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Outpost: Camping Alone? |
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beekeepersgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1423 Posts
Luanne
Cresco
PA
USA
1423 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2010 : 09:50:36 AM
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I need your input!
I've been waiting all summer to go camping for a few days, but my dear boyfriend just can't seem to find the time. I finally said that if he didn't have time to go that I'd go by myself.
So - have any of you girls ever camped alone? I'm thinking a campground/state park - not alone in the woods somewhere. Any advice? I have a tent, sleeping bag, cookware, lantern, etc. etc.
Thanks! Luanne
beekeepersgirl
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2010 : 10:38:11 AM
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Go for it You are woman hear you roar.
I love to camp.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2010 : 10:56:04 AM
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Oh, sounds like heaven to me Luanne. Go for it!
Blessings, staci FG# 973 :o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2010 : 7:57:10 PM
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I've gone camping with just my dog and myself. State parks are usually safe, and the managers of the campground can tell you which areas to avoid. Keep a cell phone with you just to be safe. Cindy
"There is more to life than increasing its speed". Mahatma Gandhi
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3329 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3329 Posts |
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rosarita78
True Blue Farmgirl
206 Posts
Reina
Drought ridden High Plains
New Mexico
USA
206 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2010 : 12:21:39 PM
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I am sorry ladies but I really don't think camping alone is the safest thing. People do watch and people notice the smallest things or the lightest coversation. And really I don't think it's safe for anyone to go camping alone. It's not just camping either. There are some really sick and crazy people in this world. I hate to sound so paranoid but I don't want you or anyone else to be a victim of any crime or even an accident. State parks are not safe. And there are not a lot of law enforcement. and who would notice if you were gone or fell and broke something. A simple bug bite or food poisoning can turn into a bad situation. I'm not saying that we should all live in fear but I do think we should be smart and always make sure someone is with us, knows what and where you are. I know we all yearn for the outdoors but surely you could find someone to with you? How about a niece or nephew. A good friend. I'm from NM and there was a crazy man that used to live up there in that state park. He would usually just steal things but no one could catch him because he knew the mountains better than anyone. He did commit some serious crimes and as far as I know to this day he's never been caught. Please re-think the situation before you go. And please take someone with you. |
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beekeepersgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1423 Posts
Luanne
Cresco
PA
USA
1423 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2010 : 12:24:15 PM
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Thanks for all the advice ladies - I haven't decided yet when (or if) I will go - guess I'm just getting the urge to get away for a few days of peace and quiet!
Luanne
beekeepersgirl #691
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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Merry
True Blue Farmgirl
765 Posts
Merry
Ankeny
Iowa
USA
765 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2010 : 12:31:10 PM
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Did it all the time when I lived in southern California. Took all the usual camping gear. One thing I did was make sure the park rangers knew I was alone, so they checked on me throughout the weekend. It was some of the most peaceful time I ever experienced.
Merry Farmgirl #536
http://afarminmyheart.blogspot.com/
Your life is an occasion, rise to it. Mr. Magorium |
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2010 : 1:01:26 PM
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I think if you're prepared, careful and aware, there is no reason not to go alone. And checking in with the rangers sounds like a great idea, too. I am very much looking forward to planning my own get away.
Blessings, staci FG# 973 :o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Edited by - staci860 on Aug 19 2010 1:04:43 PM |
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traildancer
True Blue Farmgirl
485 Posts
Loyce
Glide
OR
USA
485 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2010 : 11:31:53 AM
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Sooooo----what did you decide?
The trail is the thing.... Louis L'Amour |
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beekeepersgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1423 Posts
Luanne
Cresco
PA
USA
1423 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2010 : 11:41:18 AM
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Well, I didn't decide - or maybe I should say that I told Sam that if he wouldn't go that I was going alone. So, right now he is tentatively going with me mid-September. If he doesn't I really think I will try it by myself at a state park. I'll keep you posted!
Thanks for all the advice!
Luanne
beekeepersgirl #691
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2010 : 12:19:27 PM
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Isn't there a badge or something for going off on your own like this? I think it is a good idea but just be smart about it. In Indiana State Parks, there are campground "hosts" who are folks who stay there for weeks at a time and generally keep the peace in the campground and are there all night unlike the rangers. If you have something like that nearby just camp close to them.
We can do no great things; only small things with great love - Mother Teresa
farmgirl sister #1927 |
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2010 : 12:32:47 PM
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You're right Starletta. To earn the expert level of Disconnect to Reconnect under the Outpost badges, you need to go off alone (pets are allowed and your children if you have no other option.) The Outpost badges are the ones that draw me the most so far. I look forward to earning them all.
Luanne, I'm excited to hear how it goes and either way, I hope you have a fantastic time. Most of the state parks here ( south central PA) do seem to have hosts. I'll be checking back to see what happens.
Blessings, staci FG# 973 :o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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beekeepersgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1423 Posts
Luanne
Cresco
PA
USA
1423 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 08:23:59 AM
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Well, my sweetie wasn't happy with the idea of my going camping alone - so........he finally agreed to take time off and go with me - so I'm literally a "happy camper"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are only going for 3 days, but maybe that will be long enough for me to get the urge out of my system. One of these days I may try it alone just for the fun of it, though.
Thanks everybody for listening to me complain!
Luanne
beekeepersgirl beekeepersgirl
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 10:21:22 AM
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I wanted to camp alone, but my husband insisted it was not safe. The first weekend we camped we could hear someone walking around our site at the campground, pulling on car door handles and finding them locked. I'm on the fence on the "alone" thing right now. I can't even find a location to camp that is NOT a campground. Our state has not permitted camping anywhere other than designated numbered sites. One of the merit badges require you to camp somewhere other than a campground, but how?
Visit my blog sites:
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 12:36:41 PM
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Yea Luanne! Glad to hear you're a happy camper (the best kind.)
Kristina, I'm pretty sure if the only option you have is a campground, that would probably be acceptable. I think you can even use a cabin or other rustic setting (no Holiday Inns, though. ) Just be self-sufficient as much as possible. We're lucky in PA, we can just follow some basic guidelines and camp in the state forests for one night without a permit. But if I couldn't go anywhere public, I'd still try to get out in my own yard or a family member/neighbor's field. Do you have any major hiking trails in your area? That might allow off trail camping...??... The Ohio DCNR website does explain about some camping in the state forests as well as campsites for the novice backpacker in the Mohican-Memorial State Forest... I hope you can figure something out.
Blessings, staci FG# 973 :o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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Edited by - staci860 on Sep 08 2010 12:45:05 PM |
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countrygirl10
True Blue Farmgirl
50 Posts
Ellen
Lower Lake
CA
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 3:35:41 PM
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Hi Luanne-
I went on a solo camp trip to a State Park here in Calif. It's been a few years ago, but I really enjoyed myself. I met some really nice people and got in a lot of relaxation and walking. It was on the coast and I loved it. I've always wanted to do a solo backpacking trip or with a couple other women, but at my age I doubt that it will happen in this lifetime!! Anyway, if you want to do it go someplace you're familiar with or have been wanting to visit and good luck!!
Ellen |
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Outpost: Camping Alone? |
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