We just got back from a few days of camping, which happened to be the official start of Spring. It really didn’t matter that it was spring, we would have been out anyway — but it makes a nice headline for the post.
Springtime in the desert usually means wind, and some years it means lots of colorful flowers. With little rainfall this year, there won’t be the fabulous spring flowers. However the wind is here.
A couple weeks ago I wrote about a backpacking trip that didn’t happen. I don’t particularly care for cold weather, especially since I have easy access to warm weather hiking in the desert. If I am going to take a trip in cold weather with the obligatory warm (and heavier gear), then I figure I might as well do it in the snow. Unfortunately there hasn’t been much snow in California the past couple of years. Last year I even headed up to the Sierras for snow, since the local mountains didn’t have much, and I struck out on that trip too.
After spending two weeks this month in sub-freezing weather (a week in Panama City, Florida and a week in Columbia, South Carolina) I decided to finally spend a few days in some really nice weather with Joyce and Corky. Daytime highs in the 70’s and nighttime lows in the high 40’s (F).
Last week a couple thoughts hit me:
Addictions are obsessive behaviors that result in negative consequences. I have tendencies for obsessive behavior. Work is one. I must be productive and I thoroughly enjoy work. I have been known to work for 24 to 48 hours non-stop; not because I necessarily have to, but because I want to. This is bad for people relationships. I now have this under control – I don’t want to hurt my relationship with my wife – she is too important to me.
Last week I realized I have another addiction. This one started decades ago.
I boarded the plane at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. After two mechanical problems and sitting on the plane for 1 hour and 45 minutes, we finally took off. I was scheduled for a 52 minute layover in Phoenix. Looked like I would miss it.
Landed in Phoenix at 2:12 PM MST. Arrived at the gate at 2:15 PM. Ran to the next gate and barely made it. Of course my luggage is still in lost and found Hell. Landed in Palm Springs at 2:35 PM PST.
If you are camping or backpacking in California and build a fire, use any kind of stove or lantern with a flame, you must obtain and have on your person a California Campfire Permit. There might be some areas that are exempt, but it is best just to always have one because it can be difficult to sort out the regulations and many Government employees don’t know the regulations either. Normally if you are camped in a developed campground, a permit is not needed. However, sometimes there are exceptions.
This has been required for as long as I can remember, even in the 1960’s.
Permits are issued at most offices of the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. But not always. You are dealing with government agencies. You can also get them online at these agencies, but not always.
Continue reading Don’t forget to get your 2014 California Campfire Permit
Dictionary.com defines a base camp as
a main encampment providing supplies, shelter, and communications for persons engaged in wide-ranging activities, as exploring, reconnaissance, hunting, or mountain climbing.
This is how we generally use our camper. It is a base for backpacking, hiking, biking, or even visiting friends and relatives.
No, this isn’t about gear. A while back I wrote an article about backpacking gear getting boring. So is camping gear.
It is time to talk about getting out into the wilderness and actually using your gear.
Sometimes I am amazed by the amount of time so many folks spend on the Internet talking about camping or backpacking, but not really going out and actually doing it. So many people talk about not having the time to camp or hike. Here is a little secret, you can go camping and/or backpacking over 100 days per year and work full time!
Before you say, “But I don’t live close to wild areas,” consider doing this: MOVE
If getting outdoors is important, which I assume is true for most people who spend days on end on Internet forums talking about it, then move if you live far from recreational opportunities.
If you own a camper or other recreational vehicle, it probably has a battery or two or at least is set up for a battery.
If you want to utilize a battery in your RV, battery selection is paramount and probably more important is the proper charging settings.
Now if you only camp in campgrounds with umbilical cords to the power grid, you don’t need a battery bank. But I will suggest that you are missing a lot by “camping” in these virtual parking lots. Get thee out into the more wild areas where there is no electric grid. It is called camping, you know – not Parking.
Continue reading State of Charge: Your Camper/RV May Be Killing Your Battery Bank
Last week we camped at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Using the Inter-agency Senior Pass I bought earlier this year, the cost was $5 per night, which came out to $35 for the week. Plus free entrance to Lake Mead NRA!
We stayed at our favorite campground and I am happy to report that the occupancy was around 10%. It was nice and quiet the whole week.