Camping Whiplash

Two weeks ago we packed up the tent trailer and headed up to our favorite wilderness camp spot, the San Joaquin River area near Devil's Postpile outside of Mammoth Lakes.  It had been 3 years since we had been up there.  It's a state-run campground with vault bathrooms (cinder block-walled outhouses) and no electricity.  The river runs beside the campground, and all manner of wildlife pass through, such as deer, bears, and mountain lions.  Our favorite spot is a camp site in the Minaret Falls Campground nestled between 3 giant pine trees, just 150 feet from the river.  

When we were there 3 years ago,

 we were struck by how many gigantic RV's had managed to make the treacherous drive down into the valley.  To get to the campgrounds, you have to inch your way down a winding, 1 1/2 lane road with the mountain on one side, and a several hundred foot drop on the other.  When you encounter oncoming traffic, say one of those full-sized shuttle busses tourist

s take into the valley, you have to squeeze by.  I used to wonder if this road was the inspiration for that magical wizards bus in the Harry Potter books.  It was tough enough getting our SUV and tent trailer down and up the road, so that is why I remember so well just how many full-sized RV's had made it down there.  Our trailer looked like a little hut next to a row of mansions when we camped down there.  

This year, we didn't see an

y of those huge motorcoaches.  There were a few of those giant

 trailers, 5th Wheels, toy haulers and such.  But no big motor coaches, except for the one belonging to the camp host.  Gas prices being what they are, $5/gallon, I can understand.  If the RV gas tank holds 100 gallons, thats $500 a tank to go about 500 miles.  

So, back to our story.  The camping this year was epic.  I taught

 Ethan to fly fish, and he caught his first two trout.  One on a prince nymph and o

ne on an adams parachute dry fly.  He hooked 15 or 20 other fish but couldn't bring them in.  We went to Devil's Postpile, R

ainbow Falls, and explored the wilderness just around the camp ground.  It was serene, idyllic, and perfect.  Relying on our marine battery, water  and propane tanks, we lived comfortably with lights at night, a stove and grill to cook on, and hot water to wash the dishes. 

In all, we spent 4 days there.  It was perfect.

Several months ago, Geri booked us into the KOA (Kampgro

unds of America) in Metro San Diego.  It's actually in Chula Vista nestled in the armpit of the 54/805 interchange.  We pulled in this past weekend to a glorified parking lot with e

lectrical, water, and cable hookups.  Obviously no camping trip is complete without cable tv.  As you can see below, Owen is trying to make the best of the "outdoor" experience by playing with the kitty litter upon which we camped.

The people who work at the KOA are nice enough.  Actually, they're too nice.  They wear nuclear Hawaiian shirts and drive in souped up golf carts.  They smile maniacally and tell you they're glad to see you.  

Above our heads, cars and trucks rumbled by, and right behind us the pool serenaded us with screams, splashes and laughter from the uniformly obese RV enthusiasts.  

You couldn't get two more vastly different camping experiences in successive weekends.  Well, I suppose you could, but it would require either interplanetary travel or in-laws.  

Both experiences are considered camping, but there isn't much they have in common.  KOA camping at Chula Vista is to Minaret Falls what Kindergarten is to college.  

I'm sure I'll return to this topic or theme.  What's wrong with our society that people would buy $50-100,o00  RV's to watch TV in a different place?  I know.  I'm cynical.