Time for some camping!

Kayaking with the kids on Meeks Bay, Lake Tahoe, July 2005.

This weekend we are headed to Sugar Pine Point State Park at Lake Tahoe, CA for some fine time with the family. The McEntee clan has been camping at Tahoe each summer now for about 9 years, give or take a year here or there. Before we had the twins, Kevin and I would begin the week with 3 or 4 days of backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness before hiking out at Eagle Lake. (Ah, those were the days of backpacking with the dogs.) With kids now the camping is a little different. Here are some photos from last year's trip.

Dan, Laura, myself and Kevin with B, B, C and K on a hike to Eagle Lake.

Kevin and K driving the boat we rented one day.

The boat parade at Meeks Bay.

Cousins on bikes!

C and I on the beach at Meeks Bay.

Having the birthday party for the kids this past weekend (see post below) wiped me out for two days afterward. Man was I pooped. And then the tree trimmers also came to do some tree work for fire clearance Tuesday, so I got nothing done. Yesterday and today I have managed to pull a few things out. I'm not worried though. I have my handy dandy trusty LIST. I have perfected it over the years and here it is now, for anyone that would like to make use of it. It is organized mainly by containers, so if you see bike tools in one place and bikes in another, you'll know why. (BTW, Kevin packs his own bag. He also packs more fishing gear than I've listed here.)


Camping Gear for Family of Four (with 5-year-olds)
General (Rocket box)
Tent/poles
tent tarp
4 sleeping bags
thermarest pads, air mattresses (charge pump)
2 kid chairs
2 adult chairs
Astroturf

Milk Crate #1
lantern (check mantles or batteries)
propane canisters
mosquito repellent (spray, bracelets, wipes, coils, skin-so-soft lotion)
ropes
Fishing licenses, vest and net
broom, dustpan
trash bags (paper sacks)
rain tarp

Milk Crate #2
barbecue tongs
charcoal chimney/newspapers
charcoal
Jumper cables
Electrical tape
Hammer
Pliers
Wrench
Duct tape
Screw drivers
Hatchet
Socket set
Bike tools
Bike lock, cable, key
Chain lube
Rag towels

General
Stove
ice chests
barbecue (clean)
water
Beach umbrella
Beach chairs
Lunch cooler
Sand buckets
Fishing poles
Step stool

Boat Bin
Kayak
Paddles
Rudder
Life vests
Floaties

Cooking Bin(s)
cutting board
matches
knife
mess kit
frying pan
strainer
toaster
dish soap
salt and pepper, seasonings
spatula
silverware
can opener
bowl, pot
coffee percolator/coffee filters
mugs
new sponge
aluminum foil
paper towels
food tent
pot holder, dish towels
paper plates, bowls, cups
sippy cups
wipes
tablecloth
dish buckets
nalgene bottles
straw cups

My Bag
hiking boots, socks
shoes, socks
shorts
jeans
t-shirts
underwear
pajamas
fleece jacket
rain jacket
bathing suit
tevas
bandana
book, booklight (batteries)
toiletries (brush, hairband, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, lip stuff, eyedrops, shampoo/cond, liquid soap)
shower thongs
pocket knife w/ clippers
sunglasses
sunblock
hat
gloveliners
quarters

Pillows (in a garbage bag)

Communal Bag
Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths
Beach towels
Kleenex
toilet paper
Laundry detergent/dryer sheets
Cards, games, activity books, crayons, pencils
hiking backpack
maps/books
compass
flashlights (new batteries)

Kids Bag
Pullups (1/day)
Pajamas
Shoes, socks
Underpants
Shorts
Jeans
Shirts
Sweatshirts
Fleece jackets
Rain jackets
Bathing suits
Sandals
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hats
Toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, brush, hairbands)
Kids Meds (Tylenol, Advil, thermometer, Lotrimin, hydrocortisone cream, Benedryl spray, Neosporin, Zyrtec, Pediacare cold and allergy)

Bikes
Bikes (mom, dad and kids)
Bike seats
Helmets
Bike pump

Miscellaneous
firewood
camp shower

Electronics Bag
camera and charger
inverter
camcorder (CHARGED)
phone chargers

First Aid Kit
Check moleskin, matches, bandaids, antiseptic wipes (or Bactine), thermometer, Neosporin, hydrocortisone cream, benedryl, Tylenol, Advil and Sudafed.