Rain + Camping + Music festivals. Would you? There’s a fine line between the cathartic and chaotic qualities of rain. It can be about more than a couple of inches filling the rain gauge. It’s a feeling. Rain’s gently soothing ways, versus the ominous blackness of approaching clouds. The introspection of our greater place in it all, against the unnerving shrill of a weather alert blaring from your smartphone.
Though we may find pleasure in rain, sometimes, like dogs and other animals, you just know a storm is out there and shit’s about to go sideways. It’s instinctual, from back when early homo sapiens would scramble into their caves as the clouds loomed and the gods boomed in discontent. As those winds suddenly changed direction and the air turned cool, they just knew the heavens were angry. Today, campers among us head to the safety of the RV or the tent or the car. But the gut reaction is the same. Must. Seek. Shelter.
When camping in the woods or a music festival, are you prepared to weather any storm?
Continue reading “Cathartic or Chaotic, Finding Comfort Camping in Lousy Weather”
When I told my wife I would be traveling solo and camping alone at the Suwannee Roots Revival Music Festival in Live Oak, Fla., more than 350 miles and a six-hour tow from home, she wondered why I’d go alone. Wouldn’t the solitude and seclusion be unsettling? No one to talk to or hang with or enjoy the music beside? Wouldn’t I be… Lonely?
As RV campers (who also happen to dig live music festivals), we’re witness each fall to an occurrence that saddens us. Friends and fellow campers beyond Florida are telling tales of some alien practice: winterizing their campers. What is this “winterizing” they speak of so forlornly? The short story is simple: Campers carry water in pipes and holding tanks. Let it freeze, and both could burst. Not only would the repair cost no small fortune, but it could be next winter before the RV repair shop gets to your job. So, owners drain the system and pipe in antifreeze. It’s an annual chore that people like us in SoFla cannot begin to comprehend. Besides, we’re putting Damp Rid in our rigs during the summertime. We all bemoan the chores that speak to the seasons we may loathe, for one reason or another.
Looking to upgrade your camper’s stereo system? Aren’t we all? We met a couple at Lockn’ Music Festival – Kris Hall and Nick Mullins – who mostly gutted the stereo in their travel trailer and installed a serious system. Their story is below. Warning: Audiophiles will dig the depth of detail Nick queued up. Others’ eyes may glaze over. Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have a camper or care about AV, find people like Kris and Nick who do. They’ll have the best sound around.