I finally went on my very first campout Saturday night. I rode 110 miles to Bob Sandlin SP and got me a spot. Nice Park
Camp setup took me about 90 minutes, since this was my very first try. Its going to take a few tries to figure out how to be organized inside the tent. And I think knee pads are in order: I think that was the worst aspect of the trip, apart from the heat inside the tent. Every time I had to do something in the tent on my knees it was torture. The sand in the tent pad was like concrete. And the noseeum mesh in the REI tent does not allow breezes to flow thru the tent, so although it was perfectly cool and breezy outside, I was burning up til about 2 AM.
And then came the rains about 5 AM. I had to wait for a lull from about 5 til 7ish...Looking at the radar, I knew I couldnt get home without riding thru a major storm that was still coming. And Since I had no roof over the picnic table, I couldnt pack while it was actively raining. While I was waiting, I packed everything I could while inside the tent. About 7:30 I got a break and hurredly struck camp and packed my wet, sandy tent. Then managed to change clothes and shoes in the open without getting wet.
My plan was to break camp and seek out a picnic pavilion, and as oon as I started my bike it began to rain. I found a pavilion, where I stopped and waited for the storm.
I have rain gear, but I had all day to ride 100 miles and didnt want to purposely head into a storm when I didnt have to. After two hours it was still raining but the storm was over, so I donned my rain gear and rode on home.
I had to set up my tent and hang my footprint and fly to dry. I cant seem to get all the sand out fo the tent. It doesnt simply shake out when you turn it upside down. It was like that sand you get at the beach...wants to stick to everything
All in all the trip was a butt whipping but I learned some things I needed to know for the future, so I will call the shakedown outing a success
Camp setup took me about 90 minutes, since this was my very first try. Its going to take a few tries to figure out how to be organized inside the tent. And I think knee pads are in order: I think that was the worst aspect of the trip, apart from the heat inside the tent. Every time I had to do something in the tent on my knees it was torture. The sand in the tent pad was like concrete. And the noseeum mesh in the REI tent does not allow breezes to flow thru the tent, so although it was perfectly cool and breezy outside, I was burning up til about 2 AM.
And then came the rains about 5 AM. I had to wait for a lull from about 5 til 7ish...Looking at the radar, I knew I couldnt get home without riding thru a major storm that was still coming. And Since I had no roof over the picnic table, I couldnt pack while it was actively raining. While I was waiting, I packed everything I could while inside the tent. About 7:30 I got a break and hurredly struck camp and packed my wet, sandy tent. Then managed to change clothes and shoes in the open without getting wet.
My plan was to break camp and seek out a picnic pavilion, and as oon as I started my bike it began to rain. I found a pavilion, where I stopped and waited for the storm.
I have rain gear, but I had all day to ride 100 miles and didnt want to purposely head into a storm when I didnt have to. After two hours it was still raining but the storm was over, so I donned my rain gear and rode on home.
I had to set up my tent and hang my footprint and fly to dry. I cant seem to get all the sand out fo the tent. It doesnt simply shake out when you turn it upside down. It was like that sand you get at the beach...wants to stick to everything
All in all the trip was a butt whipping but I learned some things I needed to know for the future, so I will call the shakedown outing a success
No problem getting dressed and packed while inside the tent. And a bonus is I can cook breakfast or make coffee in the vestibule as well without getting soaked.
