It appears that some of our beloved regulars won’t make it out to the Colestin this year, which breaks my heart. But, it looks like we are going to have a few newcomers, which makes me very happy. I thought the first timers might appreciate a Guide to the Colestin Camp Out. If any of you camp out veterans want to offer additional advice, feel free to weigh in.
Based on the considerable experience garnered in the last 17 years (!!) of Colestin Camp Outs, here are three
rules, one request and a few helpful hints:
Colestin Camp Out
Rules
Rule One: Do
what thou wilt shall be the whole of the love; love is the law, love under
will. (Thanks Aleister Crowley!) Do
whatever you want to do. As long as it comes from a place of love, you can’t go
wrong.
Rule Two: Do it yourself. Pitch in. Participate. Whatever
you contribute, be it time, energy, money or materials, will be deeply
appreciated and will bring closer into the circle.
Rule Three: No impaired driving beyond the property
line. If I catch you, I’ll tackle your
ass and take your keys away. If you find
yourself unable to drive and unprepared to camp, you are more than welcome to
sleep at my house. You won’t be the first.
Colestine Camp Out Request.
Please do not fall into the fire or into the creek or off
the bridge. Please do not break a bone on the slip and slide. Please do not go flying off the tree swing. In case of emergencies, we have first
aid supplies and the Nurse is on duty, but injuries are a total
buzz-kill.
Colestin Camp Out
Helpful Hints
The 2012 Camp Out is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and
Sunday, June 22-24. Come when you like, leave when you please. Directions are available upon request.
Some of us smoke pot; just saying. See rule number one. We do ask smokers
(tobacco and others) to be conscious and considerate. Please do not smoke in the
kitchen. Please police your butts.
Dogs are very welcome; we love dogs. Most visiting dogs are off-leash and the
occasional fight breaks out, but rarely anything serious. Of course if Bad Dog Sophie comes, all bets
are off.
Dinner is potluck and served around 7:00. I’m cooking salmon
on Friday and Saturday will feature “mixed grill” and Stephany’s famous “pot o’
something.” How vague is that? Contributions of other main
dishes, sides, salads, bread, drinks and desserts are encouraged and greatly
appreciated. Hopefully Dogboy will show up to captain our culinary ship and commit capital food crimes.
The kitchen has prep tables and cold running water
but no electricity. There are usually a
few Coleman stoves and barbecue grills going but we can always use more. We
have lots of plates, cups, cutlery, a few kitchen knives and cutting boards.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks are ad hoc. Whatever you leave
out on the table is fair game.
We provide a keg of beer and drinking water.
I usually have plenty of candles and matches, but we can
always use another lantern.
A screened, well-ventilated outhouse is located just steps
away from the main meadow. Flush technology
requires a 10-minute hike up hill.
Expect very cold nights and steep terrain. Bring warm clothes and sensible shoes.
Expect tics, snakes, bugs, and all the other joys of the outdoors.
Campfire? Why yes, a big one.
Brother Dutch organizes daily, epic, disc golf matches. I believe EZ currently holds the course record. Laney is the only person to ever hit a hole-in-one during regulation play, which earned her the honor of having that particular target renamed “Laney’s Dirty Little Hole.” Be careful what you wish for.
Louise went to trouble of setting up the recycling center, so please use it. Young Cooper will gladly burn your trash for you.
Be kind to the animals. Dr. Jeff, our resident ornithologist, can help you identify the local fauna.
There will be music, lots and lots of music, loud, drunken music, played until the wee
hours. If you hear someone playing Ziggy Stardust on the banjo at 3:00 a.m., don't be alarmed, that's just the Kid. Don’t wait to be invited. Jump in. Sing, dammit.
Construction of the slip n’ slide will be a game day decision, dependent on
the weather.
Elijah is in charge of security.
Colestin or Colestine?
It’s spelled both ways. Pick the
one you like best.
Life along the Cottonwood Creek is good.
Much love,
Stephany
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