Move over REI, here comes Cabela's

Years ago I remember my brother commenting to my kids, while driving along a section of I-5, just south of Portland......Said he, in words something like this:

"There are two important and noteworthy landmarks here along this freeway.... the LDS (Mormon) temple and .... (reverent pause)...  REI."

This was years before I developed an appreciation for this epic store of stores.  I didn't yet know I needed its products, although they piqued my interest.  I'd wander through its aisles, perusing the various camping and backpacking treasures and think about how fun it'd be..... until I pondered nights in a small tent, on the ground, in the dark, with bugs, and quickly dismissed the whole idea completely.

Then Husband was given a church-assignment to hang out with teenage boys on backpacking trips, and this sent us, and our credit card, to every sporting goods store within miles.  I went along on the shopping trips and watched the bill grow while our bank account shrank.   Down-filled sleeping bags, tents, air mattresses, backpacks ...... added to miniature stoves, cooking tools, and various other light-weight, yet costly items.  And with his anticipation that I might eventually join in on this new hobby, he bought some things in duplicate.

Fast forward to now.  I am indeed shamelessly hooked on this outdoor lifestyle and no one is more surprised at this than I.  There is no logical explanation for it.  I love to trot on over to our local REI to see if perhaps there is SOMETHING new on their shelves that I missed last time, that I really, really need.  And for a REAL treat, I arrive early, stand in line awaiting the doors to open, and elbow my way around their occasional "garage" sales when they sell returned items for ..... well, let's just say, a LOT less than new.   Some people prefer wearing Ralph Lauren and going to concerts and over-priced restaurants.  I prefer Gore-tex and testing out camp chairs and trekking poles.

But a few years ago, while on a trip to Utah, we were introduced to a monstrous wonder called Cabela's. In this heady version of retail sporting goods, you will find recreations of the great outdoors, with life-size taxidermied animals, and huge aquariums full of live fish.  It sells that tacky cabin-style home-decor and bedding, casual clothes and shoes, woodsy-type toys, and anything to keep the family entertained while Dad is off looking at the boat supplies, guns, and fishing gear.  There is an exorbitant amount of floor space wasted on camouflage clothes and hunting supplies that must be patiently endured, but the camping section can keep me happy for an hour.  Plus there's fudge.....

Since there was no Cabela's near us, we'd occasionally do a day trip, driving several hours north to visit the one in Lacy, Washington.  Just for fun.  Because we like fun.


True story:  Husband's brother lives an hour or so north of the Lacy store.  During one of our Cabela's day trips, he happened to call Husband's cell.

"Hey", he taunted/teased, "I'm at Cabela's.  Need anything?"  (In his I'm-here-and-you're-not tone.)

To which Husband responded, "I'M at Cabela's!"

"No you're not!"

"Yes, I am!"

"You're kidding!!  Where ARE you??"

"By the guns....we've been here nearly an hour!"

"Us too!!"

After which we had a fun reunion next to the caramel corn stand.  Cabela's is just THAT kind of place.



Then came the BIG news:  Cabela's is coming!!  Here!!  This red-neck-catering, gun-promoting bastion of outdoorsiness is coming to liberal Portland.

We drove by the site frequently to monitor the progress of its construction, and marked the opening day on our calendar ..... which happened while Husband was still traipsing around Mt. Hood.... so we went the next day.

Here again, I wander the aisles in vain searching for SOMETHING I NEED.   But sad to say, there isn't.  I don't need anything.  I have it all ..... liner socks, water bottles, inflatable pillow, pack cover, collapsible sink ..... I even have stuff Cabela's doesn't sell.

All in all, I must say, in conclusion ..... REI probably still holds its spot of importance, ranking just below the temple.  It doesn't sell fudge, but it cuts to the chase by keeping out all the camo.  As far as I'm concerned, it's focused on the good stuff, without all the hoopla.  No guns, no fishing, no boating silliness in REI.  No taxidermied animals, nor bear-themed lamps.  Just the important stuff.  Husband may not agree, but this is not his blog.

And if you REALLY want the best deal for camping/hiking knickknacks, other than buying used, it's at Walmart.  Yep. ..... But don't tell anyone I said that, because I'm NOT one of those people.  I'm not.

Really.

I'm not.