Robin Hood!

I spent the weekend at Oklahoma’s other outdoor furry convention, Wild Nights, and as is always the case, I noticed a few things…

1. After two false starts trying to go to this convention, itlooks like the third time’s a charm!
2. Introduced my co-pilot to slot machines at a gas station casino; many apologies in advance if he becomes a gambling addict!
3. Cell service is zip at the park, luckily I saved the camp maps to my tablet.
4. At first, I listened in horror as the only FM stations my radio picked up played country music and then luckily stumbled upon a classic rock station…whew
5. Looks like they got off to a late start with dinner, I hope everyone had a big lunch.
6. The park is awesome, and even has real trees!
7. Feels odd to not be wearing my rings, I keep reaching to take them off before I walk to the restroom…TMI, maybe?
8. Old tech is better #1: LED lights have come a long way, but I’ll take my trusty 2-mantle Coleman lantern for lighting up camp any day.
9. I thought I was going to be attached to my backpack for the weekend but I surprisingly did okay without it.
10. Thing I forgot: a handkerchief, its driving me nuts because I keep reaching for it when I cough, but it isn’t there!
11. Last year, I wrote a story at Oklacon about my own withdrawal from the Internet.  This year, I may scribe a similar story about a friend descending into madness.
12. The blooping noise the tap makes when getting water is the COOLEST THING EVAR.
13. I didn’t go to the hat-making panel and spent the rest of the con wishing that I had one!
14. Idea: Glow in the dark zippers for tents.
15. Temps were in the fifties outside on Thursday night, WHY were the a/c units on at the cabins?
16. Robber’s Cave State Park took a little looking for, didn’t help that I took the scenic route.  Stupid Apple Maps
17. The cave itself took some hunting to find, too, but then again, we went off the beaten path.
18. Apparently the NOAA weather computer saying ‘shitstorm’ on the radio is the funniest thing ever.
19. Crepes for breakfast, potato soup for lunch; seems like someone in the kitchen knows what they’re doing!
20. Didn’t bring the car key for passenger, came to regret it after being asked ‘is it locked?’ every hour or so.
21. We got caught by the grocery stores in the nearby town being closed early twice, once at 9 and then at 8. I wanted to ask if dancing was also forbidden and that’s because I’m from a small town in Texas.
22. Nothing like hearing a gust of wind come from the trees then seeing a cloud of pollen descend. Crap.
23. Scheduling seems to be an issue for Wild Nights, and registration also took a little while. Don’t forget to bring some patience along!
24. Comparing the two OK outdoor cons: Wild Nights has the better venue, but Oklacon seems to be better organized. Balance of the universe and all that.
25. Also: At Oklacon, I took home red dirt in the Excelsior as a souvenir. This time, it’s POLLEN. POLLEN EVERYWHERE. *cough cough*
26. Saturday afternoon turned into siesta time at the con, there was very little going on. Works for me.
27. Wore my bear ears into town for no good reason. Oh yeah, because I felt like it. That’s a good reason.
28. Had my first s’more ever, yum!
29. Once the weather forecast started mentioning thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes, it quickly lost its comedy value.
30. Old tech is better #2: While most smartphones were useless, my radio worked just fine.
31. There appeared to be an exodus of people Saturday as word got around about the impending weather. We hung around, but put everything away just in case we had to make a quick exit.
32. I don’t think I have ever slept in a top bunk, and after spending a restless night in one, I still haven’t.
33. This felt more like a camping trip at a furry convention than a convention that involved camping.
34. Drove into some hail after leaving the event, apparently we just missed the bad weather.  There but for the grace of God we go.