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Post by jd4020 on May 28, 2015 2:25:50 GMT
I remember growing up, camping was the only thing we ever did as a family. No vacations. My Grampa owned what we all called "the Timber". It was/is a 20 acre pasture, with a crik running through it. A timber does border the west and a bridge at the east end of it. The cows were/are pastured there all summer. We loved playing under the bridge, finding our favorite place to swim (it has never been more than knee deep, but, clear) and we learned to fish from Dad. Not that we ever caught anything of any size, but it was fun. It always rained. And we slept in tents. Dh's experience with camping was, his family had a small camper that they used when going to the east coast to see family friends and stay on the beach. So...., since Dh & I didn't/don't go on vacations, I talked Dh into going to "the Timber" for a weekend with our three children. He really enjoyed it. And we continued going. There is a group of trees next to the crik that we park our van right next to. We set up a couple of tents. Under a large sycamore tree is the kitchen area. A table for eating and a table for food preparation and cleanup. Another small group of trees is where I make our bathroom area. I take rope and tie to trees, then clothespin sheets for privacy. A camp toilet sits on a pallet and we hang one of those water bags for a shower in the evening. (it's one of those that lay in the sun all day so the water is pretty warm, sometimes hot) There is a tiki torch lit all night over here and other torches sitting around the perimeter. We have flashlights but usually don't use them. We cook over the fire the whole time--no grill. Our meals are simple, hamburgers & fries, hot dogs & beans, beef stew with biscuits. The biscuits take 5 minutes to bake in the dutch oven. An apple pie takes 25 minutes. Breakfast includes bacon, french toast and eggs. Our activities include gathering our firewood and setting up camp when we first get there. Then we walk the crik to see what has changed and finding anything useful. Finds have included minnow buckets, balls, a pedal car, etc. There is a nice clay deposit and we gather some of it for projects. Fishing of course. Tying up floaties or innertubes to the bank and napping on them. I hang those nets in the trees over cots for napping as well. They keep the insects at bay real well. We have tried various skills over the years, making camp furniture with branches and rope (knot tying), different cooking skills over the fire, watching bats, hearing owls, turkeys, coyotes. I really enjoy our spot, it's been in the family for over 60 years. We haven't been able to go the past several years, so I hope we can manage one this year. How do you camp? With room service? Primitive like we do? (or more primitive) Or in between?
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Post by Billie on May 28, 2015 14:17:21 GMT
No room service for us. Tent camping only. Sept 2014 was our last camping trip. 2 weeks camping in the high country in Colorado hunting elk with my hubby's nephew. No towns nearby so we had everything with us. We did go into town one day because it was my hubby's birthday and my dad's birthday (same day) so I needed cell service so I could call my dad and take Bill to lunch. Not sure when we will get to go again.
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Post by patty on May 28, 2015 14:23:54 GMT
We are tent campers from way back. We no longer camp but it is nice that our grown children say they have wonderful memories of those trips. We mostly stayed in State Parks and National Parks.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2015 13:43:16 GMT
I've always been a tent camper but to be honest, as the bones get older the RV route looks more and more attractive.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2015 14:08:54 GMT
I got to camp a lot of great places as a Girl Scout, but as an adult we're pretty much stuck with state parks. I do like to have a latrine and a water hydrant less than 1/2 mile away.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2015 18:58:02 GMT
I built a little "covered wagon" on a Model T front axle when I was a kid, canvas top, pine box, bows and all. The "wagon bed" is 4'x6' with a 3/4 size mattress. The back has an authentic chuck wagon, cast iron pots and all. When the kids came along, they slept in their own canvas tents, right outside. We have pulled it to the redwoods, Oregon beaches and all over Central and NE Oregon. The top comes off and the top wagon sides fold down for the road. 15 years ago I changed the hubs to fit modern 15" wheels and car tires. We pull it with the HHR or the '28 Ford track roadster to the Pendleton and Joseph roundups. Sweetie and I used to camp on tractor drives, it tagged along behind the road tractor, a 454/2400 IH hydro. It also was/is used for weenie roasts and bonfires at our fall wagon rides. It is set up all summer right beside the beach and deck at the pond out at the farm, we cook out of the chuck wagon out there. Sweetie drove the little Chevy Luv pickup we had in 1976, pulling it on the Bicentennial wagon ride across Oregon. I drove a team of Brown Swiss oxen pulling a "real" wagon from the Idaho border to Independence Oregon. I would like to do the tractor ride across Nebraska sometime with it. We don't do a lot of rustic camping anymore, we have cabins and cottages now but it is still fun to camp fight next to a creek a couple times a year....James
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Post by bowdonkey on May 30, 2015 2:07:06 GMT
Canoe, tent and a million acres plus of wilderness. Usually a week or so. In my youth, my canoe trips would last 2-3 weeks with a day or two off to resupply and then back out again. Good fun, and with any luck between that and my trapping years in Canada I'll have some great memories to reminisce on in the old folks home. Because in the end that's about all you'll have.
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Post by vickilynn on May 30, 2015 2:37:42 GMT
I've been a camper since I was a little girl. Always went tent camping. I've camped all over the U.S. Love to primitive camp. My knees don't work too well anymore. So, last year we bought a small camper, only 13 feet 9 inches long. It has a tent bed that pops out the back. My Tacoma pulls it pretty well. Have had other RV'ers laugh at how small it is, but we like it a lot. I wish I could camp and hike like I used too.
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Post by comfortablynumb on May 30, 2015 3:00:13 GMT
To me camping is a way to avoid paying for a hotel room.
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2015 4:25:47 GMT
We Tent Camp. Have had Campers never cared for them. Cots do make it nicer.
Rockpile
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Post by viggie on May 30, 2015 11:05:48 GMT
Canoe, tent and a million acres plus of wilderness. Usually a week or so. In my youth, my canoe trips would last 2-3 weeks with a day or two off to resupply and then back out again. Good fun, and with any luck between that and my trapping years in Canada I'll have some great memories to reminisce on in the old folks home. Because in the end that's about all you'll have. BWCA? I was never able to convince my family to go camping when I was growing up. I didn't get to go until I was an adult, and I've been going backpacking trying to work off my flab on the way
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2015 14:37:19 GMT
I built a little "covered wagon" on a Model T front axle when I was a kid, canvas top, pine box, bows and all. The "wagon bed" is 4'x6' with a 3/4 size mattress. The back has an authentic chuck wagon, cast iron pots and all. When the kids came along, they slept in their own canvas tents, right outside. We have pulled it to the redwoods, Oregon beaches and all over Central and NE Oregon. The top comes off and the top wagon sides fold down for the road. 15 years ago I changed the hubs to fit modern 15" wheels and car tires. We pull it with the HHR or the '28 Ford track roadster to the Pendleton and Joseph roundups. Sweetie and I used to camp on tractor drives, it tagged along behind the road tractor, a 454/2400 IH hydro. It also was/is used for weenie roasts and bonfires at our fall wagon rides. It is set up all summer right beside the beach and deck at the pond out at the farm, we cook out of the chuck wagon out there. Sweetie drove the little Chevy Luv pickup we had in 1976, pulling it on the Bicentennial wagon ride across Oregon. I drove a team of Brown Swiss oxen pulling a "real" wagon from the Idaho border to Independence Oregon. I would like to do the tractor ride across Nebraska sometime with it. We don't do a lot of rustic camping anymore, we have cabins and cottages now but it is still fun to camp fight next to a creek a couple times a year....James
That sounds great. Do you have pictures?
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Post by bowdonkey on May 30, 2015 15:29:07 GMT
Viggie, yes the BWCA in later years. Back in the 80's and 90's it was Canadian river trips. Most of the time solo. I wouldn't even attempt this now with a family relying on me. But when I retire, it'll be back to the Great White North.
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Post by jd4020 on May 31, 2015 21:51:10 GMT
I too enjoyed girl scout camping. I understand it had to be, but I found it to be too organized. (after all, when my family went camping we were pretty much on our own aside from helping with certain things my Mom wanted done) Some of the best times I've ever had were when my Uncle owned a field that butted up against a good sized creek (bigger than a "crik"). He made a camp ground and kept a cook shack, (a truck topper on poles with tables to hold a couple of coleman stoves), & a couple of pinic tables. When they went camping, everyone was invited to go. Mostly family, but friends were welcome to come down too. Campers, tents, it was like a little village. One main camp fire, everyone brought food to share, the kids ran the creek, went fishing, card games in the screen tent. It really was wonderful. James, I like your covered wagon, I second wanderer, got any pics? That log bench you have there viggie looks great. We do leave some things at our timber, but if we do we have to tie them to a tree in case of flooding til we go the next time. I'd love to have a spot we own that we could just leave some things; a little more "permanant". We do tent camp, along with our van. The van being for when it rains so we can go in & play cards or something til the sun returns. Last summer Dh bought a car hauler camper at an auction. I'm so excited to finally have a place to store all the camping stuff. It's very simple, a kitchen, no sink, but I'm used to heating water over the fire and cleaning up at the picnic table anyway. It has lots of cupboard and closet storage and a stove top if we really need it. There is a built in loft bed, but I think we'll use it for storage or for the grands to use. The back is where they pulled their race car inside. I've made it the sitting room/sleeping room. The cots for a couch during the day and beds for night. The whole back end swings down for a ramp so cleaning it out is easy and we can pull the ranger into it to take along. Thanks for sharing, it's nice to see how other folks enjoy the outdoors.
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Post by oldmania on May 31, 2015 22:36:27 GMT
We have done a lot of camping, both tent and camper. I am now at the stage where I agree with that little meme that defines camping as paying a lot of money to pretend you are homeless.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2015 2:11:29 GMT
I too enjoyed girl scout camping. I understand it had to be, but I found it to be too organized. I went all the way up to Seniors, and it got less organized with time. Near the end each scout was in charge of their own menu, the leader rented the location and told us where we were allowed to make fire and let us be unless we caused trouble.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2015 3:53:32 GMT
I like camping with other Homesteaders
Rockpile
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2015 13:18:18 GMT
Tent, slat bed. If I am within hearing distance of an automobile, it ain't camping. DS (a freshman in HS this coming year) wants to have a "you and me" camping trip to Isle Royale for a graduation present. Got 4 years to plan for it
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Post by bowdonkey on Jun 14, 2015 14:51:54 GMT
Isle Royale is absolutely spectacular! One of the most beautiful places I've been, and I've been everywhere. Try a fall trip if possible, less bugs, more color, but can get cool, real cool.
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Post by jamiecatheryn on Jun 16, 2015 15:16:39 GMT
I go camping with my family of 5 in 3 ways:
1. Medieval style glamping. We have a huge blue and yellow striped canvas pavillion (french bell wedge design), bring the futon bed and the cots, folding tables, wooden chests, chairs, canvas sunshade, armor, and medieval clothes. At an event where everyone else does similar. Hubby fights in tournaments and/or melees. We have classes, archery competitions, performers, cooking and feasting, hanging out by the campfire. Port-a-johns and bathhouses are around for those needs.
2. Car camping. Go to a state park, set up 2 modern tents for us and the kids. Propane stove, camp chairs, cooler, etc. Hike a little, use the playground, pool, lake, whatever it there. Maybe fish.
3. Backpacking. New to this but we have moderately lightweight modern tent and gear for 2. The 9 year old and I are going to the Laurel Highlands Trail near us next month. I'd call real primitive camping building a shelter from branches, and maybe a tarp, starting a fire with a bow drill and I won't do that. But this is minimal anyhow. I've always wanted to do this, used to read a lot of fantasy books and travelling that way reminds me of them.
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Post by jd4020 on Jun 18, 2015 3:35:29 GMT
Jamiecatheryn, your medieval glamping sounds like a lot of fun. Would like to see one of these sometime. We are rustic/primitive but I do make our camp very comfortable in many ways. May not the futon, but we are very comfortable.
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Post by jamiecatheryn on Jun 18, 2015 12:55:27 GMT
Jamiecatheryn, your medieval glamping sounds like a lot of fun. Would like to see one of these sometime. We are rustic/primitive but I do make our camp very comfortable in many ways. May not the futon, but we are very comfortable. www.sca.org
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Post by paquebot on Jun 19, 2015 5:45:40 GMT
First two cars were Ford station wagons. Depending upon time of year, they were either loaded with fishing or hunting gear. Sleeping bag was one constant as was a piece of heavy expanded metal which served as a grill. All I needed was a level place for the sleeping bag and 2 rocks to support the grill. Built a wooden chest which had all of the basics needed for preparing a meal and served as either my table or seat. Learned to always place the fish spear pointed to the back. Another car T-boned me and spear stuck in the back of my front seat!
Martin
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Post by bowdonkey on Jun 19, 2015 11:33:11 GMT
First two cars were Ford station wagons. Depending upon time of year, they were either loaded with fishing or hunting gear. Sleeping bag was one constant as was a piece of heavy expanded metal which served as a grill. All I needed was a level place for the sleeping bag and 2 rocks to support the grill. Built a wooden chest which had all of the basics needed for preparing a meal and served as either my table or seat. Leared to always place the fish spear pointed to the back. Another car T-boned me and spear stuck in the back of my front seat! Martin Yeah right, that was no fish spear. More like a mammoth spear!
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Post by my3boys on Jul 6, 2015 3:00:45 GMT
Pop up camper.
Used to tent camp, 2 of the boys came along, went camping with family that had pop up, jealous of soft beds, running water and AC, found nice used one in excellent condition. Can roll down windows to feel like tent. Everyone's happy.
Even had little shower and portapotty, no more traipsing with toddler and 5yo to public bathrooms/showers! And really great for kids who need to throw up at 3am for no reason!
Then ds#3 came along. Found out portacrib fits nicely where table usually goes. Also found out you can do without a table if you really need to. Discovered it hindered chronically-carsick middle DS from getting to shower from bed though. Oh well. At least he made it past the upholstered seats to the linoleum.
Still have the camper. It is now considered a family heirloom and we've promised never to sell it. We have a little more room than we used to though. I sure never thought I would miss the days when all five of us were crammed into that thing, but I do.
We have another generation coming along in November though! The traditions will continue!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 22:19:28 GMT
My husband and I have a 5th wheel RV that we 'camp' in. My children no longer go with us (although some do want to go occasionally when we go to a lake) but my 3yo grandson loves going with us. My children and I would often take a tent and go camping as my husband doesn't like tent camping (he did so as a kid and said he always hated it). I grew up starting in a tent, moving to a pop-up (which was basically an empty box with a folding table and the beds that slide out with a tent over it), later a travel trailer then in my teens a motor home.
My two older boys like to backpack camp, and prefer a cot hanging in the woods to a tent. Unfortunately they cannot convince their wives to do this.
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Post by hobbitlady on Jul 6, 2015 23:39:26 GMT
Tents for us too. Haven't camped since 2008 and I miss it so much. I have the greatest memories though and pictures and stories. We tent camped 10 summers,many times,as rock hounds in eastern Oregon and Idaho from desert floors to 7000 feet in mountains(nice cool nights any month of summer!). Those were my "good old days" and I loved every trip. The last 3 years we had a big inflated mattress and it was Heaven out in the boonies! That and a solar shower and a packed ice chest was good as home (or better)for me! Nothing like no traffic, no crime,and wilderness fresh air, to feel at peace with the world and healthy. Now I look at the minerals on the shelves, I collected, and wander off "time traveling" to right where I picked 'em up.
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