Camping Equipment for Rent in Lyons?

[Foxpaw]

Hey all,
We're flying in from Seattle the day before Folk Fest and will be packing a tent and a couple of sleeping bags.  Is there anywhere in Lyons where we can rent sleeping pads/cooler?  Or other camping equipment?  How do others fly + camp?

I'm guessing there's plenty of food to purchase at the Festival, yes?

Thanks!
Robin and Anne from Seattle
Festival newbies   

[djk]

Welcome more newbies!  I'm driving from Iowa and have extra coolers and sleeping pads that I'd be happy to let people borrow, if our travel dates are similar.  I expect to be arriving to set up camp no later than Tuesday (so I'll be there before you), and I plan to be on the road by noon the following Monday. 

Which campground are you in?

I have an assortment of coolers in different sizes, and I was only planning to bring one for my personal use, but I'll have plenty of room to bring more.

I have two sleeping pads, but these are the thin, self-inflating pads suitable for backpacking (very light-weight).  I wasn't planning to use them, because I'm bringing a cot to set up in my tent (I'm going for "luxury" camping!  ).  Anyway, if anyone would like to borrow these, just let me know and I'll toss them in my car.

What other camping stuff might help?  I have a few extra folding chairs that I wasn't planning to bring, but could.  I have one or two extra tarps. 

Just over 3 months to go!  Woot!   

[Woodmole]

Hey Dan - I'm flying in from the UK and would love to be able to borrow a cooler, a tarp and a chair if at all possible?  That would be wonderful!  I will be on Meadow Park from the Monday until the following Monday - have also volunteered to help out with the Coffee Stand...

[djk]

I'm driving a small SUV, and there will be plenty of extra room for more stuff, so I'll bring whatever I have, and we can all sort it out there!   

I also have one small tent that I won't be using, if anyone wants to borrow that, just remember that I might not get there until Tuesday (I'm actually excited about having NO fixed schedule for that week - very unusual for me).

Dan

[Woodmole]

That's fantastic Dan - thank you so much!

[djk]

No worries!  I'll try to inventory my camping stuff in the next couple of weeks and let you know what I've got to share.

[Woodmole]

You're a star!    How big is the small tent?  One man or two?  Unfortunately I'll need room for my suitcase......

Just realised I haven't introduced myself - my name is Kate. 

I'll owe you a few beers  and if there is anything small, light and flight friendly that I could bring over for you from the UK as a thank you, please shout!

[djk]

Nice to meet you Kate!  The tent will sleep two, or one with room for luggage (it's not one of those tiny backpacking tents, but it's not good for much more than just a place to sleep).  I haven't set it up for a few years, so if you think you'd like to borrow it, let me know and I'll set it up here in the yard to check the condition.

...and you won't owe me a beer (pay it forward!), but I'd be happy to enjoy a few beers with you while I pick your brain on fun things to do in the UK - my girlfriend and I are planning a trip there next year, and we like to find stuff to see and do that most tourists miss - getting hints and tips from a local would be fantastic!   

Dan

[Woodmole]

I'll check how much room my tent takes up in my suitcase and get back to you asap as just remembered I may need it later on during my trip   ......it might be better for me to buy a cheap one out there and give it away at the end of my holidays.  Let me know whereabouts you two hope to go in the UK and what sort of things you like to do and I'll think of places to go and things to see!

[Woodmole]

Ok - my friend with whom I'm staying before coming to the campground is going to buy a tent and sleeping bag in advance for me - so sorted on that count!  Phew!  May have room for some clothes in my suitcase now and possibly WON'T have to wear my walking boots on the plane!!    

I live in Gloucestershire and know the West Country (Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset and Devon) pretty well along with parts of Wales.  I've also lived in London, West Yorkshire, Winchester, Marlborough and Hungerford at various times in my life, so can hopefully give you particular tips on any or all of these areas.   

[djk]

Excellent!  I'll plan to throw some of my extra stuff in the car anyway, in case anyone else reading this thread is interested in borrowing stuff.  I'll still plan to post an inventory of my extra stuff some time in the next couple of weeks (crazy busy here right now, and I don't see myself getting to that for a couple of weeks).

I'd love to learn as much about UK as I can - thanks!  What parts of USA are you visiting?

[Woodmole]

I have a school friend near Boulder so staying with her and her family first, then after the festival I'm going to pick up a hire car in Denver and have a bit of a road trip down to Santa Fe and back via Moab; Mesa Verde; Taos - any suggestions from anyone would be very welcome!

[djk]

Kate,

Your post-festival itinerary sounds great!  We spent time in that area two years ago and loved it - if you have questions, please ask!  Mesa Verde is awesome, but if I recall it's a good idea to get reservations in advance for the ranger-guided tours (and they're worth it).  We also did a lot of hiking in Utah, and there's a very un-advertised visitor center in Grand Staircase Escalante that's got some great dinosaur displays, and there's a sand dune park in southern Colorado that's just incredible (I had no idea it was even there until a couple of years ago).

Oh, and by the way, "New Mexican" cuisine is not the same as Mexican, or Tex Mex, or Southwestern, as I was repeatedly informed while visiting Sante Fe, but it's among my all-time favorites!  (just be prepared to answer the question: "red or green?")

Dan

[Woodmole]

Thanks Dan -

I'll look into booking a ranger tour and I'd spotted the sand dunes.....I think I'll be able to include them on the return trip to Denver.

I look forward to swapping info with you at the Festival and will certainly ask if I have any more in the meantime....... 

One thing I am hoping to find (was going to post separately nearer the time, but I don't suppose there's any harm in asking now...) is a lift to Denver to pick up my hire car on the final Monday.  I'm collecting it from the Int Airport but doubt many people will be going there - I can get public transport out to it from the centre, I'm sure).  Even a lift to Boulder would be helpful as could get public transport from there.  More than happy to chip in for gas!

I like both red and green!!   

Kate

[djk]

I'll be heading toward Denver after I get packed up in the morning, and I have no pressing schedule.  I'd be happy to drop you at the airport if you like.  As an alternative, I think there are usually ride-share threads somewhere on the forum.

Dan