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self-inflating-air-mattress-03

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:58:46 +0000

There’s something I wish I had invented clear back in the early 1990s. We all know it now as the self inflating air mattress. I can only imagine how much capital this product has brought in. Whoever decided to make it a business was right on the money. I purchased my air mattress back in 1995 and still make use of it when company comes over. It’s just one of those things you’ll find in virtually every home now days. They come in all shapes and sizes and they’re built to withstand some serious poundage. Where do you keep your air mattress?

The ever-popular self inflating air mattress just keeps getting better. While my old-school model from over a decade ago has a pump attached to it, the more recent models do not. You simply take the hand-help pump and press it to the inflatable air mattress outlet and it fills in seconds. Poof, you’ve got a bed that’s perfect for company. Choose whatever size you please. The new-age self inflating air mattress comes in single, full, queen, and king sized. Another cool aspect of these beds is the height. You’ve probably seen the standard air beds that lay on the floor like a standard mattress would, but have you ever seen the ones that offer the full height of a normal bed? I hadn’t until my mother pulled on out of the closet last summer. I was visiting her with my seven year old daughter, and she had a comfy, little self inflating air mattress just for her. It blew up to about three feet off the floor, and even had support rails along the bottom. This is awesome!

So, I guess the deal is if you haven’t yet purchased a self inflating air mattress, it’s high time you did. These products are going quick. Okay, so I’m exaggerating a bit. The truth is there are plenty to go around and they’re always coming up with modern improvements. You can check out the vast line of air mattresses at your local home furnishing store such as Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens and Things. There are also numerous options available on the web. This is one inexpensive way to purchase a spare bed for company or camping.

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camping_at_the_castle_hearst_castle

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:37:10 +0000

Camping At The Castle – Hearst Castle
Pam

Camping at the Castle ? Hearst Castle
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at
www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/globe02/usa02/CA/hearst/hearst.html

You’re offered three levels of luxury at California’s San Simeon State Park campground.

Up at Washburn, there’s the undeveloped area, which means there’s a tap somewhere and pit toilets. There’s the open area that’s close to the beach with a tap right at your site and flush toilets just a minute away from your tent. Lastly, the top-level sites offer a paved parking pad for your car or RV, hookups, and proximity to the showers. Guests camped on the open area can use the showers, which are nearby. Those up the hill in the undeveloped sites are discouraged from using them, though I don’t think they’re actively prevented from doing so.

In spite of this class system, the campground is pretty nice. It’s wedged between Highway 1 and the slough, which is a wetlands preserve and you can walk under the freeway to a spectacular and uncrowded strip of beach. I was hesitant to pitch the tent so close to the freeway because of the noise, but once night fell, it really quieted down. Except for the noise from a mid-night run-in that the neighbor’s dog had with a raccoon.

This was probably not the sensibility that “The Chief” had in mind when he built his little folly up the hill, but it’s not far off. He wanted a place to get away from the city, a place to entertain friends, a place to play outside. He had the good sense to have it built above the fog line. Had we been contemporaries, we’d have woken up to damp Gore-tex and cold, wet, air, while The Chief and his guests were watching the sun break over the hills to the East, the light filtering through Moorish-style shutters. While we were firing up the Coleman stove to boil enough water for tea, The Chief and his guests would be wandering down to the dining hall in response to the breakfast bell.

Actually, it was William Randolph Hearst’s weariness with camping that led him to build the magnificent palace on the hill known as Hearst Castle. He telegraphed his architect, Miss Julia Morgan, to request that she design for him a more comfortable place to spend his days at his ranch on the California Coast. Co-conspirators in the execution of this spectacular private folly on the hill, they worked together for 25 years designing, building, redesigning and sometimes rebuilding, the magical place that’s now open to anyone who’s willing to pay the price of admission.

It’s worth noting that I’m not a guided tour kind of person. I prefer to poke around on my own and while I appreciate the insight that a tour guide so often has to offer, I’d just rather not. I’ll read the plaques and flip the pages in the guidebook, but I want to be left to my own devices. However, upon completion of the Experience Tour (one of several tour options available), I was ready to pay for the whole thing all over again, just to see the rest of the place. I’d have gone up and down the hill all day, if that’s what it would take to get in as many nooks and crannies of the Castle as possible.

We arrived a little too early for our tour. Tours leave every 30-45 minutes from the visitor center and tickets are time stamped. We took our time dawdling around the museum, which presents the life of William Randolph Hearst and showcases a few choice gems from his extensive collection of art and furniture.

We dried out in the sun and poked around in the shops – one is a gift store with postcards and books and t-shirts, the other a museum shop that sells reproductions of objects in the castle, among other things. Finally, we boarded the bus to the “Enhanted Hill” – San Simeon. We were lucky to spot, on the drive up, a few of the descendents from Hearst’s private zoo, out grazing in the meadows. We were met by our tour guide on the marble plaza below the well-known Neptune Pool.

I won’t go in to extensive details about what we saw on the tour, as the superlatives will sound ridiculous. Friends of mine at home, prior to my departure, recommended Hearst Castle as “worth seeing.” I realize now that their understated approach to suggesting we make a stop there on our jaunt along the coast was due not to their being unimpressed, but rather, to their inability to describe the splendor and beauty of this place.

As we wandered through the buildings, past the marble and the carved walnut and the gold inlay, we had progressively less ability to express our wonder. The beauty of the final stop, the indoor swimming pool tiled in lapis lazuli blue and gold tiles – not gold color, but actual gold – left me overcome. I really thought I was going to cry.

Back at the visitor’s center, I contemplated taking the next tour back up the hill. Instead, we opted for the 40 minute IMAX movie about the building of Hearst Castle. (The movie is included in the Experience Tour. If you choose a different tour, it’s separate, but worth it.) The film contains some footage of Hearst and his architect, Julia Morgan, at the site while the castle is under construction, as well as a number of clips of Hearst’s many famous guests. There are some stunning aerial shots of the site, which give the visitors a chance to grasp the size of the compound as well as the magnificence of its location.

At the campground that night, we had new neighbors who were compelled to share with us (and most of the campground) their love of rather obscene rap music. Meanwhile, the neighbors opposite were burning what must have mean a tire as it was putting out so much smoke as to obscure the sight, but not muffle the sound of the rap-loving campers. I was unperturbed. I put in the earplugs (I never travel without them) and dreamed myself a guest at the “Castle in the Sky.”

When I woke up in the middle of the night, I stepped out of the tent to the sound of the ocean and the sight of the stars.

Hearst Castle is CRAZY BUSY! Go first thing in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. We left a busy but not too crowded visitor’s center at 11 a.m. and returned to a mob at 1 p.m.

You can buy tickets in advance online at the Hearst Castle Web site. There are plenty of ticket windows at the Visitor’s Center, but the lines get long QUICK and if you’ve purchased your tickets in advance, you’ll have more time to enjoy your visit.

In addition to the campground, there are plenty of little hotels just down the road in Cambria. Reservations, even for camping, are recommended, though we were able to get a tent site upon arrival.

We spent about five hours, all told, up on the hill. That’s the movie, the tour, some time at the Visitor’s Center, and a coffee break on the patio. We’re real dawdlers, though; you could probably get your money’s worth in about 3 hours.

The Hearst Castle Evening Tour program begins a new season each September. Visitors to the Castle are able to experience evening reflections from the 1930s heyday era.
.
Read this entire feature FREE with photos at:
www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/globe02/usa02/CA/hearst/hearst.html

By Pam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

By Pam, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

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Camping Recipes

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:37:10 +0000

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Keyword ?Camping Recipes?: 6
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Camping Recipes 101

Spending the holidays on the outskirts of the metropolis is not just all about an exciting adventure, it is also about food… food… and much more food. You need to feed your brain in order for you to think of more thrilling activities for the entire family and make that trip definitely worthwhile.

* Camping recipes for meat lovers
Big Winne Taters and Beans
Ingredients: 1 large can of reeds German potato salad, 1 big frozen lima beans and 1 pound of Polish sausage
Preparation: Cut sausage into ? to ? inch pieces. Put everything in a pot, slam the lid on and heat.

Chili- Tamale Casserole
Ingredients: tortilla chips, jar of tamales, can of chili, minced green onion, minced peppers, sliced ripe olives, shredded cheddar or jalape?o jack cheese
Preparation: Crumble tortilla chips in a microwave safe casserole dish and top with unwrapped tamales, cut into 1-inch chunks. Top this with a can of chili and heat in a microwave for about 5 minutes. Top with minced peppers, onions, ripe olives, and cheddar cheese. Return to the microwave for 1 minute to melt the cheese.

* Camping recipes for fish enthusiasts
Butter Onion Trout
Ingredients: fresh trout, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 sliced onion, salt and pepper
Preparation: Clean the fish. Leaving the fish whole, stuff the insides with butter, salt and pepper, and as many onions as will fit. Place stuffed trout on buttered foil and wrap up. Place over fire for 7-10 minutes.

Crispy Shore Lunch
Ingredients: fish fillet, oil, Canadian beer, 1 bag of salt and vinegar chips
Preparation: Soak fish in beer. Crush the salt and vinegar chips. Coat the beer soaked fish with the crushed salt and vinegar chips. Deep fry in very hot oil, until the fish turn to a golden color.
* Camping recipes for breakfast eaters
Fresh Morning Donuts
Ingredients: 2 cans of biscuits, 2 cups hot oil, 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 cup cinnamon sugar
Preparation: Open a can of biscuits and take each one separately and poke a little hole in it. Place in hot oil until one side is a little brown. Use wooden tongs and flip them over to brown the other side. Take them out and drain on a paper towel. While still warm, place them in powdered sugar or cinnamon.

Sunrise Spuds
Ingredients: instant mashed potato flakes, grated or powdered cheese, dehydrated onion, pre- cooked bacon bits and Ziploc bag
Preparation: Measure out 3/4 to 1 cup of potato flakes into a Ziploc bag. Add cheese, onion, and bacon. Seal the bag airtight. Slowly add hot water and stir until a consistency of mashed potatoes is achieved.

* Camping recipes for dessert fanatics
Peachy Keen
Ingredients: 1 sandwich size baggy, 1 graham cracker, 2 tablespoons of canned peaches and 2 tablespoons of whipped cream
Preparation: Crush graham cracker inside of baggy, add peaches and whipped cream.

Can?t Get E?nuffs
Ingredients: coconut cookie bars, peanut butter, chocolate bars and roasted marshmallows
Preparation: Spread peanut butter on a coconut cookie bar. Place piece of chocolate bar on top of peanut butter. Place roasted marshmallow or spread marshmallow cr?me on top of chocolate bar, and top with a coconut cookie bar.

All of the above camping recipes only takes a little amount of time to make because the most important here is, munch and munch.

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camping_and_tent_tips

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:56:22 +0000

Camping and Tent Tips
Ba Kiwanuka

LOCATION

Avoid camping in low places–Air flow gets stagnant and
typically moisture settles more. Also, if it rains whilst your
tent is up, there’s a greater chance of water collecting when
you’re camped in a low lying area. Lastly, position your tent so
that your head is uphill wherever you camp (seeing as most
locations are rarely ever flat).

Ventilation–It’s better to face the tail of your tent
into prevailing winds. This will maximize air flow. Scrutinize
the area–Check the area for sharp objects that may damage your
tent before setting up camp.

Set Up– Once your tent is set up, if you notice wrinkles
running from one corner to the next (interior), this means that
you’ve pulled the tent too tightly in that direction. Reposition
the stakes until the floor evens out.

Looking Good–Last but certainly not least: If you’ve
never set up your tent before, it’s best to practice at home
until you can do it in your sleep (bit of an exaggeration…but
you know what I mean). This will save you any embarrassment
later on in the ‘Real World’.

TENT CARE

Keep it dry– Never store your tent when it’s wet or
damp! Consequences of forgetting this cardinal rule is mildew
damage and tent stink. So, dry it after use (but not in direct
sunshine).

Reduce condensation build up–Sometimes condensation may
become a real issue, especially in certain types of tents. One
of the ways to combat this, is to spray the outside of your tent
with a product like ReviveX which beads up water so it rolls off
the tent’s surface (think of water rolling off a duck’s back).
Ground Cloth–Use one. It will protect your tent bottom from
protruding objects.

Sweep out your tent–accumulated dirt between your
sleeping bag and the floor will gradually erode the tent floor.
Sunshine–Don’t leave your tent in the sun for prolonged
periods–ultra-violet rays damage the tent fabric and its
waterproofing capabilities. If you can, set up in the shade.

Seams–Seal them all. In this particular case, water is
not your friend. Keep it out!

Transporting your tent–Constantly folding your tent the
same way will eventually cause creases that will compromise its
weatherproofing and ultimately crack the fabric itself.
Solution? Stuff it for transportation.

Packaging of your tent–The keyword here is “carefully”
(assuming you have any concern about its lifespan). Poles dent,
break, chip and cords stretch. Also bear in mind that poles and
stakes can tear and poke holes in the tent fabric.

TENT TYPES

The following is not an indepth treatise of the types of tents
available but rather a brief review.

Dome Tents

This type of tent has a rudimentary dome shape formed by inward
curving walls that meet atop at the apex. Advantages: ample
headroom and ability to sit upright. Disadvantages: Two pole
design leaves a significant portion of unsupported tent material
restricting this type of tent’s use to moderate weather
conditions.

Modified Dome Tents

Same as the dome tent with a few variations: addition of more
poles plus cross-section rods, as well as tapered ends.
Advantages: better able to withstand harsh weather and mounting
wind levels.

Pyramid Tent

In essence this is little more than a waterproof tarp staked to
the ground and draped over a central pole. Advantages: easy to
set up. Disadvantages: it’s sheer simplicity does not accomadate
for the presence of bugs and other crawlies.

Tunnel Tent

As the name suggests this type of tent is designed in the shape
of a tunnel. Usually the front has the most ceiling height (just
enough to sit up) and tapers towards the rear. This tent type
incorporates a single or dual pole design with the longer pole
upfront. Advantages: Very lightweight. Disadvantages: Design
type tends towards being cramped

Ba Kiwanuka www.gorillahub.com

About the author:

Ba Kiwanuka www.gorillahub.com

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Pine Cone Chandelier

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:49:10 +0000

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Keyword ?Pine Cone Chandelier?: 5
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Pine Cone Chandelier

Desiring to obtain that look of a country ambiance right in your very own crib? You can always place a pine cone chandelier that will enhance the theme that you would want to achieve. Even as it is simply mounted on the wall or the ceiling, it will already be of reminiscent to fig trees, camping grounds, falling leaves and lodge cabins. The setting would be more than homey for you and for the entire family. Not to mention, it is like prepared by Pocahantas as she awaits for John Smith.

At Arcadian Lighting, they distribute the finest pine cone chandelier from respected manufacturers in the industry. Not only do they believe in the effectivity of the information superhighway marketing, they also grant about 50%PRCTG% discount off in the regular price, which is way better of a great deal as compared to other retail outlets. Visit them now at www.arcadianlighting.com so you can see the products for yourself.

Tiffany is a pine cone chandelier made by Meyda. It is woodland brown in colors that rests on a beige geometric grid in Northwood elongated shades that have been manually crafted by skilled artisans. The simple yet elegant mahogany hardware in bronze makes the one- light wall sconce perfect for a condominium in the metropolis. It is 12? in height and 6? in width. Its lamping uses a 40W candle. It is available in %109. 99.

Autumn is a Louis Comfort inspiration that has golden acorns dancing playfully in circles. It has a ring around a geometric grid that is molded in elongated shades such as rich rust, olive green and harvest honey. Finished with warm mahogany bronze, it is simply stated with one light sconce. It is 12? in height and 6.5? in width. Made by Meyda, its lamping uses a 40W candle. It is available at %94. 99.
Ivory has golden acorns that blissfully move around a long geometric lattice. It is in hues of harvest honey, olive green and rich rust which belongs to the collection of Louis Comfort. The one- arm wall sconce hardware is finished in temperate mahogany bronze. It is 12? in height and 7? in width. Made by Meyda, its lamping uses a 40W candle. It is available at %99. 99.

Mica is a pine cone chandelier made by Meyda. It features a round geometric pattern that has a rustic appearance. Surrounded by designs of leaves and twigs, it seemingly plastic yet glass cover is earthen brown in color. It is intended to be mounted only on the ceiling so that when it illuminates, it follows the upward down scheme, entirely reflecting the beauty of such ornamentation. It is 5.5? in height and 15? in width. Its lamping uses 100W. It is available at %225. 00.

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Truck Camper Shells

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:29:58 +0000

Keyword: truck camper shells
Keyword density: 2.32
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Truck Camper Shells

Truck camper shells are enclosures that fit over a standard truck. Most of them are made of fiberglass or aluminum but there are also collapsible covers available. They are perfect for smaller camping trips to provide shelter for you and your stuff.

Most people use truck camper shells for everyday use in protecting their equipments from the elements. Truck camper shells generally consist of a hard cover and may include a back and side window that makes them ideal for weekend camping trips and other short camping trips. Although the amount of room supplied by the truck bed and additional head is every limited, they still can protect you from the elements while camping. Collapsible covers are advisable for those who just need them for quick outings where removing or adding the shell is very convenient, compared to fiberglass or aluminum models. They work well in environments where conditions are not severe.

A truck camper shell needs to be fitted to the type of truck you have so they vary in styles and prices. You may want to check with your dealer if a shell is available for your year, make and model. The prices range from less than %1000 for basic covering to several thousand dollars for a much innovated camper shell. Here are some lists of top quality truck camper shells:

SNUGTOP Truck Camper Shells
One of the leading manufacturer?s of fiberglass truck caps and tonneau covers. Innovation in design and technology is keeping SNUGTOP on top and has resulted in SNUGTOP’s solid reputation and tremendous brand-name recognition.

A.R.E. Truck Camper Shells
A.R.E. is also a leading manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps and tonneau covers for pickup trucks. Their truck caps are available painted to match your truck with many different options to meet your specific needs. They have seven unique styles of fiberglass truck caps, and aluminum commercial units, A.R.E. may be the perfect partner for your truck.

LEER Truck Camper Shells
Leer is a leading producer of fiberglass tuck caps and tonneaus for all current and recent model year pickup trucks. Leer fiberglass truck models feature unique styling, a great list of standard features, and a wide range of options.

Raider Truck Camper Shells
Raider Industries is leading the way on premium-quality truck caps and tonneaus product development for new trucks. Leading the way with the most innovative tonneau cover currently in the market place today, the purchase of Raider truck camper shells will put your truck in a class of its own.

Depending on the type of shell you purchase, a basic covering or customized model, truck camper shells are a convenient and practical solution for camping shelters, they also have the ability to be used year round for any type of storage or transportation, which makes them a great improvement to your pickup truck.

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African Christmas

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:53:58 +0000

12. Christmas in African Nations
Christmas celebrations in African nations is characterized by
much outdoor activity because the season often occurs during a time
when the weather is pleasant. Using palm trees and participating in
processions are also characteristic features of activities related to
Christmas in many parts of Africa.
In South Africa, activities that occur outside during Christmas
include the usual caroling, but also the unusual ones of swimming and
camping. The beach and mountains play an important role during
Christmas in South Africa because the season occurs during the hottest
time of the year – summer.
Given the pleasant nature of the weather during Christmas,
families also take advantage of it by often going sightseeing in the
countryside on a relaxing drive in the late evening of Christmas Day. A
rich and sumptuous menu that includes a suckling pig or roast beef,
turkey, mince pies, yellow rice, vegetables and puddings usually makes
up the traditional South African Christmas dinner.
To create a festive environment, decorated pine branches and fir,
sparkling cotton wool and tinsel are used in homes and businesses as
decorations.
A similar decorative pattern of using evergreen, palm trees and
lighted candles are also seen in countries such as Ghana and Liberia.
While these are used in homes and businesses, they are also often
carried in processions and during caroling activities.
While South Africans gather at the beach during Christmas time to
enjoy the warm summer waters, people in other African nations often
gather outside at in town squares and in the streets to march, sing and
enjoy an overall feeling of merriment.
Despite the seemingly general similarity in activities, however,
countries have their own individual style that makes Christmas
celebrations unique.
Of all the celebrations in African nations, Christmas activities
in Ethiopia stand out for their difference in when they are celebrated
and how it is done. One of the features that make Ethiopian Christmas
different is that the main celebratory event occurs on Jan. 7, around
the time known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day in North and South
America.
Given the general modest economic financial situations of a
significant number of the population in many African countries,
Christmas celebrations also tend to occur over a shorter period of
time, compared to activities in more wealthier countries.
Another difference in celebrations of Christmas in Ethiopia is
the participation of various people who take part in a pilgrimage and
converge on the capital city during Christmas Eve. These wanderers fill
the night air with a din of praying and chanting and create a
multicolor spectacle when they gather on Christmas morning to have a
religious service.
But retaining a similarity with other African nations, Ethiopians
enjoy a Christmas dinner that includes a meat stew. Stews, rice, root
vegetables such as yams, breads and soups often are part of the menu of
traditional Christmas day dinners in African nations.
Christmas dinners are likely enjoyed by families outside, where
everyone shares the meal while sitting in a circular pattern outside
under the shade of a sprawling tree, instead of sitting in a formal
setting at a table.
As is the practice in every household during Christmas, Africans
also exchange gifts. Popular items that are exchanged as Christmas
gifts include cotton cloth, soaps, sweets, pencils and books, all very
practical items that can be readily used. Again, this may be related to
the modest financial resources of up to half the population in many
African countries, as well as to cultural norms. Individuals aren’t
able to afford extravagant gifts but they still want to surprise
children, family and friends at Christmas with an unexpected gift. The
generally pervasive cultural norm of humility and modesty that exists
among traditional African peoples, also plays an important role in not
having overreaching extravagance at Christmas.

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camping_at_the_beach_can_be_great_fun_for_the_entire_family

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:15:34 +0000

Camping At The Beach Can Be Great Fun For The Entire Family
Gray Rollins

Most people think about the mountains or forests for camping. However, camping on the beach can be a great alternative. The sand and water provide plenty of activities for summertime fun. This can be a great bonding experience for the entire family.

Many public beaches do not allow camping, so do some research before making a trek. There are a lot of places where camping is allowed, though. Research the areas you are considering before choosing a place, as there may be some restrictions. Many places have rules as far as what vehicles are allowed on the beach, if any. There may also be restrictions on materials that are allowed. Many beaches do not allow bottles because of the danger of glass breakage. You may also have particular fire restrictions where fires are allowed only in certain places or under specific conditions.

The beach can provide a lot of fun activities. Have a sand castle building contest where the most unique and well-built castle wins a prize. Swimming is a lot of fun but make sure you are aware of any warning signs that are posted and do not use inflatable floats in high surf. Boogey boarding and surfing are great fun and many areas will have lessons for those who are new to it. Often there are rental stands for jet skis and boats as well. Snorkeling or scuba diving will provide you a view of undersea life. Pack some books of sea creatures native to the area to look up what they are when you see them.

Make sure you pay attention to any posted warning signs. These may caution against tides, currents, sharks or environmental dangers which could endanger your life. Do not swim if there are posted signs and always be aware of your surroundings. Remember that the sun reflecting off the water intensifies the exposure so wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply often.

The temperature near the water drops substantially at night, so even if it is very hot during the day, pack warmer clothes for night time. Be aware of tides and set up camp so that you have plenty of room between your site and the water. Nothing can ruin a camping experience faster then getting awakened by the tide entering your tent or washing away your belongings.

Cooking at the beach is a great time to get out the seafood and grill shrimp, crabs, lobster or fish. Sitting around a cozy fire with the sun setting and the ocean as a back drop is a relaxing and enjoyable time. Be a considerate camper and remember that other people will use the facilities. When you leave the area, make sure you leave nothing behind, all fires are completely out, and everything is cleaned.

About The Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for DreamCamping. To learn more about beach camping, visit www.dreamcamping.com/beachcamping/ and www.dreamcamping.com/campinggrounds/.

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Campers

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:32:22 +0000

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Keyword ?Campers?: 7
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Cool British Sites For Campers

Outdoor adventure. Extreme sports. Great bonding. Exciting activities. Unforgettable summer. All these and more await campers from different walks of life. It is not just all about amusement but an experience that gives room for learning and growth, to prepare them in the real challenges to be encountered.

Here is a list of grounds in the United Kingdom that are conducive for campers to pitch their tents and stay for an overnight or two.

* Low Wray, Windermere, Lake District

Campers of all ages would love this place because the site has flat grassy areas for larger tents. If you get there early, you can pitch in the wooded corners on the lake shore. It is quiet and secluded with panoramic views of the fells and the sound of the water lapping gently against the shore, on a warm summer’s evening. The Drunken Duck pub is within easy walking distance if you fancy a good meal, but you can’t beat a barbecue and a few glasses of wine by the lake in the dusk on a balmy twilight.
According to Bolton Roz Kaufman, ?I had never camped in my life until 13 years ago when at the age of 40 and sailing on Lake Windermere with my husband, we noticed a magical-looking wooded area with a small beach. It was a paradise to behold?. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

* Flamingo Land Holiday Village, North Yorkshire

This is fantastic for campers that arrive by family. The facilities are terrific with a luxury pool across from the pitch area. It is well organized and feels very safe especially for those who have toddlers with them. The play areas are great and within sight of the tents. The shower and laundry areas are well kept. Flamingo Land theme park has everything from fairground rides to a wonderful zoo, all set around a beautiful walk. www.flamingoland.co.uk
* Norman?s Bay, Pevensey, East Sussex
If you love the crystal blue waters with white sandy shorelines then this site is suited for you. It can be a bit windy though but nothing compares listening to the sound of the sea at night and seeing the sun rise above the water in the morning. The beach goes on for miles. The site has clean toilets and showers with a small shop. Behind it is a railway line which provides a friendly rumble when the trains pass. Cross at the level crossing and you’ll find one of the best pubs in East Sussex, The Star, which has a fabulous menu and an amazing outdoor playground for children. www.ukcampsite.co.uk
* Tom?s Field, Langton Matravers, Dorset
A mature site which has plenty of shelter giving campers that utmost privacy and spectacular view of the sea. There are no fancy facilities and the shop has an air of days gone by, which all adds to the rustic charm of the place. The coastal path nearby offers excellent walking opportunities with good pubs in a walking distance. www.tomsfieldcamping.co.uk
* Glanllyn Lakeside, Bala, North Wales
Located on the shores of Lake Bala, in Snowdonia National Park, it offers a lot of watersport activities like parasailing, windsurf, canoeing and kayaking. Campers can even simply mess in and swim. There is a narrow-gauge railway runs beside the lake from Bala to Llanuwchllyn. The Tryweryn National Whitewater Centre, acclaimed for its rafting and canoeing, is five miles away. Great cycle rides can be started from the site. It is also well situated for hill walkers, as it isclose to the foot of mountains such as Aran Benllyn and Cader Idris. www.glanllyn.com

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Cooking at Camp A Few Know-Hows to Cooking Over an Open Fire

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:10:46 +0000

?Cooking at Camp – A Few Know-How’s to Cooking Over an Open Fire

One of the most important things to know before cooking at camp is that it is the coals that you want to cook over rather than the fire itself. Cooking over the fire will burn your food on the outside while it is still raw on the inside. In addition, the heat is more consistent and controllable when cooking over the coals. Before you are ready to cook, you need to build up at least a couple of inches of live coals and then let the main fire settle down a little. Dense woods and hardwoods make the best coals. Try to avoid pines, aspen, redwoods and other light or soft woods when looking for woods to use for coal.

If a fire pit is not provided at the camping site, you will need to dig one. The pit should be approximately ten inches deep and three feet wide. If you plan on using it for several days or you want to use it for a bonfire it is a good idea to make it both deeper and wider. For fire safety, you should keep nearby a shovel stuck in a pile of dirt removed from the fire pit. Any medium to strong wind is hazardous and the sparks can ignite a forest fire. Also, the coals will reduce more quickly and provide much less cooking time.

There are two ways to control your heat when cooking over an open fire. They are to (1) add or subtract coals or (2) raise or lower your cooking pots or pans. You can pile up rocks to put your pots and pans on to provide height above the fire. When using this method be certain that you can still tend to the coals through the rocks. To make this part of cooking easier you may want to purchase a Spyder. Spyders are three or four legged trivet-like devices that hold your pans above the coals. They have a ring for the pan to sit in and an open bottom. They can be purchased in varying heights so that you can cook close to the coals or several inches away from them. There are really tall ones that are great for keeping food warm.

One tip is to make up some meals in foil. These can be made up in advance to leaving home. Take a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil folded in half, and lay on it a piece of meat (ground round, chicken or steak). Add some potatoes and vegetables like carrots, onions or green beans and season. Dry or powdered seasonings are better than liquid sauces. Then fold over the foil and crimp it several times at both ends. These meals will cook in about 15-20 minutes and can be placed directly on top of the coals or even bury them within the coals for optimum cooking all the way through. Whole potatoes can be prepared and cooked in foil using this same method. Hollowed vegetables stuffed with ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and rice are also good. Green peppers, onions and tomatoes work well. Meals in foil cut down on the need for cookware and make clean up easy because the fire will consume the foil.

A Dutch oven or crock pot works great for stews or casseroles and even cobblers. To cook using this method the pot needs to be place on a thin layer of coals with a few more coals sprinkled on the lid. It is important to remember that less is better when considering the amount of coals to use.

Cast iron pots and pans work great for cooking over an open fire and come with varying lengths of legs on them so the coals can get up under the pan and better cook the food without the risk of burning the food. Setting a pot or pan of food directly on the hot coals can result in a burned meal.

When you are ready to leave, check the area for trash and throw that into the pit. Then, put out the fire and fill in the fire pit. You can find easy ways and delicious ways to cook meals over the open fire when you camp.

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