Jen, You know me, it is never too cold to camp, matter of fact on my way in about 2 1/2 hr for the weekend. It gets kind of tricky this time of yr with no running water in the campground though. We have to bring all water in jugs that we use. The REAL thing that bothers is me is no use of bathroom facilities, there is nothing like a restroom when you need one. Only 2 more months until the water is turned on. The smell of food cooking over the fire is awesome and so relaxing. Eal51----kind of funny you mention boyscouts, my hubby was a leader for years with my 3 boys and camped all yr. too. The stories I would hear about camping in igloos they made in the snow in the winter and waking up with icles on their faces etc it was so funny. I guess thats why we camp all yr, it is nothing compared to all those yrs. he went through. He says he is living the life now, he doesn't have to sleep in a tent in the cold any longer. We sleep in our tent when it is nice out though. Lynda

I used synthetic bags for years because down is worthless if it gets wet. Then I realized that I never had gotten a bag wet and switched to down to save weight and space. I've also heard that some of the new synthetics are almost as light and pack down almost as compact for the same warmth. I suspect that it is pretty close and that if you are at all concerned about getting damp, synthetics are the way to go. Do be careful about temperature ratings. At present, I have two types of down bags, a Campmor and an LLBean Mt. Katahdin, both rated at 20 degrees. However the quality of construction and warmth are very different. I've used the LLBean comfortably down to 30 degrees, and I doubt the Campmor would be warm enough below 45 or 50. The Mt. Katahdin comes in both down and Polarguard 3D. In a rectangular bag, the synthetic is about a pound and a half heavier, in a mummy bag, about a pound heavier. In 40 degree rated bags, the difference in weight is much less.

LOL! Sounds real familiar to me. We have been RVing since 1996. Lately Dean doesn't want to drive it. It's alot of work. Yes, we've had the Awning come unraveled. We've had steps knocked off twice. A broken Jack. Two blowouts at different times. One that cut the propane line. (We both smoke.) I prefer to stay were there is electric and cable. LOL! Real Camping. But, we do park at the Lake with Senior Discount of $9.00 a night. Can't beat that. A two week stay for $126.00. Makes it worth while to do all the loading and unloading.

My Abe has been a very good plant, but has declined some since this picture was taken. Mine is by the hot street and blooms usually don't fry but guess we don't get as hot as Las Vegas. I do spray but not so much after June. My Evelyn plant has never been vigorous. I have a friend with two good plants of Evelyn. I think I'll sp my Evelyn this year and try again in a different location. To me Abe is more beautiful and fragrant, and repeats well. Abe with Carefree Beauty to the right :