We are easily bored, short attention span you know? Ride, eat, walk, eat, sleep, eat..... A pattern emerges, coming from south Lousyana, we have a genetic predisposition to either seek out or produce our own gastronomic events. It's not work, you gotta eat. You could just sit on your ass in the greasy spoon of unknown hygiene waiting for that mediocre meal OR, enjoy the ambience of a camp fire and brotherhood while your gourmet dinner is prepared. Riding is what we do and enjoy, but hanging out with your riding buddies is fun too.
As far as the tent and gear thing, I usually don't get going any earlier from a motel than camping. (My sleeping bag is nice, cozy and clean.) Still have to load and unload, find something to eat, yada yada. We try to stay in one place for a few days anyway, to avoid the packing and unpacking some.
But, to each his own. I like camping.
BTW, good ride report HPP. It's mostly true.
