Its legal term is, “dispersed camping”, we enjoyitbecauseitsfree,thereisnodesignated camping spots, and no other campers for possibly many, many, miles.
There are no campground amenities, but we most certainly bring all our own. Seventeen were invited, 11 could find the time to enjoy what we affectionately refer to as tent city.
Once all assembled, we erect the 60-foot long, seven-foot-high set of woven plastic blue tarps together. Two will set their tents under the tarp at the far west end, small one man pup tents really, most of the middle section is creature comfort for all.
If it’s raining plenty of dryness to amble about with overhead cover, folding bag chairs galore, several smaller camp tables, of which at least one rests a cribbage board, dangling lanterns, and with the recent addition of LED solar lanterns, we don’t buy much white gas anymore, and Lordy are they ever bright.
The horseshoe pits, very rustic, are always on the south side of the tent, usually with less wind, and some days so much warmer. Pistol range of course, solar shower, one fire pit, and at least three chainsaws, it’s gonna be a few days.
Food is bring your own, and share what you wish, and one night, usually the night before the last night, it’s a hodge-podge of leftovers. We tried the cook one big meal but with so many folks, it just never panned out, this method or lack of one, just works better for us all.
And like many trips together, the final morning, the first thing to come back down, the tarp tent. No one wants to start taking it down, because it’s a tough way to fold up an exceptional camping trip.
i Lisa,
--The trout whisperer
