It was IN-TENTS.

Oops, this post is a whole week late. Sorry! Whatever, you're still reading it aren't you? :)


Well, last weekend I went camping in WV with 17 friends. T'was tons o' fun. We camped, ate, hiked, climbed, ate, drank, danced, explored caverns, and ate. It got pretty chilly at night--not to be confused with CHILI, which we didn't get any of because it was all gone by the time we arrived at the Chili Cook-off. 


Staying on the topic of "lessons learned" (refer to Bologna's Halloween post), here are some lessons I learned from the trip and tips for your next camping trip:

1) Don't leave your car keys at the top of the mountain.

2) Don't bring your pet coyote with you.

      

3) DO travel with a doggie, so he can protect you against bears, bugs, mothman, etc.

(...or so that other climbers' dogs can stay entertained while their owners are too busy to watch/control their pet)

4) DO keep your helmets on at all times while inside the caverns (ahem, Erin...)

5) Do NOT feed the West Virginian wildlife.

This little kid actually came up to me and my friends, with an empty styrofoam cup in his hand, and asked for beer "for his daddy"...hmmm...

6) Invest in a nice, quality sleeping bag. While many of my fellow campers complained of their cold sleepless nights, I was warm, comfy and cozy inside my goose down mummy bag from L.L. Bean. I love it.

7) Get a headlamp. Although you may be confused for a miner or a giant lightning bug, you will find that headlamps are useful for so much more than just camping trips.

8) For cold feet, do NOT layer socks. Layered socks tend to be tighter on your tootsies, limiting circulation, and causing your feet to actually be COLDER! So get one good pair of wool socks and keep your piggies warm. I wore my SmartWool snowboarding socks.

9) Good snacks/drinks to bring for hiking/climbing: jerky, Smartfood popcorn, nuts, Clif bars, apples, Gatorade, lots of water.

10) Choose a tent partner who doesn't snore.