Tarp Question (very serious)

“When using a tarp instead of a tent is there any danger of waking up in the morning with a raccoon gnawing your eyeballs out? Just curious.”

“I suggest leaving the lemon merringue (sp) pie facial mask at home. Oh and don't put peanut butter on your eye lids before going to sleep. You might want to brush your teeth. Did I forget anything? ;o)”

“No, Raccoons always go for the crotch.”

“I woke to a coon sniffing at my boots about 2 feet from my face. Kinda cool. He saw me open my eyes and meandered off. That's what I like about tarps. You are outside.”

“Use a bivy, then you will really be outside!”

“Yeah WC I've tried my brother's goretex bivy but my sleeping bag always seems to get damp then. I'm thinking of ordering a micromesh bivy for dew/frost or when I don't expect a downpour.”

“I've had dreams of raccoons standing on their hind legs at the door of my tent. Only to watch them unzip it like they belong in there with me. Smart animals, but I would not worry about them even if you tarpin it. I've had more problems with mice nibbling on my salt flavored hair then 'coons cleaning my teeth.”

“Don't anyone play down the seriousness of one of them'thar carnivorous, metal-chewing, saber-toothed porcupines!”

“Frankly...if'n yer just using a tarp as a roof, and the weather is gonna be great throughout the night...you might as well use the tarp as a groundcloth and sleep under the stars for the full tobacco flavor of sleeping in the woods!”

“No, what is real fun is when the snakes find the inside of your bag a warm place to hang out for the night.