Becker's Fall Gathering 2012 - Episode 4

averageiowaguy

averageiowaguy

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This is it until we meet again - most likely in spring either at BSG 2012 or at PWYP, whichever is first.
[video=youtube;SZVDTR3qhlc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZVDTR3qhlc[/video]
 
Thanks for posting this up Kyle!
 
I know this may be a superfluous post, but watching that video, I'm not so sure. Ran into a lot of rainy weather over the years and found that it can be equally enjoyable to non-rainy weather, if you prepare properly.

First thing into a camp site (canoeing, not backpacking), put up a ridge line and the mother of all tarps. Most tent flys suck in bad weather, anyway, unless the rain is falling exactly vertical and when does that happen?

Then you can remove your rain gear and erect tent, etc. in comfort.

Similarly, when you're tearing down camp, pull down the tent first and pack up all your gear. THEN, put on your rain gear, and take down the tarp. I would've assumed everybody here would do that, but looking at the soggy pile of tents makes me wonder.

While I'm at it, the second thing, if not the first, is find a latrine area, throw up a ridge rope and tarp. Then you're golden. I shudder when I think of the many times, in the rain, in the middle of the night, nature called. Could be related to all the booze around the fire and junk food consumed. Nothing worse than being soaked with rain, 2 in the morning with soggy toilet paper. YMMV, of course :D.

Doc
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Similarly, when you're tearing down camp, pull down the tent first and pack up all your gear. THEN, put on your rain gear, and take down the tarp. I would've assumed everybody here would do that, but looking at the soggy pile of tents makes me wonder.

While I'm at it, the second thing, if not the first, is find a latrine area, throw up a ridge rope and tarp. Then you're golden. I shudder when I think of the many times, in the rain, in the middle of the night, nature called. Could be related to all the booze around the fire and junk food consumed. Nothing worse than being soaked with rain, 2 in the morning with soggy toilet paper. YMMV, of course :D.

Doc
Click to expand...


Doc, the accommodations are too spread out at Ethan's to fit under a single tarp, though I suppose all the tent folks could congregate together.
As for the latrine, Ethan built a four-star outhouse up on the hill.
 
Guyon said:
Doc, the accommodations are too spread out at Ethan's to fit under a single tarp, though I suppose all the tent folks could congregate together.
As for the latrine, Ethan built a four-star outhouse up on the hill.
Click to expand...
Then some drunk crazy person shot it!


It's still a 4 star crapper though. Just has better cross-ventilation now.
 
As always Doc, very good advice......Unfortunately, the site does not lend itself to such a rational sequence of events......Will have to contemplate where And how to erect my monster tarp though for an auxilliary shelter.......

Ethan
 
Ethan Becker said:
As always Doc, very good advice......Unfortunately, the site does not lend itself to such a rational sequence of events......Will have to contemplate where And how to erect my monster tarp though for an auxilliary shelter.......

Ethan
Click to expand...

That awning you had at the spring was GREAT! Granted we couldn't have all slept under it, but it would have done good at keeping the rain off a large area. Maybe something like that (but higher) over the fire pit?
 
Chameleonbear said:
That awning you had at the spring was GREAT! Granted we couldn't have all slept under it, but it would have done good at keeping the rain off a large area. Maybe something like that (but higher) over the fire pit?
Click to expand...

The sail was there this time, but was rolled up and under the food prep area of the shelter. No idea why we never put it up.
 
Murphnuge said:
The sail was there this time, but was rolled up and under the food prep area of the shelter. No idea why we never put it up.
Click to expand...


I actually brought my big USMC tarp for that very purpose but all the flat spots have the trees removed. That is why they are flat. I got there late enough the first night that I decided not to bother with clearing a tent site up the mountain with trees around it. Likewise I was too lazy to rig up a suspension system and stake it out etc. Usually I hammock camp which allows for a lot more flexibility, but wifey and dog were along. Maybe in spring I'll have more time to clear and level a small spot up the hill or something, but leave trees intact for a ridgeline.
 
Yeah, time is definitely a concern. If only someone had been there earlier to help with setup...
 
Guyon said:
Doc, the accommodations are too spread out at Ethan's to fit under a single tarp, though I suppose all the tent folks could congregate together.
As for the latrine, Ethan built a four-star outhouse up on the hill.
Click to expand...

Actually, I was referring to a big mother tarp over 1 tent only. And the latrine comment was just in general, not directed to the gathering. Just a result of too many wet, miserable experiences. :( I guess I should add, immediately after the latrine tarp goes up, I leave a lantern, wet ones and tp there, all protected by the tarp. Maybe it isn't 5 stars, but when needed, DAMN..................... :D

Ethan Becker said:
As always Doc, very good advice......Unfortunately, the site does not lend itself to such a rational sequence of events......Will have to contemplate where And how to erect my monster tarp though for an auxilliary shelter.......

Ethan
Click to expand...

I realize from the pictures that there is a paucity of trees in that area, but seeing those wet, soggy tents, I just thought I'd throw my 2 cents worth in, for application in other circumstances.

Doc
 
Actually, several of us are in the "set up tarp first, take down tarp last" school -- which I again got to practice yesterday morning while packing up camp in a sleet-filled rain that was in the process of getting ugly.
 
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