Let's see how camping in 2020 is going to work out...
Here it is, June of 2020, and just now getting started on the Camper Award program. Unless you've been living under a rock, any rock on this planet, you know the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, have been ravaging the planet for the entirety of 2020 so far. However, due to lifted restrictions, camping is now open! Time to get started! The place? Graham Cave State Park, one I know so well and, keeping social distancing in mind, is typically not that crowded.
This trip brought out several new pieces of equipment that were itching to see some use! The current conditions even prompted the purchase of additional pieces of equipment to better avoid the inevitable hotspots of gatherings of people (public bathrooms and showers). First off was trying a new tent! Bigger than any tent I have owned to date, the new Coleman 6 person tent with dark room technology did not disappoint! The so called dark room technology was perfect for blocking the light from the headlights of passing cars as well as the early morning sunlight as you look to maximize your sleep. As far as coping with the the way things are now, newly purchased was the popup privacy shelter that functions as a shower and bathroom (though most definitely not at the same time). This was never really considered for my gear until the global pandemic started. Then it very much became mandatory to have a means of using the bathroom and taking a shower without using public facilities...
Of course, this trip was more than just trying new gear or learning to cope with the way things are... This was all about getting back to rest, relaxation, and the great outdoors! Unfortunately, due to the late start this year, it was already turning to summer and summer around here is just plain uncomfortable. With temperature highs around 90°F and humidity to match, it can feel like you're in the Amazon rainforest. Hardly the most comfortable time to go camping. Regardless of the conditions, there are definitely ways to cope and cope we did! When it got hot, you just put your camp chair in the shade and took a nap. Now that's the way to beat the heat! All in all, despite the weather and global pandemic, this trip was a much needed success and one I will look to repeat throughout 2020 and into the future as long as the pandemic rages on!
Span of 3 days; Approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes of cumulative driving; Approximately 147.7 miles; Approximately 13.57 gallons of gas used; Approximate average MPG 10.88; Approximately $24.14 spent on gas; Average fuel consumption rate 3.5710 gallons per hour.
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