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Hey fellow EDA campers,

The time is drawing near for Bearsville '98.  And, we are very fortunate that over 30 happy EDA campers plan to attend -- give me a DOUBLE WOOHOO!!.  But now is the time when everybody starts asking, "What should I bring?"  More than anything, bring yourself!  We take care of each other, so don't worry! Nobody starves, gets stranded behind, or does without when EDA's are around.

However, if you want to be prepared, here are some helpful reminders.  First, camping at Steve's lives the theme "What's yours is mine, what's mine is yours," so be willing to share what you got and always try to bring a little extra if you can, but of course, respect the belongings of others (like I need to point that out to EDA's :-).

The following list will serve as a  MAJOR reminder for all those who might forget the little things to bring.

1. Cash is king -- First, you'll need $5 per night that you plan on staying at Steve's, and you'll probably need to buy some food/drinks/etc. when you get there or, better yet, bring some food and drink with you!!!.  Plan on extra $$$ if you plan on any extracurricular activities or shopping in Woodstock. Also, there will probably be a good-bye breakfast at Diner Diner Diner =)
2. Toilet Paper -- There are modern (yet slightly rustic) restroom/shower facilities, but Steve's does not supply toilet paper.  It has always been in demand the past few years.
3. Flashlight w/extra batteries -- There are NO lights at Steve's Campground except what you bring, so plan on having something to light your way.
4. Your premade tape for the 2nd annual EDA Share-the-music tape grab bag. Just put on artists that you love, especially up and coming acts.
5. A jug or bottles of water -- Water was another "in-demand" item.
6. Snack food -- Most meals are hot dogs, hamburgers and such, which we can always buy when we get up there.  But snack food is something you can buy cheaper at home and bring your favorite.  Plus, everyone gets hungry at different times and lots of snack food keeps everyone happy until meal time.
7. Folding chairs -- Or plan on sitting on the ground -- a lot (just FYI, K-mart has the folding camping chairs for $9 this week!!
8. Sleeping bag, blanket, a warm throw, or something, just anything to keep warm.  If the past two years tell us anything, it is that the Catskills get down right cold at night, even in July.  Plan on weather in the 40-50 degree range at night, I'll try to remember to let you all know the weekend forecast for the area Wednesday sometime.
9. A towel, soap, etc. if you plan on showering.  Also, toothpaste and other toiletries you just can't (or don't want to) live without.

For the extra prepared:

• A tent would be great, but usually there is extra room with other EDAs.  In the past being "tent roomies" has been a great way to get to know other people.
• An air mattress or foam pad -- the ground gets hard after the first night.
• A cooler -- even empty is fine, we'll fill it soon enough.
• Good walking shoes/sandals that you don't care a lot about because they'll probably get ruined. Mine did last year :-/
• A warm sweater/jacket for around the campfire at night.

Other notes:

• Parking -- There is limited space to park in the campground without blocking someone in or occupying prime camp sites.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE think of others before you pull up and block everyone else (EDAs and others) from access to campsites.
• Late arrivals -- Steve usually puts us all in 2-3 adjoining camp areas. Expect that we'll all be packed together and you may not get the perfect spot under a tree, close to the bubbling brook, with a view of the sunset.

If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to e-mail me.  Rob, the kids and I are heading up Thursday morning so don't expect return e-mails after that time.

See ya there!!!!

Tammy :-) tlcatome@aol.com