haha, Thanks. Down in Westchester County. I noticed most live a little north of me on this specific forum. Not worth to take the drive all the way down, but its a nice place. Thanks for the welcome. BTW- Anyone else have azuala(sp) problems earlier this year?

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.

Well, as for a portable "Loo", we have here stateside, several types of portable terlets (Loos')which are practical. the bottom section is the waste container, and the upper part holds the seat, and possibly a small water container! We had one in our tenting days, but i've forgotten most of the details, except one! That is the feeling you get when you have to carry that lower container to the dump station! And, you can't dump it down a camp terlet-it has to be the trailer dump station!(at least it did 40 years ago) So, that said, here's what to do: In the internet, go to camping world. this is a camping products company on-line. In this site, you will find a glorious assortment of things to buy for tent camping! And, they will probably ship it to you, but i'm not sure of another country! At the least, you'll learn what is available! Keep in touch. I'll try to help you get acquainted with camping, again! Yours: Rusty Jones

As a mom with a busy husband and two school age kids with agendas of their own, I have to say my favorite thing about camping is the opportunity for teachable moments. A typical family going about its ordinary routine has these moments, but is often too busy to take advantage of them. While camping we spend more time together, really getting to know each other better. There's no TV or phone (okay, we do have those things, but only use sparingly), so we play cards or other games and talk a lot. Everyone helps with chores, and the kids are more willing because it's all different. They learn about nature, do things they've never done, meet new people. You can almost sense the brain cells fattening and dividing in their little heads. :)