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Pack It Up

Has it been a week already? Where did the time go? Yup, it’s time to pack it up and head back into the “real world” of dirty streets, water and air, and unhappy, money- and power-hungry people. Wow, that’s enough to make anyone depressed! I know of many people who have seriously considered moving out to the “boonies” after their first primitive camping experience just for that reason alone! Even so, it’s time to shake it all out and pack it all up.

I like to focus on the positive when a vacation is over. While I’m packing up and getting ready to leave, I think about all the fun I had while I was there and things I learned as well. Since I’m an urban Pagan in the truest sense of the word, having to the leave the countryside and new friends I’ve made can be especially hard, but a relief at the same time. After all, even the most comfortable air mattress can’t replace my big warm bed at home ;)

A good idea is to ensure everyone has one last good meal before getting started, especially if you have a grueling drive ahead of you. While you eat, you can discuss who will be doing which tear-down duties. I would suggest something that’s light and gives you extra energy; you don’t want your group to need a nap before they help pack up! ;) The other option is, if everyone is hung over and just wants to get going, is to say to hell with it and find a restaurant to chill at after you leave. I suggest a sit-down joint that has a buffet, where you and your covenmates can hang out at for a while, nurse some coffee and not argue over the menu. Since Ron's omni and I'm veg, we often choose truck stops like Iron Skillet, since they have a lot of everything, and their buffets are only like $5 per person!

Pack everything into your car the same way you did to get there. Remember to keep the little cooler in the car so you have something to drink and munch on for the trip back home. One thing that’s nice about going home is that you always bring back less than you brought (unless you went crazy at the merchant’s booths!), so you should have an easier time packing. Remember to use your whisk broom and dustpan and sweep out the inside of your tent before you pack it up; you don’t want to be folding up any twigs that can puncture the tent, or trap any unwary insects!

Even if you think you’re done, you’re not. Always, always, always take an extra look around for something you left. Pick up ALL of your garbage and any that someone else left as well. Sprinkle a little grass seed over your site to help the ground recover from your visit. Check that your fire pit is completely out and not smoldering. I personally dump a full gallon of water into my pit until the embers are floating! ;)

If you hadn’t gotten a chance to really look around the grounds, now’s the time. Get in that hike you’ve been meaning to do and say good-bye to the land that welcomed you. Exchange email addresses and phone numbers with others you’ve met. Stop by the merchants tearing down and see if they’re willing to still sell anything. Many times you’ll get a HUGE discount on items just so the merchant has one less thing to pack up!

Remember to sign out from the grounds if it is required. If you haven’t fulfilled your work shift duties, please offer to do so now. While monetary compensation is the traditional form of owing up to your neglect, what these festivals really need is labor. It takes PEOPLE to make them work, not money. So please don’t forget to do your share!

Finally, as you wind down the road back from whence you came, you’ll be bringing back more than just your gear. You’ll be bringing back fond memories for many years to come.

Main Camping Page Camping Checklist What to Bring

The Outdoor Kitchen Breakfast Ideas Lunch Ideas Dinner Ideas

The Road Trip Welcome "Home" Dos and Don'ts Heading Back