Metafilter NW Campout Extravaganza, Fall 2016 edition
posted February 13, 2016 1:34 PM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Fri September 23 at 4:00 PM, Wallowa Lake State Park
Wallowa Lake State Park, Joseph, OR, USA (Map & Directions)
It's that time of year again! We've had two campouts (actually 3) so far, and they've all been a ton of fun. UPDATE: We've decided on Wallowa Lake in NE Oregon, DATE CHANGED TO SEPT. 23-25. Here's a Google Docs spreadsheet for planning meals, equipment, etc.
Wallowa Lake is in the NE corner of Oregon, 77 mi SE of Walla Walla / 204 mi S of Spokane / 335 mi E of Portland / 382 mi from Seattle. Wallowa Lake State Park campground (reservations site) is at the southern end of the lake.
posted by Greg_Ace to Meetup (152 comments total) 2 users marked this as a favorite

I was pretty happy with the early Oct campout we did last year, but I'm just happy to be camping with you guys again no matter when.

I have a thing going on the weekend of June 3-5, and also the weekend of 24-26.
posted by hippybear at 1:44 PM on February 13, 2016


A Fall campout is fine with me. Or even one in late Spring AND one in Fall!
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:29 PM on February 13, 2016 [1 favorite]


Yesssssss. Though June might be hard for me.
posted by corb at 3:16 PM on February 13, 2016


I haven't been to this part of the state, and we would love to do a little exploring. Maybe we'll get out there to hang with you all! Preferred August or earlier. (I have a work commitment in the third week of September, so vacation around that is right out.)
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:56 PM on February 13, 2016


A Fall campout is fine with me. Or even one in late Spring AND one in Fall!

Spring and Fall! Spring and Fall! The more camping the better!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 2:27 AM on February 14, 2016


Weather Underground is genius for figuring out what the weather might be. I use it all the time when planning vacations. La Grande almanac for June.
posted by fiercekitten at 8:52 AM on February 14, 2016


I would go if it was on a weekend, time of year doesn't matter but it's very hard to take weekdays off in my line of work.
posted by teslacoilswoah at 9:15 AM on February 14, 2016


Yup, Weather Underground is the "typical weather" link in my post. :)
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:08 PM on February 14, 2016


I doubt I can make this, but if you haven't been to the Wallowas you're missing out.
posted by efalk at 2:06 PM on February 15, 2016


Two questions:

1. Should we make Wallowa a Spring or a Fall campout?

2. Where should we go for the other campout?

Setting Wallowa to a fall campout might give us a better chance of grabbing the site(s) we want - I think the reservation window starts 6 months ahead, so we could jump on it in March (for a September date) or April (for October) instead of scrambling for whatever ones are left for June.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:05 PM on February 16, 2016


(also: For a Fall Wallowa campout, last weekend in Sep. or first weekend in Oct., or possibly second weekend in Oct., looks optimum weather-wise)
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:36 PM on February 16, 2016 [1 favorite]


So: spring at Newberry Crater and fall at Wallowa? I like it. I have a bunch of commits in June, though - could we talk about Memorial weekend for the spring one?
First weekend in October seems good for Wallowa.
posted by janell at 7:17 PM on February 16, 2016 [1 favorite]


Memorial Day weekend is one of the worst possible weekends to go camping, in my experience. We'd do better picking the weekend before.
posted by hippybear at 8:04 AM on February 17, 2016


I'm hoping someone more experience with camping at Newberry Crater will pipe up, but best I can tell we'd want to look at early- to mid-June to go camping there. It's over a mile above sea level, so the cool weather lasts a little longer. May could be a bit chilly and rainy.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:09 AM on February 17, 2016


So harsh, hippybear! Wasn't the Steens trip over Memorial Weekend? I could do June 4/5 or 11/12, but not the later weekends.

Late September/early October for Wallowa is all ok for me at this point.
posted by janell at 5:00 PM on February 17, 2016


Wasn't the Steens trip over Memorial Weekend?

Apparently we had the worst possible fun. :)
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:41 PM on February 17, 2016 [1 favorite]


Although, to be fair, the traffic coming back on Sunday was pretty awful...
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:42 PM on February 17, 2016 [1 favorite]


Steens was over Memorial Day Weekend? Wow, okay, well, I stand corrected. I guess it's remote enough to make it not something that the whole "hey, we like to go camping during the summer, this is a long weekend, let's go camping" population that seems to completely clog every campground in eastern WA, the ID panhandle, and far western MT every year for both Memorial and Labor weekends. Truly the most miserable camping I have ever experienced within a reasonable drive of Spokane has been on one of those two weekends.

Steens was 10 hours away. Hardly a reasonable drive.
posted by hippybear at 11:22 PM on February 17, 2016


I think we kind of lucked out for that trip. But it does make sense, if we wanted to do a Memorial Day campout, to do it somewhere atypical to avoid the crowds. I myself have enough leave time and I ain't afeared to use it, so I don't care if we pick a holiday weekend or not.

That aside, let's vote - we need to set the logistic wheels a-grinding:

1. Do we want to shoot for Newberry Volcano in early June, and Wallowa Lake on the first or second weekend in October? (I should also probably mention that Newberry Volcano is probably close enough to Bend to be popular on Memorial Day)

2. For either or both events, do we want to try to get a group site, or continue getting individual sites as we've done in the past?
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:43 PM on February 17, 2016


That schedule works for me. Depending on the weekend chosen and stuff. Google Maps says I can drive to Newberry in under 7 hours, so that's not too bad.

I don't know much about the logistics or layout of group sites vs individual sites. I will roll with whatever the majority decides.
posted by hippybear at 12:59 PM on February 18, 2016


Yay, more camping!

I've been to Newberry as part of a group camping trip; the specific site was the Ogden group campground near the intersection of Hwy 21 and NF-2120. That site is right next to Paulina Creek, which was great swimming in August when we were there but might be a little cold in June. It was about a mile downstream from some little falls, with the big falls (McKay falls, Pipeline, Paulina Creek Falls) being 2-5 miles upstream along the creek. That site was about 1000ft lower than the lake itself, so a bit warmer too. Closer to the lake means we'd be higher up, but also a shorter drive to the not-bad hot springs that are right on the lake proper. I remember several camping spots along the creek on the way up to the lake, I'll see if I can figure out which ones looked good and could maybe be reserved.

Newberry Crater will probably be very popular for Memorial Day, but there's also a lot of forest around there to camp in, so if we can find the right site, we might have a reasonable amount of privacy.

I could do Newberry for Memorial Day or early June, with Memorial Day being preferable. Second weekend in October is out for me; that's the last race of the year for this motorcycle series I got roped into helping with. The third weekend (Oct 22) would work, but that might be getting a little cold. The first weekend (October 1) is a maybe; I'm supposed to ride in a 24-hour race just north of LA the weekend before that and might have to bail due to exhaustion.
posted by hackwolf at 1:58 PM on February 18, 2016


Ack! No, I take that back - the first weekend in October is out, but the second and third would be fine. I helped write the schedule, you'd think I could keep my dates straight...
posted by hackwolf at 2:04 PM on February 18, 2016


Paulina Lake Campground is at the Paulina Creek outlet (Google Maps), and it does have a group site.

The reason I brought up group sites is because we usually end up hanging out at one campsite anyway, and (given, say, 6 or more people attending) a group site would be cheaper while having enough room for everyone's tents. Whether that's something we want to try for is up for discussion. I'm for it, personally.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:02 PM on February 18, 2016


I am also pro a group site so we don't have to get a bunch of sites.
posted by janell at 8:08 PM on February 18, 2016


So let's get some dates settled so I can get them on my calendar that has become overwhelmingly complicated already this year, grrrr, grrrrrrrrrr, grrrrr yay camping!

janell has much to share with us. She Had An Adventure.
posted by hippybear at 2:14 AM on February 19, 2016


If nobody raises an objection in the next day or two, I'll confirm this Wallowa Lake event for either the last weekend in September or the second weekend in October, then I'll create a new event at Newberry Volcano for the first or second weekend in June.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:50 AM on February 19, 2016


These dates sound good to me! My vote is for the second weekend in June (or later), so I don't have to decide between studying for finals/finishing up my geology degree and camping. I'm open to either date for Wallowa.

I went to Newberry in May 2015, and I was told that it was unusual for the roads up to the top of the mountain (where you can see all the volcanic glass!) to be completely clear of snow in early May (but they were in 2015). It was a little crisp at night, but not unbearable. I think June should be fine, though.
posted by Secretariat at 12:19 PM on February 19, 2016 [1 favorite]


Cool, thanks for the info!
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:21 PM on February 19, 2016


Sorry folks, this slipped my mind. I'll make this Wallowa/October event official and create a new one for a Newberry/June event shortly.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:34 AM on March 3, 2016 [1 favorite]


Event thread for Newberry Volcano campout in early June is here.
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:39 PM on March 6, 2016


Event Officialized!
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:45 PM on March 6, 2016


I'm in for this one.
posted by wallabear at 8:01 PM on March 12, 2016


As much as I'm looking forward to this year's campouts, I'm also already thinking about going here in August 2017 (when the wildflowers will be blooming)...
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:12 PM on April 10, 2016


UPDATE: I'm changing the date because of this notice on the reservation site:

Facilities- Seasonally October 1 through mid-May: Water may be shut off to water spigots in sites, day use areas, facilities and buildings.

Also, anyone who's ready to commit to attending needs to reserve a site NOW. There are only a handful left!! I just reserved site A36, the nearby spots look pretty nice too.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:18 PM on April 24, 2016


I just grabbed A35, reserved for 4 people but only one vehicle. We can share with a second tent, but I am not sure about parking. I drive a tiny vehicle, maybe another tiny vehicle can share for a fee?
posted by hippybear at 12:44 PM on April 24, 2016


I read on one of those reservation pages that parking a second car is $7/night, so yeah probably.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:53 PM on April 24, 2016


Also it looks like the tentpads are 8'x8', so we're probably not going to be able to double up on tents.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:58 PM on April 24, 2016


I might not be able to make it- there's a conference I might be going to that weekend. We'll see!
posted by Secretariat at 6:46 PM on April 24, 2016


Ok. I am officially committing to this.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 8:15 PM on May 13, 2016


Great! It appears that campsites may only be able to hold a single tent, so unless you have some sort of vehicle you can camp in you should probably reserve a tent site (currently we have A35 and A36 reserved).
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:08 PM on May 14, 2016


OK, I've got A33.
posted by janell at 8:29 AM on May 16, 2016


My tent is shaped such that it will fit easily on half an 8x8 tent pad so sharing should not be a problem if you have a 2-3 person backpacking tent. Modern multi-room tent extravaganzas won't work, however.
posted by hippybear at 2:00 AM on May 18, 2016


The tram might be a fun thing to do while we're there. It's $31 per person, but think of the views....
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:21 PM on May 22, 2016


Shockingly, the restaurant at the top of the tramway actually has reasonable prices for food. It's definitely something to consider. It's expensive for an outing, but how often will I be there?
posted by hippybear at 3:15 PM on May 22, 2016


It's true the tram price seems on the high side; we can only hope that the money buys excellent cable maintenance, hey?
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:34 PM on May 22, 2016


It looks like we have quite a few maybes posted for this campout, and possibly campsites aren't going to be available. I volunteer to sleep in my car in order to give others tent space if we end up overflowing.
posted by hippybear at 6:22 PM on May 27, 2016


Without taking away from hippybear's generosity, currently there are still sites available for that weekend right next to our currently-reserved ones, as well as more in other loops in the campground.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:35 PM on May 28, 2016


WELL C'MON YOU MAYBE PEOPLE RESERVE A CAMPSITE BEFORE THEY ALL BE GONE!
posted by hippybear at 12:34 PM on May 29, 2016


See, this is why I love the hippybear. Such a generous spirit, so willing to give. So much so that he maybe forgets he has a tentmate who is not so much into sleeping in a car :) but no worries.

I've booked A34 just to hold the space for any maybes that are unable to commit this early. The pad is 12 X 12, pretty roomy and a long driveway. Just throw us a wave in-thread if/when you think you might be able to make it, and we'll work together from there. Memail works too.
posted by wallabear at 10:06 AM on May 30, 2016


Oh, and also:

TRAM! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE
posted by wallabear at 10:10 AM on May 30, 2016


Freshly back from the Newberry Crater campout, janell mentioned in that thread:

the items we pined for were: fire grate, songbook with lyrics & chords, and perhaps a handwashing station.
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:42 PM on June 13, 2016


I can definitely bring supplies (other than the dutch oven) for the dutch oven bread project. The Ken Forkish recipes are set up for 2 dutch-oven sized loaves, which would feed us for several meals.
posted by janell at 8:47 AM on June 14, 2016


I'll be bringing my usual cast-iron dutch oven.

Unless we want to do it sooner, I'll create a spreadsheet a couple weeks before the event date to plan meals, equipment, etc.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:39 AM on June 14, 2016


I have some songbooks with lyrics and chords, but they are sort of a legacy from my Jesus days. Sing And Celebrate I and II. Sort of remnants from the hippie Jesus People movement that had a minor foothold in the Presbyterian congregation I was raised in. I shameless stole copies of them back when I was, like, 10 or so.

What sort of stuff are we actually looking for in this regard? I can maybe locate some stuff online and print out some copies? Impromptu MetaFilter songbooks?

Holy crap! I just discovered an AskMe that is required to happen. Hang on a minute...

Ah, here we go: Unofficial evolving MetaFilter group sing-along chord-and-lyric songbook
posted by hippybear at 3:42 PM on June 15, 2016


I found out I get to go to the conference! But it means I don't get to go to this campout. But I'll be in Hawaii with geologists!
posted by Secretariat at 9:40 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]


"In Hawaii with geologists" is an acceptable alternative. :) Have fun!
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:40 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]


I am still a maybe but way more likely to come!
posted by corb at 8:31 PM on July 3, 2016


We should get one of these for our next Metafilter campout!
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:44 AM on July 4, 2016 [1 favorite]


Greg_Ace's experiments in temporary group living!
posted by hippybear at 1:13 AM on July 8, 2016 [1 favorite]


"Experiments in knee and back injuries," more like, since you'd have to crawl and/or stoop everywhere...
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:25 AM on July 8, 2016 [1 favorite]


Current status as of mid-July: sites A33, A34, A35, and A36 have been reserved. A31 and A32 are the only adjacent sites still available that weekend. It looks like more than one tent per site may not be doable, so anyone that's still on the fence needs to make a decision pretty soon before those get snapped up!
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:42 PM on July 16, 2016


I wonder if there is any mechanism other than Recent Activity or direct MeMail to ping the people who are signed up for this to remind them that it's coming and that maybe we need to start talking more seriously about campsites and food and stuff.
posted by hippybear at 4:08 PM on August 4, 2016


Carrier pigeon?
posted by Secretariat at 4:12 PM on August 4, 2016


I usually wait until just a couple weeks ahead of the event to start a food/beverage/misc. spreadsheet. I figure by that time the number of committed attendees is more or less firmly set, but it still gives us plenty of time to do any necessary planning and food pre-prep. But I'm fine with starting one sooner if it would be to anyone's benefit.

Regarding campsites...well, "you snooze you lose" I guess. A31 and A32 are still available as I write this; they're about the last ones still open in that section, though, and I doubt they'll last much longer. Oddly, almost all of the sites on Loop E are still available for that weekend...but that's on the other side of the campground from where we'll be hanging out.
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:32 PM on August 4, 2016


Oh man! I still don't have my maybe worked out. I guess I'm a yes if there's still campsites in early September?
posted by corb at 6:21 PM on August 4, 2016


Most of the campgrounds we've been to so far get reserved up months in advance for peak spring/fall dates. If anyone has ideas on how to find desirable under-the-radar campgrounds in WA, OR, or northern CA that have car-camping-style sites available at the last minute, do please let me know!
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:17 PM on August 4, 2016


corb: if you show up and need a tent site and you haven't bought one, I will sleep in my car.
posted by hippybear at 7:31 PM on August 4, 2016


Greg Ace: We could always choose places to camp that are within wilderness areas, which won't have designated campsites and thus won't have the problem of campsites running out.

They also won't have actual toilets and other such amenities, so we would have to make appropriate plans.
posted by hippybear at 7:34 PM on August 4, 2016


I'm not against the idea of primitive camping, but that would probably be a no-go for some folks who'd otherwise be interested if a minimum of running water and outhouses were available. Maybe a mix of each?
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:05 PM on August 4, 2016


Also, that kind of place is harder to suss out online if one isn't familiar with the area, so we'd need more local assets on the ground, as it were.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:06 PM on August 4, 2016


(a thousand pardons for the Jason Bourne-style parlance...)
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:07 PM on August 4, 2016


Ok. I have now claimed A31 and A32 in the name of US! Obviously, I will only need the one site, so now we have a spare for Corb or whoever. (And if I end up eating the $40.00 for the unused site, I am okay with it.)
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 2:24 AM on August 5, 2016


That's very generous, thank you! So we've got 6 adjacent sites now, two of which will be available for late deciders. I think we're good.

In about a month I'll post a spreadsheet so we can do meal planning. I can hardly wait!
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:59 PM on August 6, 2016


Despite a shifting work schedule (don't get me started *grumble*) I have secured Friday off (I used to ALWAYS have Fridays off) for this event. Looking forward to it! Can't wait to hang with y'all!
posted by hippybear at 2:46 PM on August 27, 2016


So, events conspire & all that. I hate that I have to take a pass on this, but yeah, I do. I've cancelled my reservation for A34, it's up for grabs.

The awesome-sauce part of this is I get to spend some time with my elderly Uncle, who I frankly thought I'd never see again. He's coming from Tennessee to see his sister, and I get to play chauffeur.

Maybe next time...
posted by wallabear at 5:29 PM on September 5, 2016


Aww, bummer! Oh well, tell your uncle we all said hi.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:30 PM on September 5, 2016


We'll miss you, Wallabear, but I'm glad you get to hang out with your uncle!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 10:33 AM on September 9, 2016


I've created a Google Docs spreadsheet to help us plan meals, equipment, etc. Everyone should have access to updated it, let me know if you can't.

Is anyone planning on bringing a guitar? If so I'll bring my bass, otherwise I'll leave it home.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:44 AM on September 9, 2016


Everyone should have access to updated it

*update. D'oh.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:51 AM on September 9, 2016


Is it really just going to be the four of us for this event? I wish some of the "maybe" people would engage....
posted by hippybear at 11:57 AM on September 9, 2016


On the bright side, with only 4 people there'll be more room to cozy up to the campfire, right?
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:04 PM on September 9, 2016


Are we going to road-trip to go to the tram? If so, can we do that on Saturday? I have to work on Monday, so I will be leaving Sunday afternoon. I suppose I could pack up camp and then head for home from the tram road-trip if we'd prefer to do that on Sunday. Either way, whatever day we do the tram, we should plan on lunch at the restaurant at the top of the cable.
posted by hippybear at 12:07 PM on September 9, 2016


On the bright side

I'm not complaining about the attending company, I'd just sort of like to see corb again and meet the others. :)
posted by hippybear at 12:09 PM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


I know, me too; I was just being glib.

I agree that doing the tram for Saturday lunch would be a good idea. I managed to get both Friday and Monday off, but I'm not sure how many others did (or want to hang until Monday).
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:14 PM on September 9, 2016


I'm a maybe because my husband got fired shortly after I got back, we just got a new job (thank god) but I don't know if he'll have been paid by then. I want to go, it's just been a crazy and surreal few months.
posted by corb at 12:33 PM on September 9, 2016


I'll work on the spreadsheet once we have a better idea of headcount. Clearly there will need to be a giant stash of tortillas.
posted by janell at 1:09 PM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


Good point, and so maybe I should smoke another pork roast...
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:17 PM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]


tortillas and pork roast? I have a stash of green chile...
posted by hippybear at 7:54 PM on September 10, 2016 [1 favorite]


Mmmm, I sense a plan coming together...
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:59 PM on September 10, 2016 [1 favorite]


Wa-hey, someone else updated the spreadsheet!
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:46 PM on September 15, 2016


Are we cooking over the fire or should I bring the grill again?
posted by hippybear at 1:52 AM on September 16, 2016


I updated the spreadsheet. It's not necessarily a complete list, but it's where I'm at right now. I'll have to look at what I find in my garage and such for what else I might bring. i'm only there from Fri afternoon through Sun morning, so I feel like my contributions are a bit lax. I might have the ambition to do another giant batch of chocolate chip cookies, so... And other things? Looks like Fri dinner and Sat dinner will be the two major meals.

If yogurt isn't something people want to have with their breakfasts talk to me. Camping fucks with my gut, so I'm always happy to have that, but it's not required.
posted by hippybear at 2:01 AM on September 16, 2016


I'll be bringing my campstove, and I assume Janell will be bringing hers, but BYOM night at the last campout wasn't quite the same without your grill, hippybear. We can manage without so, so it's up to you.

I'm fine with yogurt, but I'll let others speak for themselves.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:15 AM on September 16, 2016


I am pro yogurt. And yeah, I prolly will bring my idiot-enabled stove because I don't feel qualified to try to start Greg's awesome (but fiddly) stove. Especially not to heat the kettle in the early morning chill, pre-tea.
posted by janell at 9:47 AM on September 16, 2016


Greg's awesome (but fiddly)

This will be my epitaph.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:45 AM on September 16, 2016 [1 favorite]


That's a better one than mine, which apparently needs to be "cowed by a camp stove."
posted by janell at 5:10 PM on September 16, 2016


Definitely pro-yogurt.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 10:29 PM on September 16, 2016


I got some granola to sprinkle on the yogurt for those who like that kind of thing.

Probably will make cookies tomorrow. Potato salad will be made later in the week. I'd make it tomorrow, but is 6-day-old potato salad even safe to eat? I think not.

My work schedule sucks for doing this kind of thing, but I'm going to make it work as best I can.
posted by hippybear at 5:51 PM on September 17, 2016 [1 favorite]


yogurt flavors acquired today are: huckleberry, cherry vanilla, peach, and mixed berry.
posted by hippybear at 8:18 PM on September 17, 2016


Oh, you youngsters and your fancy flavors.... ;) Seriously, your accomplishments in the face of an unaccommodating schedule are appreciated!

My own SitRep: pork has been acquired and a 2-day dry rub prep will begin tomorrow. The weather here will be cool this week, perfect for a long leisurely smoke.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:36 PM on September 17, 2016


Looking at the weather, we should plan on fairly cool days (~60) with cold nights and possible passing showers. Layers and stuff.
posted by hippybear at 1:59 PM on September 18, 2016


Indeed, and warm blankets.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:33 PM on September 18, 2016


Cookies are accomplished! I will bag them up and put them in the freezer to keep them fresh.

Starting to get a little thrill of excitement about this camping trip! Yay!
posted by hippybear at 9:13 PM on September 18, 2016


Greg, are you going to bring your dutch oven? We can take a crack at baking bread on Saturday.
posted by janell at 9:18 PM on September 18, 2016


I never go camping without it! I'd love to give making bread in it a try.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:42 PM on September 18, 2016


I've made cobbler in a dutch oven using campfire coals. That's basically a quick bread, isn't it?
posted by hippybear at 10:02 PM on September 18, 2016


I guess it depends on how warm the coals are, and how long it takes to cook...
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:06 PM on September 18, 2016


It was a dutch oven with feet, we set it on top of some coals and then shoveled more coals onto the lid. It took an expected amount of time to cook.

(Quickbreads are a type of recipe, not a judgement of how long it takes to make)
posted by hippybear at 10:09 PM on September 18, 2016


I know. It was a weak, late-Sunday-evening attempt at humor.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:15 AM on September 19, 2016


Ugh. I might send you (Greg) out to the wilderness with dishtubs (and perhaps bread-making buckets). There's a construction project at my house that now looks ominously like it will need my attention on Friday. There's a substantial chance that I'll have to bail for the sake of my own sanity.

Ugh.
posted by janell at 9:56 AM on September 19, 2016


Aw, that's a bummer! Here's hoping it gets done early enough that you can still join us.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:56 AM on September 19, 2016


So sorry you're having construction drama, Janell!

[Please, please, please, O ye contractors at Janell's, I beseeech thee: Promptly get together whatever it is that needs accelerated together-ing, so that she can come camping with us!]
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 12:48 PM on September 20, 2016


In other news, my delightful spouse (Sauce Trough) has just informed me that he is going to be able to come with us this weekend! Hurray! I'm so psyched to get to introduce him to y'all!

Alas, it does mean that we'll have to head out kind of early on Sunday afternoon. I'll change the spreadsheet accordingly.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 12:56 PM on September 20, 2016 [1 favorite]


On that same note...

Although I managed to get Monday off, it turns out I only booked the campsite for two nights (Friday night through Sunday noon) instead of three. So unless nobody has the site booked for Sunday night (and at least one other person/pair is planning to stay the extra night), I may be leaving Sunday as well.
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:58 PM on September 20, 2016


Just a reminder: Although the food prices aren't bad, the tram ride itself (round trip) is $31. I think it'll be worth it, both for the novelty of it and the views, but be prepared.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:08 PM on September 20, 2016


So, I called the campground today to ask about burn bans, because they are still in place in many places in WA. The campground told me there are NO burn bans and campfires are allowed. The More You Know....*
posted by hippybear at 12:13 AM on September 21, 2016 [2 favorites]


Thanks hippybear, I hadn't considered that angle!

As we're about down to the wire and we have only 3 (hopefully 4) people attending, we'll need to either double up on meal contributions or each plan to fend for ourselves food-wise. Which is fine either way, but is worth mentioning so we can plan accordingly.

On the up side, it looks like the weather's going to be perfect. Amazing how I planned it all out like that seven months ago!
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:09 AM on September 21, 2016


Also, screw that vacuum pot crap. Apparently it needs grounds the size of driveway gravel to keep from clogging. I have a (too fragile for camping) glass one that works just fine, but the metal one - feh. I'm bringing a French press instead, at least I know it works reliably.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:25 PM on September 21, 2016


I can bring a thermal carafe for the frenxh-press coffee. I can also bring a second French press.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 8:57 PM on September 21, 2016


I think we have a thermal metal french press here. I'll see if I can find it.

So far Friday night is looking pretty good for pork tacos, isn't it? We have tortillas and pork and fresh add-ins? Breakfasts of coffee cake and yogurt sounds plenty filling to me. (I'm not a big breakfast eater.) Sat looks pretty good, too? Meat and potato salad? I mean, we'll miss janell's contributions, but I think we have things covered? Or?
posted by hippybear at 11:46 PM on September 21, 2016


OK. I've updated the spreadsheet in light of the fact that (a) My spouse is coming with me; (b) I'm leaving after lunch on Sunday, and (c) Janell might not get to come (:~().
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 11:50 PM on September 21, 2016


It looks like we have most bases covered since palmcorder_yajna updated the spreadsheet. If Janell can't make it, I'll bring eggs for Saturday breakfast and something vegetal for BYOM dinner. And I removed the "Sunday dinner" and "Monday breakfast" columns since we're all leaving before then.

Also, if Janell doesn't come and bring her awesome campstove, we'll need a substitute. My little stove by itself won't be adequate.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:41 AM on September 22, 2016


Hrm. I don't think we have a camp stove here, but I will look around. I will bring my grill. Does anyone have a grate we can put over a fire in case we don't have a stove? I sadly do not. I don't know how developed this campground is -- they might have grates available?
posted by hippybear at 9:56 AM on September 22, 2016


in THEORY we could use my grill grate over the campfire as long as the fire is kept at cooking temps and not so hot that it warps the grate. Having that happen would grate on me.
posted by hippybear at 9:59 AM on September 22, 2016


I'm sure you'll all be grateful to know that I can bring a grate for the fire.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:15 AM on September 22, 2016


That grate would be great!
posted by hippybear at 10:47 AM on September 22, 2016


Also a cheese grater.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:01 AM on September 22, 2016


I don't see a stove anywhere, it's possible Jeff took it with him to LA. Potato Salad is done #achievementunlocked
posted by hippybear at 11:11 AM on September 22, 2016


Newest NOAA weather forecast. It's gonna be cold, people! But rain has left the forecast.
posted by hippybear at 11:15 AM on September 22, 2016


It was colder than that for the Newberry Crater campout, we just dressed warm and kept a toasty fire going and it worked out okay. Maybe bring an extra blanket or two if your sleeping bag isn't 3-season.

Remember it'll be colder at the Summit Grill (8000ft), though, and bring appropriate "dinner wear"!
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:35 AM on September 22, 2016


Finally a chance to wear my Goretex quilted tuxedo!

I'll bring a bit of pallet wood and will look in Joseph on my way down for convenience stores selling firewood, and will buy as much as I can fit in my car after all the other crap I'm bringing.

Oh, I'm not bringing my guitar. I don't have the callouses to play it anymore. :(
posted by hippybear at 12:08 PM on September 22, 2016


Usually there's been firewood for sale at the campgrounds, but I guess I should check and make sure.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:19 PM on September 22, 2016


The website lists "Firewood sales" as one of the park's Services and Amenities. Tried to call, got voicemail. I'll try again later.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:23 PM on September 22, 2016


I just checked in with Janell, who said she won't be able to make it. I'll stop by her house on the way out of town and pick up dish-washing tubs and also her camp stove.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:15 PM on September 22, 2016


The pulled pork has turned out simply terrible, y'all. I should probably stay home all weekend and eat it up to save you guys the miserable experience!*

*but I won't.
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:49 PM on September 22, 2016


I might need some of the pulled pork in trade for a weekend with my stove and bus tubs.

Sorry for bailing, everyone. I'm sure you'll have a blast, and be somewhat warmer than the spring outing...
posted by janell at 7:53 PM on September 22, 2016


What time are people arriving? I'm hoping to get out of here in time to arrive around 2 or 3. I still have to do a shopping run before I leave plus pack up the car, so fingers crossed.
posted by hippybear at 12:52 AM on September 23, 2016


We're leaving Seattle around 11:00, so we should be getting there around dinner time.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 2:59 AM on September 23, 2016


I'm going to try to get there between 4 and 5.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:03 AM on September 23, 2016


Ah, well, I won't rush my morning then, and we'll all get there around the same time. :)
posted by hippybear at 8:44 AM on September 23, 2016


Forecast has been raised by several degrees! Yay!
posted by hippybear at 10:37 AM on September 23, 2016


Car is loaded, doors are locked, we're on our way!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 11:46 AM on September 23, 2016


Just past Ellensburg, the political sign count stands at:

Hillary -- 2
Trump -- 8
Johnson -- 0
Stein -- 0
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 2:25 PM on September 23, 2016


That pork is delicious. Just like last time. Y'all are in for a treat! (Good work on the sign counts).
posted by janell at 3:01 PM on September 23, 2016


Greg is here, wish you were beautiful!
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:42 PM on September 23, 2016


Now in Elgin, getting gas. This place is crazy cute.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 5:54 PM on September 23, 2016


Just saw a sign for the campground. Looks like we"re about 20 minutes out.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 7:18 PM on September 23, 2016


I didn't take many photos, but the three I got from the top of the tram were pretty good. I've posted a link in the photos sidebar.
posted by hippybear at 4:20 PM on September 25, 2016


I took a bunch of pictures, but it'll take me a bit to sift through them and prep the best ones. I'll MeMail the attendees with a link once I've got them online.

I had a great time, thanks all for coming!
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:02 PM on September 25, 2016


By the way, my cast-iron pans were right where I left them, so it's all good!
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:33 PM on September 25, 2016 [1 favorite]


I think I just found something that I will have to get as a gift for Sauce Trough for the next campout we attend!
posted by hippybear at 9:40 AM on September 30, 2016


Hee! Hippybear, that is adorable!

Thanks, guys. That was super, super fun!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 9:47 AM on September 30, 2016



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