Running into bears while camping can be a harrowing experience. An encounter with a 240-pound black bear has a way of reminding you humanity isn’t always at the top of the food chain. Fortunately bear attacks are rare—you’re twenty times more likely to be killed by a cow than a bear in any given year. Having said that, most of us are more likely to camp in bear country than the local dairy pasture, so it’s important to know […]
When the great outdoors calls, we all answer in different ways. Some toss the cooler in the back of the car and drive to the nearest campground. Others strap on their backpacks and head deep into the wilderness. Either way, you’re going to need to bring food.
While hot dogs, toasted marshmallows and other traditional camping fare may hold a special place in your heart (or your arteries), healthy camping food is a much better option, especially for trips when […]
Some sayings have become such a common part of our language that we take them for granted. Cabin fever falls into that category and is defined as: A state characterized by anxiety, restlessness, and boredom, arising from a prolonged stay in a remote or confined place. Cabin fever has been in our vocabulary for about 100 years, thought to have originated between 1915 and 1920. While Honest Abe is likely the most famous U.S. president to have been born […]
It is a natural human reaction to panic a little when you lose your compass on a backpacking trip in the wilderness. However, it is possible to find directions without a compass. Here are a few tips to help you navigate backwoods territory even without your favorite, trustworthy compass.
The Sun, Moon, and Stars
The Sun: Since the beginning of civilization, humans have relied on the sun to navigate direction. You know that the sun rises in the east and sets […]
As a full-time RVer, you’re familiar with the costs of living life on the road—you’re subject to a roller coaster of costs, with prices of food, gas, and gear changing as you travel from one place to the next. Most notably, eating on the road can get expensive. It’s tempting to opt for the convenience of diners and fast food while road tripping, but eating out adds up very quickly. Save money on your trip by shopping smart when […]
If you are going camping or having a picnic in your local forest preserve, chances are you will encounter some pesky critters who call these environments home. In some cases, getting stung by an insect puts you at risk of insect-borne diseases or simply an itchy, painful bite, but for 1-3 percent of the population, a sting or bite from several little bugs can prove deadly due to allergies.
Common Outdoor Bugs
Mosquitoes: These nasty bugs can not only make you […]
If you love camping and are looking for the perfect campground, you might not have to travel outside your own state—or you could opt for a long road trip. Perhaps you have been wanting to visit one of the many beautiful national parks and your dream vacation is to camp under the stars. The National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) offers more than 45,000 facilities at over 1,700 locations that you can reserve, but make sure you do so well […]
If you have ever been on a camping trip and been plagued by mosquitoes, you know this can put a huge damper on a fun-filled trip. Nasty bites and intense itching can last for weeks, not to mention the risk of contracting the West Nile virus or a more exotic virus like Zika. Insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 tend to be the most effective, but not everyone wants to use products that can potentially harm one’s […]
Perhaps you went camping with your family when you were growing up and have fond memories. Now, you wish to recreate that magic for your own children. There are a few simple steps to ensure a fun time is had by all. First, you should teach your children that it is possible to unplug and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, away from smartphones and video games. Older children in particular may balk at this idea, but planning fun […]
Fishing isn’t only a fun activity—it’s also a practical skill that’s important to learn. When camping or hiking—especially in a rugged and remote area—fishing can serve as an excellent resource for fresh and nutrient-rich food. If you know how to fish, you don’t have to stress about bringing as much food with you on a camping trip—you can always just pop over to your nearest lake, stream or river and catch a fresh meal. Additionally, in the event that […]
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