I’d been trying to get ALL of my friends together for a weekend camping trip for months now (before I was rudely interrupted by fire season), and it finally happened!
Several of my local Flag friends and I spent this past weekend camping at Ashurst Lake.
This was actually my first large group camping trip! Most of the trips I’ve gone on have either been with one or two other people, or with family.
So this was kind of my first experience with logistics for a larger camping trip.
(Tip: GOOGLE DOCS.)
I’d originally booked a campsite for the weekend at Pine Grove, figuring we’d only have six or so people show up and we’d easily fit into one campground.
Also, it was Mel’s first time camping! So we figured a site with tap water, flush toilets and coin-operated showers was a good way to ease him into it.
But, then more and more people wanted to join in on the trip. There are a few first-come, first-served sites at Pine Grove, but they were all full. A few of our friends went to scout for new locations at nearby campgrounds where we could fit.
We ended up at Forked Pine Campground on Ashurst Lake, and it worked out perfectly. There was a cluster of sites located right on the lake on a little peninsula, so we were able to claim the entire area for ourselves.
Like I said — the logistics were a bit challenging! The key is a Google Doc. We meal planned in advance and kept track of who was bringing what so we didn’t end up with six propane camp stoves and no trash bags.
Everyone was responsible for their own sleep system, camp chair, rec gear and coffee, but having a Google Doc made it way easier to determine who could bring things like coolers, aqua-tainers, camp kitchen gear and various other share-ables.
Ashurst Lake is right off the Arizona Trail, so a few of my friends took off on a day hike.
Because my back is still a little sore from a recent fall I had at the bouldering gym, I didn’t join in on hiking or anything. I stayed at the site and read some of my book, watched Lexie knit and napped.
This trip did make me desperately want a paddle board, though!
We also got a bit glampy on Saturday night. Jane brought her pocket projector and I brought my speaker again, and we spent Saturday night eating campfire popcorn and s’mores while watching “Back to the Future” at our campsite.
Whatever, camping purists. Hate away. It was a blast.
Oh, and Yukon’s getting a little more accustomed to camping! Maybe?
I’m just kidding. He loves camping.
Anyway. It was a great weekend and I’m SO glad I was able to get all my friends together for a camping trip, finally. I can’t wait to do it again.
