SETTING UP CAMP
Well, we have arrived at the lake and the campgrounds. We usually have a pretty good idea of where we're going to camp and when we get there, it's get to the site and set up.
Our rule is the first thing is get unloaded and camp set up before any swimming or fishing and everyone has to help. We have two three-room tents to set up and that's first and then getting everyone's personal gear stowed away. After that, the kids go scouting for wood, and Froggy and I set up the kitchen area. Then I hang up the lines for wet clothes and make sure all the other gear is organized.
Now's the best time...get a fire going and put on the old coffee pot. My used to be silver, but now black pot holds 20 cups and I like to make it on the wood fire. Just seems like it tastes so much better that way.
Depending on the time we get there, usually after the wood comes in and we're set up, then it's time to put the boat in, make a bait run and then the kids are on their own. If its close to a meal time then I get that going and then the discussion where to set the trot line.
Now it's just good relaxation time, sitting around or going down to do some fishing.
Our favorite place to go is at Bucksaw Point at Truman Reservoir. That's the number one place 90% of the time. We know the area well, and if you ever get to Truman, make sure you go to Warsaw and go to Cowpatties. It's a little hole in the wall restaurant and they serve a giant hamburger that's as big as the plate(one full pound), or a tenderloin that big. It's a tradition with us to go there at least once a year and get stuffed. Another tradition is our first breakfast of the campout. Every campout, our first breakfast consists of bacon, sausage, hashbrowns and eggs. I didn't do it for one campout, and after I heard about it for months, decided I'd not forget it again. For over nineteen years we've been doing it.
Hamburgers and hotdogs are a big staple with us on campouts when we want to keep the activities going and not be saddled with big meals, but we do have our times when the eating is the big part of the campout, and come up with some great meals. Be sure to check out our section of camp recipes and ideas.
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