WHAT DO CONNECTED CAMPERS DO?

MODERN TECHNOLOGY CONNECTS US ELECTRONICALLY---making it easy to connect ourselves physically.  And so we have---  For 2 weeks ---20 or so of us have responded to Bob's ( http://cheaprvlivingblog.com/  ) invitation to join him in the forest near Flagstaff.  We roll in---find our personal place to park near the group and begin doing what connected campers can do:

WE GIVE STUFF AWAY----this is the free tarp after 2 weeks of  give away.

Sometimes we trade stuff----here Laurie trades me two overripe bananas for one ripe one, (She knows I prefer the overripe) A ridiculous  illustration of real trades we make.  Like a haircut for mechanical work.  Sometimes we pay for the services of our fellow campers.

But more importantly, we trade ideas.  Here Laurie leads us in a discussion on dealing with  fear. 

Sometimes we eat together.  I invited Laurie and Kendall over for a breakfast of decadent oatmeal.  (decadent because it is  enriched with pecans, brown sugar, raisins, whipped cream and cherries)  I photographed the cherry moment.

 

Those who want to--- walk at 9Am and 6 Pm.

 

Today I led a group wisdom discussion. 

 

We write out (anonymously) questions we would like the group to address---put them in a hat  and I draw them out one by one

for the group to comment on. Collectively we are much wiser than individually.

 

Yesterday, our host Bob Wells led us in a favorite show and tell----cooking styles and secrets.  He began with a demonstration of a solar oven that really bakes well.  It reached 350 degrees in short order---ready to bake anything. 

 

James then showed us the wonders of a weber grill----operating off a propane bottle. 

 Kendall touted a breakthrough skillet surfaced with---- CERAMIC.  Much better and longer lasting than Teflon.

David  spreads the good word about his stovetop Coleman oven .

Laurie demonstrated a no-clean-up cooking technique with water and a special paper. 

 CB showed us the latest thing in cooking ---magnetic induction.  Takes one half the power of conventional cooking.

Brad touted the enduring quality of the classical iron skillet---that in time develops
its own non stick surface.

I'm no great chef---but these ladies came to share dinner with me anyway.

Sometimes we discuss what kind of sign would best ward off unwelcome visitors. This was a prizewinner I suggested-----and surprise---CB  had one made--says it's doing it's work.

This afternoon Bob treated everyone to Pizza and ice cream.  Thank you Bob.

 

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  Camp alone if you wish----no doubt it does good things for you.  BUT CAMPING WITH FRIENDS IS 100 TIMES MORE ENJOYABLE.  I love the way Bob has tweaked this style of camping to remove any trace of coercion or even expectation----folks connect only when they want to.

Oh yes---I haven't forgotten my Sondheimer stories---will continue them soon.