Campfire Cafe's topics - tribe.net

Used Springbar Tent?

2008-07-21T23:27:01Z

Hi Everyone;

I recently tried to purchase an Springbar Oufitter 3 for this year's Burn, but they are on backorder until September! Does anyone know where I could find one of these tents used? I've looked all over the net, and have had zero luck :(

posted in Campfire Cafe - 1 reply

only charcoal allowed?!

2008-07-12T13:31:21Z

In the past I've cooked over an open fire, but we're going to Angel Island next week and we can only use their little charcoal grill thingy. Obviously we can grill things like burgers, veggies, etc but my fav camp stew that simmers all day is out. I'm thinking we can boil some water in the AM for baggie omelets or instant oatmeal, but I'm a little leery of trying pancakes or standard scrambled eggs cuz I'm concerned about the fire staying hot enough long enough to cook everything.... any voices of experience out there? Suggestions for things to try or avoid when doing charcoal only cooking?

Thanks!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 2 replies

springbar tent newbie questions

2008-07-11T18:46:40Z

Hello, Dok Atomik and the Campfire Cafe! The Shade Geeks sent me over here and said y'all have some expertise regarding these newfangled Springbar tents. I'm joining the club!

I upgraded my small backpacking tent to a big-ass canvas Springbar Vagabond 7 model this year (yay!). I also ordered the portico option, which provides a removable (via heavy-duty zipper) entrance canopy, side flaps, and additional poles and ropes to prop everything up. But I have a couple of questions:

1. Should I unzip and store the portico when I'm not actively using it for shade (i.e. at night or when I'm away from camp during the day)? I'm concerned about how it will behave in the wind. Is there a preferred direction to orient a big tent for prevailing playa winds?

2. I have a big rectangular piece of Aluminet to drape over the tent for shade protection and would appreciate any suggestions about how to rig it to cover the whole tent when I'm not using it but allow occasional access to the front door. My strategy here probably depends on #1, above.

Thanks for any suggestions!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 0 replies

100 picnics for independence day

2008-07-03T19:37:20Z

here's a link to 100 reallllly simple good picnic foods:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/02/dining/02mini.html?_r=1&ref=dining&oref=slogin

you probably know 'em, but...

LIBERTY & GOOD FOOD OUTSIDE FOR ALL

Love from Katha

posted in Campfire Cafe - 1 reply

MMMMMMMMMMM "Chicken fried bacon"

2008-07-01T14:45:39Z

Link to interesting video.
Enjoy!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfbTO0GlONU
~Wendell~

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

Would you camp with a few hundred drums around a fire?

2008-06-20T20:39:09Z

If yes, then you should check out the Paralounge Drum Gathering in North Florida. You can camp with three to four hundred drum circle enthusiest from all over the world. Spend the weekend camping on the Suwannee River in the beautiful campground known as the River Rendezvous. There is a beautiful fresh water spring on the premises. Learn about indigenous music from the tribes of the world. Explore your musical creativity and learn to build confidence and self esteem through rhythm exercises and drum circle. It is a unique experience for the entire family. Check out the website www.paralounge.net for full details. It's a camping experience you will not want to miss.
Safe journeys,
Clint

posted in Campfire Cafe - 1 reply

Tent Help!!!!

2008-06-04T16:10:13Z

So I'm shopping for a new tent. Between the reviews and deals and features, I'm a bit lost.
Weight doesn't matter much since I mostly car camp, for now.

Musts:
2 people sleep comfortably
Weather proof i.e. rain and WIND (Kansas and Missouri have CRAZY weather)
Good ventilation (I can't sleep if I'm too hot, or even too warm :)
$300 or less

Pluses:
Vestibules

SO I'm considering the Sierra Designs Reverse Combi or Electron.
Any experience with either of these?
Any other recomendations?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 22 replies

Safety 1st

2008-05-27T18:31:13Z

Well summer is in full swing, and with it comes travel, events, meeting new friends and having just a ton of fun!

However, it's no fun should something bad happen, but by taking the time to just add a few precautions one can often make a bad situation from becoming a horrible one, or avoid it all together.

Here are a few tips one might want to consider:

1. If you are using a stove or generator, have a fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to have one in your trunk anyway, and they are not that expensive.

2. 1st aid kit. It's doesn't have to be huge, but if your organizing a big camp you may want to have one that's stocked accordingly.

3. Fill out an emergency contact card and keep it with you. There are people whom I love and adore, but I don't even know their real name let alone who to contact if something terrible were to happen. Even just a piece of paper saying "I'm so-in-so, please contact what's-his-face if I'm in trouble".

4. Don't get WAY intoxicated without having a friend to take care of you who has at least 1 leg in reality. Ask ahead of time if they will keep an eye on you.....

6. 911 is not enough, take a moment to find the nearest hospital and have a map to it. Also it's not a bad idea to find out who to contact in the event of an emergency in your given area. Even a few seconds could mean the difference between life or death.

5 Whether throwing a party, or putting up a small weekend camp...just take a moment to walk around and look for things that might not be so safe. Put tennis ball over stake ends, tie some ribbons to a line so people can see it, tape down electrical chords or tuck them out of the way. Just taking a moment to idiot check your environment with safety in mind can help prevent a lot, and it's really not that difficult.

Safety is really a group effort, so lets all just look out for each other. If you see something that has you concerned, bring it to someones attention. There is no need to be a Nazi about it, but many accidents happen due to complacency.

So feel free to add a few of your own tips, and lets all have a fantastic summer!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 5 replies

BBQ @ 4000 feet above sea level

2008-05-23T21:09:50Z

I know things take longer to cook at those heights, but is there anything else I should be aware of. I am planning to bring ribs and my home made BBQ sauce for my first night at Burning Man as a way to say "Hi" to my new neighbors and friends I have made online but will be meeting for the first timer there. I'm shy and food is something I'm good at and everyone loves. I just don't want to get all of this going and mess it up because of some weird altitude thing. So any suggestions?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

Safety

2008-05-16T00:32:37Z

With the recent hiker murder in the N. Georgia mountains, the issue of safety is being discussed here:

http://thebackpacker.tribe.net/thread/1c23941f-de55-494d-8360-df402cc1deb3

And people are sharing their stories here:

http://thebackpacker.tribe.net/thread/1020136b-dd85-4921-be2f-bb4bcaed4840

posted in Campfire Cafe - 2 replies

Making jerky and other dehydrator goodies

2008-05-06T17:53:39Z

I have recently purchased another smoker, a Weber Smokey Mountain cooker.

While smoking roasts and such for the WSM's maiden flight, I did something new — I actually read the sparse instruction pamphlet.

No big surprises here, I thought — until I stumbled upon the notation regarding the use of the WSM as a dehydrator. I could do some of those little treats without having to give up space for a separate dehydrator. No big deal, I guess. I simply had not thought of it before.

Still another new project (Oh, joy!). *grin*

So, I could use a little mentoring.

Any tips specific to the WSM? Any general tips or recipes for jerky or other goodies?

I have access to a good butcher, venison, and many goodies from the sea.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 28 replies

Favorite Camp Food

2008-04-25T02:51:09Z

So when camping what is your favorite easy to take and prep food. We take thin sliced roast place it in a double sealed baggies with marinating sauce and then slipping it on a hot dog cooking skewer and roasting over the camp fire. In the same time it takes to cook a hot dog we have a better quality meat

posted in Campfire Cafe - 21 replies

Cooking wild swan.

2008-04-19T07:28:13Z

Does anyone have a recipe for swan?
Have looked at dozens of wild game cooking websites , but not a single mention of swan.
Guess we'll just prepare like a goose!!??
~Wendell~

posted in Campfire Cafe - 17 replies

Out door portable grill.

2008-03-31T16:48:57Z

I am looking to buy or preferably make a large (6-7 Ft.) grill for cooking at festivals and out door events. It has to be able to breakdown and fit in a very limited storage space. I would love to be able to use either propane or charcoal, I think there is a way. NO! I know there is a way. I just need some help realizing my dream. Any help or suggestions would be great!
Thanks
Peace and Love,
Patrick

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

Bill to Ban Web Anonymity

2008-03-26T15:12:31Z

Under House Bill 775, filed by Rep. Tim Couch, R-Hyden Kentucky.

Couch's bill would require anyone who contributes to a Web site to register their real name, address and e-mail address with that Web site. Their full name then would be used whenever they posted a comment.

Web site operators who violated the disclosure law would be fined $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

I know I don't want every person out in cyberspace to know all my real life personal location information. Just because I want to speak up on topics and converse here doesn't mean I want my personal identity information shared So what are your general thoughts on this?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

Food safety - cooler got warm

2008-03-24T01:30:33Z

I went to Fuente Eterno and didn't end up eating everything. The cooler probably got warm (50 degrees) on Friday and stayed that way until I unloaded Monday evening. There are some things I'm having trouble bringing myself to throw away.

I checked the FDA website, and it looks like I can keep the cheese. I have a factory-sealed cheddar block and an opened swiss. I imagine the swiss might grow some mold, but no significant bacteria.

Here's the stuff it looks like I should throw away: Opened hard salami (not sliced), unopened sliced pastrami, and the saddest of all, unopened sliced Hormel bacon.

Is this a case of guidelines having too wide of a safety margin? Can I eat this stuff without getting sick?

Thanks in advance, and extra points for stories in which you did get sick,
-bender

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

a fire side story for 3/20/08

2008-03-20T20:34:35Z

Hope you all enjoy a blessed abundant spring...
enjoy this Ostara egg i saved for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k54cn1gbIyI

posted in Campfire Cafe - 2 replies

Abandon dog SOS!

2008-03-17T03:39:35Z

Hello Burners,

This evening as I was arriving home from the dog park there was a dog running around in the street! I lured him back into the park thinking he must have gotten away from his owner. After talking to some people they told me a guy drove up let him out of his car and drove away!

He is a sweet pit mix, he hasn't had much training but is absolutely desperate for people attention. he seems healthy, a bit under weight and was desperate for water but seems much more settled after food and water.

Travis and I got a dog a few months back and can barley manage the time and expense of responsible dog ownership. If it was possible I would keep him but we just cant manage.

If anyone is interested please contact us. I hate to take him to animal control but there may be no other option.

Call us (24/7) if you think you can help this lost little guy find his way.

Kisses, DP

Me (916)752-9011

Travis (530)220-5292

posted in Campfire Cafe - 19 replies

Poor Man's Chowder

2008-03-13T05:36:04Z

x-posted from Playa Cooking. :)

I do this when I'm lazy/tired/poor and realized this would be a good playa/camping option, what I call Poor Man's Manhattan Clam Chowder.
no refrigeration, no spoiling, no prep, 1 pot.

1 can condensed tomato soup
1 can tuna
some dry oregano
some black pepper

pour the soup in the pot. break up the tuna into smaller pieces (you can do this in the can). dump the tuna into the pot. add generous shaking of oregano. add some black pepper, to taste. stir well. heat. eat. :)

Quick and easy and it gives you some protein as well as something warm to eat.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

Handy Dandy salad bowls ( Link to website)

2008-03-09T21:06:04Z

The perfect salad bowl for bacon lovers!
http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2008/02/27/bacon-cups/
~Wendell~

posted in Campfire Cafe - 8 replies

Conspiration History compilation DVDs torrents

2008-03-07T19:38:57Z

**************************************************

Greetings to all my relations.

This is the last step of our project History Watch. If History is
defined and known by the texts, we can now add to this definition the
recorded events of the filmed archives. Animated images are harder to
deny than printed words. Our objective is to spread out freely some of
the little broadcast, even hidden informations about our collective
History.

We put online a collection of 391 documentaries and other selected and
recut videos, to offer to a wide public the best of the infos
available on the net in english and in french. If you are interested,
you have the time, the right equipment and connection, all you have to
do is open the joint document and decompress it if needed (but normaly
your system should do it automaticaly). You'll find therein nine links
that will open the torrents for the nine DVDs we compiled (around 4.6
Gig each, for a total of a little over 41 G, being over 100 hours of
videos).

Otherwise, you can go directly to btjunkie.com and search for these titles.

11 Septembre 2001 - 9-11
Bush family & friends
Capitalist & Communist regimes
Capitalist conspiracy
Mind Kontrol - Secret Programs
New World Order - Secret Societies
Secret services - cover up - covert ops
Secret weapons - UFO
Terrorism Theories propaganda

Torrents are a system of peer to peer data transfer. The more people
download a torrent, the faster it spreads and the longer it stays on
the net. If you don't have a bittorrent software, we suggest that you
download uTorrent on utorrent.com. If you want to participate in
facilitating the diffusion of these infos about our collective
History, download these torrents on as many computers as possible,
whether it is in cybercafes. It takes one or two minutes to open up
the links and the downloading will keep proceeding on its own.

Please spread this out, take part in this action for social education
on a planetary scale. Thanks.

For more info: watch.history@gmail.com History Watch

posted in Campfire Cafe - 2 replies

Rocket stoves... want to build one

2008-02-27T22:04:55Z

Rocket Stoves are a great example of appropriate/low technology. Using a handful of sticks, you can get the same heat output as with a log or two from a conventional open fire. The trick is special draft inducing vents and a chimminy to make that blaze burn white hot.
I'm looking for help in designing a good rocket stove... the kind made of on-site Natural Materials like mud, clay, sticks,grass, etc., rather than the metal ones you make at home. Do any experienced oven/stove builders have a good, easy design? Please share the details.
b!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

Random Camping Tips

2008-02-23T06:36:29Z

if a bear steals all your food, get your revenge by kicking apart his favortie stump and eating all his ants.

A tuba left in a campsite will ensure the sites next to you remain open.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

Building a pig from pig parts!

2008-02-10T01:32:21Z

Cool link !
http://warehouse.carlh.com/article_157/
~Wendell~

posted in Campfire Cafe - 5 replies

Good Collection of Important Websites

2008-02-08T16:37:48Z

Dear Friends,

I found this important website which has links to all daily use Important Websites.

http://ihome.rapidmile.com

I recommend you to put it as your HOME PAGE and take use of it daily.

Also feel free to forward to your friends

Regards,
Namrata

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

sushi ( link to interesting website)

2008-02-08T00:40:24Z

http://bobcopeland.com/sushi.html

Enjoy! ~Wendell~

posted in Campfire Cafe - 15 replies

Cheeseburger in a can?

2008-02-07T03:22:32Z

What will they think of next?

http://gizmodo.com/350091/cheeseburger-in-a-can-is-both-the-best-and-worst-thing-ive-ever-seen

And then a bunch of pictures of a guy actually eating one.

http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?noseen=1&postid=339037869

posted in Campfire Cafe - 10 replies

Drinks and tents.........

2008-02-05T12:56:56Z

What do you drink while camping?
I'm speaking alcoholicly.
This may be a repeat post, but oh well..........
I like beer, both good and cheap.
And vodka and OJ or veggie juice. Or both. Breakfast and lunch!
Both pack-in and car camping ideas accepted.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 42 replies

Larry's Pie for One

2008-01-26T00:31:44Z

Until I joined this tribe, I didn't know about 12V microwave ovens. Their existence opens up a whole new dimension in car camp cookery. I developed my recipe on the microwave oven in my kitchen. I don't know if a 12V microwave would need a little extra cooking time.

The crust:
1/3 cup unbleached white flour (unsifted)
1 oz. salted real butter (that's 1/4 of a stick)

Topping:
3 level tablespoons sugar
precooked canned apple slices (or some other fruit)
optional pinch of cinnamon

Let the butter soften at room temperature. (Or you can melt it in the microwave, 45 seconds, full blast.)

Mix the butter and flour in a ceramic or glass cereal bowl, and press the pie dough into an even layer in the bottom of the bowl.

Microwave it for one minute, at full blast.

Put the sugar on top of your freshly cooked pie crust.

Then put the apple slices on top of the sugar. Voila!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 1 reply

Bacon

2008-01-12T09:17:24Z

" mmmm" bacon burgers !
http://www.speakeasy.org/~sjmaks/bcb/
~Wendell~

posted in Campfire Cafe - 2 replies

Favorite fresh Veg recipes

2008-01-11T03:49:01Z

I Know that a majority of you all can offer some "seasoned" advice on super tasting super-foods for the Trail.. your favorite or most efficient Veggie creations are what I want!

Enlighten us with your taste.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

Motorcycle Camping

2008-01-01T07:21:56Z

Richards "Bicycle Camping" thread gave me an idea...

I wonder how many people here ride motorcycles and live in CA. Anyone up for a road trip/camping trip?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 8 replies

Organic shelf milk

2007-12-26T22:31:14Z

A newer product, this "shelf milk" — an organic product that does not require refrigeration for storage — is available locally and over a broad range of retail grocers.

http://www.organicvalley.coop/products_recipes/product_detail.html?id=205&cat=1&sub=88

check out the FAQ.

Poached from another tribe, the folks at Backcountry Gourmet.

Shelf milk has been around for a long time (thanks to irradiated pasteurization), but it continues to get better.

Now, if only we had a source for "shelf" ice cream (with a special tab that — once pulled — creates a freezer-fresh product).

*grin*

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

i need a recommendation for a campsite in california

2007-12-10T17:10:57Z

i want total seclusion. no other people anywhere near. a river or creek and the ability to have a campfire... meditation...being one with nature...sounds perfect.

no need for facilities. im a man. i want to tuff it out. =)

please email me directly.

s

posted in Campfire Cafe - 17 replies

Camp in Tuva

2007-11-28T20:01:07Z

Dear Friends

Thank you for your interest to our music.

Last summer we held a throat singing camp in Tuva.

We had 14 students from around the world - 8 of them were from the US, 2 from Australia
2 from Denmark, 1 from France, 1 from England.
After arriving in Tuva, the students spent 1 week in Kyzyl, the capital city.
They were able to see many tourist attractions, see a Tuvan shaman,
and attend the Naadym - National Harvest Celebration.

The students then went on to spend 1 week in the deep taiga, with members of the Tuvan throat singing group Chirgilchin,
learning various styles of throat singing, traditional Tuvan instruments, as well as the Tuvan language.

This summer, we are trying to get 2 groups to go to Tuva again, in either June or July.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Please check our photos made by Russell Roesner - our student.
www.flickr.com/photos/ber...2427847575/

Thank you
Alexander

www.purenaturemusic.com

posted in Campfire Cafe - 0 replies

How to eat Organic on $7.00 a day...

2007-11-27T19:39:24Z

I posted this on the freegan tribe. I think that this might prove useful to some... informative to others.

Here's the link : )

http://health.msn.com/dietfitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100153740&page=1

--------------------------------------------
Aticulo
_________________________

We’ve all heard the joke: Whole Foods, whole paycheck. The humor seems exaggerated, until you shop there or at some other natural foods market. Before you know it you’ve spent $70 or more when all you were after was Fair Trade coffee, a fresh baguette and a few excellent cheeses.
advertisement
<script language='JavaScript1.1' SRC="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/N2789.MSN.com/B2400073;abr=!ie;sz=300x250;ord=1897024206?"> </script>
Sound familiar? One man recently admitted it costs him $800 a month to purchase his groceries from Whole Foods, and he’s only buying for himself, his girlfriend and an average-sized dog that he feeds like a human. That’s $200 a week—between $28 and $29 a day for a man, a woman and one satisfied pet. Who can afford that?
Well, plenty of people are trying to. According to recent statistics from The Hartman Group, a Bellevue, Wash.-based market research firm, 73 percent of the U.S. population consumes organic food and beverages at least some of the time. What’s more, the Hartman research shows that it’s not just the stereotypical highly-educated, high-income, Caucasian female who buys organic. African Americans, Asian Americans and Latino Americans are a fast-growing segment of organic consumers, according to Blaine Becker, the firm’s director of marketing and communications.
In fact, almost as many households with an annual income of less than $50,000 are buying organic foods, as are households with incomes higher than $50,000. This means that people who earn less are still choosing more expensive organic products.
But that leaves a fundamental problem: How can you eat healthy without going broke?
To find out, MSN Health & Fitness sought help from nutritionist Lynn Smith, a registered dietitian and owner of Source Nutrition services in Boulder, Colo. Our mission: To see if a single person can eat a healthy and predominantly organic foods diet on $7 a day. That’s $50 a week, $200 a month.
When I met Smith at a Whole Foods store, she immediately brought me down to earth with a sobering assessment: “This means you have $2 for breakfast, $2 for lunch, $2 for dinner, and $1 for a snack.” With that reality check, we hit the aisles.
Work the Healthy Combinations
Before pricing produce, Smith outlines several healthy combinations of food that help when on a tight budget.
“The first is balance,” she says. “About a quarter of your plate should be protein, one-third veggies, and a quarter to a third starchy carbs.” For the rest, fill it out with any of the three, along with a smaller amount of healthy fats.
Combining certain foods helps complete a meal, says Smith. One mainstay combination for this Healthy Eating on $7 a Day mission is beans and a grain.
“Beans have protein and good, complex, starchy carbs,” says Smith. “Rice alone is not going to last you as long as it will when paired with beans.”
The next combination is a grain and vegetables, topped off with a plant-based protein like almonds or tofu. The third meal combination is a salad with adequate protein and fat, and some type of carbohydrate.
“In this case you would use nuts or eggs on the salad, and then on the side you would either have whole grain bread, or a cup of bean soup, or hummus.”
Smith’s fifth combination for healthy eating—pairing vegetables with fish or meat—is out, at least on a regular budgetary basis, for the $7-a-day shopper. Most meats and seafood are too expensive. Which brings us back to the produce aisle.
“I eat dairy and fish once a week, meat about twice a week,” Smith says. “But clearly, on $7 a day it’s got to be much more of a plant-based diet because if we go look at the prices in the meat department and the fish department, even in smaller portions, a lot of those foods are pretty high dollar.”
Smith suggests vegetables and rice as a breakfast choice. “They are balancing, they make your brain work better, they alkalize your system, they help with stress,” she says. “And they have a natural sweetness.”
Smith starts with vitamin- and mineral-packed organic broccoli at $2.99 per pound, or approximately 60 cents a serving.
“You don’t need a whole pound of broccoli,” she says, “and you can use the stem. A lot of people throw the stem away. Sometimes it is too fibrous, but a lot of the nutrition is in the stem.”
Next, she eyes the price of organic cabbage, at $1.49 per pound. “That’s half the price of broccoli,” she says, and it gets the nod. So do carrots, at 99 cents per pound. Nutrient-dense chard, spinach and kale, all are organic and more expensive at $2.49 per pound, but they’re economical because a little goes a long way.
A head of red-leaf lettuce is $2.49, or approximately 62 cents per serving. “Cabbage greens, carrots, chards—those are all peasant foods,” says Smith. We move on to root vegetables.
When asked about choosing between leafy greens and root veggies, Smith mentions turnips, rutabagas, potatoes, yams and winter squash as starches. “I wouldn’t compare these to broccoli. I would compare them to starches,” she says. “The green vegetables are going to have more antioxidants. The root vegetables are under the ground. They are going to have different vitamins and minerals.” Smith says if you eat potatoes, be sure to eat the nutrient-rich skins.
We turn to organic fruit. Exotic fruits are out.
“Fruit is expensive—even apples—so fruit is a luxury,” Smith says. But we find apples, pre-packaged in plastic bags, at $2.50 for a pound and a half, or 25 cents each, and pears for about the same price. Bananas are a good choice too. Smith suggests garlic, onions and ginger for flavoring meals and nixes these organic choices: Avocados ($2 each); pre-mixed salads ($5.99 per pound); peppers ($3.99 per pound) tomatoes ($1 for one). Smith suggests buying organic canned tomato sauce instead, at $1.69 for 14 ounces. Oranges, at $3 a pound, also get the slip.
Seafood, Dairy and Meats
We eye the prices as we breeze by the seafood section toward dairy. Wild salmon is $18 per pound; tilapia, $7.99. Confirmed: Fish is out, unless you buy canned sardines. “Sardines are a pretty cheap way to get omega 3s,” says Smith, of the essential fatty acids needed in your diet. They’re also high in calcium. Later on the opposite side of the store we find a tin for $1.79. That’s 89-cent for two servings.
In dairy we discover that organic milk costs 50 cents per cup, but flavored milk that is packaged in single servings, sweetened and marketed to children costs $1.29 per cup. We find plain organic yogurt less expensive than sweetened yogurt, and after much searching, find an 8-ounce package of mild cheddar cheese for $2.99, or approximately 37-to-50 cents per serving. As we leave, we price tofu at $1.90 for 19 ounces, or 47 cents per serving. “I wouldn’t live on tofu, but you can have one to two meals of it a week,” says Smith.
We move on to meats, where we find three organic items within our price range:
• Small fryers are on sale for $1.59 per pound. Smith points out you’re paying for the bone, but at least you can boil it for soup to stretch it out. She suggests buying several and freezing some of them for later, since this is a good price.
• Ground turkey thigh is a deal at $2.99 per pound and would be great use in a chili.
• And beef bottom roast at $1 for 4 ounces also could be used in a soup—the only way meat is going to be worth the cost in this budget.
“On this diet, you don’t need to worry about overeating carbs because you are not going to be able to afford to,” says Smith. “You could get yourself into trouble if you don’t put protein with your meal. The balance here is important. What is going to be tricky is getting adequate protein because the protein sources are the most expensive, but that’s where you are going to get your minerals.”
This reminds Smith to suggest adding seaweed to your meals a couple of times a week to improve your mineral intake. She likes dulse and kelp, and while they’re expensive (dulse, for example, is $4.99 per bag) a sprinkle of seaweed over a stir-fry could amount to only 31 cents.
The All-Important Bulk Aisle
Finally we hit the bulk aisle, the backbone of affordable food shopping. Smith hones in on inexpensive organic almonds and cashews at an unheard of low price, $3.99 per pound. She also checks out the flax, sesame and sunflower seeds. Moderation is the key to eating nuts affordably, she says. “You have to find them for a good price and use them discriminately. Don’t just eat the bag and snack away unconsciously. Say, ‘This meal I need two tablespoons of nuts to help round it out.’”
We price out bulk organic brown rice ($1.39 per pound), whole wheat pasta ($1.99 per pound), oats (89 cents per pound) and cornmeal (59 cents per pound). We also find many dried beans that translate to 30 cents per cup once cooked, and lentils at 22 cents per cup. After some searching, we find whole grain or multi-grain bread that costs 20 cents per slice. Brown rice and pasta are about the same if you buy bulk versus prepackaged, but bulk oatmeal and cornmeal are much cheaper.
Splurge Suggestions
If you still have your eye on cost but can afford to shop at a rate higher than $7 a day, Smith suggests increasing the variety of fruits and vegetables you buy, adding more meat and fish to your diet and taking a multi-vitamin and fish oil supplement.
“I would expand into more green veggies, have some kind of meat or fish or cheese once a week, in a defined portion,” she says, “and take ground flaxseed for a plant-based source of omega 3s.”
Tip for Healthy Family Eating on a Budget
If you’re spending more to feed a family of four, Smith suggests stretching out the protein by making soups, stews and chili. “Get into the rhythm of making one-pot meals,” she says.
The Budget-Breakers: Foods to Avoid
Which foods should you avoid no matter how much you want to spend? Crackers, chips, sweetened drinks, convenience bars and juice all cost a lot but are nutritional black holes, says Smith. Crackers, for example, price out at $1 per ounce.
“This is a very expensive way to eat,” says Smith, as we walk to toward the store exit. Our exhaustive shopping primer is over, and I offer to buy her a thank-you bag of cashews. I bag them and buy them; as an afterthought, I look at my receipt. I spent $8.53 on a bag for her and a bag for me. It’s not my whole paycheck, but as we walk out of the store, I realize I’ve just surpassed my $7 for the day.
CONTINUED: Affordable options for every meal of the week

Detailing the Dollars: Eating Healthy and Organic on $7 a Day
Day 1:
Breakfast: Tofu (47 cents), veggies ($1), brown rice (20 cents)
Lunch: Eggs (39 cents) and potatoes (30 cents)
Snack: Two dates (60 cents), 12 almonds (22 cents)
Dinner: Fryer chicken ($1), veggies ($1), brown rice (20 cents)
Day 2:
Breakfast: Oatmeal (20 cents), 12 nuts (22 cents), raisins (22 cents), milk (50 cents), protein powder (20 cents)
Lunch: eggs (39 cents) and veggies ($1)
Snack: One organic apple (25 cents), dollop of organic peanut butter (14 cents)
Dinner: Turkey chili ($1), lentils (22 cents), veggies ($1), stock from fryer chicken (50 cents), whole wheat berries (5 cents)
Day 3:
Breakfast: Cornmeal (14 cents), seeds ($1), nuts (22 cents), molasses (10 cents)
Lunch: Chili from last night
Snack: Veggies ($1), homemade hummus (90 cents)
Dinner: Salad (62 cents) with chicken from fryer ($1), veggies ($1), dressing from apple cider vinegar and olive oil ($1)
Day 4:
Breakfast: One egg (39 cents), whole grain toast (20 cents), piece of fruit (25 cents)
Lunch: Beans (30 cents), rice (20 cents), veggies ($1)
Snack: Carrots,($50) cheese piece (50 cents)
Dinner: Half can sardines (89 cents), pasta (49 cents), tomato sauce (16 cents)
Day 5:
Breakfast: Veggies (90 cents), brown rice (20 cents), sliced cashews (22 cents), sprinkle of cheese (50 cents)
Lunch: Hummus (90 cents), whole wheat bread (20 cents), lettuce leaf (30 cents)
Snack: Banana (50 cents) and peanut butter (14 cents)
Dinner: Whole wheat pasta (49 cents), veggies ($1), beans (30 cents), nuts (22 cents), brewer’s yeast (20 cents)
Day 6:
Breakfast: Brown rice (20 cents), red beans (30 cents), miso (15 cents), greens ($1)
Lunch: Lettuce and veggies ($1), second half of sardine can (89 cents)
Snack: Sliced pears and apples (50 cents), cheese (50 cents)
Dinner: Brown rice (20 cents), veggies ($1), tofu (47 cents), sesame seeds (50 cents)
Day 7:
Breakfast: Plain yogurt (60 cents), sliced apple (25 cents), coconut, sunflower seeds or ground flax seeds ($1)
Lunch: Kale ($1), chard, ($1) rice (20 cents), onions (5 cents)
Snack: Roasted yam (30 cents) with 12 cashews (22 cents)
Dinner: Soup from chicken stock ($1), lentils (22 cents) veggies ($1), grains (20 cents), one slice whole wheat bread (20 cents)
Healthy Investment on Eating for Less
If you’re committed to eating on $7 a days, you may want to invest in some assistance:
• Rice cooker, as low as $27 on www.veryasia.com
• Wok, between $25 and $40 on www.amazon.com
• Glass jars for bulk items, $23 for 36 8-ounce “ball” canning jars at www.freundcontainer.com
• Extra freezer, if you get serious, $234 for a chest freezer that will hold 10 pounds of frozen food, www.appliancesworld.com

Safeway versus Whole Foods
You might not have a Whole Foods or comparable natural grocery near you. Here is a side-by-side comparison for many of the items covered in this Eating Healthy and Organic on $7 a Day story:
Item Safeway Whole Foods
Organic brown rice $1.29 per pound $1.39-$1.49 per pound
Organic bulk beans (lentils) $1.79 per pound $1.39 per pound
Organic tofu $1.99 for 19 ounces $1.90 for 19 ounces
Organic almonds $9.99 per pound $3.99 per pound
Organic cashews $ 7.19 per pound $3.99 per pound
Organic broccoli $1.50 per pound $2.99 per pound
Bulk organic oats $1.19 per pound 89 cents per pound
Bulk organic corn meal 69 cents per pound 59 cents per pound
Organic apples $1.40 per pound, bagged $1.67 per pound, bagged
Organic peanut butter $2.99 for 18 ounces $2.99 for 18 ounces

posted in Campfire Cafe - 20 replies

This tribe hijacked by lone wingnut...

2007-11-20T03:27:48Z

... http://tribes.tribe.net/campfirecafe/thread/f417775d-d120-4c23-b888-f05a7e3985d8

Whenver a post shows up in a bunch of unrelated tribes, I tend to dismiss its contents...

Cheers,
-bender

posted in Campfire Cafe - 5 replies

Best Prices Storable Foods

2007-11-16T03:34:09Z

Has anyone ever used any of the products found on www.internet-grocer.net ?
I am thinking about the canned meats, butter and cheese in particular.
They have a 8 case sample box with one each of the meats, one butter and two cheeses for about $45 including shipping.
What you do all think?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 14 replies

Eggs & Dry Ice

2007-11-13T04:46:31Z

Do eggs have to be refrigerated? If I can buy some that have never been kept cold--will they last if I store them some place out of the sunlight?

Also, info and opinions on Dry Ice please. Does it work? Do you like using it?

I am sailing for about 10-12 days on a boat with no refrigeration and don't want to eat canned foods the whole time.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 10 replies

Refrigeration

2007-11-04T01:33:10Z

There's an interesting discussion regarding cooling with ice in the 'MOOP reduction/elimination' thread.

I wonder if anyone's heard of these:

Pot-in-Pot refrigerator
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2116766
http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/Design/pot-in-pot-cooler

For years I've wanted to try one at Burning Man, but haven't been able to find any. Do you think these would be useful on the Playa?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 11 replies

Burning Man campfire tales

2007-11-04T00:58:42Z

I dunno about the "aftermath,' but I sure need a place to tell some of the "during" tales.

One tale from the '07 Burning Man -- for sure -- is that of the Crude Awakening exhibit, and of its climax shortly after the (second) burning of the man.

From the text on the Burning Man website:

"Nine figurative steel sculptures, weighing 7 tons each and standing 30' tall, embody the faithful. In their various poses of worship from around the world, they bow down and reach forth to the Revered Oil Derrick, that icon of the religion which now stands above all others. The Derrick is a 90' tall wooden tower with stairs all the way to the sky. At any time, 200 people can amass on its upper platform while below, the nine faithful belch their fiery prayers from within and around their bodies. Each figure is bound by a participant-activated fire effect, created by Pyrokinetics. On Friday night at 10 pm, as the air raid siren wails and the battleship smoke generator pours forth its malevolent cloud, the Revered Oil Derrick will light up with a fire display like none before or ever after. A flame gusher will then explode from the center of the tower, creating 2.4 gigawatts of raw power in only one minute. You will bear witness to the largest flame cannon in history and the tower will fall.

At the strike of noon on Saturday, we invite everyone to welcome a new day and to participate in the secret completion of this artistic installation/performance."

The actual performances did not go off exactly as planned. Something about the Friday-before-the-burn sand storm. What we actually witnessed was still spectacular, including burn night's big -- really big -- series of flame effects.

For as long as Yahoo will host it:

http://video.google.com/url?docid=3645669865925243878&esrc=sr10&ev=v&len=151&q=crude%2Bawakening&srcurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DMpgFbW7R8-Y&vidurl=%2Fvideoplay%3Fdocid%3D3645669865925243878%26q%3Dcrude%2Bawakening%26total%3D75%26start%3D0%26num%3D10%26so%3D0%26type%3Dsearch%26plindex%3D9&usg=AL29H20wTMQSqT_tIJSdi44PBJP35aCKfA

posted in Campfire Cafe - 16 replies

How was your weekend camping trip?

2007-10-25T21:24:56Z

Did you have a fun filled weekend of camping?

I went on a girls only camping trip for Memorial weekend, we went to John Day, Oregon and camped along the river. This was my first girls only camping trip and we had such a blast. Women really do know how to setup camp... fire here, tent here, chairs here, kitchen area here.. it's like we're setting up house. Good food, good drinks, good conversation!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 29 replies

Camping at Malaekahana

2007-10-18T15:10:53Z

Points if you can say the name! Definitely camping this weekend, thinking of cooking up bacon treats. Any favorite recipes?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 4 replies

EQUIPMENT REPORT: the Springbar Tent

2007-10-01T22:07:47Z

EQUIPMENT REPORT: the Springbar Tent

There's a piece of equipment I need to mention. There are lotsa tents made around the world, and many of them are wonderful for their intended use. Backpacker/mountaineering tents. Yurts. RenFair-inspired historical contraptions. Truly, grotesquely wretched canvas tents with external frames of mystery and difficult erection. Wal-Mart specials. And others.

Many of their tents have uses, even if some of them — especially some of the discount specials — appear to be fair-weather tents designed primarily as a privacy cabana. Some of them — particularly those "external frame" canvas relics from the sixties — remain in use principally to provide entertainment to other, wiser campers.

It was 1998. I was back in California, having just returned from our most-recent period of Hawaiian residence. We had not yet purchased another RV, had no immediate plans to settle in CA, and were just enjoying weekends traveling around the state. We had purchased a "really cool," kinda-expensive, and fairly-esoteric outfitter tent. In a bit less than a year, we had already camped in a dozen-or-so regional parks, Lassen Volcanic Park, and Yosemite.

With no hurry (and plenty of time for a Pete's Wicked) and with two of us doing the duty, we were able to erect our tent in about an hour — fully an hour faster than some of the canvas relics (but much longer than some little backpackers, of course).

We were camping in Point Arena to do some "beach" diving the next day. We had just set up camp when a new camper arrived at an adjacent site. She was a petite woman, and she was alone. The tent she had dragged out of her van was obviously one of those canvas behemoths, and my wife and I nudged each other knowingly.

Sixty or eighty pounds of canvas. This woman (and for that matter, any unassisted man) was going to have difficulty erecting this monster. I stood proud and tall in my masculinity, and offered to assist our new neighbor. My wife (equally prideful, if a bit less tall and not-at-all masculine) offered to assist.

Our neighbor stopped — briefly — to say "Hi neighbors, no thanks."

My wife and I immediately started our snooping, arranging our camp chairs to keep an eye on our neighbor's activities "without being too obvious." C'mon, you know what I mean! Snooping? Well, I mean...

Before I had time to finish a fresh Pete's Wicked, our neighbor was finished.

Our neighbor had stretched out the bottom of the tent, and driven a dozen or so tent stakes into the ground around the tent perimeter (ten minutes, or half of my beer).

I was a little puzzled by the apparent "misunderstanding" of what I thought should be the order of events, and remained confident we would have to assist.

She then assembled four springy-thingies-like-auto-antennas onto a thicker tubular bar while threading the springy-thingies into loops on what will become the roof of the tent. A serious-sounding "snap" turns the lumpy canvas into a trampoline-taut roof, still lying on the ground (five minutes, or several more good pulls on my beer).

Now mystified, I waited to see more.

Our new camping neighbor assembled tubular pieces into four tent poles. One of them was used to partially erect the tent — raising half of the roof. A second pole raised the rest of the tent with impressive, near-straight walls. The remaining two poles were used, along with the first guy-lines I had seen, to raise the fly over the entrance. (Another five minutes, bringing me up to the last swallow of my beer).

Wow! I was impressed. Our neighbor still had a buncha guy-lines to make it stable (still confident in my engineer's eye and near-godlike camper wisdom) under wind conditions, but this thing already LOOKED like a tent — and a really cool tent, at that.

At least as impressive was the fact that our neighbor was a very petite woman, yet her erection of this heavy tent was effortless.

I downed the spit-swallow (beerese for the last bit of my beer), and already considering another when I noticed new activity at the neighbor's site. She had thrown a couple of sleeping bags into the tent, spoke briefly about this or that errand, and driven off in her van.

— Leaving me to share with my wife my worry that we would now have to install the guys after darkness and, perhaps, even deal with a bit of wind. Well, as many of you might guess from any local knowledge of Point Arena or the Mendocino coast, this late-summer evening included an offshore breeze reaching as much as 15 knots.

The Springbar, of course, took it all in stride — despite the near-vertical nature of its side walls.

The next morning (I was unable to remain awake for the neighbor’s return) my neighbor laughed at my concern. “I have never used any other guy lines, and I have camped all over the west — even in the desert during wind storms,” she said gently.

Oh, my. A heavy canvas tent that is easily erected by a 95-pound, size-4 petite! And it stays up!!!

I bought one.

I might go on and on about the style and design simplicity, its cool looks, its USA manufacture (in Utah), its impressive ability to withstand wind and rain, the modern materials used in its manufacture, the tent’s history, the joy that standing headroom is to users bigger-than-the-standard-bear (78” max. for the model I selected, the Traveler) and everyone else, whatever.

I bought one.

www.springbar.com

Seeya ‘round the campfire,

Johnny

posted in Campfire Cafe - 64 replies

Burning Man - the ultimate campfire?

2007-09-28T12:02:57Z

Hello campers!

Burning Man has — once again — come and gone.

For some of us, it brought (choose one or more):

an epiphany
a conspiracy (or several)
dust (okay, most of us would include this among our selections!)
an “extra” burn for our ticket purchase price
a temporary reprieve from cell phones, video games, the office, and/or [insert name here], the boss-, coworker-, subordinate-, neighbor-, acquaintance- or whatever-from-hell
an opportunity to model another year’s playa fashions
sharing love and community (or something else) among new/old campmates
good/bad/indifferent music opportunities
a really cool/f*cked up/indifferent experience
a suicide
a buncha chores followed by another exodus
a break from the silly chatter among “burners” (for those of you who didn’t go)

Such as it may have been, the Burn brought us one more thing — the opportunity to interact with what may well have been our ideal mix of campfire folk.

Among 40,000-plus ravers/hippies/freaks/straights/gays/Christians/Muslims/Pagans/Pastafarians/Rotarians/whatever, we got together in the desert. For a weekend, week, or more — as folks have been doing for a lot more time than there has been a Baker Beach — we left much-more-hospitable environs to gather in a hot/sweaty/dusty/potentially-far-worse place.

(It could have rained. Really rained. Think mud. Think of having to strike camp in that mud. Think of an exodus through that mud.)

And we got along — well — in the desert, both in terms of coping with the challenges provided by the environment and in dealing with the 40,000-plus folks who chose to do it with us.

If you find yourself interacting with someone you don’t particularly like at a Burn, gift them with a smile. And walk away.

93% of the time, you’ll be happier with the next person you’ll meet. Really.

Statistics are bullsh*t. 93% of the statistics about Burning Man are especially bullsh*t. As a population to examine for those statistics in terms of its demographics or epidemiology, well, 40,000-or-so of us just isn’t enough to produce meaningful results. (Sorry. Applying population values that can be fractional — often much less than ten per 10exp6 population — to 40k-plus burners amounts to epidemiological gobbledygook.)

Is one (or even several) act(s) of arson, death, or violent crime STATISTICALLY significant? Nope. However important the specific acts may have been to you (by their proximity to you, by their effect on you, or your sensitivity to acts like them), are these effects able to be analyzed as an important factor in your demography or epidemiology? Nope.

Are these acts great fodder for the rumor mill while you are at Black Rock City? Yep. Are they also grist for the mill that is Tribe and other message boards? You betcha.

How should you feel about acts of arson, death or violent crime that occur at BRC while you were there? Again, this may be affected by your proximity or sensitivity; but ─ when placed in the same perspective as you might have when examined within the news of any other city of 40k-plus people — we may feel lucky (and pleased) that there are not MORE events of that sort.

And we need to remember that it may not all be luck. Whatever else you may say or feel, you must respect the Burning Man organization for its continued growth as a leader among the community of world-class arts festival promoters. They give great city.

Forget the art (if you can, for a moment).

Think only of the portion of the promoter’s responsibilities that is to provide a temporary infrastructure to support the health, safety, and social welfare of a buncha folks they’ve sold tickets to for some week-long outdoor event. Throw in some difficulty multipliers for the remote location, if you like.

Now, let’s build the city.

Making this easy (still forgetting any art), let’s provide for basic services for our buncha ticketholders. Let’s provide some toilets, ice, and a little electricity. Err, and some dust control. Let’s throw in some paid staff (only a few of these), some contractors (there are always some contractors), and a bunch of volunteers (His Noodliness LOVES volunteers almost as much as pirates).

Let’s provide for the selection and (sometimes, as necessary) training of the staff members, contractors, and volunteers.

Let’s also provide for appropriate relations with outside agencies ─ the ones we really can’t do without. Federal, State, and local agencies important to the use of the land on which the event will be located. Law enforcement agencies. Fire, rescue, and ambulance services. Let’s also develop those relationships as necessary to provide for every reasonably-anticipatable need of these agencies and services by our ticket holders.

Let’s ensure that every other reasonable need our ticket holders may have is met (as it might be by any other city of similar size), and add a bit for administrative overhead.

Where we can, we will provide services with volunteers. When we must (or common sense and practical considerations dictate), we will contract services or help existing agencies cope with increases in their operating budgets to assist in providing services to our ticket holders.

Necessary services. Because our “art event” needs ‘em. Really. Whether driven by a corporate desire to “do the right thing,” or compliance with Federal, State or local code of law ─ we need to provide them.

I could go into greater detail, but I have already touched on a little of the “hidden” planning and work involved to provide an event like Burning Man.

More, I suspect, than some of you “armchair promoters” might provide for while planning your “ultimate art event.” Hint: If your first (and best) efforts are in planning art projects, DJs, and sound systems ─ I don’t wanna go to your event. Not unless you are also providing for my health, safety and non-art-related well being. Hint #2: Use Burning Man as your model for infrastructure.

Because, y’see, I KNOW that Burning Man’s success is not due to luck.

I may not always agree with some of its execution of minutiae by some minor agents, but I remain a fan of Burning Man ─ the event and the organization.

We didn’t go because of the desert. Black Rock City is sited in a spot that can be truly nasty. (Sorry.)

We went to Burning Man. Many of us will go back.

Now, please go back to remembering the art. How about those folks from the derrick thingy?

[Sorry I’ve been gone so long. Family stuff. Life’s little administrative details. Y’know. Blessed be the Flying Spaghetti Monster.]

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

Burning Man Aftermath

2007-09-28T04:13:29Z

Can we get some rear view mirror reflections and stories, please, now that you who attended have returned to everyday life?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

GEAR REPORT Zodi Extreme Shower

2007-09-24T23:18:16Z

Before I say anything else about my new shower, let me affirm one thing about camping after the Labor Day holiday. For the casual camper, the camping season has ended. Many popular spots of just a couple of weeks ago are already dipping into the temps just above freezing. Really. Somewhere. And I was there to post my reactions to a new (to me) product, and a new (for this year) reminder that the colder weather is here for many campers.

A new purchase (delivered by the UPS brownshirts just before my departure for Burning Man) is the Zodi Extreme Shower. I took it along to Burning Man, but was not sure if it would be of any use because of grey water management issues. I decided on the purchase at the last moment, and was traveling with the shower stuff but without any planning for grey water management.

My responsibility for grey water was an important consideration, and was provided for by a neighboring camp (who were kind enough to have built their own shower ─ and adequate grey water collection ─ right behind my tent). With a period of waiting to provide for adequate imbibing of alcohol and a night’s rest to allow consideration of my request, I was granted permission to use their shower pond with my own Zodi Extreme.

Bless those folks for providing grey water management for me at Burning Man, and bless those Zodi folk.

The Zodi Extreme Shower was the one I wanted ─ it appeared to be something I would create myself given adequate fabrication capability. Picture one of those old water fire extinguishers, crafted in stainless steel, with a nice new pump (also stainless) and a four-foot-or-so hose with shower head. Oh, and a heater.

The Zodi also includes a 10,000 BTU stove that provides for heating your shower to 100 degrees F in about five minutes, and can double as a cook stove. A simple contact thermometer strip makes heating to your desired temperature very easy.

Mmm. Warm showers at Burning Man. Or anywhere. Without having to camp in my Airstream.

Priceless.

If your camping comfort is not increased significantly by the ability to provide a warm shower whenever you want, then you are ignoring one of life’s simple pleasures (or may be too dependent on an RV or campground showers).

RVs have their own special issues for camping, and campground showers (almost everywhere I have been over 35 or so years experience camping over North America) are often sadly lacking (and ─ almost as often ─ COLD).

The Zodi Extreme Shower may be the best choice for taking showers while minimizing grey water generation. I was easily able to take a whole-body shower with much less than two gallons of water, and may ─ with practice ─ be able to get by with just one gallon of water.

Zodi also has models with 6- or 12-volt battery packs, four-gallon reservoirs (or ─ with attachment to a water hose ─ unlimited capacity), and higher-capacity systems that can handle as many as three showers at once.

So ─ with a Zodi shower system, a grey water management system appropriate to your use, and an (optional) privacy cabana/shower enclosure ─ hot showers can be yours.

http://www.zodi.com/web-content/index.html

posted in Campfire Cafe - 7 replies

Bjurts survive BM07

2007-09-17T21:10:52Z

Hi everybody,

I had five bjurts on the playa this year, and they all stood up mightily! The weakest part was the covering. There were gaps which let dust in, but it was not too bad. In fact, we had a Shelter Systems dome in camp that was better sealed, but hotter, and during the whiteouts we all stayed in the bjurt.

All in all, a good outing.

I updated my web site http://bjurt.com to include BM07 information and to get my blog going. I hope you can stop by.

Cheers,
-bender

posted in Campfire Cafe - 0 replies

GEAR REPORT: Thetford Porta Potti 465

2007-09-15T18:46:27Z

Here's another of my post-burn equipment reports. This time, I'm reviewing my use of a camping necessity -- the toilet.

I had no idea where the BM "VIP cabanas" might be located in relation to my camp, but I did know that I wanted it to be close. I was determined to not (again) be forced to "let fly" on the playa, and I was prepared with two options -- a new Thetford unit, and a male urinal doohickey. The male urinal was less useful than I might have thought (but far better than several campmates choice to pee in empty one-gallon water bottles), but the Thetford unit was put to a real test.

After eleven days of use at Burning Man, the Thetford was just beginning to register on the level gage (after registering only in the green area, the red band was just beginning to show when I loaded up the unit for exodus).

The convenience of having my toilet in my tent rather than several hundred yards away was awsome. No odors, no spills, no fuss. Capacity would have been a factor, though, for use by two persons over my extended stay. I would guess that capacity would not be an issue -- even by two adults -- for ten days.

The Thetford 465. High marks.

http://www.thetford.com/Home/Products/PortableToiletsHome/PortaPotti465/tabid/166/Default.aspx

posted in Campfire Cafe - 1 reply

Know about the Bjurt?

2007-09-15T17:50:26Z

Have you seen these thingys?

An alternative to tents, RVs, or crashing next to the burn barrel.

http://www.bendersbjurts.com/

posted in Campfire Cafe - 23 replies

Sleeping at noisy events

2007-09-15T00:37:34Z

Does anyone have tips for sleeping at noisy events (such at Burning Man)? I have some ideas:

Camp at Hushville.

Earplugs
I use them but they aren't enough, noise still keeps me up. I've tried expensive 'musician'
earplugs too. I'm wondering if you could find noise canceling headphones that were small
and comfortable enough to wear during sleep.

Benadryl
I haven't tried it yet. Would it be a bad mix with other substances?

Fan
or other whitenoise generator in your tent, to mask the thumpa-thumpa.

Sleep during the day,
when many people sleep and its a little quieter. That works if you have a cool place to sleep.
But there are often other things you may want to do during the day.

Party so hard that you're exhausted and nothing can keep you awake.

Any other tips?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 30 replies

Equipment storage??

2007-09-14T17:36:23Z

Hi guys. We have a bit of a conundrum. We live in NYC, but are spending the week before the burn constructing a geodesic dome in California, which we will then take with us to BRC. The problem is, what the heck to do with it afterwards?? Seems dumb to ship it back to NYC with us, and then ship it out again next year. We could just leave it in Cali in storage somewhere, but paying for an entire storage unit all year doesn't make sense moneywise. Ideally, someone would store it for us in their home or their storage unit, for either love or money, but whom?

Anybody got any ideas? What do you do with all the damn GEAR???

posted in Campfire Cafe - 18 replies

GEAR REPORT: Camelbak Hellion Skullcandy

2007-09-12T02:10:17Z

A new item from Camelbak, the Hellion Skullcandy falls into the "not your father's hydration pack" kinda category.

From Amazon.com's product description:

CamelBak teamed up with Skullcandy to give you the Hellion 100oz Hydration Pack. With 60mm speakers in the upper straps and an easy-control soft switch panel in the middle of the strap, you won't miss a beat as you rock out to your favorite tunes. Stay cool as you hike the terrain park or cruise the backcountry with the Hellion Hydration Pack's air-directing back panels, and keep comfortable under heavy loads with the padded waist-belt. CamelBak's internal pocket protects your goggles or sunglasses, and quick-release tool holders provide easy access to your ice-axe or shovel on more hardcore adventures. Skullcandy's amplifier runs on AA batteries, and is iPod compatible. Hook your phone into the Hellion's LINK technology and stay connected. If you have a Razor or Crazor phone, you'll need to grab a special part from Skullcandy or CamelBak to get your phone dialed-in.

Product Features
Material: Nylon
Pack Volume: 1404cu in
Reservoir Volume: 100oz (3L)
Pockets: 1 Main, 1 belt
Waist Belt: Yes
Compression Straps: Yes
Bite Valve: Locking
Recommended Use: Rocking out to your music on the slopes, in the backcountry, in the park
Weight: 3lb 5oz
Warranty: 2 Years, lifetime warranty on reservoir

End quote.

Anyway, this is a preliminary report — and I will not be able to put the Camelbak through all of its paces until Burning Man. But don't think that I haven't already tried the electronic goodies! I immediately hooked up my iPod Video and cell phone, padded the backpack volume with a jacket and a set of scrubs, and proceeded to "rock out."

I was very impressed with the pack's internal speakers, and in the convenience of the controls.

This first cooperative effort with the Skullcandy folks is actually from the winter line of Camelbaks, and has the insulated drinking tibe and heavier suspension you would expect from such a unit. Many suspension features are geared toward the ski/snowboard set.

We'll see.

I promise to report, as more information becomes available.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 12 replies

Keeping it where you want it — tent stakes

2007-09-11T22:52:28Z

How do you keep stuff where you want under any reasonable range of environmental conditions you may face?

Discussion may be lively if we are talking about tents, shade structures, backpacking, and many other considerations of camping. What about the lowly (but mighty, i hope *grin*) tent stake?

You mean those extruded plastic thingies included with my tent?

The shovel-shaped, bag, bucket or auger device you have learned to use for beach (and/or heavy snow) challenges?

The tricks to deal with especial considerations in scrub, intermediate, or desert? (see note)

Note That includes "the playa," dude! *grin*

What works in areas of heavy forest or jungle? In rocky soil? On rock? On glacier? *grin* In mid-ascent of a rockface?

Hmm?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 25 replies

Flame effects at Burning Man — a guide

2007-09-11T04:02:57Z

Are there any particular flame effects — like, perhaps, the Crude Awakening Project — that you don't wanna miss?

Somebody, somewhere missed the burning of the waffle last year. What do you wanna be front-and-center for, this year?

The Man? Roger Ramjet's BBQ?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 3 replies

Bicycle camping in the Mojave

2007-09-11T02:47:26Z

I've done some backpacking in the Mojave, but with the new rack on my mountain bike I'm now looking to extend my range and considering a bicycle camping trip next.

Anyone here interested in joining such a wacky adventure?

I'm thinking just three days/two nights for starters, to keep water weight down to something manageable. I have a few routes in mind, but am open to suggestions.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 2 replies

Another newbie!

2007-09-09T13:02:22Z

I'm new and ready for some campfire bacon and eggs!
(followed by some s'mores, too, Amina!)

posted in Campfire Cafe - 4 replies

Camping etiquette

2007-08-31T00:41:04Z

What do you feel are the standards for acceptable behavior among campers?

Please remember to be gentle — especially with the burners who may not otherwise camp.

*grin*

Johnny

posted in Campfire Cafe - 48 replies

Netti Pot - ever use one?

2007-08-25T16:58:20Z

I use a netti pot last year at the burn and it made my nose happy. That way I could smell all the great food.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 14 replies

Coffee...

2007-08-25T04:15:42Z

Anyone here ever try this stuff:
https://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39262154&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

Java Juice Liquid Coffee Extract?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 9 replies

Bear stories

2007-08-23T08:34:00Z

A grizzly bear story

In between semesters in college, I hitch-hiked down to visit my parents in Southern California. One of the drivers who gave me a lift was a conservative-looking middle-aged man. The highlight of our conversation was the amazing story about why he gave up grizzly bear hunting. I believe him. There was no alcohol odor in the car, and he had no obvious reason to be pulling my leg. I am simply repeating what I heard. Urban legend? You be the judge.

Many years before, the man was hunting grizzly bears in Montana. While standing in a high place, he saw a grizzly bear, took careful aim, and fired his weapon. The recoil from the rifle caused him to lose his balance. He fell off the bluff, and broke his leg. A minute later, he heard footsteps. Looking up, he saw the wounded bear walking toward him. He thought: Oh my God, the bear is going to kill me!

The bear either picked him up and carried him--or simply dragged him--I forget which. The man thought: I must be the main course for this bear's family's lunch! When they got to the main road, the wounded bear keeled over, and died. A passing motorist stopped, and gave the wounded man a ride to the nearest hospital.

What an irony! Willy-nilly, the final act in the life of the bear was to save the life of the hunter who was the source of the mortal wound!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 3 replies

DIY 'tasty bites"?

2007-08-17T17:57:49Z

Has anyone here ever used a vacuum sealer to make their own tasty bite type sealed meals....and kept them shelf stable? does this work? i am far to lazy to deal with a cooler or a stove.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 0 replies

OMG — chocolate AND bacon

2007-08-17T12:55:11Z

I really do try to be good. I never post plugs in other tribes, and don't poach topics (usually).

But c'mon —

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/product/bacon_exotic_candy_bar/exotic_candy_bars

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

Backpacking FOOD - Need Help

2007-08-13T04:25:42Z

I'm backpacking for the first time in a couple of weeks. I camp frequently & cook food that I would serve @ home - I enjoy going all-out. I realize that I won't have that luxury with just a backpack - no ice - no fancy stove - I need to pack lightly. We will be bringing a tiny little stove and a pan. What are some easy, light, near-fabulous food items I can bring/prepare? What's the best way to do coffee? Instant espresso? I'd really like maximize our enjoyment the simplicity with the best possible backpacking gourmet - I'd love to hear what's worked for you....thanks!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 15 replies

Who's going to Burning Man '07?

2007-08-13T01:12:40Z

I try really hard to avoid becoming Burn-centric, but it's time to ask — who is planning their Burn camping experience now?

Are you going? Do you have special plans to enhance your experience? Are you planning some special contribution to the cooking? Got any special tricks for your camp?

It's bad enough that our Cafe front is so ethno-centric (if you judge by the main picture on the Campfire Cafe). Sorry, but it does show up so very well on listings of your tribes.

I like the bright blue thingy.

And the campfire. And the hot dog (or is that a pudgie pie?).

posted in Campfire Cafe - 79 replies

Looking for a camp and/or campmates?

2007-08-12T10:11:30Z

Hello campers!

This thread is a way to find a festival camp recruiting new members.

Got a camp, and recruiting new campmates?

Looking for a camp among your Campfire Cafe buddies?

Post here.

posted in Campfire Cafe - 6 replies

GoogleTech--Cooking at Burning Man

2007-08-12T04:14:59Z

http://laughingsquid.com/google-presents-cooking-for-burning-man-101/

posted in Campfire Cafe - 1 reply

Hydrate? Yeah, mon!

2007-08-11T17:21:55Z

Take more water than you need. Drink lots. Learn to appreciate sharing a shady spot with friends. Carry a non-disposible cup (and some of that water) everywhere. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Keep an eye on the youngsters who may occasionally forget to drink. Keep an eye on the other youngsters who brought way more PBR than water, and no shade.

There certainly are some things to remember. No big deal, just some stuff we need to keep in mind when planning some time in the desert.

What are your tips and tricks to share?

Any new gadgets or techniques we should try?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 33 replies

Walking sticks & trekking poles

2007-08-10T04:13:19Z

I have always been a "tools user," and have always been attracted to equipment sports and the gear that they require. I like all of the stuff that these pasttimes can include, and still enjoy some of the fantasies that playing with some new gear item may entail.

Over the years, one item of gear has never made it onto my "must have" lists — but I have appreciated every one I have seen in practical use.

The walking stick.

I have always liked them, as I said. From early use by other hikers, through their use by some other snowshoers or summit climbers. Never felt compelled to have one.

I did succumb to ski poles, but never used them for any other purpose. My flyfishing experiences have probably called for a wading stick from time-to-time, but I have never felt that I had the free hand to use one.

Until now.

Recent challenges to mobility have taken me from not getting around at all, through some pretty-extreme reliance on a supermarket cart or roller, to something that's pretty close to a complete weaning from ambulatory aids.

I'm still in that weaning process, and was still feeling that I would benefit from some kind of assistance (an electric car, with disabled access to Burning Man) just two or three months ago.

Findng a new product (new to me) has improved my prospects greatly — one of Stoney Point's walking sticks.

I have been using the Stoney Point Chub's Choice walking stick for a few days now, and already feel so good about the product that I have been wondering how I might feel if I suddenly lost the stick while at Burning Man. I only need the stick as an occasional balancing aid, but am able to cover a much greater distance with it .

I didn't like thoughts of such a loss to my mobility, and got back on the phone today to order a second Chub's Choice as a backup. The Chub's Choice folds easily, and fastens to a carrier on my Camelbak.

How do you feel about walking sticks and the like?

Maybe you don't have need as a result of a disability. Maybe it's to help you negotiate a hike with your 100-lb pack. Maybe it's a special stick you have been carrying around since your years as a Boy/Girl Scout. Maybe the stick has "big medicine," and was blessed by this or that special someone. Maybe your pair of poles just look "really cool."

What do you think about walking sticks or something similar?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 11 replies

Bacon

2007-08-09T01:21:59Z

everything should taste like bacon! :P

http://www.baconsalt.com/

posted in Campfire Cafe - 32 replies

Seeing at night!

2007-08-09T01:14:24Z

Any special techniques/equipment to see and be seen at nighttime festival activities?

Do you carry/use a flashlight or head light?

Do you depend on your ElWire-festooned tutu for others to see you?

Will the Rangers end up assisting you after a middle-of-the-night excursion into the deep playa without a light?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 35 replies

Under the stars...

2007-08-07T18:36:23Z

If I have a choice I'll choose to camp under the stars without a tent when the weather permits. I find it most relaxing to drift off looking at all the stars... On the grass or on a picnic table doesn't matter to me... How about everyone else? Whats your pleasure?

posted in Campfire Cafe - 15 replies

I finally did it! I bought a Springbar tent

2007-08-06T22:06:52Z

Okay, so I know this is campfire "cafe," and this has nothing to do with cooking, but I'm so darn excited and I wanted to share this excitement with campers!

Yay!

Now... they are pricey... I hope they really are as good as everyone says they are!

Anyone have experience with one? Please soothe my guilt in being so extravagant. Remind me why I should be happy, even when I get the credit card bill! ;-)

posted in Campfire Cafe - 1 reply

Pudggie Pies

2007-08-06T16:28:42Z

These are very simple to make and can be made with just about anything you like; pizza ones are my favorite! First you need the cooking utinsel. You can find these at just about any store in the camping section. Not sure what they are called, but consist of two iron squares about the size of a piece of bread. From the bottom of the squares are rods with handles on the end with a hook around the rods to hold them together while cooking; they are cheap.

Take two slices of bread and butter a side of each piece. Open the contraption and place the bread, butter side down in the squares; one on each side. Add pizza sauce cheese pepperoni, and anything else you like on the bread. Close the squares together and lock. Place in the fire until golded brown and melted. Ta Da!! A quick easy camping meal.

I've seen them made with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cheese. Some made with pie filling, etc......

Be creative and have fun making PUDGGIE PIES!!!!!

ENJOY!!

posted in Campfire Cafe - 11 replies