I sympathize with the knee pains, Puddleglum, and hope you're up to visiting the next encampment.

Our Labor Day trip was to Glendalough State Park, in the lake country of central- northwest Minnesota. The weekend actually was almost too hot and humid for hiking, but cool enough in the evenings to enjoy the campfire. The sky was hazy from wildfire smoke, giving vibrant red sunsets and hiding all but a few bright stars (and the moon) each night.

Now it's time to begin planning those fall color leaf tours.

Just going through some items I purchased at antique malls on the way home from the last road trip. With some of the items i found for historical re enacting I realized that camping season is nigh upon us. I know that for myself it means canvas tents, and wood fires, with plenty of furs being worn, etc. But I was wondering who all else was planning out there outdoor adventures already?

Getting the plans for the first camp soon. Granted, it will only be a "one nighter" with some youngsters, and their fathers from Church. But getting out, and seeing stars, and nothing but the noises of the wild ( after the little ones have dozed off ) to keep you company is all one needs.
Hopefully the weather holds, and I need not test the cold weather capabilities of canvas as my wood stove is not yet ready.

How did that camp go, Puddleglum? (What a difference a few weeks make, between cold weather and the heat of summer).

I often camp on Memorial and Labor Day weekends with a group of friends, but for various reasons it didn't work out this year. I have to admit I'm not too bothered by that, given the heat that will bake Minnesota this upcoming weekend. Sitting by a fire in 95F/36C weather is no fun (not to mention trying to sleep in a tent when the heat remains all night).

Sadly, the "camp out" turned into a "sleep in" ,in the cabin.
The youngsters did remakably well. The activities included some sort of treasure hunt that was new to me. During the day I, with help from a father, and Grandfather, had them making leather pouches. No punctured digits were reported.
The heat will be a definit factors, if it persists.
One interesting thing I found was to seek out any one with a Teepee. Believe it or not, a fellow at one Rendezvous showed me his on a steamy day how a well pitched Teepee will actually be cooler by 10 or 15 degrees F.
As for me. I am looking forward to the first official Rendezvous of the season, the Mille Lacs festival near Isle will be the first at it's new location at the DeCorsa Vinyard & Farm Winery. The only drawback may be finding level ground as it looks pretty hilly.
A pond is nearby as well which bodes not well for the possibility of mosquitoes

Preparing for a little trip, (not so far from home this time) and a little historical re enacting again.
The weather is looking glum,( more on that on the other thread) but I am determined to plod on, and make the must of it, be it soggy, muggy, or suprise us with a bit of sunshine.
Slowly gathering all the needed gear, and thus far only missing a few items that seem to have discovered the game of "hide, and seek." Most likely I have walked past them multiple times while searching, and will find them in plain sight when something else is the object of a quest.
It is August as of Midnight my good Narnians. We should not let this time pass without some time spent out, and about. Go forth! Journey ! Get Lost, and have fun getting back. Then boast of your exploits to all who will hear!

Back from my excursions into the hot, and humid world.
I found out what I was missing in my kit. My canoe, and paddles!!!!
More on the weather on the other thread, but it was a wet one.
Otherwise it was a fair time with friends, but the public turnout was expectedly low.
Mosquitos were not too troublesome, though a few chiggers got past my defenses.

I have camping trips planned for the next two weekends, both to fairly close locations. One trip is with some local NarniaWebbers and the other is an annual trip I make with a group of friends. This weekend looks hot and humid but at least the chances for rain are fairly low.

Those two camping trips are in the books now. Both were quite fun and had similar weather (rather hot, humid, no rain, but with lots of smoke in the air). The mosquitoes were present but not oppressive. At night, the moon was a dull yellow or orange color, and even bright objects like Mars and Jupiter were faint thanks to the thick smoky haze.

Had a good camping trip over the weekend. We tried some new things, both menu ideas and how to set up camp. Part of my enjoyment of camping is coming up with new ways to do things. Now if I could just figure out how to get a decent night's sleep while camping. . .

A sound sleep is one of he elusive, yet commonly sought goals of the camper Grandmama. Be it the pesky mosquito that made it into the tent, the humidity, cold, or the middle of the night urge to check to see if the outhouse door works Or that tent next door with the snorer, or child that just has to have a tantrum at 1am
Speaking of trying new things. Though I have had wild game before this last weekend was a first. We had muskrat, and beaver tale. ( Do not worry. I am assured that no speaking beasts were consumed )
We also were able to set up a shooting course for air rifle as this was private property. golf balls are a very challenging target, even when the wind is not blowing.
One more rendezvous yet in the season. The Wapati Historical Rendezvous will be at the Nowthen Threshing Grounds near Elk River in a week, and a half. Looking forward to it.

Last rendezvous of the reason for this old Marsh-wiggle.
Even with the heat, and humidity it was well attended, and people still had a good amount of fun. There was a slight change of local as the field usually used had been chewed up by heavy equipment, but all agreed that the new spot was much better due to the shade
The only drawback really was the hike for those interested in shooting sports. About a half mile. So there was little participation there.
Forsome reason flies were a constant as well. Getting into everything. Someone suggested hanging a fresh cut birch branch in the tent awning drives them away. I will have to remember to try that next year.

I had a couple "nights out" with friends... the "fun thing" being that it was in the context of historical reenacting. Mosquitoes and sleeping on the cold ground are always unwelcome, but when you have to keep all lights blacked out and that your camping gear is from the latest 1943 standard, you'll see that nothing compares to the mosquito storm you'll bring in your enclosed tent while sleeping more or less directly on the ground, since tents back then don't have any ground sheet or yoga mat!

It sure makes the trip much harder, but it's still a great experience to have... and it gives you some extra respect to the ones who did that for a much longer time while endangering their lives every day.

... but don't worry, I still enjoy regular camping more, as much as I love history, I'm glad to have light during the night and to have mosquito repellents!

As much as I like camping and the outdoors, your experience might be a little too much for me these days, SSBN_Dawn_Treader.

October usually brings at least a fall color tour day trip for me, and if lucky, an overnight camping trip, but the next several days are expected to be extremely rainy with localized flooding possible. The leaves are changing fast and the peak may pass before the storms do.

On the other hand, leaves out of the trees allow for a better view of the night sky for one of my favorite things, sitting around the fire and stargazing. So I hope to get away from the city at least once more before too much snow flies.

This year we were camping on the Lake Tahoe with my family. The place we've chosen is situated on the western side of the lake and the landscape there is just gorgeous! It was one of the brightest weeks of my life. The only disadvantage is a big amount of mosquitoes there. Those bloodsuckers are just everywhere. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from those insects. It will come in handy for those who often go camping to the woods.