It has been a long hot summer here in the Pacific Northwest. Sitting in an air conditioned RV is not my idea of camping, so when I received an offer to climb Mt. Rainier, I jumped at the chance to go “camping” where it wouldn’t be so hot! Our guide thought we should camp on Ingraham Glacier, also known as High Camp. High Camp is further up the mountain than Camp Muir where the majority of climbers camp then wake early to attempt the 14,410 ft. summit. Being at the higher location meant we had less elevation to gain, less distance to travel to the summit, could “sleep in” until midnight and it would be quieter as there would be fewer fellow campers than at Muir. It all made sense to me, so I was in full agreement.
Now from my experience, a majority of RVers started out tent camping, so most of you know the drill. Standard procedure after setting up the tent is locating the “facilities”. If your choice of camping location was not a developed campground, you found a nearby tree to provide cover as you went about your business.
This begs the question, where do you go for a little privacy when you are camped on a glacier and there are no trees? I will let the picture below explain!
Going about your business where there are no trees, just one more reason I am glad to be an adventurous RVer with a fully self contained RV and only an occasional tent camper!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
I had sort of a similar situation in Lassen Park many years ago. I went snow camping with a friend and we cross country skied for many miles. Well, nature called at a most inopportune time and I had to do some real scrambling. It just wasn’t something that I planned for. I opt for a large 5th wheel or four star hotels now so I don’t expect to have to face that problem again.