When it comes to enjoying a vacation on a limited budget, it is difficult to beat the appeal of the good old camping trip. After all, it costs next to nothing to pitch your tent in the back country wilderness of your favorite state or national park. A week long camping trip can often cost less than a day or two in a big city or tourist hot spot, while giving the entire family time to bond and enjoy being together.
As a matter of fact, camping is one of the most popular family activities, and many families enjoy camping together, sharing stories around a roaring fire, roasting marshmallows, swimming, fishing and all the other great things that come with a camping trip.
For many, camping brings back memories from childhood, and many parents want to give their children a taste of what their own childhood was like, back when things were so much simpler.
Another great thing about camping is that once the initial expenses are paid, there is little in the way of ongoing expenses. Unlike a traditional vacation, in which the money you spend on that great hotel is gone for good, with camping you buy your hotel room (also known as your tent) outright, and you own it forever.
After you have bought all the essential items, like the tent, a couple of good camping lanterns, a good camp stove, sleeping bags and the like, your only expenses may be the food for the trip and the gas it takes to get there.
And camping provides plenty for all members of the family to do. Dad may enjoy fishing in his favorite spot, or boating around the lake, while mom and the kids may enjoy a beautiful hike and bird watching trip. There are even campgrounds that feature movies, swimming pools and other amenities for those who prefer a level of comfort to their journey.
As a matter of fact, there are many ways to camp, from rough camping in the back country to cabins at campgrounds to even RV camping. The level is entirely up to you, and that is one thing that makes camping so attractive to budget travelers and families alike.
There is nothing quite like vacationing in the great outdoors to get back in touch with nature. From watching the wildlife to watching the stars, there is plenty to do on the average camping trip. Stargazing is particularly popular with city dwellers, who may never have seen the Milky Way in all its glory before. Getting away from the glare of city lights and see nature as it truly is.
We know that camping is one of the least expensive of all vacations, but lets take a quick look at the expenses associated with this type of budget travel. The centerpiece of the camping trip, of course, is the tent. Unless you plan to camp in an RV or rent a cabin, which is more expensive, you will need a sturdy, high quality tent. It is important that the tent be waterproof and that it close easily. Be sure the tent features a high quality zipper or other closure that is easy for every member of the family to operate. Test the zipper several times, and be sure you know how to set up the tent before you get to the woods.
Most campers will also want to invest in a few high quality sleeping bags. It is a good idea to choose a sleeping bag that is insulated, and to pick one that will be good for several seasons. Many sleeping bags are designed with removable liners and insulation. These are a good choice, since they can be used in cold weather and warm.
It is also a good idea to buy a couple of camp lanterns. These portable lights are great for lighting your way around in the dark. A cooler for drinks and food is a good idea as well, as is a portable charcoal grill or camp stove. If you are camping at a campground, however, you may be able to leave the camp stove and grill at home, since many campgrounds provide grills for their guests to use free of charge. It is important to find out what amenities each campground offers before you head out.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Camping 101: Tips For Outsmarting One Of Mother Nature's Nastiest Aggravators
Whether it's summer camp or camping out-or both-that's on your agenda, here are some basic tips you can follow to outsmart poison ivy and oak to more fully enjoy your summertime adventures.
Preparation and protection are key. Poison ivy, oak and sumac produce the leading cause of allergic skin reactions in the United States every year. The good news is there are ways you can help protect yourself and your family from these noxious plants.
• Learn to recognize the plants and avoid them. There are several online resources that offer detailed descriptions of the plants.
• Whenever possible, wear long clothing-long pants and long sleeves-when you suspect you may come in contact with poison ivy plants. Poison ivy, oak and sumac are potent year-round and can remain toxic on clothes and other surfaces for up to five years.
• Use a pre-contact protective lotion, such as büji Block™, to help protect against allergic reactions. The lotion forms an invisible layer on the skin that helps inhibit absorption of the plant oils that cause allergic reactions. büji Block also features an SPF 20 UVA/UVB sunscreen. For added assurance, there is also büji™ Wash, a gentle, exfoliating cleanser that removes the plant oils from the skin anytime after contact or symptoms begin to offer relief from itching and irritation.
Read More..
Preparation and protection are key. Poison ivy, oak and sumac produce the leading cause of allergic skin reactions in the United States every year. The good news is there are ways you can help protect yourself and your family from these noxious plants.
• Learn to recognize the plants and avoid them. There are several online resources that offer detailed descriptions of the plants.
• Whenever possible, wear long clothing-long pants and long sleeves-when you suspect you may come in contact with poison ivy plants. Poison ivy, oak and sumac are potent year-round and can remain toxic on clothes and other surfaces for up to five years.
• Use a pre-contact protective lotion, such as büji Block™, to help protect against allergic reactions. The lotion forms an invisible layer on the skin that helps inhibit absorption of the plant oils that cause allergic reactions. büji Block also features an SPF 20 UVA/UVB sunscreen. For added assurance, there is also büji™ Wash, a gentle, exfoliating cleanser that removes the plant oils from the skin anytime after contact or symptoms begin to offer relief from itching and irritation.
Read More..
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Camping 101
Had it with the "rat race"? Got time off but not much cash to spend? Losing touch with your family? Sounds like an old-fashioned campout is just what you need.
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time getting reacquainted with your family. Great family camping getaways are easy to plan and inexpensive vacation options. Nature is everywhere, so you don't need to travel far for your camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.
Camping 101 begins with the planning. This part of the trip is half the fun. Call a family meeting to decide where you'd like to go. Depending on your budget, you can plan to load up the trunk with tents and sleeping bags, pull a camper or drive an RV. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable outdoor adventure, so it doesn't matter how you plan to camp or where you intend to go.
If you are new to the camping experience, it's probably a good idea to start out slow. Book a weekend campsite to get the feel for the camping lifestyle. Get used to cooking over a wood fire and sharing your space with wildlife, before you venture too far away from the comforts of home. Many campgrounds provide fun activities like pools, playgrounds, fishing or recreational boating, so check your local listings to see what adventures lie ahead.
Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no television or Internet access, you'll all have an eye-opening experience. You'll realize the nature is fun. Camping opens the doors to a world of new activities, like swimming, rock diving, boating, fishing, hiking, catching butterflies, searching for fossils, and going wherever your energy level and imagination can take you. Campgrounds and remote parks are all filled with wonderful ways to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you want to boat or water ski, many campsites offer these and other items for rent.
Don't expect to bring along your everyday dinnerware and automatic coffeepot for your campout. Remember, you will be roughing it, so pack accordingly. Bring plastic dishes and cutlery that can be washed and reused, but won't break in transit. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothes. Pack the food you'll need, plus a little extra, and keep a supply of ice on hand for perishables like meat and dairy. If you're bringing tins of beans, remember a manual can opener or pack your Swiss army knife. If you're not sure what to bring, ask an associate at your local sporting store to help you choose your camping needs. Call on friends who like to camp, and ask them for advice.
Just like your old scoutmaster used to say, "Always be prepared". Make a list and check it three times before you leave on your camping trip. Make sure that there is enough food and fresh water for everyone. Bring food that can be easily prepared on your campsite. Pack clothing for all kinds of weather. Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn't care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay.
Read More..
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time getting reacquainted with your family. Great family camping getaways are easy to plan and inexpensive vacation options. Nature is everywhere, so you don't need to travel far for your camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.
Camping 101 begins with the planning. This part of the trip is half the fun. Call a family meeting to decide where you'd like to go. Depending on your budget, you can plan to load up the trunk with tents and sleeping bags, pull a camper or drive an RV. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable outdoor adventure, so it doesn't matter how you plan to camp or where you intend to go.
If you are new to the camping experience, it's probably a good idea to start out slow. Book a weekend campsite to get the feel for the camping lifestyle. Get used to cooking over a wood fire and sharing your space with wildlife, before you venture too far away from the comforts of home. Many campgrounds provide fun activities like pools, playgrounds, fishing or recreational boating, so check your local listings to see what adventures lie ahead.
Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no television or Internet access, you'll all have an eye-opening experience. You'll realize the nature is fun. Camping opens the doors to a world of new activities, like swimming, rock diving, boating, fishing, hiking, catching butterflies, searching for fossils, and going wherever your energy level and imagination can take you. Campgrounds and remote parks are all filled with wonderful ways to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you want to boat or water ski, many campsites offer these and other items for rent.
Don't expect to bring along your everyday dinnerware and automatic coffeepot for your campout. Remember, you will be roughing it, so pack accordingly. Bring plastic dishes and cutlery that can be washed and reused, but won't break in transit. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothes. Pack the food you'll need, plus a little extra, and keep a supply of ice on hand for perishables like meat and dairy. If you're bringing tins of beans, remember a manual can opener or pack your Swiss army knife. If you're not sure what to bring, ask an associate at your local sporting store to help you choose your camping needs. Call on friends who like to camp, and ask them for advice.
Just like your old scoutmaster used to say, "Always be prepared". Make a list and check it three times before you leave on your camping trip. Make sure that there is enough food and fresh water for everyone. Bring food that can be easily prepared on your campsite. Pack clothing for all kinds of weather. Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn't care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay.
Read More..
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Buying Tips When You're Camping
Whether you are an experienced camping enthusiast or you are starting off on your first camping experience, it is important to have the proper gear and equipment. Many of the supplies can be expensive and some items may be hard to find. To get the most for your money, though, there are several tricks you can employ.
Plan
Unless you have an unlimited budget, a camping trip is not something where you can get everything at once without a bit of planning. Research where you will be going, the conditions that will be present and the climate. Make a list of all the supplies you will need and determine what items you have available and what items you will need to purchase. If you start early enough, you’ll be able to spread purchases over a longer period of time so it does not take as big a hit to your budget all at once.
Budget
Research on the Internet or at local sporting goods stores to get an idea of the cost for all the equipment and supplies you will need. Do not forget items such as food and water, cooking utensils and eating implements. If you go over budget, see if there are ways you can economize or determine if there are some items you can do without. Do not skimp on survival equipment or first aid equipment as these are essential. However, you may be able to get away with roughing it a bit more by foregoing some luxury items. Compare prices on the Internet. Not all stores have comparable prices and if you forego the convenience of getting everything at one store, you may get better prices.
Borrow and Rent
If you have friends who have camped in the past, they may be able to supply some equipment for you to borrow. This will greatly reduce initial expenses. Even if you can get pieces from several people, this may help. Make sure to keep a list of who gave you which items so you can return them to the correct people. Be considerate of other people’s property and return items cleaned and in good condition. Some items are also available for rental. Check with local rental locations to see if they have items such as grills and showers. For maximum convenience, you can rent a recreational vehicle which will supply cooking, eating and sleeping facilities.
Buy Used and Discounted
Check on the Internet or at local resale shops for used equipment. Many people will purchase items for camping then decide they don’t want it anymore or they upgrade. You can find great deals at these stores and buy clothing and equipment at a value. Discount stores often have sporting goods sections. You may not be able to buy all your camping needs there but you may be able to find dishes, heaters, grills, tents and sleeping bags at a greatly reduced price.
Buying camping equipment can be expensive, especially for the first time camper. However, with a little planning and time you can get items at a discounted rate. Make sure to be organized and make lists of necessary items. Research prices and compare stores to find the best discounts available. Your camping vacation will be a lot more enjoyable if you didn’t spend a fortune to rough it in the wilderness.
Read More..
Plan
Unless you have an unlimited budget, a camping trip is not something where you can get everything at once without a bit of planning. Research where you will be going, the conditions that will be present and the climate. Make a list of all the supplies you will need and determine what items you have available and what items you will need to purchase. If you start early enough, you’ll be able to spread purchases over a longer period of time so it does not take as big a hit to your budget all at once.
Budget
Research on the Internet or at local sporting goods stores to get an idea of the cost for all the equipment and supplies you will need. Do not forget items such as food and water, cooking utensils and eating implements. If you go over budget, see if there are ways you can economize or determine if there are some items you can do without. Do not skimp on survival equipment or first aid equipment as these are essential. However, you may be able to get away with roughing it a bit more by foregoing some luxury items. Compare prices on the Internet. Not all stores have comparable prices and if you forego the convenience of getting everything at one store, you may get better prices.
Borrow and Rent
If you have friends who have camped in the past, they may be able to supply some equipment for you to borrow. This will greatly reduce initial expenses. Even if you can get pieces from several people, this may help. Make sure to keep a list of who gave you which items so you can return them to the correct people. Be considerate of other people’s property and return items cleaned and in good condition. Some items are also available for rental. Check with local rental locations to see if they have items such as grills and showers. For maximum convenience, you can rent a recreational vehicle which will supply cooking, eating and sleeping facilities.
Buy Used and Discounted
Check on the Internet or at local resale shops for used equipment. Many people will purchase items for camping then decide they don’t want it anymore or they upgrade. You can find great deals at these stores and buy clothing and equipment at a value. Discount stores often have sporting goods sections. You may not be able to buy all your camping needs there but you may be able to find dishes, heaters, grills, tents and sleeping bags at a greatly reduced price.
Buying camping equipment can be expensive, especially for the first time camper. However, with a little planning and time you can get items at a discounted rate. Make sure to be organized and make lists of necessary items. Research prices and compare stores to find the best discounts available. Your camping vacation will be a lot more enjoyable if you didn’t spend a fortune to rough it in the wilderness.
Read More..
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Birding Trails – Florida
If you’re into birding, finding new trails is always an enjoyable task. Here’s a primer on birding trails in Florida.
Birding Trails – Florida
It goes without saying that Florida is a rather large state. The following birding trails represent a mere sample of what is out there, but are proven birding spots. With that being said, let’s get on with it.
1. St. Joseph’s Peninsula Park – Over 247 species of birds can be seen on the trails at St. Joseph’s. The real attraction, however, happens every October and September. During this period, hawks and falcons are all over the park as they migrate from northern areas to the Gulf of Mexico for the winter season. You can expect to see sharp-shinned hawks, broad wing hawks and even a few copper hawks. If you’re lucky, you can sight one of the smaller numbers of red-shoulder hawks, red-tail hawks and the elusive, endangered Peregrine Falcon.
2. Bahia Honda State Park – If shorebirds and wading birds are a delight to you, Bahia Honda offers birding trails with excellent sighting potential. Shorebirds include Plovers, Sanderlings and Willets to mention a few. Wading birds are plentiful and you can expect to glimpse a wide variety. Plentiful species include herons, ibis and egrets. During summer, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the endangered White crowned Pigeon in the local trees along the trail.
3. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park – Kissimmee Prairie is very popular, so you probably already know about it. Nonetheless, in the recent past the Park has become the home of a new species, the White-Tail Kite.
4. Big Shoals State Park – Big Shoals is an excellent birding park with a wide variety of species. On the birding trails, you can expect to see egrets, hawks, owls, ducks, warblers, wrens and swallows to mention only a few. If your karma is good and you’re having a good day, you may also see bald eagles, northern mockingbirds, scarlet tanagers and indigo buntings. Wild turkeys are plentiful as are wading and shore birds.
Florida is a great state for birding. This list is only a small sample of bird trails, buy should you get started on adding to your life list.
Read More..
Birding Trails – Florida
It goes without saying that Florida is a rather large state. The following birding trails represent a mere sample of what is out there, but are proven birding spots. With that being said, let’s get on with it.
1. St. Joseph’s Peninsula Park – Over 247 species of birds can be seen on the trails at St. Joseph’s. The real attraction, however, happens every October and September. During this period, hawks and falcons are all over the park as they migrate from northern areas to the Gulf of Mexico for the winter season. You can expect to see sharp-shinned hawks, broad wing hawks and even a few copper hawks. If you’re lucky, you can sight one of the smaller numbers of red-shoulder hawks, red-tail hawks and the elusive, endangered Peregrine Falcon.
2. Bahia Honda State Park – If shorebirds and wading birds are a delight to you, Bahia Honda offers birding trails with excellent sighting potential. Shorebirds include Plovers, Sanderlings and Willets to mention a few. Wading birds are plentiful and you can expect to glimpse a wide variety. Plentiful species include herons, ibis and egrets. During summer, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the endangered White crowned Pigeon in the local trees along the trail.
3. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park – Kissimmee Prairie is very popular, so you probably already know about it. Nonetheless, in the recent past the Park has become the home of a new species, the White-Tail Kite.
4. Big Shoals State Park – Big Shoals is an excellent birding park with a wide variety of species. On the birding trails, you can expect to see egrets, hawks, owls, ducks, warblers, wrens and swallows to mention only a few. If your karma is good and you’re having a good day, you may also see bald eagles, northern mockingbirds, scarlet tanagers and indigo buntings. Wild turkeys are plentiful as are wading and shore birds.
Florida is a great state for birding. This list is only a small sample of bird trails, buy should you get started on adding to your life list.
Read More..
Monday, January 26, 2009
Bird Watching Presents – Christmas Gift Ideas
Bird watchers are rabid about bird watching, and rightfully so. If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas for bird watching presents, here are a few keepers.
Bird Watching Presents
As with practically anything in our modern society, there are all kinds of gadgets and unique gifts that make great Christmas gift ideas for bird watching presents.
1. Electronic Bird Identifier – The Electronic Bird Finder is a device that provides you with the ability to recognize bird sounds and appearances through a comparison with a database in the device. Bird appearances are shown on the device and an ear plug lets you listen to bird calls until you match what you are hearing in the wild with a specific bird in the database. About the size of a pager, the device comes in an easy to carry pouch and is built to take a pounding. You can expect to pay $25 to $50. Just search for “electronic bird finder” on the web to find cost options. .
2. Bird Watcher’s Digest – Bird Watcher’s Digest is “the” magazine for bird watchers. Great for beginners and avid birding fanatics, the magazine covers unique bird watching locations, birding tips and reviews of Big Day bird watching events to mention just a few items. A one-year subscription will set you back a whopping $19.95, money well spent when you see your friend or loved one hunkered down on the couch and reading away.
3. Trek Pod – This handy device is so cool it should be illegal. The Trek Pod is a multi-function device that acts as a hiking staff while you cruise around looking for optimal bird watching spots. Once you find the perfect location, the staff converts to a tripod you can mount binoculars, cameras and scopes onto. Oh, WHY didn’t I think of this?! You can expect to pay $135 for the Trek Pod.
4. Nomad Bird Watching Journals – A little self-promotion. Nomad Bird Watching Journals are great gifts for bird watching enthusiast. Whether they enjoy bird watching tours, backyard birding or bird watching vacations, these journals let bird watchers keep track of sightings, conditions, locations, people met and impressions of the birding experience. A great Christmas gift, you can see the journal by clicking the link in the byline of this article and expect to pay $25 for the journal with case.
Bird watching is sweeping the world. Now you know what to buy bird watching enthusiasts for the holidays.
Read More..
Bird Watching Presents
As with practically anything in our modern society, there are all kinds of gadgets and unique gifts that make great Christmas gift ideas for bird watching presents.
1. Electronic Bird Identifier – The Electronic Bird Finder is a device that provides you with the ability to recognize bird sounds and appearances through a comparison with a database in the device. Bird appearances are shown on the device and an ear plug lets you listen to bird calls until you match what you are hearing in the wild with a specific bird in the database. About the size of a pager, the device comes in an easy to carry pouch and is built to take a pounding. You can expect to pay $25 to $50. Just search for “electronic bird finder” on the web to find cost options. .
2. Bird Watcher’s Digest – Bird Watcher’s Digest is “the” magazine for bird watchers. Great for beginners and avid birding fanatics, the magazine covers unique bird watching locations, birding tips and reviews of Big Day bird watching events to mention just a few items. A one-year subscription will set you back a whopping $19.95, money well spent when you see your friend or loved one hunkered down on the couch and reading away.
3. Trek Pod – This handy device is so cool it should be illegal. The Trek Pod is a multi-function device that acts as a hiking staff while you cruise around looking for optimal bird watching spots. Once you find the perfect location, the staff converts to a tripod you can mount binoculars, cameras and scopes onto. Oh, WHY didn’t I think of this?! You can expect to pay $135 for the Trek Pod.
4. Nomad Bird Watching Journals – A little self-promotion. Nomad Bird Watching Journals are great gifts for bird watching enthusiast. Whether they enjoy bird watching tours, backyard birding or bird watching vacations, these journals let bird watchers keep track of sightings, conditions, locations, people met and impressions of the birding experience. A great Christmas gift, you can see the journal by clicking the link in the byline of this article and expect to pay $25 for the journal with case.
Bird watching is sweeping the world. Now you know what to buy bird watching enthusiasts for the holidays.
Read More..
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Bird Watching Life Lists – Keeping A Record
If you’re a birder, you want to keep a list of sightings when you bird watch. Your life lists should be kept in a bird watching journal.
Life List
A life list is a record of the species of birds you’ve sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching exploits, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.
For many bird watchers, one life list simply isn’t enough. So, how can you break down your lists? Here are a few ideas:
1. House Lists – A list of birds sighted around your home.
2. Yearly Lists – A list for each year you bird watch.
3. State Lists – A list for sighting by particular state.
4. Trip Lists – Journals for particular bird watching vacations or tours.
5. Wish Lists – A list of birds you haven’t seen, but hope to. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.
Computer Life Lists
You can purchase computer life list programs or use online variations. Each program is different, but most come in a checklist format. You enter information and the program spits out your list.
The problem with using computer programs is…well, the computer aspect. Unless you are willing to lug a laptop around with you, there is going to be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using a computer program is also troublesome if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species you’ve identified. For most birders, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.
Bird watching is an extremely personal passion. If you’re just starting, you may think you don’t need to keep a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is you will regret the decision if you later decide to do so. All those sightings will be gone with time…
If you’re going to start bird watching, make sure you keep a life list journal from the outset. As I like to say, “Preserve the experience!”
Read More..
Life List
A life list is a record of the species of birds you’ve sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching exploits, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.
For many bird watchers, one life list simply isn’t enough. So, how can you break down your lists? Here are a few ideas:
1. House Lists – A list of birds sighted around your home.
2. Yearly Lists – A list for each year you bird watch.
3. State Lists – A list for sighting by particular state.
4. Trip Lists – Journals for particular bird watching vacations or tours.
5. Wish Lists – A list of birds you haven’t seen, but hope to. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.
Computer Life Lists
You can purchase computer life list programs or use online variations. Each program is different, but most come in a checklist format. You enter information and the program spits out your list.
The problem with using computer programs is…well, the computer aspect. Unless you are willing to lug a laptop around with you, there is going to be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using a computer program is also troublesome if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species you’ve identified. For most birders, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.
Bird watching is an extremely personal passion. If you’re just starting, you may think you don’t need to keep a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is you will regret the decision if you later decide to do so. All those sightings will be gone with time…
If you’re going to start bird watching, make sure you keep a life list journal from the outset. As I like to say, “Preserve the experience!”
Read More..
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