The Sanctuary of Nature
By Travis MacMillan 5-13-06

Life today can be draining. From the stresses of work, finances, relationships, to our favorite show being canceled by yet another accursed reality show being thrust upon us by the networks, the drone of daily life can chisel away at our very soul over time. The monotonous routine of running the wheel combined with the same caged environment can make even the most civilized hamster… errr a person ready to snap.

Fortunately, there is a solution! Just as a dolphin will not be at ease for long sloshing around in a kiddie pool, man cannot do likewise in the city. Biblically, our greatest ancestors were created and originally lived in the paradise of the Garden of Eden. The sanctuary of nature, which reflects the glory of God, is where we first and still are truly at home. Somehow, the slabs upon slabs of cold dead concrete coupled with the congestion of passing cars fails to bring us to the same place of awe and peace that nature does…

When we enter through the threshold of nature, it acts as a filter for all our worldly problems and irritations. Setting aside the soothing affect nature has on our senses, all the visual reminders of what troubles us back in our day to day life are conveniently left behind . No alarm clock staring us down reminding us how little free time we have left till we must arise and go to our job yet again. No car in need of maintenance still far from being paid off. We are left with only the serenity and majesty of nature, which if but only for a while purifies our minds of all the temporal clutter that we are so apt to cling to while pointing us to the transcendent.

Nature brings us a sense of wonder that we seldom feel in this world. Looking out over the crashing waves of the ocean, gazing at the moon as it sparkles in the night sky, or taking in the rolling vista from the peak of a mountain we feel a sense of grandeur apart from our limited self. Perhaps if but only for a moment, we contemplate life beyond the materialistic void that takes center stage in the play of our life. Is this story we are acting out all there is to life? Could there be a Script and a Director to give us meaning beyond the lackluster improv we stumble through day to day?

As we take physical refuge in the sanctuary of nature, let us also bear in mind the spiritual refuge open to us through the shed blood of the One who loved us so much that He took our place upon a cross to give us entrance without cost to an eternal sanctuary.

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RV Camping at Casinos

There's nothing that will spark the interest of RVers like the prospect of free overnight parking. Places such as Wal-Mart parking lots, and truck stops, are well known freebies, and if you are on the move in your RV, enlarging your list of possible free overnight camping locations will increase your options. What is especially encouraging is that Casinos as a whole are RV friendly.

Even though Rvers are gradually gaining awareness of the free parking possibilities at Casinos, it is not a well-known option. Many states permit Casino operations to one degree or another. I consider Casino RV parking to be an under utilized resource.

Although I have never been inside a Casino, and have zero interest in gambling, I have no personal objections to parking on their lot, and enjoying a meal at their restaurant. If you have moral objections to gambling, then this may not be the camping opportunity for you.

You’ll find that most Casinos will allow free overnight parking and some limit your stay to a few days. A few Casinos require that you be a customer in order to park; not an unreasonable requirement. There are some Casinos that allow no overnight parking, or require that you park at their adjoining RV campground at their regular nightly rates. You'll also find a few Casinos that offer free dump stations, and even a few that offer hookups on site.

Locating Casinos is not as simple as one would think. I have prepared a list of a few hundred with names, addresses and telephone numbers, and posted the list at www.HappyVagabonds.com. Keep in mind when reading this list that a few of the entries are not Casinos at all. Some states permit a limited number of slot machines in a business and then the establishment adds the word Casino to their business name. Many of these business are bars with a few slot machines and do not have the parking space to accommodate an RV. Simply call ahead to avoid embarrassment and wasted time.

Add Casino parking to your list of free RV camping places. Stop at a Casino, enjoy the food, and entertainment for a couple of hours, then head on to your next destination after you have had a good night’s rest.

About the Author: William Smith has lived and traveled full-time in an RV for over twelve years. happyvagabonds.com for more information about free RV parking at Casinos
 

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Is the Workamper Lifestyle for You?

If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your RV, but see the adventure as something far in the future when you retire, then you may want to seriously consider giving the Workamper lifestyle a try. You can live your dream now; it just takes a little preparation and commitment.

Many of us dream of being able to travel in our RV and camp at will in America's most beautiful locations, but it never happens. For most, it remains just a dream. There is a small army of people who have brought their dream to reality by combining their love of travel with the ability to work and pay their way through life.

There are literally thousands of jobs that are suited to the traveling lifestyle. RV Parks across the United States hire people in office positions, maintenance, recreation, and other positions. You aren't expected to be a long-term employee. A commitment of a few weeks or months is all that is required. Most don't expect you to have extensive campground experience, and if you do a decent job, they will be happy to have you work for them again next season.

RV Parks aren't the only employer of workampers. There are paying jobs in seasonal sales, property caretaking, tour guides, construction, and many other occupations. If you already have some retirement income and want to save on the costs of campground fees, there are thousands of camp host opportunities available where you exchange a few hours each week for a free RV site. These opportunities will be in state parks, city and county parks, and federal campgrounds.

It is possible that your employer has multiple locations across the United States making it easy for you to simply request relocation. If, for example, you work at Wal-Mart, you can request a transfer to any of their store locations. There are very few places in America that aren't close to a Wal-Mart, so you can continue to be a full-time employee and experience living virtually anywhere in the United States. There are many other companies that have nationwide locations. Just give it a little thought.

If you don't want to wait until your dream is just a good idea that never happened, consider the Workamper lifestyle. You aren't getting any younger, and the sooner you start, the more you will be able to experience. When you get tired of where you're living, simply hook up and move on to your next adventure.


William Smith has lived and traveled full-time in an RV for over twelve years. For more
information about http://happyvagabonds.com">RV Camping and the http://happyvagabonds.com/Rving%20Guide/Workamper%20Work%20Camper.htm">Workamper Lifestyle visit http://happyvagabonds.com">HappyVagabonds.com

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Remote Camping Without Roughing It

"Roughing it" is the phrase that probably comes to mind first whenever someone mentions the term remote camping. You may even imagine camping as relying on just an open flame to prepare a hot meal, treating your few remaining batteries as if they were a precious commodity, and hoping there's the faintest hint of a breeze to cool you down on the hottest of summer days or the warmth of the sun to thaw you on the coldest.

Fortunately, when you leave the campground behind in search of your favorite remote destination, your trip doesn't have to look like an episode of "Survivor." Recent innovations in the world of power generation are now allowing you the chance to enjoy the best of all worlds -- the ability to unplug from the campground and enjoy some of the country's most beautiful sites without losing the convenience of everyday electronic devices. "Many remote camping guides flat out tell you to leave the Mr. Coffee at home," says Karen Zellner, manager of RV Marketing at Onan, a power generation equipment company. "But with the introduction of products like Camp Power by Onan, remote campers can not only pack that coffee maker, they can also bring along a microwave oven, a DVD player and even take refuge from a brutally hot afternoon by turning on an air conditioner."

Camp Power is the first installed generator designed specifically for the smaller, towable RVs so popular with many of today's campers. Compact enough to install under a bench or inside a cabinet and extremely quiet, these generators will dramatically change towable RV camping in the future.

"So often that scenic vista or hidden oasis isn't close to the campground. And families are often hesitant to disconnect their RV and really explore so their camping experience is limited to the area nearest the electrical hook-up," said Zellner. "The recent advancements in generator technology now allow the camper towing an RV to enjoy the same experience and freedoms as the operator of a larger coach motor home with installed power."

"The great appeal of RVs is taking the comforts of home with you," said Ken Sommer, of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). "RVs are great for campgrounds, but it's a real treat to get out to a remote location and explore the public lands that are available."

Hunting and Fishing

Outdoor sports enthusiasts are another group that can benefit from having a quiet mobile power supply in their towable RVs. In most cases that favorite fishing hole or lucky hunting ground is nowhere near an electrical hookup. So the outdoorsmen without power are forced to either travel some distance from the campground to their destination or disconnect their RV and be left without a way to power the features that lead them to purchase the unit in the first place.

"RVs can serve as a base camp for both hunting and fishing and provides tremendous versatility," said the RVIA's Sommer. "If you're at a fishing spot and not catching anything, you can just pack up and try elsewhere."

In addition to making the whole experience easier, there are some practical implications of having power when hunting and fishing. "For starters, you can clean and cook your own fish in the kitchen," Sommer added.

With continued development and diminishing access to private land, RVs will prove even more essential to hunters who are being forced to travel well off the beaten path in search of elusive game. And although they are removed from civilization, by bringing along power, spoilage can no longer be given as their excuse for returning empty handed. In fact, many hunters now bring freezers with them so they can quickly preserve any meat they've bagged and keep it safe for future consumption.

Camping with Kids

Remote camping isn't just for hearty outdoor enthusiasts either. Many families seek the thrill and serenity of camping in dispersed locales. Whenever remote camping with children, having adequate power is important -- especially if the kids have never camped before. Smaller children can become easily frightened and the added lighting a generator allows you to operate can help alleviate most fears.

While darkness isn't usually an issue with older kids, boredom can be. Many adolescents aren't quite ready to simply enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Experts say allowing them to power up a PlayStation for a quick game or letting them watch a movie in the camper before bed might just make the trip more pleasurable for everyone in the family.

In addition to making the camping experience more comfortable, Zellner says having power while remote camping is a safe move. "Taking along extra safety features like campsite lighting and communications systems can provide early warning of severe weather and reduce some of the stresses associated with being so removed from civilization," she said.

Playing It Safe

It's important to keep safety in mind when using a generator at a remote site. To prevent the risk of fire, only generators with a USDA Forest Service approved spark arrester muffler are allowed on federal land. And always be sure to consult park authorities before using your generator as some local regulations may apply.

RVing is a great way to pursue your passions whether it's hunting, fishing, kayaking, astronomy, antiquing or any family activity. But without power, the freedom, flexibility and control of going where you want to go when you want to go is often lost.

To learn more about unplugging and playing in the nearly 200 million acres the U.S. Forest Service manages, click on www.fs.fed.us. Two other great sites that can help you plan a memorable experience with your towable RV are www.recreation.gov and www.funroads.com.

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It's Family Camping Time!

While many aspects of camping have changed over the years, the true joys of camping have remained the same -- spending quality time with the family and relaxing in the great outdoors. Camping is not just roughing it anymore.

Camping is a wonderful activity enjoyed by millions of families each year. For many, camping is a family pastime. Some peoples' earliest childhood memories involve family camping trips and many still remember the excitement of catching their first fish or the thrill of touching a frog. Many who didn't experience camping are now trying to pass along what they missed to their kids.

Brad and Amy Herzog, of Pacific Grove, Calif., didn't grow up camping, but over the past eight years they have created memories for their own family that will last forever. Brad recalls the first trip he and his wife took in an RV, which lasted ten months. They talked, traded stories and bonded while they traveled together across 48 states. During this time, Brad authored "States of Mind," a book which chronicles their travels and experiences in small towns across America.

"In the wake of world events, people value three things: quality time with family, a safe and comfortable way to travel, and the chance to discover America," Herzog explains. "In my mind, RVing covers all three." Brad and Amy now have two young children and say they have a greater understanding of the significance and importance of family time.

There are plenty of activities the family can enjoy while camping. Everything from storytelling to stargazing is fun when done together. If everyone can't agree on one activity, members can break off and do different things or just sit back and relax. Items that can help enhance your fun outside and also offer educational opportunities include a sketch pad, a star guide or magnifying glass.

Despite all your preparations, you can't depend on Mother Nature to provide you with perfect weather for your outdoor activities. If your camping trip includes an RV, you'll be able to bring along some entertainment options. Compact disc or DVD players, VCRs and video games can provide welcome diversions in the RV. Allowing children to play a video game or watch a movie at night might just make the trip more pleasurable for everyone.

Comfort and Convenience

One of the lures of RV camping is the ability to bring the comforts of home with you on your trip. Large RVs and motorhomes have installed generators that provide electrical power, but many of the smaller, towable RVs do not come equipped with the ability to run life's modern amenities. Spotting this need, Onan, a power generation products company, recently introduced Camp Power, the first installed generator designed specifically for towable RVs. Camp Power provides power for microwaves, televisions, air conditioners and other items when camping.

With the help of generators, camping doesn't mean roughing it. Fresh coffee can be made in the morning and children can watch their favorite cartoons during breakfast. And generators provide power to cooking appliances when a campfire is out of the question and allow food to remain fresh and be stored safely in a small refrigerator.

The Herzog's have found a generator makes camping with their two young children a breeze. "We are able to warm up bottles, cook food, camp anywhere and have any kind of family friendly amenity needed," Herzog explains.

Discover America

The versatility of traveling in an RV lets campers go where they want to go, whenever they want to go there. Whether it's a beach in Florida or skiing in Colorado, RVers can have all the comforts of home with them.

"RVing is an inspiring and educational way to spend time with your family," Brad says. His children are both under the age of two and already have traveled to many places in the United States. They camp together a few months out of every year and hope they've created a family tradition that their two children will someday be able to share with their kids.

For more information on RVing or Camp Power, check out www.funroads.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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A Guide to North Carolina Vacations

The mountains in western North Carolina are among the most beautiful in the entire United States. Three mountain ranges -- the Great Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Blue Ridge Mountains -- converge in North Carolina, giving the area a charm unsurpassed in the rest of the country. These three mountain ranges provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and adventurous North Carolina mountain vacation.

There are a wide variety of attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can go camping in the vast wilderness surrounding the mountains, stay in an historic cabin not unlike the dwellings of the area’s early settlers, or stay in a modern, state of the art resort. The Appalachian Trail, Nantahala National Forest, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center are just a few of the exciting places to visit in this region.

The Appalachian Trail is a footpath that stretches over 2000 miles from northern Georgia all the way to central Maine. This beautiful trail winds through some of the most stunning parts of the mountains in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 100 miles away.

Nantahala National Forest encompasses many of the peaks and valleys of the western North Carolina mountains. It includes the Tusquitee River. Another attraction of the Nantahala area is the river rafting. There are difficult class II and III rapids along with calmer waters more agreeable to families.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center offers a number of features for visitors. The Center has a petting zoo, gardens, a predator habitat, a nocturnal hall, and other interesting and educational attractions to lure visitors. The Center also serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned animals that could not survive in the wild.

A North Carolina mountain vacation is a great idea for a family, or as a romantic getaway. The beautiful scenery and fascinating attractions will please anyone.

http://www.e-mountainvacation.com">Mountain Vacations Info provides detailed information on vacations in the Rocky, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains, as well as mountain biking vacations and mountain rental cabins in Colorado, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and other destinations. Mountain Vacations Info is the sister site of http://www.e-duderanch.com">Dude Ranch Web.

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A Guide to Outdoor Gas Fireplaces

Imagine that you are sitting in your backyard or outside your RV on a cool, breezy night. You’re sipping hot tea and looking at the stars. The sound of crickets chirping and frogs croaking is nature’s symphony. The scent of jasmine is in the air. It’s the perfect night—almost. It is a tad cold, the air a bit too nippy. If only there was a way to heat your outdoor space the way you do your home. Thanks to outdoor gas fireplaces, you can.

Outdoor gas fireplaces can range from rustic simplicity to elegant extravagance. They can be free-standing (portable) or built-in structures. A built-in fireplace can be the centerpiece of an elaborate outdoor living area. These fireplaces are designed by landscape architects or designers. Some are built by pool and spa professionals. Made of bricks and mortar, they can feature any design elements you might desire. They can be a part of an outdoor kitchen or near the pool. Many people are using outdoor gas fireplaces to make their pools and hot tubs more useful year-round. In cool months, they can sit on the deck and enjoy hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows by the fire. Others create an elaborate backyard oasis, complete with palm trees and veranda—with the fireplace an intricate part of the design.

On the flip side are the smaller, less expensive portable models. Pacific Products, for example, offers a portable outdoor gas fireplace. This lightweight fireplace can be easily transported on camping trips, to tailgate parties, or simply to your backyard deck.

Chimineas are another form of outdoor fireplaces. While these are not technically gas fireplaces, some can use natural gas inserts.

Target and Sears both offer a selection of low-cost outdoor fireplaces. These are small, portable models. You might also want to check your local retail, department, and garden supplies stores.

Montigo is another source for outdoor gas fireplaces. An internet search for “outdoor gas fireplace” will uncover even more resources.
http://www.e-gasfireplaces.com">Gas Fireplaces Info provides detailed information about ventless, outdoor, corner, and natural gas fireplaces, and gas fireplace stoves, as well as gas fireplace inserts, logs, and more. Gas Fireplaces Info is the sister site of http://www.e-fireplacemantels.com">Fireplace Mantels Web.

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10 Wide Open Tips For Food Safety In The Great Outdoors

Hiking, camping, and boating are good activities for active people and families. However, if the food isn't handled correctly, food-borne illness can be an unwelcome souvenir.

1. Choose foods that are light enough to carry in a backpack and that can be transported safely. Keep foods either hot or cold. Since it's difficult to keep foods hot without a heat source, it's best to transport chilled foods. Refrigerate or freeze the food overnight. What foods to bring? For a day hike, just about anything will do as long as you can fit it in your backpack and keep it cold -- sandwiches, fried chicken, bread and cheese, and even salads -- or choose non- perishable foods.

2. Keep everything clean. Remember to bring disposable wipes if you're taking a day trip. (Water is too heavy to bring enough for cleaning dishes!)

3. It's not a good idea to depend on fresh water from a lake or stream for drinking, no matter how clean it appears. Some pathogens thrive in remote mountain lakes or streams and there's no way to know what might have fallen into the water upstream. Bring bottled or tap water for drinking. Always start out with a full water bottle and replenish your supply from tested public systems when possible. On long trips you can find water in streams, lakes, and springs, but be sure to purify any water from the wild, no matter how clean it appears.

4. If you're backpacking for more than a day, the food situation gets a little more complicated. You can still bring cold foods for the first day, but you'll have to pack shelf-stable items for the next day. Canned goods are safe, but heavy, so plan your menu carefully. Advances in food technology have produced relatively lightweight staples that don't need refrigeration or careful packaging. For example:

==> peanut butter in plastic jars;
==> concentrated juice boxes;
==> canned tuna, ham, chicken, and beef;
==> dried noodles and soups;
==> beef jerky and other dried meats;
==> dehydrated foods;
==> dried fruits and nuts; and
==> powdered milk and fruit drinks.

5. If you're cooking meat or poultry on a portable stove or over a fire, you'll need a way to determine when it's done and safe to eat. Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness, and it can be especially tricky to tell the color of a food if you're cooking in a wooded area in the evening. It's critical to use a food thermometer when cooking hamburgers. Ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli, a particularly dangerous strain of bacteria. Illnesses have occurred even when ground beef patties were cooked until there was no visible pink. The only way to insure that ground beef patties are safely cooked is to use a food thermometer, and cook the patty until it reaches 160° F. Be sure to clean the thermometer between uses.

6. To keep foods cold, you'll need a cold source. A block of ice keeps longer than ice cubes. Before leaving home, freeze clean, empty milk cartons filled with water to make blocks of ice, or use frozen gel-packs. Fill the cooler with cold or frozen foods. Pack foods in reverse order. First foods packed should be the last foods used. (There is one exception: pack raw meat or poultry below ready-to-eat foods to prevent raw meat or poultry juices from dripping on the other foods.)

7. Camping supply stores sell biodegradable camping soap in liquid and solid forms. But use it sparingly, and keep it out of rivers, lakes, streams, and springs, as it will pollute. If you use soap to clean your pots, wash the pots at the campsite, not at the water's edge. Dump dirty water on dry ground, well away from fresh water. Some wilderness campers use baking soda to wash their utensils. Pack disposable wipes for hands and quick cleanups.

8. If you're planning to fish, check with your fish and game agency or state health department to see where you can fish safely, then follow these guidelines for Finfish:

==> Scale, gut, and clean fish as soon as they're caught.
==> Live fish can be kept on stringers or in live wells, as long as they have enough water and enough room to move and breathe.
==> Wrap fish, both whole and cleaned, in water-tight plastic and store on ice.
==> Keep 3 to 4 inches of ice on the bottom of the cooler. Alternate layers of fish and ice.
==> Store cooler out of the sun and cover with a blanket.
==> Once home, eat fresh fish within 1 to 2 days or freeze them. For top quality, use frozen fish within 3 to 6 months.

9. If using a cooler, leftover food is safe only if the cooler still has ice in it. Otherwise discard leftover food.

10. Whether in the wild or on the high seas, protect yourself and your family by washing your hands before and after handling food.

Copyright (c) Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author Terry Nicholls is the author of the eBook "Food Safety: Protecting Your Family From Food Poisoning". For more tips like these, and to learn more about his book, visit his website at http://tinyurl.com/3fr2t" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/3fr2t

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5 Easy Steps to Giving the Perfect BackCountry Gift

Does the thought of buying a gift for a friend or relative make you smile or does it stress you out? Is there a hiker or camper on your gift giving list? What can you give to the someone who already has everything? The secret of gift giving is not always the “what.” Many times the “why, when and how” make an ordinary gift the Perfect Gift. Continue reading to discover 5 sure-fire steps to giving the perfect gift to the outdoor enthusiasts in your life.

Step 1: Do Your Homework. This is the toughest of the 5 steps. Doing your homework means thinking about your outdoor enthusiast and what he or she likes about being in the backcountry. Are there any current or past outdoor interests? Perhaps he likes to fish or she likes to climb. Maybe you overheard the comment “I remember when I used to go camping every long weekend. I miss those days.” Our personal shopper service receives hints like this all the time. Chances are you already know their interests, so take a few minutes to think prior to shopping. There are loads of great outdoor gifts available.

Another part of your homework is to understand the relationship between you and your gift recipient’s outdoor hobbies. Last year I was camping with a dear friend who got mildly lost. After about an hour, he showed up in camp a little embarrassed – but safe. So the perfect gift for him before our next trip was a GPS unit. I also included a hand written coupon good for one free lesson and an extra set of batteries. The relationship we had allowed me to have a little fun with the gift giving. I did provide him with a quality gift and he uses it all the time.

Step 2: Speaking of High Quality. The best way to get the most enjoyment out of our backcountry experiences is to have good gear. When giving a backcountry gift, be sure it’s high quality. There are two gear buying rules to live by. First, only give gear you would use. And secondly, buy the best gear you can afford. Nothing derails good times in the great outdoors like bad gear.

Step 3: The Right Way to Give Certificates. Gift certificates can be an excellent choice for a gift. Here’s a great use of a gift certificate - I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of this story. A friend living across the country knew I loved to hike. He also knew from his own experience that you can’t just buy a backpack for someone else. Backpacks are a very subjective purchase. Instead of buying a me a pack and giving me the task of returning it in order to get the right one, he sent me a gift certificate AND he told me what to buy with it. So now I get the backpack I want and my friend has proven once again how well he knows me. I loved the gift. When giving gift certificates, tell the recipient what to buy with it.

Step 4: Seek Out Customer Friendly Retailers. This is especially important when purchasing a gift on-line. Make sure you are purchasing from a store with visible customer satisfaction and return policies. If your gift recipient needs to exchange or return a piece of gear, the process needs to be hassle-free. If the return procedure is clunky, the perfect gift just became imperfect.

Step 5: Timing is Everything. The best time to get “the birding binoculars I always wanted,” is not on your birthday or at Christmas time. The best time to get them is just before you go birding. The new backpack is a more thoughtful gift just prior to hiking the Grand Canyon than it is for graduation. The value of a gift is greatly increased when given at the right time. Surprise someone with a perfectly timed present.

Giving the Perfect BackCountry Gift is easy to do. Determining “what” to give is important, but so is knowing “why, when and how” to give. Make your next gift giving experience a good one. The outdoor enthusiast in your life is counting on it. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time.

Get Outdoors!

Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com" target=new>www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055.

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Ten Winter Camping Rules to Live By

My buddy Mike Langlois joined me on a frozen Wisconsin River island above Tomahawk for our first winter camping trip. Starting out it was 35°F, so for gear we had summer sleeping bags and a canvas pup tent. What did we know? We were just 12. That night a norther’ blew in from the Arctic dropping temps into the minus digits. Had Mike and I geared for –30°, we could have slept all night rather than jogging inside flimsy sleeping bags trying to keep our blood solid. Luckily, this experience did not turn me off winter camping. But it did teach me a valuable lesson.

First rule of winter camping: Plan for the coldest possible temperatures in your area.
Whether it starts in October or ends in April, winter can be brutal. The most important thing about winter camping is planning. In the summer, make a mistake like getting wet and you can survive. But get soaked at 20°, and you’re in trouble.

Through trial, error and study, I’ve found camping at –10°F can be comfortable with the right gear. And what’s not to like about winter? No bugs and no need for food refrigeration – just the challenge of surviving the elements.

Second rule: Winter camping begins with a good night’s rest.
Camping, as opposed to day-tripping,
means sleeping outdoors. Proper gear and proper preparation dictates the difference between jogging in the bag or snoozing until sun-up.

I’ve now got a sleeping bag rated for –30°. The fill is synthetic – if it gets wet it will still provide some warmth, unlike goosedown. If there’s snow on the ground or in the forecast, that bag goes with me. No snow, and I can get along fine with my 20° bag.

Underneath me, I leave the snow. If there’s no snow, I gather up dry leaves or grass. Atop this goes a vapor barrier. I use two, one a large 8’x10’ plastic sheet and the other a 5’x7’ plastic/aluminized blanket.

These foil blankets, which can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or through outdoor catalogs, reflect warmth toward you and cold away from you. I generally take two and sometimes three of these foil blankets with me on every cold weather trip. Folding the foil blanket in half with one aluminum side down and the other up, I tuck my self-inflating camp mat (commonly known as a “Thermarest”) between the fold.

Third rule: To tent or not to tent? Your decision.
Most any kind of tent will generally keep the winter camper 10 to 20 degrees warmer than going without one. They hold some body heat, prevent wind from stealing precious warmth and keep snow off bags and gear.

A number of manufacturers make four-season tents. They are pricier than summer tents because they are made out of stronger materials and have special air ventilation systems to prevent frost build-up.

If you plan to buy a winter tent, get the next size larger. So for two people, get the four-person model. You’ll need the extra space. Winter sleeping bags are bigger and you’re wearing more clothes.

With a sleeping bag to match conditions, however, tents are not necessary in the winter. My coldest trip of –40° was on a plastic mat with nothing but the stars above. Had it snowed we would have pulled a piece of nylon over the top of us.

Fourth rule: Liquid intake is critical in winter camping.
It’s a white desert out there! Dry winter air saps internal water reserves – especially while cross-country skiing, fishing, or hiking. Drinking liquids will help keep you warm.

If your urine turns dark or if your body feels cold, you may not be drinking enough. Unless I am away from base camp, I keep hot water on the fire. Hot tea with a dried orange drink is my favorite refresher.

On expeditions away from camp, I carry water in either a wineskin-type bota or a plastic bottle. I place these under my jacket in a pocket or on a shoulder strap where body warmth will keep it from freezing.

Fifth rule: A good night’s rest depends on more than just a sleeping bag.
In the sleeping bag before shut-eye, I eat a candy bar. The fat energy released keeps the body warmer and allows me to sleep better.

Take off all clothes except long johns and socks and put them in the bottom of your sleeping bag or stuff them in a sack and use for a pillow. Shove your leather boots and water bottle under your sleeping pad to keep them from freezing. I wear my mukluk or pac-boot liners to bed. Body warmth inside the bag will dry the felt.

Two twelve-hour chemical hand warmers placed in the sleeping bag before going to bed warm it up, and once I get in the bag, I move one to underneath my back and the other to my feet. I don a wool cap and wool gloves and zip myself in. Winter’s elements are now outside.

Sixth rule: The hardest thing about winter camping is getting out of bed.
Mornings will generally be the coldest time of the day. Be it 10° or –20°, it’s hard to face the reality of leaving a warm nest. While still in the bag, I drink from my water bottle, eat another candy bar, stretch in place and start putting on all my clothes. When my hands get cold, I grab the hand warmers.

With a warm coat on, I swing from the bag and put on my boots. The night before, I readied a pile of wood for the first fire of the morning. I light it and enjoy my first cup of hot coffee or cocoa while preparing breakfast.

Seventh rule: Prepare nearly all your food at home and make twice as much as you normally eat.
Regardless of how much I eat on winter trips I always lose weight.

Plan easy-to-fix foods in disposable lightweight containers. Aluminum foil makes cooking easy. At home, I’ll wrap ham-and-cheese bagels or bacon in foil to cook on the coals or over the grill. And for dinner, my favorite meal is bacon, meat, onions, green pepper and spices wrapped in foil.

Ziploc bags also make preparing ahead easy. For breakfast, just add hot water to a bag of cereal and dry milk. Or for dinner, drop a zipped bag of frozen spaghetti into boiling water until thawed.

Make sure to take along plenty of snacks such as candy bars and trail mix to munch on for quick energy throughout the day.

Eighth rule: Keeping warm during the day depends on your clothing.
Technology has provided today’s winter camper with more and better choices than cotton and wool. Polypropylene, a synthetic fabric, holds little moisture and actually moves body dampness away from the skin into outer clothes. I start with polypropylene underwear tops and bottoms.

Next comes a wool or polyfleece shirt and pants. Synthetic fleece has many of the same qualities as wool but must be carefully used around a fire since it melts.

Wool and fleece are great insulators but fail to stop wind from reaching the skin, so the next layer needed is a lightweight wind jacket and pants. I recommend nylon or a Gore-Tex type material which allows body moisture to escape while preventing snow and rain from reaching the skin.

The last layer may be the most important. That’s the parka or heavy coat. I recommend a synthetically filled winter coat that goes to the waist or slightly below since a longer coat keeps warmth in the body core where it is needed most.

All these layers trap body heat and moisture. They function best when dry. Allow body moisture to escape by shedding layers when physical activity demands.

One final note about clothing: Raingear goes on every trip with me regardless of the forecast. Moisture robs heat, a loss one cannot afford in the winter.

Ninth rule: Take care of your extremities with the proper hats, gloves and boots.
Seventy percent of heat loss can come from your head, so a good hat must provide warmth and wick moisture. I believe in being prepared and take a musher’s hat, wool watch cap, fleece headband and fleece balaclava.

By taking three pair of wool-fingered gloves, I ensure there’s always a dry pair. Chopper mitts with fleece mitten inserts are used for extreme conditions and collecting firewood.

Footwear is as important as headgear. If your feet freeze you’ll have a rough time getting home. Purchase the warmest and lightest boots available. Buy them big enough for at least two pair of heavy socks with room enough to wiggle your toes.

I take two pair of boots on every winter trip. One is a lightweight mukluk good for –30°. Should these get wet, I can switch to a pair of more waterproof pac boots with felt liners. I carry an extra set of liners that can either go into the mukluk or the pac boot. On several trips I’ve submersed one pair of boots in water and had to switch.

Buy the best quality wool socks on the market. In fact buy four pair and bring them with you. Wear two pair and keep two in reserve. Wear them to bed, as they’ll dry out on your feet while sleeping.

Tenth rule: Have fun!
Lest you think winter camping is all work and no play… What’s there to do for fun on a winter camping trip? Plenty! Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking the backcountry and ice-fishing to name just a few.

Ever play tennis ball golf? Get a few old golf clubs and some new red tennis balls. On a wind-swept lake, plot out holes with sticks or rocks. Hit the balls toward the holes. Make your own rules.

My son and his gang of Boy Scouts shoveled off a hockey rink every winter outing we ever went on. Kids without sticks used snow shovels. They played from sun-up to sundown. We scoutmasters put our ice fishing tip-ups a distance from the field of play and refereed from the sidelines until a flag popped.

One final word.
Getting all this gear to a backwoods camp may seem like a daunting task fit for only the most rugged expeditionists. You do have to be in good physical shape to face the rigors of winter camping. Unless you’re going to a drive-in site, you may be hauling this gear several miles. I use a plastic children’s toboggan that’s about four feet long and a foot wide. I pile the heaviest gear on the bottom, cover it all with a tarp and fasten it with bungee cords.

And of course, always let a friend know where you are going and your expected time of return.

Properly planned for, winter camping can be one of the finest ways to enjoy the beautiful landscape here in Wisconsin.
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Comfort camping in the cold

Writer and outdoorsman James Bishop prefers the rugged approach to winter camping, sometimes even sleeping under the stars without a tent. He takes two or three foil blankets along on every trip.

For those a little more fond of their creature comforts, Carl and John’s Paddlin’ in Madison rents tents and wood stoves suitable for winter camping.
Space All Weather Blanket
5’x7’ blanket; 12 oz.
radiates 80% of body heat back to you
$11.95 at REI
608-833-6680
www.rei.com 8’x10’ Snowtrekker tent
suitable for two people
3-day rental, $50
Carl & John’s Paddlin’
800-386-1299
www.paddlin.comFour Dog wood stove
for heating and cooking
3-day rental, $35
Carl & John’s Paddlin’
800-386-1299
www.paddlin.com

For more on Where to go & What to do in Wisconsin, check out http://www.WisconsinGuide.com

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Camping: Anytime of Year in All Kinds of Weather

Often thought to be reserved for summer, camping is fast becoming a year-round activity. And while camping trips are planned with hopes of good weather, severe weather always is a possibility, but it doesn’t have to diminish the enjoyment of camping. To make the most of the camping experience, it’s important to consider the weather before packing up the camper or travel trailer.

There’s no avoiding the weather when camping. “The United States has the most extreme weather conditions in the world, second only to China,” says Susan Weaver, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service. “Weather can change quickly and is very specific to each area.”

Lightning Does Strike Twice

Severe weather can occur anytime of year and often with little warning. According to NOAA, lightning is one of the most underrated severe weather hazards because it usually claims one or two victims at a time and does not cause mass destruction.

“You are in danger of lightning if you can hear thunder,” states Weaver. “Seek shelter inside an enclosed structure; if that is not possible squat low to the ground, with your feet close together and your head between your knees.” Maintain minimal contact with the ground and do not lie flat.

It’s a Twister…

In the Southern states, peak tornado season is March through May. Northern states are more likely to be hit with tornadoes during the summer. People know that during a tornado warning they should move to an interior room with no windows, or in a basement. When camping, that’s not a viable option. Experts suggest retreating to a ditch or other low area, get as low to the ground as possible and cover your head from possible debris. “Do not seek shelter under an overpass; they act as wind tunnels during a tornado,” Weaver warns.

Author Brad Herzog and wife Amy of Pacific Grove, Calif., have been camping for nearly eight years. During their first trip, Brad authored “States of Mind,” a book, which chronicles their experience. One night, while camping in Mississippi, they encountered severe weather. “There were late-night tornado warnings and we were able to track the warnings by keeping tuned to a local station,” Herzog explains. They were aware of the warnings in advance and took precautions in case of a tornado strike. Fortunately the storm passed without any tornados touching down.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Floods and flash floods also are serious threats to campers. “Most people underestimate the threat of water,” Weaver explains. “Never attempt to drive through standing water. It only takes 18 to 24 inches to float most vehicles.” According to Weaver, canyons are particularly prone to flash floods. She recommends not only paying attention to the weather around you but also upstream. If flooding is a possibility in your camp area, immediately move to higher ground.

Running Hot and Cold

Not only should campers remain cognizant of possible severe weather; they also need to be mindful of extreme temperatures or sudden climate shifts. “Extremely cold temperatures and winds rob heat from the body,” says Weaver. This, increases your risk for hypothermia and frostbite. When camping in the winter, pack extra blankets, food and water to reduce these risks.

Be Prepared

It takes planning to handle any weather Mother Nature might throw at your camping trip. Simply following some basic tips can lead to a much more enjoyable camping experience.

* Check the weather before you leave home. A variety of Web sites offer weather forecasts seven days in advance. NOAA’s Web site can be found at www.weather.gov.

* Carry a weather radio at all times. Available at most electronics stores, a weather radio can be programmed to a specific location and provide life-saving notification of a fast-developing storm.

* Talk to your camping group and develop a contingency plan should bad weather arise.

When it comes to providing peace of mind and safety while camping, nothing rivals a reliable power source. Onan, a leader in power generation products, recently introduced a generator designed specifically for the smaller, towable RVs. Onan’s Camp Power is the first installed generator to provide power to the towable RVs so popular with millions of campers. Now when RVers are caught in severe weather, they can have the electricity they need to operate communication devices to monitor the storm and signal for help if necessary.

Brad Herzog knows how reassuring it is to have reliable power with you when the weather turns bad. “When the weather is iffy, it’s nice to be able to tune into a news station to know what’s up.” Since weather can change quickly, it is important to constantly keep track of it while camping.

In addition to powering weather devices for travelers, generators can make camping more comfortable by supplying power to air conditioners to cool the RV or run heaters on cold days.

And rain won’t put a damper on campfire cooking for campers with Camp Power installed towable. A generator can power almost any electrical kitchen appliance. Travelers can cook meals in the microwave or on an electric grill when the weather doesn’t allow them to build a campfire.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade

Despite all your preparations, sometimes the weather simply won’t cooperate with your outdoor plans. But that doesn’t have to ruin the camping experience.

Herzog recalls when he and his wife were traveling through Kansas and they encountered severe storms. “Other people began to pull their cars over and panic,” Herzog explains. “We pulled over to the side of the road made some grilled cheese sandwiches and relaxed while the storm passed.”

“The great thing about being in an RV is if you don’t feel that the weather is conducive to driving, you can pull over and you have your house with you. With powerful generators in your RVs, you can be anywhere and have the conveniences of home,” says Herzog.

Stay Safe

With planning and preparation, it’s possible to camp year round in almost all kinds of weather. Checking the weather forecast regularly, listening to a weather radio and knowing what your group is going to do in the event of bad weather allows campers to have a safe and fun trip anytime of year.

To get up to the minute weather related information, log on to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/. To learn more about RVing and Camp Power, check out www.funroads.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Great Tips for Camping
Preparation, check list, and more

Camping is one of my favorite activities and my favorite type of camping is car camping. However, there are many other types of camping such as base camping, canoe camping, RV camping, tent trailer camping and back yard camping. Regardless of how you spend your time out of doors or how much time you spend out of doors, there is always more to learn. I have compiled an extensive list of camping tips and this installment is for car campers. Here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of your car camping experience.

Organize your gear before you go. The basic principle is to organize or categorize your gear by "when" and "how quickly" you will need it. When I get to the campsite, the first thing I do is prepare shelter. So my tent and shade awning are the easiest pieces of gear to get to.

Plan your campsite. Understand how vehicles, wind, sun and rain will enter the campsite. For example, if the wind is coming out of the west, you’ll probably want your tent and kitchen west of any campfire to reduce smoke nuisance.

Always have a first aid kit in camp. Everyone in camp should know where it is, have access to it and know how to use it. I keep mine in plain sight in my kitchen. If it’s locked in my truck, no one can get to it except me.

Every camp needs a shovel. I believe a shovel is the most important tool in camp. You’ll use it to manage your campfire, leveling sleeping spots and countless other uses. Don’t leave home without it.

What tent should you use? I recommend a tent that is bigger than you think you’ll need. If inclement weather sets in, you’ll have a spot out of the elements for reading and playing games. My tent is big enough for two people, two cots, two chairs and two dogs.

There is nothing wrong with having a checklist. Things frequently forgotten are: extra batteries, trash bags, kitchen towels, hats, reading material, sleeping pillows, hiking boots and pet food.

Your most important camping gear should always be on your body. Not in your pack, not in your tent or in your vehicle. Whenever you leave camp always have a watch, a whistle, a cell phone, a flashlight and a knife on your person.

Some neat tidbits I’ve picked up over the years are: a golf towel is perfect for hanging in your kitchen because it comes with a grommet, you can never have enough zip lock bags, you won’t find me camping without a flare – it’s perfect for lighting wet firewood, my camp chairs have side tables attached to them, I pre-cook baked potatoes at home and warm them up in the camp fire, in good weather my hammock gets lots of use.

Car camping allows you to take virtually anything with you when you camp. But the most important of all is good company. Take along good friends and family. When you do, it doesn’t really matter if you have the best gear or the best techniques, the one thing you will have is the best of times. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My Perfect Campsite

It’s the time of year to beat the heat and head for higher elevation. For many people that means loading up the RV, grabbing the boat and finding a campground by the lake. My idea for the perfect getaway means loading the truck with our camping gear and our two Labrador Retrievers and getting as far away from the pavement as we can get. While these two styles are quite different, they are both perfect. Let’s take a look at what makes a campsite perfect for me—and perhaps for you.

To start with, there are two general types of campsites, the first being established campsites. These campgrounds exist for all sorts of campers and their camping equipment ranging from large motor homes to small designated patches of grass for bicyclists. Finding this type of campsite is fairly easy to do. On the internet, one can find hundreds of informational websites with campground information for virtually any area on the planet. Favorite campgrounds are typically found in national, state and county park systems and are available for a nominal daily fee. They are usually found near natural features such as lakes, rivers and scenic areas. Campgrounds often cater to specific types of campers, for instance some campgrounds are kid and pet friendly while others are not. There are many advantages to established campgrounds such as running water, electricity, activities and other modern conveniences. With minimal research, you should be able to find the perfect campground for you or your group.

A second general type of campsite is referred to as a primitive campsite. As the name implies, you won’t find any of today’s modern conveniences at a primitive site and to those who prefer this type of camping, that’s the whole point. Primitive camping is my favorite way to camp. Some primitive campers carry everything on their backs and set up camp when they are done hiking for the day. I like to drive right up to my primitive camp site so that I can take along a few of my favorite things. In either case here are few things I consider when looking for the perfect primitive site. Number one is shelter. Shelter from the wind, rain, sun, noise and other campers are important to me. I also want a spot that is elevated, level, durable and clean. I don’t care much for insects and I enjoy a nice fire in the evenings.

So where is my perfect campsite? I won’t tell you exactly, but it’s at 7,600 feet elevation just 10 miles from the south entrance to the Grand Canyon and is only 3 miles from the pavement. It sits in the Kaibab National Forest amidst countless Ponderosa Pines, has very few insects and cannot be seen from the dirt road which is only 200 feet away. The area has an abundance of elk, deer, firewood and natural running water. From a nearby hill I have a great view of the Grand Canyon. I’ve camped here many times and I don’t think anyone else has used this spot in the past ten years. Now that’s perfect!

Perhaps your perfect campsite has a swimming pool, electricity, a convenience store, a club house and sewage hookups. That’s awesome. Camping takes on different looks for different folks and the key to getting the most out of your outdoor times is knowing what you like and going after it. Do a little research before heading out and be sure to go take along someone you care about. You’ll be guaranteed to have a great time. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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