Sunday, December 02, 2007

Winter Camping Meals

By Nicole Munoz

Cold weather camping is much more harsh on your body than camping in warmer seasons, so it is important to place extra attention on taking care of yourself by staying warm and eating the right foods. If you are camping in cold weather, you should allow yourself an additional 1,000 calories per day in your diet. Winter camping meals and snacks should be very high in carbohydrates to fuel your body through the extreme cold and should also contain plenty of fats and proteins.

Winter camping trips offer more flexibility for the types of foods you can pack because the cold temperatures are much friendlier to foods that may spoil quickly in the heat. Cooking and preparing your camping meals in the cold, however, is much more difficult. You will want to plan winter camping meals that are easy and quick to prepare and that are just as simple to eat. Plan on packing a good bit more food when camping in cold weather and pack several emergency meals as well.



Instant soups are simple winter camping meals that help warm you up on a cold night. Bring along plenty of hot drinks, like cocoa or coffee, and a Coleman 14 cup percolator to keep your body temperature higher before you wrap up in your sleeping bag for the night. Lunch will most likely take place on the trail so plan easy to eat foods that are high in carbs and proteins to keep your energy and strength throughout the day. It is important to continue to eat all day long because your body will be burning calories at a rapid rate, not only trying to keep your body warm, but to produce energy to hike as well.

High protein snacks like jerky, nuts, and trail mix are great for eating throughout the day regardless of the type of weather conditions you are hiking in, but are especially important winter camping foods. Dried fruits are also very beneficial to your body during strenuous cold weather activities like backpacking and hiking. Bring along plenty of raisins, trail mix, and fatty type snacks. Chocolate is even a good snack for winter camping and backpacking trips and it won’t melt along the trail!

Camp cooking in the cold can be a tedious task, but it is very important to eat well and to stay warm. Plan your winter camping meals ahead of time and consider the fact that things take longer to heat in cold weather. Avoid raw vegetables because it will be nearly impossible to cook them at camp. You can prepare vegetables at home and simply warm them to save time. Always cook with a covered pot or pan to retain more heat in the cold and warm your meals faster.




Consider hearty winter camping meals that can be prepared in a single dish and eaten with little effort. Prepared canned foods, like beef stew or chili, are great energy providers, but can be heavy to pack. Vary these heavier foods with light winter camping meal selections, like foil packets of tuna, pasta, and bagels, for a healthy menu for your cold weather camping adventures.



For more tips and information about Camping Gear, check out http: http://www.summitcampinggear.com/.


Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Family Camping Tents

Many people might think choosing a family camping tent is a difficult process. I am telling you that it doesn't have to be a difficult process. I recommend going to the camping supply store armed with what you are looking for to simplify the process. There are several steps to take to help narrow it down before you start looking.

First, decide weather you will be backpacking, weekend camping, or camping long term. These are different types of camping that require different camping tents. You will need a much lighter tent if you are looking for a backpacking tent than if you needed a family camping tent for the weekend. If you are considering long term camping you might consider a cabin tent for your camping tent.

Next, consider how many people you plan to camp with. Family camping tents come in many sizes so get an idea how many people you plan to sleep in the tent to determine the size. I recommend a little larger than the number of people you plan to sleep to allow for an extra sleeper or camping gear if you aren't a backpacker.

If you are on a budget and looking for discount camping tents Coleman tents and Eureka tents would be a great option to meet your needs. Both Eureka tents and Coleman tents offer all the styles and sizes you will need for a family camping tent. They offer large family camping tents such as the Eureka Pine Lodge, Eureka Copper Canyon, and the Coleman Sundome. If you are looking for a little lighter weight, and more flexible family camping tent you might consider the Eureka Timberline.

Knowing what style and what size will make your shopping experience much more pleasant when you go to select you backpacking tent or your family camping tent. Don't let all the brands and styles confuse you, just be prepared with the knowledge of what you are looking for.

Chris Graham is an editor for CGCamping.com, a website that offers family camping tents, and other discounted camping tents. A portion of all proceeds of CGCamping.com benefits children's charities.


Tags:,, ,, ,,,,,,

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Camping Vacation Fun

By Robert J. Carlton

You will find that when it comes to camping, you don’t just want to sleep in an tent, but you will want to get a commercial RV and use the commercial campgrounds as an alternative camping experience. You will want to make sure that you think about the alternative camping ways to the sleeping tent. You will want to make sure that you think about some of the basic tips to camping. You will want to think about camping in a way for the traditional camping and the modern camping ways. You will find that there are many elements like the wind and the rain that could ruin a traditional camping vacation; however, it will not ruin an RV camping trip. You can go camping no matter what the weather is like.

When it comes to a tent, you will find that the windy and the rain can really put the tent to a test, however, with a newer material tent you will find that fiberglass and aluminum poles will help you to keep a good tent up, however, you will find that sometimes the tent is just not strong enough, however, you will find that the RV will hold up no matter how hard the wind and the rains come down.

Rain is something that you will find as a challenge. Even if your tent does hold up, you may find that it is not waterproof and soon leaks and such will develop. You will find that when it comes to the modern RV vacation, you won’t have to worry about a thing. Even if you do end up getting a waterproof tent, you will find that it can get very stuffy. You will want to keep in mind that the tent was the wave of the future years ago; however, it is the RV or camper that is now the wave of camping trends. You will need to keep in mind that you can go camping no matter what in an RV.

It is very important that you learn about the camping options like Costa Calida and Costa Blanca before deciding what type of camping it is that you desire for your family. You may need to go traditionally camping because of the money, however, you will want to think about modern ways of camping.

The columnist Robert Carlton is particularly passionate about topics similar to Elche and Costa Blanca. Writing for detailed publications such as http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa_calida.html, the writer proofed his know-how on things dealing with Costa Calida and Costa Blanca.

Tags:,, ,, ,,,,,,

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Glamping Is Camping With A Twist

Have you been out glamping lately? I know I sure won't be anytime soon.

Who wouldn't like to be pampered while camping? At least once.

Having a camp butler to build my fire, cook my s’mores. A maid to look after my down filled comforter, a chef to prepare my fit for a king breakfast.

I think I'll stop dreaming and wake up to reality. At a cost of only $595 a night, plus $110 per person I'll keep looking for my $10.00 a night basic campsite. Believe it or not thats what glamping is all about.

It seems its a new trend. Its all about “glamourous camping”. Of course you might want to have a we bit of extra cash. “nature on a silver platter.” I'll stick to normal camping its what I know. How about you. Leave a comment.

Tags:,, ,, ,,,,,,

Glamping

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Camping Safety Tips: Part 2

Camping Safety Tips: Part 2 – Camp Fires, Wild Animals, Dangerous Activities
by: Mike Foster

Camping provides a great temporary escape from the stresses and dangers of suburban and urban life. However, the camping experience is fraught with its own set of dangers. The wise camper must take these into account and prepare in advance how to make safety in the woods a high priority and counter the inherent risks.

In part 1 of this two-part series, we looked at safety related to food preparation, preparing clean drinking water, and how to minimize the risk of illness from ticks.

In this second and final part, we will now turn our safety focus to properly handling camp fires, avoidance of wild animals, and giving caution due consideration while walking through any wooded areas.

CAMP FIRES

For many people, the thought of sitting, talking, or singing around a camp fire lies at the heart of the outdoor experience. No fire, no fun. However, a fire handled improperly can lead to inadvertent disaster. So safety is of the essence.

When starting, enjoying, and later putting out a fire, use common sense.

For example, if you are camping when the weather has been dry for a lengthy period of time, it would be safer to skip the camp fire altogether. This issue itself may actually influence your decision on selecting a time to camp.

Additionally, only build fires in camp ground provided areas, such as fire rings. Otherwise, clear out a small area in your camping site, and place rocks around a circle to set the parameters for your fire. Within the circle, dig a hole several inches deep for the wood you will burn.

If you have not brought your own wood on the trip, gather wood that is already dead and lying nearby. Make sure that any leaves close to the fire pit are raked several yards away and that there are no paper products lying on the ground. Throw those in the trash.

Once the fire is started, let it build slowly with smaller twigs and dead branches, only placing larger pieces of wood on the pile as the flame grows. Make sure small children remain several feet away from the flame, as the heat can become intense while it grows. And they certainly should not be close enough that they could slip or trip and fall in.

And finally, never leave a camp fire unattended. When leaving the area (say for a walk) or going to sleep for the night, extinguish the flames. Use a lot of water to douse the flames, saving your clean drinking water when at all possible. Stir the ashes and use more water until the remains are cool enough to the fingers.

WILD ANIMALS

Most people do not encounter wild animals when camping in the woods, certainly not up close and personal. But that does not mean they are not living in the habitat and posing a quiet danger to humans. It can definitely be entertaining to spot them from a distance, not to mention serving up great snapshot opportunities with a raccoon, deer, or even a bear. However, in such a situation, distance between you and the animal is one of your best friends.

Never (ever) attempt to feed an animal you encounter. It is not your pet dog or cat and may attack! That is an instinctive response. Even if you make no gestures that seem threatening, the animal may interpret it that way.

If a wild animal approaches you, back away slowly and do nothing to invite its approach.

Minimize your risk of an animal encounters in the first place by wrapping all food securely and putting it away when you have finished eating. Then throw away food-related trash in camp provided trash receptacles.

PERILOUS ACTIVITIES

There is nothing quite like a long, quiet walk in the woods. Remain on paths that have been designed for walks. Use common sense.

* Refrain from hanging on tree branches. Old, dying, or thin wood can easily snap off.

* Avoid walking close to or leaning over steep cliffs, whether they are primarily rock or brush. It would be easy to slip or lose your balance. A subsequent fall could be disastrous.

* Do not attempt to conquer gravity in the opposite direction either. That is, refrain from climbing steeply angled rocks. You are on a camping trip, not a mountain climbing expedition.

* In the winter, never walk on frozen water. Regardless of surface appearance, there is no method to assess how thin and weight-bearing capable the ice may be.

As you can see, the camping experience is not a danger-free zone. The great outdoors certainly provides compelling motivation to seek quiet time with nature. But this activity cannot be done with reckless abandon. In fact, making safety in the woods a habit actually assists with maximizing the many positives of the camping experience.

About The Author
GreatWay Plus, LLC. Owner: Mike Foster. Check us out at http://www.greatwayplus.com/

Camping Safety Tips: Part 2

Tags:,, ,, ,,,,,,

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: Part 1 – Food, Water, Ticks
by: Mike Foster

Camping out in the woods can be one of the most gratifying experiences available for those who stress over the hustle and bustle of daily life in or near a city. The dangers of contemporary lifestyles and environments can themselves drive people to the slow pace of the woods. Crime, careless drivers, pollution, identify theft. Who needs it!

While seeking a safe haven from the pitfalls of "civilization", the camper must also bear in mind that the great outdoors is fraught with its own set of dangers. Let's consider a few and how you can counter the risks.

In part 1 of this two-part series, we'll look at food safety, ensuring you have clean water to drink, and avoiding ticks.

FOOD SAFETY

Bacteria can invade many types of food, especially those high in protein and moisture, such as milk, milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, cream pies, custards and potato salad. After preparation, these foods must be kept either hot (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Between the two temperature ranges lurks the danger.

A camper who does not have the means of sustaining food that can easily spoil outside of those thermometer readings should not bring them on the trip at all. It would be much safer to bring canned food and garden goodies.

Exposed food should be prepared prior to the trip and protected in plastic prior to icing them since ice can trap harmful bacteria. For example, though ice pulled from a frozen stream in winter can help to keep food cold, it should never be permitted to touch the food itself.

And whether eating meals from a picnic table or sitting on the ground, always cover the eating area with something clean, like a plastic table cloth.

Any food that you suspect may be spoiled should be disposed of rather than eaten. The risk is just too high.

CLEAN DRINKING WATER

When you are thirsty, there is nothing like a cold, clear glass of water to satisfy. At home, our tap water is normally relatively safe, though many people opt to filter it through one means or another to improve the odds of safe drinking.

Aside from water that is purified for us, however, it has been estimated that the vast majority of surface water in the US fails to meet government standards for intake safety.

When you are camping without your own water (or a sufficient supply) and are not at a camp ground that has purified running water available, you will need to take additional measures to protect yourself from water contaminated by bacteria and viruses.

There are fundamentally four options for accomplishing this. The first you can do at the camp site. The other three require preparation prior to heading out to the camp site.

* Boil the water - Heat suspect water to a boil, and let it continue to do so for several minutes. After cooling off, it should be consumable.

* Iodine liquid or tablets - Instructions that come with the iodine will explain how many drops to use for a specific amount of water, and for what time period.

* Filtering - Most microorganisms can be filtered out depending upon the materials used in the filter and the filtering design of the unit. When purchased, be sure the instructions clearly state what will and will not be filtered out.

* Purification - Purifying will remove or kill all dangerous water-born bacteria. Using this method, the water should be run through the purifier at least a couple of times to ensure drinking safety.

AVOIDING TICKS

Ticks look innocuous on the surface. But tiny as they are, they still have the potency to make a person very ill with Lyme Disease. They can dig their way into a person's skin very easily without notice when he rests up against a tree or walks in brush. Once on the skin, ticks will burrow their way in and are not easily removed.

Before you head into the woods, you will need to minimize opportunities that these blood suckers have to find their way to your skin through an opening in your clothing. Tuck in whatever clothing you can: shirt into pants, pant legs into socks, shirt sleeve over top of gloves (if the weather is cool enough for gloves).

Additionally, spray on your clothing a good insect repellent that has a high percentage of. The repellent can be located at any sporting goods store and most general retail outlets.

Upon return to your camp site or turning into your tent for the night, check your body visually and with your hands looking for any small bumps that may be indicative of a tick that has landed on or embedded itself into your skin. Have someone else look carefully through your hair (running their fingers through it) and scan anywhere else that you cannot easily see, such as your back.

If you find that a tick has dug itself into your skin, immediately (but very carefully) remove it with tweezers. Grab it as close to its legs as possible, making sure to extract its entire body. If you are unable to do so, it would be better to leave the camp site for a time to visit a doctor than to risk infection.

In part 2 of this brief series, we will continue our consideration of camping safety tips, focusing specifically on camp fires, wild animals, and dangerous activities in the woods.

About The Author
GreatWay Plus, LLC. Owner: Mike Foster. Check us out at http://www.GreatWayPlus.com

Camping Safety Tips

Tags:










Friday, July 27, 2007

White Water Rafting For Beginners

5 Rafting Trips For Families And Beginners
by: Shari Hearn

Whitewater rafting can be fun and exhilarating. It can also be scary and dangerous if you venture out by yourself in an area that's rated way above your experience level. But, are there rafting trips which offer fun and excitement, but still mild enough for beginners and children? Absolutely. Here are a few you might consider.

1. Little Gore Canyon – Near Denver, Colorado

With a rating of Class I to III, the Little Gore Canyon section of the Colorado River offers mild yet exciting whitewater suitable for beginners and families with children. You can enjoy Little Gore Canyon in a raft, kayak, inflatable kayak or a canoe.

Companies which offer rafting trips for families in Little Gore Canyon include:

Bill Dvorak's Kayak & Rafting Expeditions

Providing expeditions since 1969, Dvorak's was Colorado’s first licensed outfitter. They offer 2-day family expeditions in Little Gore Canyon, with meals included. For more information, call them at 800-824-3795.

Rancho Del Rio

Offers half and full-day trips with lunch included, as well as an overnight and three-day trip with choice of three meal plans. Call them at 970-653-4431 for more information.

2. San Miguel River – Near Telluride, Colorado

A rafting trip along the San Miguel River near Telluride, Colorado will provide you with Class II and occasional Class III rapids, along with spectacular scenery of red rock cliffs and alpine terrain. This trip is great for beginners and families with children over 10 years of age.

Companies which offer rafting trips for families along the San Miguel River include:

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours, Inc.

Trip leaders average 3,000 river miles (the state of Colorado requires 750), and they offer shuttles around rapids for kids and elders. Mild to Wild offers 1-day, 2-day or 3-day trips down the San Miguel River, including meals on the river and in camp.

Bill Dvorak's Kayak & Rafting Expeditions

They offer 1 to 5-day family rafting expeditions along the San Miguel River, with meals included. For more information, call them at 800-824-3795. If you wish longer trips of 6 to 12 days, you can combine a trip on the San Miguel River with a trip on the Dolores. are available by combining the San Miguel with the Dolores.

3. Upper New River – South Central West Virginia

Beginners will appreciate the "beginner-friendly" rapids of the Upper New River, rated I to III in difficulty. An added feature is the incredibly beautiful scenery and the belief by some that the New River is the world's 2nd oldest river.

Companies which offer family rafting trips on the Upper New River include:

Rivermen

Offers a 1-day family rafting trip package on the Upper New River which includes 2 nights lodging, 1 breakfast buffet, 1 lunch buffet and 1 dinner buffet. You have many different types of lodging to choose from, including cabin, RV, camping, cabin tent or the Quality Inn. If you want more adventure to go with your rafting, Rivermen also offers multi-sport, multi-day adventure packages, such as a rafting and climbing package, a rafting, climbing and jetboat package, or a rafting, climbing, jetboat and horseback riding package. Call them at 800-545-7238 for more information.

4. South Fork of the American River – near Sacramento, California

The South Fork of the American River is a favorite in California, rated a Class II and III and suitable for beginners and children ages 7 and above. The 3-mile, Class II "Coloma to Lotus" stretch of the South Fork is a perfect place for novices to try out rafting. You will also enjoy the scenery of oak and pine forests.

Companies which offer family rafting trips on the South Fork include:

O.A.R.S.

Has been in business for over 30 years and offers a 2-day rafting trip on the South Fork, which includes lunch and dinner and overnight camping at River’s Bend Resort in Coloma, as well as breakfast the next morning. Call them at 800-346-6277 for more information.

American Whitewater Expeditions

Offers half, full and 2-day trips on the South Fork, as well as family midweek specials of 1 and 2-day trips. For those of you in Southern California, American Whitewater Expeditions has a special 2-day South Fork trip with round trip deluxe bus from Orange County, Los Angeles or San Fernando. And for those family members or friends who don't wish to raft but wish to camp at the company's campsite, they have a special of 2-nights camping and 4 meals for $69. Call 877-825-3206 for more information.

5. Upper Main Salmon River – near Sun Valley, Idaho

This section of the Salmon River in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area provides mild Class II rapids with some thrilling Class III rapids to provide the beginner and veteran alike with a very enjoyable rafting adventure.

Companies which offer beginner and family trips on the Salmon River include:

White Cloud Rafting Adventures

Offering half and full-day Class II and III trips suitable for beginners and children. Half-day trips include a snack, full-day trips include lunch. They also offer half-day scenic float trips for those who want an even milder trip down the Salmon River. This trip is a smooth and easy float with Class II rapids. Call them at 800-571-RAFT for more information.

Whichever river and outfitter you choose, do remember to apply sunscreen and wear water shoes or tennis shoes (no flip-flops), and bring a change of clothes. And do be careful, whitewater rafting can be addictive.


Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of several travel sites, http://www.boating-vacation.com/ http://www.rv-camping.net/ and http://www.topvacationspots.net/

Tags:












White Water Rafting For Beginners

Thursday, July 19, 2007

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting Canada While Camping
by Wade Robins

Are you a white water rafting enthusiast? Do you want to add to your adventures by going out on a river you have never been on? White water rafting Canada is a unique experience. If you have ever traveled on the Colorado River you know how a river can be mild one minute and rushing the next. The Canadian Rockies is home to some of the most interesting river rafting trips including the Kicking Horse River.

The Kicking Horse River offers 1, 2, or even 6-day trips. If you decide a half-day is better they offer that too. You can choose a level of difficulty from one to five depending on your experience. If you take a day trip often times the food will be provided. If you decide on the longer trips you will need to make sure you pack all the items you need according to the limit the company has on gear.

Ask the company for a list of items you will need to bring. Make sure they will provide all your meals or that you will need to bring food as well. They want you to have fun as well as be safe so they will answer any of your questions.

Other places to go for white water rafting Canada are the Kootenay River and Toby Creek. These areas tend to have smaller rapids though you can certainly find adventure for your family on them. The Banff National Park is home to many of the Canadian Rockies Rivers and is a great place to start your adventure. You can camp inside the park before you go on your trip or take one of the longer trips and camp along the river.

The level of experience you have should denote the amount of time you spend river rafting and what level of difficulty you choose. Speaking with a river runner is important when you are deciding on the best and most unique trip for you and your family. Some safety tips include wearing the correct shoes and having the correct clothing. You do not want sandals that easily slip off your feet. Some people will wear hiking boots, but remember if water splashes in your hiking shoes you may end up uncomfortable and looking for problems. It is best to wear some time of boat shoe that gives you grip as well as comfort.

The clothing should be warm. In Canada you may experience warm weather depending on the time of year, but that doesn't mean the water is as warm as the rivers you are use to. Being comfortable and staying warm is very important especially if you are going to be camping out.

You can also find more info on Grand Canyon White Water Rafting and White Water Rafting In North Carolina. Whitewaterraftingtripsguide.com is a comprehensive resource to known about white water rafting.

Tags:















White Water Rafting

Monday, July 02, 2007

Bad Weather RVing

Be Prepared for Bad Weather RVing
By Mark Polk

This article focuses on an important topic for anybody who travels in an RV. The topic is emergency weather planning. It doesn’t take long to formulate a plan so you will be prepared in the event of severe weather. Making a plan and being prepared are the key words and you’ll be glad you did when it happens. Let’s take a look.

I love the freedom of the open road. There is nothing like exploring the back roads in your RV. You can go where you want and when you want in your house on wheels, and because of this, often times you find yourself in a new destination everyday.

Something many RVers do not take into consideration with this freedom to roam is the weather conditions where you are traveling to, or spending the night. RV's are great, but they are not safe in severe weather, like lightning and thunderstorms with high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes.

When you’re at home, you usually know what the weather forecast is by reading the newspaper, listening to the radio or watching television. When you travel three or four hundred miles a day in your RV the weather conditions can change several times. Many times when you stop for the night all you want to do is get some rest. The weather is the last thing on your mind. The problem with this is severe weather can occur without much warning, and if you are caught in it, it can be disastrous.

So, what do we do, what's the plan? Plan is the key word here. RVers need to have an emergency plan in case of a severe storm. For starters, have you ever heard of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or NWR? The NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information directly from a nearby National Weather Service Office.

They broadcast National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. Alerts inform people if they need to take some type of action in order to protect them, such as "seeking shelter" or "to evacuate an area immediately!” What does this mean to RVers? It means if you owned a battery operated weather radio receiver you could monitor weather conditions no matter where you are!

Every RVer should own a weather radio receiver. Prices for receivers can range anywhere from $25 to $200 depending on the quality of the receiver and the features it has to offer. We actually have two weather radio receivers. Both are from The Weather Channel® Stormtracker™ series by Vector. We leave the Compact Storm Tracker in the RV at all times. It’s a TV with a five inch screen, an AM-FM radio, emergency weather radio, cell phone charger and flashlight all in one. When we arrive at our destination we set it in the ‘Weather’ position and tune in to the NOAA station with the strongest signal in that area. Then, by leaving the Storm Tracker in the alert/lock mode 24/7, when an all-hazard emergency or weather alert is broadcast by NOAA, the Storm Tracker sounds an audible alert to notify us that a message is pending.

We also have a handheld Stormtracker model that we can use when we are away from the campground. It’s perfect for hiking, riding four-wheelers, boating and many other uses. Both models work off of 12 volt DC, 120 volt AC and dry cell batteries. There is also a back-up power system, furnished by built in rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable, battery is a secondary power source for emergency use when the battery, 12 volt DC power or 120 volts AC are not available. If the power goes out for a long period of time, and all of battery sources have been depleted, both radios have a hand crank that can be used to recharge the batteries and continue to operate the weather radio, flashlight and cell phone charging port. When you get back home, you can use the weather radio receiver in your house.

For more information on the NOAA Weather Radio visit their website at www.nws.noaa.gov/

I am including a short checklist you can use to help prepare for emergency weather planning when you are traveling in your RV. You can add to, or take away from this list to tailor it to your specific needs. This is an excerpt from my Checklists for RVers E-book at http://www.rveducation101.com/

The first step to our emergency weather plan is to get a weather radio receiver if you don’t already have one, and to always monitor it when you use your RV.

The next step is to develop an emergency evacuation plan, to use in the event of severe weather. When you arrive at a campground, ask at the check-in desk about an emergency plan in case of a severe storm such as a tornado, a thunderstorm with high winds, or flash flooding. If they don’t have a plan you need to make your own.

Locate a structure that is safer than your RV, like a bathhouse or the campground office. Always stay on the lowest level possible and away from doors and windows.

Brief everybody with you on the emergency plan. Explain to children how to respond to different disasters and the dangers of severe weather, fires, and other emergencies. Instruct children on emergency exits and instruct them on how and when to call 911.

Make sure everybody knows exactly what his or her job is in case of severe weather.

Monitor the weather radio for emergency information. Emergency weather watches and warnings are for counties and towns, so always check a map for the county or town where you are staying.

Have an emergency supply kit made up and easily accessible. The kit should contain: flashlights, batteries, rain ponchos, bug spray, a portable weather radio, first aid kit, non- perishable packaged or canned food, a manual can opener, blankets, prescription and non-prescription drugs, pet supplies, bottled water and any special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Remember, RV's are not safe in severe weather! This includes severe thunderstorms with high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes. Always be prepared for bad weather RVing. Learn about the different types of weather hazards, get a weather radio if you don't have one, create a plan with your family and practice and maintain the plan. Now go RVing and have some fun.

Q & A

Question: Is there someplace I can to go to learn more about how to prepare for emergency weather?

Mark Says: There sure is, to learn more about how to prepare for and react to different types of severe weather take a moment to visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

Question: Will any weather radio receiver do?

Mark Says: I mentioned in the article that the important thing is that you have a weather radio. But I personally wouldn’t scrimp on the type of weather radio you purchase. Some key features I would look for in a weather radio are: It should have some type of alert mode to warn you when a weather alert is broadcast by NOAA, it should operate in different modes like 12 volt DC, 120 volt AC and dry cell batteries. Some other nice features to look for are a built in flashlight and a cell phone charging port.

Question: What if everybody is not together at the campground in the event of severe weather? I mean what if I’m at the RV with my spouse and the kids are at the game room or somewhere else?

Mark Says:That should be part of your overall emergency plan that you brief everybody on when you arrive at the campground. Tell the children, who are old enough to understand, what to do in the event you are separated during bad weather. They should go to structure that you designated as the rally point and safe place. Children should also memorize your cell phone number so they can get in contact with you in the event you are separated in bad weather.

Happy Camping,

Mark J. Polk

Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk owner rveducation101.com
RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/
Sign up for your free "RV Education 101" Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/

Tags:












Bad Weather RVing

Monday, June 25, 2007

Tent Trailers

Tent Trailers Make Camping Fun for the Whole Family
by Trevor Mulholland

When you're out on your own, camping could be fun even with very little at hand. You can make a meal over a simple campfire, and a comfy living area out of a pack tent. As long as the weather is good, you can hike for miles and stop anywhere you want, without needing a roof over your head. But once you're camping with family, you'll find that your outdoor needs have grown just a little more complex. When you've decided that you want your family to experience the great outdoors, it's time to look into tent trailers.

Tent trailers are by no means a substitute for "roughing it," or the simple pleasures of getting by on your own in nature's own cradle. However, not everybody likes "roughing it" right off the bat - some need ties to their urban roots, and for such people, modern conveniences like a stove, a portable outhouse and even a working television are indispensable.

This is where trailers come in. Trailers are extensions, usually for family vehicles like minivans or small SUVs; they are hooked up to the back of the vehicles and then towed to wherever the camping spot will be. Trailers are good for storing large equipment that would not fit inside the family car, like fishing gear, bedrolls, large pots and extra luggage. They can also be towed through rough, bumpy mountain trails without being unbalanced or detached from the main vehicle.

They are convertible into living spaces, and so although they are wheeled and outwardly seem like vehicles themselves, they are also called "tents." Some makers of modern trailer tents claim that you can turn a trailer into a tent in a matter of minutes - and this is true! Collapsible compartments create more room for people to move around inside the trailer, so that there is plenty of space to sleep. A good alternative to getting bitten by insects or worse, just when you think you're safely locked away in your snug sleeping bag, right under the stars!

Another major convenience is that you don't have to spend hours putting up a tent for everyone in the household. The tent is pretty much already there! If putting up the tent is no longer on your list of things to worry about, you can spend more valuable family bonding time fishing, hiking or just playing games out in the open.

Pick a good model from the plentiful selection of tent trailers in the market, and make "roughing it" a whole lot easier and more fun for the family!

Tents-and-canopies.com provides you with information on tents and canopies like tent trailers, eureka tents, coleman tent trailers, canvas tents, fargo tent and tent trailers. Go to http://www.tents-and-canopies.com

Tent Trailers


Tags:










Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Camping Safety

Camping Safety

Camping Safety Is Your Prime Consideration
By Graham Fitton


Being away from home on a camping trip means you're making do without a lot of things, such as electricity and sometimes comfort. One thing you should never be without is the awareness that accidents do happen and the first aid skills to know how to deal with injuries. What's more, campers should always go out of their way to reduce every possible threat that could spell disaster and be conscious of potential hazards within their very campsite.

A simple camping safety practice is to walk around the area to look for any broken glass, protruding sticks and slippery spots. Accidents such as being stabbed by a branch during a fall can be prevented by a little forward planning. During your stay, always try to keep safety in the forefront by making sure you're handling your equipment carefully and clearly marking ropes that can be a trip hazard with coloured fly tape. An excellent way to ensure safety at your campsite is squaring things away once you have finished using them. A cluttered camping area is a potential hazardous space for accidents.

If you're planning on building campfires for warmth, enjoyment or cooking, be smart, wary and safe. Find out if there are any restrictions for the time of year or dryness in the region - many areas don't permit fires when there has been a recent dry spell and the spread of fires is a concern. Avoid building fires on a windy day, as the breeze can transport smouldering ashes and start them burning elsewhere. If you know it's safe to build a fire and it's not a windy day, do make sure you have a proper fire pit dug out and ringed with stones. Containing and controlling your flame is extremely important. A bucket of water is very handy to extinguish fires can easily get out of control very quickly - and make sure to put out your fire properly before going to bed. Letting a fire die down unsupervised is asking for trouble.

Knowledge of first aid and how to cope with sprained ankles, gashes and head trauma is a must for a camping trip, especially if you're roughing it in the wild with no help nearby. There are plenty of organizations that offer first aid instruction and in most cases, learning the basics doesn't take more than a weekend. Quick action and calm know-how can mean the difference between an accident that takes a turn for the worse and one that saves someone's life. Not only will your new skills come in handy should someone get hurt during your vacation, but being able to deal with injuries is something that will remain with you forever.

Your camping trip should be one that's full of good times and smiles, not one that turns into a fiasco because you weren't being careful or qualified to handle the situation. Getting the skills you need and applying preventative measures to reduce hazards and risks is the best thing you can do to make sure your camping trip is safe and one that is completely enjoyable.

If you like camping then come share some of our camping secrets at Secret Camping Spots

Tags:












Camping Safety

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Camping Vacation

Camping Vacation


Going On A Camping Vacation
By A Fimiani

Planning an affordable camping vacation means that one tries to have as much information about it as possible and that is why you must be reading this article. Well I have tried to make your task easier by gathering all the relevant information at one place.

Hard to believe, year after year vacationing for the modest family becomes a pain in the neck! Gas prices rising by the minute, expensive hotels, the stress of going there you will end up having another vacation when the first one is over!

I am sure that when it comes to vacation time everybody in the family tries to get involved in the planning of it. But has anyone thought of going on a camping vacation? I have heard of entire families packing their bags, getting into their RVs and driving to the most interesting places on camping vacation, being "happy as a clam" and returning with sad faces after having a wonderful time vacationing having to return to their normal routine at school, at work etc.

Camping vacation is one of the cheapest kinds of vacation around today. Many "campers" head off to the remotest areas in search of some intriguing and fascinating adventure, discovering the many wonders of nature. It's a chance to spend quality time with family, friends away from the stress and strides of everyday life.

Being interested in an affordable camping vacation means that one tries to have as much information about it as possible and that is why you must be reading this article. Well I have tried to make your task easier by gathering all the relevant information at one place.

The advantages of going on a camping vacation are so many:

1. As far as accommodation is concerned, you can bring your RV and park at a camping site where you can find commodities such as a grill, fire pit, picnic table, shower and general bathroom facilities. Some other sites are even inclusive of cable tv, access to the Internet, cabins, lodges and cottages and even a swimming pool, what do want more in life!

2. Without doubt, parents can play together with their kids when going to a Camping vacation. There are so many enjoyable activities and places to go to for all such as lakes where you can go swimming, or fishing, many hiking trails and playgrounds.

3. The price of a Camping vacation is very cheap. You can get away with a price of more or less $1000 for all the family. this may vary of course depending on the amount of camping gear you bring with you and the rest of the money is spent on food.

Life is about choices and what you get in your life depends on your choices. So, you made the choice of reading this article on an camping vacation and the result is that you got the chance to gain so much information about family vacation.

Summarizing, camping vacation is an affordable, fun and active way of spending your holiday together with the family. Kids, parents and grandparents will be able to join in and have a camping vacation of a lifetime!

There can never be an end to learning. This article about an affordable camping vacation was just a beginning to a long journey. And your success would depend on how much seriously you take this journey to be.

A Fimiani a man who loves vacationing with family and friends, who has the passion for writing and likes to express his emotions through the net.

Visit http://www.family-on-vacation.com/

Tags:














Camping Vacation

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Skiing And Snowboarding

Skiing And Snowboarding


How To Rent Skiing And Snowboarding Gear
By Gray Rollins

So, you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding trip. You have your travel and lodging plans all set up, but have you gotten your equipment yet? While buying your own equipment may be more convenient, it’s also a lot more expensive.

If you have never been skiing before, you may want to consider renting in case you find you don’t like it. You can always buy equipment the next time you go. Renting also makes it affordable for people who can’t spend hundreds of dollars to buy equipment.

Plus, you won’t have to lug all the extra baggage on the plane or in the car. If you have children, you know how quickly kids can grow out of their clothes. When you rent, you don’t have to buy your kids new equipment every year or two when they grow out of the old stuff.

Once you’ve decided to rent equipment, you should make sure to reserve it well before you take your trip. This is especially important if you’re going during peak season. If you wait until you get there, you may have to do a lot of searching to find appropriate sizes and equipment.

You definitely want to make reservations if you’re renting snowboarding equipment. Snowboarding has greatly increased in popularity and many stores haven’t caught up with demand.

You will probably have a choice of renting equipment at the mountain, or from other stores in the area. At certain resorts where there’s not much of a town you should probably rent at the mountain. At other resorts, you may have many other rental options.

The benefit of renting elsewhere is that you’ll probably get a better price. If you’re only renting for one day, the mountain will probably be more convenient because you won’t have to carry equipment as far.

If you decide to rent at the mountain, you should arrive an hour before you plan to ski or snowboard. This will give you time to get your equipment and get fitted. If you rent elsewhere, it’s best to get the equipment the day before you go out.

This way, you’ll be able to find other accommodations if they do not have the appropriate equipment. When you get there, you should be ready ahead of time with everyone’s shoe sizes, heights, and weights.

While some people may want to fudge on their weight, you should be honest. The type of equipment you need depends on your weight. If you give the wrong weight, you may be risking your own safety.

If you have a very large shoe size, you should make sure the shop you rent from has the right size boots. If not, you should buy equipment online before you show up. You should ask the shop before you do this; you may be able to buy boots that fit their equipment.

When you get ready to sign the contract for your equipment, they will offer you insurance on the equipment. SAY YES! While your chance damaging the equipment is probably fairly low, it’s still a great idea. Cost for insurance is generally about a dollar a day.

That’s 3 or 4 dollars per trip. Compare this to the hundreds of dollars you could pay to fix damage to skis or a snowboard. And that’s nothing compared to the cost if you completely ruin the equipment.

You should also remember that it doesn’t take that much to damage equipment. A mountain is covered in snow when you ski on it, but under that snow are rocks and branches. If the snow cover is thin on a mountain, you risk hitting these objects and you generally can’t see them to avoid them.

Hopefully these tips will help you get the right equipment and get you to the mountain. Have a great trip!


Gray Rollins is a featured writer for two ski resort websites. If you're interested in skiing in Aspen or skiing in Breckenridge, then be sure to visit GoSkiAspen.com and GoSkiBreckenridge.com, respectively.

For The Love Of The Outdoors

Robin and Val

Please leave a comment to let us know whatyou think of this post, or what else you
would like us to write about.


Tags:







Skiing And Snowboarding

Monday, January 22, 2007

Winter Camping

Winter Camping

Don't Even Think Of Camping In The Winter Before Reading This:
By Sam Jordan

Winter camping is an interesting alternative to ordinary camping. When planning a winter camping trip, it is important to remember that speed reduces considerably in winter. This, with the fact that there are fewer daylight hours, makes your mileage less than half the original mileage.

You will have to include some cold weather camping gear when deciding on what to take camping. Your clothing has to be in layers for provision to adjust clothing to regulate body moisture and temperature. It is always better to have three types of layers when camping in the winter; a liner layer against the skin like long johns, fleece as an insulation layer, and an outer shell for protection from water and wind. There is no use of wearing too many pairs of socks as once blood flow to the feet is constricted, there is no difference on the number of socks you wear. This is why it is not advised to tie bootlaces too tight when in cold weather.

Your camping supply list should have lots of carbohydrates for the necessary fuel for trekking and keeping the body warm. Cook easy food, which at the same time is appetizing, like one-pot meals or check out our info on easy camping recipes for suggestions. As dry wind can dehydrate you without you knowing about it, it is necessary to drink lots of water; even if you are not thirsty. You can tell if you are properly hydrated if your urine is light colored.

When on a winter camping expedition, hiking is one activity you can do. If you intend to go hiking, then it is better to take some winter hiking gear along with you. Add some instep crampons in the list of camping gear; this keeps you from slipping when walking over ice or hard packed snow.

If Skiing is your pleasure, realize that the high altitudes of the mountains will bring you closer to the heat of the sun. It is hard to imagine, but people do suffer from Sunburns, even in the winter! Either wear a face mask or sunscreen to protect your skin.

Despite the fear of exposure to the cold, people who spend some quality time in the fresh outdoor air usually are a LOT healthier than those who are living indoors with their heat on!

Following all these camping tips will provide for a memorable winter camping experience.

To receive a free copy of the 'Ultimate What to Take Camping List', visit Dependable Camping Equipment
Sam Jordan
Sam Jordan is a creative webmaster / content publisher with many interests. He is the webmaster of http://www.dependable-camping-equipment.com/ in addition to many other sites.

Tags:













Winter Camping

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Winter Backpacking

Winter Backpacking

Winter Backpacking - Six Lifesaving Tips
By Steven Gillman

Did you check the weather report when you last went winter backpacking? You probably did, but I am sure there are some who are thinking "Weather report? How about cold and snowy - it's winter!" However, cold and snow are not the only aspects of the weather. You may actually be in more danger if there will be a warming trend while you are out in the wilderness.

Getting wet when the temperature is just over freezing is far more likely than when it is far below freezing. Getting wet, and then cold because of it, is one of the primary reasons people die in the wilderness in winter. A down coat might keep you warm down to zero, but it might also become almost worthless in a steady freezing rain. You need to be prepared for the specific weather you are likely to see.

More Winter Hiking Tips

Stay as dry as you can. Getting wet is what kills you in the winter wilds. Proper preparation means more than just bringing a rain jacket, though. You also have to avoid letting too much snow melt into your clothing. Jeans are the worst for this, and should never be worn when backpacking in snow. You also need to monitor your perspiration. It's easy to get wet from sweating during a hard hike. This sweat will chill you fast once you stop moving. Remove those layers as you warm up, to prevent sweating.

Have proper clothing. What should you have with you when hiking? Avoid cotton, for starters. Synthetic underwear, like polypropylene, is a great invention, in all it's newest forms. "Wicking" pants and tops work well. Always have a hat and gloves. Dry socks can prevent frostbitten toes, and are a good idea even for a day hike. Down coats and vests are the best - if you can keep them dry.

Bring enough water. Eating snow is an extremely inefficient way to get water into your system. Bring water and keep it from freezing. This might mean keeping your water bottle inside your coat, or next to you in your sleeping bag at night. One of the primary problems that climbers of Mount Everest have is dehydration, by the way, and it can contribute to hypothermia.

Bring a heat source. Many of us get by backpacking with no stove in the warmer months, eating cold foods only, but in winter a cooking stove is a necessity. It isn't just that you will appreciate having hot food. You will need a way to melt snow and ice for water. Always have enough matches, and a lighter too. A fire can easily be a lifesaver if you fall into a stream of lake and need to get warm and dry.

Learn some basic principles of cold weather survival. Maybe you won't remember that you can turn a light jacket into a winter coat by stuffing it full of cattail fluff from the nearest swamp. However, if you understand how dead air space insulates, it will seem obvious to you that you can use a pile of dry leaves or grass as an emergency blanket. Once, while backpacking along the Manistee River in Michigan, setting up my tent on a pile of dry bracken ferns allowed me to stay warm with no sleeping bag when it was almost freezing.

Think about these things before you are out there. Proper preparation is what will make your winter backpacking trip a safe one.

Copyright Steve Gillman. To get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: The Ultralight Backpacking Site: http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/

For The Love Of The Outdoors

Robin and Val

Please leave a comment to let us know what
you think of this post, or what else you would
like us to write about.

Winter Backpacking

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Camping With kids

Camping With kids

Introducing Your Kids To The Joys Of Camping
By Gabriel J. Adams

Taking your kids camping the first time can be a daunting task, if you're not well prepared. But a well prepared camping trip with your kids can be a great joy for everyone involved. Here are a few considerations and preparations you should make before leaving home.

First of all, choose an easily accessible location. You may want to choose a camping spot that is accessible by vehicle if your kids are relatively young. If you want to hike in to the camping spot, keep the distance pretty short. Also, remember that younger kids may not be able to carry all of their gear and food in, so you'll end up with one very heavy pack if you're not careful.

Here are a few tips for minimizing the amount of stuff you have to take in, if you're hiking to your camping spot.

First, choose a spot with easy access to water. That way you can take in dehydrated foods, and use the water at the camping spot to cook your food with. That will save you a lot of weight.

Also, try taking one or two larger tents to hold everyone, rather than several smaller tents.

A camp fire is another consideration. Campfires and s'mores are a must when you take your kids camping. Be sure you choose a location that allows campfires, and that has a readily available water supply to put the fire out.

When you take your kids camping, be sure that they have the same essentials that you take camping: extra clothing, a coat or rain jacket, food, water, a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, etc.

One last thing: before you go camping be sure you give your kids a few basic safety instructions, such as safety with fire, snakes, bears (if applicable), etc. Safety first!

Visit Outdoors And In for your kids camping gear.

For The Love Of The Outdoors

Robin and Val

Please leave a comment to let us know what
you think of this post, or what else you would
like us to write about.

Camping With kids