Camping - The only way to find rocks!

Don’t get me wrong, I ‘m not one of those back-country woodsmen with a whole lot of experience. I’ve done a little here and there, but have never found much here on the east coast to my liking (Don’t put me in a campground with assigned spaces, neighbors guzzling beer, and kids knocking over your tent).

Put me on a mountain, with just a few close friends with a common goal - FIND ROCKS THAT GLOW! Far away from civilization - the further the better!

This picture was taken just before sunset one evening while camping at Kangerlussaq. We got lucky and found some very dry driftwood and got a roaring fire going in no time. After eating we sat around and told stories until it was time to turn on the UV lights and find rocks - and find them we did!

If you enjoy camping and want to spend a few nights on the mountains read on. If not, there are plenty of nice comfortable hotels. Personally, I will have a hotel room for showers, in case of rain, etc - but will spend every possible moment camping in the mountains... (sometimes not possible although I wish I could).

Camping Equipment - My recommended List (Total cost - around $450.00)

BRING GOOD MOSQUITO SPRAY!

The Tent

I picked a low profile two man Kelley Crestone tent (really comfortable for one person, tight for two). Low profile means it will stand up to the winds a whole lot better. It weighs less than 5 pounds which means it will be easy to tear down and carry up the mountain for camping up top.

This 3-season backpacking tent for two is built for all but the worst winter weather--and offers a nice-sized vestibule for gear.

• Features a polyester rainfly for a taut pitch in wet weather, DAC Featherlite® poles and a durable, seam-taped nylon taffeta floor
• Color-coded clip construction provides easy set-up, especially in windy weather
• ArcEdge™ floor has specially-designed, watertight perimeter seams that stay up off the wet ground
• Side wall vents and mesh ceiling help keep air flowing to prevent condensation
• Side-release buckles make for quick and easy tent/rainfly connection
• Kelty's attention to detail shows with features such as their noiseless, reflective zipper pulls
• Average minimum weight specification is based on tent, rainfly and poles only.

This coated nylon footprint, used underneath your Kelty Crestone 2 tent, protects its floor from abrasion and wear - really needed for the rocky terrain we will be camping on.

• A bit smaller than the tent floor, it's the perfect size to prevent pooling of water under tent during rainy weather
• Comes in a mesh stuff sack

This combo will protect us from everything but the severest weather, are easy to carry and setup, and comfortable.

The Bed

Sleeping in the Big Agnes (BA) System is like sleeping in a bed, with a mattress under you for cushioning comfort and blankets for insulation.

• The underside insulation has been eliminated and replaced with a sleeve for the Big Agnes REM Air Core Pad or any 20-inch wide pad, sold separately
• 15°, three-season, rectangular sleeping bag features shingle construction and Polarguard® Delta insulation--ideal for wet climates
• Continuous oversize draft wedge insulates the connection between the bag and pad to prevent cold air from entering
• Nylon ripstop shell, with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) surface treatment sheds water; soft, breathable nylon lining
• Built-in pillow sleeve allows you to stuff a jacket or a backcountry pillow inside and keeps it in place all night long
• Two-way, full-length, locking zipper with big, easy-to-grab zipper pull
• Large 3-in. diameter draft tube located behind the zipper prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering
• Choose right or left zipper; bag will zip to another bag with opposite zipper configuration in the Classic Series
• Includes a stuff sack and large storage bag

The Big Agnes (BA) System is different from the traditional sleeping bag used on top of a sleeping pad. Instead, the two have been joined together. The underside insulation has been eliminated and replaced with a sleeve to accommodate the sleeping pad (sold separately). This design provides a secure foundation so you can stay on the pad all night. Roll freely, move into a fetal postition, twist and turn without ever rolling off your pad.

Backpack

Your most important piece of gear! You will use this to transport your tent, food, rocks, lights, hammers, etc etc etc. Choose one that offers support, a STRONG bottom and lots of pockets.