Metafilter NW Campout Extravaganza, Spring 2016 edition

posted March 6, 2016 4:35 PM | |

Fri June 10 at 4:00 PM, Cinder Hill Campground

Cinder Hill Campground, Oregon, USA (Map & Directions)

Yer loooking at June 10-12?
posted by hippybear at 5:46 PM on March 6, 2016

I are. That's not set in stone, but in the other thread that seemed to be the most reasonable date. The group campsite's season starts that weekend, so that's the earliest we could schedule it - unless we elect to go with Paulina Lake campground and individual sites.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:33 PM on March 6, 2016

Group site B on the lake looks swell.
posted by janell at 10:42 PM on March 6, 2016

I like site B too. I'm mostly sure I don't have any lingering school obligations on the 10th, but worst case scenario I would show up a day later.

So there's a few cool things nearby:
Big Obsidian Flow
Lava River Cave isn't bad for a lava tube (but don't wear anything you've ever worn in any other cave, so you don't accidentally transmit bat diseases)
Fort Rock is geologically interesting, and has a nice echo to it, but this is also where they found some very old sandals.
Hole in the Ground is actually kind of boring, but what a name, right?
Lava Butte (a cinder cone)
Paulina Falls
Lava Cast Forest
And we'll be inside of Newberry Crater (technically a "caldera")
And here's a bunch of that stuff wrapped together into some sort of web app, I guess.
posted by Secretariat at 2:48 PM on March 7, 2016

And looking at the details of campground - site B allows 50 people/12 vehicles. Same for C, site A is smaller.
posted by janell at 3:05 PM on March 7, 2016

Depending on how many people are willing to definitely commit by this Wednesday evening, I'll reserve either site A or B. Unless they're all the same price, in which case I'll get B since people seem to like that one. But I expect them all to go quickly once the reservation window opens up Thursday morning, so I'll need to go with whatever we've got at that point.

(I can cover the deposit for now, then once we're closer to figuring out who's really coming we can work out payments.)
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:39 PM on March 7, 2016

Yeah, if we've misinterpreted the pricing stuff and it turns out to be expensive, I've got no problem going with the individual sites at the place around the bend. But as long as it's about the same price or cheaper, the group camp seems like a good plan. Lots of nice looking tables in the photos!
posted by Secretariat at 6:30 PM on March 7, 2016

My guesstimation was slightly off - individual sites at the Paulina Lake Campground (for instance) are $18-20/night, so if we get enough people to split the bill at least 6 ways we're better off with even the most expensive group site rate than if that many people got individual sites. (or if we double up on individual sites, we'd need 12 people paying for the group site to come out ahead)

My personal feeling is that if we can get at least 8 people to commit, a group site would do a better job of letting us all hang out/cook/park together.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:52 PM on March 7, 2016

For activities, there's also the Paulina Lake hot springs. It's very pretty at night, although with a first-quarter waxing moon on June 12 finding the trail at night may be a bit challenging.
posted by hackwolf at 2:22 AM on March 8, 2016

Huh, the comments on the hot springs page sort of suggest maybe we'd be better off not taking the campsite right on the lake- could be windy!
posted by Secretariat at 4:42 PM on March 8, 2016 [1 favorite]

As far as I can tell the wind there mostly comes from the S/SW/W, so we'd be protected (or not...) by the high ground surrounding the campground regardless of which site we picked. Then again, you've been there and I haven't, so I'll bow to your experience.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:04 PM on March 8, 2016

LAST MINUTE NOTICE - If enough people don't commit to attending by the end of this evening, I'm not going to try to reserve one of only three group campsites tomorrow morning when the reservation window opens. If we wait too long to decide they might be gone; then we'll have no choice but to scramble for individual sites.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:26 PM on March 9, 2016

I'm not 100% sure I can commit for purposes of actually attending, but I am committing to "paying my share of the campground regardless of whether I actually make it".
posted by hackwolf at 5:26 PM on March 9, 2016

I want to commit, but can't right now. A lot of events in the Spring plus how things are butting up against each other on the calendar plus the travel distance and time and stuff... it's like, I can't commit now, but might be able to in a month? Sorry to be wishy-washy...
posted by hippybear at 11:02 AM on March 10, 2016

So despite my fear-driven urgency, I haven't yet reserved a spot and all three are still available. So I guess I'll keep watching and waiting as long as I think I can to snag one, and in the meantime we can get a better idea of how many people actually want to go.
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:32 PM on March 12, 2016

I'm in for Wallowa, but gotta stay maybe-ish for this one, for now. I'm having some health issues that may or may not be problematic around that time. No way to know if I'll be up for the trip at this point :( but will be keeping on eye on the thread regardless.
posted by wallabear at 8:40 PM on March 12, 2016

I'm pondering the idea of just reserving a normal site at Paulina Lake Campground- one site can hold up to 6 people, so if not very many people are able to commit yet, that might be good enough?
posted by Secretariat at 10:25 PM on March 15, 2016

That could work too. There's still quite a few of those sites available for that weekend.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:35 AM on March 16, 2016

I'm making this event official. I changed the post links to the non-group-site campground, due to the smaller number of people prepared to commit.

At the moment (end of March) there's still plenty of "individual" sites available at that campground. Based on past experience, apart from the reservation site claiming a max of 6 people per site, I'm guessing we could fit no more than two tents/two cars into each one.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:42 PM on March 25, 2016

Looking at Earth View in Google Maps, I'll hazard a guess that sites 61-65 will have pretty good tree coverage. They're not nearest the actual water, but they're probably the closest we're likely to get at this point.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:58 PM on March 25, 2016

Alternatively, Little Crater Campground (sites 38-43) has some openings and is nearer the central crater...
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:05 PM on March 25, 2016

Apropos of nothing, it's snowing today in La Pine!

I think I'm content with either campground, I've never been to either.
posted by Secretariat at 3:14 PM on March 26, 2016

Here's a nice map of the roads and trails in the area.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:50 PM on March 26, 2016

After looking at the photos of campsites, I've reserved #56 ($49 for two nights, including reservation fee). Sites 54 and 58 on either side of it are available for that weekend.

Note that while they allow up to 6 people per site, only one vehicle is included in the price; additional cars will have to pay a fee.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:28 AM on March 27, 2016

I would really like to go to this, so much, but I'm kind of devoting my life to killing Trump's chances for the next few months and may need to save up to go to the convention. I will know more in about a month.
posted by corb at 5:28 PM on April 7, 2016

Don't forget there will be another campout later this year. Maybe Trump will have imploded by then, so you can come to relax and recover from the insanity in a beautiful place.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:09 PM on April 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

Oh yes that's right! I might just aim for that one though, so I don't start twitching with the lack of signal and feeling like everything is on fire without me. :) I didn't want to miss this, but if there are two I will just hit the later one.
posted by corb at 6:11 PM on April 7, 2016

I signed up for site 58, next door. If we need a third one, we maybe should aim for across the road instead of site 54? So we aren't hogging all the Accessible sites.

Do come, corb! No doubt you'll need some relaxation mid-campaign.
posted by janell at 1:46 PM on April 10, 2016

Still plenty of sites open at the moment, book early and often!
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:59 AM on April 23, 2016

Shoot! I'd love to go but oddly enough we are camping in the same place two weeks later....I swear we will do this one year!
posted by purenitrous at 2:12 PM on April 23, 2016

purenitrous - have fun, don't let the skeeters carry you away, and don't forget the fall campout mentioned upthread.
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:14 PM on April 23, 2016

Just a month away...
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:47 AM on May 8, 2016

I'm looking forward to it! Possibly not needed, but I reserved a site as well.
posted by Secretariat at 2:04 PM on May 8, 2016

Just noticed this! IFF we finish the cookbook by then, I might bike out. I didn't read all the campsite planning, but there's always day-of room at hike & bike, so the not-knowing shouldn't matter for that.
posted by aniola at 3:43 PM on May 13, 2016

We've got 3 campsites reserved; that should be room for up to 3 more tents in addition to the 3 committed people. If more folks than that want to join us, there's still sites available at the moment (but note that sites at the Wallowa Lake campground for the Sept. campout are nearly gone).
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:52 PM on May 13, 2016

Yes- the pictures of these sites look like they should have space for more than one tent, and they charge extra only if there's more than one car. So if you end up biking out, there'd be no additional charge for you to share a site!
posted by Secretariat at 8:36 PM on May 14, 2016

I volunteered to do this thing on the 10th of every month and I'm not used to it yet and I keep not getting to do cool things because I forget and double book, like in this case, bike out to a camp out.

I'm still going to this mushroom foraging 101 workshop at the Kenton Library at 2pm on the 5th, though! Thought y'all might like to know about this, since you'll be camping right afterwards. Free, but registration is required. 24 spots left:

"This program covers how to get started in mushroom foraging: equipment needed, field guide choice and mushroom identification basics. "
posted by aniola at 8:19 PM on May 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

Sorry to hear it! Don't forget the Fall campout at Wallowa Lake - it might be a bit far to bike, but just in case you're interested anyway...
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:36 PM on May 18, 2016

Sadly about 8 weeks too late for morel season. With all the fires in WA last year, I have heard the morel crop was pretty insane this year.
posted by hippybear at 10:16 AM on May 19, 2016

So the morel of the story is, a couple of fun-guys should plan a July campout next year?
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:56 PM on May 19, 2016 [1 favorite]

Well, I really really really want to be at this campout, but my calendar has gotten ridiculous and I have stuff booked the weekend before AND the weekend after, and I will need to clean my house at some point.

I hope it's an excellent event. I already have a campsite for the Fall campout, so I hope to see as many of you then as possible.
posted by hippybear at 11:49 AM on May 20, 2016

It might be time to start thinking about food, besides the obligatory BYOM feast.
posted by janell at 3:37 PM on May 23, 2016

Starting a spreadsheet was on my agenda for this coming weekend. Planning also depends on whether anyone else is ready to commit...*


*Still lots of spaces and and additional campsites available, guys! C'mon, you know you wanna!
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:51 PM on May 23, 2016

I am fully committed* to this! I will have completed my Geology BS this very day and I am ready to bask in the glow of my education. But I've got a lot to finish between now and then, so I'm probably not going to be too active in the planning part of this. I'm more in a "bring a tent, some pants, and pick up groceries in La Pine" level of preparedness this time around.

*Unless there is a last minute horrible academic mishap that I need internet for- this could mean I'd arrive on Saturday instead for Friday. I don't think this is likely? But I haven't graduated before, I can't be sure.
posted by Secretariat at 5:24 PM on May 23, 2016

You'd think that "How To Graduate" would be one of the things they teach undergrads....
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:02 PM on May 23, 2016

Pants?
posted by janell at 7:39 PM on May 23, 2016

Or just get one of these and you don't even have to worry about pants anymore!
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:51 PM on May 23, 2016

Just got this notice, along with a cancellation for my reservation:

Closure 5/23/16
We apologize for any inconvenience but unexpected storms over this past weekend have downed a number of trees creating hazards that make this facility unsafe for camping until we can complete cleanup. We expect to re-open on June 25th 2016 – please check back for updates.

So I guess we need to reschedule...
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:23 AM on May 24, 2016

Ha, shit. Okay!
posted by cortex at 9:24 AM on May 24, 2016

Huh, I just got the cancellation but not the explanation. Thanks for sharing the details.

Boo!

So should we reschedule or pick another location?
posted by janell at 9:26 AM on May 24, 2016

That stuff can be hilariously and terrifyingly serious. I went backpacking with Mr. Corb a few months ago, and downed trees across the path meant that our stupidly stubborn asses almost went falling off a 60-foot cliff, and another backpacker we met up with had been drug under a log on a river crossing.
posted by corb at 9:26 AM on May 24, 2016

I'd guess any storms would have affected the entire area, so unless we want to completely switch locations I suppose we should reschedule.

I wonder if July in the desert would be bearable at 6500 feet above sea level...?
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:38 AM on May 24, 2016

Janell - I didn't get an explanation in the email either, I had to go digging for it.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:40 AM on May 24, 2016

I just got a phone message from them that gave the details about the storm and trees. Dang!
posted by Secretariat at 10:01 AM on May 24, 2016

That's pretty responsible of them though! A++ campsite!
posted by corb at 10:04 AM on May 24, 2016 [1 favorite]

So, Paulina Lake probably had some old growth trees that are causing hazards, but if people are still interested we could just move to one of the other nearby campgrounds. It looks like Little Crater has spots open, and there's also McKay Crossing and Prarie.
posted by Secretariat at 10:13 AM on May 24, 2016

Cinder Hill Campground on the east shore of East Lake looks nice and has great views.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:48 AM on May 24, 2016

(sites 81 - 83 - 85 in the furthest north loop look cozy)
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:55 AM on May 24, 2016

(or 58 - 63)
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:58 AM on May 24, 2016

Cinder Hill looks good! I think I like 81-83-85.
posted by Secretariat at 12:10 PM on May 24, 2016

I guess I should mention that the sites I listed are available for the same weekend, June 10-12.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:18 PM on May 24, 2016

I reserved site 81. Looks like sites can hold up to 6 people. Let's see if this camp was also affected by a storm, but they just haven't inspected it yet!
posted by Secretariat at 12:26 PM on May 24, 2016

I got 83. Fingers crossed...
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:39 PM on May 24, 2016

Event updated. Let's hope these best-laid plans remain un-agley...

And that there's no mice at the campground
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:54 PM on May 24, 2016

Looks like there's a trail starting right at the campground that goes up to a scenic viewpoint!
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:06 PM on May 24, 2016

Yes, I would like to join.
posted by bendy at 12:47 AM on May 25, 2016 [1 favorite]

Boy, do I have a "camping at Cascade Head during an unexpected 100-mph storm" story to tell ya. Spoiler: the six year old boy rooted out the trail mongst the downed trees whilst G-Ma (all 4'11" of her) climbed all over the old growth... pretty sure we ate the entire Otis Cafe once we got out.

That said, this is my "not gonna make this one" post. I held off but it's not feasible. See y'all at Wallowa!
posted by wallabear at 2:47 PM on May 25, 2016

Sorry you can't make this one, wallabear - see you in the fall.

Looks like it's gonna be a cozily small group for this one. That's cool, it will make meal planning easier!
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:55 PM on May 25, 2016

I'll be someone's campsite roommate for this one, I think. My tent is not enormous.
posted by janell at 4:19 PM on May 25, 2016

I set "Number of occupants" to 4 on the reservation, just in case. The sites look roomy enough for 2 tents.
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:08 PM on May 25, 2016

Yeah, I set mine to 4 as well, assuming someone might want to share the site.
posted by Secretariat at 9:15 PM on May 25, 2016

SO...meal planning. I've started a Google Docs spreadsheet. I've volunteered for Friday dinner and Sunday lunch (and of course there's BYOM night). Since there's fewer people we may need to rearrange some, but we'll see how it goes.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:46 PM on May 28, 2016

Upgraded from a Maybe to a (95%) Yes!
posted by churl at 6:53 PM on May 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

Which 5% of you isn't coming?
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:10 PM on May 28, 2016

I just noticed I provided the wrong link for this campground's reservation page. It should be here, and I'll change in the header as well.

(Also sites 79 and 85, on either side of our already-reserved sites, are still available if we outgrow those two)
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:25 PM on May 28, 2016

Yay churl! You and your little dog too? Or you two and your little dog? Something like that.
posted by Secretariat at 7:59 PM on May 28, 2016 [1 favorite]

If anyone else is as much of a nerd about this as me, you can track the weather there on this NOAA weather page. Current outlook is 10-15° cooler there than in Portland.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:00 PM on May 29, 2016

Is anyone vegetarian or allergic or picky or otherwise adhering to any dietary plan other than "omnivorous snackery"? I think I will own Friday dinner (tacos! possibly with a side of suburban-america-tacos just for funs), but I'm also thinking that a sack of frozen shrimp, packed in the bottom of the cooler, would be lovely with the Sunday morning grits.
posted by janell at 5:57 PM on May 31, 2016

Unless I misunderstood Greg's Friday night notation in the spreadsheet and it actually means "Greg will producing another campfire cookery masterpiece, so y'all just focus on breakfast".
posted by janell at 5:59 PM on May 31, 2016

I stuck "dinner TBD" in the Friday dinner slot because historically I arrive early enough on Friday to be in a position to make some sort of dinner, but I'm not tied limpet-like to that tradition (and I don't have a specific recipe planned out yet). I can either come up with a Saturday lunch idea instead, or we can do tacos for Saturday lunch and I'll create a dutch-oven-style Friday dinner.

Either way I can provide grated cheese for the tacos.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:05 PM on May 31, 2016

In fact, it occurs to me I could smoke a pork roast to make a pulled-pork-based dinner on Friday...OR to make sammiches with for lunch Saturday.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:06 PM on May 31, 2016

Incidentally, Omnivorous Snackery is the name of my new band.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:07 PM on May 31, 2016 [1 favorite]

Sorry for the comment overload, but I forgot to respond enthusiastically to the idea of shrimp'n'grits!
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:09 PM on May 31, 2016

We might not get there until kind of late Friday night- there's a graduation-related event I'm considering attending that would keep me in Portland until 5. I can do some pancakes or something the next morning, though!
posted by Secretariat at 9:17 AM on June 1, 2016

In that case, maybe it would make more sense to do something more flexible for Friday dinner (such as the proffered tacos). I can still bring pulled pork for carnitas tacos, if Janell wants.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:46 AM on June 1, 2016

janell wants, yes, yes, she does.

(yeh, flexible - was what I was thinking. Although tacos are also good for leftovers/miscellaneous meats so we can do them whenever.)

I need to figure out where we are actually going at some point, but I should be able to leave PDX mid-morning.
posted by janell at 10:40 AM on June 1, 2016

Here's the route on Google Maps. Should take around 4-4.5 hours. Check-in time is 4:00. I'm planning to leave around noon-ish.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:01 AM on June 1, 2016

Considering my possible late arrival time, I think I'll email my site confirmation to you guys so someone can claim the site!
posted by Secretariat at 5:22 PM on June 1, 2016

Since hippybear won't be at this one, does anyone have a propane grill they can bring? I've got a little 2-burner Coleman stove, and it sounds like Janell's got a new stove of some sort, but we'll need lots of space for BYOM night. If nothing else I can bring my little 14" Weber charcoal grill....
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:04 PM on June 1, 2016

"Portable podcasting studio" - I love it! Action Podcasting From The Field! Would that be campcasting? Podcamping?
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:19 PM on June 2, 2016 [1 favorite]

But are you roping in pb?!?!?!
posted by janell at 12:26 PM on June 2, 2016

So who's bringing the fire ring?

just kidding, I'm sure there will be a fire rings in each campsite, just not as cool as this one
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:36 AM on June 4, 2016

Pretty unlikely that I can go, but I can endorse this campground. Have camped there 2-3 times. Be prepared to have everyone ask you if you're fishing, and to be unable to comprehend any negative response.
posted by neuron at 11:56 AM on June 4, 2016 [2 favorites]

Sorry you won't be able to make it. There's another campout planned this fall, and we're always happy to meet new people.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:05 PM on June 4, 2016

Bending has contacted me about going and I am really considering it. How hot do you guys think it will be? And is there shade?
posted by cairnoflore at 11:57 PM on June 5, 2016

Well, I just checked the weather and heat is not going to be a problem unless something changes dramatically during the week.
posted by cairnoflore at 12:06 AM on June 6, 2016

Yeah, looks like if anything the concern will be some rain. We'll have to keep the campfire stoked.
posted by cortex at 7:04 AM on June 6, 2016

Current NOAA forecast for the area:

Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.
Friday Night: A chance of rain showers before 11pm, then a chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Saturday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

So much for me and planning.... First order of business when we get there: buy lots of firewood!
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:46 AM on June 6, 2016

Snow showers! I mean, after this weekend in Portland I'm pretty goddam ready to need to put on a sweater, so, hey.
posted by cortex at 9:49 AM on June 6, 2016 [1 favorite]

I am revising my skepticism re: pants.
posted by janell at 6:07 PM on June 6, 2016 [1 favorite]

Depends on how big a bonfire we get going, I guess....
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:43 PM on June 6, 2016

Gonna need some pants.
posted by Secretariat at 3:48 PM on June 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

I keep reading that in the inflection of the "need a bigger boat" line from Jaws.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:08 PM on June 8, 2016 [1 favorite]

SitRep -

- Pork roast: currently smoking
- House: smelling gooooooood
- Anticipation: escalating
- Weather: oh well
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:57 AM on June 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

Wasn't sure how to fit this in the spreadsheet, but:
We have the capability to bring extra accoutrements (plates, silverware, cups, etc) but don't want to overpack. So if YOU NEED such things please speak up and we will be able to cover you.

But we don't want to bring 6 of everything if we don't need to bring 6 of everything, so do speak up if you need something.

Woooo
posted by churl at 5:03 PM on June 9, 2016

I've got about a dozen sturdy plastic plates and about 8 settings of cheap Goodwill silverware I can bring. But I don't have cups.
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:25 PM on June 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

I am lazy and will happily dine off your dishes and cutlery! I do have the dishwashing stuffs despite my sloth.
posted by janell at 10:51 PM on June 9, 2016

I think we're ok as far as what to eat off of. I might use somebody's plate in the process of cooking, though, to plop pancakes on.
posted by Secretariat at 10:10 AM on June 10, 2016

Secretariat: ConGRADulations!
posted by aniola at 1:00 PM on June 10, 2016

Thanks!
posted by Secretariat at 1:17 PM on June 10, 2016

Shit I did not check the messages late enough and did not pack extra plates or anything! I am in Bend for a couple more hours so let me know if I should buy paper plates or anything
posted by churl at 2:19 PM on June 10, 2016

We're leaving Portland now, hoping to arrive a little after 9. We're fine on plates, and since Greg has some spares, I think we'll all be able to get by.
posted by Secretariat at 5:50 PM on June 10, 2016

Leaving Bend, should be at the site in an hour and a half or so. Don't think we are the first to arrive...?
posted by churl at 6:18 PM on June 10, 2016

Well folks, that was a ton of fun! Thanks everyone for coming. I'll have pictures up in a day or two.
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:42 PM on June 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Yep, good work all around. Even the 26-degree with flurries mosquito abatement program.
posted by janell at 6:31 PM on June 12, 2016

Happens every time - I get to the campsite, and think "Ahhh, back to a simpler life!" Then I get home afterward and think, "Ahhh, hot shower!"
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:34 PM on June 12, 2016

Thanks for a fun time, guys! Ditto on having some pictures up soon.
posted by Secretariat at 8:07 AM on June 13, 2016

And on the off chance we review this before the next spreadsheet -- the items we pined for were: fire grate, songbook with lyrics & chords, and perhaps a handwashing station.
posted by janell at 4:38 PM on June 13, 2016

Oh, good idea! I've added your comment to the Wallowa campout thread.

Now that you've reminded me, there was also some discussion about what sorts of things would make camping easier. The only one I remember is "larger stuff sacks that aren't so darn hard to put your tent and sleeping bag into", because at the time I was suffering for lack of same. What were the others?
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:46 PM on June 13, 2016

We've got a copy of "Rise Up Singing" and we're always happy to lend it out.
posted by aniola at 5:38 PM on June 13, 2016

Well ONE photo came out pretty good. Thanks again for putting it all together, we had a great time!
posted by churl at 6:35 PM on June 13, 2016

A few of mine are up - so far just pics of people and tacos. More non-MeFi-specific ones to come later.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:58 PM on June 13, 2016

One of these times we're gonna drive up and join you all. This looks awesome.
posted by rtha at 7:46 PM on June 13, 2016

If you could convince some California MeFites to come, I'd love to do a campout somewhere cool in between Portland and SF - say, for instance, somewhere around Mt. Shasta...
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:20 PM on June 13, 2016 [1 favorite]

Camping improvements- I mentioned that I'd seen this kind of chair cheaper than I thought they'd be (if you buy 2). And for next time, we talked about a kabob-off (or perhaps that will be something we do in Portland) and playing around more with dutch oven cooking/baking.
posted by Secretariat at 8:35 AM on June 14, 2016 [1 favorite]

>
If you could convince some California MeFites to come, I'd love to do a campout somewhere cool in between Portland and SF - say, for instance, somewhere around Mt. Shasta...

Yes, please!
posted by gingerbeer at 8:46 AM on June 14, 2016

Thanks secretariat, those look awesome! I'll probably even get the nifty little side-tables.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:00 AM on June 14, 2016

Added some photos- turns out I was pretty inconsistent in what I took photos of, so just some things here and there, not that many pictures of people or the camping.

Mt. Shasta would be a lovely trip. Another interesting location in that area is Mt. Lassen and its fragrant geothermal areas, including good ol' Bumpass Hell.
posted by Secretariat at 10:47 AM on June 14, 2016 [1 favorite]

Yes, Lassen is lovely. I think there's swimming at the Butte Lake campground (which is around the side near the Cinder Cone, giant lava flow, and painted dunes).

It would take all day to get there from PDX, tho, and another to get back, so maybe that's a candidate for the optional-3rd-night. Or we rent a giant van and carpool with all the gear.

--janell
posted by janell at 10:54 AM on June 14, 2016

I almost forgot to add this picture from my phone!
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:02 PM on June 14, 2016

Thanks for posting the pictures. It looks beautiful. I would have loved to get me some rocks. I am hoping to go to the next one in the fall. Do you guys ever get together and do a little river floating?
posted by cairnoflore at 1:54 PM on June 14, 2016

Not yet... If you float an IRL event, I'm sure we'll come!
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:57 PM on June 14, 2016

Y'all can credit/blame Secretariat for nudging me to sit down this afternoon and write and record this, but I hereby declare the after-the-fact theme song for this camping trip to have been...

Keep On Stumpin'
posted by cortex at 3:13 PM on June 14, 2016 [2 favorites]

Great song, but I still think I'll go for those chairs Secretariat linked to earlier...
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:45 PM on June 14, 2016

Just as an aside, no rocks were really collected on this trip, only pictures of rocks- Newberry Caldera is a National Monument and the rocks have to stay where they are! It could be fun to do a rockhounding trip sometime, though.
posted by Secretariat at 6:54 PM on June 14, 2016

"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:17 PM on June 14, 2016