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Listening Point - General Discussion

Caring less about comfort

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Last Visit: 05/21/2013 07:26PM
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missmolly

05/13/2012 10:13AM

When I was young, I loved to reach the dry, warmish sanctuary of my tent. Now that I'm old and my summers are dwindling, I care less about comfort. I'd rather be on the water. If it's raining and cool, I still want to be on the water. If it's whitecapping, I'm happier bobbing out there than snuggling in the tent. I don't want to miss the witnessing.

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coilcove

05/13/2012 10:33AM

The days in the BW are to precious to waste. That's why we have rain gear. Plus the fish are already wet they don't care if it's raining.

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Basspro69

05/13/2012 10:41AM

Lightning is the only thing that keeps me off the water in a boat, lightning or extremely high winds in a canoe .

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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OneMatch

05/13/2012 11:09AM

I'm kind of 50/50 on this. Funny, I used to not care about comfort when I was young and now I'm more into the comfort but not at the expense of cherishing my time out doors. So instead of a trash bag poncho when it rains, I have superlative rain gear and a tarp.

However, if it is windy and pouring buckets, I'm just as happy sitting under the tarp watching it move across the water.

We all have to believe in something. I believe I'll go paddle.

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missmolly

05/13/2012 11:17AM

Hear, hear for superlative gear! I also used to camp with crap because crap was all I could afford.

However, if you're under the tarp watching the rain, you're still witnessing it. You're still there.

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Beaverjack

05/13/2012 11:20AM

I prefer to be under a tarp on a rainy day, or play cards in the tent. Slogging around in beaver muck is for nice weather.

Tony

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Merganser

05/13/2012 05:40PM

A rainy day is a good day to travel. Better odds of having a dry layover day... Assuming you're into that sot of thing.

"That sort of thing is my bag baby."

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Jeriatric

05/13/2012 06:43PM

Forty years ago, my future wife and I drove down a dirt road on our way to go fishing. We passed a heavily armed family (it was opening day of deer season), from teenage girls to grandpa, walking down the road like a platoon on patrol.
A quarter-mile later, we came to the family's RV and travel trailer. Just before we drew abreast of the vehicles, a magnificent buck bounded across the road, directly in front of our VW camper, and stopped to stand four feet from the steps of the RV. We did not stop and the buck stood and watched us until we were out of sight.
I always considered the above experience as one of life's little lessons from which to learn. One nugget in that experience is that the potential "witnessing" does not cease at the location you just left, just because you are not there anymore.
Sometimes, it is the person who decided to stay in camp who has the most exciting story at the end of the day.
A couple of years after I reached age 60, I realized I could be that person, the one who fishes nearby and comes under the tarp to watch the rain and clouds with a cigar and sip of whisky in hand. If others have left me to my solitude to go off on an adventure, I am thankful for their understanding. Who knows though, it may be me who meets the interesting strangers, catches the biggest walleye of my life or witnesses the storm destroy camp.
It was long ago when I first suspected I no longer appreciated wild roller coaster rides, at Disneyland or county fairs, the way I once had. That discomfort is now easily transferred to big waves. If the water is cold and I am solo, there is also a fear factor involved.
My life has been much the opposite of missmolly's. It was when I was young that I had no use for common comforts and any sense of danger actually made an activity more attractive.
Now, I have a grand-daughter to watch grow up. So, nix on the danger.

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kanoes

05/13/2012 06:46PM

my tent is for sleeping only. ill be outside, under the tarp, no matter how wet, cold, or windy it is.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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PINETREE

05/13/2012 06:54PM

Been canoeing in a snowstorm,the tent and warm sleeping bag felt great.
Otherwise I agree with you. Years ago I started out like many with cheap rain gear and that was no fun and it is not safe in the backcountry especially I cold weather.

Sig: All of us our Dreamers. Dreams are what started everything. We our asking ourselves a great question? all of us interested in wilderness preservation are asking...What kind of world do we want.?

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OBX2Kayak

05/13/2012 07:06PM

Every time I paddle in the rain, I start feeling sorry for the folks sitting inside watching TV. They do not know what they are missing.

"I go because it irons out the wrinkles in my soul" -- Sigurd Olson

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snakecharmer

05/13/2012 07:08PM

I love being out on the water at first light, but put me down for a midday nap. I'm on vacation :)

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after"
~ Henry David Thoreau

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missmolly

05/13/2012 08:37PM

quote Jeriatric: "Forty years ago, my future wife and I drove down a dirt road on our way to go fishing. We passed a heavily armed family (it was opening day of deer season), from teenage girls to grandpa, walking down the road like a platoon on patrol.
A quarter-mile later, we came to the family's RV and travel trailer. Just before we drew abreast of the vehicles, a magnificent buck bounded across the road, directly in front of our VW camper, and stopped to stand four feet from the steps of the RV. We did not stop and the buck stood and watched us until we were out of sight.
I always considered the above experience as one of life's little lessons from which to learn. One nugget in that experience is that the potential "witnessing" does not cease at the location you just left, just because you are not there anymore.
Sometimes, it is the person who decided to stay in camp who has the most exciting story at the end of the day.
A couple of years after I reached age 60, I realized I could be that person, the one who fishes nearby and comes under the tarp to watch the rain and clouds with a cigar and sip of whisky in hand. If others have left me to my solitude to go off on an adventure, I am thankful for their understanding. Who knows though, it may be me who meets the interesting strangers, catches the biggest walleye of my life or witnesses the storm destroy camp.
It was long ago when I first suspected I no longer appreciated wild roller coaster rides, at Disneyland or county fairs, the way I once had. That discomfort is now easily transferred to big waves. If the water is cold and I am solo, there is also a fear factor involved.
My life has been much the opposite of missmolly's. It was when I was young that I had no use for common comforts and any sense of danger actually made an activity more attractive.
Now, I have a grand-daughter to watch grow up. So, nix on the danger. "

I'm not a danger junkie. I paddle small lakes and camp on islands to stay as safe as possible. I'm just not a comfort junkie like I once was.

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Jeriatric

05/13/2012 09:03PM

quote snakecharmer: "I love being out on the water at first light, but put me down for a midday nap. I'm on vacation :)"
Hear, hear!

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Sierra1

05/14/2012 06:44AM

If I'm dry the rain isn't a problem. I can go under the tarp, have a cigar and wait it out. If the weather becomes violent I can head to the tent to read. A gentle rain while on the water is only and inconvenience not a tragedy. My days of paddling in big waves and wind are over. I have grand children that I want to bring up someday.

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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Beaverjack

05/15/2012 03:57AM

Since my grandchildren are 600 miles away, I can afford to live life on the edge! But heck, what fun are big waves and setting up a soggy camp? Even good rain gear is hot, obscures your vision, and not totally dry. And like Jeriatric said, it ain't a race. Just don't let your life insurance agent or your doctor know about those ceegars.

Tony

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Longpaddler

05/15/2012 06:36AM

I'm happier bobbing out there than snuggling in the tent.

Depends on who I'm snuggling with....lol

..there is nothing- absolute nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats - Wind in the Willows

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PineKnot

05/15/2012 06:51AM

Personally, I don't care much for fishing in the wind or rain. For a little while maybe, but not for hours on end. A steady sprinkle or drizzle isn't bothersome, but heavier rain with wind is not fun for me.

I have decent and dry raingear and would rather lounge with my comfort items at camp. Some of my best memories are relaxing at camp in the rain/dampness, tarp set up above the fire and sitting area and enjoying the scene. Not so much if the wind is blowing the rain every which way...then I'd head to the tent to read and nap. If I'm really feeling bored or antsy, I'll pack up and travel in the rain, making a few miles and setting up a new camp....

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are -- Teddy Roosevelt

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Benutzer

05/15/2012 07:42AM

I've noticed that there are some distinctly different types of people, two of which can easily be spotted in inclement weather. One type is getting sad and depressed, chin tucked in and shoulders hunched, barely (if at all) tolerating the weather. The other is smiling and looking around, not paying attention to discomfort at all, but enjoying the different sounds and smells and colors of the outdoors. I really enjoy the company of the latter.

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wildernessfan2

05/15/2012 09:59AM

Being part weather geek as well I have always enjoyed being outside the tent. Bugs will drive me in sometimes and yes listening when it's raining outside in the morning. However even without custom gear I am out in the elements.

Freshwater is delicious! Saltwater not so much..

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BWPaddler

05/15/2012 06:02PM

I am with the 50/50 paddlers. I love love love looking out at rain from either a tent with window, or from under a tarp. Best of both worlds was when I used to camp sans tent, so I'd be both in my snug "bed" AND under the tarp. One of my favorite camping days of all time was in western MD, or WV panhandle under said tarp, in my sleeping bag with a good book. It rained all day long as I watched, read, and dozed... I still have that smell in my mind and the green green green of it all.

That said, once past the motivation to be out and in it, I've had great days that were "miserable" too (or miserable days that were great :-) - like being out in pouring rain fishing in Alaska. Catching NOTHING, but witnessing this:

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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Basspro69

05/15/2012 06:47PM

quote BWPaddler: "I am with the 50/50 paddlers. I love love love looking out at rain from either a tent with window, or from under a tarp. Best of both worlds was when I used to camp sans tent, so I'd be both in my snug "bed" AND under the tarp. One of my favorite camping days of all time was in western MD, or WV panhandle under said tarp, in my sleeping bag with a good book. It rained all day long as I watched, read, and dozed... I still have that smell in my mind and the green green green of it all.

That said, once past the motivation to be out and in it, I've had great days that were "miserable" too (or miserable days that were great :-) - like being out in pouring rain fishing in Alaska. Catching NOTHING, but witnessing this:

" Awesome

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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missmolly

05/15/2012 07:03PM

quote Benutzer: "I've noticed that there are some distinctly different types of people, two of which can easily be spotted in inclement weather. One type is getting sad and depressed, chin tucked in and shoulders hunched, barely (if at all) tolerating the weather. The other is smiling and looking around, not paying attention to discomfort at all, but enjoying the different sounds and smells and colors of the outdoors. I really enjoy the company of the latter. "

I once was the former, but now I'm the latter and I expect it's because I can hear the lower globe of my hourglass filling.

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kanoes

05/15/2012 07:09PM

quote missmolly: "quote Benutzer: "I've noticed that there are some distinctly different types of people, two of which can easily be spotted in inclement weather. One type is getting sad and depressed, chin tucked in and shoulders hunched, barely (if at all) tolerating the weather. The other is smiling and looking around, not paying attention to discomfort at all, but enjoying the different sounds and smells and colors of the outdoors. I really enjoy the company of the latter. "

I once was the former, but now I'm the latter and I expect it's because I can hear the lower globe of my hourglass filling."
the very reason my solos have gotten progressively bigger.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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gutmon

05/15/2012 08:22PM

I don't need to be comfortable all the time while tripping, but do really want to be able to find a comfortable refuge when needed. Dry tent, dry clothes to change into, clothes that keep me warm.

"The trouble with the world isn't that people know too little, but that they know so much that just ain't so." Mark Twain

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missmolly

05/15/2012 08:30PM

quote kanoes: "quote missmolly: "quote Benutzer: "I've noticed that there are some distinctly different types of people, two of which can easily be spotted in inclement weather. One type is getting sad and depressed, chin tucked in and shoulders hunched, barely (if at all) tolerating the weather. The other is smiling and looking around, not paying attention to discomfort at all, but enjoying the different sounds and smells and colors of the outdoors. I really enjoy the company of the latter. "

I once was the former, but now I'm the latter and I expect it's because I can hear the lower globe of my hourglass filling."
the very reason my solos have gotten progressively bigger."

Yep. Mine too.

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missmolly

05/15/2012 08:31PM

quote gutmon: "I don't need to be comfortable all the time while tripping, but do really want to be able to find a comfortable refuge when needed. Dry tent, dry clothes to change into, clothes that keep me warm. "

Remember that luxury thread? Well, I forgot two luxuries. One is soy milk. I love that stuff on my cereal. The other is dry pjs, which never leave the tent because at the end of long, wet, cool days, I do like to be dry and warm.

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AdamXChicago

05/15/2012 10:53PM

I'm all for comfort, as long as it's lightweight and/or easily packable. :-)

As for the weather experience:

Sun - Love
Rain - Like
Wind - HATE

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TeamTuna06

05/15/2012 11:02PM

quote AdamXChicago: "As for the weather experience:

Sun - Love
Rain - Like
Wind - HATE"

PERFECT! Wind is up there with mosquitos for me...can't stand it. Ever.

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson

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Benutzer

05/16/2012 07:52AM

missmolly: "Remember that luxury thread? Well, I forgot two luxuries. One is soy milk. I love that stuff on my cereal. The other is dry pjs, which never leave the tent because at the end of long, wet, cool days, I do like to be dry and warm."

Dry socks. I often keep a dry baselayer set to sleep in, but I ALWAYS ensure I have a pair of clean dry socks at the end of the day.

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Benutzer

05/16/2012 07:57AM

quote kanoes: "quote missmolly: "I once was the former, but now I'm the latter and I expect it's because I can hear the lower globe of my hourglass filling."

the very reason my solos have gotten progressively bigger."

It starts to fill the day we're born. The sooner we figure that out, the longer we're able to appreciate the top half.

Q.O.D.
"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth."
--Evan Esar

Bonus Q.O.D.
“Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”
-- Susan Ertz

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Arlo Pankook

05/16/2012 08:03AM

quote missmolly: "quote gutmon: "I don't need to be comfortable all the time while tripping, but do really want to be able to find a comfortable refuge when needed. Dry tent, dry clothes to change into, clothes that keep me warm. "

Remember that luxury thread? Well, I forgot two luxuries. One is soy milk. I love that stuff on my cereal. The other is dry pjs, which never leave the tent because at the end of long, wet, cool days, I do like to be dry and warm."

I just ordered some powdered soy milk for my girls. I did'nt know there was such a thing.

Hold that thought....fish on!

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arctic

05/16/2012 08:39PM

quote Jeriatric: "Forty years ago, my future wife and I drove down a dirt road on our way to go fishing. We passed a heavily armed family (it was opening day of deer season), from teenage girls to grandpa, walking down the road like a platoon on patrol.
A quarter-mile later, we came to the family's RV and travel trailer. Just before we drew abreast of the vehicles, a magnificent buck bounded across the road, directly in front of our VW camper, and stopped to stand four feet from the steps of the RV. We did not stop and the buck stood and watched us until we were out of sight.
I always considered the above experience as one of life's little lessons from which to learn. One nugget in that experience is that the potential "witnessing" does not cease at the location you just left, just because you are not there anymore.
Sometimes, it is the person who decided to stay in camp who has the most exciting story at the end of the day.
A couple of years after I reached age 60, I realized I could be that person, the one who fishes nearby and comes under the tarp to watch the rain and clouds with a cigar and sip of whisky in hand. If others have left me to my solitude to go off on an adventure, I am thankful for their understanding. Who knows though, it may be me who meets the interesting strangers, catches the biggest walleye of my life or witnesses the storm destroy camp.
It was long ago when I first suspected I no longer appreciated wild roller coaster rides, at Disneyland or county fairs, the way I once had. That discomfort is now easily transferred to big waves. If the water is cold and I am solo, there is also a fear factor involved.
My life has been much the opposite of missmolly's. It was when I was young that I had no use for common comforts and any sense of danger actually made an activity more attractive.
Now, I have a grand-daughter to watch grow up. So, nix on the danger. "

This is a well written sentiment. I don't feel that I have to prove anything after decades of paddling all over the North. I don't take the risks I once did. I love rediscovering nature with my kids, and still travel hard, but will always submit to the ultimate force of nature. That said, an adjustment of mindset can make traveling through days of rain tolerable, and even enjoyable. And living through a raging storm leaves one invigorated and glad to be alive.

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missmolly

05/17/2012 05:32AM

quote Arlo Pankook: "quote missmolly: "quote gutmon: "I don't need to be comfortable all the time while tripping, but do really want to be able to find a comfortable refuge when needed. Dry tent, dry clothes to change into, clothes that keep me warm. "

Remember that luxury thread? Well, I forgot two luxuries. One is soy milk. I love that stuff on my cereal. The other is dry pjs, which never leave the tent because at the end of long, wet, cool days, I do like to be dry and warm."

I just ordered some powdered soy milk for my girls. I did'nt know there was such a thing."

Neither did I! I've been taking the wet stuff. I'm gonna get some powdered now.

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missmolly

05/17/2012 05:33AM

quote Benutzer: "quote kanoes: "quote missmolly: "I once was the former, but now I'm the latter and I expect it's because I can hear the lower globe of my hourglass filling."

the very reason my solos have gotten progressively bigger."

It starts to fill the day we're born. The sooner we figure that out, the longer we're able to appreciate the top half.

Q.O.D.
"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth."
--Evan Esar

Bonus Q.O.D.
“Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”
-- Susan Ertz"

Yep. It's acceptance of mortality that powers appreciation of the present. Great quotes. There's also the one about not going gentle into that good night, but raging, raging against the dying of the light.

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