KartRacer31
Flashlight Enthusiast
:wave:Wow!! We are totally overdue for another FCW (Flashaholics Camping Weekend!) I couldn't believe it when I looked and noticed that FCW-12 was back in 2015! So it's time for FCW-13! The 13th Flashaholics Camping Weekend Get Together!!
Since we have already done 12 of these get togethers, and have gone back to the same campgrounds several times, perhaps it's time for a new location. Not that there is anything wrong with all of the past locations we have been to, but a new location offers new places to explore etc. So that brings me to the hard part... picking a new location that will serve us well. No matter what location I pick it will be a long ride for someone to get to (this one happens to be roughly 2 hours from my home). So I'm focusing less on the GPS location of were we are going, and more so on what the location has to offer us. I take many factors into consideration, but some that stand out are: The location needs to be somewhat set away from others - because we want to have our own area away from other people with screaming kids and people that think the wilderness is a good place to crank up their stereo and blast us with whatever kind of music they think we should all be listening to. LOL And of course we need our own area because others may not appreciate why we are lighting up the night sky with our lights. Ample parking is a consideration, as are flush toilets and even showers if any one wants them. So with all that and several other factors taken into consideration I've come up with what seems to be a great option for us. Lakawanna State Park in PA. You can see the park map here: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_003994.pdf The sites for us are the Ledges area. There are only 6 sites there, which is a good thing because that means less money for us to spend to have the whole area to ourselves. However in reality there is much more room in that area than it appears, and we will have pleanty of room to spread out and fit many more than 6 tents. I have not actually camped there, however, I have physically been there and looked around - it's a decent area that should provide everything we need for a great get together.
It always amazes me that the FCW events don't draw as many people as the "in-a-house" get togethers. It just seems like a natural to me that flashlight lovers would be looking for the perfect excuse to use there lights...camping. Anyway, even if you don't want to stay overnight in a tent, you can join the get together for the day/evening etc. And if they are available, Lackawanna State Park offers: Three camping cottages and two yurts are in the Carpentertown Loop. Camping cottages feature wooden walls and floors, windows, porch, and electric lights and outlets. Each cottage sleeps five people in bunk beds. Yurts are round, canvas and wood walled tents with a wooden deck. They feature a cooking stove, microwave oven, refrigerator, countertop, table, chairs, electric heat and outlets, and sleep four or five people in bunk beds. So if they are available, and you don't want to sleep in a tent, and don't want to drive all the way home, these may be a viable option for you.
I'll try to reach out to the usual "regulars" that have participated in most of the first 12 FCW's, but please help spread the word about FCW-13. These get together threads seem to be missed quite often. Anyone who isn't a jerk is welcome to come.
When: Well this is always another tough one. No matter what date I pick it will not be good for someone! So the best I can do is base that choice on campground availability and the historic weather averages for that area. RIGHT NOW - all 6 sites at the Ledges area are available for September 22nd, 23rd, 24th. That is check in on Friday and out on Sunday. The historic temps for that area show mid to low 70's during the day and mid 50's at night. Which should be great camping weather. That weekend also happens to fall just after a new moon, so it should be nice and dark there!
I need to get some interest, support and commitment to attend - and then we need to book the spots ASAP. Oh, by the way, it appears that the sites are only $19 each per night! Rather reasonable.
OK - let me hear from you guys!!! Please post your interest here in the thread. Thanks --Tim
Since we have already done 12 of these get togethers, and have gone back to the same campgrounds several times, perhaps it's time for a new location. Not that there is anything wrong with all of the past locations we have been to, but a new location offers new places to explore etc. So that brings me to the hard part... picking a new location that will serve us well. No matter what location I pick it will be a long ride for someone to get to (this one happens to be roughly 2 hours from my home). So I'm focusing less on the GPS location of were we are going, and more so on what the location has to offer us. I take many factors into consideration, but some that stand out are: The location needs to be somewhat set away from others - because we want to have our own area away from other people with screaming kids and people that think the wilderness is a good place to crank up their stereo and blast us with whatever kind of music they think we should all be listening to. LOL And of course we need our own area because others may not appreciate why we are lighting up the night sky with our lights. Ample parking is a consideration, as are flush toilets and even showers if any one wants them. So with all that and several other factors taken into consideration I've come up with what seems to be a great option for us. Lakawanna State Park in PA. You can see the park map here: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_003994.pdf The sites for us are the Ledges area. There are only 6 sites there, which is a good thing because that means less money for us to spend to have the whole area to ourselves. However in reality there is much more room in that area than it appears, and we will have pleanty of room to spread out and fit many more than 6 tents. I have not actually camped there, however, I have physically been there and looked around - it's a decent area that should provide everything we need for a great get together.
It always amazes me that the FCW events don't draw as many people as the "in-a-house" get togethers. It just seems like a natural to me that flashlight lovers would be looking for the perfect excuse to use there lights...camping. Anyway, even if you don't want to stay overnight in a tent, you can join the get together for the day/evening etc. And if they are available, Lackawanna State Park offers: Three camping cottages and two yurts are in the Carpentertown Loop. Camping cottages feature wooden walls and floors, windows, porch, and electric lights and outlets. Each cottage sleeps five people in bunk beds. Yurts are round, canvas and wood walled tents with a wooden deck. They feature a cooking stove, microwave oven, refrigerator, countertop, table, chairs, electric heat and outlets, and sleep four or five people in bunk beds. So if they are available, and you don't want to sleep in a tent, and don't want to drive all the way home, these may be a viable option for you.
I'll try to reach out to the usual "regulars" that have participated in most of the first 12 FCW's, but please help spread the word about FCW-13. These get together threads seem to be missed quite often. Anyone who isn't a jerk is welcome to come.
When: Well this is always another tough one. No matter what date I pick it will not be good for someone! So the best I can do is base that choice on campground availability and the historic weather averages for that area. RIGHT NOW - all 6 sites at the Ledges area are available for September 22nd, 23rd, 24th. That is check in on Friday and out on Sunday. The historic temps for that area show mid to low 70's during the day and mid 50's at night. Which should be great camping weather. That weekend also happens to fall just after a new moon, so it should be nice and dark there!
I need to get some interest, support and commitment to attend - and then we need to book the spots ASAP. Oh, by the way, it appears that the sites are only $19 each per night! Rather reasonable.
OK - let me hear from you guys!!! Please post your interest here in the thread. Thanks --Tim
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