On the stove, it all depends on what kind of camping your doing. Jennmonkey mentioned elsewhere contemplating some backpacking. Most of my camping is on a motorcycle, some in a car. On the bike, I use a single burner Coleman Dual Fuel 533 stove (gas), and actually we manage fine. For backpacking there are even smaller single burner stoves available. When we go in a car, we use a dual burner propane stove, and I'd agree if you can manage the weight and space, it has definite advantages. Occasionally, we've used both to have a total of three burners, and/or used a portable grill. I personally prefer a propane stove to the gas stove that I usually use, and prefer two burners to the one that I usually have available, but what can be carried depends on how one is camping, and we always manage fine with what circumstances dictate.

Ride my bike, ride my bike, ride my bike.... got to really ride my mtn bike a lot the next two weeks to get my legs into better shape for my big climb in the Virgin River Gorge. Got to climb up 2,000 ft or more elevation through cactus. Can't wait! The riding should make the scramble much easier. I want to drop a few pounds, but the ladies at work are such great cooks! I keep getting cookies, baked treats, potluck lunches, birthday party dinners, I hate to say no. Everyone is so nice. Don't want to hurt feelings.... also, who wants to turn down this awesome food? mmmm..... So, I am on the Bill Clinton diet: Eat Eat Eat junk food, then run, workout, and hope for a middle of the road result. Hey, Jennmonkey, have a blast! Oh, for the snow? See if your BF would want to stop in to a sporting goods store and "RENT" some snowshoes for the trip? Call around- you may spend about 8 - 12 dollars to rent them. Ever snowshoed? it's something different for sure.

dedtired, Hints for seasickness... 1.) Look off the stern instead of the bow; 2.) Fix your eyes on the horizon instead of looking a few feet ahead of the boat (you'll be out of sight of land); 3.) Sip on cold Diet 7-Up; 4.) Many people do fine underway; but when drifting they start feeling queasy. Whale watch boats stop frequently for whale sightings. While drifting, stand at the gunnel stanchions & hold on to a rail if it's rough rather than sitting down...much better. Actually, more people get seasick in calm water than in rough seas (within limits, of course!) When there's good wave action your body gets into a rhythem. In calm seas, there's just a slight up/down, up/down that gets to some people. Beam seas are the worst! That side-to-side motion can do in even the saltiest of seamen! Since I've been a boater, I can't imagine WHY people stick babies in cradles! Inhumane punishment, IMO! Also, if you're focused on looking for the blow spouts of whales your body won't notice the rolling sensation nearly as much. We need Lori. She's more local to Newport...I'm about an hour away. But here's a place to start...a fun lunch spot in Newport is the Red Parrot. Allow about an hour just to read the menu & make your selection. It's also a great place to people watch. And go hungry! Parking is tricky. Don't be a hero & try to find a parking spot on one of the side streets...it's mostly "Residents Only". Just pay your $15 & chock it up to a good day in Newport. You can also rent the most adorable two-seater scooters in Newport. The shopping is one of two things...either touristy or very expensive boutiques, gallery quality art, designer jewelry, home decor, etc. There are also some great bookstores. History lesson on Newport: Did you know that most of early Newport was built with slave labor? Most people don't realize the extent Newport relied on slaves. The wonderful granite cobblestone roads, the houses, the ships...all slave labor. By 1770, the entire workforce was slaves mostly from Ghana. They came as children & were different than the southern plantation slaves. In Newport, most slaves lived in the same house as their owners often slept in the same bedroom as the owner's kids. They were taught skills & became highly trained. By 1830, most Newporters had freed their slaves. They went on to found businesses, become councilmen, teachers, policeman, fireman, & held high offices. But they came to America as slaves. End of history lesson. Follow the signs for Ocean Drive/Mansions & go to Brenton Park. It's right on Ocean Drive. On weekends, it's a popular place to fly those huge kites in different shapes. The water is right across from the parking (free). Actually, you could just sit in your car & stare at Newport Channel for hours watching the boats. You'll see many huge international & corporate yachts. The rocks at Brenton Park are also a popular dive spot. Look for small boats with a red flag floating in the water near the boat. The red flag means, "Diver Down". When's your trip? /tricia Here is a link that might be useful: The Red Parrot

Tamar, Sorry, I haven't read all the threads here - did see them going off on yet another tangent, lol. But, I think (as I said, didn't read everyone's posts) I'm the only one to advise you NOT to attend the session if it meant you must miss your own child's first day of school. I just wouldn't do that if it were me. And, I'm w/ you on the camping thing, lol. Yeah, I've camped many times - at the air conditioned cabins at Disney World's Ft. Wildernes Resort, lol. I realize it's very important for SS, but SS has made his bed. I realize he has some issues that are understandably out of his control, but he has made poor choice after poor choice. And, I'm not completely up to date on his current issues w/ you, but apparently he made it clear that you aren't his cup of tea, so now you are supposed to miss seeing your youngster off for his first day of 'real' school? No way. Your little one did not have anything to do w/ this and should not be brushed aside for NOT being the squeeky wheel. If your area is anything like ours, you will most likely be one of the only moms not there, taking pictures, etc. I don't think I could live w/ that. Your little one has done nothing wrong and he should have his mom walk him in the first day of K. I would tell DH to take notes for me and rest assured that SS has his biomom and dad w/ him, the two he apparently wants around the most. I'd have no issues w/ my DH and his ex being on this little jaunt together, either. DH wouldn't like being subjected to her, lol, but I'd have no problem - and that would be added incentive for me not to be there! I am still wondering if my SS will reappear next week when his boyfriend moves back to S.FL. If so, I wonder if he will have any issues that will land him in some sort of rehab. If so, I'm certain I won't be doing anything other than landing an ear. I'm hoping I can be civil after the he!! he's put us through...I imagine you can relate... All the best, Dana