Aww, Jen, Clean the house later! Go out and have fun in the snow! Plow the driveway, shovel the walks, push snow off the roof, etc. That drudgery can be saved for later!
One time, at a campground near Lancaster, PA., we had already set up, had supper, and were setting around, talking to the folks next door. and then, a fellow had checked in, drove his coach down near his lot, and the engine stalled. upon trying to re-start it, his battery had gone dead, and it wouldn't start. By the time he got the hood open, we had brought my truck and jumper cables down to his coach, and got it started. After he got set up, i loaned him my battery charger for the night, and he returned it next morning!
The guy allowed as how camping was a good deal! And he was really surprised at how we had jumped up and assisted him the night before! And we wouldn't take any money for our help! Which really surprised him!
On the other hand, our coach blew a rear dual tire one day on the Interstate! We limped off to a gas station, where we parked it. I tried to get help, but all of the locals looked down their noses at us, and drove off withoput helping!
So, my wife (5' tall, 120 lbs) and i did the deed of jacking it up, taking off the two wheels, installing the spare, etc. And all of the "macho" types, in their pickem ups, just drove on out, never offering to help! Well, i was rasslin' with the blown ouit tire and rim, trying to get it up onto the carrier, when a dapper looking guy came over and asked if he could help! I told him he'd get all messed up doing that, but he said not to worry: "You need help! I'm going to help you!" Between the 2 of us, we got the wheel up in place, i thanked him, and he left! turned out, he was the town barber, and didn't want us to think that the town was a bunch of uncaring bums!
by Rustyj

Jen - I remember your cooler episode and how the kindness of fellow campers rose to the occasion; and I think this is the norm for 99% of our fellow campers. As I stated back then the only thievery I had ever heard of regarding coolers was for their contents, i.e., beer; and I'm certain this was a trick pulled off by some hooligans ... NOT CAMPERS. Someone once told me of a fancy Coleman stainless steel cooler getting stolen where someone in the C/G had left it out on the picnic table while they were gone for the day. Since I heard that I make certain all I have is the cheaper plastic types!

Now as for my tent disappearance last season, remember I did'nt actually see anyone take it. It's been "suggested" that maybe the wind blew it away, so I've also included that aliens might have taken it, too! Well, anything is possible, right? I should note that this incident happened at a private C/G, not a state of national forest C/G where I usually stay. AND ... since the rain fly was not on the tent (I still have that), if it were stolen, I strongly believe this was again some hooligan mischief.

I've been camping for years and have never had anything missing before last year's tent incident. So just to stay on the side of caution, I always try and have the campsite picked-up and items like lanterns, fishing gear, coolers and such are placed out of sight. That way, should some hooligans come crusing through the area, there will be no item standing out for temptation.

AND ... I, too, should be tending to today's chore list. Getting real bad here about this procrastination!

Dale