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Natalie The Rogue Rhymer

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Help...Advice on camping please :)

Blog Posted by Natalie The Rogue Rhymer: 9/29/2011 10:59:00 PM

Hi guys

So my husband comes home and says, "Guess what...we're going camping!" So I said, "So are you taking me to that dive on the beach in San Diego again?" It's a ‘no-frills hotel’ right on the beach called Surfers Inn. He told me no, he actually meant camping. Apparently our friends/neighbors invited us and he said yes w/out talking to me :( And we're leaving Friday afternoon and not coming back to Sunday morning. I didn't think people camped more than one night!

I blame it all on my parents. Their idea of 'roughin' it' was staying at a 4 star instead of a 5. I never went camping. I never understood how someone could want to sleep on the ground. Ohh, btw, they have a 'brand new' tent for us...no rv or camper to speak of.

They called just now and ‘reminded’ us to bring a roll of quarters for the showers. I have to shower by paying (with quarters even...is there no one to give change or run my card through)?

My husband told me I couldn't bring any dresses or stilettos. I figured as much, of course. But I need advice from you guys....

1. In a tent...how do you sleep comfortably on the ground? Will I even be able to sleep? Should I pack Tylenol PM?

2. What do you do? I need activities. Can you suggest any camping games or other activities I can arrange to kill the boredom?

3. What type of food do I bring? They told us to bring a cooler w/ food.

4. Is there any hope of wireless internet service?

5. Will I hear animals while I'm trying to sleep? If so, what do I do?

Any other advice for a camping virgin would be appreciated.

Natalie

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Nette
Onclaud

Date: 10/1/2011 5:24:00 AM

usually, i bring my firt aid kit, small towel, dispoable undies, flashlight, off spray,some food and lots of imagination! enjoy! :) huggs...

Nancy
Jones

Date: 9/30/2011 9:47:00 PM

1. Air mattress 2. Play charades 3. Yogurt, trail mix, a big ol thang of guacomole with black beans and roasted corn (store this deep in your cooler) plenty of beer 4. lol 5. snuggle with them? Have a great time, Natalie! Namaste~N

Carrie
Richards

Date: 9/30/2011 9:18:00 PM

I am so late in checking in with this blog...but see that you have gotten some good advice!! Camping is something that I have done all my life, as a kid with my parents, then later with my own kids....the most wonderful vacations we have ever had, were camping with our tent trailer...usually 2 weeks at a time at all the different national parks. Would you believe, back when my kids were young, we took a two month sabatical from work and toured the whole USA camping every night. The best memories ever were made on that trip....we still talk about how wonderful it was, but yes....you have to be hearty, have a good attitude, and a good sense of humor. It is not for the weak of heart to do such a thing!!!

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 9/30/2011 3:46:00 PM

and in regards to #5- depends on the campsite what kind of animals you get. Most get raccoons. They will eat your food. LEAVE YOUR FOOD IN THE CAR. Some of the sites I've gone to have bears, they tend to hang out by the garbage dump.The site should have a print out -- ask for any camping suggestions/hand outs once you get there! And I hate to break it to you--if nobody else has--- OUTHOUSES REEK. Prepare to be grossed out. YOU NEED A FLASHLIGHT. PACK TOILET PAPER JUST IN CASE. BUG SPRAY AND IF IT HELPS, ROOM SPRAY. DO NOT LOOK DOWN, GIRL, YOU"LL SHUDDER.:) BRING ALONG ANTIBACTERIAL HAND CLEANER- they type you pump and just rub on. Other things most people don't think about, garbage bags, dish soap and towels, a tarp in case it rains. You may get this all too late. I see you are leaving today. Hope this helps TELL US HOW IT WENT, PLEASE. AND CONSIDER THIS AN ADVENTURE

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 9/30/2011 3:38:00 PM

Hey Natalie, you may just love it. I ADORE camping and married a man who would like to find a condo in the woods. 1) I find the air HELPS you sleep, as long as the site is quiet. A lot of party people tend to beseige camp sites. Once told some yahoo to get off a picnic table and stop yowling at the moon at 2 am. Beer does strange things to men, it would seem. THICK air mattress, is a must, and I have no idea how chilly CA gets at night. Bring extra thick socks. 2)Magazines, notebook/pens, camera, JIFFY POPCORN, and good running shoes. Walk, explore, take photos (if you have a digital camera use the viewer when you get back to the site to inspire you to write). 3) Food-- KEEP IT SIMPLE. if you eat meat-- deli cuts, buns, veggie sticks. Marshmellows are a must for campfires -- if you bring graham crackers and chocolate you can make shmores. I enjoy cooking over an open fire, but since this is a first for you - stick to cereal for breakie. 4) haven't a clue. I rough it.

Veronica
Joseph

Date: 9/30/2011 2:21:00 PM

oh also - my experience is that once you buy all that equipment, you'll never use it again, especially when you remember how much work it is to get it out, get it ready, pack it in the car, and then put it away again. How about a cabin at the campground?

Veronica
Joseph

Date: 9/30/2011 2:20:00 PM

I used to "camp" in my very early 20's. A group of us used to go down to the river the night before a "float trip" where we went downriver on several truck tires, bottles of Jack tied to the tire and floating along behind us. A girlfriend of one of my friends brought a mirror that she hung on the tent, make up, too nice clothes..and she was royally mocked. All I remember is feeling like I slept on rocks. Its good we had the Jack for pain.

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/30/2011 1:32:00 PM

Paula-You are too cute :) I'll do w/out the rollers but I'm for sure bringin' a little makeup. Trust me...this event will be enough shock for my system :)

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/30/2011 1:30:00 PM

Ohh Frank-didn't mean to forget about you-Tell me about the log plz....

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/30/2011 1:24:00 PM

Francine-Thanks much-I will check it out sometime soon-I have tons of frequent flier miles :) Debbie-Shrimp cocktail huh? Sounds good and my husband would love you btw! Rinko-Thanks for your message-not sure what a bivouac is though :) Veronica-I like your style and I wish I could do that-it would be much cheaper than buying all of this camping stuff :)

Veronica
Joseph

Date: 9/30/2011 12:39:00 PM

1. Stay in a marriott 2. Stay in a marriott 3. Stay in a marriott There is no way to be comfortable, dry or clean when camping. Its only romantic when you can go back to the marriott after the campfire! As you can tell, I'm not a fan.

Kabuteng P.Ink
K.

Date: 9/30/2011 12:05:00 PM

umm, sorry, won't be much help to you, Nancy-- this is from a person who actually lugged a roll-up foam mattress on a bivouac...yup I am whacked O_o...haha! Yay! You sure seem to be getting a lot of wonderful tips here, maybe I can snatch some of 'em, just in case...wish you the BEST time :D have Funnnnn!!

Debbie
Guzzi

Date: 9/30/2011 11:19:00 AM

1. NO you can't sleep comfortably on the ground buy a cheap THICK air mattress with a PUMP! 2.read...sing around the fire..tell scary stories [make love in tent..referr to my verse Baptism of Desire ;) 3, steak, bugers hotgogs, shrimp cocktail shove them in frozen baked potaoes FOIL onions NO INTERNET YES to the animals Mosquito's LOL OHHHHHHHHHH don't forget the Irish Whiskey or Scotch! BEER chips etc

Francine
Roberts

Date: 9/30/2011 11:19:00 AM

Oh Natalie, you would love Powell River, it is one of my favourite places to visit, they have a civilized campground , huge "Wellingdon Beach" right on the ocean, right down town, camped there a few times ( showers are free here by the way)Love the place. would move there if I could get a decent job there. You should visit it.

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/30/2011 11:12:00 AM

Jodie-Thanks much for the idea...I will have to check it out. Hiking may be a little challenging though and I really could use some exercise...Linda-You crack me up...'all of the critters roaming about' and thank you...I would have totally worn fruity lotion/scented hair spray. I will have to buy some non-scented today. Francine-That actually sound fun...something I would do. My mom was born in Powell River, BC so I'm actually part French Canadian. I've only been to Windsor and Toronto though...would love to visit where mom is from someday. But I'd probably have to stay in the hotel...we'll see :)

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/30/2011 11:06:00 AM

Hi guys :) Iolanda...The destination is Idyllwild...I'm gettin' the quarters ready. Love San Diego btw :) David-LOL...that is a little mean but I like it! I will be broke by the time I buy all of your WWI and WW2 gear :) Yes, I have life insurance but only have 100K...don't ever want to have too much so that it may be tempting to....Tracie-thanks for the advice...the hiking and campfire sounds fun but I'll leave the fishing to the boys (they are going to try to spear them I guess)...

Linda-Marie
Sweetheart

Date: 9/30/2011 10:38:00 AM

whatever u do ..no perfume or hair spray or u will be bitten alive by buggie boos Natalie.. just a tip I learned the hard way luv..

Linda-Marie
Sweetheart

Date: 9/30/2011 10:37:00 AM

Natalie I only went camping when my sons were little with my ex husband and I prefer the luxury of a hotel thank u very much.. luv the outdoors but sleeping at night was rather uncomfortable .. all those critters roaming about.. and us on the ground but the boys had a ball..sorry luv.. enjoy..

Francine
Roberts

Date: 9/30/2011 10:37:00 AM

they have showers where you're going??? that ain't camping. Where we camp the closest thing to a shower is running butt naked into the lake first thing in the morning and screaming loud enough to wake the dead ( It's friggin cold as the water in the lake comes from the snow melting off the mountains)with trusty bar of soap in hand, fastest showers on earth, you need to come up to Canada girl we'll show you what camping is

Constance
La France

Date: 9/30/2011 9:35:00 AM

Some hillarious comments, Natallie I had fun reading them, have fun on your camping trip~~

Jodie
Williams

Date: 9/30/2011 8:12:00 AM

Woah wait a minute... who says you cant bring dresses and stiletto's? You should google 'GLAMPING' (glamorous camping) Take your own toilet roll and definitely pack baby-wipes! Baby wipes will be your bestest friend :)

Tracy
Edwards

Date: 9/30/2011 8:02:00 AM

P.S David...behave, you'll scare her off going lol :D

Tracy
Edwards

Date: 9/30/2011 7:31:00 AM

Omg Natalie..I love camping, id live outside if it wasn't frowned upon lol..you'll love it, you can fish and hike, build a campfire and lay under the stars with the man you love..what more could you want..and let me just say hun, a shower is a luxury lol Have a ball x0x

David
Williams

Date: 9/30/2011 3:14:00 AM

Hi Natalie, just a quick stop by here, firstly many thanks for my placement only just noticed it had placed, secondly i hate camping, take spare tent pegs in case someone else forgets theirs and they take yours, next take a big spotlight like the one's used in world war two to spot enemy plane's this will keep big animals away, then dig a trench like world war one and fill it full of fuel to keep little animals away snakes, spider's, scorpion's and so-on,don't forget the lighter! make sure your life insurance is up to date and make a will before you go. thanks for this blog Natalie because i needed cheering up right now..David

Iolanda
Scripca

Date: 9/30/2011 2:52:00 AM

is it in Big Bear??? I used quarters there... for showerssome x minutes worth...

Iolanda
Scripca

Date: 9/30/2011 2:38:00 AM

Hi Natalie. I live in San Diego too. Where do you go camping as I used to be a camping virgin like you until about 5 years ago...Let me know where you go and I'll let you know what you can do if in and around that ground. BBQ and beer is tradition here in San Diego.You can always order from the local restaurant:)

Francine
Roberts

Date: 9/30/2011 2:01:00 AM

you would not find it in my most recent 200, you would have to click the link to view all my poems , Its about 4 books of poetry back, I write a lot. Anyway have a fun trip

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/30/2011 1:07:00 AM

LOL Francine! You are too funny! I couldn't find your poem-I even tried the search tool. I guess I will keep lookin' Ohh can you believe these pals of ours do not drink? So yes, I have to get through this sober...but maybe I can pal up w/ the drunks in the next campsite-that is an idea! And Cecil...thanks so much for your helpful advice-I will print it in the morning w/ Paula and Lee's. I'm starting to get more confident for some reason :)

Francine
Roberts

Date: 9/30/2011 12:57:00 AM

and as for animals , ya , you'll hear lots of them if the drunks in the next campsite count.

Cecil
Hickman

Date: 9/30/2011 12:56:00 AM

you will probably at least hear some crickets or maybe even an owl,,I hope nothing really fierce,,anyway as far as games there is card games,telling stories,,especially scary ones if you want to get close to your husbandlook at the stars hopefully you have nice weather, truly you need to take something to cover up with around the campfire and for cool nights and mornings,,take some hand wipesand maybe even some kind of spray to keep knats away, it can be lots of fun, though it usually contains getting up early and retiring early too,,sleep depends on the scary stories and whether you normally have a rough time falling asleep,, where some nice but warm clothes but they most definitely should not be your very best, they will probably get dirty from whatever they might have to sit on,depending on how much roughing it your friends like to go,, have fun and enjoy the outdoors ,,,I am sure it will inspire some poetry from the trip,,,Blessings..Cecil

Francine
Roberts

Date: 9/30/2011 12:56:00 AM

quarters ??? where are you going camping. obviously not the same places I go ( never had to give a quarter to a low lying bush), but definitely don't forget the toilet paper, a good book to read ,a tarp or two ( one for over , one for under the tent)

Francine
Roberts

Date: 9/30/2011 12:53:00 AM

well personally I think you should take Paula, or honey you ain't got a hope , check out my poem " Going Camping ..... not" It's chock full of good advice

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/30/2011 12:36:00 AM

Wow Chris I would love to see the grizzly bear match! If ya ever post it on youtube...send me the link :) And Thanks Lee and Paula for your advice. I will print out this page and make my inventory for tomorrow-you guys are the best!!!

Lee
Ramage

Date: 9/29/2011 11:58:00 PM

Haven't camped in awhile but use a air mattress to sleep on with sleeping bag. Keep a fire going (as long as its safe, if too dry you can't). Toast marshmellows yum, make smores (chocolate, graham crackers and marshmellows) and BBQ hotdogs over fire. Take Eggs and bacon and fry pan. Do you have a coleman stove, if so, you can cook anything you want on it. Suggest that you keep food in truck/car so animals (if you have bears, squirrels etc) don't try to get into tent to eat food and find you. Good luck! Its fun if you have good bones and no back pain!! Lee

Natalie
The Rogue Rhymer

Date: 9/29/2011 11:26:00 PM

OMG Constance-I didn't even think about the bathroom situation...more quarters I suppose?

Constance
La France

Date: 9/29/2011 11:10:00 PM

This made me laugh Natalie, I think a camper you are not, me either, I would consider it in a nice all equipped camper on wheels with it own potty snd a connection to electricity, and walking distance to a very nice hotel, those would be my terms, leave the stilettos at home, the cell, he has to be kidding, sleep on the ground, fight animals in the night!! ~~

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Help...Advice on camping please :)

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