Hang around in the underworld of the outdoors long enough and you're likely to run across some pretty strange characters in some pretty odd places, hear some wild and far-fetched tales, and, if you happen to be in the pseudo-outdoors writing business like I am, get some interesting, if not a bit off-the-wall requests.

Like this one from a reader in Oklahoma City:

Hello:

I camp all summer in a large tent on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. For the past three years I have been searching for a collapsible or lighter weight portable bathtub for my camp site. I have a Zodi hot water heater that can be used to heat the water, but would prefer another way (propane) to heat the volume of water needed to fill a tub without using a regular hot water heater. Perhaps something on the order of a stock tank heater?

Any products you know of or advice you have would be appreciated.

Now, I had to scratch my head and read that one a couple of times. I don't normally see large tent, campsite, hot water heater and stock tank all in the same paragraph.

But then I thought, hey, lucky you that gets to spend the summer in a tent somewhere in the wilds of Ontario.

And given that the the water's likely to be pretty damn cold up there, and that you're likely to get downright stinky without a good hot bath every now and again, I got to sympathizing.

And got to researching the problem for my new unwashed Oklahoma camper friend.

Come to find out there's not much to be had in the way of portable camping bathtubs. I'll bet in years past you could've ordered a slick one from the Sears & Roebuck or Montgomery Ward catalog, but those days are long gone.

Today there's just not much of a demand for such items. Important as they might be to a person camped out all summer with plenty of serious stink sticking to 'em and clouding around them, but no access to a bathtub for a good cleansing.

Ever a dog with a bone, I dug further.

And finally found a solution. Yes folks, a truly portable bathtub. Just zip yourself in, attach a hose, stopper the drain and scrub away. When done just pull the plug and voila! Clean as a whistle. And the plastic envelope doesn't require a large volume of water.

What will they think of next??!!