So I'm going away for a little while... [Archive]

skcin

07-21-2005, 02:12 PM

...to remember how it feels. To go camping. :D

Not that anyone cares, of course.

I don't want anyone to presume that I think I'm so cool & popular that everyone will miss me & wonder where I am or anything.

Just so everyone knows.

Not that you care, though, like I said.

So - does anyone else here camp? Regularly, or just once or twice? Cabin or trailer or tent? Same place or all over? Far or close to home? Etc, etc, etc. I'm also curious to know if camping is popular outside the U.S.

Annually for the past 12 years, hubby & I have gone to Highbanks Campground on the Seneca Nation near Allegany State Park. A group of 15 of us have a total of 4 cabins for 3 nights. We basically just eat & drink a lot, play board games, hike, swim, play horseshoes & bocce, sit by the fire. It's so much fun, we look forward to it every year. One year they closed for renovations & we had to go somewhere else & it SUCKED! Just wasn't the same.
The cabins have cold running water, gas stove & a small fridge. Bathrooms & showers are public (I can hear Dissention puking from here.)
Highbanks (http://www.highbankscamping.com/default.asp)

For the past 7 or 8 year over a weekend in August, we take our 2 nieces tent camping for 2 nights at various campgrunds in NY & PA. We've been to Allegany, Letchworth, Watkins Glen & Beaverkill State Parks here in NY. This year we're going to Hickory Run State Park in PA.

Anyone else love to camp? Hate to camp? Have funny camping stories?

DrummerDeanna

07-21-2005, 02:16 PM

Oh have fun!!!

I've always wanted to go camping and never have :distress: Perhaps some day I will :)

GardenStateGirlie

07-21-2005, 02:19 PM

I'm not a camper but i'd imagine, with the right group of people it would be fun.

Have a great time and be safe! We'll miss you! :xoxo:

skcin

07-21-2005, 02:25 PM

I'm not a camper but i'd imagine, with the right group of people it would be fun.

Have a great time and be safe! We'll miss you! :xoxo:

Of course you will, fellow cliquey! :D

amber

07-21-2005, 02:26 PM

I'll tell the clique you'll be MIA.
I love to camp, but don't get to go as much as I want to, which is essentially constantly. I camped for a month in Alaska. And in beautiful place on the north coast by Eureka called...Patrick's point? or something over a thanksgiving. That place was cool, because you camped by the beach, but hike a little inland and there was a lush rainforest jungle type place with trails. I camped and hiked Yosemite for a weekend, that was gorgeous. Except it was really a hiking trip, so we all had to walk all day long with about 30 lbs on our backs. I loved it. I camped in, I think, Sequoyah national forest with my best boyfriend - it was higher up, but then there was a lake about 1/2 away that was lower and warmer that we drove to each day. That kicked ass. All of this was tent camping, no buildings. Oh, and the guy I "hung out" with in Chico just wrote me and asked if I wanted to go camping, or something. :laugh: :thumbsup:

So have a great time. :woohoo:
I'll miss you. :nod:

sara1998

07-21-2005, 02:35 PM

We camp once or twice a year. We went over Memorial Day weekend, and we are going again Labor Day weekend. I look forward to it every time! We're taking badmitten, volleyball, and horseshoes. And we always take the kids' bikes. It's always a good time.

Have fun on your trip!

skcin

07-21-2005, 02:45 PM

Wild_Heart03

07-21-2005, 02:47 PM

The last time I went camping was a LONG time ago, when I was about 8 years old. We were only gone maybe one or two days, but then it started raining really bad and we headed home. I think my family is going camping next week actually, but I can't go with since I have to work. :rolleyes:

Anyways, have fun Paula! We'll see you when you get back :D

sara1998

07-21-2005, 02:48 PM

And your camping experiences kick my camping's ass!
Ya, no ****! :lol:

seeker007nmss

07-21-2005, 02:51 PM

Be sure to bring along a Harry potter Book to burn for the Pope when you make smores!

amber

07-21-2005, 02:53 PM

Sara1998 - thanks! We always do. Your trip sounds a lot like mine - so much fun!

Amber - thanks, sistah, I knew I could count on you to get the word out to the peeps. :cool: And your camping experiences kick my camping's ass!
Ha, no. They sound a bit more "rugged", but I'd love to go do the cabin thing with a bunch of friends. Where you can just chill...and there's a lake.
I've actually only ever been camping with one other person. I mean, in Alaska, there were a bunch of other campers all around us, but they weren't my friends.
anyway. :rolleyes:

Dreammms

07-21-2005, 02:55 PM

Have fun Paula. I love camping!

CreepingDeath

07-21-2005, 03:00 PM

I've only been once in my life and loathed every second of it. It might have been the people I was with, who I didn't care for at all, but basically I don't think I'm the camping type.

I hope you have a blast though, Paula. :xoxo:

strandinthewind

07-21-2005, 03:06 PM

Do I strike anyone here as the camping type :laugh:

Seriously, when I was a Boy Scout (one smart quip outta any of ya and I'll smack ya :laugh: ) I learned that I was not meant for the outdoors, esp. when there is always a Ritz Carlton waiting just around the corner :laugh: I used to BEG them to let us go somewhere where I could rent a cabin instead of sleeping in some awful tent in the middle of nowhere :laugh:

I can tell you this though - I went down the Amazon River a few years ago to deliver school supplies to the Yagua Indians. When you buy bug pray, get the one with the highest concentration of DEET possible. REI usually has the best. You will not regret it. I have also heard that there are natural repellants as well, but have never used them.

Finally, bring lots of vodka and aspirin for the morning :cool:

Have a BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GypsySorcerer

07-21-2005, 03:08 PM

Have fun, Paula. I enjoy camping, so long as I have access to showers. Smores, campfire, and beer.... fun! :D

LikeAWillow

07-21-2005, 03:12 PM

Personally, I can't stand camping, I'm not exactly a nature girl, but I did have a great time camping with a group of friends out on the beach once. The only downside was that we got stuck next to a bunch of idiots who decided to sing Oh Canada at 3 a.m., mind you, they only knew two words to the song, any guesses which two? *LOL*. Have a great time though Paula, and *although i'm not in your famous clique :p *, you will be missed :nod:

SuzeQuze

07-21-2005, 04:16 PM

Do I strike anyone here as the camping type :laugh:

...

I love camping and grew up on it. We used tents when I was little and then campers later. In hindsight the facilities at that campground were not good, the bathrooms and showers were gross but as a kid I did not care.

I went camping in Truro a couple of years ago and that was great. You can walk to the beach and it is just a few minutes drive to P-Town. We had an absolute blast there. Their facilities are immaculate. The showers were all modern. I saw people cleaning the bathrooms every day and they were spotless. This is amazing for a campground! http://www.capecodcamping.com

I'm going camping in a couple of weeks with my aunt. They have a huge camper with AC and everything. We will eat, play in the water, grill stuff, and drink. :) The last time I went with them I had a blast. We almost got kicked out for skinny dipping cuz they have an "on site by 11pm" policy there. Woops. :lol:

darklinensuit

07-21-2005, 05:05 PM

I do not camp, and all the people I know in TX has been trying to get me to go with them since I moved here. It's like a weird cult thing, this camping.
Have fun & don't shave your head. ;)

- Jake

gldstwmn

07-21-2005, 05:10 PM

...to remember how it feels. To go camping. :D

Oooh...will we be driving the new vehicle? :blob2: Have fun!

sparky

07-21-2005, 05:19 PM

I am so JEALOUS !

For the past 8 or 9 years I have gone on a week long trip in Oregon with some very close friends. We take horses, camp by a lake and have a blast. Much alcohol is consumed. I run the horse through the woods. Silly board games and charades are played by the fire. Firewood is gathered and I get to play lumberjack. It is a total hoot. This year's trip was cancelled. I am very bummed out.

Have fun !

GardenStateGirlie

07-21-2005, 05:48 PM

Do I strike anyone here as the camping type :laugh:

Not unless there's a bar in your tent that serves cocktails :laugh:

sparky

07-21-2005, 05:52 PM

Not unless there's a bar in your tent that serves cocktails :laugh:

Does Ritz-Carlton make a camper or a pop-up tent ?

WelshWitchPMD

07-21-2005, 05:55 PM

CAMPING?? :shocked: Ah, no thanks, not for me! To each his own.

Have a great time and stay safe, Paula. :)

skcin

07-21-2005, 05:59 PM

Oooh...will we be driving the new vehicle? :blob2: Have fun!

Actually no. We're taking hubby's truck - that piece of **** Dodge Dakota. We fill the bed up with wood (hardyharhar) & I cram most of our other stuff into my friend's car. Mark & the dog will take the truck, I will ride with friend.

BTW - I just sold the 97 Monte Carlo about an hour ago. :thumbsup:

Firewood is gathered and I get to play lumberjack.

That is SO hot. :o

If only you weren't a gay black lumberjack.

Going to pack now. Ta-ta!

estranged4life

07-21-2005, 06:01 PM

it's only 104 at the moment (107 heat index) and that is in the shade, Probably 111-113 in the direct sun.

Can't wait til winter is here, Summertime heat sucks ass.

sparky

07-21-2005, 06:02 PM

If only you weren't a gay black lumberjack.

Going to pack now. Ta-ta!

Too funny. Lumberjack in da hood.

"I am not a black man. But I play one on The Ledge."

GardenStateGirlie

07-21-2005, 06:03 PM

Does Ritz-Carlton make a camper or a pop-up tent ?

I don't know but Jason ought to talk to them about it -- then he could go "camping" and invite us.

catinthedark

07-22-2005, 12:11 AM

Camping?? I LOVE camping!!!

for one night only. and with hot water. and toilets that flush.

:wavey: Have fun!! We will miss you!

But... but... how will the clique go on without you?

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 12:23 AM

Camping?? I LOVE camping!!!

for one night only. and with hot water. and toilets that flush.

And air conditioning. And beds. And room service.

- Jake

catinthedark

07-22-2005, 12:27 AM

And air conditioning. And beds. And room service.

- Jake

I'll be ready at noon tomorrow.

Maybe 1pm.

Pick me up?

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 12:30 AM

I'll be ready at noon tomorrow.

Maybe 1pm.

Pick me up?

Too early. I need more sleep if I'll be roughing it like that. :D

- Jake

catinthedark

07-22-2005, 12:31 AM

Too early. I need more sleep if I'll be roughing it like that. :D

- Jake

But can't we sleep in the limo? :shrug:

GardenStateGirlie

07-22-2005, 12:31 AM

And air conditioning. And beds. And room service.

- Jake

You forgot cabana boys and the all-inclusive nature of this camping facility :D

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 12:39 AM

But can't we sleep in the limo? :shrug:

You expect me to SHARE a limo? What's with the scrimping? :shocked:

- Jake

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 12:40 AM

You forgot cabana boys and the all-inclusive nature of this camping facility :D

:confused: :confused:

- Jake

GardenStateGirlie

07-22-2005, 12:41 AM

:confused: :confused:

- Jake

Well, at my campground (and sparky's and a few others i'm sure :laugh: ) we have scantily clad Cabana boys running around. And a pool. And beverages.

all the same

07-22-2005, 12:45 AM

Sorry Paula! Not a big fan of camping! It's like pretending you're homeless for a week and calling it a vacation! Gimme a hotel, a toilet that isn't a deep hole and running water! :lol: My idea of camping is eating on the patio at a restaurant!

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 12:57 AM

:lol: My idea of camping is eating on the patio at a restaurant!

I just had that fight in Austin a few days ago! The group was split on the patio & inside air conditioning. The whole restaurant got involved in our debate. Guess who won? ;) ("And what I seem to want, well, you know I find a way...")

- Jake

sparky

07-22-2005, 12:58 AM

And air conditioning. And beds. And room service.

- Jake

OMG. You and Strand are a match !

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 12:59 AM

Well, at my campground (and sparky's and a few others i'm sure :laugh: ) we have scantily clad Cabana boys running around. And a pool. And beverages.

Geez, you're so sexist. Why must you objectify the male gender? :distress: ;)
(Any women in thongs, other than you? :rolleyes: )

- Jake

GardenStateGirlie

07-22-2005, 01:00 AM

Geez, you're so sexist. Why must you objectify the male gender? :distress: ;)
(Any women in thongs, other than you? :rolleyes: )

- Jake

Because I can. ;) :p
(Yes. Jason. :laugh: )

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 01:02 AM

OMG. You and Strand are a match !

I met Strand, & no we're not. He can tell you, I rarely drink, and while he was sweating it out in the fitness center, I was lounging by the pool with Livia.
(Plus he's a he. :shrug: )

- Jake

sparky

07-22-2005, 01:02 AM

Well, at my campground (and sparky's and a few others i'm sure :laugh: ) we have scantily clad Cabana boys running around. And a pool. And beverages.

I don't need the pool or showers if I have a lake. BUT, I wouldn't mind a few hunky ranch hand type guys to help with the wood chopping, tent pitching, and stall cleaning. And you know what ? On my camping trips, I AM THE ONLY MAN. Me, a horsegirl, a lesbian, and their Bonnie Raitt like mother. All my BF's have been too wimpy to go. Which would be one reason they aren't around anymore.

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 01:03 AM

Because I can. ;) :p
(Yes. Jason. :laugh: )

:rolleyes: I said women, not one man who thinks he's the ABA's answer to Delta Burke and Helen Roper. :shrug:

- Jake

GardenStateGirlie

07-22-2005, 01:05 AM

:rolleyes: I said women, not one man who thinks he's the ABA's answer to Delta Burke and Helen Roper. :shrug:

- Jake

Oh hush, maybe there will be one there for the lone straight male ledgie coming along -- in the meantime while we wait for our cabana boy, fetch those grapes over there on the table, thanks ;)

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 01:07 AM

Oh hush, maybe there will be one there for the lone straight male ledgie coming along -- in the meantime while we wait for our cabana boy, fetch those grapes over there on the table, thanks ;)

"Make me a turkey pot pie!"

- Jake

GardenStateGirlie

07-22-2005, 01:08 AM

"Make me a turkey pot pie!"

- Jake

:laugh:

Eww...no thanks, get back in the kitchen and bake something else, please :angel:

sparky

07-22-2005, 01:11 AM

I met Strand, & no we're not. He can tell you, I rarely drink, and while he was sweating it out in the fitness center, I was lounging by the pool with Livia.
(Plus he's a he. :shrug: )

- Jake

Well, maybe in a few ways. Just not the key ones.

I love that he was sweating it out in the fitness center. THEN probably slamming cocktails by the pool. Hmmm...maybe he is more my match. :shocked:

GardenStateGirlie

07-22-2005, 01:15 AM

Hmmm...maybe he is more my match. :shocked:

You two -- oh man... :nod: I want to be at the commitment ceremony ;)

Hawkeye

07-22-2005, 01:22 AM

Johnny Stew

07-22-2005, 01:34 AM

I've never actually been camping, but I've always wanted to go. I think it'd be a blast.
The only luxury I require though, is a portable boombox for some music.

Then again, I wouldn't mind one or two of those hunky ranchhand-type guys that Sparky mentioned!

tynan88

07-22-2005, 01:49 AM

I LOVE camping...especially with friends...so much fun and relaxing, but has to be at least 8 nights because it will take me three nights to get used to it.

Have fun Paula dear!

sparky

07-22-2005, 02:22 AM

You too -- oh man... :nod: I want to be at the commitment ceremony ;)

OMG. If I ever get near to even mentioning a commitment ceremony or some such other fake "wedding" nonsense...I am expecting someone to hit me in the head with large blunt instrument and knock some sense into me. AMber, I expect you to be first in line, Homegirl.

GODDESS6

07-22-2005, 06:03 AM

i hope you have a blast, i love to go camping, can't wait to take my son on his 1st camping adventure!!!~

be safe & have a blastfun!!!~

Mari

07-22-2005, 06:19 AM

I love to go camping, used to do that a lot more when I was still studying, not so much the last few years. I've my own tent and other gear which I've bought over the years, I don't like sharing my tent :laugh:
I'm going on a two weeks hiking & camping trip to Scotland in a few weeks, I can't wait for that. Just hoping the weather will be ok! That's the only thing that's been a problem sometimes. Thunderstorms are such fun when you only have a tent as your roof - not.

Anyway, I hope you'll have great time :)

eclipse

07-22-2005, 06:22 AM

Oh Dearest Paula....and all

I was afraid that I would be the only one not to love camping-but alas, my fear was for naught!

I have only camped-out around here- (New England) and I truly hate it!
bugs,creatures in the woods, rain, "tent smell", more bugs...you get my drift-
Anyway at least I have tried it and today I am proud to say that my idea of camping is...

--She picks up the phone, in a luxury hotel suite and dreamily says "Room service?, I think I'm a little thiristy"--

That my fellow ledgies is camping to eclipse :cool:

SuzeQuze

07-22-2005, 07:56 AM

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 02:47 PM

Well, maybe in a few ways. Just not the key ones.

I love that he was sweating it out in the fitness center. THEN probably slamming cocktails by the pool. Hmmm...maybe he is more my match. :shocked:

Well, Livia & I were pigging out by the pool, if I remember. Jason drank at the bar before the show, but I think he was a boy scout during the day. :cool:

- Jake

strandinthewind

07-22-2005, 02:54 PM

Well, maybe in a few ways. Just not the key ones.

I love that he was sweating it out in the fitness center. THEN probably slamming cocktails by the pool. Hmmm...maybe he is more my match. :shocked:

Lord Child - I did the Stairmaster for like 45 minutes, then rode the bike for like 20 minutes, then lifted weights. IMMEDIATELY afterward, it was a shower and cosmos :eek: :laugh: Toward the end of the evening, I got a little lost and disoriented in both the hotel lobby and the elevator :laugh: Oh Well - it happens :laugh: At least I did not have to endure the post concert bar scene which included a painful rendition of "Popsicle Toes" :laugh:

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 03:07 PM

Lord Child - I did the Stairmaster for like 45 minutes, then rode the bike for like 20 minutes, then lifted weights. IMMEDIATELY afterward, it was a shower and cosmos :eek: :laugh: Toward the end of the evening, I got a little lost and disoriented in both the hotel lobby and the elevator :laugh: Oh Well - it happens :laugh: At least I did not have to endure the post concert bar scene which included a painful rendition of "Popsicle Toes" :laugh:

No, you did take a break to glare up close at us eating by the pool. :lol:

- Jake

strandinthewind

07-22-2005, 04:05 PM

No, you did take a break to glare up close at us eating by the pool. :lol:

- Jake

I know - I was like "ARE THOSE FRIES" :mad:

That pool was in such an odd location in that area of the roof. It was pretty though and Livia was correct when she said that hotel smells so lovely.

darklinensuit

07-22-2005, 04:28 PM

I know - I was like "ARE THOSE FRIES" :mad:

That pool was in such an odd location in that area of the roof. It was pretty though and Livia was correct when she said that hotel smells so lovely.

That pool was tiny, but I loved your friends hanging out from the window to say the band was checking out. Nothing like sprinting with fries in your stomach. I should have worked out.

- Jake

skcin

07-27-2005, 08:52 AM

Ahhh, some of my best memories have been at Alleghany (isnt there like 50 ways to spell that Paula) In fact, Ive done all the 3 "A's" as far as camping goes, "Alleghany, Adarandacks and Algonquin (I think I mispelled all 3 badly :laugh: ) and its been at least 10 years since Ive been Algonquin, I prefer the other 2. Adarandacks are clearly bigger and better, but Alleghany is still great, and much closer. Have you ever stayed on Gypsy Road in Alleghany Paula. That was where we always had our cabins for years, long before I ever became a Mac fan, and now its like wow, what a coincidence.

I believe that the park is spelled Allegany, but the reservior is spelled Allegheny? Or the county is Allegany & the forest is - forget it. I've never stayed on Gyspy Road. Actually, I've only camped in the state park itself twice. I prefer Highbanks, which is the next exit past Allegany S.P. off Route 17. Have you ever gone to Letchworth? Kicks Allegany's ass.

So, I'm back now. We've unpacked & put away most of our stuff, but my house is still a disaster area. The trip went well, lots of fun. I discovered a few things:

1) My dog sinks like a rock when he's in deep water :shocked: . I've heard this about Boxers in the past & now I know it's true. The first time, he went right under. The second time, he made a clumsy unsuccessful attempt at the doggy paddle. No worries, we were right next to him the whole time. He did like to walk down the boat launch to cool off, though.

2) I can no longer drink canned beer. I've always preferred bottles, but it's easier to take cans camping (saves room.) This time - ugh. They tasted warm & flat & watery to me after the first few sips. We stopped at a store on the way back from hiking, so I bought bottles & drank those the rest of the time.

3) Baggo is our new favorite game to play while drinking all day.

Baggo (http://www.baggo.com/about.htm)

4) Picnic benches will burn down to nothing within an hour or so if tossed directly into a campfire, tested by my sister-in-law, Felony Melanie.

5) The board game Cranium Turbo is just as good, if not better, than original Cranium. So much fun.

That's about it. I'll post some pics eventually.

GateandGarden

07-27-2005, 08:56 AM

Welcome back, Paula! :wavey: I think I was out the day you announced that you were leaving. Glad you had a great time and looking forward to seeing the pics! :)

Livia

07-27-2005, 10:38 AM

Welcome back, Paula - I love camping. I love to make Friday the 13th noises and jokes and freak people out....

I love the smell of bacon frying in the morning over an open fire....

GypsySorcerer

07-27-2005, 10:43 AM

Welcome back, Paula. Glad you had a good time. I'm terrible at Baggo. :laugh:

BTFLCHLD

07-27-2005, 11:00 AM

we missed you!
welcome back
:wavey:

catinthedark

07-27-2005, 11:40 AM

Welcome back!!

And I truly bow down in your camped-for-many-days presence.

(And you are sooooo right about canned beer. Blasphemy. Blech).

bikerchic

07-27-2005, 12:16 PM

we missed you!
welcome back
:wavey:
Oh, were you gone :shrug:

skcin

07-27-2005, 03:33 PM

Oh, were you gone :shrug:

I'm sorry, do I know you? :shrug:

ontheEdgeof17

07-27-2005, 03:34 PM

Wifey!

I have missed you so!

skcin

07-27-2005, 03:40 PM

Wifey!

I have missed you so!

Thanks hubby! :xoxo:

I forgot to mention another lesson learned - rain comes reallyreally fast at Highbanks. We were sitting around, heard thunder for about 5 minutes & suddenly a torrential downpour. It didn't happen until about 11pm on the last night, so no big deal. We literally ran from the campfire onto the porch (which was only about 20 feet away) and got soaked. :rolleyes:

bikerchic

07-27-2005, 04:08 PM

I'm sorry, do I know you? :shrug:
:laugh: :lol: :laugh: :p I'm sorry, I couldn't resist :wavey:

BTFLCHLD

07-27-2005, 04:29 PM

Oh, were you gone :shrug:

<img src="http://tinypic.com/9ifzau.gif" alt="Image hosted by TinyPic.com">
sweet

SuzeQuze

07-27-2005, 04:45 PM

...
3) Baggo is our new favorite game to play while drinking all day.

Baggo (http://www.baggo.com/about.htm)

...

A quote from the Baggo site "more slide and bag action" :shocked:. It sounds like a bit too much for me. :laugh: I miss the classic lawn darts.;) I suppose bean bags are a lot safer when you add beer. I am going camping this weekend. :thumbsup:

Oh yeah, and Cranium is totally fun, I haven't played that new version yet.

GardenStateGirlie

07-27-2005, 04:54 PM

Glad you're back and you had a great time. We missed you! :xoxo:

The Tower

07-27-2005, 05:20 PM

I don't need the pool or showers if I have a lake. BUT, I wouldn't mind a few hunky ranch hand type guys to help with the wood chopping, tent pitching, and stall cleaning.
Tent pitching..... that is hilarious {queue disco porn music}.

And you know what ? On my camping trips, I AM THE ONLY MAN. Me, a horsegirl, a lesbian, and their Bonnie Raitt like mother. All my BF's have been too wimpy to go. Which would be one reason they aren't around anymore.
I like to go backpacking. There's a great place in the Inyo Nat'l Forest, the Hilton Lakes. Quiet and isolated. It's a bitch of a hike though- the trail head is at 5,000 ft and the campsite is at 11,000 ft. OY!!! Carrying an 85 pound pack for five hours is a mother****er. But it's worth it. I need to get my ass in shape to go again sometime.