Just learned today my job is actually having me travel from Oregon, to 30 miles away from Oshkosh, 1 week before opening day. Instead of coming home on opening day I'll camp for a week in camp Shroller. Question-I'll like a good camping spot. Does it make sence to go to the camp ground 1 week early, pick a spot, pitch a tent, then take off for a week to return opening day. Will my camp spot still be there or will it be overtaken by other campers? Are camp sites marked? What would you do?
I've done that the last two years -- go up early, stake out a campsite and pay for it -- and then go up the weekend before it starts and set up my tent (I wouldn't suggest setting up a tent while you're not there, because a good storm could come along and blow it down in your absence).
Two years ago, we flew up and staked out the campsite, paid and left. When we arrived, we found that the guy who set up camp next to us decided that he wanted more room, so he just moved our stakes and rope, leaving us too little room to camp and park a car. Camp security had to be called in, and WE ended up having to move!
Last year, we flew up several days before SloshKosh began and found the only high ground left (and that was marginal) and staked out our territory. I even spray painted in bright pink "FAA" in the grass, hoping that that would dissuade anyone from moving my boundaries. It worked. Unfortunately, it was right across from the South African contingent who, having traveled so far, apparenly felt the need to party 'til the wee hours every night. Every night.
I'll fly up again this year ahead of time and stake out a claim, but I have accepted the fact that the civility and collegiality of years past in Camp Scholler are waning. Maybe I'll just camp with my plane in HBC next year.
Maybe I should string up some concertina wire this year ...?
