Setting up Camp

Whenever I roll into camp, the first thing I do is check out the area. You want to make sure you are camping at a reasonable distance from the next camper to allow some privacy. Check the ground for any glass, nails, animal feces, rocks, cacti, or any type of obstruction. It is also a good idea to look for water. Most campsites have water spigots which allows you to have access to free water during your stay. If there is a camp host, ask where the water is. Once you set up your whole campsite, there is no turning back. Whether you camp in desert climates or wooded areas, look for flat areas where you can find shade from trees or bushes. I like to set up my whole campsite right away, that way I can get it done and relax.
This is my personal step by step method I use for setting up camp, but you choose what works best for you.
The first thing I do is set up my tent. Depending on the style of tent you use, this could be the most time consuming part of setting up. I will go over types of tents later on. Once you have your tent up, this will allow for all your blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, air mattress, and any other personal items you want stored and out of the way. The next thing I unpack is my camping kitchen. Whomever created them, was a genius. I am able to organize all my kitchen items. The next thing is to unpack all camp chairs, put together your toilet, put up a portable shower, put up the canopy, and set out all other Misc items. Don't forget to put out a garbage bag right away. I usually find a tree branch that is just aways from camp, so you don't get bothered by bees and flies. Make sure you pack out everything you packed in when your ready to leave. Here are a couple of good tips to remember:

Flies, ants, and bees are always unwelcoming guests when camping. Make sure you store your food above ground. Make sure you keep lids on all containers, including any food or garbage cans you may bring. Bees love to fly around used pop and beer cans. If you hang a garbage bag, try using the drawstring kind to keep it as closed as possible. Always pick up animal waste as soon as you see it, if you don't, you will see more flies than you knew existed. Happy Camping Everyone.

Food and beverage at the Campsite

When it comes to food and beverage the sky is the limit on what you can bring. If you are like me and have been camping for years, you probably remember the only style of cooking was on the old portable gas stove or even straight onto the campfire. while some find nothing wrong with this except, we have moved into the 21st century of cooking and that means cooking in style, and doing it in the outdoors, is no exception. Today you can literally buy cordless appliances such as auto drip coffee makers, blenders, grills, fryers, cookers, skillets, and ovens, yes ovens. So really these appliances have taken the guess work out of preparing food. You will pack what you like, here is a basic checklist of some of my must haves and favorites:

Meat (chicken, beef, pork, lunch meat, fish), bread, eggs, milk, coffee, chips, salad (potato,macaroni, house), pickles, olives, bacon, sausage, butter,salad dressing, potatoes (canned, instant, or raw), popcorn, fruit, juice, peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, soup, crackers, beans (canned),cheese, snacks (nuts, chocolate, dried fruit), soda, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, pepper), bottled water.

Some good packing tips:
Uncooked foods like chicken, beef, and pork should be kept at a safe temperature at all times until your ready to cook. They should be kept at temperatures below 51oF. It is best to store these items in an insulated cooler by themselves in safe proof containers. If you don't want to mess with raw meats, try cooking them at home first and then reheat later. Preparing sandwiches ahead of time, saves time and space. Try using plastic baggies for some of your items. Pack the non perishable items in a plastic tub, or even a box. Pack the perishable items in a separate cooler than the meat and beverages. If your wondering what type of ice to pack in, try block ice as it last longer than cubed or crushed. Save all excess water from your cooler in case you run out. I don't recommend this for drinking purposes.

Camp Fires

What is camping without a campfire? The smell of burning logs, the social gatherings, the story telling. When fires are permitted, it usually makes the whole camping trip worth it. Most campfires are made either at the crack of dawn, or just as the sun is setting. Just how do you make a proper campfire? Most campsites already provide a ring or a pit as they call it. This allows you to know exactly where your fire will be for the duration of your stay. If you are not staying in a camp facility where there is not a designated ring or pit, you will have to make your own, and you must ensure you follow some strict rules. Know the fire restrictions in your area. Here in Arizona we have a lot of them and for a good reason. It is HOT and Dry. If Smokey The Bear says "NO FIRES" he means it. If you have the A- okay here are some good tips to follow:



Never allow children to run around an open fire. Never let a child feed the fire with wood. They should only be allowed near a campfire with a responsible adult.

Gather only wood you see on the ground. Don't chop down the nearest tree, as fresh wood is harder to burn, and it's illegal.

You can also buy store bought wood, which usually costs about $5 a bundle, and last only about an hour, so I suggest you stock up.

Gather bark, pine needles, and small pieces of wood which are already on the ground, as this makes great kindling. You can also use good ole fashioned newspaper.

Make sure you have all the wood you need, so you don't start the fire and leave it unattended, why your out looking for more wood.

When building your fire, make sure you are about 6-8 feet away from any hanging branches, twigs, trees, leaves, and flammable things such as propane, or gasoline.

Make sure you have a supply of water by your fire, in case it starts to get out of control.

Have a camp shovel and Axe, or even a chainsaw.

Place kenneling in your pit tee pee style. This will allow air flow up the middle. Once you have this going, then gradually add larger pieces of wood until your fire reaches a safe burn.

Don't throw anything into the fire, that gives off toxins such as plastic and Styrofoam.

If the fire is out of control and you cannot get a handle on it, "DON'T PANIC". Try to put it out, or call or drive for help. It's a good idea to know exactly where your camped, in case you have to call for help. If you panic, you might not be able to tell the person on the other line where your at.

Completely put the fire out before going to bed. You can pour water or dirt, or both on it. If you still hear the fire crackle, it's not out.

When you are leaving, make sure that the cleanup process also involves removing any garbage you left in the fire pit.

Please be responsible when it comes to campfires. As Smokey The Bear says, "Only you can prevent forest fires".