[Paddlewise] Tent/Stove Results & "when it rains it pours"

Hi everyone.  The front and back channel input to my tent questions have been overwhelming!  I wish I could respond to them all personally, but time doesn't allow it at the moment, so THANK YOU ALL!

Ok... I sat down and took a good hard look at what I "wanted" versus what I "needed".  Also looked at what I "hope" to do in the next several years versus what I realistically "will" do.  Also looked at the "places" I'll paddle to get a feel for average wind/rain/temps and so forth, and of course, looked hard at the budget.  Then, I considered all the wonderful advice from you folks.

I almost decided to go for a $30 K-Mart "throwaway" tent for just this one trip and spend more time evaluating my options, but in the end, I ordered the Eureka Mountain Pass 2XT from Campmor, and it should arrive Thursday or Friday.  It's more money than I felt like I could reasonably spend now, but is not more than I anticipated spending next year.  I'll just have to manipulate the budget and change the order of some other needs - kayaking and non-kayaking.  That tent seems to meet the criteria that a tent (for me) will have to satisfy over the next few years.  It's a $180 tent for $130, so push come to shove, I can sell it in a few years and get a fair portion back from it and give someone else a good deal (but more than likely, it will become a back-up or a loan out tent for me). 

I mentioned a stove last week and said that I would just buy the Whisperlite Shaker and not worry about it.  I didn't.  Campmor  had a Primus Yellowstone "something or other" (left the catalog home and don't recall the exact model name) on sale for $19 (regular was $35).  Since the tent already covered the freight, I figured I'd get that stove and let it suffice for a few years.  I doubt I'll be in cold enough weather where "white gas" is a necessity in the next several years.  Plus, I was sent a link to a site about making home-made stoves that looks intriguing and fun  :-)

Okay, so why do I say "when it rains, it pours"?   Well, I've developed a truck problem.  I got it to the shop this morning before work and am looking at about a $600 transmission repair.  I can't complain but so much - I've had this truck for 15 years and it has 162,000 miles on it.  But the timing STINKS!  

To top that off, my wife and both kids came down with the flu this weekend, so I'm due any day.  My departure date for the trip is in 12 days.  So hopefully I won't get it at all or I'll get it and be over it before next Saturday.

I'd say "what else could happen" but I don't want to jinx myself.  This trip is no longer just a kayaking/camping trip.  It's now a matter of personal pride and something to "conquer".  My parents and sister don't want me to go because they are afraid that I'll get eaten by an aligator (I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about alligators).  Some co-workers who are VERY non-outdoors types are betting that I'll cancel  at the last minute for one reason or another.  I've been talking to friends and family about kayak camping for several years and this will be the "maiden voyage" (barring day paddles in my local area).  I've been interested in a February trip to Florida ever since Sandy mentioned a P'Wise Reunion Paddle in the Fall of 2000.   Ya da dah, da dah........so in the end, hell or high water, I'm going on this trip, no matter what (well, almost)...........  :-)

Rick - Poquoson, VA


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