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Ten Points To Remember When Venturing Into the Great
by Giuseppe Tesola
http://www.hcamping.com
It~s time for the annual camping trip that the whole family
has been looking forward to for months. Since it has been
a whole year since the last camping trip, it may be a good
idea to review some of the camping basics before leaving
home for the "great outdoors."
1.~A checklist makes sure you not only listed all your
basic needs but that you also packed them. All the
equipment and supplies that you won't find in the middle of
the deep woods should be included, such as a tent, sleeping
bag, waterproof matches, food and emergency kit. Remember,
you can't (or won't want to) run out in the dead of night to
the nearest convenience store.
2. Remember that camping means being outdoors and that it
will probably rain sometime on your trip. Pack everything
that you bring with you in some type of waterproof
covering or container. Smaller items can be placed in
zippered freezer bags; freezer bags are much more durable
that ordinary zippered plastic bags. Film canisters or
plastic prescription containers work well for small items.
Remember to protect the large items, like the sleeping bags,
as well.
3.~Before the temptation to sight-see kicks in, set-up
upon arrival. Why? It's too tempting to put off set-up too
long. Daylight is a much safer and more convenient time to
take care of your arrangements than at night when you'd
rather be toasting hot dogs.
4.~Did you remember to bring flashlight batteries? The
time to cover your nighttime needs is during the daytime
when the hunt for lost or forgotten supplies is much easier.
5. Plan your camping meals in advance so that you have all
the ingredients with you. To make outdoor cooking easier,
put food for the same meal together before you leave home.
Think about pre-measuring and combining ingredients like
sugar and flour that are used in baking. In general,
prepare as much in advance as you can so that cooking meals
is fun and not a chore.
6. Do remember to protect your food from the animals that
like to frequent campgrounds in search of an easy and
tasty meal. Always eat your meals outdoors. If you eat
in your tent, the smell of the food will be trapped inside.
Do you have any idea what a hungry and curious raccoon
can do to a tent?
7.~Also, don't feed the wildlife. Campers may find
this very tempting; however, animals loose their wild side
when they depend on human food, which really isn't good for
their systems.
8.~Leave your campsite in good or better condition than
upon your arrival. A good steward of camping enjoys and
respects the natural beauty of the outdoors and wants the
next visitor to feel this same way. Plastic trash bags are
sturdy packages to hold your refuse. "Leave only your
footprints", as the Scouting saying goes.
9.~Don't bug your neighbors but do extend your help.
When camping with a family, nothing disrupts you more than
having rowdy, noisy and obnoxious camping neighbors. On the
other hand, neighbors who look like they need a little
assistance setting up or such often appreciate kind gestures
of helps if offered.
10.~ There are no guarantees that it won't rain. And,
if it does rain, you can still have fun. Staying focused on
the purpose of a family trip, which is to be with family,
means your fun doesn't have to depend on the weather.
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