Mud Run anyone?

September 29, 2011 – 9:06 am

Okay… so this must be one of the craziest things I’ve ever done.  But I’m also so excited about the Me Fine Mud Run and Timberjack Challenge on Saturday, October 1st in Selma.  Think Wipeout meets the 5K.  Seriously. 

Here’s an article about the Mud run.  Come out and watch… or participate, if you dare.
SELMA – On Saturday, hundreds of extreme-sports enthusiasts will descend on a 40-acre obstacle course off Lizzie Mill Road to scale 15-foot walls, swim through ponds and crawl under utility poles.

The first Me Fine Mud Run and Timberjack Challenge isn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, it’s recommended only for those who’ve been training for the event for months.

“For the most part, it’s (for) pretty serious-minded people who are involved in fitness on a pretty regular basis,” said event organizer Lori Lee.

Anyone who doesn’t fit that description, she added with a laugh, “will probably die.”

Many charitable causes have foot races to raise money. But for the Princeton-based Me Fine Foundation – which helps families with sick children – a simple walk or run just wasn’t exciting enough.

“The mud races are getting bigger around the country, and we like to be unique,” Lee said.

The course is still 5 kilometers long, but participants have to negotiate 30 to 33 obstacles along the way. And they can expect to get dirty – covered in mud from head to toe dirty.

So far, 200 people from around the state and beyond have signed up. The four-person teams include military personnel and firefighters, though a few have less physical day jobs.

The course was designed by the event’s sponsor, Woodall’s Fitness, with help from the landowner, who’s a veteran logger. The course has been under construction since June, and it’ll be a permanent installation.

Saturday’s event will also offer a shorter, less-intensive kids’ course with inflatables and other activities.

And spectator stands will be set up throughout the course for those who want to keep their clothes clean.

The Me Fine Foundation takes its name from something said by 2-year-old Folden Lee IV, who lost his battle with leukemia several years ago. He was known for saying “me fine” whenever asked how he was feeling.

The charity has provided toys, hotel stays, groceries and gas money to patients and families at local children’s hospitals.

Friday Freebies – July 29 – 31

July 29, 2011 – 1:05 pm

ComeUnity Now Festival - July 30th from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm 

This is a gathering of non-profits, individuals, corporations and communities of faith coming together to celebrate the uniqueness of our city, identifying how we can grow by serving each other when a disaster strikes and to encourage this spirit to remain in place.

WHAT WE ARE DOING. We are organizing and hosting an event to recognize those individuals and groups who have been instrumental in providing assistance to recent tornado victims, as well as making donations to two local organizations (Wake Interfaith Disaster and The Green Chair Project) who will provide assistance in moving those impacted from short-term relief to long-term recovery.

FESTIVAL IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE NEWS
ComeUnityNow replaces Raleigh Wide Open as the hottest festival in town. Celebrating the spirit of unity by serving each other when a disaster strikes. Two whole city blocks barely containing 30 jamming bands. The Music and Arts Festival is free and open to the public. The ComeUnityNow Festival replaces Raleigh Wide Open on July 30th at City Plaza as a FREE family-friendly festival that celebrates the spirit of Raleigh through music, art and service. This Music and Art Festival will feature live bands, dancers and artists. Wake Interfaith Disaster Team and The Green Chair Project will benefit from the proceeds of this festival, which will be used to help the many victims in their recovery effort of the tornadoes of April 16th. South Stage will be dedicated as a Musical VIP venue from 10AM – 10PM. Musical performers will entertain audiences and be involved in jam sessions throughout the day.

Tickets or the 360RALEIGH H-CARD are required for access to the Musical VIP venue . The musicians have graciously donated their time and talent so all proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the victims. Musical VIP performers include: ~Monika Jaymes, Country ~Bull City Syndicate, Horn Band ~BushHawg Band, Rock Cover ~Outside Soul, Funk ~Mary Selvidge Band, Country ~Inflowentia , hip hip/soul Music and dance will be performed from 10AM – 10PM at two additional stages. Music styles will include jazz, country, gospel, blue grass, African Congo, hip hop, soul, rock, indie rock, rap and funk. At noon the NCSU Bagpipe Marching Band will lead a parade of first responders and disaster relief-workers down Fayetteville Street. Artists will be creating work of art live on the streets of the festival. Paintings, sculptures and other forms of artwork will be auctioned off in live and silent auctions to benefit the charities.

Volunteers are needed throughout the day to ensure fun, safety and success of the festival. Interested volunteers can sign up to help on the “GET INVOLVED” tab. WHEN. Saturday, July 30 2011 10am-10pm. FREE FAMILY EVENT. You are welcome to purchase a musical VIP ticket for $10 per person OR THE hcard. proceeds go to the MISSION! WHERE. The Heart of Raleigh, the City Plaza on Fayetteville Street.

FREE PARKING : Alexander Square Parking Deck – |
120 S Wilmington St Blount Street Deck* -
314 S Blount St Cabarrus Deck* -
436 S Salisbury St City Center Deck* -
429 S Wilmington St Hannover Parking Deck -
434 S Salisbury St

Friday Freebies – July 22 – 24

July 22, 2011 – 11:00 am

Friday Freebie #1
Deja Mi is sponsoroing a free music festival called Deja Fest from July 22nd and July 23rd in Downtown Raleigh. Check out six venues featuring 24 bands, including Tir Na Nog, The Pour House and Lincoln Theatre. Bands include Hooray for Earth, Nick Catchdubs, Old Bricks, and Double Dare featuring Apple Juice Kid, Surfer Blood, Active Child, AC Slater, and Jack the Radio. ___________________________________________________________________________________________Friday Freebie #2
Polar Ice House is launching a special promotion to beat the heat in the ice rink’s Cary, Garner and Wake Forest locations in response to scorching temperatures across the Triangle. Each day the temperature goes above 95 degrees, all three Polar Ice House locations will offer an exclusive “Buy One, Get One Free Admission” promotion. Customers will get the discount when they mention the temperature that day at the register. When highs in mid to upper 90 degrees combine with humidity, the heat index can reach between 100 and 105 degrees. The National Weather Service says that heat index values around 100 pose serious health risks to children such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and dehydration. They advise to reduce or reschedule time outdoors and stay in air-conditioned places during a Heat Advisory or Warning. “With many schools out for summer, it simply isn’t safe to be too active outdoors in extreme heat, but that doesn’t mean all healthy activity has to stop,” said Randy Lee, general manager of Polar Ice House. “Ice skating is a great way to have fun, exercise and stay at a safe temperature. This special was very popular last summer with kids and parents and we’re launching it earlier this year to help more people stay cool.”

Entertainment on the Road

July 21, 2011 – 11:01 am

Love, love, love this idea for weekend road trips over the summer months.  Or better yet, when you have a long haul for your family’s big adventure to a faraway place that requires hours of patience in a car with cranky kids, grouchy husbands… you get the idea.

So if you are traveling this summer, whether on business or a family vacation, make sure that you plug into an audiobook for the ride! Random House Audio and Listening Library offer an impressive list of bestselling adult and children’s audiobook titles that are sure to keep you entertained.

You can relax with an audiobook or you can indulge in a story even when your hands are otherwise occupied. Try out Stieg Larsson’s The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest while working in the garden. Perhaps Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight while sitting around the campfire or even some Harry Potter while painting the family room. Audiobooks are great for all occasions from driving, running, cleaning, or even cooking. Pop in a cd or download and listen on the fly!

If you’ve never listened to an audiobook before, or if you’re already a fan, check out the FREE downloads section to the right.

http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/features/boston-summer2011/

Friday Freebies and Beyond

July 7, 2011 – 11:00 am

Free (Mostly Free) Summer Activities from Sir Walter Chevy and Chevy Mom.com

AMF Bowling – Kids Bowl Free
Children 16 and under can bowl free at your local AMF. It’s not! Just register your children , and you’ll receive your first coupons via email within 24 hours for 2 free games per child per day. Every Sunday you’ll receive weekly coupons all summer long. Children love bowling; it’s fun, active, social and local and – best of all – it’s FREE!

http://freebowling.amf.com/free-registration.aspx

Museum of Art – Daily Museum Tours
Blue Ridge Road
Tuesdays-Fridays – 1:30 pm
Saturdays and Sundays – 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Enjoy an introduction to the Museum’s collection with our free guided tour of West Building, “Explore the Collection.” No reservations are necessary—meet at the West Building Information Desk. FREE

What’s in the Box: Parts of Art
When: Thursday, July 14 | 10 am
Where: East Building, Studio 1
Who: Ages 2–5
FREE – Sign up that day for a half-hour session, starting at 10, 10:30, or 11 am. First come, first served

http://ncartmuseum.org/calendar/type/tours/

Wake County Library

Cameron Village Regional Library http://www.wakegov.com/images/library/locations/cam/
July 15 -Brazilian Association of the Triangle
Learn about Brazilian culture through stories, songs and hands on activities. The Brazilian Association of the Triangle will present stories in Portuguese and English. For more information please call 919-856-6723 FREE

Cary Branch Library

http://www.wakegov.com/images/library/locations/cry/

Kids’ Summer School-Age programs
Wed Thru August 10, 4pm – 5pm
School Age programs run every Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 until August 10
July 27 Native American Artist and Educator Gwen Locklear will be here for our School Age Program at 4 PM. She will tell stories, provide information about her culture, and let the children see and touch artifacts. 919-460-3350
FREE

Leesville Community Library

http://www.wakegov.com/images/library/locations/lee/

Arts & Crafts, Contest
Teens
Show off your Anime and Manga artistic talent and enter our Manga Art Contest. All entries must be original works and be submitted by August 4th for display in the library where patrons will vote for the top three winners during the week of Aug. 5-11. First, Second and Third place winners will be announced at the Summer Reading Finale on August 11th and prizes will be awarded courtesy of Jerry’s Artorama. Grades 6-12. Registration required 919-571-6661
FREE

Holly Springs Library
Annual Summer Photography Contest

http://www.wakegov.com/images/library/locations/hsp/

Submit a photo with a travel theme to our annual photography contest. Photos will be on display through the month of August for patrons to vote for their favorites. There will be three winners. One entry per person. No registration required, call 919 577-1660 for more information.
FREE

Pet Journal Program (grades K-5) -Thursday
Pick up your Pet Journal and a Beanie Baby or Plush Toy at your Library from July 1-30. Name your pet and take him/her with you everywhere you go. Write about where you take him/her and what you do together in your Journal. You get to keep the pet and the journal. No registration required, call 919 577-1660 for more information. FREE

Special Music and Movie Nights

North Hills – Midtown
Thursday night music – 6:00 pm
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the family friendly event
FREE

http://www.northhillsraleigh.com/index.php?view=interior&page=eventshome

Hillsborough Street: “RALEIWOOD’S OUTDOOR SUMMER MOVIE SERIES”
Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets and get ready for “Raleiwood on Hillsborough Street – Outdoor Summer Movie Series”. The Series is the first and third Thursday of every month through August 4th. Each movie will be featured on a 25 ft. inflatable movie screen.
7:30 PM (7/21 Rudy; 8/4 Remember the Titans)
North Hall Parking Lot on Hillsborough Street across from NC State (next to Bruegger’s Bagels.)
Come with your lawn chairs and picnic baskets.
FREE

Movies by Moonlight
Watch movies outdoors each Thursday night. Picnic baskets are allowed so bring your dinner, blanket and lawn chair to enjoy the stars of the big screen under the stars of the celestial kind!
7:00 PM (7/21, 8/4, 8/18, 9/1, 9/8)
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518
Purchase tickets at the gate.
$3 for adults and kids 12 and under is free.

http://boothamphitheatre.com/movies.htm

Wake County Parks

http://northraleigh.macaronikid.com/article/143074/walk-hike-bike-and-family-summertime

http://southraleigh.macaronikid.com/article/143081/wake-county-parks-recreation-and-open-spaces

Learn about Bat
American Tobacco Trail
Learn about Bat
Fri, July 22, 8:30pm – 9:30pm
A leading consumer of annoying insects, such as mosquitoes, is just one reason to love bats. Learn more reasons to love these creatures as we hike to find them and dispel some common bat myths that make people afraid of these winged wonders. This program meets at the White Oak Parking Lot. Advanced registration is required for all programs, so call (919)387-2117 to sign up today. $3/person or $5/family.

Lake Crabtree County Park
Birding with Vernon
Waterwise Garden Sat, August 6,
8:30am – 10:30 am
Join our bird enthusiast, Vernon, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. No pre-registration required. FREE

Durham County Parks

3rd Friday Concert
Friday, July 15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Durham Centre Plaza, 300 W. Morgan St.

Public Pools in Wake

http://www.raleighnc.gov/home/content/PRecRecreation/Articles/AquaticsHoursOfOperation.html

Public Pools in Durham

http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks/pdf/playmore_info_aquatics.pdf

State Parks
37 state museums & historic sites: Second Saturdays of the month are FREE
Arts, history, & culture will come together at all 37 state museums & historic sites with the return of 2nd Saturdays on August 13. Come to the Museum of History for special 2nd Saturday’s programs—they are fun & free! 8/13

http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/wgo/Programs.html#april

Knightdale

Wednesdays- Market in the Park – A midweek family outing.
Locally homemade and homegrown items, produce, plants, herbs, jewelry, stained glass, baked goods, wreaths, honey, eggs and lot more.
All are welcome
Every Wednesday thru October 26th
101 Lawson Ridge Road, Knightdale, NC
FREE to attend. Food is available to purchase from Concessions stands.

http://knightdalenc.gov/parksandrecreation.html#Market_In_The_Park

Wake Forest

National Night Out Parking Lot Party
Tuesday, Aug. 2; 5 – 9 pm
Wake Forest SuperTarget Parking Lot, 12000 Retail Dr.
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, neighborhoods throughout Wake Forest are invited to join the Wake Forest Police Department, Target, and thousands of communities across the United States for the 27th Annual National Night Out. The Wake Forest Police Department and Target, the national sponsor for NNO, are marking the occasion by hosting a “National Night Out Parking Lot Party” from 5 pm to 9 pm at the Wake Forest Target Superstore, 12000 Retail Drive. The Parking Lot Party promises something for everyone including food and special prizes, as well as fire, police, and EMS vehicle displays. The Faith Baptist Church and Friendship Chapel Church choirs will perform and an Army National Guard helicopter will fly in and make what is sure to be a memorable landing. For more information, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/residents/police_nationalnightout.aspx or contact Officer S. Graham at (919) 435-9599. FREE

Friday Freebies – July 1 – 4

June 30, 2011 – 10:00 am

Town of Garner’s July 3rd Celebration featuring the North Carolina Symphony
Sunday, July 3
Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road
5-10 p.m.
Annually, Garner and its neighbors come together to celebrate our nation’s independence on July 3rd at Lake Benson Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. Enjoy musical entertainment from Liquid Pleasure followed by the North Carolina Symphony, which will play a rousing patriotic program. Children’s inflatable games are available from 5-8 p.m. Local nonprofit groups will sell food and other refreshments. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. This celebration is FREE to the public. Shuttles are available from Bryan Farm (1832 New Bethel Church Road) beginning at 5pm. Handicap-accessible parking is located at Lake Benson Park.

Wake Forest Fourth of July Celebration
July 3, 2011 at 5pm to July 4, 2011 at 1pm – Various locations Fireworks, games, live entertainment, and a whole lot more awaited you at this year’s Fourth of July celebration! Now in its 39th year, Wake Forest’s Independence Day celebration is one of our area’s most popular events.

Town of Fuquay-Varina’s Fabulous Fireworks on July 3
July 3, 2011 from 6pm to 9pm – South Park On Sunday, July 3, join us for the fabulous fireworks in Fuquay-Varina! Gates open at 6 pm. The Craig Woolard Band performs their blend of soul, Motown and beach music beginning at 7 pm.
Independence Eve Celebration at Sertoma July 3, 2011 from 6:30pm to 7pm
Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park Kick off your July 4th celebrations with an Independence Eve performance by the Applause! Cary Youth Theatre touring troupe and the Cary Town Band. For more, (919) 469-4061.

 Town of Cary Presents Independence Eve Celebration at Sertoma July 3, 2011 from 7:30pm to 9pm 
Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park Independence Eve Celebration at Sertoma FREE Date: Sunday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park Kick off your July 4th celebrations with an Independence Eve performances.

Town of Cary Presents Independence Day Olde Time Celebration
July 4, 2011 from 8am to 3pm – Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Waterfront Come join us for an old fashioned celebration of our Nation’s birth. Sure to be lots of fun for the entire family, the day begins with a parent-child fishing tournament, followed by a parade.

Town of Apex Olde Fashioned Fourth of July
July 4, 2011 from 9am to 1pm – Downtown Apex Carnival games, cakewalk, inflatables rides, clowns, jugglers and karakoe. Uncle Sam’s Parade of Wheels startsa at NOON ending with the Apex Fire Department Splash Down!

Celebrate July 4th at the North Carolina State Capitol’s Free Observance
July 4, 2011 from 11am to 3pm – North Carolina State Capitol Pack a picnic, bring your lawn chairs and your blankets, and enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend by attending this annual patriotic celebration on Monday, July 4.

Joel Lane Museum House July 4th Open House
July 4, 2011 from 1pm to 4pm – Joel Lane Museum House The Joel Lane Museum House, “The Birthplace of North Carolina’s Capital,” will sponsor its annual Independence Day Open House on Monday, July 4, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Town of Cary Presents Independence Day Fireworks
July 4, 2011 from 3pm to 10pm – Koka Booth Amphitheatre At Regency Park Gates open at 3 p.m. Join us in celebrating our nation’s 235th year with patriotic favorites and the Triangle’s biggest fireworks display. For more visit, www.boothamphitheatre.com

N.C. State Fairgrounds July 4th Celebration
July 4, 2011 from 5pm to 8:30pm – N.C. State Fairgrounds Presented by The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the NC State Fair. Free Admission! Free Parking! Activities at No Charge! Come on out Sunday – July 4!

North Carolina Symphony Summerfest Concert Series:
Independence Day July 4, 2011 from 6pm to 7pm – Koka Booth Amphitheatre At Regency Park Independence Day Monday, July 4, 2011 Join us in celebrating our nation’s 235th year with patriotic favorites and the Triangle’s biggest fireworks display. FREE CONCERT!

Town of Chapel Hill July 4th Celebration Has Been Cancelled
July 4, 2011 from 7pm to 9pm – Kenan Stadium The fireworks celebration will not take place this year. More information about the Town of Chapel Hill’s July 4 holiday service schedule is online at http://www.townofchapelhill.org/index.aspx?recor…

Friday Freebies – June 17 – 19

June 17, 2011 – 5:00 am

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION ~ A NATIONAL DAY OF HEALING FROM THE LEGACY OF ENSLAVEMENT
–TOMORROW, JUNE 18TH, AT THE WAKE CHAPEL CHURCH LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER IN RALEIGH
–11 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
–JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATES THE DAY THAT THE LAST REMAINING SLAVES WERE INFORMED THAT THEY WERE FREE-TWO YEARS AFTER THEIR ACTUAL EMANCIPATION
–THE EVENT WILL MIX HISTORY WITH ENTERTAINMENT.
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Live Music & More at The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Historic Orchard at Altapass

Spruce Pine, NC 28777
The Historic Orchard at Altapass is a 102-year-old apple orchard turned Appalachian Cultural Center celebrating the people, music, art, and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina. Built by the Clinchfield Railroad in 1908, the Orchard sits right on the Parkway providing some of the most amazing scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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The 13th Annual Edenton Music and Water Festival will kick-off with a Guided Sunset Paddle along Queen Anne and Pembroke Creeks on Friday evening followed by a full-day on Saturday with Guided Paddles, demonstrations for all levels with the Eastern 4-H Center, Paddle Boarding Demos for those that wish to try, Sunfish Sailboat Races, Talented Musicians Performing, Free Boat Rides, Paddling with the Periauger, Elementary School Art Show, Regional Artisans, Joy Untold the Clown, Games and activities for all ages.

Ideas for Your Kids’ Artwork

June 13, 2011 – 12:37 pm

Organizing Your Kids' Art

Organizing Your Kids' Art


Now that the school year has come to an end for most children in our area, your kitchen counter or mudroom may have piles of adorable arts and crafts that your little ones created over the last few months. So what do you do with it all? I did a little Googling to get the best advice of how to sort and store the fragile tokens of youth without hurting anyone’s feeling.

Hang It

One of the most basic things you can do to save time and little egos is to establish a mini-museum now. As fresh pieces trickle in from school, take down older installations that your child has grown less attached to. Try stringing a clothesline across your child’s room or the playroom and hanging art from clothespins. Rotation is easy, the clothesline isn’t permanent, and clothespins won’t damage the artwork with holes.

Sort It

Plan to winnow at the end of the school year, or more often if you have more children. Until then keep art that’s not on display in a portfolio.
Keep handy an oversize portfolio, mailing tubes and labels, your address book, a pen, a marker, and a wastebasket.
Clear away clutter and dust from the area you’re working in.
Make four piles: one for display, one for storage, one to send, and one for the trash.

Pile No. 1: To be framed
The best way to show your child how much you appreciate her art is to choose one or two of your favorite pieces over the years, have them professionally framed, and display them as you would purchased art. Give your child’s art pride of placement in a busy part of your home. “When I was a kid, I was proud of artwork that my mother had framed,” says Adam Gould, a Brooklyn painter. “I knew what I created was special.”

Pile No. 2: To be stored
Keep pieces your child is proud of and pieces that represent milestones, such as her first collage. If she drew only sharks for a time, choose the best few. Then put the pile you’ve selected into the portfolio and label it in marker with her name and the year. Add to the portfolio until it’s full, then write on the end year. Portfolios, sold at art-supply stores and at dickblick.com, can be stashed in a closet or under a bed.

Pile No. 3: To be mailed
Decide with your child whom to send the art to (grandparents, godparents, former baby-sitters, doting friends), and address the mailing tubes right away. Meanwhile, to make the piece more personal, have your child write her name or a brief note on the back of the piece. The recipient will be happy to get an unexpected package and a sample of your child’s work.

Pile No. 4: To disappear
Most of what’s in this pile can go straight into the wastebasket, but consider using some of the colorful pieces for wrapping paper. You don’t have to be discreet about throwing this pile away if your child has been involved all along. Remember: Be a good role model. By winnowing your own stuff on a regular basis, you cultivate the idea that there are things you hold on to and things you let go of.

Friday Freebies – June 10th – 12th

June 10, 2011 – 6:00 am

Here are this week’s Friday Freebies brought to you by Sir Walter Chevrolet,  ChevyMom.com and My Carolina Today:

Family Night Out in the Park
Lake Rim Park in Fayetteville
Friday, June 10th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
–MUSIC, GAMES
–FOOD VENDOR ON SITE

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Family Days: Toys and Games
–North Carolina History Museum in downtown Raleigh
–Saturday, June 11th starting at 11am
–kids of all ages can enjoy their toys

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COMMEMORATE BATTLE OF BIG BETHEL
–Saturday, June 11th at 10AM (2nd Saturdays at the North Carolina State Capitol
–North Carolina State Capitol in downtown Raleigh



Oh.. a camping we will go.

June 9, 2011 – 1:12 pm

Camping at Jordan lake

I’m so excited because we are heading to Jordan Lake to go camping this weekend with three other families. Now you might be thinking, are you crazy? It’s already insanely hot, the mosquitoes are buzzing about and you have to sleep on the ground when you’re in a tent.

Here’s the deal, I want my sons to know that I’m a “fun Mom” who’s willing to try just about anything, short of breaking the law. Now, my husband Mike is another story. There are many requirements for him to head to the great outdoors such as: hot shower within walking distance, a corner store with plenty of snacks, cold drinks and ice and room in the car to transport every camping gadget known to man. Thank goodness for our Chevy Traverse with the fold down third row. All our camping gear fits. We actually look like we’re moving to another state instead of a ONE NIGHT camping adventure. But I can’t complain because it’s taken twenty years to convince my husband to trade in the Holiday Inn for a tent.