Archive for the 'Campsites & Parks' Category
During the historical year of 2009 we will all see some major changes to the economy and our lifestyles. As the whole world works towards climbing out of the recession that we are in, I hope you can still find time to appreciate what matters most.
“For richer or for poorer,” those of us that are married or are soon to be married share a small commitment to find romance and love no matter what our financial circumstances might be. This year, I expect that less people will be booking that all inclusive trip to Cuba. Maybe the plans to go biking in France will be held off for another year. But don’t let that get you down!
If this recession does anything positive for us, it will be to help us look in our own backyards and see the wonder, the beauty, the resources and the freedom that we have all forgotten and taken advantage of. With some tighter budgets and thinner wallets, I expect that many people will be dusting off the old tents or loading up the kids in the RV for a weekend get-away this year.
There is nothing better (in my humble opinion) than being far from technology, traffic, pollution and stress. Find yourself a peaceful campground. Perhaps a campground that overlooks a lake or ocean front and take it all in! You might even rekindle more than just a campfire while you’re at it 
Its no surprise that people love to go camping. Weather you like to go with a small group, a large group or just by yourself there are always opportunities to meet new friends.
Many times I have found myself at a quiet little campsite somewhere all by my lonesome, That is until the locals find out that I’m there. Even in some of the most remote and unvisited campgrounds, I have encountered furry or feathered friends that know all about humans! They act all shy at first, but I’ve been known to have Whiskyjack birds or squirrels eating out of my hands in no time.
Just a few tips when being host or hostess to the local wildlife…
1. Don’t feed birds food that contains little nutritional value or foods that fill them up to quickly. Popcorn is a no-no because the birds will feel full, and get little nourishment from it.
2. Squirrels like nuts but if you don’t have any, then sunflowers will do. However, don’t give them flavored “Spits”.
3. If you are going to feed the forest creatures, be sure to put the food in one spot. Maybe on top of a stump or a bench. Check back after a while and make sure the food is gone and dispose of anything not eaten. Never toss food carelessly around your campsite as it might invite unwanted, larger furry friends.
4. Obey all posted signs that warn about hazards or dangers of feeding wildlife.
May all of your campsite journeys never be alone!
There are few words I could write to describe one of my latest experiences.
Along the Pacific Coastline, it’s hard to see a sunrise like this unless of course you found a campsite like I did on Vancouver Island looking East back to the Canadian shores.
The rocks were cool and moist still from the tide that evening. The waters were still and the sky was calm as the I began to wake that morning. My tent was still imbued with the smoke from last nights campfire and dew was collecting on the dome.
I sat bewildered, not because of the simplicity of the moment and not because of the sheer beauty before me. No, I was bewildered because at that moment, I didn’t care about anything else in the world. I couldn’t remember where I worked, or what I HAD to do next week. I probably couldn’t have even told you my name. Yet there I was, at a pretty little beachfront campsite enjoying the only amenity they need to advertise….serenity.
Well, you sure do look good in that rental RV. Or maybe you’re one of the fortunate few that can outright afford such luxuries. While RV-ing has become a recreational activity that almost anyone can afford, some of the accessories have some high requirements of their own.
I’m sure you have your portable satellite TV, your microwave oven, propane stove and fridge, but have you thought about where you are going and what is required to actually use those devices? Also, RVs aren’t exactly energy efficient when it comes to heating and cooling. In fact, they have very little insulation at all. But that’s ok, right? You have some base board heaters, or a furnace, or even an Air Conditioner if things get too hot. But what do those electrical devices require and where do you find RV Parks that have the right hookups?
My friend in the Yukon was overhauling his RV Park one day, buying all kinds of high end breakers and electrical cable. I asked him, “What do you need all this for?” He said most of the new RVs traveling up to Alaska had some impressive Air Condition units but they required 35 Amp breakers or better. Some even required 50 Amp breakers!
Most RV-ers don’t plan their route ahead of them. They drive until they’re tired or out of gas then find an RV Park off the interstate or highway and settle in for the night. But if the RV Park you’re going to doesn’t have right rigging to power your rig, then it’s going to be a very warm night for you! Even if you’re going to Alaska. So plan ahead, look up your route on the Internet and make some phone calls in advance. It might mean the difference between a restless sleep and restful trip.