|
The Six Biggest Mistakes Made by Both New and Experienced Campers #4
Everybody makes mistakes. No use crying over spilled milk. Whatever way you want to put it, it's a fact. In everybody's life a little rain must fall. Now that I have gotten the clich?s out of the way, I can get on with mistake number one.
You arrive at the campsite and it is great. The sky is blue with huge fluffy clouds shaped like circus animals float past. You cannot wait to set up camp and enjoy a well-deserved break. Everything is going smoothly. You have your tent up, your kitchen area prepared and you are ready to enjoy the sounds of nature.
You look up again, but you don't see the blue skies anymore. The animal clouds are gone, replaced by large, grey, ominous floating monsters. You know immediately that it is going to rain. So you head for your tent, to ride the storm out. Unfortunately, it has been a while since you checked your seams and little drops of water start coming in. You just made mistake number one.
You should always check your gear before you leave on any kind of camping trip, whether it is just a weekend getaway or a month long trek. Make sure your seams are sealed, and reseal them when necessary. Check your sleeping bag as well and make sure you keep it in a waterproof bag when not in use. Try to keep all your gear in waterproof containers of some kind. Wet matches will be no good when you are trying to start your campfire.
Here are a few things you should do to make your next camping trip great
Check the weather report for the area where you will be camping. Nobody wants to spend a week in the rain. If you are caught in a thunderstorm, never take shelter under a tree. Your car is a safer place.
Don't camp or hike alone. You never know when an accident or medical emergency might occur.
If you are tenting, practice pitching the tent in your backyard before you leave. Not only will that save time, but also you'll find out if any parts are missing or if the tent is damaged.
Don't try physical activities that are beyond your fitness level. A five-mile hike can be a killer if you've been a couch potato. Get into shape before you go camping. Regularly walking or hiking near home for a few weeks will help get you in camping shape.
Leave your itinerary with a friend or relative - include your car license number, where you plan to be, when you plan to return, and a cellular phone number if you have one.
Learn the basics of first aid. Organizations like the Red Cross offer courses in basic first aid. Always make sure you have a first aid kit on hand.
Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition, and if you are towing a boat or trailer be sure all mechanical and electrical hookups are in good working order.
Always respect the power and danger of campfires. Keep fires within a contained area with a ring of rocks and an outer ring of gravel or dirt to protect against the fire spreading. Keep children away from the fire.
If your camp in an area with poisonous snakes, spider, scorpions, or other unpleasant creatures, check shoes, sleeping bags, and other equipment before using it. Don't sleep on the ground.
Respect the rights of other campers. Campsites are often very close together and noise, pets, and other disturbances may annoy others. Wear shoes or sandals at all times. There are many things you don't want to step on or in.
Are We Having Fun Yet?
When everything is organized, planned, packed, and checked you can start having fun. When you have planned a few successful camping trips you will find it gets easier and easier. The best way to be prepared before you leave on your camping trip is to make a list of the gear you need to bring. As you check off the item on your list, check the item before you pack it to make sure there are no rips, tears, etc. This will assure you that your gear will work properly.
We have a free Camping Checklist available from our home page. Just check off the items you already have, then print out the page to make sure you have everything you need and take the checklist with you.
To view our great selection of Camping & Outdoor Products, use the following links:
|
