Recycle your Christmas Tree

White House Christmas Tree/Msnbc

Christmas has come and gone, It's time to take down your tree and all the trimmings.

If your like us you have a real tree. Do like we do and recycle it.

Feeling guilty about having a real tree?  Missing that aroma that fills the house when you enter?  Here's some Christmas tree facts that you may find as interesting as we did.

This is from the National Christmas Tree Association:

"North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department."
"Most artificial Christmas trees are made of metals and plastics. The plastic material, typically PVC, can be a potential source of hazardous lead. Read a warning about them from the Children's Health Environmental Coalition."

"There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry." 

"For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring."

Things that make you go ummm!!!

Not knocking artificial trees, for some it's a cost saver real trees are not cheap.

There's is no needles to clean up. You may want to wear gloves while handling. If you have one, enjoy it.

We learned some things about trees that we thought might interest you.

We grew up with fake trees, from silver to green.

But as adults we always have had a real tree.
OK we're biased.

To recycle your tree if your community doesn't have curbside pick up, click here for Earth911.com to find a location near you. A lot of home improvements stores have a recycle day just for trees.

Some communities like ours mulch them and give out free compost.

In the spring a lot of lakes will use them as natural fish habitats.

Before you place a tree in a lake or pond, please check the regulations for your area.

So don't feel guilty about your tree which stands so magnificently adorned with all your precious ornaments.

Recycle reuse and regenerate.


The Camping Consultants

It’s winter again.

What if I don’t have indoor storage for my RV?

We, like many RVers, have a somewhat large travel trailer without a pole barn or large garage in which to park it for the winter. Many find storage in their area in which they can place their RVs like a local RV park or campground offering the camper a respite from the cold winds and snow of December, January and February – and sometimes earlier and later months, depending on where you live.

But for others, there is no available inside storage. Either they got there too late – I’m guilty of this one – to obtain space inside, or there just isn’t any place nearby or the fees are too expensive for their budget.

But don’t fear, RVs are rugged and can stand up to the cold, if you do the right things by them. So, if you are one of the many RVers who can’t break away from home for the winter and enjoy some less frigid temperatures in the south or southwest, or even international warm spots, then here are some suggestions for getting your RV through the winter, so it is ready for you and your family in the spring, when you will jump to the chance for camping during warmer days, sometimes cool nights and the undoubted campfire.

If your RV stays outdoors for the winter, make sure you’ve winterized it in detail. Winterizing the RVs water system is one of the most important items on the list. This is normally done using RV antifreeze, which can be found in most RV parts stores, including those inside some general merchandise stores. The instructions should be in your RV owner information, but if you don’t have these, try locating your brand online to see if you can find the guide. If you’re still having trouble locating the instructions, check with your local RV parts store. In addition, removing your battery for the winter will help to save battery life.

For those of us who store our RVs outdoors, there are additional considerations. You may want to use wheel covers – again these can be found at RV parts stores to fit neatly over the wheels. Parking on pad can also be helpful. And, if you want to cover your RV to protect it and slideouts from the winter weather, consider a breathable cover to avoid condensation from forming.
So, remember, your RV needs some tender care to prepare it for the winter months when you and it may be separated, but to ensure that come warm weather in the spring, you’ll be once again on the road and into the park.

Happy winter leads to happy camping!

Increase in vision problems among African Americans

We came across this medical news today, and feel that it ties right into what we've been saying about African American children and the outdoors. 
Too many video games, 
Too much TV and not enough outdoor life.
There is a increase in myopia or distance vision, as published by researchers at the National Eye Institute and published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.  This is a quote from Susan Vitale, PhD, of the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Md.  
"People are using computers and handheld devices much more, and they're spending less time outdoors. There are a lot of possible changes that are reasonable guesses as to why the prevalence of myopia has increased." 
Among blacks, estimates of myopia prevalence grew faster over the period than it did among whites, more than doubling -- from 13% to 33.%.   
You can also check out this article from the Los Angeles Times," A study finds that 17% more Americans have myopia than 30 years ago. Close-up computer work could be a reason".
The Camping Consultants wonder, can camping be part of the solution? 

Let us know what you think.

The Camping Consultants

No If's ands or Butts

 Photo from Discovery news

Have you ever gone camping and arrived on your site to find it littered with cigarette butts?

The same applies to all plastics, fishing line,and worm containers etc.

This post is not about knocking people who smoke. Some people who smoke are very responsible with the butts. 

We just wanted to bring some facts to those who are not so responsible. 
New studies show that cigarette butts can kill fish.

This is a excerpt from the website Cigarettelitter.org 

 Fact:

"[Cigarette butts] also present a threat to wildlife. Cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds, whales and other marine creatures who mistake them for food ... Composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, cigarette butts can persist in the environment as long as other forms of plastic."
--Clean Virginia Waterways

You can also check out this article in the NY times, Cigarette Butts: Tiny Trash That Piles Up.

Our point is: Please dispose of trash properly!!!

The Camping Consultants

 

A Gift for the Holidays

As you begin to shop for holiday gifts, Why not give the gift of the outdoors.

Recreation.gov is a great place to start, this is where we book most of our trips.

At this site you will find National parks, Army corp of engineers campgrounds and other Federal sites.

One of the things I like about this site is, Let's say you want to go to the Smithsonian. All you have to do is pick the museum of your choice, and on the same page you can also make reservations for near by campgrounds.

It may be difficult to book a date for someone else, so a great thing to do is make your own gift certificate on your computer, or get a youngster to do it for you.

Now is a great time to book for the spring to get the best sites.

The Camping Consultants

Giving Thanks

As we begin the holiday season we give thanks.

We are thankful for our families, thankful for  our bounty and our health. 

But do we acknowledge our world, our precious planet and all it provides?

Do we take the time to look at all the different shapes of leaves and colorful hues, or do we simply rake and discard them?

Do we let ourselves enjoy the bright blue sky on a crisp autumn afternoon, or do we rush through it to the warmth of our dwellings?

When do we give mother earth her thanks for all she provides us. 

Our very existence is based upon her. 

While some of us may experience cold snowy days and others rain filled gray skies, let us not miss out on the beauty of it all.

We are thankful for all the enjoyment and pleasure that nature provides, and we are thankful to all of you who read this blog. 

May you have a blessed and bountiful holiday.

The Camping Consultants

Fall and Winter Camping

We love the cooler weather, and still enjoy camping. All you need is the proper equipment and a little know how.

We came across this article written by Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program, Princeton University.

The website is the Outdoor Action guide to winter camping.

Everything you need to know from sleeping bags to survival is covered. You may not need to use all of the info, so just tailor it to your particular type of camping whether it be in a tent, pop up camper, trailer or rv.

The Camping Consultants

Weather. Winter camping

http://www.yourwildchild.com/blog1.php/2011/01/10/p0
winter camping tips

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ta/ta_forecast_warnings.html?from=rss&sn=2494&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Entrance to the campsite 1.12.2010 Not expecting campers tonight! http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/edinburghandeastscotland/hi/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/travel/
weather/road closures.

http://www.marisys.com/how-to-forecast-weather_2010-05-26/
February 2008

Autumn colours - November 2009

http://camping.about.com/cs/advicetips/a/wintercamping01.htm
Yes, we're open for you intrepid campers, beyond the normal camping months.
We've already got 1 pitch booked over the last week in December,
ideal for popping into Edinburgh to feel the city buzz
then back to the badgers for some sleeping in the woodland.

2009 2 young women camped in the snow in February.

You'll probably dine out on that type of unusual exploration for years!

Things not to do when camping!

Over the years we have had camping experiences with animals.
Deer have attempted to get into plastic bins storing food.
Squirrels have eaten marshmallows left out overnight, but this was the most amazing.
After a day trip sightseeing we headed back to the campground.
Instead of eating out, we wanted to cook a nice dinner and relax.
We were looking forward to our two inch thick new york strip steaks seared on an open fire, you know the old school kind from the butcher wrapped in paper.
When we arrived at our site there were grapes spilled about and muddy prints on our cooler, which we left out but hinged tightly.
The animal had small hands which opened the latches and stolen not just grapes, but our brats and our beautiful steaks. We were outdone, raccoons  raided our cooler.  The more we looked around the more evidence of the crime we discovered.
Well I guess you could say we learned our lesson, now we put our cooler in the car if it has food inside and suggest you do the same. Unless your in bear country which requires a whole lot more. That's a story for another day.
And the morale of the story is don't leave your cooler alone. What if there was wine in there?   


The Camping Consultants

Barefoot on the beach (part 2) /The curse of the banana

This is part two of Barefoot on the beach. 

Deep sea fishing is a all day affair, so we pack a soft cooler like a picnic.

Some boats sell drinks and snacks,

but we're picky eaters so we always bring our own.

Being that it's Florida in summer we also pack rain ponchos just in case it showers, also sun screen and sunglasses.

Our friends have also packed snacks and lunch for the afternoon.

The day begins early, the boat pulls out to sea at six o'clock. It's warm and it's just beginning to brighten up, into what seems to be a great day. We speed away with the boat jumping the waves.

The captain and his mates welcomed everyone aboard and explained where we would be going, and the types of fish we hopefully will catch. When the captain noticed that our friends had brought bananas aboard. The captain tells him that bananas are bad luck  on a fishing boat, and that he needed to get rid of them. That was the first time that we had heard of that superstition, what the captains says is okay in our book.

Our friend laughs, peels the fruit and begins to eat from the bunch. It takes about an hour to reach the fishing area. Our banana eating friend has heaving over the side of the boat the whole time.

Every one has rods ready, we bait up and drop line anticipating our first catch.

The captain sees fish on radar we wait, but nothing happens. So we go further out to sea.

Again we stop and fish and now half the boat is sea sick. Still no fish!

Then it gets worse!!

 (Clouds rolling in)

Out of nowhere the sky turns black and the sun just disappeared.

The wind begins to pick up causing the waves to rock the boat dramatically, but we still fish.

Now almost everyone is sick, and like something out of a movie rain began to pour down upon us tossing the boat about like a toy. We were scared! Everyone was silent or sick as we waited for the storm to pass. Finally after about an hour which felt like a day, we see glimmers of sun as the rain lets up and we head back to the marina. Not one person caught anything.

We were all disappointed except for our still sick friend who was happy to be back on land.

There was no sympathy from the crew or passengers for our banana eating buddy. 

So Don't Eat Bananas on a Fishing Boat!!

The Camping Consultants

Take your deer camp in the road

Take your deer camp in the road
Parks cater to hunters

Many of us enjoy fall camping – finding that perfect, peaceful spot to watch squirrels scurry through fallen leaves gathering their winter supply of food, or strolling through nature’s beautiful color palette. But there are others among us campers, who use fall camping time to experience deer hunting in other areas of the country – deer camp on wheels.

Now, I grew up in northern Michigan, so deer season was always like an extra holiday for us. Opening day of gun season was a school holiday when I was kid, although that’s changed a little now and it’s an excused absence with a copy of a deer license. It also meant family coming in to hunt, eat, tell stories and hunt some more. My grandma and mom may have liked it more if these hunters had considered taking their hunt to the road with their campers.

Today, there are several parks that welcome the fall hunters. And for those non-hunters who enjoy the fall season and camping out in the brisk weather, there’s still plenty to do at the campground or RV park while the hunters are out.

Here are a few ideas from which to choose:

• McCaslin Mountain Campground, Silver Cliff, Wis. – The 300-acre campground borders the Ncolet National Forest in northeastern, Wis., making it an idea spot for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Trout streams and the nearby Governor Thompson State Park also make it an outdoor haven. In addition, there are nearby ATV and snowmobile trails, as well as hiking and biking trails. And hunters can find guide service for guided deer, bear and turkey hunts. For the times when you are not out and about or hunting during season, the park also offers a game room and mini golf course. The campground offers 80 primitive sites, both wooded and open, and 48 water and electric hookup sites.
• Four Seasons RV Park, Herrin, Ill. – This park offers peaceful, spacious shaded sites, with full hookups. With an abundance of wildlife, the family-owned park welcomes hunters and fishermen. For those times you are back at camp, there is WiFi access available and laundry for the 30 sites.
• Moosehead Family Campground, Greenville, Maine – Located in the heart of Maine’s north woods and just minutes from Moosehead Lake, this campground welcomes hunters, as well as nature lovers who can watch the deer and moose walk freely. Just minutes from Greenville with its golf, public beaches, restaurants and shopping, the campground is nestled in a stand of apple, spruce, fir and pine trees. With 20, 30 and 50-amp sites, RVers are also offered a game room, playground and modem hookup at the camp store.
  

So, whether you enjoy hunting or enjoy watching the wildlife, get out in your camper before the snow flies and enjoy the third season for camping!

Reservations are a requirement in today’s camping

Reservations are a requirement in today’s camping
What happened to those first-come, first-serve days for procrastinators like me?

Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, has come and gone. But it wasn’t unnoticed. Although AAA reported fewer people would be traveling for the holiday weekend, the roads we traveled were filled with RVs and campers.

The weather was wonderful for camping, but sometimes if you leave the planning to someone else, it doesn’t get done and then you’re scrambling at the last minute. Earlier this year, we had planned to be in Tennessee camping and partaking in a family reunion. However, a death in the family that brought everyone from around the country together earlier, kept them from making the same trip in September. So, we were going to change our plans.

The problem is, we didn’t get the changes made in time. And, as often as I remind everyone here to make reservations early – we didn’t get ours made. And calling around just days before the holiday weekend left my husband and myself looking at each other knowing that for the first time in years, we had no camp site for Labor Day weekend.

We frantically called around to private and public parks, only to get the same message – no open sites. Finally, we found one, but there was a problem, the only open site couldn’t accommodate our 29-foot travel trailer.

So, you guessed it; we had no place to go. There used to be a time when reservations were considered odd in the RVing and camping sector of the industry. People got out of work on Friday and took off to the nearest or most desirable campground and put up camp. For the most part, those days are gone.

It makes sense that campground owners and operators want to know they have a full park for any weekend, but especially the holiday weekends. But planning too far in advance takes the thrill out of the open road and finding a destination by chance. While that can be done, for the most part, on other weekends throughout the summer, don’t leave the holiday weekends to chance. Learn from my lesson – MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY!

Now here are some campgrounds that take reservations and would love to open their sites to you:

• River Trail Crossing RV Park, Butler, Ohio, is on the Clear Fork Mohican River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The campground offers 44 total sites, from primitive tent sites to full hookup sites with 50-amp service for “big rigs.” Amenities include fishing, biking and hiking, a playground and even the chance to pan for gold in the river.
• My Brother's Place Campground, Houlton, Maine, is just two miles from New Brunswick, Canada. With 80 total sites, guests can stay in tents or RVs, or rent a cabin or 5th-Wheel Travel Trailer. WiFi is also available in the park, along with fishing, hiking and biking trails and nature trails, and swimming in a lake, pond or the ocean.
• Pioneer Trails RV Resort & Campground in Anacortes, Wash., is located among tall evergreens and including an adult spa, sports courts and 60 campsites. There are also six cabins and 24 RV rentals. WiFi is available throughout the resort, as well as a playground, basketball courts, regulation horseshoe pit and covered picnic areas.
• Indian Point RV Resort, Gautier, Miss., is surrounded by the Sioux Bayou that leads to the Escatawpa and Pascagoula rivers, leading to the Gulf of Mexico. There are 100 total sites and 16 cabins for guests without RVs. Amenities include cable TV, Internet access in the park, fishing, mini-golf, a playground and a swimming pool.
  

Barefoot on the beach

Each summer as with a lot of families, we have our annual summer vacation.

As you would have guessed, ours is a camping vacation. This time we choose St. Augustine, Florida, and stayed at Anastasia state park.

The sites were very tropical, small but cozy. Once settled in we felt as if we were on a tropical island. The history of St. Augustine is rich in culture as in the picture above, this quarry was worked by Native Americans and enslaved Africans. The coquina stone mined from this quarry was then used to build the Castillo De San Marcos fort.

Another site that's rich in history is Fort Mose (pronounced mo' se) the first settlement for freed Africans in North America.

The town is adorable. We toured around on a rented scooter, which was an adventure on it's own.

We followed the path of the tour buses which lead us to the tour sites. We visited the Ponce De Leon fountain of youth (and looking younger for it!), The Castillo De San Marcos fort, just to name a few.  And what a way to top off a day by visiting a local winery for a tour and a wine tasting, a really good wine tasting!

The beach at Anastasia campground was unbelievable, on this visit our footprints were literally the only ones. The beach is breathtaking, the white sand so soft underfoot.
The entire week as we toured various sites around St. Augustine, we listened to one of our favorite cd's Barefoot on the beach.

Where Micheal Franks talks about the beach and the Fountain of youth.  A couple that we've known for decades was coming down to spend the rest of the week with us.
Being from Boston, whenever we go anywhere near the ocean we try to get in a deep sea fishing trip. So we were excited.
Remember camping can be more than roasting marshmallows, It's a inexpensive way to travel and explore new places.
Never underestimate the power of camping, the possibilities are endless.

Stay tuned for part two, our adventure at sea, and what an adventure it was!


The Camping Consultants

How to scale and clean a panfish

This video shows you just how easy it is to scale and clean a panfish.
Panfish taste great, their light and sweet. Their usually the first fish you or your children may catch.
Just use a small hook and a worm and your ready. check out the link for pictures of different types of panfish. So get the frying pan ready.

The Camping Consultants

Have school rules gone to far? (boy gets suspended for camping utensil)

Has political correctness gone too far?
This is the story of a six year old who loves to camp, and took his camping knife( the kind with a fork and spoon) to school to eat lunch. This little boy loves camping so much he eats meals at home with it.

Now he is suspended and faces reform school.

Nature is so lacking in society today. Are the people who make these types of decisions lacking a understanding of nature? Could he be a future science teacher ?

Teachers and school administrators need the flexibility to judge a situation on it's on merit.

Not just a one size fits all or zero tolerance for this type of infraction. We understand the need for safety in our schools.

Here's a quote from the article on msnbc,

"Zachary was suspended immediately for five school days. At the end of the suspension, he and his mother appeared before the district’s disciplinary action committee, where his principal and others spoke up for his good character. It didn’t matter. The committee’s hands were tied. The rules said he had brought a knife to school and would have to spend 45 days in the reform school."

The national publicity seems to be making inroads. Now the school board says it may rescind that policy. let's hope that they do. 

 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Here's another example of going to far, from Fox News

A 17-year-old Eagle Scout in upstate New York has been barred from stepping foot on school grounds for 20 days — for keeping a 2-inch pocketknife locked in a survival kit in his car.
Let's try to encourage the love of the outdoors and nature in our children.


The Camping Consultants

How to filet and skin a fish

As the sea of green foliage begins to change into it's autumn colors.
Patrons of the campgrounds slow, which for us, as a party of two begins our time to enjoy romantic weekends.
Swimming season is all but behind us. Replaced by bike rides, bird watching, and brisk walks, others will enjoy a mix of day and evening temperatures. None the less, it's the beauty of the fall colors that await.
With splashing children, and jet skis out of the lake.
Fishing is at the top of the list. Sitting by the waters edge with a rod or two, and a cold beverage is a great way to relax. 
So you've caught a bunch of fish, now what?
Only keep what you will eat!
And watch our video on how to filet and skin a fish.

The Camping Consultants

Lost and Found

While writing the last blog it brought back special memories of a trip taken long ago.

We camped a lot in western Massachusetts, There were never any other African Americans. We never understood that. There was natural beauty and friendly people everywhere. And we still find that to be true when camping today.

Many years ago while camping, we had a most profound experience that we wanted to share with you.

It was the summer that our only child married and moved out of state. 
That was the beginning of our lives as empty nesters. Camping has always been a big part of our lives as a family. Making the transition without her was a new stage for us. 
We remember the trip well. First because of the group that came with us, four siblings, three sister in laws and their children. It was august, the days were warm enough to swim, the nightfall came early and the air cooled quickly. I'll never forget walking the trails that were filled with wild blackberries, which were so delicious.

The evenings by the campfire hold memories of detailed conversations of childhood antics. Boy, did we all learn a lot about our husbands! It was truly a time of bonding for all of us.

The weekend came to it's end and we packed up to head home.  
We were just about to pull off in our caravan of cars, when the sound of a mom frantically calling out for her son stopped us.

Apparently the very young boy had wondered off their site and was missing, We immediately joined the search. Dusk was upon us, and the campground was surrounded by woods. Everyone fanned out to search. All of a sudden, it was as if something came over me...

I began walking into the dense foliage, not knowing where it was heading, the fate of this young boy was driving me.

Walking through scratchy brambles and low hanging branches, a glimpse of movement off in the distance caught my eye. There, in what appeared to be a shallow animal hollow, was the little boy!!!

It was a bit chilly and he was cold and scared. I picked him up and turned to realize that I wasn't absolutely sure of my whereabouts. I began calling out to the group, who's voices helped guide us out the the forest area. The father grabbed his son and held him tightly without saying a word. The mother thanked us.

We returned to our cars to head home. All were still shocked and shaken. No one can explain the events of that day. One can only believe it was divine intervention.

But the most important thing to note is that campers are a family and always stick together.

We have never experienced anything like that day, and hope we never will... We have always felt safe and secure in the environment of campers. Remember Life is precious
and family is priceless. So get out, enjoy nature and go camping in color.

The Camping Consultants

Summers End

The last official holiday of the summer was busy and great fun!

We had two groups camp with us. The first group was a single mom and her son, who brought along a friend. All were first time campers. 

We sent her a Camping in color checklist to help her get organized. And to our delight, she showed up fully prepared. 

It always gives me a charge, watching the reaction of newcomers and seeing their faces light up with surprise and amazement. Watching families sharing true time together is priceless!

We left Friday night even though driving at night isn't as enjoyable as it once was.

But waking up on Saturday morning with the view of the lake and birds singing is always worth it. 

The morning view! 

Leaving on Friday, gave us a few hours alone before our guest arrive at noon. The boys age 13 and 14 showed up with a football and a PlayStation. Our site was large enough for them to throw the football around.

Then it was time to set up their sleeping quarters, We showed them how to pitch a tent and secure it properly. Remember this was their first time camping, they were amazed at how fast and easy setting up could be and it went well.
Then they were off swimming, fishing and boating. The Psp was never used that weekend, We offered a evening movie, which was turned down. Instead they roasted marshmallows and made smores, sat by the fire until late that evening and had to drag themselves to bed. The mom reported that her son wants to camp again, and his friend who wasn't a water person came to appreciate the lake and the outdoors.


The second group arrived shortly after the first group left that Sunday evening. Another mom and her daughter bringing with them two young girls. Fortunately they arrived just before sunset, and the girls immediately began swimming until dusk.


The moon was almost full, and the sky bright, a perfect time for a walk to star gaze.
The girls were nervous at first about walking without flashlights turned on in an unfamiliar setting.
Watching them explore their world by night gives further proof to the power of camping. After returning to our campsite we made smores. The Girls choose to watch a bedtime movie, which ended up watching them sleep. 

A morning swim is a favorite way to start the day, Our girls thought so too!
But they made it an all day affair. We always take along goggles and floats to add to the fun. The mom confessed that she thought three girls would be a great deal of work for her, but as they played in the lake all day (in life jackets). Finding treasures, riding the waves from passing boats. Mom realized just how easy camping can be. She sat near the waters edge under a beach umbrella catching up on some reading and the natural beauty.
Until next time. 
We would love to hear from you, comment on this page or drop us a email.

The Camping Consultants

Camping a positive influence on our youth

First time camping with The Camping Consultants

We just came across this article (City kids leave concrete behind for the outdoors)
and thought it was inspirational, hat's off to Eugene Kane of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel for bringing this information to light.
Ron Johnson a community resource coordinator, and the group TJ Peace are to be commended as men who recognizes the need for positive male role models. 

They also sees the importance that camping and nature has on ones growth and development.
Another person in the group is Terrence Ray, director of the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative.

Here's a quote from the article,

"Ray also considered the trip a valuable way to put his group's mission - promoting the role of fathers in their children's lives - into practice. This particularly includes African-American fathers and sons, a group that some people don't naturally equate with being avid campers in this part of the country."
This gives the Camping Consultants hope that a new generation of men will develop into the leaders of the future.
Men that appreciate the natural world and all that it has to offer. Our wish is that camping can become a retreat for the whole family. 

The Camping Consultants

How to start a campfire

This video was made Labor Day weekend. We had two separate groups of camping converts with us.

We're still recuperating from a great time. Stay tuned for more details.
With the cooler evening nights this can be one of the best times for a crackling fire.
So grab some marshmallows and go camping!

Please watch the video and let us know what you think.

leave a comment we would love to hear from you.

The Camping Consultants

Etna ~ Mountain Village RV Park

The Mountain Village RV Park is a commercial venture and is located just at the edge of town. If one is driving in on Hwy. 3 from Fort Jones and Yreka it will be just to your left as you enter town. You will come to an intersection that will head into town, continue on Hwy 3. Look for a Shell Gas Station within 1/4 mile or so and you will also see the sign for Mountain Village RV Park. It is easy to find.

Mountain Village RV Park
30 Commercial Way
Etna, CA 96027 (530) 467-5678


This RV Park was built about 10 years ago and has nice pull through spots and grassy areas. The trees aren't full grown yet, but it is a pleasant spot with a nice view of the mountains and the valley. They have full amenities including wi-fi, laundry, cable, 50 foot length sites, ADA accessible bathrooms and a children's play area. They can accommodate electrical needs at 20, 30, and 50 Amps.

If you are looking for a nice spot to camp and to see sites off the beaten path, this just might be the ticket! Etna is a charming little town that has its roots in the area Gold Rush in during the 1850's and 1860's. They have a small, but nice museum, a micro-brewery that not only has beer, but great root beer, the Etna Brewery, and the Scott Valley Drug Store (see photo at right) in Etna is a place not to be missed ~ great ice cream, soda fountain, working pharmacy, souvenirs from the area including gold jewelry from the area and a wonderful building! There are wonderful old Victorian homes and buildings and stunning scenery in the area.

Thanks for visiting my Camping Blog! We hope you drop in and visit Siskiyou County ~ it is a fascinating and beautiful place! Rich in history, fun, adventure, and friendly folks!

Thirty Years and Still Excited !!!

Myrtle Beach  State Park

Still excited about camping and our lives together!

We are looking forward to the final holiday of the summer. 

Excitement is building as we prepare, hence the title of this blog.

We are lucky to have a site. 

Getting a campsite on on a holiday weekend can be very difficult,

unless you book far in advance. So don't procrastinate

  

This time we didn't have a site reserved, and from past experience we knew the only way to get one would be to go there early Wednesday or Thursday, and try to find a walk up site.

Walk up sites can be like what Forrest Gump said "Momma always said life was like a box a chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." 

But we hit the jackpot, a previously booked site became available. Because we didn't give up we kept searching on recreation.gov.

Not only did we get a site, we got a prime waterfront site!

The Camping consultants prefer the Army corp of engineer parks because most are on lakes.

Most sites have electricity and water. That makes them one of our favorite places to camp.

So now we prepare for our trip, after thirty plus years of camping we still use a camping list.

Where there's organization, there's relaxation!

Here's our camping checklist, no list is complete we recommend that you customize a checklist for your needs.
The Camping Consultants

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Camping checklist

Food and related items

food (shop at home first) plan meals ahead and multiply times the # of days camping

seasonings (some things can be seasoned at home

condiments

pots, pans

foil

coffee/tea pot

utensils for cooking

plates, cups and napkins

knives, forks,spoons

dish liquid

can-bottle opener

bin for washing dishes

paper towels

storage containers/storage bags

ice/ice packs (you can make ice blocks in bowls or large storage bags)

trash bags/plastic bags from the grocery store

beverages/drinking water

coolers

camping stove or griddle, hotplate (for sites w/electricity

fuel for stove

extension cord

charcoal and lighter fluid

grill (most campgrounds have grills)

grill brush (or use crumbled alum foil)

coolers (one for meat, the other for beverages)

smore's stuff

marshmallows

snacks (healthy)

Tent and Sleeping

tent (or camper of your own or rented)

sleeping bags or sheets and comforter

pillow?

Air mattress, foam or cot (your choice)

don't forget pump for your air mattress

lantern- fuel and/or batteries

hammer or mallet for staking tent

Camping Gear

lantern (yes it's listed twice) So important!!!

fuel or batteries for lantern

extra lantern mantles

flashlights/extra batteries

long handle lighter

waterproof matches/wooden matches (place in a storage bag)

fire starter sticks/or build your fire from scratch

folding saw (for cutting wood)

folding knife or multi tool

tarp (great if it rains and great under your tent)

rope, or cord (for clothes or hanging tarp)

shovel or folding shovel

whisk broom and dust pan

work gloves

firewood (if camping locally)

Recreation

camera/batteries

swim gear

life jackets

fishing gear

sun screen

insect repellent

first aid kit

sunglasses

rain suit (about 10-12 dollars)

Personal

towels

toiletries

baby wipes can be very useful

medicine