Who's up for roughing it?
 

As a kid and teenager, I went camping all the time with the Boy Scouts and Explorers. And I almost always had a blast--hiking, building fires, goofing off, being out in nature...good stuff!

My favorite trip was actually my last--summer of 1992 at Indiana Dunes State Park near Chicago. We built sand sculptures that drew crowds, climbed the massive dunes, and admired the view of the Chicago skyline. That was great...here's a photo from that trip (though the skyline in this one is actually the Gary steel mills):

http://msdelta.net/~sycamore/chicago5.jpg

In the past year or so, I've had a strong desire to head back out to the woods. And this time of the year is a great time to do so. Sure, it can get rather cold, but you don't have to generally deal with a lot of bugs and critters.

Is anyone in this part of Cellarland interested in doing such a thing? We could chip in on a campsite (or maybe someone will be gracious enough to let us stay on their land) for a weekend...build a big-ass fire, cook over an open flame, drink, smoke, and have a blast.

Anyone?

Before or after Stressmas?

At this point, it might be best to do it after the first of the year. People's calendars should be less crowded.

It's sounding good so far. Any ideas on where? Maybe the state gamelands?

Perhaps. I was thinking either the Poconos or your neck of the woods.

Poconos!? I was thinking something cheap. <a href="http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/SGL/ser.htm" <a> Pick a county from the list. </a> Or.....were you not really serious about the roughing it part?

Thats ok, I know you city slickers like yer running water n' all.

And another thing. Bring yer own gear and dont plan on spooning me.

As far as the Poconos, I'm merely referring to a campsite up that way.

The only modern convenience I wouldn't mind is a running toilet nearby (like 10 minutes by car). And we'll bring a cell phone for emergencies (although I'd be on roaming in your area). But that's it on the modern shit.

I'm not at expert at winter camping but I've done it. As far as I know campsites arent really enthusiastic about people being there in winter.

You may very well know a lot more about that then me.

Well, there are places that cater to winter campers...unfortunately, I don't know any in this neck of the woods.

Griff? Anyone? I better do some research on this...

If you want to trek up here, thats cool. I'd like to stay in Pa though.

I might be able to find some of the good MREs. Those with the chemical heaters. That'd make thing's a lot easier.

Here's a link to PA's state parks. They're $26 a night for a tenting group of 20 or less.

Ok, I'm assuming you have a tent? What else will we need, besides a winter trigger for my Garand?

This one is close:

Mt. Pisgah County Park features picnicking, hiking, hunting, rustic camping and scenic vistas.

I could get some info on the "winter camping" and maybe grab some pics.

If yer going in winter you should probably have someone experienced in the lot, I'm thinking.

Yeah I personally would rather do it in the spring :)

I have thought about combining a camping/astronomy weekend... the Delaware Valley Amateur Astornomers uses an area at French Creek State Park for dark-sky observing.

This outting would more than likely be "staying up all night burning wood and telling stories" than actual camping.

Since I'm up all night anyway, I can see myself crashing safely in the car during the day.