Off to camp in the desert - YouLookFab Forum

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Off to camp in the desert

rachylou

Veteran

I'm going to go off camping to this place: https://www.google.com/amp/s/w.....uperbloom/

Bakery is shutting down for renovations and am running off harebrained. Working Saturday late, then packing up, then leaving Sunday morning. I have no idea where my tent is, just to show how harebrained a scheme this is.

I'm wondering if I can just do this trip in my bakery clothes - sneakers and leggings... 'cuz don't know where my boots are either. 5 days, primitive camp site, and I don't want to take a ton of stuff.

No real hiking. It's a state park and poor Lilypup is not allowed on the trails.

What would you take to wear? And should I worry about rain?

1

Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from chewyspaghetti

Jenni NZ

Veteran

If no real hiking, then you don't need hiking boots? And if it's a desert, it may be dry... Sorry only been to Northern California once. Wildflower superbloom looks amazing!

Bijou

Veteran

Rachy, this looks amazing. The walking terrain looks quite rugged, so I would try to find the hiking boots if you plan to do lots of walking. However, given Lilypup is not allowed on the trails, your sneakers may be fine (it really does depend upon how much walking you plan to do). Do you have a gear type jacket to keep you warm at night? Deserts have extreme temperatures, very hot during the day and freezing at night...so I would take a jumper and jacket for nights.

Hope you and Lilypup have a wonderful time!

rachylou

Veteran

I'm gonna take my long Puffy and hope I don't destroy it !! I'm a bit worried I don't have a daytime gear jacket - I need one for sun protection. I might sacrifice my linen jacket to the excursion.

I will make an effort to look for the boots. I wish I had a pair of crocs, lol. I like to wear them in camp. So much easier to get on!

I'm wondering if Lilypup should wear a bell. The desert doesn't have bears ... don't know if that would scare or attract coyotes, lol.

LaPed

Veteran

Probably fine with sneakers if you're only going to be on the dogs-allowed walkways. I imagine you're bringing a puffy for the evenings? Definitely bring a linen or cotton jacket for the sun during the day. And a hat. Do you have an umbrella? I like an umbrella in the desert -- good for the sun, and good back-up on the off chance you get a rainstorm. Have fun -- Anza Borrego is beautiful!

RobinF

Veteran

Wow, I can't help you but looks amazing! Have a great time!

JAileen

Veteran

I'm so envious! I've always wanted to see the desert wildflowers! I thought it was supposed to get hot (90s). No suggestions, but have a great time!

Diana

Veteran

I want to go there!

I'm no help with the gear though. I don't camp. Showers are too important to me, lol. I would probably try to find the hiking boots though, or at least trail runners. Better to have some protection from rocks and uneven terrain.

Anonymous

Never camped in my life, so no advice to offer.

But that desert is beautiful - almost enough to make me want to change my mind.

May you and Lillypup have a fabulous holiday!

Traci

Veteran

I have a hard time having clothes that are relegated to just one activity, so I don't really have gear. When we camp I bring my grungiest regular clothes that fit the situation. I hold onto my cashmere cardigans as they become too natty to wear out and keep them for layering when camping. I usually bring an oversized cotton button up to serve as a light jacket, maybe you have one of those? Also, I have a hard time packing minimally for camping because I end up change up clothes fairly often as things get damp and I let them air out in the sun. I've never camped in the desert, so I don't know how that will effect things.

So, I'd bring:
Wool cardigan or pullover
Easy knit dress
2 pairs of leggings
1 pair jeans or canvas pants
3 pairs of socks
Sneakers
Slip on shoes of some sort (flip flops, sandals, crocs, whatever works)
1-2 button up shirts
2 tank tops (I like to layer with them or sleep in them)
Sleep shorts
Puffer (just in case)
Big warm scarf

JAileen

Veteran

Sunscreen!!

kkards

Veteran

rachy, no packing thoughts, but hmmmm i have a hard time imagining you camping!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have no suggestions, other than BRING YOUR PUFFER. And safe travels for you and Lilypup.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

So jealous of you seeing the superbloom. Take pictures for me

sarah

Veteran

Had to pop in to say how much I love, love, love Anza Borrego. I was there during a "super bloom" about 20 years ago, and it was a high point of my life!

Just be sure to bring layers (preferably wool or moisture-wicking synthetics). Check out the forecast to see if you need your raincoat. If not, you might want it as a shell to wear over layers, unless you have some sort of other wind-resistant shell. I'd opt for that instead of a puffer, since you'll get too hot hiking in a puffer. (unless you want it in the evenings, but then, only bring it if you're car camping)

I think you'll probably be ok in sneakers. Just watch out for spines/thorns.

Be sure to close your eyes and *listen* to the bees. It's remarkable.

Zibbets

Veteran

Oh my gosh, that looks amazing!

I think you'll be fine with sneakers. I'd probably throw in a hooded jacket, but it doesn't look like rain will be an issue.

Traci's list is good. I'd swap out a fleece for the sweater and add two hats: a soft one for sleeping (40s at night) and a brimmed one for daytime. I might even throw in some fleece gloves.

Sunglasses and sunscreen for sure.

I'd also take a real pillow. We camp a lot and I've tried making do with folded clothes and backpacking pillows, but there's no substitute for a real one.

Be safe and have fun!

Style Fan

Veteran

Have fun. My camping days are over. I am no help. I would take a puffy, raincoat and sunscreen for sure. I did a lot of hiking in my day. Good shoes.

MsMaven

Veteran

What a wonderful chance to see the desert bloom! I envy you. No advice other than have a great time.

Greyscale

Veteran

I'm also considering a last-minute roadtrip down to see flowers! Antelope Valley probably as it's closer. Have a blast.

Edit: the site I was considering is described as surprisingly windy, which would affect clothing choice. I don't know if that's true of Anza Borrego also. And don't forget to drink lots of water!

rachylou

Veteran

Great advice and thx for the bon voyages!

I'm gonna look for an old sweater. That's a smart idea. I'm hoping I can dig up some old pants that will go over my leggings, but can't think of anything rugged that I might have. And of course, I can't really be without my puffy. We have a complete symbiotic relationship now

I'm also hoping I can learn to use my iPhone camera on this trip. I see those billboards... I don't know how people get those amazing shots.

AND I must remember lip sunblock!!! Thx for reminder.

Ps: Kkards - I think it's funny you say that. My boss said something similar; said he couldn't imagine me being a rider of horses. It speaks to one of the reasons why I'm here on YLF. I have a terrible time conveying my nature, lol. Maybe my problem is I'm half-baked in all regards: I can pluck a chicken, but I can't catch one!

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I HAVE to remember dishes for Lilypup this time! Good point, greyscale!

JAileen

Veteran

Try the panoramic feature on your phone if you haven't already. I did quite a few in Seattle last summer.

Anonymous

Looking forward to desert photos. Have a wonderful time. Remember that it really cools off at night. Flashlight and batteries, you might need bug repellent, first aide kit and tweezers to pull out thorns. Keep LilyPup out of the brush. Lots of water for both of you.

SandyG

Veteran

Those wrappy Gorilla tripods are great for iPhone camera work. A macro lens for closeups. Remember a sun hat and good sunglasses (my worst sunburn was in the desert in February). Oh, and check the puppy for ticks each night too.

rachylou

Veteran

Ohmigosh. I have one of those tripods. I should take it! Lolol!

I hope the tick tool is in the puppy drawer...

Joyce B

Veteran

Have fun, Rachy!
I would love to go there, too!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Remember, it's the desert. Even when it's warm in the daytime, the nightime temps will drop more than you expect. Bring more layers than you think you'll need.