Freeze Tag
Camping trips are meant to be exciting whether you’re going with your family or with a group of friends. Whether your group is adventurous or just looking to brave the outdoors there is something for everyone. If you’re off to a bad start though, what can you do to make your camping trip more exciting? This article will list a few ideas that can get your camping trip back on the right track.
Go Exploring
If you’re already at the campsite what’s stopping you from going to explore the wilderness? You never know what you may find out there and it’s a good way to take your mind off any hardships you may be facing. It’s amazing how even the smallest discovery can be exciting when you’re out camping with a group of friends. It’s important that when you go out exploring that you at least bring other person with you in case you get lost. Two heads are better than one when trying to find your way back!
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Play Games
Making up different games is half the fun when you’re out camping with your friends and family. There are all sorts of games that you can come up with using the environment that you may have found, whether that is trees or a lake. From freeze tag to racing the woods is a great environment to play all sorts of games. Try to keep them safe because it could be very easy to hurt yourself in the woods, especially if you’re playing in the water.
Try To Rough It
Many people like to rough the great outdoors when they go camping. To them this can either mean being completely helpless to just have to catch your own dinner, whether that is a fish or whatever. This creates a sense of isolation; some people love this feeling because camping is a way to get away from the hustle and bustle everyday life.
Look For Wildlife
Looking for animals is great fun in the woods because often times they’re smart enough to stay away from you making it hard for to observe them. This can even be turned into a competition of who can find whatever animal first. It’s important that if you do seek out wildlife that you don’t anger it. Even the smallest animals can be dangerous if they attack you, especially if you don’t have the proper first aid.
Remember, camping trips are meant to be exciting, don’t just go outside put up the tent and go to sleep. Try to have some fun, catch some dinner, explore, there are endless possibilities waiting for you in the great outdoors.
Photo Credits: TheNickster
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on September 2, 2010 in
camping, camping tips
A thousand mile journey.
Have you ever relished the primeval nature of hiking, returning to the elements in the woods, the plains, and along rivers, and wondered how many people like you have done the same throughout history? As it turns out, hiking is one of the most fundamental forms of exercise mankind has developed, which has afforded it a long and extensive history – from the stone age to the information age. Here’s a brief history of hiking.
If you want to be technical about it, the history of hiking began around 1.5 million years ago when early man learned how to walk upright. Since early man was also nomadic, this meant that walking and hiking was a part of daily life in the stone age, before the development of agriculture meant that man could settle and begin walking for recreation’s sake.
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However, it hasn’t been until modern history that hiking – and especially the most extreme form of hiking, mountaineering – became as popular as it is and saw other milestones really be conquered. More modern technology and the further exploration and charting of mountains helped hikers conquer new heights, one at a time.
In 1874, hikers/mountaineers named Grove, Gardiner, Walker, Sottajev, and Knubel scaled the summit of the highest mountain in Europe, Elbrus. Some years later, in 1913, mountaineers reached the top of Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. Mount McKinley stands at over 20,000 feet in Alaska, making its conditions treacherous even for 20th Century mountaineers.
As technology progressed and these accomplishments encouraged further trekking up mountains, hiking up to even greater heights became possible. In 1953, Mount Everest was conquered. In 1985, it was conquered once again – this time by Dick Bass, the first person to reach the highest peaks in all seven continents.
Nowadays, hiking doesn’t just include mountaineering and adventurous sojourns into the heart of the world’s most extreme environments. Hiking can simply be a brief walk through the woods or an all-day adventure that takes you through peaks and valleys and back again.
Like other sports, what you accomplish from hiking will depend on what you put into it: if you want to be the next person to climb Mount McKinley, it will take tremendous energy and dedication. But the intrinsic rewards of hiking are obvious once you return from that first hike, feeling satisfied from the fresh air.
Do you have what it takes to take the next steps in hiking history? Even though people might have already conquered a peak before you had the chance, you can still conquer it for yourself.
And who knows what’s possible? Perhaps you’ll be the first to take on Olympus Mons, the highest known mountain in the solar system.
Photo Credits: Matthew_Dutile
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on September 1, 2010 in
hiking
Hiking with Kids
If you are planning on going hiking, the thought of taking your kids might have crossed your mind, for a brief second, and then you might have dismissed it by just imagining the sound of their cry after fifteen minutes of walking, the whining that they are hungry, or the moan that they are bored. After all, who would even consider taking a child on a hiking excursion? While filled with challenges, hiking with children can enrich their lives and yours. When you’re tired and frustrated on the trail, remind yourself of the many benefits of hiking with your children.
Hiking is a special activity to do with your children. Getting away from all the stress of everyday life gives you a chance to talk to your kids about their interests and dreams, not just what they want for dinner or this week’s homework assignment. Bring a field guide if you can or even a book about birds and plants and have fun identifying the birds and plants you see with your child. Some field guides will tell you about the traditional edible and medicinal uses of plants. If you’re hiking in the Southwest, you might pass archaeological sites. Hiking can be a great way to learn about nature and history as real things instead of just words in a book.
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Helping your child develop a lifelong habit of exercise is one of the best things you can do for his or her health. Hiking is a fun, exciting outdoor activity that doesn’t require a big expense. Nature encourages imaginative, creative play, and experiencing nature is an important part of childhood. Kids that get to experience nature firsthand will be more likely grow up to respect and love the world around them. Hiking can be a physical and mental challenge for kids, and completing a trail may give them a sense of satisfaction and increase their self-confidence. Just be careful to choose trails that are an appropriate difficulty level for your child, one that is not too hard or frustrating.
Hiking with children can be a great way to introduce young ones to the wonders of nature. By planning successful, enjoyable hikes when they’re young, you’ll set your children on the path to a lifetime of outdoor adventures. The best advice about hiking with kids and what they are able to endure is to remember this, children 2 to 4 years old can hike ½ to 2 miles on their own. They should stop every 10 to 15 minutes to rest. Children ages 5 to 7 can hike for 1 to 3 hours each day, covering 3 to 4 miles over easy terrain. Rest stops should come every 30 to 45 minutes. Older children, up to the age of nine can hike a full day at an easy pace, covering 5 to 6 miles over variable terrain. Set your group’s goals based on the youngest child’s ability. Generally, children over 4 will do better with a fanny pack but be prepared to carry it out for them. Stay flexible and know when to stop and go home.
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 31, 2010 in
family, hiking
Go hiking!
You’ve already got the family set up on your camping site – a fire going to prepare lunch, two tents raised, more firewood for later, and a cooler full of cold drinks waiting to be consumed. So far, so good, right? There’s just one problem.
What do you do now?
Sometimes, the fun of a great camping trip can be dampened when you’re looking for activities to fill the hours. Instead of going into the woods to find adventure, you’ve discovered that all you’ve found is a campsite. So how do you have some fun while you’re out there, without taking away from the rustic experience of being away from civilization? Here are some suggestions for some fun, natural activities to enjoy outdoors.
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-Fishing.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities for camping, particularly as you can do it anywhere you have a good source of water. Fishing can kill the time when you’re waiting for a meal to heat, or it can be turned into a long afternoon trip if you decide to rent a boat or a canoe. Of course, this all depends on whether or not you’ve got access to water.
-Hiking.
Hiking can usually be done anywhere you have a camp site – all you need are some basic supplies (including a first-aid kit, and perhaps some navigational tools) and you can go explore. Many people find this a serene way to pass the time, while kids might find it to be a good way to seek adventure and look for wildlife.
-Photography.
Hiking can be blended with photography if you bring a camera along. For any visually-oriented members of your family, this is a great way to pass the time while directly enjoying the sights of nature. You could also buy disposable cameras and send your children on a mission to find the best pictures possible while they wait for dinner.
-Paddling/kayaking/rafting.
If you’ve chosen a campsite with access to a water site, you’re in luck – lakes and slow rivers can be great for kayaking while whitewater rafting sites are great places to go and camp. These can often turn into day-long activities, so make sure you stock up on sunscreen and have plenty of water available to drink.
These are just a few of the options available to you when you go camping. The key is to prepare for the “downtime” that inevitably comes when you can’t instantly turn on a television set. A few simple purchases or some wise campsite choosing will help you fill the time easily – and wish you had more to spend!
Photo Credits: Rick McCharles
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 30, 2010 in
camping tips
Camping heater
Camping is likely one of nature’s most loved activities because it is so exciting. Many claim that camping allows them to become one with nature as the camper completely removes himself from all of the luxuries that are offered today. Stepping away from your own element is all part of the adventure but that is what makes it so fun. People that love to camp approach each new camping trip as an adventure and each trip brings about mounting excitement. Sure, there is a lot to do before heading camping but there are so many items that are offered today that can make living outdoors so much easier but at the same time, it can make packing rather challenging. If you’re not careful you will feel like you are packing to move rather than packing to camp.
If you are not an experienced camper you might have to find out the hard way that regardless of the day time temperatures, the night time offers a whole new perspective on the word chilly. Being cold at night indicates that you are not going to sleep well and that can ruin the best camping trip. To avoid problems such as these always bring along a good camping heater. You will be able to enjoy warmth once the campfire is out for the night. Thousands of campers use these camping heaters and get great relief from them, especially if you have children with you. Getting that chill in your bones can make you feel just achy. These camping heaters are very safe and convenient. Don’t look at them as a luxury but instead something that is high on the priority list.
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Before you decide that a camping heater might be something that you can go without justifying it by saying that it is all part of the fun, avoid being a hero and use the heater for which it was intended. Camping heaters are made with top of the line materials and made to the best standards. Camping heaters are affordable, durable and last a very long time. There is a huge selection of camping heaters to fit your needs and budget. Camping heaters are portable and are very easy to carry along.
Likely the biggest camping complaint is being cold and difficulties sleep in those conditions. This then makes camping heaters a necessity because they offer warmth to campers when it is cold. Decide if you want to fuel your heater by gas or propane, but there are some electric heaters which can be convenient in some cases but not so much in others. If you opt for electric make sure that is a feasible option at your campground.
Camping heaters offer comfortable conditions while camping especially at night. Warmth is very important to campers and the heaters provide that warmth just like a toasty campfire will. The heaters can be used for many years as long as they are cared for properly. A camping heater should always be high on the list of priorities for every camping trip.
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 29, 2010 in
camping equipment
Have you ever gone out on a hike by your lonesome – or with a friend – feeling guilty at the prospect of leaving Man’s Best Friend home alone?
There’s no reason to feel guilty, particularly as you can even start bringing your dog along with you on your hikes. Doing so will help you bond with your dog, bringing you both into a situation where you feel somewhat dependent on each other to keep going. With your dog with you, you won’t have to exit the house to the pattering of Fido scratching on the wall, hoping to come along.
But before you do bring your dog on a hike, make sure to follow these tips and guidelines:
- Make sure your dog has all the vaccination he/she requires. You might already have this covered, but it bears mentioning because of the unpredictability of introducing a dog back into the elements. If you’re not sure, make sure to call or check with a veterinarian before you bring your dog hiking with you.
- Get your dog in shape. Just like you wouldn’t expect yourself to tackle Mount Everest after many years as a couch potato, you can’t simply expect your dog will be in hiking shape, even if you take daily walks. Introduce your dog to hiking with a small hike to begin with – this will both help them get into shape and familiarize them with the environment you’ll be bringing them in to.
- Bring a leash. This is often required at certain hiking trails, but even if not, you’ll want to make sure you have control over your dog. You never know what kind of critter might come along and steal away your dog’s attention. Even if you have a good verbal command over your dog and leashes aren’t required, bring a leash the first couple of times just to be sure. You can always let go of the leash if the dog wants to go explore.
- Remember that you’re drinking for two. Don’t forget that your dog, just like you, will need to keep hydrated, particularly on hot summer days. This might mean a little extra packing. If your dog pants heavily, it’s a fair sign that he or she is already getting dehydrated and needs some water.
- Consider your dog to be like bring a smaller person along with you. How would you prepare to bring another person along with you? You’d need extra supplies of the same things like food and water, yes, but you’ll also need to be prepared with a first aid kit.
Following these simple guidelines a few times will get you used to the idea of taking your dog with you on your excursions into the woods and the great outdoors. But as with anything, make sure you and your dog are ready before you start embarking on your adventures.
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 28, 2010 in
hiking, hiking tips
Camping in Winter
For camping addicts who live in the northern states, the winter months can cause you to go through “camping withdrawal.” But is that reason enough to try and venture out during the coldest season? Recently, a blizzard swept across the northern part of the U.S., dumping untold amounts of snow across several states. What if you were camping during these blizzard conditions? Is camping outdoors in the winter safe?
As is often the case, the risks will depend on you. Just because the calendar says December doesn’t mean you can’t camp safely. If the temperature is high enough, maybe there are some instances in which you can head out and enjoy a good time camping. But that also doesn’t mean you can treat winter camping the way you’d tread summer camping. It’s an entirely different animal.
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For one, winter camping will require plenty of planning, especially as it relates to weather. How cold will it be during your trip? Will the temperatures drop on a specific day, or will wind make things worse? You’ll want to avoid snowfall, drops in temperature, as well as wind, which can make the temperatures feel drastically colder. If you’re not an experienced veteran of the winter season, it will help to get some cold-weather experience under your belt before you go camping.
If you’ve been able to find a relatively warm and stable window in the winter weather, this is the time to go camping. Low winds are also very important. If you do decide to go camping during the winter in these occasions, then you’ll want to pack like you usually do, but with an increased emphasis on insulation, protection from moisture, and being able to build fires. Dress in layers that insulate you while also keeping moisture from snow out. If you can stay dry and warm, then you’re doing it right.
It will also help to have a good escape plan if necessary, as well as a cautious eye. You don’t want to get caught in a snow storm, so it’s a good idea to head for non-camping shelter as fast as possible if you perceive a threat. Don’t try to “rough it” because you could potentially compromise your safety. Make sure that you stay close enough to civilization that you can easily get out of a blizzard should one arrive.
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 27, 2010 in
camping, camping tips
While not all of us live in northern Arizona (think Grand Canyon territory), that doesn’t mean there aren’t sights to be hold when out hiking. Whether you live in the piney upper regions of the midwest, the forrests in the Pacific coast, or down south by the beaches, there’s plenty for everyone to see – you just need to know how to go see it.
Hiking has a million benefits as a hobby – it gives you fresh air, builds endurance, and gets your focus away from the office or the house. It gets you outdoors again, but one of the great payoffs to hiking is surmounting the obstacles, making your brief little journey up a hill, and truly earning the sight at the top. This gives you exercise more meaning than running laps in a gym or running like a hamster on a treadmill.
Here are some quick tips for hiking “for the sights,” and how to go about finding the best sights in your area:
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- Ask those who know – If you’re not doing this, then what’s wrong with you? Of course you ask those who know – ask the hikers, ask the people you see “out there” and find out the best sites i your county. This is one of the easiest ways to do it, and people will be eager to give their recommendations if you look like you’re really willing to take their advice. They might even rank a few sights for you, from best to worst. Take advantage of the social aspects of hiking and learn about the sights in your area.
- Snoop around – If you want to quickly find out a sight to see for your first hiking trip, take to the internet. You’ll be able to take a look on Google Maps and even see pictures form particular areas, and this will give you a hint as to what’s out there. If you live in especially rocky areas, this will simplify your search, and if you live in some more desolate regions, you’ll find the best places to link up to. You can’t go wrong with a quick search on the internet as long as you take your snooping seriously.
- Explore – Duh! But you might find even greater satisfaction if you don’t look for the sights ahead of time, and simply go hiking in search of the sights. Exploring is a great way to get outside of your head and back into nature, focusing on the adventure itself oand not the latest annoyance at work or the stress at home. Going exploring has something primeval about it, a certain childlike quality that many of us miss in our adult days. Get out there and don’t read the stories; make the stories.
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These are just some of the ways to hike for sights, but you’ll never get to enjoy any of it if you’re not eventually out there, pushing one foot in front of the other. Go out and hike, and the sights will find you.
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 26, 2010 in
hiking tips
Don't get weighed down!
There are two ways that you could potentially remember your backpacking trip. You might remember the peace that comes with solitude, the connection with nature that comes when you remove civilization from your life and head out under the sky. You might remember the stars over your campsite each night, and how it brought about deep questions about your life. Or, you can remember how uncomfortable the experience was, how heavily your backpack weighed you down, and the blisters on your feet.
Needless to say, we want to avoid the latter backpacking trip. Which is why it’s so important that your backpacking gear be as lightweight as possible – the more it can get out of the way of your experience, the better. It’s one thing to pack one lightweight item, but once your supplies add up, you realize just how quickly twenty pounds turns into forty. If you want to make sure that you carry as little weight as possible, you’ll have to consider all over your supplies and their impact on your traveling weight.
What supplies will you want to consider?
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Your backpack (and how it distributes weight) will be important, as will cookware and your water. Necessary items like first-aid kits can be lightweight but you’ll want to make sure to err on the side of safety. For some more help, here are some supplies that can help you travel lightweight.
The North Face Ion 20 Backpack weighs under two pounds and has a suspension system and molded foundation that provides for comfort. The less backpack you’re carrying, the more supplies you can bring: that’s the idea behind a backpack like the Ion 20.
Other features include a rain cover, a front “stash” pocket, and water-friendly options. Needless to say, you’ll want a backpack like this if you’re interested in staying as comfortable as possible during your backpacking trip.
MSR DuraLite Classic Cookset. This cookset registers at over half a kilo or just over a pound (20.6 ounces, to be precise), which means that you won’t have to notice that you’re carrying so much cookware. If you plan on having some nice hot meals at night before you rest, you’ll want to make sure that you have a set of cookware that is lightweight.
Remember that backpacking doesn’t have to be all about the supplies. Instead, you’ll want to make sure that your supplies simply stay out of the way as much as possible. The experience is about you, not your supplies, which is why you shouldn’t let them weigh you down.
Photo Credits: kevindooley
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 25, 2010 in
hiking, hiking equipment
Since camping is a recreational activity, it sometimes takes some playful reminding to campers that it should remain that way. Camping isn’t about going into the Great Outdoors and slapping at mosquitos until you can’t tolerate it enough to be outside – it’s about enjoying a fresh, earthly experience that many of us with indoor heating and air often ignore.
Of course, if you don’t plan on slapping at mosquitoes all night, it bears mentioning that camping is a more inclusive activity than most, and ill require a larger degree of preparation. This preparation is designed to put all of your work on the front end, so that once you’re out in the wilderness, you can finally enjoy the comforts and amenities you planned for even while living in the woods.
Selecting your camping destination will be an integral part of preparing for your overall camping experience – in fact, it might as well be the first thing you do. The camping destination factors in different variables, such as the people you plan on camping with, the style of camping you prefer, your starting location, and how long you’d like to stay.
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The first factor to consider in selecting a camping destination is the people you plan on camping with. Are you bringing a family – the spouse and kids? You’ll definitely want to stay away from the challenging, more rustic places. It will also help to choose a campsite where many of the amenities you might need aren’t far away – this might be on a state park or a well-set-up camping ground. If you’re camping with just adults who take their camping more seriously, you might want to be ready for more adventure.
The next factor you’ll want to look at is what kind of experience you want to have – and the experience you want to gain. If you’re looking to become a more dedicated camper, go ahead and challenge yourself by finding a more remote place. If you just want a little bit of outdoors experience with none of the loss in comfort, a campgrounds where other people might be camping might be an ideal place.
The most important factors to consider, again, are who’s camping. What would you enjoy? What would your friends enjoy? What would your family enjoy? Start with those questions and narrow down your choices.
If you’ve whittled down your choices, you should be ready to decide if you want to go to a more “civilized” campground or if you simply want to find a spot deep in the woods somewhere. After making this choice, be sure to do some research about different options you have.
When I went camping in the Wisconsin Dells, my friends and I considered three camping sites, and put it to a vote. We had done a little research and ultimately chose a camping site that, while not too rustic, ended up being enjoyable for all of us.
Find a location near to civilization – such as a small town with small shops for supplies and food – and you’ll be set. Finally, run a typical day at this campsite through your mind and see if there’s anything you haven’t considered you might need. This will help you realize if you’ve made the right or wrong choice.
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Posted by Hike Camp Fish on August 24, 2010 in
camping tips
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