. They travel for miles when they think they smell one. At night.
19 July 2009
at 6:58 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

There will be no Reese's Pieces OR farting in the sleeping bag.
19 July 2009
at 7:08 p.m.

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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…

It's kind of like snoring, when you are asleep, you don't really know. Except for the bears, of course.
19 July 2009
at 7:22 p.m.

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…

Is Ms. Rodanda bringing her polyfill insulated “dutch oven”?

20 July 2009
at 12:12 a.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

… replete with pressure seal for high altitude “cooking.”
20 July 2009
at 12:52 a.m.

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Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

well twine, computer is hooked back up, and I see once again, the best holes are the ones we mistakenly dig for ourselves then step right into, LOL! Good thing I love jumping in mud puddles.

Susie, this one's for you. Saw someone else's and had to spin it for ya.
http://images.cheezburger.com/complet…
20 July 2009
at 9:22 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Not a “dutch” oven…”German dutch” oven. I sure wish I could take George Foreman with me. No, not the George Foreman cooker I so love bragging about cooking everything on…but the real George Foreman. He could carry me far away should Corbett's bear dream come to fruition…The only bear in our woods will be a bare TIN man…..and Corbett…I fear asking how you know so much about stinking and snoring….you have obviously not been hanging with any ladies.

If someone should care to bring us the DQ delight Corbett mentions (twinegirl, you are stated to be in the area), it would be greatly appreciated! ;)
20 July 2009
at 10:04 a.m.

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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…

I just share information gleaned from the pages of magazine Park Ranger Life.
20 July 2009
at 10:16 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Those magazines need to be brought out of the Johnny on the Spots and into the light of day…. or perhaps you need to stay out of those places….most likely…..
20 July 2009
at 3:10 p.m.

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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…

Just quoting my hero Caribou Barbie. Because if she says it, it must be true.
20 July 2009
at 6:47 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Caribou Barbie…you just can't get her out of your mind can you, Corbett…..Chump change still filling your pockets?
21 July 2009
at 2:26 p.m.

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sassypants (Anonymous) says…

Salt and Pepper with lids. Put your meat in ziplock bags in the cooler, to keep from getting water logged. Hubby use to say I took everything but the kitchen sink with us camping.

I soooo miss camping, havent been in about 3 or 4 years. The springs on our popup camper broke and cant afford to get it fixed. The ground is too hard even with air matteress for the ole mans bones.

Fishermens Omelet:
bacon
diced potatoes
onion
bell peppers
mushrooms
eggs
salt and pepper
cheese

Cut the bacon in 1 to 2 inch pieces and brown. Add the potatoes, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, salt and pepper. Cook until the potatoes are done. Scramble the eggs then pour over, cook til eggs are done. Last few minutes add the shredded cheese.

We use to make this all the time for breakfast when we would go camping. So many people and didnt want to slave over the fire all morning.

Oh and Ronda, dont forget the birth control. Sounds like there will be some stiff wood out there. Hee, Hee.