Camping season is right around the corner. Before you know it, you will begin to hear the call of nature beckoning you to join her in all her splendor. Will you know what to do when you finally answer to the call? If the answer is no, you are not alone.
Here are a few things to remember before heading out into the great outdoors, whether you decide to travel to the nearest campground or destinations unknown.
1. As the Boy Scouts put it "Always Be Prepared" - make sure to have a checklist made before you pack so you will not forget anything. You do not want to be hundreds of miles away from home when you realize you did not bring your tent. Bring the list with you so you will not forget to take everything home.
2. When packing make sure everything is placed in a waterproof container of some sort. Tents and sleeping bags can be packed in army laundry bags, which are made of canvas with a rubber liner. Smaller items such as matches may be put in small waterproof containers. Old prescription bottles or film canisters work great.
3. Set up your camp as soon as you arrive. The sooner you are done, the sooner you can enjoy the outdoors. Also, if you are staying at a campsite, take the time to say hello to your camping "neighbors".
4. Have your lanterns and flashlights set out and ready before dark. You don't want to be fumbling around looking for them at night when you'll need them the most.
5. Have as much food prepared before you leave as possible. This will cut down on cooking time and will help your fuel last longer. Also, make sure your stove is ready a few hours before you need it.
6. When not in use, keep food up and away from the reach of animals. You're not going to be happy when you find a bear or a raccoon making himself at home at your campsite.
7. No matter how cute they look, do not feed the animals. This can be dangerous not only for you but for the cute cuddly creatures as well.
8. As a rule of thumb, whatever you bring in to the campsite, you should also take with you. Leave the area as close to the way it was before you arrived so that others can enjoy it as much as you did. Even bottle caps and cigarette butts should be removed and disposed of properly. Follow the "Leave No Trace" philosophy, and remember the immortal words of that famous owl "Give a hoot, don't pollute".
9. When in doubt, your camping neighbor can be a great source of advice. You may also make a new friend in the process. And of course...
10. Have fun. One of the great things about camping is the chance to get away from all the noise and stress of every day life. A chance to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy all the great wonders of mother nature. Go ahead, be a kid again and explore the great outdoors. Go back to the "real world" feeling refreshed and revitalized.
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