Two weeks ago it was 31 degrees. That was when my zip-up tent door was still operational. Then came a rain storm, slightly inconvenient because of the mud my pups drag in. Rain in Humboldt creates a warm humidity which is kind of nice for tent living. The rain has mellowed out and it's down to 38 degrees, and my tent door in way broken. It was a long time coming; I had prolonged the inevitable by being extra careful, but alas the time has come. I guess that's to be expected from the everyday use of a Coleman tent after almost a year. I attempted to solve my no-zip situation with sticky Velcro strips, turns out they don't stick to tent material. For now I'm just trying to keep it as closed as possible given the situation, but that's obviously not a fix. I suppose I need to do the daunting task of sewing through thick velcro strips to my tent door with: thick thread, a thick needle, and a thimble. Sounds like a job best left to a machine.
Hmmmm....
So that got me looking at Cabelas tent selection. There are a few pretty impressive tents that are water-proof, mildew and fire resistant and quite a few come with features to install wood stoves in! A few have pretty neat sun rooms and front porch over-hangs. Did I mention you can have a wood stove in these things!? The prices at the models and sizes I'm eying range from around $700 to $1700. I'll be doing a little more digging around and comparison shopping. I have time. I couldn't properly set up a tent in this rain if I had to.
I'm always on the prowl for creative living websites and blogs. If anybody reads this blog someday, and you also just happen to be able to know of one, lemme know please :) Here's a little tip from me concerning blow-up air mattresses. Maybe not all air mattresses, this might only apply if you have a heated mattress pad like I do. Side Note: This heated mattress pad has saved my life. They are expensive but way worth it! I got the twin size, for the twin price, and I just lay it on the side of the bed I always sleep on. I digress.... Apparently this electric mattress pad and plastic combo doesn't mesh well. In fact, it creates a cesspool on wet mildew. I discovered this on my latest cleaning spree. So, ya, that went in the dumpster. Let me be your cautionary tale.
I found out pretty early on into my new tent life, that a dehumidifier is crucial if you don't want to keeping throwing shit out that can get moldy, like $350 Steve Madden boots. I'll take pictures of my tent soon. Maybe tomorrow, so that you can get a feel for my setup. Alight folks, I've got homework to do and Party Down to watch.
Be great!
