Well.... It seems to be awfully quiet on this board, doesn't it? I also pop in from time to time to see what is new on this board. People here have so many wonderful ideas and advice to give.

I'm not sure about you Scouterbecky, but where I live the daily temperature averages at about -25C. Not many people in my neck of the woods are thinking about camping. Whenever I mention it people look at me like I'm nuts!! I've got a couple of winter projects on the go, like making new curtains for the tent trailer, so I'm always thinking about camping. Hopefully the board will pick up around the Spring when people start to get campingfever. Until then.... I guess it's just us!!!

Happy Camping!! Or in my case: Happy dreaming about camping!!

2007 was a great year for camping, probably 8 nights spent out. 2008 is already shaping up to be better with a longer trip in the Southeast in June. January through late March are desert season here and everyone is found out in Borrego, Ocotillo, or Glamis. The mountains see snow and aren't very family-friendly, unless yours are older and wiser. We've added another Coleman tripod collapsible lantern stand as the things are just so darn convenient and the days of hanging something on a tree or bush are long over (thanks &*^%$! Mr. Ranger!). And we continue to switch over to white gas from propane as the kids are older and it's less expensive. Otherwise, I've still got my eye on the Sierra Designs Bedouin 6 tent, or Marmot 6 if the prices come down.

Hi mellbee, tplife. Nice to see somebody else is stirring around!! Mellbee -25? Wow, much too cold for me! My first camping experience hit some 13 degree nights and at the time I hated camping so you know it didn't go well for me! That 10 day trip changed my mind so I guess it was good for me after all. Last year we had a scout overnight that dropped to 0. That was the lowest temp ever on an overnight so it was a good experience and bragging rights for the guys!

tplife, we have a larger Eureka tent buried in the bottom of my tent box. As the kids are older I haven't had it out in a good while. Can I guess since you are looking for "6" that you have younger kids at home? Mine are one out of the house and one almost out, sadly. :(

Yes, I'm needing more room, but anything larger than a "6" is out of the question based on trials with "megatents" that broke upon setup and went back to their respective stores.

Here's old Rusty Jones, sitting watching the snow fall and the winds piling it up on everything! Guess i'll hafta go out and clean off my truck. Have an eye Dr. appointment today, but he might not see me, if the snow don't taper off! Lots of ice underneath the snow, and cars sliding everywhere! Not conducive to thinking about camping!
Oh, if i can afford the gasoline next summer, i'll probably get out more. After all, at my age, I'd might as well spend it as leave it fer my kids to blow on motorcycles and banjos.
A little tip for you folks who want to tent camp--don't camp in bear country! Those bears have bad ideas about how or what to eat, and they aren't picky! And, they aren't near as friendly as Yogy and his little buddy! Ain't never seen a bear wearing a "Pork-pie hat!"

Yeah Rusty, but here out West they sure make a fine-lookin' rug by the fireplace! :-)

Hi all;

Still here, and I see Rustij is as well. 6yo DD and I are chompin' at the bit to get out when the weather turns. We try to get out in the popup camper 10 weekends or so.

Have fun in scouting, Becky!

The guys were out a few weeks ago, but I missed the campout. They had a great time. The weather wasn't too cold, 20s-40s. Last year this time was the coldest camporee we'd had; the temps dropped to 0.

Two boys just made eagle scout-one my nephew-so I am really proud of them. Two more in the works.

The older guys are going to Philmont this summer. It looks like I am going to KY with the younger scouts if their mommas can turn them loose, that is. Ha Ha

I'm leaving tomorrow to go camping in the Everglades. First camping trip since last October

Oughtta be warm enough to camp in the Everglades! And, the gators won't have to heat ya, to eat ya! Hope you can run and climb trees! Just don't wade or swim. I think there might be a guy down there who gives lessons that teach ya how to walk on the water! And, don't take a leaky boat!
Have fun: Rusty J.