April 10, 2006

The Internet Wins

Not that Manassas is camping capital of the world, but Dicks Sporting Goods, Sunny's and Models never have what I need. If you need a cheap quality tent, maybe. But if you are going that route you might was well swing by Wal-Mart and save a few bucks. But today not a North Face or Kelty among the lot.

I hate to skimp when it comes to camping gear. Today I wanted a good tarp. You know, one of those light weight hepa wing things. But without having to drive 20 miles, where can I find one? Not in Manassas. Please God, if you want to give me one thing this year, let it be an REI right down the street. Not one of those tiny ones like in Fairfax - I want a big super store one like at Baileys Crossroads. I promise I'll go there instead of ordering on the Internet. I promise I'll redeem all of my yearly dividend the moment it is available.

Since Katie and I mostly eat rehydrate-in-a-bag foods while camping, I thought I'd try one of those new fangled Jet Boil devices. After all, all we do is boil water for everything we need. Last year's hot seller, everyone should be selling them, yes? Not in Manassas.

I want to spend dollars locally, really I do. But I don't need a screened porch that takes a SUV to haul around. With 3 different zippered walls sold separately. I don't need a kayak paddle that weighs 4 pounds. I don't need a sleeping bag that feels like it is filled with shredded newspaper. I need stuff that will last. Good, quality, stuff.

I even miss Galyans... How pathetic is that?

Woody