Archive for the ‘Camping Gear’ Category
Single Burner Camping Stoves!
Chef's Delight!
With nostalgia, I remember the family camping trips when all mama had for cooking was three, single burner stoves. What she couldn’t do with those three stoves left little for the imagination.
My favorite meal was her spicy fried chicken, potatoes, gravy and the fresh asparagus that she would have me pick down by the creek. Every now and then, she would top it off with her panned pineapple upside-down cake and as dad said, “it was made too die for”.
Those days have long gone. But, even today, when out fishing the lake; at about dusk, I turned around to my grand-kids and said, “take a whiff, can you smell that spicy fried chicken mixed with the sweet smell of pineapple upside-down cake”? Their response was, “yea granddad, just like the last time”. Oh, what can’t be done with several single burner cooking /camping stoves ain’t do-able!
Be Prepared!
All Purpose!
Serious minded Hunters and Campers must always have an Emergency Supplies Kit in their respective tool boxes. If possible, this kit should be kept separate from other supplies and not used on a regular/reoccurring, non-emergency basis. I have found that military footlockers are ideal and can be specifically marked for this purpose.
Things that should be considered for an Emergency Supplies Kit might include:
- ready to eat meals (3-days);
- potable water/water purification devices;
- flares, flare gun, flashlight, lantern, extra batteries, AM/FM radio, all purpose first-aid kit, blankets, breathing protection, tarpaulin;
- something to communicate with, i.e.: whistle, radio (2-way) etc.
Emergency Supplies Kit must be checked at the beginning of each Hunting or Camping trip and refurnished as needed.
The Resident Authority!
Big Things in Small Packages!
The entire family knows that I spent many years in the military; so, by default, it seems that I’m the go-to person for all matters concerning the out-doors. Last week, I received one such call from a sibling whose young son was going out on a 2-day school trek and was looking for a light-weight/convenient way to heat water for dehydrated food and a hot drink.
I suggested two possibilities: 1. A small one burner stove, or 2. Obtaining a hand-full of heat tabs from the local Army/Navy surplus store. Because of weight and bulkiness, the later was selected. However, caution was given to use a well ventilated burning area, as-well-as a heating can/device that had numerous breathing holes in it.
The feed-back was that this, unlike other, cooking stoves worked to perfection. It was small, light-weight (didn’t require a pack mule), and not only dependable enough to cook my nephew’s food but also the food for two other campers whose stoves did not function properly, HOOAH!
Staying Young in the Great Outdoors!
Quick and Easy!
I’ve been happily retired for 10 years now. Many of my retired friends fritter away their free time with frivolous abandon – they sit at home watching TV and rarely get out to enjoy what the world has to offer. I’m proud to be bucking that trend by traveling around to parts of the country I’ve never seen before. Retirement has afforded me the opportunity to do more camping than I did when I was young.
Although the ravages of age haven’t caught up to my youthful spirit, I do have to make a few physical concessions. When my back began to act up last spring I started browsing for Intex air beds to cushion my spine. These days, it only takes moments to pack up the air bed and head on down the road to my next outdoor adventure.
Important Things!
Togetherness!
The 4th of July has always been a special time for us. This is not only a time of National celebration but one when our immediate/extended family gets together and establishes new or rekindles old family ties/relationships.
This tradition is and has been a unique opportunity, not only for the grandparents/parents but for brothers/sisters, aunt/uncles, and cousins to personalize and solidify their involvement in the grand scheme of family tradition, celebration, and togetherness.
It is a time for family fun and activities that normally include a BBQ, home-made ice-cream (banana), and fireworks. The kids have an opportunity to sleep-out in camping tents and the adults a chance to sit around the campfire and tell lies or reminisce of things in the past/possibilities for the future. Oh, ain’t it Great!
Take Inventory!
Makes It All Worthwhile!
I think that there must be something inherent in the human DNA or genetic make-up that makes the heart skip-a-beat at the sight of Canadian Geese headed north in early spring.
As a young boy, I used to fantasize that I was up there with them, on-point, struggling against the headwind and wondering about the adventurers that tomorrow would yield.
Even today, this innocent ritual gives me pause, and it still reminds me that it’s time to shrug off the Blues’ of winter, get motivated for the needed camping gear inventories, and start family preparation for the fun times that summer will bring.
Comfortable Tent Sleeping
A Comfortable Sleep!
There’s nothing worse than having to fall asleep on a rock, bump, or tree root, but all too often, this is what happens on camping trips. Having to sleep in a tent can be uncomfortable and also restless, but with cots and airbeds, tent camping can be much better. Cots have been used for several hundred years, and are quite comfortable for outdoor sleeping.
The tent cot functions much like a hammock, but is fabric connected between four bars rather than two. Airbeds are also great for camping because they are lightweight and can be used to sleep two to four people. Airbeds tend to work better for couples and families because they are available in a wide range of sizes. You will need an air pump to fill most airbeds however, as manual filling can take hours and isn’t all that effective.
When sleeping at night, it’s also important to ensure that you aren’t falling asleep on a slope. You don’t want the blood rushing to your head as this can cause discomfort and even damage, if you have to sleep on a slope, make sure your head is at the top rather than the bottom.
Have Fun In the Shade!
OUCH!
Ah Lake Havasu… The deep blue waves shimmering in the sun, the sharp peaks of the burnt-brown mountains looming over the sandy beaches, and the warm kiss of the fading sunlight on your back as your boat cruises back towards the dock. All these memories can be ruined, however, if you forget to apply sun screen at the beginning of the day. The 110-degree heat of an Arizona summer can burn even the hardiest of sun lovers to a crisp in just a few hours without the proper sunscreen.
Though sun block is readily available and easy to apply, many people forget to use it. If you are one of those unlucky souls who spent a day innocently soaking up the UV rays, only to wake up the next day as red as a freshly-boiled crab, than you should consider spending the next couple days sitting under a shade shelter. No one wants to stay in their hotel room or cabin all day when they could be outside enjoying sunny-day festivities. Shade shelters are easy to transport, and can save sunburn victims from spending their vacation indoors.
Camping Equipment Lists
This Time's So Important!
Family camping trips are a great way to get parents and children together in the great outdoors. Camping takes preparation however, and it’s important to prepare a checklist before you set out on your next camping adventure. Checking the following items off your list will make for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
1. Make sure to bring enough sleeping bags and mattresses.
2. Before packing up your camping tents, make sure they don’t need repairs and that you have all the parts.
3. You should plan on including these cooking items in your packing; pan, a grill, large pot, silverware, plates, and drinking glasses.
4. Never forget your map, compass, or GPS.
5. Bring a first aid kit, including bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, medical tape, and medicines.
Pure Outdoor Enjoyment!
Dry and Spacious!
Late, last fall, the wife and I with friends went on a weekend camping trip to the mouth of the great Mississippi River. Through the years, while traveling, we have crossed it many times as it meandered, in its majestic glory, southward from Northwestern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Until this trip, it was difficult to fathom the river being anything but big, powerful, and terribly intimidating.
However – this great river, like most others, starts as a small stream that can be crossed by jumping over it or traversing it by stepping on existing stones sticking out of the water. There it was quiet, bubbly, and quite forgiving; the wife missed one of the stepping stones and fell flat on her backside - nothing was hurt but her pride; but, if you were to ask, she would deny the mishap - saying: Without a bridge, I walked across the Mississippi!
We enjoyed the trip immensely but realized that our camping gear was in bad need of repair or replacement. The first night it rained and our camping tents leaked. Our battery operated lanterns didn’t seem to hold the charge they should’ve. My hatchet, axe, and knives needed sharpening. The fuel can for the cooking stove had a pin-hole in it. But, considering all, those were such small inconveniences compared with the sheer enjoyment of this outdoor experience!