How was camping for you?

[xed]

The changes were mostly for the best thus far.  Had some trouble finding the new entrance, but that was probably posted somewhere and I neglected to read about it. 
The only thing I really didn't care for were the bright lights on the hotdog stand right at the bonfire.  It really seems to get brighter and brighter out there ever year and I'd love to see a drop in the light pollution.

Also, THE ANTS!!!   I'm not sure if it's everywhere this year, or if we just happened to pick a bad spot since another group of campers beat us to our usual camping spot (shake fist), but there were fire ants EVERYWHERE. 
My poor feet 

[Bonny Pearl]

Xed we missed you completely! 

The ants are always a problem in the area in general.  Most of us bring ant killer and spread it out before setting up tents.

[SirRichardBear]

I've had good luck with Cedar Mulch-Natural Insect Repellent keeping ants and mosquito's away with the added advantage of having a pleasent aroma around camp.

[Batonrogue]

That is interesting about the cedar.  Does it work well in repelling ants?  I would assume that it would need to be fresh for the best effect.

[xed]

Bonny, we missed a lot of things completely this weekend (including everyone we know, SOMEHOW), unfortunately.  I'll write up a post about it later tonight.
We are still planning a return for thanksgiving, though.

Great tip about the cedar, I will definitely invest for closing weekend, and ant poison as well.

[SirRichardBear]

That is interesting about the cedar.  Does it work well in repelling ants?  I would assume that it would need to be fresh for the best effect.

I've found it works you can buy cedar saw dust in a jug at most organic gardening stores.

[Batonrogue]

Thanks!  Great tip! I had not thought about cedar saw dust.  There is a shop here in town that make cypress and cedar furniture.  I wonder if I can get some from them.

[scarletnyx]

That is interesting about the cedar.  Does it work well in repelling ants?  I would assume that it would need to be fresh for the best effect.

I've found it works you can buy cedar saw dust in a jug at most organic gardening stores.

I love it! Safe, natural, and cedar smells amazing. I will definitely get some for next weekend. Thanks Bear!

[Randal]

No, sawdust is NOT safe, and cedar may be especially troublesome. OSHA has this to say: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/wooddustwesternredcedar/recognition.html

Anytime OSHA establishes a PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for a substance, you want to be cautious using it, especially around the young, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

TLDR: Cedar sawdust can cause skin irritation and difficulty breathing. Asthmatics and those with cedar allergies are especially at risk.

[Batonrogue]

But do you believe that cedar is less safe than ant poison?  I would think cedar sawdust would be safer than Amdro or one of the other poisons. 

[nolekhan]

It would depend on the size and exposure level, wouldn't it? Ant killer in pellet form is only dangerous if ingested, while sawdust is easily inhaled if cut fine. Cedar-based mulch should be safe unless you have an existing allergy to it (use gloves).

[KiltedPrivateer]

Just talked with my clan members that were there for opening weekend.  They agreed with many of the comments already posted however, everyone agreed that the privvies this year were exceptionally clean.  So I thought I would share that.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Great!  I hate opening a porta-loo's door to be greeted by someones idea of splatter art...

[Autumn Blaize]

Posted what happened in our camp under Mpullens Third weekend camping thread.
Had some issues, some small some more troubling..overall think it is heading in the right direction!

[Merlin]

But do you believe that cedar is less safe than ant poison?  I would think cedar sawdust would be safer than Amdro or one of the other poisons. 

^ This

I'm bringing 2 boxes of baking soda, a bag of powdered sugar and 2 bags of cedar mulch. It's natural and it works.