Archive for February, 2011
Smart Storage
I tend to use dome tents when camping. A dome tent keeps the rain off you and out of the tent better than other types. Dome tents also tend to fit more people and have better protection from ground water. There’s also an added benefit of height, which is great for tall campers, but can mean that there’s a lot of unused space.
If you’ve ever shared a tent with multiple people, then you know how crowded it can get when everyone’s sleeping bags and gear are piled up inside. I started looking for tent accessories that might alleviate this problem. I stumbled across the Eureka Gear Loft which is essentially a mesh bag that can store all sorts of small camping items. It hangs from the ceiling so it doesn’t take up valuable floor space.
Fishing in Comfort
Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor recreational sports in the United States. Though most people associate boating with fishing, the truth is fishing off of banks and piers is still done with great frequency. No matter where you choose to do your fishing, mosquitoes and other pests are a problem. With bank fishing, there is a way to minimize pests ruining your recreation time.
A screen house is easy to set up along the banks of a river. The mesh netting shields you from mosquitoes and the opaque canopy top protects you from the sun. There are several models on the market today that have side flaps so you can stand in your screen house and cast your line. When not fishing, you can use the screen house for all sorts of outdoor affairs.
You’re Never Too Old for Family Bonding
This fall my eldest child started high school. I knew he’d start wanting to spend less time with the family, so I decided to make the most of the time we had left. I planned a family camping trip a few weeks before school started, for me, my husband and our three kids. Before my eldest could balk that he was “too old” for these trips, I pointed out that I’m not so old that I don’t remember my teenage years, and if he wanted more independence he’d be wise to humor me.
With minimal sulking we set off to a nearby National Park and set up camp. For the next few days we bonded over hiking, fishing, and roasting marshmallows over the fire- all the corny, stereotypical activities that make camping so fun. My eldest even got into the spirit of things by teaching his younger siblings camp songs. At night we all piled into the Eureka family tent and slept soundly, worn out from the day’s activities. The week went by all too quickly, but I’m glad we had the time to make lasting family memories.