Getting Ready

It seems that half the fun of getting ready for an event is in the prep work.  Whether its a birthday party, or a campout,  gathering in all the stuff can be like turning a kid loose in a candy store.  Whoa.  Enter the professor who KNOWS. Oh, no, check it out-the old Templar knight sitting in the cave with dozens of challis'   who says, "Choose wisely!"    Planning  is knowing what you need for the situation, or backing up a bit, asking what the situation IS.  Forgive me if I'm preaching to the choir- I offer these thoughts:  when thinking about what your event is, consider what you will need to be safe, comfortable and have fun.  Safe may be more information.  Do you understand the place and time (season) of where you will be? Comfort as in food, clothing, shelter; and fun-ACCESSORIES!  This is where it could get crazy....cameras, binoculors,  including  kayaks, paddles and gear, gear, gear.  My list is filling up of needful things based on knowledge, experience, and some expectation.   I will have a dry run,  to lay out and  pack the stuff  and throw a little dirt on the tent so it doesn't look so brand new.  Another good thing in getting ready is another set of eyes to look for holes or excesses. (Can you trade your giant pillow for a smaller version?)  The rest of the fun comes  in the middle of the party when you NEED that match to light the candles and  you HAVE IT!   or, on that chill morning when you crawl out of your warm sleeping bag--there's nothing more rewarding than making that hot cuppa to hold in your cold hands.  Plan well!