What with all the recent rain in California, I was reminded of the lower water levels at the Lake Nacimiento reservoir the last time I camped there with friends (and Scooter-Man) in 2015. So, I ask you, what better excuse to go camping than to check the status of the widely reported California drought? The … Continue reading Save It From a Rainy Day
Camping
Campsite Bandit
Many years ago, I crawled out of my tent to the sounds of chirping birds, glanced around the campsite, and discovered a raccoon had visited in the night. Among much evidence of the culprit's identity, the most telling piece proved to be the adorable paw print left on top of a soft cooler. I remembered … Continue reading Campsite Bandit
Camping Cuisine: Apple Rings
At my current job, all the snacks come wrapped in plastic. Here's my favorite: I haven't tried preparing or eating these while camping yet, but they seem like an obvious choice. Healthy, filling, portable, shelf-stable, and delicious. Please sign me up! There are actually two rings in the one ring pictured, and the peanut butter … Continue reading Camping Cuisine: Apple Rings
The Real Think vs The Real Thing
Forecasting a hectic day for today, last night I brewed a pot of coffee and filled my ice trays, then chilled both before going to bed, a ritual I occasionally practice in order to wake up to iced coffee.*** The smell of that coffee, though... Two hours later, still tossing and turning in bed, bone-weary … Continue reading The Real Think vs The Real Thing
Camping R.S.V.P. (Really Scared, Visiting Promptly)
A quick note: Thank you for the camping invite. I can't come. Wish I could. (Although, I still might.) I'm not only scared of the COVID bathrooms, Here's my list: Lyme Disease, poisonous mushrooms, Drowning, getting lost, falling over a cliff Or in a campfire while breathing a whiff. Also, bears. Snakes. Bigfoot. Hillbillies. Skunk … Continue reading Camping R.S.V.P. (Really Scared, Visiting Promptly)
Crater, Crater, Now or Later?
“Thank you for visiting your national park.” We’re open! (Except for boat tours on the lake. No Visitor Centers. Plus, we hid the shark.) Oops, did it sound like “full access?” My mistake… “Phased Reopening,” means: No Pinnacles Road Or East Rim Drive. Only guests eat at the Lodge. No Ranger Programs. Some hiking trails … Continue reading Crater, Crater, Now or Later?
My New Hope Shorts
Reading a detailed plan in yesterday's news about the reopening California following COVID-19 closures, one quote jumped out at me that the plan would, "not be based on hope." While I understood the meaning — that it would be based on science, and not on desire — the quote disquieted me all day and into … Continue reading My New Hope Shorts
Bodie Referee
“Morning fire! Morning fire! Build it higher! Higher! HIGHER!” “Chill, spaz.” “Be nice to your brother.” “Please chill, spaz. How was that, mother?” “What do you vote we do today?” “Swimming! Rafting! Biking! Hiking! To Barney Lake! The waterfall!” (Yawn) “Boring. How far is the mall?” “I KNOW! We could explore a cave!” “You’re too … Continue reading Bodie Referee
Learn to Burn
You're going camping. You're making a list Of what to bring, so that nothing is missed. Bring matches? You should! And an axe? You could.*** Anything you should NOT bring? DON'T. BRING. WOOD. *** Two more campground rules we need to cover For all of our self-professed tree lovers: "Buy where you burn it." Don't … Continue reading Learn to Burn
Road Tripped
Greetings, Campfire Tale-ians! I've been on an excellent vacation, but I hope you enjoyed the frame and poetry posts I left for you before I took off. I also hope you enjoyed Independence Day. I did! I traveled back in time on many (oh, so many) levels. I don't even know where to start. Seriously, … Continue reading Road Tripped
Campfire Tales 