Some general concerns for a first-timer

#1

Having gone on many camping trips with my family in the past, and sharing an interest in anthro stories, I’m really exited to be going to Campfire Tails this year. However, this is the first time I’ve ever gone to a convention like this, and the first time that I’ve ever traveled somewhere on my own. I’m 22, and just graduated from college a few weeks ago, so I’m not nervous or scared or anything. I should state, though, that the last 6 years of my life have been almost entirely dominated by school and college work, leaving me very little time or money to do anything significant outside my family. What I mean by this is that I have no prior experience to taking a trip like this by myself (I also do not live in a very exiting or convenient part of the state either), and I would like some clarification on several issues.

First, I will most likely be making the trip to and from La Pine by myself, via public transit. This means that I will be very limited in what I can bring with me. Obviously, a properly-outfitted tent, sleeping bag, and proper clothes (Both for warm and cold) are an absolute must as are Sunscreen, Repellant, Band aids/q-tips/etc, environmental-safe soap & shampoo, and other general hygiene supplies. As I understand there will be no electricity, I will likely only bring a few books and a battery-powered CD player for entertainment. Sport and recreation equipment will likely be too much for me to bring. As fun as it would be for the event, I would not be able to bring a furry costume either, even if I had one.

Are there any fundamentals that I’m forgetting about. I’m still working out what I’ll be bringing (and whether I’ll be able to borrow it from my family or not), and if there is anything absolutely crucial that I’m missing (like another category entirely) please let me know.

Second, how much personal space is provided, and how secure will it and the event site in general be? Will I have to protect my stuff from bears or other wild animals? How bad are the insects in the area? Are disease and/or fungus a concern?

Another topic that I have questions regarding is the availability and accessibility of services in town in case of a problem or emergency. I assume that at least some of the personnel and guests at the event will have cars. If there was an issue that required it (say if I were to get a fever and needed some type of medication, or even if some people just needed to get more supplies), would someone be able to drive or carpool to and from town?

This is also related to another issue I have. Since I will need to get to the campsite from La Pine, would It be possible to arrange to meet with someone in town and carpool with them? Would it also be possible to call someone at the event already and have them pick me up? I’ve also asked this at the carpool forums, so I can delete this part if necessary.

These are some issues that I need to have clarified. If I think of anymore in the future, I’ll list them as well.

#2

[quote=“DP^2, post:1, topic:484”]Second, how much personal space is provided, and how secure will it and the event site in general be? Will I have to protect my stuff from bears or other wild animals? How bad are the insects in the area? Are disease and/or fungus a concern?

Another topic that I have questions regarding is the availability and accessibility of services in town in case of a problem or emergency. I assume that at least some of the personnel and guests at the event will have cars. If there was an issue that required it (say if I were to get a fever and needed some type of medication, or even if some people just needed to get more supplies), would someone be able to drive or carpool to and from town?[/quote]

The only animals I know of that pose a threat to people out there are rattlesnakes, but the chances of running into one is rare. Rule of thumb is to never stick your hands/feet anywhere you can’t see. Bears are not an issue camping in Oregon afaik. Mosquitoes will probably be present after dark, so bug spray might be a good idea.
I don’t know exactly how much personal space you get, but from past camping trips and seeing pictures from previous events, there should be ample room.
La Pine is only about 15 min from the camp site, and has basic services. There are a lot of people driving themselves, so i’m sure carpools can be arranged if needed.

Hope that answers a few of your questions.

#3

For this being your first trip on your own, you certainly seem to have a good grasp on knowing how to take care of yourself.

Make sure to check out this of camping supplies and general recommendations: http://forum.campfiretails.org/2012-carpooling-gear-exchange/cft's-big-old-list-of-camping-supplies-to-bring! which might help answer some of your questions on gear.

The camp site is fairly large, and while campsites are going to semi close clusters of tents. There is still generally plenty of places right around the camp area for you to lounge or get some quiet time if needed. There are plenty of bugs, which mostly is mosquitoes, flies, and ants (Last year I didn’t see any yellow jackets). According to rangers (last year), there hasn’t been bears spotted in the area in over five years, cougars are non-present. Coyotes are around the park but there aren’t going to venture into noisy areas like the camp.

Quite a bit of the staff have personal vehicles on hand (myself included). However do be aware the nearest major hospital is fairly far away. Staff does what they can to make sure most potential hazards can be avoided, but remember the simple things like hydration.

You might want to check the Carpooling forum on maybe snagging a pickup. Make sure you note when you plan to get there and when you would need to leave. (Noticed you posted there already lol)

#4

Sitku’s reply answers most of your questions fairly well.

Definitely bring bug spray, especially for when the sun goes down to keep the mosquitoes off of you. We have pretty much no problem with any wild animals due the the noise we make and amount of people we have moving around the site. The most you’ll see are squirrels and chipmunks raiding our trashcans.

Nobody should be scrounging through anybody else’s tent without permission from the tent’s owner and as far as I know, we’ve never had a problem with people getting into someone else’s things. I’ve even fallen asleep in my tent with the door open in the middle of the day during past events and no one’s come to bother me. Most people seem to be fairly respectful of others belongings, but if you’re worried, perhaps you can bring along a type of small luggage lock of something to keep your tent closed, just be sure to not lose your key for it!

While there isn’t a major hospital nearby, we do have a trained on call nurse on staff and all our camp hosts will be equipped with basic medical supplies. The biggest issue to look out for is keeping yourself properly hydrated, be sure to have a water bottle that you can keep on hand at all times and we do have clean, drinkable water on site. Other than that, practice common sense and you should have no problem avoiding any major accidents.

#5

My best advice, look over the member list at the folks going this year. If you know someone there, excellent. Let them know you are coming. If you don’t know anyone there, then look around at posts, find someone who looks friendly. (AKA Anyone except that bitch Crowley) (<3 Crowley)

Use the time in between now and then to build a mini support network. Find folks you can hang out with, chat with, or go to in case something feels off. When you get there and set up your tent, you should meet your Camp Counselor. Consider them a go to guy or gal.

In all, we build our self-selected community out there, FurTown, The Wild Wild West Coast, Fur-ning Man, Furapalooza, whatever. We’re all pretty awesome. Welcome home.

#6

I wouldnt mind picking you up from town :3 I will be there on the 1st early so give me a call whenever you get in town on the 2nd and i can pick ya up ^^

#7

Sure thing, let me send you a PM about it.

-And it apparently didn’t go through. I just now sent you a reply to yours, hope it works this time.