Camping for Dummies II: Things I did wrong!
I really appreciated everyone’s great advice for our camping trip last weekend. I thought about all that you guys wrote as I packed up and while we were at the campsite.
The Stone Mountain campgrounds are very nice. Although, Michael found it to be crowded and not just because of the Cub Scouts. He said it was like a tent city.
I liked the pavilion with the giant fire pit/grill area where we had dinner. The kids had a fantastic time running around like maniacs on the greens outside the pavilion and on the playground. It’s all very kid friendly – even my kids couldn’t get in trouble there.
We did have running water and electricity at the tent site, but we didn’t need it. There are bathrooms all around the campground, and they were actually pretty clean and didn’t smell funky at all.
Overall, the trip was extremely relaxing once we got there. (It was stressful trying to make sure your remembered everything you needed.) It was beautiful weather to be outdoors. (We didn’t camp on the rainy Friday night just the 45 degree Saturday night.) It was also great to spend time with our kids and to get to know the other families in our school. But there were some complications:
Here’s what we did wrong:
- We needed help putting up the tent. It was an 8-man tent and had a “porch” on it so it was a little more complicated than a smaller tent would have been. But our den leaders helped us and I think we would do a much better job if we borrowed the tent again.
- I completely underestimated the need for the air mattress. I end up sleeping on the floor a lot with the baby in her room so I felt like, what’s the difference. I can sleep on the ground. However, I didn’t put together that under that thin layer of dirt at the Stone Mountain campground is GRANITE! It was unbelievably hard! I tossed and turned much of the night and my back ached for hours. I would never camp again without an air mattress.
- While it didn’t look like our tent was on a slight slope, you could tell it was as soon as we curled up for the night. Michael and the boy were rolling toward me all night long. At the very least we should have picked up our sleeping bags and laid vertical on the hill instead of horizontal. But it was cold and we were tired.
- I learned that in the dark you’re supposed to point your flashlight at the ground and not in people’s faces even though you’re trying to identify your husband. I arrived late to the campfire because I took Rose to my mom’s house (She was so sad to leave.) and while looking for Michael and Walsh I fell in a giant hole! I twisted my ankle and it hurt like crazy. Michael was all embarrassed that I was lying on the ground in a ditch but it was pitch dark and I didn’t want to put any weight on it yet. So I just laid there until it felt better.
It got down to 45 degrees that night. We all had on a bunch of layers and we slept in hats and coats so it wasn’t terrible. I left the campsite at 7:15 a.m. to walk our dog and get the girls from my mom. Michael said “Hurry back. Don’t leave me here.” He was ready to go.
Overall, I think it went pretty well and Michael even sent me a link about camping on Cumberland Island this spring.
So how do you think I did? What were your rookie mistakes? Have you ever camped at Cumberland Island? Give us advice if you have.
(I may post a second topic later today since we talked about this so much last week.)
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95 comments Add your comment
JJ
October 27th, 2009
1:06 pm
And I do love to camp, but given the choice, I’ll be at the Marriott with you guys!!!
JJ's Car
October 27th, 2009
1:10 pm
But I thought you like it when I’m on top baby.
Hunter Too
October 27th, 2009
1:12 pm
Becky…how ya doin? Got some free time?
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
1:12 pm
I grew up with brothers too…maybe thats why I veared so far the other way! I am the girliest of girly-girls! I love jewelry…shiny things…things that smell good…good food…better wine:) But I know how to rough it if need be. I just hope the need doesn’t come anytime soon! A rustic cabin would be ok…I just need a potty that flushes. After my poop leaves my body…I need no further contact with it in any way.
The Sleeping Bag
October 27th, 2009
1:13 pm
Get in here and keep me warm JJ
The Rabbit
October 27th, 2009
1:14 pm
At least I know Jessie’s Girl will not be eating me. Thank you Elmer Fudd. You can put away that wifle!
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
1:18 pm
Unfortunately….I do know how to gut small critters. I grew up with men that LOVED to hunt. So watch it wabbit.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
October 27th, 2009
1:19 pm
Michael got us a really nice cabin up on Blood Mountain when we were first married. And there were no drapes or blinds on the windows. I was completely convinced we were going to be murdered up there. I stayed up all night waiting to be killed! Give me a B&B with a few people around — first line of defense.
Jennifer
October 27th, 2009
1:22 pm
What the? This is gross. Conversations about bodily excrements? There’s more to camping than bathroom breaks. Can we change the conversation ladies? Camping is best done next to streams and rivers. Access to water, bathing, fishing and the sounds at night are incredible.
Becky
October 27th, 2009
1:23 pm
OK JJ, that’s where we differ..I can change my own flat tire and I can change my oil..In fact, when I was growing up, I wanted to be a auto mechanic..
I’m like Jesses Girl, I love being all girly girl, but I can rough it with the best of them if I have to..I have camped, can fish (will not take it off of the hook though)and all of the other camping related things, I just don’t care for it..
@Hunter Too, I’m doing just fine, thank you for asking..Not much free time today..
CAS
October 27th, 2009
1:28 pm
I’ve gone camping every Father’s Day with my three sons since 1985. Mom is very much an “Outdoor Girl”, but she appreciates the break, and I enjoy the time with them. When they were younger, we car camped at various state parks and campgrounds (Lake Conasauga is the most beautiful place in Georgia, but none of you will like it – stay away), but now we usually backpack for the weekend – much more our style. We’ve also stayed at Len Foote Hike Inn. It’s a very worthwhile tradition. It’s really helped build a strong bond among us.
Amy
October 27th, 2009
1:28 pm
Theresa,
In regards to going to the bathroom outdoors. It’s not that difficult.. Yes, women will have to squat or bring a funnel along (yes – they sell such a thing). I believe you can buy biodegradable toilet paper that is specific for camping use and can be buried with your poo. And people need to get over being icky about other people using the restroom. It’s natural. And I’m sorry but if you act like you don’t take a dump once in awhile.. everyone knows you do so quit lying and get over yourself. Some of us have disease (such as Crohn’s) that make our lives a living hell and wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry about using the restroom but some of us don’t have that luxury in life. FIND A TREE!!! OR DIG A HOLE!!!
Scoutmaster
October 27th, 2009
1:31 pm
Stone Mountain is a tent city. Always sleep with your head uphill if you are on a slope. Keeps you from rolling and the blood rush to your head can give you a headache the next morning. Try pioneer sites at State Parks. You have more freedom to roam and the kids can scream all thet want. You still have the bathrooms and showers nearby and the playgrounds etc.. for the kids. I suggest Hard Labor Creek and Indian Springs which are nearby. My scouts enjoyed John Tanner State Park. You can go to the Georgia State Park website and search for really good parks.
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
1:33 pm
Who’s acting like we don’t take a dump?? Some of us just don’t want to HEAR it in all its glory. Much less smell it…ick. I assume mine sounds and smells just like everyone else’s….I just don’t want to confirm that thank you very much.
YUKI
October 27th, 2009
1:38 pm
You are so funny Theresa…”stayed up all night waiting to be killed!” I’m picturing you doing that and its making me laugh!
JJ
October 27th, 2009
1:42 pm
Great suggestion about starting in the back yard…..do that next summer. Let Walsh invite some friends over, and let them pitch a tent in the back yard. He will remember that all his life!!!!!!! If the baby wants to camp, buy one of those cute little “tents” that go on the bed……
JJ
October 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
Yuki – I can see her sitting up in the bed, knees and sheets pulled up to her chin……wide eyed…..shaking, freaking at every noise. All the while Michael is snoring right next to her……LOL
YUKI
October 27th, 2009
1:57 pm
JJ- exactly! although I always think when I see a house way by itself in the woods that it must be where escaped convicts go and how could people live out there by themselves??? I guess we all have our issues…..
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
1:59 pm
Theresa….we should totally do a girls weekend and be freaky cry-baby selves!!!
Jennifer
October 27th, 2009
2:00 pm
Well J’s Girl, I’m sure J must be proud of you when he’s sitting around with couples and you start talking about dumps – smell, texture and all.
Mike
October 27th, 2009
2:03 pm
My wife and I took the compromise….we purchased a pop-up camper back in June and every two weeks we go somewhere in the state for weekend get aways. Pop-up is like a tent but has beds, heat, A/C, stove, water and electrical hookup. Cloudland Canyon SP and Doll Mountain ACOE are our favorites. Colder weather pushing us south. Just spent 4 days viewing the fall leaves this past weekend.
Speaking of "girlie-girls"...
October 27th, 2009
2:19 pm
…Jennifer, MILF Hunter is going to askin’ “How you doin’” pretty soon!
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
2:24 pm
Oh Jennifer…please.
Becky
October 27th, 2009
2:27 pm
@Mike, I could do that type of “camping”..Not sure about the husband though, we had a small camper that you drove, he took it to Charlotte for the race one weekend, came back home and sold it..That’s when he decided his style of camping would be the Holiday Inn..
TinaTeach
October 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
One of our favorite places to go camping is Watson Mill Bridge State Park just outside of Comer. It is a small site with a beautiful creek and canoeing. The best part is that it is never crowded and even the pioneer campsites aren’t far from the bathroom. Try there as a good “training” campsite.
SMOKEY
October 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
My wife and I are 60 and we still love to camp. SMP is great in Jan. & Feb. Next time take an extension cord for an electric blanket. We even take a small electric heater.You’re creating great memories for your kids. Keep up the great job.
rjcole83
October 27th, 2009
3:03 pm
Theresa once you get over the anxiety and stress, leave the kids behind with some overly generous person and graduate to the next level… Savage Gulf, TN. Granted the hike in can be ling and you might feel naked in the vastness, but once you stop and realize how much you are missing in the city you will never be the same….Look at these pics (thank God for flickr). The first time in I didnt want to leave my pack behind to go down to the overlook but as was explained to me, nobody in there right mind would want to carry their pack out with yours on top!! LoL BTW, my name here is the same used at gmail…
Views never seen in the city:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=savage+gulf+tn#page=0
rjcole83
October 27th, 2009
3:19 pm
You should try a day hike at the Pine Mountain Trail located on 27HWY near Roosevelt St Park. There are different length loops that should accommodate your skill level…Now is the time….
Paul
October 27th, 2009
3:21 pm
I first took my then future wife on a spur of the moment overnight to the mountains. No reservations. 30 minute packing job. She swore never again after sleeping in the car. (she refused to sleep in the tent with the windows unzipped for fear of people looking in). When my son was 7, we tried it again. This time I had everything planned perfectly. Air mattresses. Portable table. Chairs. Bug spray. Raid. Campground with shower and laundry. I cooked breakfast and dinner every night. It was, to be honest, the best family time I ever had. That was 11 years ago. ALWAYS, bring at least a sleeping pad or two (1/4inch foam makes a world of difference), Deet, and ant/bug spray no matter what. A 99cent poncho and an extra 4×6foot tarp are life savers. Never know when you are going to need them, but sure glad when you have them. Plus, I would recommend some mountain camping. Wonderful areas a couple of hours away. Stone Mountain is way to commercial and crowded these days.
Wabbit
October 27th, 2009
3:33 pm
My first tent camping trip was an experience I will not forget and one my camping buddies will not allow me to live down. On the first night, we built a fire and got out all the fixing for margaritas. Since we were “home”, we did not have to worry about the drive so I went ahead and had a couple (or maybe a few more). Once we get settled in, I fell asleep right away, no problems, and no discomfort. Then, I woke up. I quickly dressed, and made the mad dash up to the bathroom. No problem, came back, fell right back to sleep. About 15 minutes later, between the margaritas and the salt, my kidneys were in overdrive. Again, I slipped on my clothes and made the mad dash. Came back, knew I was going to sleep fine now but of course, I was mistaken. I might have made it 20 minutes this time. Got up, slipped on clothes and stepped out o the tent into the RAIN. Took care of business, getting back to the tent nice and soggy. Put on a dry sleep shirt and lay back down. I did not even fall asleep before it was time to go again. Yes, it was still raining. Slipped on my wet jeans and shirt and went back out. This time when I came back, I was so frustrated, I could not sleep. Now, here it is, the middle of the night and the only things that are up are me and some sort of animals making sounds I could not identify. And, now I had to go again. This was the fifth time. I could not believe it. So, there I was, squatting in the rain, and relieving myself outside the tent. Maybe the tears helped because I got back inside, dried off and slept until morning.
Of course, that is not the end of the story. When I got up the next morning, I dressed and made the leisurely stroll to the bathroom. About half way there, I looked down and there was my underwear, pink, dirty and soaking wet, lying in the middle of the trail. I guess one of the times that I was shuffling back and forth to the bathroom in my somewhat impaired state, I had just slipped on my jeans with my underwear inside one of the legs. Now I am mortified as just about everyone from our group had been up and I am sure they have spied my panties on the trail. I looked around and no one was looking so I casually bent down and scooped them up.
Of course, that is not the end of the story. My husband had been watching me. Sitting in our campsite with all of our friends around, he yelled at me to “put down those nasty underwear”. Of course, everyone looked as I stood there with my pink panties in my hand and nowhere to hide.
It was not our last camping trip but one that allowed me come up with my list of camping rules to follow:
1. No tequila after 6 p.m.
2. It is okay to pee outside
3. Never wear good underwear (you might just have to leave it where you lost it)
JJ
October 27th, 2009
3:40 pm
Wabbit I am laughing out loud……..No tequilla after 6:00 P.M.????? are you nuts????
That was a very funny story….thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Wabbit
October 27th, 2009
3:49 pm
JJ, I did not say anything about limiting your tequila intake before 6 p.m……
cj
October 27th, 2009
4:09 pm
If you choose cumberland, you’d better pack lot’s of bug spray,maybe a net… the biting flies and no see ‘ems will eat you up! also, the water does stink very bad,so pack lot’s of water. and as for an air mattress, i would recommend a fold up cot instead. i will leave the bouncy air mattress’ to the kids. getting off the ground is very nice.
3170family
October 27th, 2009
4:12 pm
Camping can be very fun, but don’t plan more than you can handle. State Parks are a great place to camp without giving up nice, clean bathrooms and nearby stores. Definitely take an airmattress (the Coleman airmattresses for $25 at Walmart work just fine). Camping at Cumberland sounds fun until you realize that you are taken to the island on a ferry and dropped off for the night. That means you have to haul all your crap on a tiny ferry! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Also, camping this time of year is not fun for everybody. It’s way to cold for me. I like camping in the Spring and Early Fall. Do go again!
Camping for Dummies II: Things I did wrong! | A Blog for Busy Moms … | airbeds
October 27th, 2009
4:24 pm
[...] is the original post: Camping for Dummies II: Things I did wrong! | A Blog for Busy Moms … Tags: air-mattress, car-camping, hate-backpacking, queen-sized, schlepp-everything, [...]
new stepmom
October 27th, 2009
4:36 pm
I am with Yuki and Jesses Girl, I will see you guys at the Marriott. Only girl camping for me….5 star all the way ;o)!
catlady
October 27th, 2009
7:44 pm
Watson Mill is great, Doll Mtn (near where I live) is fine, Ft. Mtn is good, Amicalola Falls (nearer where I live) is terrific. But all of these are more citified (not as bad as Stone Mtn. ) If you want a great camping experience (an oxymoron to me), Lake Conasauga is wonderful, but much more primitive. Not too crowded, quiet, etc. My next to last camping trip (before the St. Geo Isl. trip) was there.
Linda
October 28th, 2009
1:24 am
I just got back from a camping trip at Cumberland Island with my husband and 20 month old son. If you go I recomend going in the fall when it is cooler and the bugs are gone. I found Cumberland Island very easy. Just make sure you get a site at the sea camp. You get a cart to haul all your stuff. There were bathrooms close by with electric outlets- good for pumping up you airbeds. They had just done alot of tree triming so there was firewood all around us.
catlady
October 28th, 2009
7:03 am
diedre_NC, they went to Fire’s Creek. Apparently her fiance used to party there back in the 80s when it was not so “improved.”
Libraryjim
October 28th, 2009
10:22 am
My daughter bought a t-shirt last time she went camping in N. Georgia:
“Paddle faster — I hear banjos!”
Next time I go, I’m going to make sure I buy one!
Unfortunately, she timed her camping trip to Ga Schools’ Fall break, and said the shirt was very appropriate for the one campground she and her friend found that had space left for tents. Turned out that space was also next to the site where the campground had arranged for a midnight concert. It was NOT a camping trip that fostered good memories.
Libraryjim
October 28th, 2009
10:23 am
PS — we didn’t KNOW it was going to be the Fall Break when she planned the trip. That came as a complete surprise!
dixie pixie
October 28th, 2009
1:07 pm
I am one of those people who live way out in the woods, and I still love to camp. I have about 100 or so acres, and college friends often show up with their families to camp. We have made 4 campsites on our land, complete with firepits, stacks of firewood, hand-made outhouses, and picnic tables. All we ask is that folks carry out their own trash! My husband and I often spend the night at one of the campsites, even though our “home” is not too far away!
AJ Palmer
October 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
It sounds like a good first start, maybe next time you can go somewhere more secluded. KOA sites are family friendly and good for beginning campers. Don’t worry about the flashlight thing though, everybody does that; and it doesn’t compare to my funniest camping moment which happen when I was kid. I wanted to help my dad make the campfire. He lit a piece of wood with dry grass around it and told me to hold the non-lit end and drop it on the campfire. I walked past the circle of rocks and kindling wood where the campfire was supposed to be, and dropped it onto the wood pile my dad made earlier.
Luckily the pile wasn’t close enough to anything to damage something, and no one was hurt
Jean B. in SC
November 21st, 2009
3:42 pm
Hi. I have a blog at http://www.picturecamping.com where I feature people’s posts about camping, and I would like to send my readers your way. Of course I would give you credit for quotes and would link back to your site.
Thanks for considering this,
Jean B. in SC
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