Would setting up camp well away from the house accomplish all of the above?
Just a perspective; hanging out with Pat Mac is less of an objective and more of a interesting prospect. I wouldn't know how to be a boot licker if I tried. Killing the travel time, humping gear, cutting up with my buddies, and being outdoors around a fire in November is what I was looking forward to.
Either way, let us know. It's not like this is going down tomorrow.