3rd Annual CIGNA camping trip

I have a outlook folder at work that makes me happy. I look through it when I am frustrated with the cubicle world I find myself in. It's my favorite folder, followed by folders "I am a star" and "warm fuzzies".

We are Abby, Sara, Amanda, Stephanie, Shannon, Rachel, Lindsay, and Kate. We work together. We camp together. We began camping in 2008; we played ladder golf, we ate cookies made over the fire, and hunkered down in one tent to play games during a pretty wet rainstorm. The following year, 2009, began with tracking down lost GPS guided fellow campers and ended with tye-dying CIGNA-riffic t-shirts.

I am very excited for 2010's trip. April 16th came and the trip is already planned and reservations made! Duluth is the destination. I have sworn to make cookies, we will do some rock collecting, some birthday celebrating and exploring of Duluth.

Good times.

the infamous SPAM cook-off

I am laying on my side, my top leg at an angle, my arms all tangle in wierd configurations.
I look over and say, "oh hey, I haven't seen you in a while"
"Hey, How are you! Any plans for your spam campout this year", the response.
"oh!", says the deep voice from above, "take a deep breath in now, and ouuuut." craaack. "that's a good one. So you're the one with the spam and camping?!"

Yes, Hulking Riley the chiropractic intern, I am the one.
and Yes, Dr. Brad, there are plans for this year.

Last September, there was a Howk/Dauer/Ingvaldson camping trip. The mission, to bring spam to a new level. There was a competition. Entries for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack.

One of my favorite parts of the whole experience was the complete committment that Barrett put into developing a meal entry for the weekend. It involved time, recipes, trips to the hardware store, intestines and grilling.

Bringing the indoor outdoors

I was just reminded by my kindred spirit, Stacy, of a fond memory.

Tie up the joy of camping, reluctance of being hot and roughing it, and a station wagon.
This is what you get.

• an electric campsite.
• an area rug
• recliners
• extension cord and rotating area fan.
• popcorn maker
• tv for movies outdoor
• wierd looks from the "neighbors"

ahhhh camping; the possibilities are endless.

Anticipation

It's March. The birds are nesting. The air is warm.
You all know where my thoughts are turning.
CAMPING.

I am excited to sit around the fire. create awesome meals. wake to the sun shining through the tent walls and hearing birds. Recharging with friends. sitting. reading. walking.

I am looking forward to sharing my adventures.