But that's not the reason for this post. This past weekend, Laura, Bo and I went down to Deception Pass (Whidbey Island, Washington State) for four days (actually, I went early and Laura came later with friends - so I was there seven days). As has been the pattern over the last few months, the weather was unseasonably cold, but lucky for us very little rain. The State campground at Deception Pass was built in the days of tents and the odd tent trailer, so there are no services - so it was a stretch to keep the batteries alive for the five days I was "off the grid". In the summer it would have been easy, but at this time of year heat was mandatory at night and in the morning, so trying to limit furnace usage got Laura frustrated (the furnace could drain your batteries to nothing, overnight).
We had a great time despite the chilly weather, though. We went with the Rutherford's and the Chambers' from up the street, as well as the Wycherley's - I haven't seen Jim since 2006. The Cary's were supposed to come, but they are in a tent, and Lynn was sick already - sleeping on the ground would have guaranteed something nasty (flu, pneumonia, ebola).
All in all, we don't go "camping" anywhere near enough anymore - and when we do, we bring too much stuff with us (I'm a living example). All you really need are good friends, beer, marshmallows, and a fire.