Chips on a Sandwich | no. 12 | CAMPY
"The glories of a mountain campfire are far greater than may be guessed."
-John Muir
KOA: Or Kampgrounds of America. There is a network of those little red, yellow and black signs throughout North America leading us to 500+ campsites. Founded in 1962 by Montana resident Dave Drum and his partners, the intention was to provide safe and clean spots for intrepid Americans to camp. Present Day KOAs go beyond just a place to sleep and shower-- they are the destination. There are family-friendly and luxury specific campsites. You can bring your RV or tent, rent a small cabin, yurt, caboose or tree house-- depending on the location. I recently camped at the one in Herkimer NY where we mined for crystals and floated in a refreshing stream (and swam in the pool) all while socially distancing. Check out the KOA nearest you.
THE SERRO SCOTTY: My sister, dad and I spent many a cramped night together in our Scotty: a tiny camper with a cult-like following. I loved how utilitarian it was: every square inch had a purpose-- sometimes multiple-- like the dinette that collapsed into a bed and also served as a couch. The lack of wasted space was appealing (probably not for our 6-foot father). First made in the late 50s, The Scotty has found a new generation of enthusiasts. Happy campers are buying retro models and fixing them up. It's a great option for those who don't like tent camping and have the means to tow. Or park it somewhere and make a permanent campsite.
ENAMELWARE: I have a real thing for enamelware-- especially the speckled kind. I swear it makes everything taste better. I'll prioritize packing my special mug for camping-- and will accidently forget bug spray and butane-- that's how much I love it. And I love this mushroom print one too.
SWISS ARMY KNIFE: Who else adores the tweezers and that secret little toothpick? The scissors are pretty great too. Again, something utilitarian that floats my boat. Victorinox-- often synonomous with Swiss army knife-- was founded at the beginning of the 20th century by Swiss knife maker Karl Elsener. He named the company in part after his mother Victoria.
A Swiss Army Knife Got Lost by: Yao Yu
S'MORES: OK, this adorable s'mores print kitchen towel is not practical for camping but it will remind you of campfire times while indoors. Know what is useful? A roasting fork. (Unless you brought your Swiss army knife and can whittle down a point on a stick.)
POLL: Tent or cabin camping? (On-the-rocks just barely beat out blended margaritas from last week's poll.)