Staying Up Late?

[carmen]

On the first night we usually do but after that we try to get a decent routine going so we are up earlier to enjoy more of the day light hours. Anything less is just wasting the suns energy to us.

[Eaglescout 49]

After a long and usually uncomfortable drive to the campground, setting up camp and fixing an elaborate meal, I usually turn in fairly early the first night. I stay up late on subsequent nights. On any night of the campout, however, when nature calls (usually about 3 a.m.) and I have to get out of my sleeping bag and the tent, I take the opportunity to pour a glass of wine or mix a cocktail, and sit at the table looking at the stars and recalling Shakespeare's phrase: "Look how the floor of heaven Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold." It makes you feel pretty small and very lucky.

[SpencerT]

Originally Posted by Miley

It really depends on the situation and activities planned on the next day. I like to stay up late, and enjoy the campfire and company, for as long as possible. I feel fine, the next day, almost like the wilderness energizes me.

I'm the same way. I stay up late at home and it doesn't change when I go on a trip or go camping, but of course if there is something planned for early morning, I'll get a little sleep for it. I tend to run on maybe 5 hours of sleep anyways.

[Mary Beth]

I also stay up, when there is a campfire going. Why waste such a perfect atmosphere? Star gazing, marshmallows, talking, and maybe some drinks, just general merriment. I always feel fine the next day, even if I only got a few hours rest.

[briansnat]

Originally Posted by oldsarge

I like staying up late by a fire. It's relaxing and a great time to crank up the cigar.

I'm with you. When the wife retires to the tent I spark up the cigar, pour me some Bushmills and I'll sit by the fire until it dies.

Never had a problem the next day. In fact I'm invariably the first one up in the morning.

[ejdixon]

Originally Posted by Mary Beth

I also stay up, when there is a campfire going. Why waste such a perfect atmosphere? Star gazing, marshmallows, talking, and maybe some drinks, just general merriment. I always feel fine the next day, even if I only got a few hours rest.

I agree. I guess it's also the fact that you're more relaxed outdoors and you're able to sleep so much better. There are times when I would only get about 3-4 hours or so of sleep while camping, especially with friends. But never really had a problem waking up compared to regular days when I get 8 hours and I have to get up and literally drag myself to work.

[dinosaur]

When I camp I do what I want when I want. If that should include staying up all night, so be it. The next day I sleep in and start later. What's the problem? Is your boss going to call?

[Survivo]

Originally Posted by dinosaur

When I camp I do what I want when I want. If that should include staying up all night, so be it. The next day I sleep in and start later. What's the problem? Is your boss going to call?

I agree, it's not like you have an assignment or a mission to accomplish, unless you do and then it's an entirely different story. Relax and enjoy every second of it.

[Gus]

As others have already pointed out - it depends on what your camping agenda is.

I can do it either way, but since a campfire, and the camaraderie that comes from just sitting around it are generally a major part of my camping outings - staying up late is typical for us.

Gus

[Dura Mater]

I like to do whatever I want to do. Being in the woods is about fun and relaxation so if it's a lively night by the campfire then that's what I'm doing. If the people are starting to bore me I'll go to bed LOL. Schedules are for workdays!