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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/books.php/item_id/2052342-Camping-Joy
Rated: E · Book · Community · #2052342
A little bit of spice to flavor the pot.
         I've never really gone camping or otherwise gone out into the great outdoors. The only time that barely comes close is one time I went on a church Core trip. It wasn't even my regular church but it was the only one that fit with our schedule. They had some group stuff that was not overall bad. But it can be intimidating sometimes being part of a group who know each other when you don't know many yourself. It was a little teeny bit scary being away from home. Even it was just for a few days.

          I especially can remember when this girl Jennifer dressed up as big foot to scare everybody. That was memorable. I'm glad to say I went and got a bit closer to my spirituality. There's not too much I can say for the outdoors other than I really don't see myself as ever being the outdoors type. But I applaud people who are. I just can't say that will ever be me.
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August 20, 2015 at 9:06am
August 20, 2015 at 9:06am
#857876
         Who would have guessed how much fun people would have creating their unique costumes, I radioed the ranger service and let them know we are staying one more night here. So you have more time to prepare your costumes and your stories for the fire ... I know I saw a couple really scary creations, one that could easily be mistaken for a sasquatch aka skeason . Thank you, Charlie for the idea *Bigsmile*

         Now, I know they are grown adults but Charlie & Cinn and Cinn & Charlie went to gather what they needed for their costumes and it has been over 8 hours since they've been seen. What do you think... leave them to their own devices, contact the rangers, or should we form a search party?

         And I don't want to alarm anyone but the ranger service did say there are brush fires north of us, so we need to be aware of what is happening around us and take every precaution with our campfire. Has anyone seen a wildfire before?


         I haven't been keeping up with what others are doing. skeason will apparently be Bigfoot so that should be interesting. I think it will be entertaining enough seeing everyone in costume. Maybe see some people attempt to jump over the fire. I wouldn't recommend it. More liable to get hurt. I guess we have Charlie to thank for the idea. I wonder what Lyn will be going as?

          Hope a wild fire doesn't break out here. I haven't seen one in real life before. Usually on TV is where I find out about one. Sometimes, if there's a fire close by, you can smell smoke. But I have never actually personally experienced one before. It sounds horrible, and they can so much damage. I will be careful when putting out a campfire. Even a little spark can end up causing a lot of harm if it spreads. Be careful everyone.

         If they went out together than at least they have sense enough not to wander off alone. I son't know what they're doing but it may be about their costumes. It's turning into a big deal so maybe they just lost track of time. They could be anywhere, and if a search party went out that would just be time consuming. They could wander back any time wondering what all the fuss is about. If you want to alert the rangers to keep an eye out for them in case they're spotted, it wouldn't hurt. Just so we know they're okay. I think they'll come back when they've finished whatever it is they're doing.
August 19, 2015 at 9:07am
August 19, 2015 at 9:07am
#857795
Last night here and we are going to have an interesting evening before moving on to our next location which is Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace. We will be leaving after a late breakfast, packing up our stuff so it can be transported for us.

http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/mammoth.htm

But we have a special request, and since I am a volunteer guide and getting fired is not an issue... I am going to take him up on his request.

"Well... then what? I think we should have a costume contest. ~Aino Minako~ may beat us all because she has experience with making her own costumes for stuff like this, but I'm still willing to give it a go. Pretty please, Lyn 30 Day Camp Guide , can we have a costume contest party? I think we should have on where we have to dress up using only materials that you can find in nature. Doesn't that sound fun? I may or may not be trying to see everyone half naked. " Charlie & Cinn

well, are you up to his challenge? It's in your ball park....

"We should totally do this and then have like a campfire where we dance around the fire and OHH we should do like a horror movie costume contest and tell ghost stories or something? The winner should get a prize of some sort. You wanna? Eh? Lyn? You wanna?"

         I like the idea of mammoth. Was there a mammoth found there long ago? Or is it just a reference to how big the place is? Either way, I think it will be neat. My tummy is full from breakfast and now I have to see about getting my stuff together.

         As far as this costume contest goes- I want to be a forest nymph if we do this. It just came to me. No idea how, but because of this, we will see. Charlie & Cinn probably does want to see us run around half naked. Hmm, I have to think how I want to go about my costume if we're going to be doing this. Hmm...

         I don't know about dancing around a fire. I was never a big fan of the horror genre. I don't know any ghost stories personally, but I guess I can look one up from one of my ghost books and share one of those. Sounds like it will be an interesting day at camp. See you guys there.
August 18, 2015 at 3:25pm
August 18, 2015 at 3:25pm
#857746
We will be staying put at Indian Creek for another day so we can do some exploring and our tender butts can rest from the ride before we continue on. Today it will be in the high fifties, perfect hiking weather. We are off to Sheepeaters Cliff. There are excellent examples of basalt for those who have an interest in geology. For those who are interested in native wildlife, marmots are native to this area. It is a great hiking experience for all levels, nothing strenuous today.

http://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=007BBFE1-155D-451F-6779FB37D3D5BC36

This video will show you what we will studying today on our adventure, lots of great photo opportunities.

When men and women tell tales around evening campfire, a sure sign of success is when the audience says then what...

Here's your opportunity for a then what moment....

         Went out and about today. I ended up following a tour group I thought was our group. Took me a good 45 minutes till I realized I didn't know anybody there. Oops! Still, it was a nice tour. Learning new things is always a good thing. I don't know what the heck a marmot is. But I might have crawled right over my foot and caused me to freak out. It just stared at me- ''What's wrong with you?'', and wandered off. It ended up with me tripping over an exposed tree root, but also got me a sample to show the folks. And makes a nice souvenir too.

         That incident reminded me of another time when I was going out and some flying thing came at my head. I freaked out then too. Don't judge me! I'm used to fling things having stingers. I assumed it was a bee or a wasp. NO FOND MEMORIES SHARED WITH WASPS. Don't get me going on velvet ants. Those little suckers nailed me twice. Though not on the same day. Hate stinging things! Anyway, not a bad day at camp. I'm off hunting for more pictures. Get ready nature!
August 17, 2015 at 12:18pm
August 17, 2015 at 12:18pm
#857664
         Indian Creek, here we come... We are going by mountain bike to our next camp location. We will be having lunch at Beaver Creek but as you see on the map ( link I've given you ) we have quite a ride ahead of us so we will be leaving the lodge at daylight. What risks do you think we might encounter on our way. Have you ever done a mountain bike adventure before?

http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/maps.htm

         Indian Creek has vault toilets and no running water. Please make sure you have filled your water bottles. Norb and I have made arrangements to have water delivered to out site but while riding the twenty one miles you will want water. Indian Creek is one of the more primitive camp areas in Yellowstone. What do you think a vault toilet is? What is the difference between a vault and an outhouse?

         We will be exploring the Gallatin mountain range with breathtaking views of Electric Peak to the north. Nearby Gardner's Hole offers great wildlife viewing opportunities. This campground offers easy access to great fishing and hiking. The campground is quiet, off the beaten path, with great view of the night sky.

          I've never really learned to ride a bike, so this will be challenging. Being a natural worry wart any number of things can happen. If we get mauled by bears, or caught in a thunder storm. What if there's a freak snow storm and we all die of starvation because we run out of trail mix? Since I can't ride a bike, I can imagine losing control and careening off a cliff. Paper bag, anyone? I need to sit down before I freak myself out. I need to focus on breathing and enjoying myself while I'm at camp.

         Vault toilets all the way! I googled it. Looks a lot like a park bathroom. And somewhat cleaner. I'm drawing the line at outhouses. Gross!

         I have plenty of water to see me through. I also have some cubed watermelon. As well as some leftover PB&J. So at least I'll have fuel to keep me going. Hope I don't over exert myself and fall asleep at the pedal.

         I'm sure the mountain will be awesome, can't wait. I saw an eagle fly over earlier today. Quick, snapped a picture for the folks back home. Don't know how good the quality is, but it'll have to do. Hope to see more wildlife on the way. I can't wait to checkout the night sky! I'm sure it will be awesome.
August 16, 2015 at 5:15pm
August 16, 2015 at 5:15pm
#857593
I'm glad everyone is enjoying their time at the lodge, we will be leaving here on Monday morning so if you have laundry, mail to catch up, or shopping to finish... plus it may be helpful if you mail your things home so you don't have to lug them around. We are lucking out tonight 55 degrees... should be a great night outside to watch the rodeo.

         Have you ever seen a rodeo? Who gets the worse deal the horse or the rider in your opinion?

         Have you ever imagined what a blade of grass feels like on a hot day? What kind of things would the grass be thinking about and why? What if torrential rain started, how would the grass feel and why? Let's see your creativity with this one.

         We will be wildlife viewing today on a guided tour with a ranger, another great camera opt in the morning, the afternoon will be yours until we get together for dinner and then the rodeo.

         There are more people hurt by bison than by bears each year in Yellowstone. Park regulations state that visitors must stay at least 25 yards away from bison or elk and 100 yards away from bears.

         I think I've seen part of one on TV before. I'm not sure how much I'd enjoy it. I'd think I'd be concerned someone was going to get gored or trampled. I'm a natural worrier that way. Can't account for how rodeos treat their animals. Like anywhere I'm sure, some treat them better than others. At least the animals for the most part don't have to worry about being trampled to death. I couldn't do what those people do. I freeze and get trampled to death.

         While we're on the subject, job security? Do those clowns make much? If I'm putting my life on the line between a pissed off bull and a thrown rider, I hope that it's worth it.

         I've never really questioned what grass feels like. I know that when I'm barefoot and it's hot out, it can be scratchy and not much better. Probably thinks-''Dying'', ''I hate organic life forms,'' ''water'', something to that effect. How would you feel being trampled all the time. If my neighborhood was in that movie, a lot of the neighborhood kids that trample our lawn would ''disappear.''

         I feel like torrential rain is part of what I got this afternoon. I we got soaked coming out of Goodwill today. I imagine it could feel like drowning, being trapped in place, unable to move. When it's coming down that hard anyways.

          Kyle, our ranger guide, was nice as he led our tour. lots of walking, my feet hate me by now. I need to think about getting something to drink. I feel a bit dehydrated just now. The closest I care to get to bear is my teddy bear, postcards, or Animal planet. Period. Got a nice photo of some elk that were out and about earlier. It was nice taking in the sights, I just wish next time I'm more prepared for what this entails. Till next time, I'm off to explore nature's wonders.
August 15, 2015 at 2:11pm
August 15, 2015 at 2:11pm
#857478
Halfway through the month happily sleeping in a real bed , enjoying the lodge's menu selections too! It will be a quiet evening in the lodge because of the thunder storms this evening. At least, we are dry!

Tomorrow, we are going to the museum of the Park Ranger, a bookstore, Norris Geyser Basin and Steamboat Geyser on horseback, those that would rather ride in the wagon can because there will be several going. I suggest your cameras and comfy clothes. We will be having a bag lunch prepared for us by the lodge, If we have time we will be checking out Artist Paint Pots, too! What did you like best?

The dog days of summer got the nickname because of Sirius, the dog star which rose and fell with the sun during the hottest days. What nickname do you have for the hottest day? Is there a nickname native to where you live? What activities do you avoid during this time?

         Can't sleep because of the storm, so I'm finishing up my cookie sundae dessert from the lodge's menu. Delicious after my fish dinner. The lightning is actually beautiful when you're not in danger of being struck dead from it. Maybe I can get a picture to show mom. I'm feeling pretty comfortable right now. I don't think sleep's too far away now.

         Don't know about the ranger museum, sounds a bit dull. But, I won't mind being surprised if it's not. Knowing more about it might make it more interesting. Hope to hit the book store at the very least. Hopefully they have a good selection.

         Had to ride in the wagon since I can't really ride. I wouldn't mind learning but I would rather not get thrown. I do value my safety. I did notice a blonde on horse back. He was riding a white horse I thought could have been a pinto. I found out later that his name was Alex and he's a native. I have a picture of him so I can show mom. She'll appreciate that I'm making new friends.

         The artist paint pots were interesting. Some better than others. Probably all better than I could do. I was allowed to make a miniature one to send home to the folks. Hope they like it.

         I've heard it called the dog days of summer as well. But am I the only one who thought of Sirius from Harry Potter? Proud Hufflepuff! Can't wait to see where we venture forth next.
August 14, 2015 at 12:48pm
August 14, 2015 at 12:48pm
#857379
         It's another beautiful night in Yellowstone in the mid 40's Fahrenheit and we are going to see a cowboy show at the amphitheater by Canyon Lodge. Dinner at the lodge with real tables and chairs, woohoo. My back was so ready, what about yours.

         Tomorrow a guide from Yellowstone is taking us to Upper and Lower Falls, bring your camera, lots of great photo opportunities. We will be picnicking there for lunch and swimming in the pools under the falls. It is going to be in the mid 80's, perfect for water activities. We are staying at the lodge until Monday. Post office, laundry, showers and nightly entertainment.

         Over lunch in this amazing setting and the delicious food from the lodge I thought I would pick your brains, you know how I am about questions... what do you think are the differences in food eaten in the summer time around the world? Share with us something specific from where you live? Is it easy to make or difficult? What about family traditions, do you have certain foods that only appear in the summer months?


         I'm glad we're getting to do so much at camp. I feel like we've been camping all over. The falls sound like they'll be very cool. Can't wait. I'm definitely bringing my camera to show off to my folks back home. So glad to be able to sit in actual chair. Sleeping isn't always so comfortable out here.

          I don't think we have any ''traditional food'' in my family. Mom tries to get us to eat healthy sometimes. Which doesn't always work since my brother {and me} are picky eaters. Around this time of year, we start getting popsicles and ice cream. One of my newest favorites, are these little bubblegum ice cream cups. My brother likes cotton candy ice cream. To each his own.
August 13, 2015 at 9:58am
August 13, 2015 at 9:58am
#857269
http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/promising-perseid-meteor-shower-peak...

http://earthsky.org/tonight/watch-these-stars-while-watching-the-perseids?utm_so...

Perseid Meteor Shower peaks tonight, it is going to be a spectacular night to watch the sky with no light pollution. We really are in for a great show especially at 2:00am, its going to be a short night sleeping, we'll rest tomorrow once we arrive at Canyon Village.
You'll find this campground close to the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone near the center of the park. Offers stores, restaurants, pay showers, a coin laundry and a sanitary dump station, but no utility hookups. No camp cooking tonight, we are going to try one of the restaurants.

What did you see? How did it make you feel? There are lots of videos out there to see this, I suggest you check it out. I posted two links but there are many others.

If you feel inclined compose a poem to share with us at dinner tonight.

         I don't know if I have ever seen a meteor shower before. I know when I visited the Smithsonian institute they had some space rocks on display, possibly some meteors. But it didn't do them any justice. They were so boring, I just went right on through. Seeing them pass over your head is much more enjoyable and awe inspiring then looking at some gray rocks.

         Glad to be going out to eat. It's nice to go out now and then.

         I'll have to see if how my laundry looks.

         And of course since I'm here I'll have to browse around and see what the stores have to offer. Anyone want to come with?

         Hoping for a great show tonight. Canyon Village just sounds so quaint. See you guys later tonight.
August 12, 2015 at 10:35am
August 12, 2015 at 10:35am
#857191
          Woohoo, Mother Nature must have been a card player at one point... it's 55 degrees Fahrenheit 13 degrees Celsius. The fire feels good... and the spade game between ANN Thankful4MarriageEquality and Lyn 30 Day Camp Guide against Charlie & Cinn and Cinn & Charlie is close. Everyone is placing bets... Conversation around the fire…what is the strangest thing you’ve ever seen happen during the summer? Why was it so weird? What might other people have thought about what you saw?
In the morning, we are off to see Mud Volcanoes at Lake Village and Bridge Bay. We'll be setting up camp there, need volunteers to fish for trout in the river there. If anyone is interested there is a fishing contest going on, prizes are 1000.00 for the largest catch of the day.

OOH! I seriously dislike the cold. Always have. I'm not sure when we started placing bets and when this turned into gambling. But for the sake of the moment, Go {user:ANN Thankfu4MarriageEquality} & {user:Lyn 30 Day Camp Guide}. I have faith in you guys! Go kick butt! I can't pinpoint one specific thing. But I visited family in DC in Maryland earlier in July. We went to one of the many Smithsonians that are available there. One thing weird that I can remember is they had a mummy on display. If you know anything about ancient Egypt, when you died they removed your organs out through your nose. I don't even want to know how. That's just really gross. I guess some might find it cool. I still see it as a bit disturbing though.

         Off to the volcanoes! I've never been to one before, so this will be a cool experience. Looking forward to it! No way is fishing going to fruitful from me. I can try sure, but it's not going to prove my fishing ability. I can cheer on others though. Good luck to all the participants. I'm going to go look up the place we're heading too next. Just to gain a little insight for what to expect.
August 11, 2015 at 11:48am
August 11, 2015 at 11:48am
#857121
         We are supposed to pull up camp and move onto Lake Village and Bridge Bay today but we have an several injured campers Princess Megan Rose BlueMoon and we have a missing teenager Help Miss Dragon~ Note# 297138 .

Instead of moving on we are going to work with the authorities to find Miss Dragon in the morning.          This evening to keep our mind off all that is happening around us we are going to have a card playing night around a roaring fire. (There was a camper killed by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone, the bear was captured so we are safe so long as we use camp safety) Those of you that would like time to write home, there is a postal pickup service, plus I was told Xanterra Parks & Resorts has an internet hub and phone center if you want to use it for a fee. Please take a buddy, no wandering alone.

         Share with us your card game experiences, what games do you play?

         Enlighten us on your thoughts about our missing Miss Dragon.

         And finally since we are here for another day how about some good old baked beans in a hole and hot dogs. See the video so you know what I mean about in the hole.

Has anyone done this before with their families? Volunteers?

         Share with us what you chose to do while we stayed another night in Grant Village.

So I looked up beans in a hole. There is no way I'm doing that. That doesn't even seem sanitary. I emailed my parents that I'm doing fine. My leg is getting better by margins. I can't wait till we start doing smores. That's probably the one thing I do like about camping. There are some cuties here at the Resorts. Enjoying a hot chocolate at the moment. Glad we don't have to worry about killer bears anymore. Hope to see Dragoon again soon. I may see about getting something to eat now. My stomach's making noises and people are starting to stare at me. Wonder if they have a buffet here? One way to find out. Peace.

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