The Importance of Good Rucksack Packing
November 15th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
You may be planning a once in a lifetime trip or just a couple of days in the country, which ever it is it is useful to master the art of rucksack packing. Since you can fit a lot in a rucksack it is important to have some order in the contents. Items which you may need during the day should be at the top, and the whole rucksack should be packed with comfort in mind. Since rucksacks are quite large and you can fit a lot into them, it does not mean that you have to take the kitchen sink. If however, you are determined to take everything you could possibly need, then rucksack packing is even more important for you. If you are not sure what to pack a good technique is to imagine your trip and then you will be able to see what you think you will need.
Do not start to pack your rucksack until you've first decided on all the items you are planning to take. Once you have collected together everything you think you will need you should then lay them all out and then put to one side any which are ‘would like’ items rather than necessary. Successful rucksack packing is being able understanding what to pack. Some things are essential and cannot be skimped on, such as; snacks, waterproofs, food and spare clothing. A book, which can be heavy and space hungry, will probably not be read, at the end of the day you will probably snuggle happily in bed and sleep like a baby after all the healthy fresh air in your lungs – it is unlikely that you will be reading to help you doze off. When you choose your rucksack in the shop, it probably seemed very large and impossible to fill. Don’t kid your self, it will fill up fast and you will soon understand the importance of rucksack packing.
When you are carrying your rucksack, if you have packed the heavy items at the top, you will move your center of mass and this will affect your balance. The heaviest items should be at the bottom of the rucksack and the lighter ones at the top. This means that the heavier items will be around your lower back, this is strong and close to your center of mass.If you arrange the heavier items at the top, they would be constantly pulling on your shoulders.It's always a good idea to keep a couple of soft smallish item to use as padding, you don't want anything hard against your back. Also, if you have several hard items to pack it is useful to put some clothing in between them as any knocking together or clanking will be very irritating. Remember that comfort is at least as important as content.
Before you pack anything you should consider what you may need on the way. Almost all rucksacks have a pocket which is easily accessible. This should be packed with the ‘en route’ items.Remember to leave some space in it as there are bound to be a couple of last minuet items such as keys and pocketbook.
Finally, we hope that you have good weather and a great trip. Most manufacturers will tell you that there rucksacks are waterproof, but this is not something you should rely on. As a precaution it is a good idea to make sure that all your spare clothes are not near the outside. If caught in a bad storm, you don’t want to find that your spare clothing is now damp!
You are now ready to go. Have fun and be prepared.
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Selecting the Best Camping Spot
October 28th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
An excellent way to do something other than the regular routine of your life like working, going to school, eating & sleeping is to go camping. It affords the opportunity to connect with nature in a way that the majority of us simply are not able to do on a daily basis.
How to choose the perfect camping location?
Before you can pick an actual camping site, you first have to do research on campgrounds that fit your needs. Fortunately, the Internet has made this task a lot easier and many campgrounds now have websites. You can obtain information about various camping areas by visiting their websites prior to your stay; this gives you the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding which facility to choose.
However, remember a campsite always appears slightly more glorified than it really is, much like menu-pictures in restaurants.
The first step in choosing your campsite is to decide on the type of camping you want to do. A few campgrounds still offer what is known as “primitive camping.” Do you know what that means?
At primitive campgrounds you must bring ALL your supplies of your own. This includes all shelter, gear, and any additional provisions. Primitive campsites are usually deep in the wilderness where you will not find electricity, water, showers, or even pit toilets.
Campground that provide “luxuries” like water, waste disposal, and electrcity in a luxurious setting are the other extreme. Some campgrounds even have spas!
Many campgrounds are balanced within these two extremes. When deciding on a private park for camping, chances are that you will have access to all the services you could possibly need. Many even have laundry facilities, shops, and game rooms and they welcome long-term guests. The majority of private parks have family oriented activites for all including but not limited to bingo, sport competitions for children, fun games for the kids, human stratego, etc.
Fees for the Campground
The fee to stay at a private park will be higher than renting a spot at a public campground. Campgrounds in state parks can include everything from primitive to resort like settings. Some of them offer electric, swimming pools, warm showers, toilet facilities, laundry rooms, areas for the children to play in, guided tours, etc.
Most camping facilities within state or national parks are usually very simplistic. Fire rings, pit toilets and picnic tables will most likely be found here. One of the great things about camping in state or national parks is that it can be extremely affordable as many sites are free or cost just a few dollars a day.
Campgrounds do fill up early during nice weather.
Note that when the weather is favorable, people don’t want to drive hours and hours for the campground they might have planned on. Instead, they will settle early at a campground closer to them so they can enjoy the rest of the day. In order to snag the best location, you must arrive early and have a bit of luck.
Would you want a location by the swimming pool and children’s playground? The children will find this quite convenient, but you may find yourself dealing with excess noise and too much foot traffic. The same can be said for locations close to restroom and shower facilities. You may find foot traffic around your tent 24 hours a day!
Would you rather be in the middle of commotion and excitement, or do you desire a calm and tranquil atmosphere? Since camping has so much to offer, you should have no problem finding the campground that matches you and your family’s needs.
Check out the beginners guide to camping for more information on Camping.
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Introduction to Camping: 6 Fundamental Tips
October 23rd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
More and more people cut back on vacationing abroad during slow economic times. Many of these people find a great (and inexpensive) alternative closer to home in camping. If you don’t mind reconnecting with nature, then you should consider a camping trip for your next vacation.
Camping Safety
Camping can be great fun, but the basics are often overlooked. Follow these six essential camping tips and you’re off to a great start!
- Do not leave without notice - Inform a family member, friend, or relative of your camping plans and location. An accident in the middle of nowhere can turn into a catastrophe if nobody knows you’re missing in the first place.
- The Weather can change - It might be 80 degrees today without a single cloud in the sky, but that doesn’t mean it is going to be that way later today or tomorrow. Don’t take risks with mother nature, your tent could easily fall victim to brutal winds or large hail. You could also be overcome by a flash flood or blizzard. More likely though, it would just plain suck to have nasty weather ruin your camping trip.
- Bring Drinking Water - I know this one seems obvious right? You’d be surprised how many people leave without water and end up at a campground with no store or anywhere near. Water serves multiple purposes and is good for more than just drinking it.
- Bring something to Eat - Keep in mind that not every single campsite has a store, some not even without an hour’s driving range, so bring your own food. You’ll find plenty of “what food to bring”-tips in the camping guide for beginners.
- Dry Clothes… that stay dry - Bring extra clothing in case you get caught in a storm. Even summer can bring storms that can make the temperature drop well below comfortable levels. Don’t forget to put your spare clothes in a WATERPROOF bag.
- Fire - If you’re going to build a campfire, be sure to clear at least 20 feet around it. Also note that just because you took the necessary precautions doesn’t mean the camper a few miles away from you did. If you see a big plume of smoke in the distance, you better pack up FAST as wildfires can travel at insane speeds.
These are very basic tips. You can find details as well as other tips on safety, packing for camping, recipes, instructional videos, choosing a tent, and much more at my camping safety site.
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A Hiking Trip To The Carlsbad Caverns National Park
October 12th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Viewed from the outside the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico are not much to look at and consist of a few gray rock formations and a little scrub brush covering a less than impressive cliff. But, inside this is one of the most extraordinary landscapes anywhere on Earth and, with over 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you could wander through the caves for years and not see the same thing twice.
If you are feint hearted then the Bat Cave is not for you as it is the home of many thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room is breathtaking and, named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla from a Scandinavian myth, the colors here truly echo those of the rainbow. The largest open chamber in the system is The Hall of Giants which covers an astonishing 360,000 square feet. Within these, and the many other rooms, you will find some of Mother Nature’s most creative work.
The Witch’s Finger, a giant stalagmite, is a corkscrew-like structure which is more than five times the the average person’s height and the Rock of Ages is truly impressive as it makes stationary rock seem to move and the numerous outcroppings of flowstone resemble a demon’s lair glowing from within.
Within the caverns you can take self guided or staff guided tours with varying degrees of difficulty from simple walks through large open spaces to tackling ten foot high walls and crawling through narrow entrances into large chambers.
One particular takes you through part of Lechuguilla Cave which, at more than 1,600 feet below ground, is the deepest cave in the United States. This cave covers more than 112 miles as it winds through the Guadalupe Mountains.
For the less active, you can travel to the Big Room by elevator which descends 900 feet and gaze up and be simply mesmerized by this 25 story high open space. You can then wander around this 1,800 foot by 250 foot room filled with amazing rock formations. You should also visit the Temple of the Sun and view its dozens of eerily lit underground pools.
If you do want to see the bats though you will have to visit between the months of April and September as the three hundred thousand Mexican free tailed bats fly south for the winter. A half mile walk from the natural entrance leads to a plateau from where you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.
And do not forget to pop on your favorite pair of Vasque hiking boots and explore the area surrounding the caves as there are many fascinating things to both see and do. Despite its name, hiking along Rattlesnake Springs you are much more likely to come across dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to see the snakes from which the place gets its name.
A final favorite with visitors to the area is the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive takes you along Guadalupe Ridge and the views along the way are simply stunning.
The Carlsbad Caverns are of course just one of many splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank alongside such other great pleasures as guided hikes in Yosemite.
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Shenandoah National Park: A World of Wonder All It’s Own
October 4th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Shenandoah National Park is a marvel of nature with outstanding surprises and amazing opportunities hiding around every bend. Here you will enter a world of scenic natural beauty and old-fashioned charm that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the United States.
Located a mere 75 minutes from Washington, DC, Shenandoah National reflects such an antithesis of the hurried lifestyle of our nation’s capital that it almost seems impossible that these two contrary environments share the same region.
Shenandoah is made up of over 300 square miles of Appalachian forests, mountains and wilderness areas stretching alongside the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah National Park provides sanctuary to more than 100 different varieties of trees, more than 1,100 unique species of flowering plants, and over 200 different varieties of birds. Enveloped in such splendor and tranquility, Shenandoah truly is one of the most paradisiacal destinations in the eastern United States.
Located in a picturesque setting high up in the Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah is the ultimate getaway from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. Some of Shenandoah’s most popular resort destinations such as Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge and Lewis Mountain Cabins offer a peaceful home-like atmosphere high above the classic American panorama of the region.
Shenandoah National Park is a bevy of hiking biking and adventure trails, wilderness paths and backcountry roads that demand exploration. Shenandoah includes over 500 miles of trails including a beautiful stretch of more than 100 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. Many of the trails inside the park will lead you to spectacular waterfalls and unforgettable panoramas that open up to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, while others lead deep into the heart of the hard wood forests and Appalachian wilderness.
Another attraction that should not be missed is the exquisite Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile stretch of highway that meanders its way through some of the most picturesque countryside in North America. There are a number of scenic viewpoints and vistas along this stretch of highway, and a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a trip that you will not soon forget, especially if the journey is taken in the fall when the mountain sides are set afire with the radiant colors of autumn.
If you would like more information about Shenandoah National Park and what lodging and activity options await you there, visit National Park Reservations online at NationalParkReservations.com/shenandoah.htm or call one of their friendly and helpful agents at 1-866-875-8456.
Also, if you would be interested in saving up to 85% on your vacation expenses, and putting some extra money in your pocket each time you take a vacation, I recommend you take a look at the MOR Vacations opportunity by visiting MORVacationsDaily.com
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