[SCA-AE] A Camping Question from a Camping Novice

[Michael B. Greenstein]

Greetings, Isolda, from Michael Alewright!

>I discussing the concern of rain water flowing down the tent poles, someone suggested that they knew someone who had cut leather disc that fit over the spike of the tent pole, thus covering the open grommet.? It was suggested that when the leather got wet, it would swell and seal the opening even more.

That might work.  Mine came with punched squares of inner tube or some such, that work reasonably well.  Your leather gasket goes over the spike outside the canvas and beneath the supporting rope(s).

Either way, water running down your poles is not really a problem, provided that your poles are sitting on bare ground, as they should be.  Let your floor tarp be *inside* the rectangle formed by your side poles, and the only water you ever have to worry about is from your central poles; and at worst, *that* will probably be a few drops during the worst of storms.

>I have also thought about using finials.? The expense is a concern right now after spending so much on the tent itself.

I have owned my marquis for quite a few years, now, and I keep meaning to make finials.  It keeps not happening.  And yet, I camp dry.  At this point I consider finials a cosmetic issue rather than a structural one.

>Does anyone have any other suggestions for me.?

Pavilions are WONDERFUL.  Take the money you would have spent on finials, and get a couple area rugs from Ikea to lay on top of your ground tarp.  Your bare feet will thank you.

Now that you have your pavilion, you will begin to grow in Pennsic decadence.  There is shelving to consider: you can buy (I think, from Panther) a collapsible three-shelf support system (you supply the boards for the shelves) that hangs from two of your side poles.  If you prefer it in wrought iron, I direct you to Miller's Crossing (generally right by the empty animal shop at the top of Runestone Hill), which also sells a single-shelf version that features hooks for your closet rod.

A decently-powerful flashlight duct-taped to one of your central poles, pointed up, makes a handy lighting system.

A small collection of wood-scraps and a spirit level are handy to make sure that your bed does not slope.

Since you indicate you are a camping novice, consider that at Cooper's Lake in August we have had temperatures from the three-digits, all the way down into the forties.  Pack accordingly.  Include at least one sweatshirt and a hat you are comfortable sleeping in, along with a pair of gloves.  Make sure that you have at least as much covering UNDER you as over you if the night is chill, or you will find yourself covered in a mountain of blankets yet still very confused about why you are so cold.

Enjoy!  I hope you find this helpful.

- Michael