What I did for National Public Lands Day
 

Sept 26th was this years National Public Lands Day. Groups around the country select areas to cleanup, build fencing, install signs and repair trail damages. 4x4 clubs I am affiliated with had lots on their plates, and myself and some friends looked after an area used frequently by hunters. It is an area more off the beaten path, but doesn't seem to be horribly abused like more popular areas get.

We also camped afterwards... We really had a great time with great friends, and nice to see groups taking care of the lands we use...
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Our tent has an opening to wrap around the back of the Jeep, we slept in the Jeep. The Mastiff enjoyed the tent floor with her blanket. Was the wife's and the Mastiff's first time tent camping. The shihtzu is NOT a camping dog!!! But it was a great time. And I do so love waking up in the wilds, far far from other people. It was cold, but my wife had a great time, the shihtzu was miserable... And the Mastiff had a blast. I wish I'd got the pic that made the valley look sort of like an African Savannah. But it was too washed out to save.

Yes, this is an established camp area, yes we found other peoples trash. It is not that hard to pack out what you pack in...

On a different note, a good friend of mine has returned from Afghanistan (he was a on a construction contract). Really very happy for his family...:thumbup:

i learned of the cleanup day after it went by. in maine, the locale is thrashed all summer.

I like the tent idea, My little sube wagon fits me from head to toe, I am nearly 6 feet. the tent would make it a wilderness mini mansion. :D

my last trip camping in fact was in my sube, I know my locale well and had a favorite spot. I pulled in one day to find a mansion for real... looks like my spot was found by some money. it is a pro argument for cleaning up after ourselves, space runs out fast.

Looks a lot like my old girl. I got her as an adult (one of those "can you please keep her for a few days? deals) so never knew exactly what breeds went into the mix, but I always thought mastiff was one.

NPLD is usually the last Saturday of September. Something to keep in mind. But even so, I try to pick up what I can on every outing. One of our groups hauled away the remains of a single wide mobile home left in the desert, and someone blew it up...

Essentially, do what you can where you can.

My Jeep isn't quite long enough for me, I'm 6'3", but I sacrificed a little to keep my bride warm. The SUV type tent will serve well when I don't want to or can't take my tent trailer. But it isn't exactly a cold weather tent, like a Springbar or others. But hey, I got the tent new-in-box for $20... I think it would be perfect for a Sube Outback. How come these things NEVER go back in the bag they come in?

The Mastiff was a real sweetheart this trip. Played well with the other dogs and stayed close. She is about 34" at the shoulder and about 205#...