Category Archives: Camping

Camping List Methodology

Camping

How I prepare for a camping trip versus a backpacking trip is much different. When backpacking I want the lightest gear possible without sacrificing safety; meaning I need to stay warm, dry, and safe. What I take on each trip is dependent upon the location, terrain, expected weather and time of year. All these variables must be considered when putting together my gear. To do this, I need a list — a checklist — because forgetting a crucial item can lead to a dangerous situation. Because I use a computer, it is easy to calculate how much weight my pack will weigh, which is important. I wrote about this in How to Excel at Backpacking.

Camping is different. You can take extra stuff you need; just in case. But one needs a routine or even a checklist to make sure the important stuff isn’t left at home. So this is how I do it. Continue reading Camping List Methodology →

When Should I Replace My RV Batteries: Testing and Ponderings

Camper Upgrades, Camping, , ,

It has been almost five years since we bought our Milan 26RLS travel trailer. Hard for me to reconcile the fact that each year seems to accelerate faster and faster towards the end of the game. When we bought this trailer it replaced our 2006 Fleetwood Niagara that had been “totaled” by our insurance company when vandalizing thieves destroyed it.

Two Exide CG-135 6-volt golf cart batteries installed in September 2013.

That whole process meant we didn’t go camping all summer. Once we got our new Milan the first order of business was to install a solar system and other electrical upgrades prior to its maiden voyage. At the time I was working so there wasn’t a lot of time to shop for the needed materials and components. Fortunately the best deals are on the internet if you know what you really need. There is one exception: batteries. Since 6 volt deep cycle batteries weigh over 60 lbs. each, in 2013 shipping costs made the internet cost of lead-acid batteries prohibitive. Not having a lot of time, and no local retailers close by that sold Trojan brand batteries, I compromised and bought a pair of Exide 6 volt golf cart batteries. At best, at the time, I hoped they would last for 5 years. Continue reading When Should I Replace My RV Batteries: Testing and Ponderings →

The Changing Landscape of Campgrounds

Camping, General Talk, Tent Trailer, Travel Trailer,

We just got back from a two-week camping trip a few days ago and the changes are plainly visible for Joyce and me – we are frequent campers. No, this isn’t a post about climate change. Over the past four years I have seen dramatic changes in the use of the campgrounds we frequent. Keep in mind that this is an unscientific perspective from my little corner of the world where people can and do camp all 12 months of the year. 

Continue reading The Changing Landscape of Campgrounds →

The Wine Connoisseur at the Campsite

Camping, , , , , ,

If you stop by my campsite (or home), I will probably offer you a glass of wine; to be exact, a glass of Gallo Family Cabernet Sauvignon. In the campground we usually have a glass in the late afternoon when we take Corky for a walk, and then cook dinner. The best part about these wines is that they can be had for $4.99 – $5.99 when they are on sale in the 1.5 liter size bottle. But I don’t buy them because of the price. I enjoy them.

Continue reading The Wine Connoisseur at the Campsite →