meet me at the dock: and the packing begins
It's just a matter of weeks before Spring Squam, and I have already begun to get my pack on. Partly because I'm usually in a mad rush the days before leaving (I'd like to avoid that) but mostly because I'm just so EXCITED!
There are items on my list every year, whether spring or fall or sea. Hopefully after 5 years of Squamming, I am getting this thing down. I want to share this with you and also hear your ideas of what to bring.
Jen Gray's Packing List
*Flashlight/Headlamp (I prefer a headlamp as I like to have my hands free, and I feel kind of cool wearing it.) remember to check batteries!
*Bug Spray (Because everyon always asks, here is Elizabeth's good-smelling, favorite spray)
*Journal and my favorite pen.
*Camera (and battery charger)
*Cell Phone (and battery charger)
*Sunblock, sunglasses, flip flops, bathing suit (the lake can be COLD but it's so refreshing!)
*Tennies or Keen-like shoes, something comfortable with good footing. I'm more of a boot girl, so I'll be packing those.
*Travel Mug/Water bottle
*Shampoo, girly stuff etc.. (you will be provided with towels and soap)
*Twinkle lights. (i just like 'em.)
*Raincoat/umbrella.
*Here's the deal with clothes.... It's all about layers. I have been in a sweater, jeans and a wool hat in the morn, in my bathing suit on the doc that afternoon, and back to wearing boots, my coat hat, and mittens come evening. So basically, I bring a warm coat, long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shrits, jeans, shorts, sweaters/sweatshirt/hoodie, good socks, a hat, mittens or arm warmers, and a scarf. be sure to bring warm pajamas too. (I usually sleep in sweats, a long sleeved shirt, and wear cozy socks)
*A carryall bag/backpack for toting around my camera, supplies, water bottle, snacks, extra clothes etc...
*Snacks, beverages, etc.
Now, this is my list, but I really suggest you read the FAQ Page which has a more detailed packing list, names of grocery stores you can stop at, etc.. This is also where you will find the address of where to ship your art supplies before hand. PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS. You may ship your materials no more than three weeks before Squam. I would advise doing this sooner than later, as one just never knows about the timeliness of deliveries these days. (though everyone is so wonderful at sharing, its sad to be without your stuff)
What is on your list?
What else do you bring?
Feel free to share or ask questions in the comments section....
*xo*
jen
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i keep a list of my stuff to pack for SAW on the inside of my bathroom cabinet. To yours i'd add a corkscrew, wine, snacks and chocolate! And because i drive i always bring a beach towel, and my electric tea kettle (and teabags) to share with my cabin.
I can't even think about this yet. This is making me feel gaspy. I don't have a bathing suit that fits even, between giving up gluten and weaning my last child, I actually gained weight so I'm not underweight anymore...but no bathing suit. Headlamp? I don't have hiking boots anymore. Do I need to buy boots too? Frack. I'm going to be throwing crap in a bag the night before, I can't think about packing until June...
Mary, great reminders! I might be coming to your cabin for tea! I wonder how many corkscrews the Holderness General Store have sold over the years?!
Amy, you do not need a bathing suit, don't put that stress on yourself. If you choose to take that cold dip, wear whatever you wish! (I have jumped with all my clothes on by the way!)
You can bring a plain old flashlight, I just prefer a headlamp because I am usually carrying things. You do not need hiking boots. Ive never brought any, but I wear regular boots ALL the time, that's why they are on my list. :) Tennis shoes are fine. But I do suggest two pairs of shoes in case one pair gets wet... Just wear something comfortable with good footing. I know you have a lot going on this month, so no need to get worried about all of this. Remember your DDD and breathe your way through..
I just have to be ahead on the ball as we are going full speed ahead now at Squam Central!
xo
jen
Thanks for the heads up on bug spray! I just ordered a bottle of that to test out this summer in preparation for fall Squam! (Hey, I can hope for an indian summer right?)
Elizabeth swears by it! And it does smell better than OFF. Although I still kind of like the smell of OFF. Reminds me of camping when I was a kid!
Twinkle lights! :-)
Bonnie, can you even imagine Squam without the twinkles? We have a singular strand that we have hung on the fireplace mantle in the Playhouse that has twinkled at each and every Squam! (our twinkle mascot!)
xo!
Jen, I know you said water, BUT I've found there to be plenty of water around in those big jugs etc. What I was really glad I brought were my canteen so I could fill it up @ meals & have it w/ me all day and my french press/coffee. I'm an early riser & would make cold press before I went to bed, it was ready & high test when I got up in the morning so I could have a quiet coffee on the dock or porch.
Thanks Jill! Good point...
p.s. in my book, "water" is code for wine!
xo
Ohhh, I'm wishing I were going in June now that the excitement's starting to ramp up! September seems so far away!
I finally found one of the most important things on my list. It is a carry one that fit my pocket spinning wheel! Other than that I am going to try my darnest not to over packet projects..... How many items can you really work on in one trip. Ok if i really think about it,
Many! Got all my supplies! I will be packing for 11 days so that may be a bit more challenging.
I bring a favorite mug/wine glass too. I also have brought essential oils for bug bites and for bug repellant. I have actually slept in my hat on some cold nights so I make sure I have a snug one for sleeping..
ditto on eveything else Jen said. I also bring an ipod with docking station for some music in the cabin.
I am getting excited now also!!!!
xoxox
Karen
deldino
oh, i am getting so excited reading through all this! this will be my first time and i'm appreciating the little inside tips like bug spray and corkscrews (i was wondering about bringing wine but was afraid to ask for fear of looking like a lush! but, gosh, i'm hoping to sip on some wine lakeside with new friends).
oh, yay, for squam! can't wait to pack {this fall}...
- hot water bottle
- electric tea kettle (I have a small travel size one)
- long underwear (especially handy for sleeping if cold)
Gotta stay warm!
Stopping at the Holderness General Store is always a must for me, good coffee, yummy cookies, and I love their sandwiches!
I love the drive once you hit the exit...Small towns, antique shops, farms, flower stands, the lakes and the woods ~ heaven! One word of advice, pay attention to the speed limits. Take your time and enjoy the ride!
xo
j
Amy-I also felt a bit breathy reading this. Getting ready can feel stressful if I am not there yet. But then I decided to allow it to make me excited and to also allow myself to not be stressed....but to be prepared as best I can. Last year I was so frantic and last minute I left my bag at home! I was 3 hrs from home when I realized-I left EVERYTHING at home. It made me realize that although there are so many things that can make your stay more comfortable- you can also get all you need at Walmart and from near and dear lovely SAW sisters. xo
Thea, yes, I'm hard pressed to think of something I really couldn't buy if I had to. When I went to Europe for a month lo many many years ago, I only brought sneakers (I was backpacking) and bought Birkenstocks in Austria because my feet were too hot. And a comb in Rome. (My cousin the hairdresser: "You left the country without a COMB?!?!") I still have that comb. It says Body Shop and then a whole mess of stuff in Italian. I love it. ;) Almost 20 years later I use it to comb out my daughter's hair after her bath.
I think, when I was picking classes, I purposely picked ones without a long supply list...thank you, January self!
Jill - French Press Coffee the night before? I have never made or had French Press coffee but how do you heat it up or do you just drink it down - cold with sweetener? Sounds yummy.
Amy - I have read where some folks just jump in regardless of bathing suit. Weight or lack there of is not a criteria to attend Squam. We simply don't care about weight. What supplies you have that we can borrow we do care about! Boots, I don't have any either and found that regular sturdy walking shoes were fine. Packing two pair is as noted highly recommended. Bring something to throw on if it rains.
Thus far, I have a pack of 24 bottles of water in my car. Why bother to lug them out and back in again in a few weeks. I have my electric tea kettle, mini alarm clock, couple of card board cereal boxes (empty) for the fabric boats class. A stash of fabric piling up for memory scarves. I found my Aunt Mildred's handkerchiefs the ones with her name on! I was named Judy as she wanted my mother to have a Judy and my middle name - Mildred.
Bugspray - what is the name of the one E. recommends?
Judy,
French Press coffee is great! especially if you like it strong, like I do. Cold press is made by just putting the grounds & cold water in the press overnight. I don't heat it up (or add sweetener - ick ;) but you could add boiling water from a kettle and make an Americano, which would be a little less strong but I'm happy w/ it just the way it is.
The best advice I ever received - wow, and followed! - was to bring an electric heating pad. I have only attended the Fall session and there were some pretty cold nights! I use it to heat my bed up before I get in and immediately I am all toasty warm. I rarely sleep with it on as I get too hot but it really cuts the chill.