There's a North Face Outlet Store near where we live, selling outdoorsy stuff cheaper than in all their other (overpriced) shops. Not bad. But then once or twice a year they have a sample sale. Every model of shoe, coat, sock, etc. that they sell, in every available colour, is brought out in boxes into a big warehouse out the back, the doors are thrown open, and the feeding frenzy begins. Last week, it happened again!
One slight disadvantage is that everything is in medium size only, but if you're mediocre like us (and everyone we know) then it all fits. Boots go for $15, fleeces for $50, trousers/tops for $20, waterproofs for $80...and now and again, if you're really lucky and can fight off enough crazed people in the crush, you can dig up something super exciting.
And so I found myself holding a large bag containing what claimed to be an eight-person tent. Do I even know eight people who would be willing to camp with me? It didn't matter - I handed over the flat price of $100 for "premium" items and brought it home, only to find through an Internet search that it's a Trailhead 8 that sells in shops for $500! Bargain!!
Or was it? There was only one way to find out. Picking a nearby patch of concrete (the grass is always wet due to the Californian love of constant irrigation) we unpacked canvas, clipped bendy poles together, staked out vestibules with rocks...and soon we were stood in a 132 square-foot tent with two queen-sized bedrooms, a living room, front and back doors, and a porch. Why bother continuing to rent our apartment?
Would you trust this man to put up your tent?
Hmmm...something's wrong here. I knew I shouldn't have bought cheap.
Ok, getting somewhere.
The inner is up, cleverly held in place by traffic cones.
Hannah can stand up straight inside!
Me in the guest bedroom.
Mr and Mrs Davies are proud to announce their new address...
Take only memories, leave only footprints (and traffic cones).
