Camping Prep

It's definitely been a dry period with posting lately. Not a lot of interesting things to take pictures of or report. However, tomorrow, we take off for our annual group camping trip. We're off to Hills Creek Reservoir - hopeful for some water like glass, starry nights (I've been told to keep your eye out for Mars - it's passing closer to Earth in an unprecedented way this month), and of course, hearty campfires. It won't include computer time, though - so I'll fill you all in on Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Before we leave though, I thought I'd show off a few nifty things that I'm rather impressed with when it comes to camping.

This first item was a gift I've received twice this year - once, for Christmas from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura - and again from Amy for my birthday (obviously, it's no secret that I like camping). It's a duffel bag that has four different independent zipper bags that can be removed. My biggest quandary was trying to figure out just what would get the honor of being organized this go-around. In a stroke of brilliance, I decided it would be ideal for storing the boat towels and blankets. We need about three sets of four towels on this trip, and this way, while the others are drying, we can snag a new bag to take out on the boat each morning - and even better, the bag will keep the towels dry until they are needed. The other duffel set is being used for swim clothes for our family members. I love how you can just slip in a label to use however you want. Very cool. Thanks Jeff, Laura, and Amy!

My other strong camping suggestion is this little baby. I purchased this about 5 years ago and have loved it ever since. It's a camping oven and it has completely revolutionized the way we consider food choices for our menus. Cinnamon rolls, marionberry cobbler, brownies, lasagna, pizza - all possibilities and choices we've made in the past (and present). It works off of a propane bottle - fits 2 sets of 8x8 pans (simultaneously) and adjusts temperature with a dial. I love it and have strongly recommended it to everyone....

Alright, enough product recommendations. This year my organization and preparation has been so random - I'm set to go to bed with the house still a disaster, kind of pathetic - but most everything has been packed. It never fails to surprise me just how much prep it takes to organize a 4 day camping trip. But, every year, at the end of it all, I'm set to plan the next one - which seems to prove it is all worth it.