Considering Camping?
Okay, I'll admit it. . .my idea of camping is a low-budget motel--you know, the kind where the housekeeping staff missed cleaning the area around the toilet after the last guest checked out, and the manager tells you that there is nothing they can do about it? Yeah, that's my idea of a rustic experience.
So why would I do a lens about camping? To educate the rest of you who may not have experienced this "pleasure" yet.
I have ventured into the great outdoors a few times and have learned something from every experience. I share that wisdom with you here to help you actually enjoy sleeping, in the cold, on the hard, rocky ground, with bugs buzzing around your head, at the crack of dawn.
The Number One Rule of Camping Is . . .
Always use a tent!
No wait, don't forget to bring toilet paper.
Oh, but I forgot to mention, bears like human food!
And then there is: the woods get COLD at night.
Ummm . . .broken flashlights make nighttime forays to the potty very scary.
Bugs Bite!
If you don't douse your fire you could ruin a lot of beautiful pine trees (oh, and face some jail time, too.)
If you are hiking to your campsite--don't bring anything! You'll have to carry it! (Gasp!)
You will probably return home sunburned, itchy, sweaty, dirty and hungry--but the fresh mountain air is SO worth it! (not!)
No wait, don't forget to bring toilet paper.
Oh, but I forgot to mention, bears like human food!
And then there is: the woods get COLD at night.
Ummm . . .broken flashlights make nighttime forays to the potty very scary.
Bugs Bite!
If you don't douse your fire you could ruin a lot of beautiful pine trees (oh, and face some jail time, too.)
If you are hiking to your campsite--don't bring anything! You'll have to carry it! (Gasp!)
You will probably return home sunburned, itchy, sweaty, dirty and hungry--but the fresh mountain air is SO worth it! (not!)
In Case I Haven't Convinced You . . .
and you still love camping . . .
Show off your passion with this camping gear!
Is a Tent Essential?
In my opinion--YES!
Back in my college days, when I was still young and able to stay up all night, in the cold, with no sleep, and still be able to semi-function the next day, my friend, Tom, convinced me to go camping.Being that I was a college student and had never been camping a day in my life I said, "Yes!" So, Lori, Ed, Tom and I loaded Ed's little, tiny car with all the blankets and sheets we had, threw in some pillows and hot dogs, some charcoal and a little camping grill (see that story below) and off we went.
In Flagstaff, AZ, in late September.
I don't remember at what point I realized that we didn't have a tent, but I think I remember thinking it would be fun to lie on the ground wrapped in as many blankets as I could take from the others and watch the stars as I fell alseep.
That is until 3:00 a.m. when it started to rain--hard! Of course, without a tent, we got soaked. So did all of our blankets, pillows and coats.
We piled into the little, tiny car with all of our wet stuff and tried to get warm using the heater. I don't know why we thought we could wait until the rain stopped and then we could get out and go back to sleep, but we waited for close to two hours before we finally decided to just go home.
Will I ever camp without a tent again? Only during a drought!
You're Out In the Woods With No Electricity . . .
What To Do, What To Do, What To DO . . .
Most of us can only go so long without our computers, game systems and satellite TVs so what in the world do we DO with no electricity?
Well, we could sit around and complain about the bugs in our faces and the dirt on our hands and the grass in our beds, but that just tends to irritate those in our party who think they are having a great time.
We could go hiking, but that does require a lot of work and, besides, we might get lost.
So, we'll just choose to stay at the campsite.
After we do the dishes and shake out all the sleeping bags, here are some ideas for how to occupy our time.
Of course, we will try not to think that a scavenger is really just a sneaky way to get us to hike!
After an exhausting day napping (and exploring) we will need something to do by the campfire. This book has a lot of great discussion starter ideas and games in it to provide plenty of fodder for campsite fun.
Oh, wait, camping isn't supossed to be fun . . .
Well, we could sit around and complain about the bugs in our faces and the dirt on our hands and the grass in our beds, but that just tends to irritate those in our party who think they are having a great time.
We could go hiking, but that does require a lot of work and, besides, we might get lost.
So, we'll just choose to stay at the campsite.
After we do the dishes and shake out all the sleeping bags, here are some ideas for how to occupy our time.
- We could play with a flying disc.
- We could play catch
- Or we could play horseshoes.
- We could read a good book.
- We could count the leaves in the trees overhead. Of course this will usually lull us to sleep (which is the whole point of a vacation anyway, isn't it?)
- We could go on a scavenger hunt. Here's a list to get us started:
- a blade of grass
- a rough rock
- a red flower
- a piece of tree bark
- 4 pieces of good firewood
Of course, we will try not to think that a scavenger is really just a sneaky way to get us to hike!
After an exhausting day napping (and exploring) we will need something to do by the campfire. This book has a lot of great discussion starter ideas and games in it to provide plenty of fodder for campsite fun.
Oh, wait, camping isn't supossed to be fun . . .
Have You Ever Seen a Stove Melt?
I have and it was NOT pretty! Because along with it melted our chance of a cooked dinner. Cold hot dogs don't taste good even when you are REALLY hungry!We had this little camping cook stove. It was the kind that used propane, but we didn't have any propane, so we used charcoal and lighter fluid. The fire started easily and it really burned--HOT! Hot enough to melt the camping stove.
If you are using your own grill be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to operate it or at least be very familiar with it so that you can be sure to have a way to cook your food.
Fire restricitons are often very strict and you may not be able to build an open fire. Have a plan for how you will cook your food or just plan a raw diet for the weekend.
HINT: If you are bringing freeze dried meals you will need water. If you don't want to eat your Spaghetti Marinara with Mushrooms cold, you will need a way to start a fire.
Violating fire restrictions carries with a hefty fine and possibly severe danger and jail time if things get out of control. Plan ahead for how you will cook your food.
And don't forget, telling stories around the campfire at night while roasting marshmallows is one of the few things that makes camping worthwhile!
Recipes from My Family's Camping Excursions
We may not be the best campers, but we do know how to cook!
Foil Packs
Make a patti out of ground beef (the leaner cuts are better) and place it in the center of a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil.
Layer potatoes and carrots sliced longways on top of the meat.
Place several onion slices on top.
Sprinkle with seasoned salt or other spices, to taste.
Fold the sides of the foil up around the food and roll it over to close. Fold the the same way on the ends. BE SURE that they are sealed tightly.
Place the packs down into the coals of your fire and let them cook until done, approximately 20-30 minutes. Pull them out of the fire and serve.
Spiced Baked Apples
Wash and core an apple, any variety, but I prefer Golden Delicious
Place the apple in the center of a piece of foil.
Put a bit of butter or margarine into the hole in the middle of the apple and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Fold the sides of the foil up around the apple and roll it over to close. Fold the the same way on the ends. BE SURE that they are sealed tightly.
Place the packs down into the coals of your fire and let them cook until done, approximately 15-20 minutes. Pull them out of the fire and serve.
S'mores
This campsite favorite is pretty basic.
Roast a marshmallow and when it is all hot and gooey, place it on a graham cracker with a chocolate bar, top with another graham cracker and enjoy!
But how about trying these variations.
Instead of plain graham crackers try:
Instead of plain marshmallows try:
Instead of plain chocolate bars try:
For over 400 great camping recipes try this book:
CLICK HERE!
Make a patti out of ground beef (the leaner cuts are better) and place it in the center of a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil.
Layer potatoes and carrots sliced longways on top of the meat.
Place several onion slices on top.
Sprinkle with seasoned salt or other spices, to taste.
Fold the sides of the foil up around the food and roll it over to close. Fold the the same way on the ends. BE SURE that they are sealed tightly.
Place the packs down into the coals of your fire and let them cook until done, approximately 20-30 minutes. Pull them out of the fire and serve.
Spiced Baked Apples
Wash and core an apple, any variety, but I prefer Golden Delicious
Place the apple in the center of a piece of foil.
Put a bit of butter or margarine into the hole in the middle of the apple and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Fold the sides of the foil up around the apple and roll it over to close. Fold the the same way on the ends. BE SURE that they are sealed tightly.
Place the packs down into the coals of your fire and let them cook until done, approximately 15-20 minutes. Pull them out of the fire and serve.
S'mores
This campsite favorite is pretty basic.
Roast a marshmallow and when it is all hot and gooey, place it on a graham cracker with a chocolate bar, top with another graham cracker and enjoy!
But how about trying these variations.
Instead of plain graham crackers try:
- cinnamon graham crackers
- chocolate chip cookies
- vanilla wafers
Instead of plain marshmallows try:
- strawberry flavored marshmallows
- fruit flavored marhmallows--These only come in small sizes so they would be difficult to roast, so try them with a large plain roasted marshmallow. (You may want to skip the chocolate for this version.)
Instead of plain chocolate bars try:
- Cookies 'n Cream Bar
- spreading peanut butter on top of the chocolate bar
- a chocolate bar with almonds in it
For over 400 great camping recipes try this book:
CLICK HERE!
Beautiful Scenery (Camping Isn't All Bad!)
These photos were taken by my sister, Lanette Stultz, on her various travels.
All you have to do is look up to remember why you are here . . .
Gorgeous view!
We warned you!
Wow!!!
Autumn leaves beginning to turn. Taken from gondola by Niagra Falls.
Beautiful Blue Skies
Newsflash: Family Survives Near Freezing Temperatures!
Despite Their Own Foolishness!
Chances are you won't be camping in your backyard (although I do recommend that location for it's proximity to all the wonderful amenities of life!)But just in case you are actually going into the wilderness, check the weather report before you leave!
Keep in mind that it gets cold at night in the forest and in the desert. You will need a way to keep warm.
I recommend super-insulated sleeping bags and body heat for this purpose. I know your little ones may balk at this idea, but sleeping them two to a bag will not only save room in your tent, but will also help them to stay warm. Besides, if they wake up really cold in the middle of the night you know that they'll end up in YOUR bag!
Unless you will have someone watching it all night, do not leave your campfire burning at full flame. Bank it before you turn in.
Wool socks and down comforters help also.
If you choose not to follow this advice and find yourself shivering at 4:00 a.m. you can do what we did (on a different camping trip) and pile into the truck and run the heater until it is light enough to see what you are doing enough to break camp and head home to your nice warm beds.
SPECIAL WARNING: If it looks like rain it probably will.
If it smells like rain it already is and will reach your campsite soon.
If it is thundering and lightning this is probably a really bad time to be underneath tall trees and you may want to consider heading home NOW!
How to Keep Your Hands and Other Body Parts Clean
and not have to use leaves for anything . . .
Ah, the comforts of home--running water, flush toilets, showers! Not so in the wild. If you don't bring it, you don't have it.And things can get pretty grubby out there!
To make matters worse your only source of water is what you bring with you or what you haul from the creek (or river, or lake or . . .you get the idea.)
One handy solution for hand washing is to haul in an empty milk or water jug, fill it with water from the creek, then poke a small hole in the side near the bottom, and plug the hole with a short stick. Hang this from a tree with sturdy rope. Put a piece of soap in an old nylon stocking and tie the end of the stocking to the handle of the jug.
When you need to wash your hands, pull out the stick and get your hands wet, plug the hole while you lather up, then pull out the stick again to rinse. Viola! Running water!
Make sure that you BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPER! Leaves don't do a very good job and if you grab the wrong one, well . . . let's just say there are some places where it is impolite to constantly scratch!
Designate a specfic spot to serve as a "toilet." Make sure that everyone in your party uses the same place. This make hiking a lot easier.
Bring a lightweight trowel or shovel to dig a hole to bury your waste. The hole should be about six inches deep. If you really want to be kind to the environment use biodegradeable toilet paper or carry your toilet paper out in a plastic bag when you leave.
If you are in an actual campground you will probably have access to a toilet, a sink, and possibly a shower. It is still a good idea to bring your own toilet paper.
If you have to shower in the stream use biodegradeable soap and make sure that you use a part of the stream where the water is flowing so that you won't have soap mixed in with water that you may use to drink.
Do NOT drink water directly from a stream! All kinds of germs swim around in water now days. You can use water purification tablets if necessary or you can boil the water to purify it.
And just keep remembering that civilazation really does exist--somewhere. . .
Maybe You Really Do Prefer Sleeping on a Bed, Indoors . . .
With Air Conditioning, a Refrigerator, and a Flushing Toilet
And that's OKAY! Some of us just weren't meant to REALLY get away.
There are plenty of vacation alternatives to choose from without giving up what makes life comfortable.
From staying home and locking the doors for a weekend, to exploring your own hometown you can find out more at my website: Stress Free Family Travel.
Here are a couple of great ideas for unusual getaways--bugs, bears and berries are optional!
The 10-Item Trip
Have each family member pack only ten things.
You can either put everything into one large suitcase or give each person have their own bag.
Tell everyone whether they need to pack for warm weather or cold weather and you may want to drop hints like we will be near the ocean or maybe we'll see a bear in the woods!
If you just pack the "essentials" (brush or comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shirt, pants, socks, shoes, underwear, swimsuit) you are already up to ten items. How creative can you get? Can you wear shoes without socks? Can your swimsuit double as a top or a pair of shorts? Can you share toothpaste with another family member or agree as a family to pack one 10-item bag that includes toiletries for everyone?
This can be a fun exercise in cooperation and teamwork, both of which make family travel more enjoyable.
For a Ten Item Trip you may want to only make it an overnighter so that you don't run out of what you need. Also try to avoid a destination like camping that requires a lot of extra equipment.
*Necessary items like extra diapers or medication should be excluded from the ten-item rule.
Go Downtown
It is amazing what kind of adventure awaits us in our own back yards.
Visit your local Chamber of Commerce or check out your city's website for fun places to explore.
You may find museums that offer free admission or concerts or art exhibits that are free to the public. And you will probably learn about your city's history, too.
Limit your "travels" to the downtown area of your hometown.
If you live in a city you can also plan trips to all of the downtown areas of the surrounding suburbs.
There are plenty of vacation alternatives to choose from without giving up what makes life comfortable.
From staying home and locking the doors for a weekend, to exploring your own hometown you can find out more at my website: Stress Free Family Travel.
Here are a couple of great ideas for unusual getaways--bugs, bears and berries are optional!
The 10-Item Trip
Have each family member pack only ten things.
You can either put everything into one large suitcase or give each person have their own bag.
Tell everyone whether they need to pack for warm weather or cold weather and you may want to drop hints like we will be near the ocean or maybe we'll see a bear in the woods!
If you just pack the "essentials" (brush or comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shirt, pants, socks, shoes, underwear, swimsuit) you are already up to ten items. How creative can you get? Can you wear shoes without socks? Can your swimsuit double as a top or a pair of shorts? Can you share toothpaste with another family member or agree as a family to pack one 10-item bag that includes toiletries for everyone?
This can be a fun exercise in cooperation and teamwork, both of which make family travel more enjoyable.
For a Ten Item Trip you may want to only make it an overnighter so that you don't run out of what you need. Also try to avoid a destination like camping that requires a lot of extra equipment.
*Necessary items like extra diapers or medication should be excluded from the ten-item rule.
Go Downtown
It is amazing what kind of adventure awaits us in our own back yards.
Visit your local Chamber of Commerce or check out your city's website for fun places to explore.
You may find museums that offer free admission or concerts or art exhibits that are free to the public. And you will probably learn about your city's history, too.
Limit your "travels" to the downtown area of your hometown.
If you live in a city you can also plan trips to all of the downtown areas of the surrounding suburbs.
StressFreeFamilyTravel.com--The Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWant to Get Away Without Leaving Home?
Rough it in your family room! Pull out the sleeping bags, roast the marshmallows for s'mores over the grill, pop some corn, and enjoy some flicks.
- 001- Night at the Museum
Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidentall...- 002- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
Based on C.S. Lewis's classic novel, this enchanting tale follows four London children who are sent...- 003- Ratatouille
Brad Bird (The Incredibles) co-directs this Oscar-winning Pixar offering, following the antics of a...- 004- Cars
Prepare to peel out with this revved-up animated adventure featuring classic automobiles, plenty of...- 005- Happy Feet
Living with his colony in the Antarctic, young emperor penguin Mumble is aptly named: While his frie...- 006- Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story
Down-and-out horse trainer Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) is given an equally broken-down (but once great)...- 007- Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
After their parents are tragically killed, three young orphans -- Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Li...- 008- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Lucky Charlie Bucket's one of five golden-ticket holders treated to a tour of Willy Wonka's chocolat...- 009- The Incredibles
Meet the Incredibles, the award-winning Pixar team's superhero family that comes out of banal, subur...- 010- Bridge to Terabithia
New classmate Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) unlocks a world of fantasy and imagination for fifth-gr...- Try Netflix free for 14 days
In Case You Decide NOT to Rough It! (YES!)
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- $415 from San Jose: flight + 2 nights hotel
Like Camping or Love It, Let Me Know What You Think of This Lens
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InspiredWritingResearch
Hey....... don't be like that! I like camping lol! Great funny lens!Faved. Posted July 12, 2008 |
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