But the popularity of social networking sites has it’s “other” side, too.  It has amped the volume of people speaking their minds which isn’t bad, as long as it’s not misused.  Twitter, Facebook and discussion boards provide platforms for people to immediately broadcast what’s on their minds – “I loved it”  ”I hated it”  ”#FAIL” “Anyone out there listening?”

What do you do when one of your online friends asks you to re-tweet or re-post their anger or frustration with someone or some company?  Do you do it just because it’s someone you know?  I think it is more common on Twitter than on Facebook to see that plea “Please RT this!”  I find these requests interesting but a little unsettling. I now have to know all the facts about their story.

But there are what I call the bandwagoners – people who jump on a rant, most not knowing the full story.  Re-tweet it and re-post it multiple times and the next thing you know there’s a full online movement that may or may not be justified.  I’ve seen too many times where the noise-maker rattling the cage  is not quite so innocent as they portray to be.

The knee-jerk online reactions bother me.  I’ve been on both sides of the equation.  I’ve been the consumer with problems and I’ve been the PR side trying to fix things.  Neither side is comfortable.

I love reading consumer-centric columns and blogs that work at solving people’s problems.  Greg Dawson and Christoper Elliott are my steady reads.

So why is this today’s topic? No particular reason. It’s just something that’s been on my mind and finally put it down in writing.

What possessed me to once again agree to a week on an island in the middle of a lake with no electricity, no running water, no shelter, and only an outhouse for facilities? Am I crazy? I thought last year taught me a lesson after  I came home bruised and battered with cuts and scrapes  and the complete and utter appreciation for hot showers.  But I also came home last year with a total new sense of being.  I saw a new side of life I had never been exposed to before.  There was something very special about last year’s trip that totally endeared me to the whole Lake George camping experience. Some people may not believe this, but I actually couldn’t wait for this year’s trip to finally get here.

What I enjoyed most about camping at Lake George:

• 70-degree temperatures and NO humidity!
• Crystal clear blue skies and a full moon at night
• An amazing lake to boat, swim, tube, ski, kayak
• Strong family bonding
• No connection with daily news of crime, murders and mayhem
• Fresh mountain air – with a scent of pine in the wind
• Nightly campfires where everyone gathers to talk and roast marshmellows
• Fabulous dinners every night
• Absolutely no schedule of any kind to follow. Wake up when you want and go to sleep when you want.
• Watching kids be kids – and watching adults be kids again
• (and here’s where it gets sappy) Wanting to spend all my time with Mike.

Last year was a whirlwind of experiences.  Being a camping virgin, I truly had no idea what to expect.  My only knowledge of camping was what I saw on TV and I don’t think the “Brady Bunch” camping trips really prepared me for what I endured.  There is not a question in the world that I had a great time last year, I did come home quite beaten up. And with those bruises came some key learnings. 

Here are the Top Ten things I learned from last year that helped me survive this year:

#10.   Shoes make all the difference in the world! Teva hiking sandals helped me step foot in the right direction.

# 9.   Fashion has no place in the woods.  Cute shirts, cool earrings are meaningless on a camping trip. T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts are all that matters. Comfort is king.

# 8.   Put the blackberry away. Disconnecting from the world is a necessity.

# 7.   Reading is fundamental. I finished 2 ½ books during the week. It’s a great way for an early bird like me to kill time while the rest of the gang slowly wakes up.

# 6.    When hiking up a mountain, bring water in addition to the cosmopolitans.

# 5.   Carb  counting during camping is useless. Proteins, carbs.. come’on – just eat!

# 4.    Coleman stove-top drip coffee maker! New in 2009.

# 3.   Take lots of pictures and videos.

# 2.   Getting my hair professionally straightened the week before made my life so much easier.

# 1.   Hot showers for 25-cents at the marina!

2009 camping trip was an incredible experience.  Lake George is a breath-taking place. And the O’Regan clan is – well – a ton of fun.  Good times had by all.