Acamping Sites: 03/01/2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

NOTE TO READERS

I L O V E camping and it makes me joyful to write about it.

You will notice that I've attached lot's of ways to find products that I recommend.
Check out the RESOURCE list (to the right of posts) to see vendors as well as Amazon links at the bottom of each page.

However you don't have to spend lots of money to camp, I am a regular at the thrift store to get most of my goods or you can use what you have from home.

I have posted "Reading Room" that has many wonderful book recommendations, I particularly love the children's books. I update the list as I discover more books, so check back in.
I am working on reshaping the site in the way it looks as well as having a theme each month and sending out one post per weekend (we'll see how that goes) on topics such as.............

Kids & Camping: how to camp with kids, ideas on what to do, make and cook with them, book lists, games .......
FUN FINDS: One unique item per post that is fun, interesting or odd but possibly useful
Glamping: How to glamp up your campsite without over doing it, tips and pictures
Locations: How to research, read, find and make reservation etc...

You see where I'm going with this. If you have any topics that are important to you, please let me know. Or if you would like to write a camping story and have it posted contact me.
The month of April will be about

Camp Cooking
Setting up a Camp Kitchen
Recipes
Gadgets and more

Thank you and enjoy Camping In (YOUR) Style.
Love,
Ruth

"Anyone can camp and it doesn‘t have to be grueling. Weather in your backyard or in a remote location you do NOT need to be uncomfortable, eat dry food or be an extreme outdoor enthusiast. I love being outdoors and even more I LOVE to live out doors. It’s good for my soul, heath and body! You CAN create the perfect outdoor living space to feed your soul too. During the best weather I go camping at campgrounds and when the days are less predictable we set up our camp at home"

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Fowlers Camp (NFS)

Affiliation: National Forest Service Campground

Number of Campsites: 39 campsites, Maximum spur for trailers, 32'.

Length of Stay: 14 day, first come, first served.

Location/address: Shasta-Trinity National Forest, McCloud Ranger Station. Approximately 5.5 miles east of McCloud off of State Highway 89. (15 miles East from Interstate 5 off Highway 89)

Elevation: 3,400 ft.

Fee: $15 per night. Self-registration station.

Season: May - October

Directions: Near Mt. Shasta City take the Highway 89 turn off from Interstate 5 and travel east for approximately 15 miles. Look for the sign that points to the south that indicates the way to Fowler Camp and Lower Falls. Travel south approximately 1 mile. Watch for sign at fork in road and go left to campground. All roads are paved, even within the campground. Good signage for directions.

Contacts:
McCloud Ranger Station
P. O. Box 1620
McCloud, CA 96057
(530) 964-2184
www.fs.usda.gov/stnf

Amenities:

Vault Toilets
Tables
Drinking Water
Trash service
Grills and fire rings
Paved campsites
Fishing nearby at McCloud River
Hiking
River Access within a short distance
Walking distance to falls (three falls ~ hike is 3 mile round trip)
Located in nice stand of trees
Swimming may be available in the area

General Description: Lovely campground with camp host during season. Two loops with campsites. Mature trees. Good fishing and easy river access. Campsites are "smallish" and most may not accommodate two vehicles, however, some sites were available for slightly larger parties. Summertime can be busy at this campground, early arrival may be recommended. Campground is suitable for mid-sized RV's and trailers as well as for tents.

Nearby Services: Groceries in McCloud approximately 5.5 miles, west of the camp off of Highway 89. Hospital in Mt. Shasta City approximately 18 miles.

Monday, March 29, 2010

FUN FIND - Game

Check out the Fun Find

CAMP TALK for $8

This little diddy has 50 questions for kids about camping. For ages 7 and up, this is a simple way to get the energy moving at camp. I think hiding this in their sleeping bag or backpack to find while setting up camp would be a Fun Find for them as well.

Around The Table Games has other topics as well. Like Family Talk, Buddy Talk, Teen Talk etc....

To see more go to Around The Table Games

Thursday, March 25, 2010

RV Cooking Show Shares Pots and Pans Packing Advice + a Delish RV Recipe

All across the country trees are budding, flowers are beginning to bloom, birds are chirping…and RVers and campers are preparing for their spring/summer adventures. One of the great things about camping is that it can be as expensive or as frugal as you choose to make it. A big financial factor is food – will you choose to eat out or dine in? Chances are it’ll be a combo.

Don’t be caught unprepared to cook a terrific meal at your campsite – it’s easy, fun, can be a great family affair, and is definitely a dollar-stretcher. In this episode of the RV Cooking Show I’ll show you what pots and pans I bring along in my RV…and a few things I carry that I really don’t need. Print a nifty RV Pots & Pans checklist here!

After a walk through my RV kitchen cupboards we’ll prepare a simple and delicious RV recipe - warm tortellini salad that can be made in advance and that is terrific for picnics and potlucks. It’s a favorite in my RV and will be a tasty addition to the ‘Movie Under the Stars Potluck Party’ this weekend at the campground I’m visiting.

Stay tuned to the GoCampingAmerica blog – soon your RV Cooking Show friends will share how we stock our RV kitchen pantry and even offer a checklist for your convenience.

Excitement is mounting…find your perfect camping spot, pick up a few helpful camping tips, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors - it’s time to Go Camping America!

Evanne

http://www.rvcookingshow.com/

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Birds. Vane Farm. Loch Leven

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/v/vanefarm/seasonal_highlights.aspx
Vane Farm bird watching is 10 miles from the camp site. North on the motorway.

Spring Has Arrived
Follow link for encouraging birds.
Seen at our campsite (resident Peregrine Falcon, Buzzard,)
and nearby areas, such as these greylag geese at Lochore.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Campfire starter kits

Your campfire starter kit can be bought for £5 in the gallery
near the metal farm gate.
There is an honesty pot (pale blue Tea pot.)

These are £5 and include a few logs, kindling sticks, firelighter, paper.

Plus when available, a piece of peat.

See what else is for sale, etc. on the Shop/What's on site blogpost.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Forest Service - National Parks - State Parks

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE

Forest Service: is part of the US Department of Agriculture and manages the national forests and grasslands, forestry research and cooperation with forest managers on state and private lands . The Forest Service is dedicated to multiple-use management for the sustained yield of renewable resources such as water, forage, wildlife, forest product and recreation. Multiple-use means managing resources under the best combination of uses to benefit the American people while ensuring the productivity of the land and protecting the quality of the environment.

National Park Service: is part of the US Department of Interior and focuses on preservation. They preserve, unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

State Parks: are similar to National Parks but are managed at the state level and can have fewer restrictions.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

READING ROOM

This is a list of some EXCELLENT camping books. The first three are in my library and answer all the questions you will have about car camping and more.

The rest are also excellent and may be more suited to your specific STYLE of camping. At the very bottom I have attached the books through Amazon for you to review for yourself.

THREE MUST HAVE BOOKS

First off you will NEED a book by Tom Stienstra for your area/state or "The Best In Tent Camping" by Cindy Coloma & Bill Mai. Both of these authors give you camp ground ratings and are a great starting place for planning.
Next IF your really new to camping, "Camping in Comfort" by Lynn Haney will give you all the basic information you need to decide what type of camping you want to do and what equipment you will need to make it happen. This is a great "overall" book that is easy to read and not very big.
Third you will want my book "Camping In Style” by Ruth Chase to give you all the additional info you need to camp but on top of it you get unconventional tips, things to do with your kids and how to upscale camp with ease. Coming out this spring!

ADDITIONAL READS THAT I LIKE / LOVE

Would You?: Questions to Challenge Your Beliefs by Evelyn McFarlane, James Saywel
Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies and Young Children by Jennifer Aist
If... (Questions For The Game of Life) by Evelyn McFarlane, James Saywell
Camp Cooking 100 Years by National Museum Of Forest Service History

BOOKS FOR KIDS

Birds, Nests & Eggs by Mel Boring

Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunelle
Where Do Stars Come From, Nana? by Tina Perry
Kids Campfire Book, Official Book of Campfire Fun by Jane Drake, Ann Love
Kids Book of the Night Sky, by Ann Love, Jane Drake
The Kids' Summer Handbook by Ann Love, Jane Drake
Curious George Goes Camping by Margret Rey and H. A. Rey
S Is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James and Lita Judge
A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
About Birds: A Guide for Children by Cathryn P. Sill
Nature's Art Box by Laura C. Martin
How to Be an Explorer of the World by Keri Smith
How to Build Treehouse, Huts and Forts by David Stiles
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backyard Adventures by Nancy Worrell
Go Wild!: 101 Things to Do Outdoors Before You Grow Up by Fiona Dank

READING LINKS

updated 6/24/10

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Weather March camping

Thanks to the 8 campers from St. Andrews,who had 2 days here in March 2010
and to Liam who arranged it.
We enjoyed having you around.
Glad you liked the toilets Hannah.

Friday, March 12, 2010

HISTORY of Cowboys & Bandanas

During long cattle drives or roundups, the cowboys needed a way to keep all the dust and dried grass from getting into their nose, mouth and throat. Hence, the bandana came about. The bad guys took opprtunity of the bandana and also used it to cover their face when doing their dirty tactics.

wiki.answers.com

A bandanna or bandana (from the Hindi: बन्धन bandhana, "to tie") is a type of large, usually colorful, kerchief, usually worn on the head.[3] Bandannas are frequently printed in a paisley pattern.
Bandanas are also traditionally used as handkerchiefs by manual laborers and outdoorsmen, since they more practically hide stains than a white handkerchief. Thus they come to symbolize social revolutions. Anarchists participating in a black bloc, as well as other protestors, may wear a bandana over their face to conceal their identity and provide some protection against tear gas and pepper spray.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandana

Here is a fun Mister Freedom bandana by JCrew

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Camping / RVing and Spring Wildflowers – a perfect pair

You don’t have to read it on Go Camping America to know that springtime is prime time for wildflower viewing. From early March to the end of May RVers and campers can embark upon a memorable and exciting spring camping vacation full of fresh air hikes, colorful photo opps, and a healthy dose of nature – just what we all need after a long, snowy winter.

Everyone has heard of the famous Texas Hill Country bluebonnets but the indian blankets, just as spectacular, follow the bluebonnet blooms. California deserts come alive with color. If you time it just right you might get to see flowering Joshua Trees (photo left) – though the fragrance can be less than pleasant. And then there’s Tennessee's famed Great Smoky Mountains wildflowers. Nowhere else can you see the flame azalea and with over 1500 other flowering plants you won’t be disappointed.

But did you know that most likely there are beautiful wildflower displays in your “backyard”? The wildflower displays in the Pacific Northwest’s (Oregon and Washington) Columbia River Gorge are, well, gorgeous. The Hocking Hills area of Southern Ohio boasts amazing wildflower displays. Virginia’s Shenandoah region as well as the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway are a haven for wildflower lovers.

As if camping or RVing, hiking, and photography aren’t enough, springtime blossoms with some fabulous flower festivals. There’s the nationally known Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC March 27 – April 11; Ashville, North Carolina is home to the Biltmore Estate Festival of Flowers running from April 3 – May 16; and July 12 – 18 you won’t want to miss the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in Colorado.

With longer days and warmer weather ahead, gather the family and visit GoCampingAmerica.com to find your perfect springtime destination and campground. Here’s to a blooming good time!

Contributed by Evanne Schmarder

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Remarkable Flower Photos and Water Droplets by Steve Wall | Light Stalking

Remarkable Flower Photos and Water Droplets by Steve Wall Light Stalking

These are the most amazing photos. We can't guarantee you'll see them at the camp but they must be here somewhere.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Fishing Lochs Raith Lake

Lochore ruins

The old coal mine at Loch Ore is now a lake for water activities.

Loch Leven has boat rides to the Island that Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned on.
Good to take a picnic. Boathouse Bistro refurbished March 2011.

Loch Gelly has swans and other wildlife.

Loch Fitty for fishing.

Loch at Townhill for water skiing.

Raith Lake Fly fishing. Viewing bacony. Hot drinks.

Reviews Cool Camping Scotland 2010 edition

Cool Camping - Home
http://www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsite/gimme-shelter
http://www.punkpublishing.co.uk/

http://www.coolcamping.co.uk/

1.3.2010 edition of the Cool camping Scotland by punk publishing,
can be bought from W.h. Smith, Waterstones, Amazon (top 50 bestsellers), or from our gallery.

It is well written, researched and informed,
with stunning photographs
(some of our camp, page 44 and 47, by Keith Didcote whose photos appear in the Guardian, etc.),
amusing play on song titles on the last paragraph of page 46.
Mentions in 5 categories pages 11-15 and page 5/6.

http://www.woodlandcampingimmeshelter.com/

Thursday, March 4, 2010

LOCATION LOCATION

Where you camp DOES matter. Don't just call up and pick any 'ol site. Unless of course your using your incredable inner guide that has a history of picking out the best locals on a whim.

A few things to consider:

Call the Park Ranger ahead of time and ask them what sites they like base on your interest, close to water, quiet, shady etc...
How far do you want to drive. Then circle around your area aprox. 35/50 miles X hours you want to travel. Or go to Reserve America and work from that site.
How many amenities do you want. Shower? Toilet? Water to Swim?None?
Sometimes on the campground map you can see how far the sites are from each other(not always true) so pick something with space around it.
Choose a space away from the bathroom or you will see allot of foot traffic through your site or see a bright light all night.
Unless your camping with a group avoid sites from the inner sections as they back up to other sites and can be cramped. While the outter rim sites often back up to the woods.

I LOVE the books written by Tom Stienstra, he rates campgrounds. Two things to remember with his books. One he loves to fish and may rate a 10 site based on a few different requirements than you or I. And he only rates the overall campground so while the location may rate a 10 at it's best site many if not most of the other sites could easily be a 3 or 4 at best. However his books are a GREAT place to start. And I found quite a few 7’s for him are a 10 for me and visa vera. I try to go to 7’s and above.

See RCR Ruth's Campsite Ratings on this blogg for best site numbers at the parks I've been to.

I like State Parks and Parks that say they abide by the "quiet time". Mostly because these parks will have less of the "party" all night crowd. You may know the type that plays horrid music loudly as if everyone else wants to hear it too. Then comes the hoot and hallars. I like to see someone who works there come by and check out the campground.
You are also going to want to pay attention to how many cars are allowed and the additional charge for extras.
Dog fees and rules. Be sure to ask where your dog IS allowed. See Dogs in this Blogg.
If you have a young kid you may want to find a park with a playground?
Reservations at some of the most popular sites begin on the first day 7 months prior.
To make reservation at most parks in the USA go to http://www.reserveamerica.com/
Here is a site that has some park ratings online http://camprate.com/

Camping Books To Help Listed Below
See Reading Room

Acamping Sites