RE: I am buying a tent !!!

[Gone-Camping]

 luvourjayco
For that matter, I live in the next town to Cavman, perhaps I can go through things and see what I have to spare as well. I ve got some stuff sitting around that hasn t been used in quite a while!

[Ab Diver]

 luvourjayco
birol, you may wanna get that little trailer BEFORE you head to Va. []
 
 Seriously, you guys are doing a *good thing*. If you ever get out my way, there ll be a chair at the fire, a steak on the barbie, and a cold one (or two) waiting in the cooler for ya.

[Gamecock Camper]

 luvourjayco
Hey birol,  I have four lanterns.  Just send me your address via e-mail and I ll send you one just to clear up some room in my garage.  I ll be out of town from Sunday night (3/2) to Sunday (3/10), but let me know and I ll send you an un-used lantern.   I have several relatives that know that we are campers......

[Miller Tyme]

 luvourjayco
Birol-
 If you swing by here, I m sure I can dig some stuff up(tarps, propane bottles, etc.)
 As far as the bikes on the roof, your basic bungee cords will work, unless you plan to go offroad.[]

[tlhdoc]

 luvourjayco
Maybe we could start a pass-a-long for birol.  First person loads stuff up and takes it to the next person, they add if they have stuff to add and then drive it to the next person, and so on.  Until it would get to birol he would have just about everything he needs.  I do think he should come to the Eastern Rally though.  Maybe everyone should take stuff to the rally and make him come there to get it.  He could show up and have a campsite all set up.[]

[birol]

 luvourjayco
Woow woow woow,
 
 It is early morning and I can t believe you guys are doing this for us. I have been up since 2 am, I need time to digest this.
 
 Anybody needs a newspaper  [8D][8D][8D][8D]

[Gone-Camping]

 birol

I do think he should come to the Eastern Rally though. Maybe everyone should take stuff to the rally and make him come there to get it. He could show up and have a campsite all set up.

 Now there s an idea worthy of further consideration. It would be nice to meet the person we re donating to!
 
 Birol, I have a full size (double) air matress, and two single size, plus a hand pump to blow them up with, they are no longer used by me and just taking up space in the camper. These are heavy duty " real bed size"  mattress, not cheapie water float s from the department store. I also have a couple of little Weber gas grills (they are small but easy to tote around). There may be more stuff, I haven t begun to really dig around yet! I m also working towards the purchase of a Hybrid, and that may free up even more stuff (sorry, I m not donating the PU....[] )

[Horscampr]

 MtnCamper
Birol,
 
 I am glad to hear that you are going to get out there and camp!!  I think you will have a lot of fun.  If a person had to own a camper to enjoy camping then a lot of people would certainly miss out!  My first summer camping was done with the tent I got as a present for my birthday.  If I hadn t started camping in that tent, I would never have gotten the PU.  Tenting is what started my love of camping.  The PU didn t come until later.
 
 I am hoping to take a week-long camping trip with my horse in the summer of 2004.  Because its very likely I will be towing a horse trailer, I will be tent camping instead of taking the PU.  Tent camping has a lot of advantages and this is one of them (also for people that like to go boating and need to tow a boat).
 
 My tent was not an expensive model either (Wal-mart brand), but it DOES have a rainfly and the bathtub bottom, both of which are essential to staying DRY.  I have slept through a couple of storms in that tent and never had a problem with getting wet.  
 
 The other essential is a GOOD air mattress.  I think these things are one of the best inventions out there for campers.  I love my air mattress and think it s as comfortable as my bed at home.  I tried it out on my living floor when I first got it and thought " hey, I could probably sleep on this thing indefinately."   I still use it as a spare bed when I have other people visiting and when I stay at my parent s or friends houses.  As far as I am concerned these are invaluable.  They re great for camping, but also great for other uses too.
 
 Try not to worry.  Take your first camping trip one step at a time and don t worry if not everything turns out perfect.  By other people s standards, my first camping trip would probably have been classified as a " disaster"  but I just laugh at it....and looking back....I probably learned the MOST on that camping trip than with all the others COMBINED.  If you start to get nervous, anxious, or worried, here are some things to think about that might help you out.....
 
 1.)  There is nothing more beautiful than a sunset on a nice summer evening and the sounds of the birds chirping when you wake up.
 
 2.) Gentle breezes are best enjoyed with a lazy nap.....in a camper or tent with all the windows open or on a blanket outside under a shade tree.
 
 3.) Enjoying the company of the ones you love around a crackling campfire can calm even the most frayed nerves.
 
 4.) Learn to laugh at your mistakes, because mistakes will help you learn and laughter will keep you healthy.
 
 5.) Cherish every minute you have with your family because those are the most important minutes of your life.   IMHO, camping is one of the best ways to spend those minutes.
 
 6.) There is absolutely NO mistake you can make while camping that someone else hasn t made before you.  They lived through it and so will you.
 
 7.) You will never be alone.....because ALL of us here at PUT s is with you on this and we WANT you to have a great time!!
 
 I hope this will help[].  Please try not to worry, you will have an AWESOME camping trip.

[birol]

 birol
I have been trying to formulate my thoughts to reply to your generosity all day, but can t find anything which feels sufficient. Will this do ?
 
 

THANK YOU

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 You can be assured that when I upgrade, your generosity will most certainly be used enable another family to fullfil their camping dreams !
 
 I think a trip to VA is in order, and I see no reason not attend the eastern Rally (I will read the forum and learn how/when/where).
 
 And thank you; PUT and all who created it and are working for it;  for putting me in touch with such a great group of campers.
 
 Birol
 
 

[cavman]

 birol
PHEW !!!!!!
 
 I thought that we had overwhelmed you with an attempt to be nice.  I m glad that you haven t taken offense with our offers.
 
 As happy as I am about being able to give someone else happy memories, there are times when offers can have the opposite effect than the original intent.
 
 Now those who have made offers can receive the immediate joy of being with you when you celebrate your birthday.  Maybe even need a cake and some ice cream.
 
 

I do think he should come to the Eastern Rally though. Maybe everyone should take stuff to the rally and make him come there to get it. He could show up and have a campsite all set up.  (Tracy)

 Now comes the question.  How much " stuff"  is to much?  When Birol shows up at the rally, he will have to figure a way to pack the presents for him and the family.
 
 When I had a Aerostar van, I removed both rear and center seats, loaded the camping gear to the top inside and headed out.  If DD and DS attend (and I surely hope they do),  the roof rack (I checked the photo) will come in handy.  From what I am gathering, there will be several members of the PUT Arvee Club who will be contributing various items.  Maybe the trailer idea ain t so bad.
 
 Well, members, what do you say.  Site setup for Birol and family???[]  Talk it up.
 
 

[tlhdoc]

 birol
Sounds good to me.[]

[birol]

 birol
Checked the dates for the eastern rally. Doesn t good look for us. The kids I could maybe bring but, DW just told me that she invited her mother to visit us for a month and that she will go To Turkey for a month with her. So she is definitely out of the picture for the rally.
 
 I am not even sure if the rally will work as I am not a happy camper at the moment [&:]. Coming with the kids is bound to create some issues maybe not .... I simply don t know. So please do not reserve any place for us. If I can come with the kids, I will reserve a place as soon as I know I can.
 
 P.S. I think we can still visit a few of you during the march break and get our booties [8D]. At least we would see cavman and Gone Camping and whomever else who wants & I can line up on our route. It would be nice to see you guys and have a cup of coffee.
 
 P.P.S. Looks like I might be able to come with DD & DS [][][][][]
 
 
 

[Gone-Camping]

 birol
Hey Cavman, Maybe we should set up the tent at Newport News Park, put my air mattress s in there, and let him spend the night at this campground. From a Candanian s standpoint, March weather in Tidewater would probably be prime camping weather for them!!!

[birol]

 birol
After todays -36 celcius, anything would demand that we put on shorts and short sleeves !!!!
 
 Is Norfolk open for visitors ? I don  think so
 
 What day is good for you guys ?? We can be there between 10 th to 14 th. We have to be back home on Friday ...
 
  This is your last chance to back out and keep your treasures [] Short of not being home when we knock on your door with the ram thingie [8D]

[cavman]

 birol
Cliff,
 
 You re probably right about setting up in Newport News Park and  when I first read the thought I responded mentally with " Great" .  Then I reflected momentarily and came to the conclusion that I have more " STUFF"  to pass along than would go into the back of the truck without unloading what is there already.
 
 I can suggest that you come visit me here in Norfolk which would cut your travel distance in half.  You would be more than welcome even if your are in the suburbs of Norfolk.  LOL []
 
 I ll send an email with map and phone number so you can find me.  Let me know. K?
 
 Birol,
 
 NO SUCH LUCK!!!!!![/u]  You ain t gettin  out of it that easy.  " Sides, I already got it out, put it up, checked it out, measured it, counted the parts and pieces, took it down,  packed it back up and then sent you all the pictures.  And you wonder if I ll change my mind??   NOT !!!!
 
 Really though, If you show up here,  It (the " tent) and more will be exchanged for the payment I received in you post Sunday evening.  I am excitedly awaiting for your knock at the door.
 
 I am at home in my leisure (honeydo list notwithstanding) so any day and time is okay.  I ll email a map and phone number (just got a new one) to park you in the front of the house.  Then it will be up to you to knock on the door.
 
 Maybe you will want to show up early on a non-rainey day and we ll go through the setup.  Coffee and donuts anyone?
 
 Let me know.