How many people are going to Crawford? I think the daughter and I will be

[Maru Kitteh]

on the way on either Saturday or Monday, depending on how fast I can get business taken care of here.

I'm going to the target or K to look for a quickset pup tent
I'll bring lots of water
I'll bring as much healthy snacks as I can afford (not much)
I'll bring deet-based repellant for the fire ants
I'll bring a protest sign.

Help me with a proper message for my sign?

Who else is going and what will you be bringing, are you sleeping outside, in your car or did you find a room?

I'm grateful for any tips/suggestions anyone may have as well, thanks!

[Nightjock]

1. God bless.

Be safe. You are doing a marvelous thing.
I wish I could go.

[Sgent]

2. Cowboy boots and long pants for the fire ants

Are your best bet. DEET is good for mosquitoes -- but isn't going to touch Texas fire ants.

[Maru Kitteh]

4. Is there any repellent that works on those little bastards?

It just seems so perfect that Bush would choose to nest in the middle of such unpleasant creatures.

[firefox]

7. diatomaceous earth

It works physically because of its shape. It works on insects like eating razor blades would on humans.
You can read about it here- http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html

Google results for "diatomaceous earth" will give you purchasing sources too- http://tinyurl.com/dn8u8

[Maru Kitteh]

11. Um, where would I find that? diatomaceous earth? Thanks for the link

awsome info, but any chance I will be able to find this stuff tomorrow in the middle of Nebraska?

[pacalo]

14. You can get it at Home Depot or any pool store.

We use diatomaceous earth in our swimming pool pump.

[Maru Kitteh]

18. COOL! THANKS! I can do that!

We don't have a Home Depot but we do have a Menards, they should have it. Or I can just find a Home Depot between here and there.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

17. The good news about fire ants

Their mounds are usually visible enough to avoid. Also, they don't eat sugar so they aren't as likely to get into your food stuff.

Just watch where you put your feet, if you step on a fire ant hill you won't forget the experience. <shudder>

[flvegan]

3. You rock, Veganistan!

[Maru Kitteh]

5. Thanks FLVegan! I just can't take it anymore, I think my head will

just explode if I don't go. I can't take it anymore.

Do you have some good suggestions for Vegan camp food? I'm going to pack unsalted nuts and dried fruit, any other ideas?

[flvegan]

10. Clif Bars, if you can find them.

Last I checked, they were all vegan.

Almonds are best for dense nutrition and keeping hunger pangs at bay. Bread and peanut butter are great protein/carb combos that'll last days without being refrigerated (and pretty cheap, too).

My very, very, very best to you!

****bows humbly****

[Maru Kitteh]

13. I live at the edge of the known universe otherwise known as Kearney, NE

I consider myself quite fortunate to get vanilla silk and soyrizo.

Cliff bars? Fraid not.

Thanks, I'll take your good wishes with me FLV.

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. "W stands for women, unless they are grieving for their war dead"

Maybe that's too wordy for your sign, though.

[FogerRox]

8. scared of a woman-- eh George ?

[DistressedAmerican]

9. I Am Going With Three Other DUers Next Weekend.

Here's the message I just put up on my house. It is clean, short and gets the point across...

[Maru Kitteh]

16. Cool! I just have to now

Must go, I think this is going to be a bit of history.

[DistressedAmerican]

26. Do It! We Can Meet Up!

:pals:

[Initech]

12. Any DUers from the Riverside / San Bernadino CA area interested in going?

I found $300 plane fares on American from LAX to Austin. If I could, I really want to go join this next weekend.

[Tinoire]

15. Anyone from Northern California going?

DUers... I think it's time to spell underground railroad!

[SammyWinstonJack]

19. I want to.

We only have one car and my husband needs it for work, however he is off on Sunday so if he will let me, I'll drive up on sunday for a few hours. I know he won't want to go, but oh how I want to. I'd really like to stay for a couple of days, but with only one car, I won't be able to do that. If anyone from San Antonio is going up, I'd gladly pay for all the gas in exchange for a ride.

[titoresque]

20. kick

[Maru Kitteh]

21. It would be nice if Skinner would put up a sticky for those making the

trek to Crawford?

It's worth a suggestion.

[SammyWinstonJack]

22. A great suggestion!

:-)

[Maru Kitteh]

23. Made the suggestion in contact administration

If we all ask maybe they will let us?

It would be so helpful!

[ahem]

24. Tips from a long-time hiker/camper...

As for what you're already bringing:

Figure out how much water you think you'll need and bring twice that amount. Really.

Healthy snacks are great. Don't forget how important protein and carbs are: nuts and dried fruits are great for snacks, and rice and beans make great dinners. No need to avoid the occasional yummy salty snacks--sweating leads to salt and potassium loss. In fact, take some bananas with you for the potassium.

Other things to consider:
A couple of cheap plastic tarps may come in handy. Put one under your tent to keep ground moisture from seeping in. Use the other one as needed to cover you or your supplies from rain (Mon-Wed looks like it might get wet there).

Deet-based repellent is great, but don't forget to take something to sooth the bites you'll probably get anyway. The best thing going is ammonia--just dab it on the bite to relieve pain. You can buy it as a product called "After Bite (The Itch Eraser)" or just put some household ammonia in an bottle with an eye-dropper (and LABEL it.)

As for your protest sign, I'm sure you'll find the right message. Put in on canvas or wood with paint (don't bother with poster board in the humidity and rain.)

Lastly, best of luck to you. Thank you for going on this important trip! I wish I could join you all.

Peace and safe travels.:grouphug:

[Maru Kitteh]

25. Thanks for the tips - they will be very valuable

I am going to gather supplies tomorrow and will add your items to my list. :hug:

[frictionlessO]

27. I'll be arriving in next Friday late afternoon early evening

hopefully staying through the 23rd.

I'll be bringing...
tent.
sleeping bag to lay on if its to hot to get in
flashlights
digi cam
didgeridoo (they make some people happy)
some food and water,
beverage container (2 one for coffee and one for water or juice)
some reading material
batteries
deet
sunblock
paper and pen
sandals and shoes
some changes of clothes
camel back for more water
..... I plan on using one of the signs there.

Im hoping I can lend a hand with something or another. I get the feeling that by the time I get there it'll be a madhouse and I'll just get lost in the shuffle.

I am soooo excited about this. I just want to support Cindy and the wonderful orgs that are there supporting her now.