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Camping Tipsby Carol Wright and Terry Vogel Setting up:
Terry and I have the chore of setting camp down to a science and everything goes like clockwork. The tent goes up first with a large tarp on the ground underneath for extra floor protection. A welcome mat by the tent door makes housekeeping easier, particularly in the rain or snow.
Once the tent was organized and the beds ready, Terry helps me set up the next important area of camp – the kitchen. He built a large, waterproof chuck box for me several years ago, since we sometimes camp for extended periods and I like to be organized. The box is fairly heavy when fully loaded and takes both of us to position it on the tailgate of the truck or on a concrete table, if one is available. The front of the chuck box folds down and has a laminated work surface. The box also has a number of drawers and compartments to keep dishes, utensils and spices neatly in their place. This box provides us with a complete kitchen and we always eat like royalty.
Menu planning keeps weight to a minimum. I prepackaged recipe ingredients in zip-lock bags for ease of preparation. I do most of the cooking over a campfire and we pack in bundles of extra wood in case native fuel is not readily available near camp. A small propane tank is located near the kitchen, with a lantern attached and a hose to fuel a back-up propane stove in case fire restrictions or heavy rains prevents an open fire.
The Necessaries: The next heaviest item, but the most important for any camping trip in the southwest, is water. We pack in a minimum of 2 gallons per person per day – more in extremely hot weather. We have experimented with various types of water containers and found the blue, square, 7-gallon carriers best and we usually put the dog’s water dish on the ground under the spigot to catch any drips. On longer trip, we take two coolers – one for foods and the second for beverages. This helps cut down on food spoilage because the larger cooler is opened less frequently. For shorter overnight outings, everything goes into one cooler.
For Hiking:
Terry carries a camera with extra film and a side arm on his belt. A small pack is a necessary item for me on even short hiking excursions. I always double checked my pack to see that it contains trail snacks, first aid kit, compass, whistle, solar blanket, string, and cell phone – everything we might need in an emergency. In twenty-first century camping, the cell phone has become essential. Even where reception is minimal, it may be possible to get to high ground where a phone signal can get through. Terry and I have had to use our phone more than once in the bush, when we have experienced transportation problems or other equipment failures. Safety is our primary concern on any adventure, whether on land or water.
For next time: A camp log is particularly useful prior to return visits, when we can review the camps, trails and abundance of wildlife in various seasons.
Send your camping tips to camping@azod.com so that we can share them with other readers.
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