Roadkill Cooking for Campers

4 Ways to Beat Camping Heat

Summer time lends to perfect camping opportunities.  The weather is warm and sunny, kids are on summer break and vacation days are available during this time of year.  Yet campers should be prepared for the challenges presented in camping during the hotter months.  Below are a few tips for beating the heat when you are enjoying the outdoors.

1. Keep the Air Circulating
Stagnant air tends to make heat exponentially worse and is especially noticeable at night.  The heat will leave campers tossing and turning for hours.  In order to help minimize this, bring battery powered fans for each tent.  Most require D-Cell batteries and will increase the comfort level of campers substantially.  Also, if it is not raining, remove your tent's rain fly at night.  It will allow for breeze to enter the tent and give you a view of the night sky. 

2. Shade is Important
Try to set up your camp site in a shaded area.  The most important part to keep shaded are the communal areas that the whole camping party will share.  Most likely this is the area of your tents.  If there is no shade available, you can utilize canopy either commercially bought or make shift from a large cloth or tarp.  Blocking direct sunlight will help the tents stay much cooler. 

3. Dress for the Weather
First, be sure to use sunscreen. Also, hats and light colored clothing will make the heat more bearable.  Avoid dark colored clothing and clothes made from heavy fabric, such as wool. 

4. Bring More Water Than Needed
Do not only bring more water than you think you need, but drink more water than you think you need.  It is incredibly important to stay hydrated in high heat.  Even light to moderate activity can lead to dehydration.  The suggested amount of water per person per day is 64 ounces, but in higher temperatures you should try to exceed that amount. 

Three Steps on How to Catch a Fish

Some things are better paired, such as camping and fishing.  The two go hand in hand.  This summer as you are planning your camping trip you may want to include a fishing trip or find a campsite near a lake. 

While scheduling your vacation, be sure to verify if you will need a permit to fish and if the lake is a "catch and release" lake.  If the lake is labeled a "catch and release" lake, you must release the fish after you reel them in.  Otherwise if it is not labeled as such, feel free to keep them for that nights' dinner.

If this upcoming camping trip will also be your first time fishing or you need a reminder of 'how to', the secret to hooking and reeling in a fish is below. 

1. Set the Hook - Once a fish takes your bait you'll feel a tug on the fishing line and see the rod bend.  If you are using a bobber, it will go below the water surface.  At this point pull the rod up and towards you sharply.  This will set the hook in the mouth of the fish.   

2. Fight the Fish - If the fish is smaller, you will be able to reel it in consistently.  The fish will fight you but the strength of the fishing rod and reel will be able to pull it to you.  Larger fish will need more technique.  "Pumping the rod" entails reeling in the fishing line as you lower the rod till it is horizontal and pointing at the fish.  At this point stop reeling and pull the rod up and towards you.  Then begin reeling and lowering again.  This tires out larger fish and protects the line from breaking.  

3. Land the Fish - Finally, have a net and a set of pliers ready.  Use the net to scoop the fish from the water and the pliers to release the hook from the mouth of the fish.  Taking the hook from the fish's mouth can be tricky and you will need both hands.  Use the pliers in your primary hand and remove the hook.  The other hand will have to open the fish's mouth.  Curve your forefinger and place it below the lower lip of the fish.  Place your thumb inside of the fishes' mouth.  At this point rotate your wrist so that the mouth is pulled open.  From here, pull out the hook. 

 

Camping First Aid Kit Checklist

When out in the wilderness, many unforeseen events and accidents can happen.  It is important to use your common sense and be prepared for the unexpected.  Below is a list of suggested items to bring with you on a camping trip.  Feel free to print the list below and check off each item as you pack for your trip.  Be sure to personalize your own first aid kit to be certain you have all of the necessary items. 

As you are packing, organize the items so that each is easily accessible and organized.  Train yourself in how to use each item.  If an emergency happens you do not want to waste time in learning how to use a portion of your kit. 

Basic First Aid kit items:
    __Personal medications
    __Roll bandages
    __Adhesive tape
    __Antiseptic wipes
    __Sterile gauze pads
    __Cotton swabs
    __Tweezers
    __Safety pins
    __Scissors
    __Bee sting kit
    __Sinus medications
    __Tissues
    __Bug repellent
    __Sunscreen
    __Notepad/pen
    __Sterile compresses
    __Splinting materials
    __Personal information/contact person
    __Feminine products
    __Ipecac
    __Razor blades
    __Plastic bags
    __Small bottle of water
    __Blanket
    __Other personal needs
    __Small mirror
    __Triangular bandages
    __Misc. Band Aides/bandages
    __Anti-acids (Tums, Rolaides)
    __Antibiotic cream
    __Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Naproxin
    __Hydrogen Peroxide
    __Ace bandages
    __Sunburn lotion
    __Burn ointment
    __Snake bit kit
    __Eye drops
    __Poison ivy cream/cleansers
    __Heat/cold packs
    __Small flashlight
    __Latex gloves
    __Antibacterial soap
    __Thermometer
    __Coins for emergency phone calls
    __Antibiotic soap
    __Butterfly bandages
    __Twine
    __Mole skin for blisters
    __Road flares
    __First aid manual
    __Nail clippers

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How To Avoid Mosquito Bites

As summer is right around the corner and the weather warms, more campers are exploring the wilderness around them.  Unfortunately, this also means mosquitoes are beginning to emerge as well.  Along with leaving you itching, mosquitoes have been known to spread disease to more than 700 million people every year.  Below are ways to stay off the menu for mosquitoes. 

Chemicals:
One of the most effective mosquito repellents is DEET.  It was first developed for the US Army in 1946, but became available for the public in 1957.   "OFF! Deep Woods" repellent contains 24 percent DEET.  According to a British study, its effects last about five hours. 

Doctors and medical professionals have said that DEET is safe for the skin.  When using DEET or products containing DEET, protect your eyes.  It will burn and a doctor should be contacted.  Children are also safe to use DEET and the American Academy of Pediatrics has allowed children to use products containing DEET up to 30 percent. 

Botanicals:
If consumers want to avoid using DEET, there are some products which have shown to have an effect deterring mosquitoes that do not contain the chemical.  Examples of these products are Bite Blocker for Kids, soybean oil, and Avon's "EXPEDITION" formula. 

Other Strategies:
Citronella candles have also been known to repel mosquitoes away from humans.  These candles have been in use since 1882.

Also available are ultrasonic mosquito repellent devices.  These emit sounds that irritate or scar away the bugs.  Unfortunately, according to the American College of Physicians there is no proof at this time that these devices actually work. 

How To Identify Poison Ivy

Toxicodendron radicans, better known as poison ivy, can turn a fun-filled camping trip into an itchy nightmare. It grows in North America and is known for the rash that occurs after contact with the plant.  It grows as a shrub up to four feet tall, as groundcover up to ten inches high or as a climbing vine. 

When camping, be on the look out for a plant with three almond shaped leaves.  The color is light green to dark green, depending upon the maturation of the plant.  Also, during the fall the leaves turn red, orange and yellow. 

Below is a video to help campers recognize poison ivy, before it's too late.

 

Bigfoot

According to legend campers in the Pacific Northwest region of North America have more to worry about than bears while camping. Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, has been sighted in this region since the 1800s.  Campers who claim to have seen the animal, describe it as a large, hairy bipedal creature. 

A majority of scientists discount the existence of Bigfoot and consider it to be a combination of folklore, misidentification and a hoax.  But there are some, the esteemed Jane Goodall included, who believe there may be some merit to the claims.  Nevertheless, Bigfoot remains one of the more famous and controversial creatures of North America. 

 

Camping in the East and West

Camping allows for people all over the nation to 'get away from it all'.  A previous blog post explained camping in the United States in the North and the South; this one will focus on the East and West. 

When you have decided where to go, double check your camping checklist, check previous posts for an example.  Depending upon where you plan to camp, you will need different items.  Some camp grounds will have a nearby camping supply store, but for time and money saving, it is better to be prepared before you leave.  Some suggestions of where to camp out west are listed below.

Camping in the West:
• Sandpoint, Idaho is one of the largest lakes in Idaho and has sandy beaches.  This is a great and popular summer spot.  If you are interested in less population, also check out Round Lake state park only 10 miles away.  It offers more isolation and beautiful views of the wooded lake.
• Whitefish Lake, Montana in Glacier Park offers incredible views of Big Sky country.  The lake is another great summer spot and offers swimming, boating and water skiing. 
• Blackberry campground in Oregon is only just minutes away from the Oregon coast.  Be prepared for this one, there is no camping supply store at this campground.  The campground is located along the Alsea River and is heavily wooded.

Camping in the East:
• Campers in the Adirondacks in upstate New York enjoy dense forests, lakes and running rivers.  Some camp grounds are accessible only by boat, so be prepared. 
• In New Jersey at Belleplain State Forest offers permanent circular tents for campers.  The grounds offer miles shaded woods.  Also Lake Nummy can be used for water sports in the summer time. 
• Bradbury Mountain state park in Maine features hawk and eagle migration.  Also in the fall it is an amazing sight to watch the leave turn color.  This campsite offers a supply store, meaning you aren't completely stranded if you forget an essential item. 

Best Camp Grounds: North v. South

Camping in the southern part of the United States can be incredibly enjoyable.  The South is known its mild temperatures persisting far into the fall and beginning early in the spring, meaning the South is very agreeable to camping trips throughout most of the year.  Some well known and popular camping areas in the South are listed below.

Southern Camping Tips:

• South Carolina camping grounds filled with greenery, palm trees and green foliage.  Huntington Beach State Park offers fishing, swimming and bird watching, but fees are applied throughout the year. 
• Florida is also filled with popular camping areas.  Central and South Florida camping trips offer campers the chance to see Florida's interesting characteristics. The Manatee Springs State Park has fishing, boat tours and manatee watching.  Campers wanting to see a manatee should know that the manatee migrate during the winter.  Meaning, campers should schedule their trips in the Summer or Spring.
• In North Carolina, free camp grounds are rare, but many parks offer specials or discounted rates for longer stays.  South Mountains State Park offers fishing and rugged trails for hiking.  This site is considered to be more rustic and campers are expected to bring necessary comforts from home.

Camping in the northern part of the United States offers different scenery than the South.  Many of the camp grounds contain lakes and are more rugged.  Four of the most popular states to camp in are Maine, Pennsylvania, New York and New Hampshire.  Some of the best and well known campsites are listed below. 

Northern Camping Tips:

• Minnesota's Bear Head Lake camp grounds are perfect for eagle, moose and black bear watching.  Also the state park offers fishing and hiking and has some amenities. 
• Wisconsin's Big Bay Lake camp grounds include a sandy beach, swimming and hiking.  This camp site is also known for its scenic grounds. 
• Brimley State Park on the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan offers different ways to camp.  Campers may camp more traditionally and use a tent but the camp grounds also offers cabins for campers to use at a higher price.  Brimley State Park offers fishing on Lake Superior. 

Camping Checklist

While camping it is imperative that you pack the correct items. It can potentially ruin a camping trip to be without sunblock or the right amount of food for the daily meals. One way to ensure that you are bringing everything you will need while camping is to make a list of the necessities. Also when making this list, it would be helpful to make notes of how much of each item you will need as well. Below is a sample list you can use to base your personal trip on, be sure to add any personal items needed for your specific trip.

The following gear is needed when camping:

• Tent and Tarp

• Sleeping bag(s)

• Ground pad/air mattress

• Camp stove with fuel (propane stoves are good)/charcoal briquettes

• Lantern

•Flashlight/headlamp

• Lighter/matches

• Wire grill/pots/frying pan/cooking utensils/heavy duty aluminum foil

• Paper plates/cups/eating utensils/thermal cups

• Toilet kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, hygiene products, contact lens care kit, eyeglass case)

• Cleaning kit for utensils, pots & pans

• Cooler for the food and drink being brought

• Food for the meals you are going to cook/snacks (fruits, nuts, seeds)

• Pam non-stick cooking spray/butter/olive oil or other cooking oil

• Spices/salt/pepper

• Water/water bottles

• Beverages of choice

• Day pack for hiking trips

• Maps

• First aid kit

• Insect repellent

• Clothes for the weather, place, and time of year (jacket, sweatshirt, long sleeve shirt, T-shirt, bathing suit, shorts, jeans, underwear, warm socks, handkerchief)

• Hiking boots/sturdy shoes

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Towel (for when swimming and also for when washing yourself)

• Camera w/film and batteries

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