While Jon and Lyman were packing their bags for the trip, Garfield was lamenting over his unfortunate problem in his box bed.

"So we're going camping? It's not so bad." he thought. "Besides from the cold nights, insects, annoying noises at night, wiping yourself with a leaf, and the risks of predators attacking you, there's really nothing bad about it."

"You're gonna love camping, Garfield." said Jon. "It's just what every man...and cat needs to build some character!"

"Characters are for TV." Garfield rolled his eyes.

Jon picked up Garfield in his box and tossed him into the car with Odie.

"Garfield, I've made up my mind!" he said sternly to Garfield. "You are coming camping with us!"

"No! No! No!" Garfield shook his head. "I'd rather spend the rest of my life with Nermal than go into the Sucky Outdoors!"

After hours of driving, Garfield, Jon, Lyman, and Odie finally arrived at the campgrounds.

"Well here we are boys, Jellostone National Park!" said Jon. "A restful retreat!"

"If I wanted a restful retreat, I could've stayed in Vito's Pizzeria." Garfield thought.

The boys then arrived at their cabin to unpack their clothes and get ready for their first camping activity.

"This is so exciting, Lyman, we're actually in the wilderness." said Jon. "This is a great chance for us to learn to survive in a more primitive environment, enjoy the Great Outdoors, and study the local flora and fauna."

"Not to mention, we can see the local wildlife." Lyman added. "After all, I've been looking for some wildlife photos to take for the magazine, and the woods is a perfect place to do that."

"Then what're we waiting for? Let's go explore the woods!" Jon said with as much gusto.

Garfield lied down on the bed. "Wake me up when we get home."

"Come on, Garfield! Let's get down and dirty!" Jon said as he grabbed Garfield and headed out of the cabin to do some outdoor fun.

"If I wanted to get dirty, I'd tear up Mrs. Feeny's flower beds." Garfield rolled his eyes.

The guys walked around the woods, looking at all the amazing sights. Lyman took some photos of the woods, and Jon showed Garfield the wonders of the woods, much to the cat's displeasure.

"I'm telling you Garfield, nothing could amaze me more than the tranquility of nature." Jon smiled at the view.

Just then, some beautiful women came walking to the river, which left Jon in awe.

"Whoa mama!" he said. "See ya, Lyman! I'm gonna go check out the river!"

Holding Garfield in his arms, Jon followed the women to the river at breakneck speed.

"Okay Jon..." Lyman said, confused. "Come on Odie, let's continue taking some pictures."

"Ruff!" Odie barked as he followed his master.

Meanwhile, Jon and Garfield caught up with the women to the river, where a bulky guy was waiting for them.

"Hmmm. I wonder what's going on?" wondered Jon.

"Listen, we have had a lot of lunches mysteriously vanishing these past few weeks and our park rangers haven't been lucky in tracking down the thief." said the man.

Jon turned to Garfield with a suspicious glare.

"Don't look at me, I just got here." Garfield shrugged, then reached into his backpack. "And of course, if I haven't eaten in an hour, it's sure as heck an emergency."

Garfield then took out a large hoagie and started to eat it.

"Okay, now we need to start the investigation." said the ranger. "Everybody find yourself a partner to hang onto."

"Well ladies, I'm all open." Jon said as he made a macho pose.

Unfortunately (and predictably), the women walked right past Jon and went to cling onto the hunky ranger.

Jon sighed. "Some guys have it, and some guys don't."

"And unfortunately, Jon is one of those guys." Garfield thought.

Jon and Garfield joined the ranger and the girls on the raft, and started to go down the river to find out what happened to the missing picnic lunches.

Author's Note:

Well, looks like the guys are off on their own expeditions; Jon and Garfield are going to check out some fine ladies, while Lyman and Odie are going off on an expedition of their own. But for now, let's get back to the barnyard and see how Lanolin and the kids are handling trying to get rid of Robert until the guys come back! Let's go!