Cold Weather Camping

Junior's scout pack has a campout planned this month... which means we need to considerably upgrade for an entirely different level, instead of simple summer-time camping. Here's some basics:

• Over pack, over prepare, and bundle in too many layers, because it's easier to decide to not use it than be miserable that we didn't have enough.
• Cotton clothing is a no-no, go for polyester and wool fabrics as these will continue to help keep you warm despite your body's persperation.
• Don't settle for a sleeping bag that isn't at least rated for 15 degrees for your average cold weather camping.
• Dense foam pads will help keep you from soaking up the cold through the floor when you try to sleep. Air mattresses won't help and merely using mutiple blanket layers underneath (as we do for summer camping) will compress too much to insulate well.
• Avoid cool drinks, drink coffee or hot cocoa instead

And here's some fairly imformative links:

• Cold Weather Camping & First Aid @ Netwoods.com
• Campfish.net

Camping with the Scouts

This was a completely new experience for me - thousands of campers pitching tents bumper to bumper (while in the dark in our case!) and waking up to the strains "Revelry" ealy in the morning. But rather than have me tell you all about ScoutQuest 2010 held at Mahoney State Park, perhaps it's best to let Junior (Webelos 2 Scout) tell you himself in his own words:

October 8-10 was a special weekend. We went to ScoutQuest when we were camping. It was crowded with scouts and rides. All the scouts' flags were there. There were plays. We ate with our friends. And we played at camp.

We played dodge ball, shot a catapult, fought in the battle dome, and there was lots of stuff to buy at the scout shops. We saw people dressed as Indians, and even Gallagher! It was a lot of fun, can't wait tell next time.

And there you have it ;)

Happy Labor Day!

Another good excuse to go camping at the lake!

Gone Camping - See ya'll in about a Week!

Be Prepared

It's that time of year again!

The tents have been patched and repaired and set up in the backcountry of our backyard wilderness.The bright orange nylon puptent is one I bought as a kid and spent many a summer's night in, dreaming up all kinds of wilderness adventures. Since it's small and we have the room I'll bring it along as a backup/storage shelter.

The Ozark Country dome tent works perfectly for the two of us and sets up easy. All the fiberglass poles have been replaced with brand new heavier ones, which will stand up to the harsh winds at Lake McConaughy much better.


Junior has been wishing to emulate the Boy Scouts in everything, so we designed our own camp flag with the motto "Nothing Ventured - Nothing Gained." The symbol of the coyote seems very appropriate too. Part of my love for camping in the wilderness is listening to the sounds of all the living creatures in the still of the night and early morning - especially the call of coyotes.

Daybreak at Lake McConaughy

Vintage 1960's Hiking Back Pack Canvas Framed Rucksack

Too cool. Vintage 1960's Hiking Back Pack Canvas Framed Rucksack on ebay.

The seller states as follows:

Here is a very cool vintage canvas and aluminum framed hiking backpack. The woman I purchased this from actually used this pack on a trip through Norway and other parts of Europe. There are many cool patches sewn onto the pack from the cities she visited. Her name and info is written on the back and inside of the top flap. The bag has a good sized main compartment along with two side pockets. The shoulder straps and pocket straps are leather. There are a few small stains on the pack but overall the condition is very good.

The pack measures approximately 16" tall and 30" wide.

Golden Book of Camping & Camp Crafts

*sigh* Just where was this book hiding when I was 10 years old? Perhaps some kid never returned his borrowed copy back to the library before I ever got a hint at it. This book has just about everything of it's day, profusely illustrated in 100% glorious color. There's even several pages of how to make your own canvas tent... hmmmmm....

I guess I'll just have to start catching up on what I missed out ;)

Vintage Preway Campstove

A sweet deal for only $7, she even has her original instructions. Fired her up with a little white gas and she works.

Vintage Therm-A-Chest

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Making Camp

Junior shows how its done.

Beach Camping