Category: Outdoor Recreation & Hiking
EVERY RV TOOL BOX SHOULD HAVE THEM
February 2, 2012 by Professor95 · 2 Comments
Next to a roll of duct (or duck) tape, a package containing an assortment of zip-ties is one of the most important “fix-it” items you can put in your RV toolbox. First introduced under the name of Ty-Rap in 1958 by Thomas & Betts for assembling airplane-wiring harnesses, the zip-tie has evolved to include every conceivable function – including handcuffs often used by law enforcement. Today they may also be called zap-ties or cable-ties, About the only thing you cannot fix with either duct tape and zip-ties are hot exhaust or tail pipes. Zip-ties usd by law enforcement as hand cuffs (Don't try this at home!) Good quality zip-ties are made of nylon. The black ties are UV protected and suitable for outdoor use over an extended period. White and other colors generally do not have the UV protection chemical added and are designed for indoor use. Unfortunately, many companies have made cheap copies of nylon zip-ties using plastic. These are subject to easy breakage and... [Read more...]
Montezuma Castle and Well N.M., AZ…
January 31, 2012 by Dana Ticknor · Leave a Comment
While we were in the beautiful Verde Valley a couple of weeks ago, we were sure to visit Montezuma Castle and Well National Monuments in addition to Tuzigoot N.M. We were glad that we did Tuzigoot first, because, while it is interesting and a great place to visit, it doesn’t hold a candle to Montezuma Castle! Course, the nice thing about Tuzigoot is that you can walk to and in the actual ruins, while the Castle is up out of reach. Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well are one park on the NPS webpage, and they share a Jr. Ranger program, but they are in separate locations about 6 miles apart. We went to the castle first. Montezuma Castle is an incredible cliff dwelling. We have seen quite a few cliff dwellings over the last couple of years; in fact, when I told the kids that we were going to MC, and that is was a cliff dwelling, I had a couple of kids that said, “not another cliff dwelling!” LOL! So, spirits as they were, I drug them along anyway so that we could earn... [Read more...]
Mount Mitchell Drive Receives Scenic Byway Designation
January 30, 2012 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
The Mount Mitchell Scenic Drive is the latest route to receive an official “scenic byway” designation from the state of North Carolina. Recognized for its outstanding beauty and unique cultural features, this 52-mile drive begins atop 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi and traverses a national forest, state park, and National Park Service land. Welcome to Mount Mitchell State Park. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved “It’s a beautiful corridor for a number of reasons,” says Jeff Lackey, manager of scenic byways for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). ”It has scenic quality, and also a tremendous amount of cultural and historical aspects, which is rare in a byway experience.” “When you go around every curve, you’ll find something new and interesting,” says Wanda Proffitt, a local DOT board member and advocate of the route. The route begins on N.C. 128 in Yancey County atop Mount... [Read more...]
Congaree National Park: A Hidden Gem Expands
January 29, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 2 Comments
Congaree National Park is a relatively unknown park—a hidden jewel in the national park system. Congaree National Park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a place for you to walk and relax in a tranquil wilderness setting amidst giant hardwoods and towering pines. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved The National Park Service, Trust for Public Land, and Friends of Congaree Swamp, and others recently celebrated Congaree National Park’s 35-year history and the park’s acquisition of 1,840 acres of Riverstone property, The Times and Democrat reported. “The Riverstone property, which connects the eastern and western sections of the park, was Congaree National Park’s highest priority for acquisition. We are pleased to be celebrating this latest addition to the park during our 35th anniversary year,” said Tracy Swartout, Park Superintendent. In June 2011, the final 434 acres of the Riverstone property were protected, completing... [Read more...]
Beating the Winter Blues…
January 29, 2012 by Diane Berry · 5 Comments
As the daylight gets shorter when winter approaches and out sunlight decreases in November and December, many of us in northern climates (and even some in more southern climes) start to experience what is commonly known as the “winter blues.” Add to this, the fact that many of us are not engaging in our favorite pastimes of camping and RVing during this time of the year and things can get downright depressing! While the medical term is “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or SAD, most of us just know this as the blues. Further, many feel they just need to suffer through it; that there is nothing they can do to minimize the symptoms they are experiencing. But there is much you can do if you are affected by this loss of light. First of all, many medical people report that increasing your intake of vitamin D, either in the form of food or by supplement, can make up for the loss of sunlight that winter brings. While you will always want to be sure to check with your physician or other medical... [Read more...]
Death Valley National Park…
January 25, 2012 by Dana Ticknor · 3 Comments
One of the National Parks that has surprised me the most was Death Valley. I expected it to be a vast valley with nothing but barren sand dunes for miles and miles. I didn’t give it much thought, but just figured that it was worthy of it’s National Park status due to the fact that it is deemed the hottest spot in the United States. And to be honest, the only reason that we gave it a day’s worth of our time was because we are on a mission to collect Jr. Ranger badges from every National Park that offers them! view from the Furnace Creek visitor's center Since the park covers 3 million acres of land, there is plenty of park to explore! We drove in through Death Valley Junction from Pahrump. We left with enough fuel to last the day, and that is one tip that I would highly recommend for anyone driving the park – it’s a big park! While there is fuel at Stovepipe Wells, it is about $1.50 more per gallon than if you just fill up before leaving... [Read more...]
Crater of Diamonds State Park Report Successful Year
January 22, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 2 Comments
Looking back over the past 12 months, the year 2011 has been a successful one for park visitors who hunted for diamonds in the 37 ½-acre search area at Arkansas’s diamond site, the Crater of Diamonds State Park. David Anderson with his recent find, a 3.83-carat diamond he named the Wolverine Diamond. (Credit: katv.com) According to Park Superintendent Justin Dorsey, over 500 diamonds were found by visitors last year. Of the year’s diamond finds, 30 weighed over a carat each. The year’s largest diamond find was an 8.66-carat white diamond found in April. And on December 12, David Anderson of Murfreesboro found the year’s 535th diamond. His 3.83-carat pear-shaped, yellow diamond marks the fourth largest find for the year. Park Interpreter Margi Jenks said, “This has been a great year for our park visitors here at the Crater of Diamonds. During every month this year, a visitor unearthed a diamond weighing over a carat. And in April, six diamonds weighed over a carat including the... [Read more...]
Waiting for Winter…
January 18, 2012 by Diane Berry · 7 Comments
As I write this we are awaiting our first “real” snowfall of the winter. It is January 12th and, as a snow lover, especially in December, January and February (not so much in March and April!), it has been a long wait. Today, however, we are predicted to receive a good six inches of the fluffy white stuff! Finally! Though I love to camp in our little RV because of how close it brings one to the great outdoors, my enjoyment of nature is not limited to the summer months. There are so many ways to play and have fun in the winter that, if we let it, it can take us right back to childhood. I am writing to give those of you who, like me, are receiving your first good snow of the year, some ideas for what to do while waiting to back the RV out of the garage and get it ready to go! (Trust me, I know who you are! I am one of you!) Terry skiing (diagonal stride) Cross country skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the snow. But within that concept, there are essentially two separate and completely... [Read more...]
What is Your Travel Planning Style?
January 16, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · 1 Comment
Seward, Alaska, 2011 Do you have a method for planning your road trips or vacations? Do you dutifully sit down in January and target where and when you will go to specific destinations? Or, do you just “wing it” once the official camping season kicks off in the spring? I have to admit that I have waffled between both methods over the years. I am, in fact, still waffling! When we first started camping and our children were very young, I was pretty strict about planning in advance, pinpointing destinations, and then making reservations. I have vivid recollections of often doing this ten months in advance. Back then, it was a system that I needed to have in place. Packing food, kids, cars, and gear can be a monumental task. I knew I didn’t want to take the spontaneous route only to find out that the car was loaded and the campgrounds were too! Traveling and camping with young children can be challenging. I needed the certainty of knowing that we had a good campsite... [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Socks!
January 15, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · 1 Comment
Do you have a favorite sock that you enjoy wearing while hiking and camping? Do you like to wear a specific sock with your hiking boots? SmartWool socks are my favorite socks by a long shot! I discovered these wool socks about five years ago. I purchased my first pair at the Eddie Bauer Outlet when I was on the Eastern Shore of Maryland visiting my dad. The socks felt great! They offered extra support, especially around my arch. The pair I purchased back then finally needed to be replaced, so I added Smart Wool socks to my little Christmas list. My husband kindly obliged and headed to REI to buy me some new ones. This year, I received their PhD high performance socks. Made from Merino wool, they are made specifically for a woman’s foot and they feel just great. They have extra cushioning in the heel and on the ball of the foot. And, the wool keeps my feet really warm. Yes, they are quite pricey, but I figure I only have two feet, so they are worth it! Do you have a favorite... [Read more...]
