A camping trip just doesn't seem complete without the enjoyment of a nice warm campfire. No campfire, no s’mores, no way! It is sad though that some campers have managed to turn a campfire into a wildfire.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, escaped campfires are the second leading cause of wildfires. Before you build a campfire, brush up on … Continue reading…
Two guys go on a fishing trip. They rent all the equipment - the reels, the rods, the wading suits, the rowboat, the car, and even a cabin in the woods. I mean they spend a fortune!
The first day they go fishing, but they don't catch anything. The same thing happens on the second day, and on the third day. It goes on like this until finally, on the last day of their vacation, one of the men catches a fish.
As they're driving home they're really depressed. One guy turns to the other and says, "Do you realise that this one lousy fish we caught cost us fifteen hundred bucks?"
The other guy says, "Wow! Then it's a good thing we didn't catch any more!"
Before you go camping, prepare a couple of ghost stories to tell by the campfire. Now, how you tell the story is as important as the story itself. Follow these story-telling tips for a memorable experience, especially for the kids.
If even seasoned boy scouts do dumb things like that video, do beginner campers have a chance?
Every campground has their share of first time campers. And it’s hard not to feel sympathy for them. Here are 10 common beginner camping mistakes:
1. They arrive near sunset after hours of driving. They fumble around to put up their camping tent in the dark and can’t find the parts.
2. They arrive in broad daylight and argue and fight for all the neighbors to see ‘cos they can’t agree which tent pole slips where since they didn’t practice at home.
3. They believe the occupancy number ratinggiven by tent manufacturers and don’t realize they were counting sardines, not humans.
4. They do not bring a stove and count on the campfire to cook all their food. “Is it ready, Dad?”, “Is it ready, Dad?”, “Is it ready, Dad?”
5. They plan elaborate menus instead of assembling Continue reading…
Of all the campfireghost stories out there, "Where is My Golden Arm?" is an all-time favorite.
Even Mark Twain loved it. This master story-teller knew how to tell a ghost story. When he told the tale, he would end it in a way that would make me jump, for sure, if he were aiming at me.
At the end of the ghost story, the part where the woman calls out, "W-h-o — g-o-t — m-y — g-o-l-d-e-n arm?" Mark Twain suggested, "You must wail it out very plaintively and accusingly; then you stare steadily and impressively into the face of the farthest-gone auditor, — a girl, preferably, — and let that awe-inspiring pause begin to build itself in the deep hush. When it has reached exactly the right length, jump suddenly at that girl and yell, "You've got it!"
He emphasized the importance of the pause: "If you've got the pause right," Mark Twain said, "she'll fetch a dear little yelp and spring right out of her shoes. But you must get the pause right.."
You won't find ghost stories in any packing list. But they are a big camping ritual. If you don't remember them anymore, a good book to brush up on your ghost stories is Scary Stories to Tell ($5.99).
It has classic campfire stories, such as ''The Hook'', and ''Me-Tie Daughty Walker'' along with lesser known tales like ''Alligators'' and ''May I Carry Your Basket''? Some stories are funny, such as ''The Viper'' (I've come to vipe your vindows) and ''The Ghost With Bloody Fingers'' (cool it dude, get a band-aid) while others are genuinely spooky, like ''The Guests'' and ''Cold as Clay''.
The book was clearly intended for reading out loud, many stories even have tips for the reader, such as when to raise and lower your voice. Stephen Gammell's pictures are mysterious and darkly beautiful. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a spooky read aloud.
Golden arm reading is from a post by Clinton McClung on October 26, 2006 at 01:51 AM at the WFMU blog http://blog.wfmu.org)
Reason #10. You have tried everything else to peel the kids (or the hubby?) away from the TV and Xbox. One thing I learn as a parent, when I yell, "Turn that TV off!" I need to provide an alternative. Kids can't substitute TV for vacuum. Gotta give them something to occupy their active minds like Surviving in the Wilderness.
Reason #9. You can't remember the last time you gazed at the stars. It's time to see the Big Dipper beyond the printed page.
Reason # 8. The only bird chirping you have ever woken up to is the cuckoo clock in the living room.
Reason # 7. Ten years from now, when your kids lament to their therapists that you were absent in their lives, you can show videos and pictures of your family camping experience.
Reason # 6. Food tastes better outdoors. I'll tell you about the Baby Weber Grill at another time.
Reason # 5. Its affordable. You can buy very nice camping gear with the equivalent of a couple nights hotel stay. And you get to keep the gear. (Its like owning your own home instead of renting).
Reason # 4. Enjoy the inheritance that was saved for you. In 1916, your grandparents and mine made a commitment to preserve, protect and share the natural beauty of this land through the National Park Service. When was the last time your eyes feasted on the natural beauty of our [tag/]national parks[/tag]?
Reason # 3. Camping is so easy today. Down-filled sleeping bags, 10-minute-set-up tents, instant fire starters, and yes, that Baby Weber Grill. Today's camping equipment is easy enough for the beginner campers.
Reason # 2. There are many ways to camp, so you can choose what suits you best. There's rustic cabin camping, car camping, luxury camping such as at the Adirondacks, RV camping and backpacking. Start with something you are comfortable with. Chances are, you'll explore other more adventurous camping with time.
Reason # 1. You have never gone camping before. Well, then you absolutely have to go camping this year. Do it before you are set in your ways. Do it before you take yourselves too seriously. Do it before the kids leave the nest. Do it before you can't do it. In other words, just do it.
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Reason # 5. Its affordable. You can buy very nice 