you did Dale, and I'm sending a follow up...................................

I know. As I posted earlier, this forum used to be thriving. Answers to any questions posted would be responded fast and furiously.

I don't know what the age bracket of the participants were, but I'm pushing 62 and one reaches a point of not being on the same energy level as before. Up to this year I would go camping with my son and the scouts at least a weekend a month all year, and for a steady week in the summer. He's not scouting any more and it's missed, at least by myself. The other fathers have called me to join them even without my son and the one blizzard we had this year cancelled my chance to go. This summer my son and I are going to Bethel, NY to see the Eagles and I 'm trying to find campgrounds close to the Woodstock venue. His scout camp, TMR, is only a few miles from the concert. Maybe we'll try and sneak in there if nothing presents itself. Too bad, camping on the Woodstock site itself would bring back some vivid memories of the greatest camping weekend of my life..

I'm not giving up yet, My son, my equipment and myself still have the urge to enjoy the smell of the campfire in the morning. Hopefully others from this forum still feel the same way and are willing to share their experiences.

Be well,
Elliot

This post was edited by michelliot on Mon, Apr 1, 13 at 9:27

Hi Dale and Elliot,
I'm back after a long absence. Didn't camp but twice last year, but I hope this year I'll hit the road a lot more. Haven't hiked as much either, so that needs to improve a lot for my health's sake.

You're right - we just aren't as energetic as when we were in our twenties. I will be 68 this year. Good news is that I don't feel that old. It's good to see some of the older folks are still getting out there!

Jo

Hello I shall try to post and pass on any info I can. Love camping. Eagle scout so I can relate. I miss getting out once a month!

By golly, all is not lost ... Good to see the posts ...!

Jo & Elliot ~ I'm afraid this "aging" thing is getting us all. Have slowed down, too, especially wading those (cold) trout streams in the mountains of western NC. Try to not get in over knee high water (obviously that's with hip boots), and do more canoe fishing if possible.

Sold the little popup camper. That little bugger was a joy to have and use. Sure enough there were "extra" things to do setting up, taking down and maintaining the thing, but sure had it's plus side ... like sleeping up off the ground especially when it's raining, like in early spring or late fall. Had the camper for 10 years and figured maybe it was a good time to sell in that I had used the hound out of it plus was offered a good price. But still have the Coleman 9 X 9 dome tent and it's ready to use.

Funny, I still call myself a "canoe camper", albeit have not done so in quite awhile. One of my very favorite things to do was to set up the popup camper at a riverside camp site, then take the canoe, along with fly fishing gear, the tent and some camp gear, head up river to a launching site and put in there. Would lazily meander my way downriver, fishing here and there, stopping at certain places where creeks were emptying into the river, beaching the canoe and wade fishing those spots. Might even have a lunch there, load back up and continue on to a great remote riverside camp site, pitch the tent and spend the night - hopefully having a fire side fish fry. Next day continue on to the popup camp site and fish that area for a couple of days. Great way to spend three or four days!

Well, let's see what happens this year!

Wonder no more! Here's old Rusty Jones, still kicking, and thinking of my camping days of yore. I sold the motor-home, sold it to a relative, who is quite happy with it. He goes fishing, and takes the coach to use with the terlet, etc.
I haven't been able to get away for some time, as Ruth has been ailing. She spent 2 weeks in hospital, 2 weeks in recovery center, and been home for 3. We had to remake her bathroom door so a wheel-chair would go in it. She seems to be getting better. All those years of smoking caught up with her. Old Joe Camel had a hoof in making her lungs go bad. This old geezer had to learn how to cook, real fast. There is a King's restaurant nearby, so i'm not starving.
I often wonder about some of those folks who used to write in. I think Jen must have got et by the jersey devil. ain't heard from her in a while. I do look in here occasionally. Hope everybody is ok.
Rusty Jones

Good to hear from you Rusty and glad to know that Ruth is getting better.

Sounds like some of you miss Jen. I know I do. She had some really great posts. She always had her hands full, so maybe that is the reason she hasn't been posting. It would be good to hear from her to see what her and Art have been up to!

Jo