camping / cooking discussion

[Deviant Ollam]

i know that some folk expressed interest in camping out Wednesday night at the DC Shoot site. if that's going to happen, this also likely means cooking out etc etc.

it would be a good idea if we discussed that here, methinks.

who has camped out in Nevada in this region before? what's the temperature generally like? chances of rain? wildlife or other concerns?

i know i'd love to just have a sleeping bag and be under the stars, more or less (can't imagine how it will look out there, although i suspect the force is strong with Vegas' light pollution powers) i'd also surely throw in for food if people are making burgers and brats or similar things.

[FirmWarez]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Excellent. Thanks for kicking this discussion off Deviant, and creating room in your event for this to happen.

ShortGrrl and I are old hats at camping in the desert in SoCal, but haven't experienced Nevada in summer. Even in summer it would get cold at night in SoCal; also keep in mind the temperature delta from day to night often means serious winds. As long as you have appropriate clothing for the desert temp changes, the next big challenge can be the wind. I remember being on a run in Anza-Borrego with some newbies who were laughing at my bandito bandanna over the face....when the dust storm hit, no more lulz. That's not to say that wind will be an issue there, the lay of land is a big hit too, just something to think about. My quick research and shout outs to friends says to expect similar delta-t in Nevada, with the potential of nighttime temps in the 50s (F). Not horrible, but very chilly if you dressed for the day only.

I've seen far more snakes (and scorpions for that matter) here in my wood-elf homeland than I ever did in the desert. Snakes can be an issue, but the biggest wildlife challenge is remembering to watch for spikey plants when you "go talk to a fellow about a horse".

We will be trekking to DC20 by truck, and plan on camping in our roof tent. We will bring a Coleman stove. I may be able to bring two stoves, if people wanted to go in and do burgers and such and we needed more cooking space. Dead Cow == good.

I can also toss an extra tent in the truck. We've got a family sized ground tent, and don't have a problem making some space available for folks who are flying in. The roof-top tent is spacious too, but ShortGrrl is picky about tent mates (5' to 5'4", mid 20s to early 30s, that nice combination of appropriately fit and curvy, blonde is a plus...)

We are really looking forward to this. Overlanding is a big part of our lifestyle; I think it's gonna be a blast with this crowd.

(hoping my frakked up sense of humor isn't too obnoxious...)

[inert]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Excellent. Thanks for kicking this discussion off Deviant, and creating room in your event for this to happen.

ShortGrrl and I are old hats at camping in the desert in SoCal, but haven't experienced Nevada in summer. Even in summer it would get cold at night in SoCal; also keep in mind the temperature delta from day to night often means serious winds. As long as you have appropriate clothing for the desert temp changes, the next big challenge can be the wind. I remember being on a run in Anza-Borrego with some newbies who were laughing at my bandito bandanna over the face....when the dust storm hit, no more lulz. That's not to say that wind will be an issue there, the lay of land is a big hit to, just something to think about. My quick research and shout outs to friends says to expect similar delta-t in Nevada, with the potential of nighttime temps in the 50s (F). Not horrible, but very chilly if you dressed for the day only.

I've seen far more snakes (and scorpions for that matter) here in my wood-elf homeland than I ever did in the desert. Snakes can be an issue, but the biggest wildlife challenge is remembering to watch for spikey plants when you "go talk to a fellow about a horse".

We will be trekking to DC20 by truck, and plan on camping in our roof tent. We will bring a Coleman stove. I may be able to bring two stoves, if people wanted to go in and do burgers and such and we needed more cooking space. Dead Cow == good.

I can also toss an extra tent in the truck. We've got a family sized ground tent, and don't have a problem making some space available for folks who are flying in. The roof-top tent is spacious too, but ShortGrrl is picky about tent mates (5' to 5'4", mid 20s to early 30s, that nice combination of appropriately fit and curvy, blonde is a plus...)

We are really looking forward to this. Overlanding is a big part of our lifestyle; I think it's gonna be a blast with this crowd.

(hoping my frakked up sense of humor isn't too obnoxious...)

Save me a spot? And would it be too much to ask if I can catch a ride with you from the hotel to the range?

[TheCotMan]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Coyotes or similar dog-like creatures are out there, too; Noid is a witness.

The site is very rocky, so pads or inflatable cushion or a cot might be good.

URL1=http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/recreation/camping.html

Camping on Public Lands

The public lands are open to camping. There is no fee for dispersed, primitive camping, but there is a limit to the number of days one may camp in the same location. Dispersed, primitive camping is camping where there are no developed amenities such as water or toilets. Primitive campers are asked to follow the "Leave No Trace" land use ethics. Dispersed camping in a motorhome is allowed, but dumping black or gray water on the public lands isn't allowed. Please empty waste tanks at approved locations.

Leave No Trace: http://lnt.org/programs/principles.php
The BLM Nevada occupancy rule:
A person may not occupy undeveloped public lands or designated sites or areas for more than 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Following the 14 days, a person and their personal property must relocate to a site outside of at least a 25 mile radius from the occupied site for a period of 14 days.

An occupancy limitation rule was established to reduce user conflicts caused by long-term occupancy that may hamper reasonable opportunities for other members of the public to camp in or use the same area. Additionally, long-term occupancy can result in vegetation trampling, erosion, wildlife disruption and improper waste disposal. BLM established occupancy limits for camping with the publication of a notice in the Federal Register on Oct. 5, 1993.

Map and legend of BLM land near Las Vegas:

( Image found on this page: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo.html )

If I am reading this map correctly, the shoot location is in the middle of BLM land that allows for free camping as described in URL1.

Wild Burros:
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/...motorists.html

URL2=http://cheaprvliving.com/Boondocking.html

...the authorities will ask that you try to use existing campsites
instead of making new ones.
...
Every so often you will find a
sign that says "Camp Only In Designated Campsites." That means there is
no dispersed camping, you can only camp in sites with signs allowing you to
camp there. The most common reason for closing dispersed campsites is
that the area is close to a city or National Park that increases public use
to the point that they have to restrict camping. Another reason is to
protect an environmental area that is overly susceptible to damage, such
as waterways.

[FirmWarez]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Coyotes or similar dog-like creatures are out there, too; Noid is a witness.

...

Wild Burros:
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/...motorists.html

...

I've never had a problem with yotes, they're usually pretty smart and tend to keep their distance. I didn't know about the wild burros. Wild.

I will not have any extra space; and frankly may not be at the hotel prior to Thursday morning. I will bring the kit I discussed, but will be geared up with no extra space.

I would suggest that anyone considering this who hasn't done any primitive camping do a little research. It's one of those things that people tend to fall in to one of two groups -- love or hate.

The site is very rocky, so pads or inflatable cushion or a cot might be good.

Beautiful. I love recursion and strange loops.

[Gigs]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

You all think camping in a vehicle would work out OK? I'm thinking of renting a mini-SUV or a minivan and just sleeping in the back.

How far from the shoot site are you all planning on camping? Or will it be pretty much at the shoot site?

Also with regard to cooking, will there be open fires?

[wrøng!]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Discovered these on SlickDeals today, might interest some of you- Unless we're thinking about open firepits.http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/7288...harcoal-grills

[FirmWarez]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Wow. Ok. After a bit of medical llama drama with ShortGrrl (my wife), I'm back and blah blah blahing here. From the looks of things, we will be making DEFCON and the shoot. Which rocks. Because she would kick my a$$ if we don't go....anyways. Camping. Cooking. Two of three things that start with "C" that I love! (the other being "cheerleaders", let's keep it clean folks!)

You all think camping in a vehicle would work out OK? I'm thinking of renting a mini-SUV or a minivan and just sleeping in the back.

How far from the shoot site are you all planning on camping? Or will it be pretty much at the shoot site?

Also with regard to cooking, will there be open fires?

I've slept in a truck or two in my time. Pickups, Land Rovers, firetrucks. If you, like me, are not the appropriate height for basketball, and can sleep anywhere, then knock yourself out! It's probably more comfortable than waking up in somebody's room after a drunken party at the con.

Open fires: I'm going to say no. Just my take. Like I said, I will bring a Coleman stove, two if enough people man up and say "I am campacus!" To me the smell of breakfast in a cast iron skillet over a Coleman stove is second only to grandma baking cookies.

Even after the scare from hell, ShortGrrl and I will be camping. I would love to hear from anyone who is seriously considering this option. I have offered to bring gear (tent, stoves) and share gear. I hate bringing stuff that doesn't get used. If the two of us end up spending a night in the desert, cool. Though it was three at the last shoot we attended, but I won't go there here.

Still, there's fun to be had, wr0ng how serious are your plans?

Gigs: do eeeeet!

And I make really good camp coffee. Just chime in if you will really camp. And bring food. I can have four burners for us, if we need it.

Location? I dunno. I sleep on top of my truck. So pretty much anywhere a Range Rover can go, I can camp. It probably wouldn't hurt for me to go revisit BLM camping regs and any official nearby sites. I would assume same location or not far.

Still considering changing my .sig to "sayeth TheCotMan: ...a cot might be good".

[Gigs]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Yep, my wife and I are in. I rented a minivan. Too bad on the open fire, there's something nice about having one, but I will respect your experience there.

We are flying in so we will be somewhat limited equipment wise, but we will bring food and water and something to sleep on/in, and other essentials like a good knife and flashlight.

If we aren't going to camp at the shoot site, just make sure to rally all interested parties before relocating. Wouldn't want to get left behind without any way to find you guys.

[Bbox]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

bit of medical drama with ShortGrrl

I am really happy to see ShortGrrl is feeling better and that the 2 of you are back to your plans.

[Deviant Ollam]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

so, what's this i'm hearing about camping somewhere other than the Shoot site? can anyone offer a reason why the site is a bad place to be camping?

i can offer good reasons for camping there...

1. all our stuff is there already
2. the tent canopies are there, just in case we get a snap desert rain shower
3. being there overnight "holds" the space more or less for the next day. technically, it's 1st come, 1st serve out there... this allows us to sort of "lock in" that area for ourselves

[Gigs]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

The downside I can think of is that we can't prevent interlopers from coming and shooting and/or drinking after we've declared our alcohol-based cease fire. It is a public (and publicly known) shooting range after all.

The other concern I can think of, and it is fairly unlikely, is that it might make us more of a target for crime. It would take some balls to try to mug people that you know are armed though. If there's enough people staying I don't think this matters, but if it winds up being 4 of us it's a little less secure in my mind.

All that said, both of those downsides are relatively minor and unlikely. So I'm in favor of staying at the shoot site.

[Dallas]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

If I can make this work, ill be in as well. Desert Camping is funnn..

The downside I can think of is that we can't prevent interlopers from coming and shooting and/or drinking after we've declared our alcohol-based cease fire. It is a public (and publicly known) shooting range after all.

The other concern I can think of, and it is fairly unlikely, is that it might make us more of a target for crime. It would take some balls to try to mug people that you know are armed though. If there's enough people staying I don't think this matters, but if it winds up being 4 of us it's a little less secure in my mind.

All that said, both of those downsides are relatively minor and unlikely. So I'm in favor of staying at the shoot site.

[FirmWarez]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Me and the Grrl ("who's a silly pony?") are going to be out there. May or may not sleep on the roof, my truck is down with a warped rotor and desperate need of new shocks and I haven't yet figured out if the tent will fit on her truck.

But still, we will be there. Bringing coleman stove and a book of Robert W. Service poetry. It will be a good day and night, and I bet the next day will be pretty good too.

[stealthgeekgirl]

Re: camping / cooking discussion

Since we can't do campfires whilest camping after the first day of shooting, I've an idea about an alternative activity that you can sit around and stare mindlessly at while out in the middle of no where in the dark...
I'll be bringing a portable movie screen, a projector to hook to a laptop & some Jiffy Pop popcorn.
I have been lusting after a tiny 800-900 Watt generator from Harbor Freight for $89 which should be enough power to run the projector and laptop, so its a good excuse.

The next big question I need to solve is what movies to bring?
I am open to suggestions or other people bringing their own to share. If I don't come up with something ahead of time then we might be stuck with watching anime off my 18 year old son's laptop, so, please feel free to bring your own.