Re: OT: Tent camping
On 7/7/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Real helpful, frank. Or should I say frankette? I prefer francine when I'm in one of ~those~ moods... g cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
On 7/7/06, Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: snip Indeed. I was rather alarmed in another thread to learn that your cat is called Patch. Mousey Tongue would have seemed more your style. Actually, her name is Patches (in the plural). She came to me as an adult, pre-named. I was thinking of renaming her (Sewerpipe was the leading contender) but I decided that a mid-life name-change would be too confusing for the poor thing. I did, however, provide her with a new nickname, Lump, a sobriquet by which she's still known. She's as indifferent towards that name as all her others... cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
In a message dated 7/8/2006 7:04:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Here's the website from my trip, by the way. Yes, it's been three years... but I'm still working on it. I've still got about 1/2 the trip photos to upload. http://www.exposedfilm.net/journal/seattle/index.htm Happy Camping! - Jerome = All good advice, thanks. Enjoyed the photos. You have some very nice ones. Just out of curiosity can you tell me what was your usual lens for the mountain shots? Wow, that was SOME trip. My aspirations are a tad smaller. :-) Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
On Fri, Jul 07, 2006 at 10:40:21PM -0400, Adam Maas wrote: Bob W wrote: People do keep them as pets, however. My eldest daughter had one. She called him Trotsky. The apple doesn't fall far... Indeed. I was rather alarmed in another thread to learn that your cat is called Patch. Mousey Tongue would have seemed more your style. Bob As long as you don't name it 5. We used to have a cat named Hen3ry (the 3 was silent). -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
OT: Tent camping
Marnie, Off the top of my head here are some thoughts from my 6 week camping trip 3 years ago... Rechargeable flashlights and other accessories *seem* like a good idea, but they don't seem to last as long as when they're powered by regular batteries. They also don't seem to give much warning befor they go out. They just GO. Plus, remembering to recharge can be a nuisance, and the last thing you want to happen is that you run out of light when you need it, for example. If you're going to be in one place for a good amount of time, then get whatever size tent you want. However, if you will be on the move (i.e., taking the tent up and down every other day or more) then get a smaller tent thats fast an easy to pitch and break down. I personally had a HUGE tent, which was great when I was in it, and someplace for a long period of time... but as the trip stretched on and I stayed on the move, taking it up and down became a burden and I wished for a smaller tent to pitch. Invest in a good sleeping bag. Mine was rated for 0 degrees (F) if I'm not mistaken... but when the temperature dropped below freezing, I was still cold at times. I ended up lining the bag with a cheap fleece sleeping back from Wal-Mart. Worked out nicely. Also invest in a good mattress. Some opt for the foam / rubber pads which are okay... but I was gone for so long that I opted for an air mattress (my tent was that big). It was comfortable, but the extreme changes in temperature a few nights made it deflate some while I was asleep. So on a few occassions (not many), I had to wake up and pump it back up in the middle of the night. If you go this route, by the way, be SURE to get a battery operated pump for inflation. Most hiking trails are well mapped out and well blazed, so the need for a GPS is usually minimal (or none) unless your going off-trail (which I rarely did on purpose). But I did get turned around twice, which is kinda scary... but I eventually figured it out. I packed plenty of snacks to avoid having to cook every single time I got hungry. However, be careful in your selection. I did not realize until after the fact the extent to which most of my snacks (granola bars, muffins, etc) were high in fiber. Need I say more? Bring a Latern! This is huge. Flashlights are good for when you're walking or looking for something. But for area lighting in and out of the tent at night, some sort of latern (gas or battery operated) will be awesome to have. I changed clothes several times some days due to temperature drops caused by the elevation changes. Depending on where you'll be going, keep that in mind. Layers are good. Always have sufficient gas in the tank when approaching any national park. (1) you'll be surprised how much driving you'll do inside, going from trail to trail, and (2) they usually have stations nearby but they'll murder you on the prices. Be sure to do your research on park closings, etc. Given the time of year you'll be going. I remeber @ Glacier National Park, by early September it seemed like 80% of the campsites and facilities had already closed for the season. I also have to disagree with someone elses suggestion of staying close to the bathrooms since this is the most popular place @ the campsite. In my experience, the pedestrian traffic to the bathrooms, plus squeaky doors, etc tended to bug me @ night and became pretty annoying when trying to get some sleep. So I guess there are some pros and cons to being close. Photography-wise, I can say that I did NOT do a good job of making the proverbial lemonade out of lemons on my trip. When the weather / crowds / animals weren't cooperating, I sulked and put my camera away rather than trying to be creative, or better yet, just enjoying the atmosphere and the fact that I was there. It was fun being a photographer, but I didn't do a great job of also being a tourist while I was there, and so in hindsight I can say that I missed out. I hope that, in this respect, you manage better than I did. Thats all I can think of right now. If I think of more, I'll let you know. Here's the website from my trip, by the way. Yes, it's been three years... but I'm still working on it. I've still got about 1/2 the trip photos to upload. http://www.exposedfilm.net/journal/seattle/index.htm Happy Camping! - Jerome -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
From: Jerome Reyes [EMAIL PROTECTED] Also invest in a good mattress. Some opt for the foam / rubber pads which are okay... but I was gone for so long that I opted for an air mattress (my tent was that big). It was comfortable, but the extreme changes in temperature a few nights made it deflate some while I was asleep. So on a few occassions (not many), I had to wake up and pump it back up in the middle of the night. If you go this route, by the way, be SURE to get a battery operated pump for inflation. I disagree. If you use a manual pump, you will be nice and warm when you get back into bed. You also won't have any battery problems. Camp beds obviate this problem entirely. You will need to have some insulation _underneath_ you, though. m - Email sent from www.ntlworld.com Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software Visit www.ntlworld.com/security for more information -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
JErome - I very much enjoyed browsing your trip -- I wish the pics each had captions re where you took them easier to say which photos I liked best for one thing :) As I'm an ardent road trip gal, and have traveled those routes as well, it really was enjoyable... It is a big project -- I have two long trips by car that are documented on cassette audio tapes and in photos but I haven't even listened to the tapes. trouble is, I sometimes forgot to turn off the recorder and there is a lot of dead stuff there.. I'm just lazy - so much to do so little time meanwhile -- wehre were you exactly when you too the last two of a mountain on the thumbnail page. I think the one over the lake is Reinier, right? I have a similar shot - I've been right there. yet I can't remember whic mountain it is. But the one before it is the really stunning shot... I love the Cascades ann 'Jerome Reyes wrote: (snip ) the website from my trip, by the way. Yes, it's been three years... but I'm still working on it. I've still got about 1/2 the trip photos to upload. http://www.exposedfilm.net/journal/seattle/index.htm Happy Camping! - Jerome -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
JErome - I very much enjoyed browsing your trip -- Thanks, Ann. I'm glad you enjoyed. I wish the pics each had captions re where you took them easier to say which photos I liked best for one thing :) I *just* created the just see photos link about a week ago, so those don't have captions yet (sorry). For now, you'd have to scroll thru the journal entries in order to figure out which photos correspond to where and what. It is a big project -- YES! It is. For me the biggest two parts are the scanning (it was all done on slide film) and transcribing the journal (it was all handwritten). But it's coming along though. I hope to be done this summer. meanwhile -- wehre were you exactly when you too the last two of a mountain on the thumbnail page. I think the one over the lake is Reinier, right? Yes, that's Rainier (as far as I know). The one with the clouds... http://www.exposedfilm.net/journal/seattle/10225mtr.htm ... is also @ Mt. Rainier National Park but I don't know which mountain it is. I love the Cascades Thanks again. The waterfalls are my favorite part of just about any park. - Jerome -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
Jerome, I enjoyed the photos on a quick browse, some are spectacular! I see you learned to listen to those inner voices the hard way. You shoulda paid the $200 for stiches though... Regards, Bob S. On 7/8/06, Jerome Reyes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: JErome - I very much enjoyed browsing your trip -- Thanks, Ann. I'm glad you enjoyed. I wish the pics each had captions re where you took them easier to say which photos I liked best for one thing :) I *just* created the just see photos link about a week ago, so those don't have captions yet (sorry). For now, you'd have to scroll thru the journal entries in order to figure out which photos correspond to where and what. It is a big project -- YES! It is. For me the biggest two parts are the scanning (it was all done on slide film) and transcribing the journal (it was all handwritten). But it's coming along though. I hope to be done this summer. meanwhile -- wehre were you exactly when you too the last two of a mountain on the thumbnail page. I think the one over the lake is Reinier, right? Yes, that's Rainier (as far as I know). The one with the clouds... http://www.exposedfilm.net/journal/seattle/10225mtr.htm ... is also @ Mt. Rainier National Park but I don't know which mountain it is. I love the Cascades Thanks again. The waterfalls are my favorite part of just about any park. - Jerome -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 7/7/2006 6:38:11 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'll enjoy your trip from the shots you bring back - well, I'll check the lottery tonight though - who knows? :) ann Actually, it's going to be multiple trips, short trips. Not one big huge one. So it would be hard for you to go along. Unless you stayed with me for two months while I took the short trips, that is. So it would be hard for you to do. Maybe that helps. Maybe. Marnie aka Doe :-) __ LOL! - I know - I was just dreaming -- I'd be a real PITA to put up with for 2 months! I will, however, figure out a way to visit you in the future after you move to New Mexico. so be afraid, be very afraid :) ann -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
Jerome Reyes wrote: meanwhile -- wehre were you exactly when you too the last two of a mountain on the thumbnail page. I think the one over the lake is Reinier, right? Yes, that's Rainier (as far as I know). The one with the clouds... http://www.exposedfilm.net/journal/seattle/10225mtr.htm ... is also @ Mt. Rainier National Park but I don't know which mountain it is. I love the Cascades Thanks again. The waterfalls are my favorite part of just about any park. - Jerome Hehe _ i like waterfalls, too, but actually, I meant the Cascade MOuntain range :):) anyway,again, nice stuff ann -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
In a message dated 7/8/2006 3:31:33 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I will, however, figure out a way to visit you in the future after you move to New Mexico. so be afraid, be very afraid :) ann = Shivering in my boots. :-) Actually, that would be cool. (Or hot, I suppose. :-)) I'd really like you to. Actually, since I will be one of the few, maybe only, PMLers in the SW I am looking forward to a lot of drop ins. Marnie aka Doe (Hmm, maybe I shouldn't have said that.) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
OT: Tent camping
I plan to move in 6-8 months out of California. Probably. Most likely. Finances and all that, plus the humongous amount this condo will now sell for. CA housing prices are outrageous, but I might as well benefit from it. :-) Being a third generation Californian, this will be a wrench. And having lived here so long, I've seen a great deal of California. But I have not seen a lot of it for a long, long time. So I've been making plans to revisit some old familiar places before I leave, like Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, Siskiyou County, and Yosemite. And quite a few other places. Like I am considering a trip up the coast to catch a lot of redwoods and visit some spots that have some family history attached. Then when I sit down to figure it out, seems like if I want to see everything I want to see it could run into big bucks (motel rooms are expensive these days). So I started thinking I may have to do some tent camping to see everything. Starting probably in August. Never camped alone as a woman, bit intimidating. I did do a fair amount in my thirties with a group. But that was a long time ago. :-) I might eat out all the time and only camp over night. Haven't decided. Anyway, these trips will definitely be photography oriented. Been sort of figuring out the basic camping gear I need for tent camping. No frills. No backpacking. Anyway, anyone with any suggestions about camping gear I wouldn't mind hearing them. I also wouldn't mind hearing suggestions on tent camping in general. Tent camping to me means the camps are easily accessible by car and no RVs are involved. TIA, Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I plan to move in 6-8 months out of California. Probably. Most likely. Finances and all that, plus the humongous amount this condo will now sell for. CA housing prices are outrageous, but I might as well benefit from it. :-) Being a third generation Californian, this will be a wrench. And having lived here so long, I've seen a great deal of California. But I have not seen a lot of it for a long, long time. So I've been making plans to revisit some old familiar places before I leave, like Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, Siskiyou County, and Yosemite. And quite a few other places. Like I am considering a trip up the coast to catch a lot of redwoods and visit some spots that have some family history attached. Then when I sit down to figure it out, seems like if I want to see everything I want to see it could run into big bucks (motel rooms are expensive these days). So I started thinking I may have to do some tent camping to see everything. Starting probably in August. Never camped alone as a woman, bit intimidating. I did do a fair amount in my thirties with a group. But that was a long time ago. :-) I might eat out all the time and only camp over night. Haven't decided. Anyway, these trips will definitely be photography oriented. Been sort of figuring out the basic camping gear I need for tent camping. No frills. No backpacking. Anyway, anyone with any suggestions about camping gear I wouldn't mind hearing them. I also wouldn't mind hearing suggestions on tent camping in general. Tent camping to me means the camps are easily accessible by car and no RVs are involved. TIA, Marnie aka Doe If I had it to do over again and still had my car, I'd remove the back seat and make a bed out of it and put screening up on the two back windows with velcro so I could keep the windows open at least a bit for ventilation. This also serves a very useful function of not having to give more than one friend a ride wherever you go as the back seat would be unavailable :) :) I don't know if you are old enough to get the GOLDEN AGE passport for the National Parks but unfortunately even if you have that you usually have to pay for camping... unless you come in late to the site and leave at crack of dawn. I'd recommend getting a pop-up tent. I used 3 sections of foam instead of an air mattress - 3 inches thick and 30 or 36 wide is pretty damn comfy... in section to stack in the back of the car. You don't need a real sleeping bag.. a poly filled comforter works fine. and maybe a thinsulate blanket just in case. Bwahwahwah -- I wanna come too! ann -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
Sounds like quite a voyage, like you are planning to leave forever and never return again, want to say goodbye to places you remembered. I don't camp any more. Sleeping in a tent is very hard on my bones, regardless of what kind of sleeping pad or inflatable mattress I buy. Trying to find campgrounds that are accessible by car and yet do not service RVs is difficult. I'd equip a light truck for living/traveling in, once upon a time I had a '63 Microbus that was perfect at this sort of thing. Much lighter duty than today's behemoth RVs. I'd go out for a trip and sleep in the bus two-three nights in ad-hoc campgrounds or real campgrounds, then take a night or two in an inexpensive small-town motel where I could do the laundry, etc. Worked out well. For when I did camp, it was always from a motorcycle. Light tent, room for two in a pinch, ground cloth, small campstove, cooking utensils, etc etc. Buy food/water/etc for the next two meals. Pitched that tent in god only knows how many places across the US and Canada. I think I still have it. It's probably pretty ratty by now. There are good books and many sources of information on the web. The basic tenets of travel remain the same no matter how you do it: go as lightly as you can manage comfortably. Godfrey On Jul 7, 2006, at 8:41 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I plan to move in 6-8 months out of California. Probably. Most likely. Finances and all that, plus the humongous amount this condo will now sell for. CA housing prices are outrageous, but I might as well benefit from it. :-) Being a third generation Californian, this will be a wrench. And having lived here so long, I've seen a great deal of California. But I have not seen a lot of it for a long, long time. So I've been making plans to revisit some old familiar places before I leave, like Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, Siskiyou County, and Yosemite. And quite a few other places. Like I am considering a trip up the coast to catch a lot of redwoods and visit some spots that have some family history attached. Then when I sit down to figure it out, seems like if I want to see everything I want to see it could run into big bucks (motel rooms are expensive these days). So I started thinking I may have to do some tent camping to see everything. Starting probably in August. Never camped alone as a woman, bit intimidating. I did do a fair amount in my thirties with a group. But that was a long time ago. :-) I might eat out all the time and only camp over night. Haven't decided. Anyway, these trips will definitely be photography oriented. Been sort of figuring out the basic camping gear I need for tent camping. No frills. No backpacking. Anyway, anyone with any suggestions about camping gear I wouldn't mind hearing them. I also wouldn't mind hearing suggestions on tent camping in general. Tent camping to me means the camps are easily accessible by car and no RVs are involved. TIA, Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
On 7/7/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: snip Never camped alone as a woman,snip Have you ever camped alone as a man? g cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I plan to move in 6-8 months out of California. Then when I sit down to figure it out, seems like if I want to see everything I want to see it could run into big bucks (motel rooms are expensive these days). So I started thinking I may have to do some tent camping to see everything. Starting probably in August. Never camped alone as a woman, bit intimidating. Been sort of figuring out the basic camping gear I need for tent camping. No frills. No backpacking. Anyway, anyone with any suggestions about camping gear I wouldn't mind hearing them. I also wouldn't mind hearing suggestions on tent camping in general. Tent camping to me means the camps are easily accessible by car and no RVs are involved. In general, small tents are better than big ones when you're trying to put them up by yourself. Make sure you can handle the job. You get what you pay for when it comes to tents. You'll be putting it to some heavy duty use so get a good one. Never pitch your tent under large dead branches. You don't want one crashing down on top of you. You'll want one of those camping pads. It's a piece of foam rubber in a nylon shell with a valve on it. Open the valve and unroll it then blow it up a little bit and you'll be good to go. Most national park campgrounds do not have showers. Most state campgrounds (around here anyway) do. State campgrounds are cheaper than the private ones. Check for showers before you pay your $. I avoid private campgrounds as much as I possibly can. The state campgrounds offer much better photo opportunities in my experience. Try to put your tent somewhere near the bathroom. Pack lots of plastic bags to keep your camera gear dry. I use the ziplock ones. You'll need a flashlight. Get one you can recharge in your car if you can. Take a claw hammer with you to drive the pegs in and remove them again. A one burner stove would be convenient for making coffee, tea or instant oatmeal. You could also heat soup etc on it. You'll want to drink something hot in the evenings when it gets chilly. Do not stay in the tent during a thunderstorm. Wait it out in the car. That's what I can think of right now. I hope it helps. Tom Reese -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
Now I was going to say that, but thought better of it... (Gaud, sometimes it hurts to hold it in). frank theriault wrote: On 7/7/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: snip Never camped alone as a woman,snip Have you ever camped alone as a man? g cheers, frank -- When you're worried or in doubt, Run in circles, (scream and shout). -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
On 7/7/06, P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Now I was going to say that, but thought better of it...snip Clearly, you have a sense of decorum and decency... cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: OT: Tent camping
Try to put your tent somewhere near the bathroom. ...but not too near. And watch where you put your feet if you have to go during the night. I once trod on a hedgehog in my bare feet. I've had a horror of them ever since. Hedgehogs, that is. Not my feet. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
On 7/7/06, Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ...but not too near. And watch where you put your feet if you have to go during the night. I once trod on a hedgehog in my bare feet. I've had a horror of them ever since. Hedgehogs, that is. Not my feet. We don't have hedgehogs here in North America. People do keep them as pets, however. My eldest daughter had one. She called him Trotsky. The apple doesn't fall far... cheers, frank ps: We do have porcupines here. Perhaps, Marnie, you could avoid stepping on them. -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
Porcupines are infinitely worse than hedgehogs. frank theriault wrote: On 7/7/06, Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ...but not too near. And watch where you put your feet if you have to go during the night. I once trod on a hedgehog in my bare feet. I've had a horror of them ever since. Hedgehogs, that is. Not my feet. We don't have hedgehogs here in North America. People do keep them as pets, however. My eldest daughter had one. She called him Trotsky. The apple doesn't fall far... cheers, frank ps: We do have porcupines here. Perhaps, Marnie, you could avoid stepping on them. -- When you're worried or in doubt, Run in circles, (scream and shout). -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
For me, it's nothing less then 4 stars. Jack --- Godfrey DiGiorgi [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sounds like quite a voyage, like you are planning to leave forever and never return again, want to say goodbye to places you remembered. I don't camp any more. Sleeping in a tent is very hard on my bones, regardless of what kind of sleeping pad or inflatable mattress I buy. Trying to find campgrounds that are accessible by car and yet do not service RVs is difficult. I'd equip a light truck for living/traveling in, once upon a time I had a '63 Microbus that was perfect at this sort of thing. Much lighter duty than today's behemoth RVs. I'd go out for a trip and sleep in the bus two-three nights in ad-hoc campgrounds or real campgrounds, then take a night or two in an inexpensive small-town motel where I could do the laundry, etc. Worked out well. For when I did camp, it was always from a motorcycle. Light tent, room for two in a pinch, ground cloth, small campstove, cooking utensils, etc etc. Buy food/water/etc for the next two meals. Pitched that tent in god only knows how many places across the US and Canada. I think I still have it. It's probably pretty ratty by now. There are good books and many sources of information on the web. The basic tenets of travel remain the same no matter how you do it: go as lightly as you can manage comfortably. Godfrey On Jul 7, 2006, at 8:41 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I plan to move in 6-8 months out of California. Probably. Most likely. Finances and all that, plus the humongous amount this condo will now sell for. CA housing prices are outrageous, but I might as well benefit from it. :-) Being a third generation Californian, this will be a wrench. And having lived here so long, I've seen a great deal of California. But I have not seen a lot of it for a long, long time. So I've been making plans to revisit some old familiar places before I leave, like Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, Siskiyou County, and Yosemite. And quite a few other places. Like I am considering a trip up the coast to catch a lot of redwoods and visit some spots that have some family history attached. Then when I sit down to figure it out, seems like if I want to see everything I want to see it could run into big bucks (motel rooms are expensive these days). So I started thinking I may have to do some tent camping to see everything. Starting probably in August. Never camped alone as a woman, bit intimidating. I did do a fair amount in my thirties with a group. But that was a long time ago. :-) I might eat out all the time and only camp over night. Haven't decided. Anyway, these trips will definitely be photography oriented. Been sort of figuring out the basic camping gear I need for tent camping. No frills. No backpacking. Anyway, anyone with any suggestions about camping gear I wouldn't mind hearing them. I also wouldn't mind hearing suggestions on tent camping in general. Tent camping to me means the camps are easily accessible by car and no RVs are involved. TIA, Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: OT: Tent camping
I once trod on a hedgehog in my bare feet. I've had a horror of them ever since. Hedgehogs, that is. Not my feet. We don't have hedgehogs here in North America. That sounds like my kind of continent. People do keep them as pets, however. My eldest daughter had one. She called him Trotsky. The apple doesn't fall far... Indeed. I was rather alarmed in another thread to learn that your cat is called Patch. Mousey Tongue would have seemed more your style. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
Tom Reese wrote: Try to put your tent somewhere near the bathroom. Tom - that is the best advice of all :) :) You noticed where I was camped at GFM last year didn't you? Pack lots of plastic bags to keep your camera gear dry. I use the ziplock ones. You'll need a flashlight. Get one you can recharge in your car if you can. Take a claw hammer with you to drive the pegs in and remove them again. I think she should get a pop up and use a few stones to hold it down - one in each corner inside... Given Marnie and I are pretty close in age and frailness.. this is easier and quicker. Ann -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
In a message dated 7/7/2006 1:42:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On 7/7/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: snip Never camped alone as a woman,snip Have you ever camped alone as a man? g cheers, frank = thwap Real helpful, frank. Or should I say frankette? Marnie aka Doe ;-) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
In a message dated 7/7/2006 4:46:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I think she should get a pop up and use a few stones to hold it down - one in each corner inside... Given Marnie and I are pretty close in age and frailness.. this is easier and quicker. Ann == Cough. Think I am a tad younger, ann. But never mind. Marnie aka Doe ;-) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
I scare bears away, apparently, if thats a concern. Services available, and have a tent. vbg Dave I plan to move in 6-8 months out of California. Probably. Most likely. Finances and all that, plus the humongous amount this condo will now sell for. CA housing prices are outrageous, but I might as well benefit from it. :-) Being a third generation Californian, this will be a wrench. And having lived here so long, I've seen a great deal of California. But I have not seen a lot of it for a long, long time. So I've been making plans to revisit some old familiar places before I leave, like Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, Siskiyou County, and Yosemite. And quite a few other places. Like I am considering a trip up the coast to catch a lot of redwoods and visit some spots that have some family history attached. Then when I sit down to figure it out, seems like if I want to see everything I want to see it could run into big bucks (motel rooms are expensive these days). So I started thinking I may have to do some tent camping to see everything. Starting probably in August. Never camped alone as a woman, bit intimidating. I did do a fair amount in my thirties with a group. But that was a long time ago. :-) I might eat out all the time and only camp over night. Haven't decided. Anyway, these trips will definitely be photography oriented. Been sort of figuring out the basic camping gear I need for tent camping. No frills. No backpacking. Anyway, anyone with any suggestions about camping gear I wouldn't mind hearing them. I also wouldn't mind hearing suggestions on tent camping in general. Tent camping to me means the camps are easily accessible by car and no RVs are involved. TIA, Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
In a message dated 7/7/2006 10:15:36 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If I had it to do over again and still had my car, I'd remove the back seat and make a bed out of it and put screening up on the two back windows with velcro so I could keep the windows open at least a bit for ventilation. This also serves a very useful function of not having to give more than one friend a ride wherever you go as the back seat would be unavailable :) :) I don't know if you are old enough to get the GOLDEN AGE passport for the National Parks but unfortunately even if you have that you usually have to pay for camping... unless you come in late to the site and leave at crack of dawn. I'd recommend getting a pop-up tent. I used 3 sections of foam instead of an air mattress - 3 inches thick and 30 or 36 wide is pretty damn comfy... in section to stack in the back of the car. You don't need a real sleeping bag.. a poly filled comforter works fine. and maybe a thinsulate blanket just in case. Bwahwahwah -- I wanna come too! ann === Well, pay for your plane flight over to CA and you can. :-) Actually, never thought about the backseat of the car. Might work in a pinch. I've thought about alternating, one night motel, one night tent camping. So it might work. Thanks, ann. Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
In a message dated 7/7/2006 1:02:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I don't camp any more. Sleeping in a tent is very hard on my bones, regardless of what kind of sleeping pad or inflatable mattress I buy. Trying to find campgrounds that are accessible by car and yet do not service RVs is difficult. === Nyah, I meant *I* don't have an RV. The campground certainly can take them. I don't have an RV allergy or anything. :-) Yeah, my major problem with camping is I am over fifty and don't sleep on the ground well anymore. However, with enough padding it might not be too bad. Thanks for the input, Godfrey. Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 7/7/2006 4:46:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I think she should get a pop up and use a few stones to hold it down - one in each corner inside... Given Marnie and I are pretty close in age and frailness.. this is easier and quicker. Ann == Cough. Think I am a tad younger, ann. But never mind. Marnie aka Doe ;-) I was going by the age of your mom and subtracting - soy ! OTOH everyone over 50 is kinda the same age :) ann -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 7/7/2006 10:15:36 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If I had it to do over again and still had my car, I'd remove the back seat and make a bed out of it and put screening up on the two back windows with velcro so I could keep the windows open at least a bit for ventilation. This also serves a very useful function of not having to give more than one friend a ride wherever you go as the back seat would be unavailable :) :) I don't know if you are old enough to get the GOLDEN AGE passport for the National Parks but unfortunately even if you have that you usually have to pay for camping... unless you come in late to the site and leave at crack of dawn. I'd recommend getting a pop-up tent. I used 3 sections of foam instead of an air mattress - 3 inches thick and 30 or 36 wide is pretty damn comfy... in section to stack in the back of the car. You don't need a real sleeping bag.. a poly filled comforter works fine. and maybe a thinsulate blanket just in case. Bwahwahwah -- I wanna come too! ann === Well, pay for your plane flight over to CA and you can. :-) Actually, never thought about the backseat of the car. Might work in a pinch. I've thought about alternating, one night motel, one night tent camping. So it might work. Thanks, ann. Marnie aka Doe I liked the back of the car at a camp site where it was either very buggy or too cold... or when I got into the campsite after dark. I'll enjoy your trip from the shots you bring back - well, I'll check the lottery tonight though - who knows? :) ann -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
In a message dated 7/7/2006 6:38:11 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'll enjoy your trip from the shots you bring back - well, I'll check the lottery tonight though - who knows? :) ann Actually, it's going to be multiple trips, short trips. Not one big huge one. So it would be hard for you to go along. Unless you stayed with me for two months while I took the short trips, that is. So it would be hard for you to do. Maybe that helps. Maybe. Marnie aka Doe :-) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Tent camping
Bob W wrote: People do keep them as pets, however. My eldest daughter had one. She called him Trotsky. The apple doesn't fall far... Indeed. I was rather alarmed in another thread to learn that your cat is called Patch. Mousey Tongue would have seemed more your style. Bob As long as you don't name it 5. -Adam -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
