Archive for January, 2009
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.
Recently I was at a very accommodating Bed and Breakfast. Upon arrival I was welcomed by some home made cinnamon buns fresh from the oven. Before I even unpacked my bags, I was presented with a liberal menu of breakfast items to chose from for the next morning. Some of the choices included eggs, toast, waffles, pancakes, fresh fruit, and a variety of beverages.
After ticking off my selections, I was able specify the style in which my meal was prepared (hot or cold), and the approximate time I required my breakfast. I felt like a real guest!
There were some real advantages to this Bed and Breakfast collecting your breakfast order ahead of time. For one, they were able to ensure enough food for all (as I was not the only guest staying there). They also managed to prevent food wastage and over preparing of food that could not be preserved for later.
Of course, not every Bed and Breakfast will offer such selections. And there are good reasons why! Creating multiple meals for too many people makes it taxing in the kitchen to have everything prepared on time. Depending on how many people are staying at the Bed and Breakfast, there can be collisions of guests all trying to have their breakfast all at the same time. Many Bed and Breakfasts will simply offer a set meal that is either prepared ahead or can be line cooked. They may even have a set time that Breakfast will be served.
All I know is that a little selection and some simple options can go a long ways towards making someone feel right at home, even if it’s in your home!
When traveling with your hunting buddies, it’s nice to have a place to sleep in a bed, sit by a warm fire, and eat a hot meal, while also being able to trek out into the wilderness first thing in the morning. Staying at a hunting lodge is the solution for a memorable hunting experience that you’ll want to continue year after year. Unlike a regular wilderness lodge, hunting lodges cater to hunters, ensuring you’re in good company to reminisce about your favorite hunts and even discuss hunting tactics. You’re sure to meet all kinds of new people who will share the same passion as you for the outdoors and for hunting game.
You might even meet a new batch of friends! Hunters know how difficult it can be to relate to people who don’t also enjoy hunting, and by staying at a hunting lodge you’re sure to find common ground with everyone.
When it comes to searching for an enjoyable winter vacation spot, it’s not always easy to know where to start looking for the best places. Sure you can ask friends and family, but if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more unique, start your search online. Ski Resorts are scattered throughout the United States and much of Canada, and if you’re looking for an ideal location, you probably want a more collective opinion than what Joe Neighbor tells you. Online you can often find directories of ski resorts from all over North America, and you’ll be able to make an informed judgment about where to stay.
You’ll also want to make sure that not only your ski resort provides the accommodations you want, but that the mountain has some great ski routes too! Well traveled locations with tightly packed snow can be boring for experienced skiers, if you’re looking for fresh powder, think out of the box!