Flycreek, campfires, and kids

I tried out my new flycreek ul1 this last weekend. Once more the thought processes my brain goes through before I purchase something has let me down. This was by no means the tent's fault.
The last time I was camping, six of us shared a very large tent which was sometimes prone to leaking. We took turns with a foot pump to blow up the air mattress for our sleeping bag.
Our backpack was an automobile made in the early 60's. We went out west to the mountains every summer, usually to Yellowstone.
Yes, I remember feeding the bears ( sorry to say ). Our entertainment on the long drive out there was counting antelope and different state license plates. I would not trade those memories for wealth, health, or love.
I live in the sticks and have a nice area with large rock-ringed fire pit surrounded by trees and several places to pitch a tent. Had a very nice party this weekend with a dozen or so people camping out. One couple ( 20 somethings with two adorable kids under 5 ) came "camping" with their tent on at least six wheels and had to be staked down with 400 ft of electrical cord to my house. I assume that was to keep the refridgerator, AC, lights, and DVD player from being blown over in case of a storm. I could not help but think "this is not camping". Both kids had the cutest little lawn chairs for sitting around the fire but when dad later brought them out a portable dvd player to watch while they sat there, my heart sank a little.
We had an awesome fireworks show. No one got hurt and the sheriff did not show up so all was well. Fortunately, I was inattentive to my jeep as the night wore on, and the battery and the music died. We were reduced to several lawn chairs around a beautiful campfire. Only the sound of wood burning and conversation, I loved it.
After 1,2,......beers and a couple of brats I was ready for bed which brings me back to the flycreek. Please forgive my rambling. The tent is everything it claims to be, in my opinion. It was simple to set up, although I did have to get back online to look at the picture of it again to stake down the fly. But that is just me. Once I set it up I decided I wanted to move it a few feet to a new spot, I just pulled the stakes and carried the whole tent like a paper sack, set it down and restaked it. Weather was almost insignificant, breezy and had some misty annoying rain, but I was totally dry. My thermorest pad was comfortable enough although I did let a little air out twice during the night. Being my first night on the ground I cheated and bought a twin bed cushion thing from wal-mart which I intended to cut to match my thermorest. I got lazy and just folded it in half. That was a mistake.
My problem with the tent ( the real reason for this post ) was getting in and out of it. I am either too fat or too old, but for me it was a hassle. It took all the fun out my having a new tent. There is room between the tent door and fly for your boots, not much else. Should you wake up with a gas problem, by the time you can get out, it will have taken care of itself. I am not berating the tent, only my decision making. I am off to see if I can find where my thought process got derailed.

You pretty well nailed the pluses and minuses of the Fly Creek. I'm getting up there myself (59 in a few days), and find that it takes a little more scrunching up and scooting down than I normally do in a day to get in and out. However, that's me, not the tent.

When I'm not in the mood to scrunch and scoot, or when I'm carrying extra gear (for example, winter clothes), I take my Copper Spur. It's about the same size and layout as the Fly Creek, with two important differences: the side entry is highly accessible (just sit down and pivot in), and it has two vestibules: the larger one at the door, and the small one formed in back when you guy out the fly - and you can actually get to the small one from inside the tent via the convenient zippered access panel!

It's half a pound heavier than the Fly Creek, but the half pound earns its way in many situations. You may want to take a look at it.

I recently got a Fly Creek. I love everything about it but getting in. I bought it to replace a nearly new Tarptent Contrail and a veteran Sierra Designs Lightyear. Both of them were easier to get into.

I am in my early 70's and not as limber now as when I was younger. For now, I just figure "it's only once a night" and I keep hoping my prostate won't get any worse. I figure it is a small price to pay for a two pound, double-wall tent as roomy as is this one. I have developed a technique for crawling in head first and then turning around in the big end of the tent.

Glenn,
Thank you for not letting me feel alone in the world and happy early birthday.
When I was ordering the flycreek a small voice was slapping me in the back of the head, but I ignored it.
I need a 2 person tent. Me and my gear. Calm down bear people, the only thing that stinks in my tent will be me. I have no desire to have a heart to heart with a bear.
I want to spend the entire summer in Yellowstone, without a vehicle. My complete backpack will only be carried on average for 1 out of every 4 days, and with proper planning never 2 days in a row. If that fails I will not even attempt it. I will only do what I am sure I can handle. The majority of my time will be spent dayhiking and taking pictures and smelling the memories of my childhood.
I was leaning toward plan B, the copper spur (only in the 2 person variety), before you said something Glenn. Perhaps that is an omen. Thanks for your help.
It is nice to know there is a place someone like me who knows nothing can get friendly help.

How do you think I ended up with both a Fly Creek and a Copper Spur?

"Tarptent Contrail and a veteran Sierra Designs Lightyear. Both of them were easier to get into."

thanks for that, Pika. I've been contemplating the fly creek to replace my Contrail (NH Platforms...) for awhile and it looks like you've saved me $250 - for at least another few days

I have a side-entry tent now. I'm too old to crawl into a tent like a dog. It's much easier for me to get in and out, set up the inside of the tent with my sleeping bag, and matress.