Just back from the North Shore. Confessing to not really camping as we stayed in a hotel, but we did a fair amount of hiking, and agate hunting.
As for the actual camping, that comes this coming weekend at the Rendezvous.
While out-and-about I was able to pick up a solid wood box for my tent stakes, and rope, so I hope to get a little better organized.
If you can make it stargazer you will certanly be welcome at my fire. Just look for the guy making cordage from plant fibers. The hat will by wide brimmed, but lacking the peak. If I am gnawing on something from a hunt I cannot allow you to have a bite as the power-that-be do not permit such sharing

Backfrom the north Shore, and Rendezvous by Elk River.
The weather up north was quite pleasant, with just a bit of wind along the shore while the Mrs. and I were hunting for the elusive Agate
We had rain to contend with for the rendezvous. Just before set-up it came down enough to make some wait. Then some clear skies for my evening check on the outhouse door. About 700+ on Friday for School day.
Still washing cloths, and putting stuff away. The real task is repair, and re-pack.

Well we busted out the tent Friday night and did a backyard camp out with the kiddos. I took Ariel out with me first and almost had her asleep when the boys arrived, and then Ariel and Evan discovered tent+queen sized air mattress = bounce house. So my husband and I laid on the sides while the kids had a massive WWF throwdown for a good 20 minutes.

It was cold, we slept... ok. But it was fun and we hadn't done anything like that in a couple years at least.

Is anyone else starting to gear up for outdoor adventures? Daring Quests? Dragons are optional, but you can slay all the flying pests, and call them anything you please. Perhaps a long hike, and lively conversation with a squirrel. He might just let you get a word, or two in.
As for myself. I am getting my rendezvous gear ready for an outing with some new Scouts at the end of the month. I was warned that wood ticks are already making themselves known, and I have just encountered the first mosquito today.
The Mrs. and I are planning a hike up by Lake Itasca. I was told there is a boulder at the visitor's center that is made up of agate. I look forward to seeing a new trail, and adding another walking medallion to my hiking stick.
Question for other outdoors sort out there. Does anyone else collect walking medallions?

I am itching to go camping. But so far all of the weekends have called for high wind or storms or both (or they're cold again). Still searching for a nice weekend to drag the kiddos out. At the rate we're going we may just settle for the backyard again.

Does anyone else collect walking medallions?

Nope, what are they?

Walkingstick medallions are momento's of a trail, or National monument that has trails on which you have walked. If you have a favorit walking stick that you take, especially on hike far from home, you put the medallion on the stick to show where it, and you, have been. Most of them have the little nails provided.
They are usually sold at the gift shops if there are any. Sometimes there is not one for that location but there are one of those penny grinder machines. In that case I usually use that for my stick. In that case I have to drill holes, and use spare nails.
I you're children that enjoy hiking it might be a great way for making memories.

I don't collect these but my brother does, and he has a fair collection both from Minnesota and Pacific Northwest locations.

I'm looking forward to camping, but some real life things (like an upcoming move) threaten to interfere with such leisure.

I would like to get further west sometime. The Mrs. and I hav mostly traveled to the south, and east, when we are not trekking the North Shore that is.
We were able to walk some of Gettysburg, and when I nailed on the medallion I realized it was upside down. Not to worry to much though. It makes for a quick history lesson for those who ask. So I'll ask. Does anyone know how the Battle of Gettysburg was upside down
Just purchased a new cot for this argumentative back of mine so I can catch a few . A little higher, makes a great deal of difference, but in an A Frame tent it uses up a lot more floor space. I just cannot win.
Moving friend stargazer? Not too far afield I hope. Though it could work to your benifit. Just pack all your camping gear together, along with a change of cloths of course, and you should be all set for that much deserved escape once the heavy lifting is all done

Thanks for the explanation on walking stick medallions. I'll have to watch for them next time I go on a hike. We usually hit Rocky Mountain National Park every other year so I'll look when we go next time.

We have pitched a tent in the backyard tonight. The weather is too gorgeous on a Friday night not to.

Back from camping early with the Scouts on Saturday. fortunatly most went well. It was a little on the chilly side Friday night, which made the fire for breakfast very welcome.
It was good to see many parents involved this year. I find that when a scout has an involved parent who shows an interest in what they do they do much more desire to continue, as well as succeed.
The only downside is this sunburned nose I took home.

Sounds like fun, Puddleglum.

It wasn't camping, but on Monday I enjoyed a day trip to a state park south of here that is well known for its spring wildflowers. There were tens of thousands - more, probably - of white, purple, and yellow flowers covering the hillsides and valleys. So pretty!

The glorious spring day ended with a pleasant campfire and stargazing session away from city lights.

for all the folk who enjoy when camping season comes to life again! And cool about the medallions, friend Wiggle. (But sorry to hear of your sunburned nose. )

stargazer, your trip to the state park sounds so, so lovely in every way!

fantasia, how do your kiddos enjoy sleeping in a tent?

I would count a good stretch of the legs in a park a good outing stargazer. Many a pleasurable day can be spent on a trail, or just sitting talking to the squirrels. If they start answering it might mean it's time to go in though. ( Unless you are in Narnia of course ).
The local county parks are full of sites, and scents coming alive. Sometimes you do not even need to leave home, as we were suprised by a mother duck escorting her little brood of eight, or nine fuzzy young through the yard.
The next outing will be an informal rendezvous at a friends. sort of a "shake down" if you will to see if we have all gear, and such ready. I am getting a new aquisition ready myself. A tin canteen is all primed, and ready for decoration. It will be nice to be able to get a drink of water without having to go into the tent to drink from a bottle.
A word for anyone planning to be out in the sun. If you forget sunscreen a daily application of Petro Carbo salve helps in the healing. Five days later, and barely any tenderness.
Now comes the next trial of patience.
Mosquitoes

Our group is looking forward to the Memorial Day camping trip on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The good news is that the forecast (which continues the rainy/thunderstorm pattern we're in now) has improved somewhat. Now it's expected to clear off on Sunday and most of Monday (when we're driving back ). But at least we should get Sunday night's fire in, along with a chance to see the ISS and Iridium flares in some good old-fashioned stargazing by the lake.

I confess that I'm glad we camped last weekend rather than this one. There is a steady rain this evening that is great for making things green but would certainly limit the enjoyment of tent camping.

Last weekend was a mixed bag of weather, but it never rained much in our location. Sunday afternoon alternated between clear skies and light rain but we still enjoyed a fire. It was clear by evening, allowing lakeshore stargazing by the fire. Monday was clear and almost too hot. Some mosquitoes attended the festivities but they weren't too bothersome... that will change soon I suspect.