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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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]
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]
First weekend in October seems good for Wallowa.
posted by janell at 7:17 PM on February 16, 2016 [1 favorite]
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
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
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]
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]
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:42 PM on February 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
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 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
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
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
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
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
posted by janell at 8:08 PM on February 18, 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
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]
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]
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]
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
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:39 PM on March 6, 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:08 PM on May 14, 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
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:21 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
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:34 PM on May 22, 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
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:35 PM on May 28, 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
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
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
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
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
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 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]
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]
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:40 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
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]
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:44 AM on July 4, 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]
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
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:42 PM on July 16, 2016
Carrier pigeon?
posted by Secretariat at 4:12 PM on August 4, 2016
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
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
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
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:17 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
*update. D'oh.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:51 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
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:04 PM on September 9, 2016
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 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
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]
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]
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:17 PM on September 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
Mmmm, I sense a plan coming together...
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:59 PM on September 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:59 PM on September 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
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'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
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
This will be my epitaph.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:45 AM on September 16, 2016
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
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
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 10:29 PM on September 16, 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
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
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
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
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:42 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
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:06 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
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
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
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
[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]
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
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
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:08 PM on September 20, 2016
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
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
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
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 8:57 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
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
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
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
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:15 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
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
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
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
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
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
*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
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
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
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 2:59 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
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
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
posted by janell at 3:01 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
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
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 7:18 PM on September 23, 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
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]
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:33 PM on September 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Hee! Hippybear, that is adorable!
Thanks, guys. That was super, super fun!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 9:47 AM on September 30, 2016
Thanks, guys. That was super, super fun!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 9:47 AM on September 30, 2016
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:29 PM on February 13, 2016 [1 favorite]