Campground 3.0 - AKA Fort Harper

Ok, so the Swiss tent had treated us good. We figured we had it around for about 4 or 5 years. Some of you even had the pleasure of crashing in it a few times on the float trips. There were a few times when people we didn't even know wandered in through the course of the night. One particular instance when someone swore at one point there was a midget that had taken residence but vanished in the morning. Memories... But alas "The Taj" had met its match in Rocky and was merely limping through its existence. He had to go. I'd like to think that he would've understood.
We could have gone to Wally World and gotten something along the same lines, but that would be too easy. It was time to take it up a notch. Something fitting of this Northern Latitude. Without further ado, we present Fort Harper.



Pretty cool, huh? Yeah, but before you go out a grab one let me point out that this tent isn't exactly a quick setup. Of course we thought 90 degrees with 95 percent humidity, setting up a new canvas tent weighing upwards of a 100lbs would also be just the kind of relationship test Kel and I needed. (Caveat: Still married!)



For anyone interested, it has a steel conduit frame for an internal structure, but can be set up using only rope if needed.


You probably can't tell, but that is one exhausted smile, and I am drenched. It was not raining. It came along pretty smoothly from there. I know, I know more pictures less talk. Here is a shot of the roof from the inside.





It is fireproof, and looking to the future we procured a wood stove to go along with it. The only hurdle now will be to quell Kelly's love for fire so that she doesn't burn us all alive. I mean that in the sincerest fashion, of course.





The tent is 14 x16 and has plenty of room for us and the pups. Though with all that room Rocky still insists on sleeping right next to me by the bed. I'd like to think it is his sentiment for me, but lets face facts. I'm the fattest person in that tent and I put off a good deal of heat.



Other than that not too much happening on the Eastern seaboard. We're still deciding on our next gig and are figuring something in the South East for the Winter and then perhaps somewhere in the North West for the next winter. That is at best a very loose plan and may change tomorrow. Eh, whadda ya gunna do, eh? Ok, time to head into the woods to kill a moose for a proper mount above the tent doors.

Danger Report

Well things seem to be falling into routine as of late. Kelly and I have of course been so busy with work that we had time to take a few pictures.

Ahhh... smell the pride.

Hmmm... I think I smell something different...

Other than that it has been getting pretty warm up here. At least for Maine that is. When it hits 80 around here people flock to ice cream shops like its Armageddon or something. We have been making our rounds going to all the different State Parks. Mackworth Island was the last one we visited.

This was part of some civil war pier that was for ship docking or something yada, yada, who can remember these things anyway. Look at the big friggin' wall.

Another we went to was Two Lights. It just has some crazy views of the ocean and great picnic spots.

Next update should be about the new tent Kel and I got. We haven't got it delivered yet, but should be getting it sometime next week. The erection of Fort Harper Moose Tavern will follow. Until then just remember who has thumbs and likes to party hardy.

These guys!

Mainestay

Kelly's note: I know we're throwing a lot out there, with homemade washers and whatnot, but we've got a bit to catch you up on too.

Previously, we'd planned to head south to Florida for a second camp hosting assignment in Aug. We've changed plans since Matt has the Danger Ranger position. We'll stay in Maine probably through Sept. May even stay to see the leaves change in Oct, but then we're bee-lining south for the winter. I'm not ready to have my feet amputated from a Maine winter in a tent. Not sure where yet. What would a blog be without a little suspense?

Other side notes: I got a haircut too! From Matt. And not with a butcher knife. He actually did a pretty decent job with kitchen scissors.


And we found another cool hangout spot. Mini Peni was about a 30 min drive away, so we went exploring for something a little closer to camp. Found a locally homegrown swimmin' hole just a few miles away. A quick retreat for more picnics, leash-free hikes, and cool off dips.




And not a bad break from the salt water, either. There's a couple canoes sitting around in the camp shed that we'll try to dust off in the rivers here and have our own mini float trip. Because what would the summer be without a float trip??? (Have one for us, guys.)

Since we've decided to stay for the summer, we've found ourselves making it more and more like home each day. Even threw together a little garden behind the shower house.


Hopefully we'll have some spinach, swiss chard, carrots, cucumbers, snap peas, cilantro, and basil in a couple months! (PS - Matt has been eating his vegetables. Though they are well hidden in a soup or tomato sauce, they are in fact being digested. We've even had several vegetarian dinners since meat is only available on grocery trip days.)

And we've fallen into somewhat of a daily routine. We're both working out still, and I've finally found some good spots to roll out the yoga mat. One of the lean-to's works pretty well.

Washman Prototype

Ok, so I haven't exactly been keeping completely to my plan of laziness and procrastination. A man has to have clean undies. This has been known since caveman times. Kelly and I have been prototyping a state of the art wash system and hope to have the patent done in time for the new year. I'd hate to put Tim out of business, but I think if need be I could cut him a deal on our Platinum Line.

Ladies and gentlemen...


I
give you
the pleasure,
neigh the privilege,
neigh the blessing that is...



The Washman 5000
Platinum Edition with Multiple Cat Capacity

I know what your thinking. I think it everyday.

"Matt how am I supposed to do my tough laundry with only a 3 cat capacity plunge agitation wash system?"

Easy, with the Washman 5000 double plastique floater plunge those tough dirties have never been easier.




Order now for our exclusive easy top loader lid in Corvette Red!

Side Effects may include but not limited to: Hairballs, cravings for Meow Mix, humming the awful Meow Mix song, cravings for white lighting, and irreversible transformations to complete hillbillyitus at publication date having no cure.

Mini Peni

So we come to what has been our favorite spot so far. It came about that we found said place by getting a bit lost on some seedy back roads. Mini Peni - We call it that because when we first found it there was the cool peninsula jutted out into the bay.

So we sat had a few beers, attempted to solve world peace, and ate peanuts. After the peanuts and beer was gone it was obviously time to go regardless of how far we got on world peace. It just so happens though that we had arrived at low tide. Mini Peni then turned into the infamous Mini Island. The first time we were there it was only around 50 deg out so it was a bit cold hiking through the thigh high Atlantic. Anyway, that is the story behind Mini Peni and we liked it so much we went back when it was warmer to challenge the tide.

That is the remnant of Mini Peni in the top right corner. About one Friggin' rock.

Picnicking waiting for Mini Peni to arise from the depths.

Well I told you I wouldn't be doing much. For the record I haven't. Told you so. Though it does look like I am going to start work earlier than anticipated so the wave of dawdling that is unemployment has crashed on the banks of dutiful work.