Tale of the Tape

When you grow up in the Dakotas, you treasure summer. When you endure the weather we do in the winter time, you soak up all you can when it is nice outside. Which is why in the Dakotas summer wreaks havoc on television ratings, consistent bedtime for children, and church attendance.


And now that I've spent about as much time in Sioux Falls as I have in North Dakota, I've learned that while both groups equally value their summers, they do so in different ways. Growing up in Grand Forks, and more so in Fargo, you spent your summer at the lake (or desperately hoped you knew someone who did!). In Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas, you spend your summer camping in the numerous state parks around the area. And while the differences between the two aren't a right/wrong thing and more of a different strokes for different folks things, I thought I'd offer a novice comparison between the two ways to spend a summer.


Mascot

• The lake mascot is the Loon, the official bird of Minnesota, with its distinct call.
• The camping mascot is the Park Ranger, with the rounds its makes around the park making sure you abide by quiet hours and don't have more than 6 vehicles at your campsite.

Vehicle

• The lake vehicle isn't really a vehicle, it's a boat- be it a speedboat, fishing boat, pontoon, or jet ski. If you have no lake vehicle or know someone that does, your fun at the lake is significantly diminshed.
• The camping vehicle is either a pop up, 5th wheel, or travel trailer, though my friends say sleeping in a pop up during a storm will convince you to make the move up. You can certainly tent camp or stay in a camping cabin (as I do!), but the camping pros seem to avoid these options and opt for the camping vehicle.

The Role of Wind

• For the lake, wind is a major downer. Even a 10 mph breeze can delay any lake fun.
• For camping, a little wind isn't a big deal, and in fact might be welcome as it cools you off as you sit in one of those zero gravity chairs.

Theme Song

• For the lake, Brad Paisley's "Water"
• Sorry, can't think of one for campers

Role of the Campfire

• For the lake, to warm you up after an evening of boating.
• For the camper, provides light as I found out that there are few outdoor lights at state parks.

Insider tip

• For the lake, if it is a windy day, you can ususally find a bay or the other side of the lake where you can still boat.
• For the camper, set up camp on Thursday to either save your spot at places where you can't reserve them or to maximize camping enjoyment on the weekend.

Cruel irony

• For the lake, you can almost guarantee that the nicest day will be the day that you are heading home
• For the camper, you can almost guarantee that you will forget something, at least if you're not an expert camper. We forgot towels last weekend- seriously! I guess we just expected the camping cabin to also have a linen service.