Car Camping Update

Well, it is official. I finally went car camping. Was it all I hoped it would be?

Almost. :)

I chose a semi-secluded spot at Harrison Bay State Park in camping lot D. I tried my best to video a lot of the “action” of the event. Setting up the awning. Getting out the camp kitchen. Cooking dinner and breakfast. Making coffee. And just sitting in my oversized, comfy camp chair talking to the camera.

It is not something I want to do every time I go camping. It is exhausting! However, I will record the next one in an attempt to see if I can streamline the process. (The video should be up soon).

There are a few things I know I need if I am to do even on a semi-regular basis.

• I need some type of softer place to sleep. Maybe a foam cushion or a blow-up small mattress. It was ok for one night. But not for three. And a pillow. Because the “bed” doesn’t really give to my body shape like a mattress, my pillow was too flat. My head was at an angle all night. Did I mention I’m a side sleeper?

• I need some window screens. At least for summer camping. I didn’t want to crack any windows because I didn’t want a car filled with critters in the morning. But it was 85 degrees on the day I went camping, and even though it dropped to the mid-60’s overnight, the car never really cooled down.

• I will need a larger cooler. I didn’t want to spend money on one until I had actually gone camping. The travel cooler I took is great for a couple of hours, but not overnight. My friend, Ron, has alerted me to what appears to be an excellent camping refrigerator, so that’s on my list. (UPDATE: Refrigerator ordered!)

• I have already ordered a 3rd Sidio crate to help organize the things that wouldn’t fit in the first two. I don’t want to leave much outside at night while I’m sleeping, so most of the gear has to be repacked into the car when I go to bed. One more crate will be the perfect size for that.

• And I am considering a removable platform for the front passenger seat. I just watched a video by Becki and Chris where they are setting up their truck, and they did this. I’m not looking at making anything quite as elaborate as theirs, but I think a level platform over the seat would be the perfect place to store the refrigerator.

• I did not utilize the space under the back seat that is laid down for my bed. There is a huge hole there to store items and get them out of the way. I’ll need to investigate that further.

And the only other question that remains…for now…is a simple one.

Where to next?