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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94 comments Add your comment
Stan
October 27th, 2009
9:45 am
You were warned several times about the air mattress…
Glad you had fun.
lmno
October 27th, 2009
9:49 am
I love camping. I love my wife. I don’t love taking my wife camping. I mean, its great that she’s there, but all I need for a 20 mile, two night hike, can fit on my back. What she needs to camp next to the car is 10 times that amount.
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
9:51 am
Jesse took me camping for the very first time 3 years ago. I will never go again…..and I had an air matttress. I lost my camping virginity at Stone Moutnain as well. And Michael is absolutely right. It is indeed a tent city. If it weren’t for the “facilities” they have there…it could have easily passed for a commune of some kind. I was totally creeped out the entire time. I am not a nature girl anyway. I was doing this because it meant the world to Jesse and the kids. So I sucked it up and flashed a huge grin everytime they looked at me. It was important to them that I enjoy this….so I lied like a rug. BUT I HATED IT WITH A FIREY PASSION!!!!! My air mattress deflated in the middle of the night. I was laying on what was quite possibly the pointiest rock EVER…..it was freezing…I heard every syllable of every conversation the people around us were having….and I didn’t pee the whole time we were there. Everytime I visited the “bathroom”, someone was in there taking a giant dump. Now…I know thats what the bathroom is for. However, I do not care to hear the plop-plop of strange turds. Its disturbing. By the time morning rolled around…I had packed up what I could on my own. Jesse took the hint and he attended to the tent…we also had a “porch”…not very porchy. Then the kids wanted to do the paddle boats. I am afraid of birds….freakishly so. And because Jesus gets a huge kick out of seeing me have a fit…He sent a flock of them to our boat to take a crap. I was actually paddling with my hands to get back to that stupid dock.
Now the kids are wanting to go again. Jesse knew how this would turn out for me. But the kids remain clueless…I think. Or maybe they are more deviant than I realize. But I simply cannot face another camping adventure. I am getting too old to do things that make me so stinkin miserable.
Kathy
October 27th, 2009
10:12 am
Before you go to Cumberland, you might want to try a few local state parks, just to get some more camping experience under your belt. My parents love to camp and some of their favorite places are Fort Yargo (just up 316), Tugaloo State Park (Lake Hartwell) and High Falls State Park (just South of McDonough). All are very beautiful, relatively inexpensive and have good facilities.
lmno
October 27th, 2009
10:21 am
jesse’s girl, tell them to go without you. They will have a better time if you aren’t there anyway.
I have camped at SMP before as well, and it really is too crowded for my tastes.
Andrea
October 27th, 2009
10:23 am
My son loves to camp and he loves camping with his dad. It is one of their father/son things and I am all for it. It’s not for me. When they set up campsite at the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons – I am so there!
rmh
October 27th, 2009
10:23 am
Glad that you survived with only a few problems. Did your son have a good time?
mom2alex&max
October 27th, 2009
10:25 am
We went to the BSA camp site weekend before last. I hated every single damn minute I was there.
Camping SUCKS.
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
10:26 am
I agree….camping is so not my thing. Roughin it to me means a Motel. Like Motel 6…or one with the doors on the OUTSIDE. Yes…I am a total Hotel snob. I embrace it….I own it.
JATL
October 27th, 2009
10:27 am
You definitely need more camping experience before doing Cumberland Island. You have to pack your stuff in on Cumberland -not drive your loaded car in -and you need your own tent that you’re very comfortable setting up, cooking implements, etc. Give some state parks a try and go up to N. Georgia and camp on National Forest land -but NOT in a campground to get used to no toilets, etc.
JJ
October 27th, 2009
10:33 am
I love to camp, but then again, I’m very outdoorsy…..I don’t let too much bother me……bugs don’t scare me, spiders don’t either……
We were camping once when I was about 10 years old, at Flaming Gorge. We had a family of skunks that set up camp right next to us….STINKY!!!!!
I think that is the worst experience I have ever had camping…….I have always wanted to go up to the “Hike Inn” outside Dahlonega……
lmno
October 27th, 2009
10:35 am
Oh, you’re doing Cumberland Island?
Get a tent. A MUCH smaller tent.
Actually, get two. One small one for you and your husband, and one small one for the kids.
You cannot hike with a big tent
Camping at Cumberland Island!!!!
October 27th, 2009
10:39 am
“It was stressful trying to make sure your remembered everything you needed.” – and you live 10 minutes from Stone Mountain and were going for only 1 night?
You did not say if you were going to go camping at Cumberland Island, but if you are thinking about it, QUIT THINKING ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW!!!!! You will have no chance, especially if you twisted your ankle BEFORE you even got there – LOL! There is nothing wrong with being a “hotel” snob. Not everyone is a camper, and some should not even try, and I believe you must proved that – no offense intended!
LOL...
October 27th, 2009
10:43 am
…”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”
Well, DUH!!!! Again, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT GOING TO CUMBERLAND ISLAND – you will never be heard from again…..and they really do have rapists and bears and wild animals there!!!!
lmno
October 27th, 2009
10:44 am
“There is nothing wrong with being a “hotel” snob. Not everyone is a camper, and some should not even try,”
I kind of disagree. I think that every person should learn to camp. It should be taught at a young age. It teaches you to live with less. Car camping isn’t reallly the same thing. You need to do overnight hiking really to understand. When you are going to be hiking for three days, you learn quickly that anything you bring with you increases your load. You start to really think, “Do I HAVE to have that extra change of clothes”. Its a good life lesson.
anne
October 27th, 2009
10:56 am
Imno – I disagree that everyone should learn to camp. Yes, I think everyone should go camping at least once in their life for the experience.
No, I do not like camping. I tried it – several times – as a Girl Scout, even going winter camping in Northern Wisconsin. Will never do it again. DD is a Girl Scout. I do not go camping with her. I let the other Moms who enjoy camping go camping with the troop. I stay at home. I am the Cookie Mom, however.
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
11:00 am
Yes..I do need that extra change of clothes….I need shampoo and conditioner…I need a toilet that actually flushes. Camp with me one night….just one…and I will provide you with a lifetime’s worth of memories that make you laugh so hard you will puke.
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:03 am
Yes, the skills you learn when camping come in to play in real life…..If I was ever lost in the wilderness, I’m sure I can survive. I know how to build a fire, catch a fish, gut same fish, and look for and build shelter…..for a couple of days anyway….Nothing long term.
Zaboo
October 27th, 2009
11:04 am
@Anne
Are the cookies made from real girl scouts?
DB
October 27th, 2009
11:20 am
While camping is not my “thing”, I sometimes watch those apocalyptic-type movies and wonder how I would fare if I got caught in such a situation. In that sense, I think that lmno is right, it’s one of those things that, while you may not enjoy it, it’s not a bad idea to at least have a knowledge of the basics. You just never know.
My husband and son went camping with the Boy Scouts once up in North Carolina at Sugar Moutain — in January. My husband, who is definitely not a natural camper, still shudders when he remembers waking up Saturday morning and finding the tent sagging under 4 inches of snowfall during the night. Nice for skiing — a bit of a bear to dig out of. He was very grateful for his air mattress, but he swears he has never been so cold.
YUKI
October 27th, 2009
11:23 am
It sounds like you did ok, but it was only for one night. It doesn’t sound like you would be too thrilled for long term, bare bones type of camping. To each her own, if you don’t really enjoy camping then why should you force yourself to go? If I were lost out in the wilderness, I’m pretty sure I’d be S.O.L.!
madmommy
October 27th, 2009
11:26 am
I was raised on camping and have always loved it. After being in ROTC for four years and watching and learning all the survial skills that comes with that, I’m sure I could survive just about anything with just a few simple tools. I do feel that most kids and adults need to learn how to camp. Put all the noise makers away, haul your load and get moving. I bet you can surprise yourself and your kids in the process.
Taking that into consideration, I don’t think the honey could ever go for that, but I’m sure when the time comes to camp for scouting, you could find him out there, for at least one night.
JG: I too am a Hotel Snob and staying in a place where the doors are facing outside is a “smaller hotel.” Stayed at one not to long ago for an event and it was quiet the event, but I survived.
Holiday Inn
October 27th, 2009
11:27 am
Yuki that mattress is still waiting for you at Holiday Inn
DB
October 27th, 2009
11:35 am
Another quick story: Again, my husband and son, but we were at Yosemite. My daughter and I went horseback riding, and the guys decided to go on a 7-mile hike on a trail they hadn’t done before. Unfortunately, it was still snowed-in in early July, and after almost going the entire length, they were unable to make it through two miles short of the other end of the trail, where I was waiting for them — for four hours, into the evening. No cell phone coverage. After several increasingly concerned phone calls to the ranger station, the ranger asked their age and asked if they were in good health. I allowed as how they were, and he asked if they had any Scout experience. Yep, he’s an Eagle. The ranger relaxed and then said, “Oh, ok, then, they’ll be fine. They might be a little uncomfortable during the evening, but if they’re still lost at daylight, we’ll send a ranger out for ‘em.” Basically, it was too dark to do any good to search for them. I was more than a little concerned, and after a few calls back and forth to the ranger station, we located them – they had sensibly circled back around, arrived at the hotel on the south side of the park and called the ranger station to check in later that evening, after being on the trail for almost 9 hours. That was a long night!
YUKI
October 27th, 2009
11:47 am
Holiday Inn…I thought it was Mariott?? Please make up your mind or I will not love you long time.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
October 27th, 2009
11:49 am
so I hate to ask but how do you handle the pooping and peeing if there are no bathrooms around?????????
YUKI
October 27th, 2009
11:55 am
You pop a squat and hope for the best!
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
12:06 pm
Hell to the no!
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
October 27th, 2009
12:07 pm
Do you dig a ditch and bury it at least????????
mom3boys
October 27th, 2009
12:08 pm
Not only do you need an air mattress, you need one of the self-inflating queen sized ones. They use regular sheets…it’s heavenly. I don’t mind the “car camping” like you did; but, I hate backpacking!! Why schlepp everything into the woods?? I don’t get it. Additionally, some of us don’t have the right plumbing for it to be fun…it’s just nasty!!
Sarah Dougherty
October 27th, 2009
12:09 pm
Sounds great about Stone Mountain camping. We went earlier in the summer and yes we felt like it was a camping city. I could not believe how big that campground was!
I would ONLY camp at Cumberland Island if you are well adjusted to camping and very experienced. It is not an easy camping trip for a novice.
It IS an awesome camping experience at Cumberland, but you have to be overprepared to be completely in wilderness (as unbelievably gorgeous a wilderness it is) for the time you are there. You will not want to drink the water (smells and tastes like mossy seashells) so everything you need must be packed in and packed out. Including all your water. There is not even a coke machine on Cumberland so there are no convienences at all. They do sell cokes and ice on the ferry and that is it.
Just my experience. I would recommend Cumberland to everyone, but I would only recommend camping to those who understand true wilderness camping. As beautiful as Cumberland Island is, it is not for the faint heart.
Hunter of MILF
October 27th, 2009
12:10 pm
@YUKI
How you doin?
JJ
October 27th, 2009
12:21 pm
Teresa, find a fallen tree, that has a little ground clearance, wipe it off, and sit on it to poo. You may want to dig a little hole, but at least cover it up.
As for peeing, well I have THE strongest thigh muscles, and I can squat with the best of them. You have to be very careful you don’t pee on your pants…..
My dad used to take us fishing up in the Rockies, and there weren’t any bathrooms, so I had to learn to go in the outdoors. This is where guys have it very easy…….
I did get busted by a man and his son once. I was squatting and they came walking down the trail. I thought I was hidden enough, but the son saw me. I thought, oh well, everyone has to pee and it’s a natural thing………
YUKI
October 27th, 2009
12:22 pm
YAY!!! I finally got one :)
Jesse's Girl
October 27th, 2009
12:27 pm
OMG…..JJ…I now know entirely too much about you. “squat with the best of them”!!!! No thank you. I am a huge country girl….but I cannot abide with another camping experience.
HB
October 27th, 2009
12:27 pm
Glad you had fun, Theresa, but I don’t think you’re up for Cumberland (and I will readily admit that I’m not up for it either). If it starts raining, you can’t drive home — have to wait for the next ferry. Plus they have real critters down there. If seeing wild horses, huge spiders, and an alligator or two during the day is going to freak you out about staying in a tent that night, you may want to try somewhere else. Cumberland is a great place, though, so why not go down for a daytrip, hike around, come back on the afternoon ferry, and stay at a campground on the mainland? That way if it gets too cold or wet or whatever, you can get in the car and find a motel room somewhere along 95. Then after a bit more experience, you can try staying overnight on the island.
Hunter of MILF
October 27th, 2009
12:28 pm
Yeah now send me email….nobody ever does that….I get no lovin.
catlady
October 27th, 2009
12:30 pm
So, including taking Rose and leaving early to walk the dog, how long were you actually there?
Do some warm ups before anything like Cumberland. Stay the whole time. No trips out. You might even ask the scoutmaster what he/she recommends for a gradual work-up to real camping.
As for me, personally, if God meant me to sleep on the ground He would not have given me a pillow-top mattress.
My daughter went camping Saturday night in Murphy NC in below 30 degree weather. It was very cold but she had a good time. Thank God my ex husband taught them to love camping! Their lives would be poorer without it.
Teresa, see my comment in your Friday blog about camping on St. Geo Island, FL.
Holiday Inn
October 27th, 2009
12:39 pm
Hunter you may meet Yuki in one of my room. She said she love you long time.
"so I hate to ask but how do you handle the pooping and peeing if there are no bathrooms around"
October 27th, 2009
12:45 pm
“Do you dig a ditch and bury it at least????????” – LOL
Again, Theresa, if you have to ask there is no way you should even think about trying to camp at Cumberland Island –
And, I, like YUKI, am a hotel snob, only my idea of roughing it is staying at a Marriott – I am used to the Four Seasons!!!!
JJCB
October 27th, 2009
12:56 pm
Theresa….one thing about camping in cold weather…make sure that when you are ready to put your pj’s on, you use entirely “fresh” clothes….even down to the socks and undies. It will keep you a WHOLE lot warmer because even in the cold, we tend to sweat a little bit in our clothes, which can lead to hypothermia, even with our warm sleeping bags. I am just suggesting this for future ventures. Fall and Spring camping are my favorites but the nights can be downright cold in certain areas. Besides, this isn’t the most convenient for backpacking anyways.
Glad that you had a great time.
deidre_NC
October 27th, 2009
12:57 pm
catlady…where in murphy did they camp…i work in murphy!…i live almost an hour from there way up in a mountain community…but im in murphy 5 days a week at least…theresa there is a great campground in hayesville, nc….its called jackrabbit campground….had toilet facilities etc…tent sites and rv sites..ive never camped there as im more of a rough it in the woods camper..but its a nice campground–on lake chatuge…also there is rainbow springs campground…it has all the facilities aslo but it is laid out to seem more of a wilderness experience..altho it really isnt..its close to franklin, nc…western carolina is a beautiful place to camp–and the 2 i mentioned are ones you could stand….there is fires creek..it is rustic..but it does have an outhouse..just no showers..only a very cold creek lol…
so how did walsh enjoy the trip?
Becky
October 27th, 2009
12:59 pm
It doesn’t have to be a five star hotel for me to stay in, I’m happy staying in a rustic cabin, but NO tents for me..I enjoy hiking anywhere, but I’m not into sleeping with animals..
JJ, h*ll no I’m not going to catch a fish, clean it and cook it..If my husband wants to do the catching and cleaning, I’ll be happy to cook it..If left up to me, I can find the nearest Kroger..The only kind of fishing that I want to do is deep sea fishing..The little ones enjoy the mtns. and all of the outdoor type things and I will do all of that with them..They haven’t shown any interest in actual camping though..
Theresa, glad that you had a good time..
Good God
October 27th, 2009
12:59 pm
It’s the mickey mouse club! Let’s all hold hands and sing a campire song! But Yuki and Jesses Girl will have to be dialed in from their room at the holiday inn!
deidre_NC
October 27th, 2009
1:00 pm
just for the record..im a marriot kind of hotel person..at the least..id rather camp deep in the woods than stay at a crappy motel..ugh!!! i am definately a hotel snob….but i love to camp where no man has gone!! lol
Patrick
October 27th, 2009
1:00 pm
For camping warm-ups, try camping in the backyard. I know it’s not the same as camping out in the wilderness, where you’re far away from modern conveniences, like electricity, but at least you can get some practice in as to what to carry and not carry, how to set up camp, among other things.
There’s a big difference, as you have learned, between sleeping on the floor in a bedroom, to sleeping on the ground outdoors. Even if there’s a sheet of plastic between you and the ground, it’s a lot different. You never know what might crawl out of the ground and into your sleeping bag. Also, while the ground may look solid and clear, a rock or stick may pop up out of nowhere, or one grain of sand may feel like a $#@%ing railroad spike jabbing you in the back. By camping out in the backyard, you’ll know what to do, and more importantly, what not to do, when you go to the Bigs on Cumberland Island or anywhere else.
As for flashlights, you can buy flashlights that have lens filters for night vision (red), that fit easily over the lens. Another thing you can do is take red cellophane (saran wrap) and tape or secure it over the flashlight lens with a rubber band. Also, if you do shine it on someone, you want to do it indirectly, like off to the side, like how police officers do it when they pull someone over at night.
JATL
October 27th, 2009
1:02 pm
Ditto here -Seriously Theresa, at least give it a thought. What do you think people did before toilets? What do tribal societies do in 3rd world nations today? YES -you dig a latrine and bury it!!!!! (or a simple little hole will do). As far as pee goes -have you never copped a squat somewhere? Really? IT doesn’t matter where you pee as long as it’s not on or in the tent! Take a big ziploc and put used wipes and TP in it after you go. You simply must do some more camping and camping on non SP land where you have no amenities before doing Cumberland.
deidre_NC
October 27th, 2009
1:03 pm
and yes…you dig a hole to leave your ’stuff’ behind lol…
Becky
October 27th, 2009
1:05 pm
deidre_NC, we took our little ones to Jackrabbit Beach summer before last and they still ask to go there every summer..We just happened upon it and stopped..The water (where we were) was quiet choppy, but all in all it was a nice place..
JJ
October 27th, 2009
1:05 pm
Jessie’s girl – I grew up with Boys…….’nuff said….I had to keep up, or it was sit at home and play dolls..NO THANK YOU!!!!! I’m definately not a girly girl……I’m feminine, but not girly girl……
And my mom had to work every other weekend, so my dad would take me and my brother hiking, fishing etc. Hell, he wouldn’t let me get my driver’s license until he saw that I could change a flat tire by myself. He tried to teach me how to change the oil, but I WILL NOT get under a car……that’s about my one and only phobia, getting underneath a vehicle……not gonna happen….
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