Judy Ann

Did you go to charleston and the shore or did you go backpacking? I went on a backpacking trip with canoe support. We were 6 days in the woods but just backpacked in and out with some day hikes. A cpl guys came across in a canoe and brought some luxury items that included steak and potatoes. You can see a trip report at backpacker in the midatlantic section. Hope you are healed up and ready to go. Got any trips planned? I'm not sure yet what I will be doing.

I must have went upstairs about the time you posted. Can we chat in there?

That ENO pad holder looks nice. Are you getting one? Do you have a hammock yet? Some folks sleep with their dogs in the hammock with them. How are you doing? Healing ok?

I got the screen from directly from springbar website. I couldnt find anything online about using it with a flexbow, but I set it up today and the screen fit well. The flexbow awning poles are about a half inch too long but I may get an adjustable tarp pole to use with it. The outdoor mat is really nice too. I tried to post a pic but I couldn't. Here is some links.

Springbar® Tent Accessories

The Springbar Store: Awnings & accessories: Screen Enclosure 1230

Inside I used a drymate tent carpet and Coghlans tent mat.

http://www.drymate.com/DRYMATE/myart...180&PubID=4785

Amazon.com: Coghlan's Inside/Outside Tent Mat: Sports & Outdoors

Hey, I went on a scout Campout with the flexbow thought you may learn from my mistake. I folded it up as I thought was instructed but didn't fold it over and ended up rolling one of the little metal pegs on some canvas and punctured it through three layers. A local awning company fixed the holes and I hope the hold well. Kodiak said a "glue patch" doesn't void the warranty. Anyway I had packed it away 2-3 times before properly and didn't follow the instructions the time it happened. My fault. I made a little padded pocket surrounded by duct tape to tie on those metal prongs when storing just in case from now on. Any trouble you have had with tear or puncture? FYI I bought a springbar door mat and awning screen to try in a SC lake Campout this month. Hope it helps the bugs.

Follow their instructions about the bears and you will be fine. The only time I ever see a bear is when I solo. They really do prefer to avoid people and a single doesn't make enough noise.

Where are you flying into? Is someone meeting you?

I'll keep you posted on my next years plans and maybe you can see some of Idaho. Be sure to post pics of your Absorka trip.

LOL...definitely didn't give enough information did I?! I'm planning on flying, boarding the dog, will not go to PG unless I fly out of Denver and will be close to Dubois as my first trip is with John Betts from the Absaroka Ranch. I wouldn't venture into bear country out west without a death grip on bearspray and an expert outdoorsman nearby. His family owns the business and I jumped at the chance to join the group and meet a few folks from backpacker forum.

I am open to anything that gets me into country with mountain lakes and vistas like you post in your albums, however Idaho will have to wait until next year. If I don't hook up with a group to bp I'll rent a car and do a road trip in Wyoming. It's a win-win either way I figure!

Sounds like a great vacation Judy. I hope your Absorka friends are experienced with bears. That is prime Griz country. Are you driving? Are you taking your dog? And what is your Absorka exit point? And are you talking scenic driving or backpacking or some of both?

Are you going home via Pickle Gulch? Just trying to get a handle on just what you want to see and do and how much time you have to do it. Answer those questions and I will have a better idea of what to suggest.

Hey there -for some reason, I just saw this message! I can't think of any ladies in the Smokies off hand, but if I do I will let you know. Where and when is your big Western trip?

I see you have a 10 x 10 Kodiak Flex-bow. I just got one for me and my 6 year old to camp. Just getting started with camping/scouts with him. Any tips with this tent would be appreaciated. See you are in the south, most posts and reviews were from out west. I live in SC, was wondering how it handles heat and humidity? With windows down ok? -- FYI I lived in Durham for 2 years, went to NCSSM, and then UNC.