I like the outdoors.

The Muzikdude family goes camping annually with four other families including the Bunnybashers and Duckslayers. We find campgrounds that can accommodate group camping because we pool our resources and generally end up with everything anyone could need on a trip to the wilderness.

Last year the Duckslayers and Bunnybashers borrowed a pop-up camper from friends of theirs while the rest of us stayed in tents. I don’t mind sleeping in a tent but I found the camper to be unnerving because it’s a strong indication that some of us have joined the ranks of the elderly. The next step is a motor home and beyond that, hotels. That’s not camping.

The pop-up also gave the Bunnybashers and Duckslayers a sense of aristocracy that shone brightly every morning as they emerged from their comfy accommodations. They intentionally chose a spot on the campsite that was higher in altitude than everyone else’s as if they had built a castle overlooking the peasants. They commanded me to dig a basement but I rebelled and told them they would have to make due with the 3-tier redwood deck I had built for them.

This year, they expect the other families to come bearing gifts; I’m organizing a coupe.

The Duckslayers have a son who will be married by the time we camp this year and the Bunnybasher’s daughter will also be newly married. That’s two more tents added to the already large group. We are in the process of starting our own little subculture; a commune if you will.

The main purpose of our trips is to kill fish. Colorado has some of the best trout in the world and we aim to eat them so camping near a body of water is essential.

The last two years, we’ve unintentionally chosen lakes that have no fish. This year needs to be different so Mr. Duckslayer and I are going to scout a campground this weekend that is within driving distance of our favorite fishing hole. Still, we would rather be within walking distance of the lake or river that we plan to fish so we can fish while we drink our coffee in the morning.

Last year we camped here:


It’s beautiful, but the fish aren’t willing to sacrifice their lives to make our visit more enjoyable.

Stupid fish.

It’s a good thing we bring plenty of food.

We actually schedule the meals, with each family being responsible to supply certain meals during the duration of the trip.

Last year, we invited a family that hadn’t previously camped with us. They brought a smoker that was the size of a gun locker and made smoked chicken for dinner one night.

It was beautiful.

We’ll invite them every year from now on.

The key is to find people that have something valuable to offer the group.

Let’s take Mr. Duckslayer for instance; he is known for his bravery and steady nerves in the face of danger.

He and Mrs. Duckslayer were walking back to camp from the outhouse when he heard a bear growling in the woods near them. He told Mrs. Duckslayer not to move then proceeded to run down the road leaving her behind…with the bear.

How many men are willing to sacrifice their wives in order to save the entire camp? Yeah…he’s a hero. His split second decision was necessary but took it’s toll on him as was evident by the tears streaming down his face upon returning to camp.

Mrs. Duckslayer had deterred the bear (probably by scolding it) and showed up moments later to comfort her distraught husband.

I’ve been a camper my whole life and one thing I’ve learned is that the success or failure of an outing is totally dependant on the people with which you choose to camp.

Even without fish, we can always claim success.