One Week till Camp

Back in April Maggie and I went on a great camping trip to see state parks and waterfalls on the Cumberland Plateau in middle Tennessee. It was wonderful in so many ways. We got stamps in 6 different state parks—we like our Tennessee State Parks Passport books. We also saw 18 total waterfalls in those 6 days of traveling—so that was outstanding. We paddled kayaks up to Burgess Falls. I slept in the hammock all five nights we were out, and only had to deal with some rain once. Hard to fuss too much. 

Yet, I was fussing a lot! Not at the parks or the scenery or the weather or the travel—all of that was good. I was fussing at myself! We got off to a late start largely because I was not as well prepared as I should have been. I had been fairly laxadaisical about my lists—not my typical behavior! So we found ourselves looking for stuff that wasn’t with us. How in the world could I have left on a camping trip without a skillet?! That’s pretty much inconceivable! And yet, I did. 

Part of camping is improvising. We know that. There is no way to guarantee the conditions one finds along the way. The weather can change and make serious alterations in the plans. The campsite may not be ideal. We found ourselves camped right next to someone who had their large screen TV outside the camper so that we couldn’t really avoid the noise. Trails may be closed. Rivers may be running low. Waterfalls may be dried up. Bugs might be brutal. In essence, even going to a front-country campground one has to be able to adjust and make do. We’ve had plenty of experience with that. 

But not having a skillet makes breakfast more of an adventure than it should be. Forgetting the soup mix, which I’ve also done, throws off the menu. Not taking enough night-time insulation leaves one wanting for warmth and not sleeping or resting well—yep, I’ve been guilty of that one as well. 

So after kicking myself numerous times for such a poor performance the last time out, I rechecked all my check lists. I have even put together something of a schedule of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for camping. I started one year out because there are camps and times and events where that much planning is needed. Reservations are vital on some trips. Getting dates fixed on the calendar means that other possibilities will not take priority. Seasonal conditions can be anticipated. So, no, I don’t think it silly to plan that far in advance. 

Then there is the 3 month check in. Have things changed? Is the park still open? Has it experienced any natural disasters like flooding or fire? 3 months allows time for some adjustments to the main plan. This is also about time to plan out the menu for camp. It’s also getting close enough to think about a schedule for travel, check-in, activities, check-out, and returning. 

One month out the picture is coming into focus. It’s a good time to check out gear and supplies. It’s time to consider clothing choices for the adventure. 

One week out is time to be rechecking the lists (notice how I’ve put that in several times by now!). Is all the gear good to go? Has the Hikermobile 2.0 been serviced and cleaned? Are the windows and windshield clean (this is one of my pet peeves in life!)? Is the grocery list complete? Is there time for cooking and prepping food in advance? What does the 10 day forecast look like? Any warnings or closures from the park? Fuel canisters filled? The clock is ticking at this point, and I hear it more clearly in my head. 

3 days to go—serious preparations are taking place. Now is the time to review the reservations, routes, and schedules. Cooking and prepping are in full swing. Clothes should be washed, picked, and packed. Consumables are checked such as fuel, lights, and the fire starter kit. Chargeables are also checked such as power packs, headlamps, and my Zoleo (satelite communicator). Good idea to have a small pouch or container that keeps all the cords and connectors that will be needed.

2 days to go—check the weather forecast again (I do this a lot!). Check to see if there are any new alerts. Gas up the Hikermobile 2.0. Prepack in a way that it is easy to see you have the packs, duffels, totes, or whatever else is used to organize clothing, gear, and necessaries. 

1 day to do—final checks are done. Check lists are rechecked! The skillet is inside the vehicle!!! All dry foods are packed. Medicines and toiletries are in their kit. Tech and tablets and Kindles and devices are charged, packed, and ready to roll. 

Camp Day—departure time! Breakfast is either eaten or planned for on the road. The cooler is filled with food, ice, and water. There is a final walk around check on the vehicle. The key is turned, ignition, and off for adventures. 

P.S.—I likely arrive at camp and remember or discover what I didn’t get in the list at some point. One of my problems is having had a list in my head so long, I think I’ve checked things off but I didn’t do it physically. Believe me—an imaginary skillet does not cook as well as the real thing!! Ask me how I know that one sometime!