thinking about going into isolation

[censored] · #1 10-30-2005, 11:39 PM

Lately I've been having these thoughts or feelings of wanting to get away for awhile. Away from everything I mean.

Right now i'm considering just taking my dog and some books and going camping for 3 weeks. The thought of this is very appealing to me.

The problem as I see it, is that I live in Oregon and its November. How dangerous would this be? And most importantly what kinds of supplies will I need? Would going to an established camp ground be better for something like this?

Any and all thoughts and tips appreciated.

oh yeah i'm really in a banning mood today, so umm try not to suck.

Hiding · #2 10-30-2005, 11:44 PM

First question, Have you been camping at all before?

I don't have help as far as november in the pacific west, but you would be shocked how warm a dry tent and sleeping bag are, not to mention a good campfire.

[censored] · #3 10-30-2005, 11:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
First question, Have you been camping at all before?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not in the last 10 years. The challenge is a lot of what intrigues me.

Blarg · #4 10-30-2005, 11:54 PM

How about working up to it slowly instead of going into a 3 week trip all at once? Like, sleep in the living room, or don't take a shower for a couple days. Maybe wipe your butt with leaves. The urge may pass quickly.

Hiding · #5 10-30-2005, 11:56 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Not in the last 10 years. The challenge is a lot of what intrigues me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its suprisingly easy, well with a grocery nearby and civilization.

Buy a tent, waterproof the hell out of the seems (this is key) and take a weekend off at a state/national park. You'll have showers and a bathroom and feel amazingly isolated.

It will cost you $30 for the campsite and $100-$150 for the tent. but you'll either love it or hate it and the relaxation/introspective (sp? or hell even a word?) is priceless if you enjoy it.

Do the whole mess, campfire, cook some hot dogs, drink a crap load of beer and stare at the stars. I highly enjoy it and it changes my prespective on life everytime.

kipin · #6 10-30-2005, 11:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
It will cost you $30 for the campsite and $100-$150 for the tent.

[/ QUOTE ]

What is the going rate for a night at a camp ground? I hope its not $30/night... that seems like a huge rip off.

Hiding · #7 10-31-2005, 12:02 AM

depends anywhere from 12-30 a night(for state or national parks) with no power and yeah, big ripoff

InchoateHand · #8 10-30-2005, 11:51 PM

Dry is key. If you have the equipment to stay dry, then you can probably stay warm. Most established campgrounds, I would guess (though I'm unfamiliar with the Pacific NW) are closed for the season. As such, camping on state land would probably be, technically, illegal.

I'd try to find somewhere secluded, but not totally isolated. Out of visual and aural range, but actually close to other people. That way, if things go wrong, you aren't far, and if things go right, you'll never see or hear from people.

Also, I imagine the you will get substantial enjoyment from planning such an endeavour, let alone carrying it out. Three weeks of batteries. Three weeks of oil lamp. Clothing appropriate for the coldest weather possible in that region. A mix of healthy simple food. A couple notepads to write in, a few choice books---something new, something old.

If you have the time luxury to do this, and feel the need for isolation, go for it. The equipment is a must, but camping in crappy conditions really isn't that hard.

[censored] · #9 10-31-2005, 12:07 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Dry is key. If you have the equipment to stay dry, then you can probably stay warm. Most established campgrounds, I would guess (though I'm unfamiliar with the Pacific NW) are closed for the season. As such, camping on state land would probably be, technically, illegal.

I'd try to find somewhere secluded, but not totally isolated. Out of visual and aural range, but actually close to other people. That way, if things go wrong, you aren't far, and if things go right, you'll never see or hear from people.

Also, I imagine the you will get substantial enjoyment from planning such an endeavour, let alone carrying it out. Three weeks of batteries. Three weeks of oil lamp. Clothing appropriate for the coldest weather possible in that region. A mix of healthy simple food. A couple notepads to write in, a few choice books---something new, something old.

If you have the time luxury to do this, and feel the need for isolation, go for it. The equipment is a must, but camping in crappy conditions really isn't that hard.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok this got me even more pumped up about it.

I'm going to look into campsites tomorrow and talk to some people who do spend time in the outdoors.

I was also thinking that maybe a cabin, if it is secluded and very basic could also work. I don't know if that would defeat some of the purpose and challenge though. thoughts?

gorie · #10 10-31-2005, 12:08 AM

[ QUOTE ]

I was also thinking that maybe a cabin, if it is secluded and very basic could also work. I don't know if that would defeat some of the purpose and challenge though. thoughts?

[/ QUOTE ]
yes, let's stay in a cabin.