So what's a Campfire Chatter Forum,

[BlackJim]

without so much as an attempt at Campfire Tales ? Guess it's up to me as this fire needs to be stoked abit or else toss a pineknot upon it.


Long Weekend at Big Meadows.

Another not so normal Camping Adventure.


As usual we got off to a late start and it was damn near 1:00 pm when my friend and I exited from I-64 outside of Waynesboro Virginia thus hitting the little store, before jumping on the Skyline Drive. We needed something to cut the dust and felt some cold suds would suit us just fine. Settled on an 8-pack of pony bottles, they could be more easily concealed as open containers in the National Park was forbidden. Traveling ever upwards we left Afton heading North to Big Meadows at the 35 mph speed limit. With Scenic Stops as to 'catch up with the altitude', a good 3 to 4 hour drive, we should make camp right around supper time. Just play it cool, follow the rules, especially the enforced speed limit. Kinda hard when the driver has a lead foot.....

[BlackJim]

As always during mid-Spring The Skyline Drive makes for a scenic journey also allowing travelers a few stops to stretch car-stiff legs and a chance to cop a good view. We managed to get in a short hike at 'Loft' Mountain and make what was thought to be Good Medicine. The area was in a riot of many colors and hues as upland wildflowers were in full bloom and Trees at new leaf. Dazzled by the brilliant scenery we took our leave of this popular Recreational Area and CampGround bound for the Upland Meadows
As this day was growing old in time well spent we decided to push straight on with no more stops thus allowing a CampMaking at the BigMeadows before Nightfall with abit of dusk to spare and relish.

Winding, climbing
and dipping Upland Road..

[BlackJim]

We may have been doing over 50 mph coming down a part of Lewis Mountain on the scenic Skyline Drive when a Ranger Patrol Car went by us via the Southbound lane. Eyes nervously gazed at rearview mirrors as this unit made it's way Southward uphill, then we caught the faroff flash of mounted lights and turn signal.

There was to be a pause in our journey.

My fellow traveler took full advantage of the scenic overlook pulloff right around the bend, where we chucked the empties in a NationalPark waist container, then swiftly re-entered the vehicle and await unexpected fate.

Not a second too late as the Ranger pulled in beside us. At first there was the first phase of the ol 'Make em sweat abit' aspect of this process, followed by the customary 'handing over of driving credentials' then the second phase of 'Making em sweat again' hoping everything is up to standards, followed by the symbolic return of credentials before the ceremonial Questions and Measures begin.

"Do you know how fast you were traveling when I went by you ?"

"43 mph sir ?"

"Try 53. "

He then inquired if we had any firearms, open alcohol containers, or illegal substances on our person or in the vehicle.


My friend's face turned colors as he responded - "There's a 38 cal. pistol in the trunk"

"Will you give me the keys so I can take a look ?"

'I'll get it, it's unloaded" my traveling companion said with a nervous titter and a halfsmile upon his grey face.

"Please hand me the keys and remain in your car sir"

I think something like - 'Oh Sh!t' was slapping the insides of my swiftly sobering head as  this exciting, yet tense part of our High Adventure unfolded against a scenic upland view..

[BlackJim]

"It's under the red campingbag, next to that box of kindling"

As we heard the latches on the custom made case container snap open, I may of asked - "What the #uck are youing doing carrying a handgun up into the National Park ?" My wide-eye companion was lost for words.

The Ranger told us he was gonna run the gun, to check it's  status, and we should remain in the car.

"That pea-shooter of yours better be legal, you #ucking dolt, as I sure the hell don't want to be spending my off time in some smalltown pokey"

"It's cool man, that's my dad's gun."

"He didn't buy it from one of your other friends, did he ?"


The minutes dragged like a slime trailing sleepy snail, then finally our traffic stop host returned with both good and bad news. The 38 checked out clean, but gave my friend a Speeding in a Federal/National Park ticket, and advised he could send in the cost of fine etc. to the address listed. A hefty sum indeed, glad it wasn't on my tab.

We made out in the long run as nothing else in our gear was inspected.


Big Meadows Campground was truly a welcomed sight as we pulled in an made our way to register for a site.
We picked out a high level tent site softly covered in Pine needles, making for good sleeping. After a few well deserved pulls off our jug of Homemade Shenandoah Amber Wonder, we set ourselves to the important task of tent pitching and making camp. Even half crocked on good booze we had it all down to a science and had about everything at ready in no time. It was when we took a breather before getting supper started,


our friend the Ranger pulled up beside camp...

[BlackJim]

"Oh holy #^(king sh!t " escaped my lips in a mumbled whisper as he exited his vehicle and approached 'Flip' in a stiff Jack Webb-like gait.

Now what ?

Perhaps a second look, once we had everything unpacked, hopefully he was only gonna take the ammo to make sure everybody enjoyed a safe camping experience.

"Sir, I gave you your registration back, but forgot your drivers license back, noticed it laying on my seat a while after you left. Sorry about that sir, here you go. "  -

[Talbot Biff]

Chatter around that campfire, sing, tell stories. Play a word game perhaps, such as First and Last Letter, in which one player says a word, and the next player must come up with a word that begins with the last letter of the previous player's word. For instance, if the first player says marshmallow, then the second player must think of a word beginning with w.

[Sewndry]

Wow sound like a nice adventure and camping time. Just make sure the park ranger won't caught you having liquor with you. good luck and have a nice camping moment.

[Hemathu Jim]

I really love campfire, It helps to get more relax...We can sing, have chit & chat, enjoy the night's cold etc etc...... that is really superb, no words to express that...however, In my busy schedule, I do not hve time to do that nowadays, enjoy some kind of happy via reading posts here in this forum,..... that is great........

[BlackJim]

Wow sound like a nice adventure and camping time. Just make sure the park ranger won't caught you having liquor with you. good luck and have a nice camping moment.

Oh the booze was the least of our worries, this trip occured back in 92, a time when we indulged in other recreational substances.

In most of the State and Federal Parks the Rangers were pretty cool about beer and liquor as long as one kept the beverage in a mug, cup or glass and not display an open container. If the party was not overly rowdy or screw up in any fashion, drinking was not a problem.

[RJD]

Sounds like a bad start to a good day of camping.Luckly firearms ain't illegal in the National Forrest. I usualy take my .357 or  a .22 levergun with me when I go outback. Although, I did have a fella in fatigues carrying a M16 stop me once when camping in the Kaibab. He was looking for poachers, he just asked if I was carrying a firearm. I told him no (even thou my .357 was in my pack) I just said I'm out camping not hunting. He let me procede. I was surprised he didn't take my suitcase of Natural Lite.
I did fire my .357 during the night and sure enough the Feds were out there, I heard them start their pickup and start driving around looking for who fired the gun. They never found me. I did some target shooting the next day and a helicopter flew by overhead, but I was never approached by anybody.