2ndtotheright - Tumblr blog

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

A New Way To Run!

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/a-new-way-to-run/

A New Way To Run!

My first slot canyon running experience was life changing—the intricate twists and turns of Utah’sBuckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons in the world, left me smiling for miles. I fell in love with running in the mysterious places beneath the obvious line of sight. I even went on towrite a book about trails in the Southwest after that.

Unlike running up a mountain, in which the objective is visually obvious, canyon running kept me on my toes with plenty of surprises, like waist-deep pools of cold water, technical down-climbs from 10-foot-high boulders and ancient petroglyphs carved into alcove walls. Running hundreds of feet below the earth’s surface felt delightfully dizzying as I felt farther than ever from the stressors of everyday life and closer to the present moment and the earth—literally.

But how do you even get started running in the world’s hard-to-reach, below-the-surface canyons? And what do you need to know before you go? I’ve got some pointers for you taken from my experience exploring and writing guides to Southwest canyons. Late spring, early summer and fall are ideal times to hit the canyons to avoid the extremely dangerous flash-flood season that lasts roughly from late June to early September, according to climate scientists. On a perfectly sunny day a storm 50 miles away has the potential to fill a canyon with rushing water, scouring everything in its path. If there are storm clouds in the sky or rain in the forecast, push your run to another day.

Despite the concentrated rainfall, water sources and quality can vary dramatically at all times of the year. Always carry substantial fluids for your running (this can vary person to person) and filtration options.

Canyon ratings range from hiking (Class 1–2); scrambling using hands (Class 3); steeper exposure with often a rope involved (Class 4); and straight-up rock climbing that involves ropes (Class 5). Never climb down something that you cannot get back up and vice versa. Be honest about your climbing skill level when selecting a canyon route. Be sure to buddy up in the canyons and always let someone know where you are running and when you will be back. Canyons notoriously have poor cellphone reception and rescues can be tricky.

The canyons featured here are all runnable and do not require any technical gear, but always be prepared with snacks, water, filtration options and extra layers for your run. Be sure to wear shoes that function well on sand and provide traction for moderate scrambling.

You can see how Zebra Canyon got its name. (Photo Credit: Morgan Sjogren)

Zebra Slot Canyon Nearest town: Escalante, Utah Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Distance: 5.3 miles Rating: Easy/Class 1

The perfect introduction to canyon running, Zebra is approached by roughly two miles of runnable singletrack along a sandy wash and sandstone formations. The canyon itself is short but packed with beauty in its narrow, colorful walls. It’s not uncommon for this canyon to be filled with water (sometimes waist-deep or higher), so come prepared to get wet.

Jackass Canyon Nearest town: Page, Arizona Location: Lee’s Ferry Distance: 5+ miles Rating: Easy/Class 3–4 Permits: Required via the Navajo Reservation Ranger Station in Cameron or Leche-e-Rock

A short and moderate slot canyon, Jackass Canyon requires some mild bouldering and features one major obstacle: a 30-foot drop-off that can be bypassed or often has a rope in place to aid the down-climb. The route begins in a wide and sandy wash but quickly narrows in. Follow the colorful sandstone walls down canyon as you climb, hop and scramble over the various rocks and boulders along the way. As you near the canyon’s end, you will hear the sound of the Colorado River, which comes into view as you cross the boundary into Grand Canyon National Park.

The above-ground view of Jackass Canyon. (Photo Credit: Morgan Sjogren)

Buckskin Gulch Nearest towns: Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab, Utah Location: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Distance: Approximately 26 miles Rating: Moderate/Class 3–4 Permits: Required for overnight camping only

At over 15 miles in the canyon itself, this route is typically accomplished in two days spent backpacking but can be done in one big push by strong and adventurous runners. The most common route requires a car shuttle.

Start at Wire Pass, another stunning and narrow canyon, which ends at the confluence of Buckskin Gulch. Buckskin ends at the Paria River Canyon. Continue running upriver to the White House trailhead. Since water levels can vary drastically week to week and seasonally, be prepared to get wet. This can range from deep stagnant pools in Buckskin to a full-on Paria River (check with the BLM Kanab Ranger Station for current conditions). With limited sun exposure, it’s important to pack extra layers even on hot days...

The post Yes, You Can Run Underground appeared first on REI Co-op Journal.

Source

Yes, You Can Run Underground

2 notes · View notes

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

Wonderful Scenic Trails For You To Check Out

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/wonderful-scenic-trails-for-you-to-check-out/

Wonderful Scenic Trails For You To Check Out

It would have been easy for Congressional legislators to punt on trail issues in 1968. The year started with the Tet Offensive, intensifying opposition to the Vietnam War. That was followed by the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. The country was in turmoil.

But in October of that year, Congress passed the National Trails System Act. The origin of the bill can be traced to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1965 speech on the “Conservation and Preservation of Natural Beauty,” in which he said, “The forgotten outdoorsmen of today are those who like to walk, hike, ride horseback, or bicycle. For them we must have trails as well as highways. . .” He called for a national system of trails and said, “In the backcountry, we need to copy the great Appalachian Trail in all parts of our country. . .”

When his vision became law, it established several categories of trail. The highest status was accorded to National Scenic Trails—paths of at least 100 miles that could only be designated by Congress. (The bill made the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails the first of these.) National Recreation Trails, which are more urban, and Connecting and Side Trails were also created; they have no minimum length and can be established by the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture. A decade later, National Historic Trails were added to the lineup (they also require Congressional approval).

In the 50 years since the National Trails System Act was passed, more than 50,000 miles of trail have been designated. It is, as President Johnson envisioned, a network where “old and young alike can participate.” And it created something he probably couldn’t have imagined: a community of thru-hikers, section hikers, weekend hikers, and dayhikers whose lives have been changed by these paths.

Very few hikers will ever walk all of them (read about one who has on page 71). But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on any of the best spots along our National Scenic Trails. To help you do it, we’ve identified the top 50 miles in the system. Tie your boots and scroll down to get started.

Rhododendrons line the Appalachian Trail on Jane Bald.

Appalachian Trail: Grassy Ridge, North Carolina

There are two kinds of beauty along our National Scenic Trails: the durable, timeless kind sculpted of stone and mountains, and the fleeting turns of color filling the spaces between. In June, find the second kind along Grassy Ridge, a 2-mile-long catwalk atop Roan Mountain where two types of rhododendron burst into bloom and slopes of fragrant balsam fir fall away into deep valleys below. From Carvers Gap, take the Appalachian Trail east across Round, Jane, and Grassy Ridge Balds for views of the Roan Highlands framed with pink and red Catawba rhododendrons and flame azaleas.

Trailhead Carvers Gap (36.1063, -82.1104) Total distance 4 miles (out and back) Permit None

Pacific Northwest Trail: Lake Ann, Washington

If you could sum up the Pacific Northwest Trail in a single view, the one from would do it. The 4-mile hike parallels the glaciated Shuksan Arm, offering near-constant views over aprons of subalpine forest to a Who’s Who of North Cascades celebrities, like Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. About 3 miles in, the path climbs into a wildflower-dotted basin where 5-acre Lake Ann nestles at the base of 9,131-foot Shuksan. Set up camp near the cobalt water just west of the North Cascades National Park boundary (no red tape) and listen for the calving ice chunks crashing off 200-acre Lower Curtis Glacier.

Trailhead Lake Ann (48.8501, -121.6865) Total distance 8 miles (out and back) Permit None

Arizona Trail: Buckskin Mountain (Passage 43), Arizona

The last view on a northbound Arizona Trail hike is one for the brochures. Cresting the final canyon ripple en route to Utah, you’re hit with waves of red- and Creamsicle-colored sandstone that ebb across the Colorado Plateau all the way to the horizon. But the best part about Passage 43 is its contrast: A desert wonderland surrounds a subalpine-like island of firs at nearly 7,000 feet.

The 10.6-mile section of the AZT from the Kaibab Plateau to the Utah state line is itself life list-worthy, dancing in and out of high-desert canyons and ponderosa pine forests the whole way. The best bit is the 3-mile section along the North Larkum drainage, where low sagebrush means you’re face to face with a panorama of Paria Canyon and the wavy, sandstone Coyote Buttes when you do it northbound. Plan on pitching your tent among the pines near mile 6.6; there’s a water tank there where you can top off before closing the section.

Trailhead Winter Road (36.9179, -112.1071) Shuttle car State Line (37.0011, -112.0350) Total distance 10.6 miles (point to point) Permit None

Photo by Katie Yarborough

North Country Trail: Hocking Hills, Ohio

This spot, where russet rock shelves conceal explorable caves hollowed out by water and time, might be the Midwest’s best-kept secret. See the spectacle for yourself on a 6-mile loop that passes through and above a sandstone gorge. Follow the canyon bottom out to Queer Creek near mile 1.1, where waterfalls pour from the rim, ferns drip with spray, and—come winter—stalactites of ice crawl down the cliffs. Bonus: These glorious 1.5 miles deliver a threefer, as they’re shared by the North Country, Buckeye, and American Discovery Trails. At Cedar Falls, loop back to the starting point along the canyon rim.

Trailhead Old Man’s Cave (39.4353, -82.5414) Total distance 6 miles (loop) Permit None

Camp near Waptus Lake’s shores to catch sunrise on the Cascades.

Pacific Crest Trail: Waptus Lake, Washington

If hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a pilgrimage across North American hallowed ground, then the collection of stained-glass pools it passes in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness is the holiest of holies. There, in the 75 trail miles between Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass, the PCT skirts dozens of Cascadian pools and provides access to hundreds more. For lake lovers, even looking at a map of the red, hashed line splitting between ovals of blue is overwhelming. So how do you narrow down such a picture of beauty? Plainly, you need a week. The best miles of perhaps the best section of the PCT are smack in the middle of the 75-mile shuttle hike.

Beneath the Summit Chief and Mt. Daniel massifs, the PCT unspools through meadows of columbine and tiger lilies where horizon-hoggers like 14,410-foot Mt. Rainier punctuate the views across aprons of old-growth forest. Those 4 miles are nothing short of magical. Get there near mile 30 of a northbound hike, switchbacking down a basin cupping 250-acre Waptus Lake, such an image of perfection that it looks like the mountains rose up just to protect it. In a way, they did.

Trailhead Snoqualmie Pass (47.4279, -121.4135) Shuttle car Stevens Pass (47.7464, -121.0868) Total distance 75 miles (point to point) Permit Required for overnighting (free); self-issue at trailhead kiosk

Appalachian Trail: Sinking Creek Mountain, Virginia

Virginia, where the rollers are generally treed on top, is notoriously stingy with views. That means McAfee Knob—where a diving board-like rock juts out of the canopy—will always be standing room-only. Thankfully, the Appalachian Trail offers a better alternative on the next ridge over. You won’t find a rock fin worthy of Instagram on Sinking Creek Mountain, but you’ll land the best view of McAfee’s famed outcropping.

It’s a 2-mile, 1,200-foot haul to get up to the Sinking Creek Mountain ridgeline going northbound. Take your time along the 6-mile-long crest, savoring peek-a-boo vistas over rows of green peaks to both sides of the Eastern Continental Divide. If you do it as an overnight, bunk up along the way at the Sarver Hollow shelter before closing the shuttle hike at Lee Hollow.

Trailhead Sinking Creek (37.3518, -80.3798) Shuttle car Lee Hollow (37.3793, -80.2501) Total distance 9.3 miles (point to point) Permit None

Arizona Trail: Grand Canyon Inner Gorge (Passage 38), Arizona

The mind-bending scale of the Big Ditch has the power to wow just about anybody—but especially thru-hikers who just spent the better part of two months tracking through long, dusty stretches across the desert. The Arizona Trail merges with the South and North Kaibab Trails in Grand Canyon to roller-coaster 21.8 miles rim to rim. The best perspective comes early on a northbound trek, when you’re skittering across skinny Cedar Ridge where, for .5 mile, the view into the chasm may be the best of the AZT—and state.

Trailhead South Kaibab (36.0528, -112.0838; take a park shuttle) Shuttle car North Kaibab (36.2171, -112.0568; take a park shuttle) Total distance 21.8 miles (point to point) Permit Required for overnighting ($10 + $8/person per night); obtain online

The angled tooth of 11,177-foot Forsyth Peak rises above Dorothy Lake.

Pacific Crest Trail: Dorothy Lake, California

Smashed between granite cliffs and ancient conifers, Caribbean-blue Dorothy Lake looks decidedly intimate. That’s probably what drew John Muir to its storybook shores, and we bet you’ll like it, too.

There’s only one way to Dorothy, and it’s not easy: The lake lies about 25 miles south of Sonora Pass and 50 miles north of Tuolumne Meadows along the Pacific Crest Trail, tucked away in the northern reaches of Yosemite National Park. But solitude snobs know that’s a virtue. Make Dorothy Lake the centerpiece of a 75-mile hunk of the PCT that passes snow-speckled ridgelines, groves of 100-foot-tall pines, and meadows bursting with summer wildflowers. Do it southbound, so you drop into the Dorothy Lake basin, and plan to take miles 22.5 to 25.5 very, very slowly. You’ll climb past half a dozen alpine pools before crossing Dorothy Lake Pass and coasting to its jewel-like namesake. And yes, you may—and should—camp there.

Trailhead Sonora Pass (38.3282, -119.6372) Shuttle car Tuolumne Meadows (37.8789, -119.3584; take a park shuttle) Total distance 75 miles (point to point) Permit Required for overnighting ($5 + $5/person, or try for a walk-in); obtain online.

Continental Divide Trail: Knife Edge, Colorado

It takes a lot to stand out among the endless stack of mountain ridgelines in southwestern Colorado’s famed Weminuche Wilderness—but nothing compares to this brief stretch of the Continental Divide Trail. For a few hundred yards, the route etches into a cliff between overhanging shale and a view prickling with the pinnacles of the 14,000-foot San Juans. The Knife Edge is out there, so the best way to do it without a shuttle car is on a 25-mile lollipop-loop of the Williams Creek, Indian Creek, Palisade Meadows, and Continental Divide Trails. Hit the Knife Edge near mile 11 and prepare for dizzying heights—but it’s not just the exposure that will make your head spin.

Trailhead Williams Creek (37.5413, -107.1978) Total distance 25 miles (lollipop-loop) Permit None

See Overlooked Falls near mile 10.

North Country Trail: Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

The 4,600-mile North Country Trail is as much a tour of classic Midwest cities as it is a hiking trail, which makes its 550 mostly-roadless miles across the Upper Peninsula a treat if backcountry solitude is what you’re after. For a weekend-size taste, head to the west end, where the Porcupine Mountains set a scene of lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and forests. Find the best .2 mile on the Superior Trail, where it runs so close to its namesake you can feel the spray of waves. The next 1.5 miles, where the NCT doglegs south past a series of small cascades on the Little Carp Trail, aren’t bad either (camp here). Reach this span near mile 5.5 of a 16-mile, eastbound section from Presque Isle.

Trailhead Presque Isle (46.7073, -89.9748) Shuttle car South Boundary Road (46.7280, -89.7575) Total distance 16 miles (point to point) Permit Required for overnighting ($15/night); obtain from Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Pacific Crest Trail: Mt. Thielsen, Oregon

Fire and ice conspired to form 9,182-foot Mt. Thielsen and its iconic horn 250,000 years ago. Enjoy the tooth’s close-up on a view-packed half mile on the Pacific Crest Trail, which hugs the cinder cone’s west flank near mile marker 1,862, about 6 miles north of the North Crater trailhead.

From there, you’re in prime position to climb the thing on an easy spur: Tackle the class 4 west ridge on a 2-mile out-and-back from the PCT. The exposed summit scramble isn’t technical, requiring only a few hand-over-hand moves. They’re worth it: From Thielsen’s wind-whipped summit, secure the best top-down view of Crater Lake from outside the national park, as well as a horizon pricked by the Three Sisters to the north. On clear days, you can even see the cropped top of Mt. Shasta, 120 miles south.

Trailhead North Crater (43.0922, -122.0931) Total distance 14 miles (out and back) Permit Required for overnighting (free); self-issue at the trailhead.

Get this view of the Oxbow from Dry Knoll.

New England Trail: Mt. Tom, Massachusetts

The New England Trail wanders through miles of deep woods and shallow river valleys, making the top-down view from Mt. Tom’s 2-mile-long massif a standout. For a 7-mile out-and-back, start at the Eyrie House Ruins parking lot and hike southwest to 835-foot Dry Knoll, at the edge of where the Connecticut River bisects the tiny Mt. Tom Range. From there, continue south to tag the mini-summits of Goat Peak, Whiting Peak, and Mt. Tom proper, keeping an eye out for red-tailed hawks swirling on thermals during the September migration.

Trailhead Eyrie House Ruins (42.2798, -72.6216) Total distance 7 miles (out and back) Permit None

The Potomac River drops 76 feet in less than a mile through Mather Gorge.

Potomac Heritage Trail: Mather Gorge, Virginia

Mother Nature is her own best architect, a fact never more evident than along this small section of the 924-mile Potomac Heritage Trail, where the northernmost peaks of the Piedmont crash into the Atlantic coastal plain. There, the Potomac River cascades down small rock shelves, building momentum before surging through arrow-straight Mather Gorge. Nab the best view of the transition on the 1.5-mile River Trail, which traces the cliffy escarpment above the action the whole way.

Trailhead Climbers’ Parking Area (38.9933, -77.2541) Total distance 3 miles (out and back) Permit None

Continental Divide Trail: Gilpin Lake, Colorado

The Continental Divide Trail stitches together mountains, lakes, tundras, and meadows of such aesthetic brilliance, you could place your finger just about anywhere along a trail map and point to a place pretty enough to brag about. But the section of trail through northern Colorado’s Zirkel Wilderness still stands out. The centerpiece, Gilpin Lake, pools beneath the ramparts of Gilpin Ridge, Big Agnes Mountain, and 12,180-foot Mt. Zirkel—where the natural infinity pool drops off to its eponymous creek. In August, yellow arnica wildflowers grow between chunks of granite, making the whole scene shine.

Find your way there on the 11-mile Zirkel Circle. Head counterclockwise through stands of lodgepole pine along Gold Creek to mile 3, where the going gets really good. Begin a 2,000-foot climb to the saddle—and the first view of Gilpin Lake. The scenery hits you like a cymbal crash, so slow to a stroll and relish the descent to the tarn at mile 6. From there, add 3 scrambly miles and an additional 1,700 feet elevation gain to touch the summit of Zirkel before setting up camp amid full Colorado glory. Next day, dip below treeline to loop back to the trailhead along Gilpin Creek.

Trailhead Slavonia (40.7831, -106.7230) Total distance 11 miles (loop) Permit None

Natchez Trace Trail: Highland Rim, Tennessee

Once a vital trade and travel route for the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez tribes, the Natchez Trace is now a scenic byway lined with hardwoods. It has about 60 fragmented trail miles, too, but no great backcountry camping, so explore its best on a 6-mile out-and-back along the Highland Rim. There, near the northern terminus, the Tennessee Valley Divide interrupts the landscape, sending the watershed’s flow north into the Cumberland River and south into the Tennessee. Wildflowers like trillium and Solomon’s seal dot the slopes in spring, but fall is when nature puts on its best show, with sugar maples flickering red and yellow.

Trailhead Garrison Creek (35.8737, -87.0322) Total distance 6 miles (out and back) Permit None

Florida Trail: Econfina Creek, Florida

Get a snapshot of the whole Florida Trail without hiking the whole thing on the 17.7-mile Econfina Creek section. Whereas other segments are perhaps defined by their bioregion—swamp, beach, forest—this Panhandle bit has it all, plus some of the long path’s best backcountry camping…

Read the full original article here on backpacker.com

Source

http://backpacker.com/trips/the-best-50-miles-in-the-scenic-trail-system

1 note · View note

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

Dirt Cheap RVing – How to RV on a Tight Budget

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/dirt-cheap-rving-how-to-rv-on-a-tight-budget/

Dirt Cheap RVing – How to RV on a Tight Budget

Everyone loves taking a vacation – but that vacation doesn’t always fit nicely into the family budget. In order to take a great family trip that will be remembered for years to come, you might need to get a little creative in developing a plan that doesn’t break the bank. Fortunately, if you are an RV owner, there are plenty of great options for fun and affordable vacations.

Stay Close to Home

Purchasing gas to power your RV is one of the most expensive parts of an RV vacation, so stay close to home in order to save money. There are great RV campgrounds all across the country, and there is a good chance that you will be able to find some nice options within a short drive of your house. As an added benefit, you will limit the number of miles you are putting on your RV, meaning that it should be able to last longer into the future. Start your campground search looking for destinations within one hour of home and slowly expand that range until you find a suitable option.

Cook All of Your Meals in the RV

Your RV comes with a kitchen – so use it! Dining out is a quick way to make your trip more expensive. By planning meals out ahead of time and taking all of the food you will need, you can avoid trips to a restaurant each evening. Also, try to do your grocery shopping prior to leaving home so you can look around town for the best deals. If you are headed to a rural destination and don’t shop until you arrive, you may have to pay higher food prices due to the lack of options in the area.

Avoid RV Resorts

Think twice before you reserve a space at an RV resort, as these types of facilities often charge higher nightly rates. Instead, look for RV campgrounds in State Parks, National Forests, etc. When you stay with a private business, you are almost always going to have to spend more for your spot. By planning ahead, you should be able to find a great campground on public land for a fair rate.

Favor Free (or Cheap) Activities

One of the great things about vacationing in an RV is gaining access to free or cheap activities during your trip. Many RV campgrounds will have access to trails for hiking, roads for biking, or water for swimming and fishing. Each of these activities can usually be enjoyed for free or for a small fee (such as a fishing license). Also, try to bring activities from home that you can set up in your campsite to add to the enjoyment of the trip.

Travel with Friends

If you own a large RV that has more room than your family needs, ask friends to accompany you for the trip. You could plan to split costs on gas and campground fees to make the trip more affordable for everyone. Not only does this method save some money, but it also provides you with a great opportunity to spend valuable time with your friends…

Read the full original article here on rving.how

Source

Dirt Cheap RVing – How to RV on a Tight Budget

0 notes

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

Best Locations to go Kayaking in Northwest Indiana

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/best-locations-to-go-kayaking-in-northwest-indiana/

Best Locations to go Kayaking in Northwest Indiana

Lake George

The popular downtown Hobart lake offers a place to kayak on peaceful waters, though some may not know waterways that extend from the lake can take kayakers on a 2- to 3-mile journey, one store owner says.

Ron Kurth, co-owner of Lake County Divers Supply in downtown Hobart, rents kayaks to those who want to explore Lake George by water.

“Kayaking over here on Lake George is great because people are able to go quite a distance, a few miles out,” he said.

The water trail takes kayakers from the downtown Hobart area south before swinging west. The waterway goes nearly all the way to I-65, he said.

Before beginning a trip, Kurth advises to call and check on construction, which is planned for the 3rd Street bridge near downtown this summer. The construction could prevent kayakers from accessing the other side of the bridge, he said.

Robinson Lake, located west of Lake George near I-65, is another spot for kayakers to explore, as is Deep River Water Trail, which runs from Lake George through Lake Station and Gary for 16 miles before emptying into Lake Michigan.

The Times

Kankakee River

The Kankakee River is a 133-mile waterway that has various access points for kayaking, from Illinois to St. Joseph County in Indiana. Another of the access points is at Dunn’s Bridge County Park in Porter County.

Walter Lenckos, superintendent for Porter County Parks and Recreation, says Dunn’s Bridge provides the only public access to the river in Porter County.

“It is a great fishing spot, has a beautiful turn-of-the-century bridge and a small boat ramp that provides access to the water,” he said.

Those who bring a fishing pole will want to watch out for walleye, bass, crappie, bluegill and Northern Pike, he said.

Provided by Christine Livingston

Lake Michigan

Gary’s Marquette Park and Lagoon offer unique spots for kayaking. Visitors can opt to kayak along Lake Michigan via launch sites at the park and beach area, or can check out the lagoon area, which features a non-motorized watercraft launch.

Whihala Beach in Whiting, Washington Park in Michigan City and Portage’s Lakefront and Riverwalk all have launch sites as well.

The Times

Lakeland Park

Lakeland Park in Burns Harbor offers kayak rentals, as well as paddle boat and row boat rentals, for $3 per hour, said Kim Burton, Burns Harbor park director.

“This has become more and more popular each year,” she said.

While at the 29-acre park, visitors can check out the Little Calumet River fishing access site, or go for a swim in the lake.

The Times

Hansen Park

In addition to kayaking at Washington Park, Michigan City also offers water adventures at Hansen Park, located off E. Street not far from Lake Michigan.

Hansen Park features an ADA compliant kayak launch, the first in the state, says Shannon Eason, assistant park superintendent for the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department.

The park, within walking distance to downtown Michigan City, also includes a canoe and kayak launch into nearby Trail Creek, which spills into Lake Michigan next to the Old Lighthouse Museum…

Source

http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/the-perfect-spots-to-go-kayaking-in-northwest-indiana/collection_de2a552d-acc8-5d72-9878-aaa1b6109ace.html

0 notes

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

21 Tips For Quitting Your Job and Living The Dream

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/21-tips-for-quitting-your-job-and-living-the-dream/

21 Tips For Quitting Your Job and Living The Dream

Have you ever wanted to be free of the stresses of your present life? Ever considered breaking out on your own and living independently of the public utilities and other so-called modern conveniences that seem to keep you chained down?

What’s keeping you from realizing your off-grid dream? Sometimes, it may be your career or misplaced notions of duty and responsibility towards society standing in your way of personal freedom.

Visions of living in penury and in crooked little houses with no creature comforts may be acting as a deterrent to others. We are social animals, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean we have to live close together in congested cities and stick to specific roles like ants in a colony.

Fear of the unknown is so real that even the drudgery of a 2-hour commute to work and spending almost all your monthly check to pay off bills and mortgages can be strangely comforting. It does take some courage to leave the well-oiled machinery of social life even with all its downsides. However, the benefits of living life unchained from the 9 to 5 grind are immeasurable to many.

Not sure where to start? Here are some very good reasons and tips that may help you to take the plunge into the unknown.

1. You can be your own boss

Being your own boss is not about being the head of a large business. The official commitments can still tie you down, leaving you little time to spare for the people and activities you love. You are your own boss when you can live life on your terms, spend plenty of time with family and friends, and take off for extended vacations when you feel the urge. It is a dream for many, and remains so all their working life.

You can change all that when you chalk out a truly independent life. It is not all that difficult today, as many who have shifted to off-grid lifestyle have proven. Meet up with these brave people if you need reassurance. Talk to them about how they make a living and how much freedom there is in living with fewer bills and other constraints.

2. You can have a debt-free life

Many of you may have started out in life with educational loans, only to be saddled with more debts as you started to earn. To have a place to live, you either had to rent it out or buy a house by taking out a hefty loan. Before you can pay off the mortgages, you may feel the need to upgrade to a larger house to accommodate your growing family. Then you spend the rest of your life in debt. We find it hard to believe that there could be such a thing as a debt-free life.

Imagine building a small house on your own in a piece of land you own. You can add to it whenever you feel the need, but without incurring any debts. You will be free of the stress of making enough money to pay off debts. Any money you make can go towards funding travel or other activities that you enjoy. You can even save up a bit for exigencies.

You can turn this dream into reality. Downsizing is a definite step you can take towards freeing yourself from debt…

Read the full article here on naturallivingideas.com

0 notes

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

10 Kid Friendly Camping Recipes for Easy Family Campfire Meal Ideas

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/10-kid-friendly-camping-recipes-for-easy-family-campfire-meal-ideas/

10 Kid Friendly Camping Recipes for Easy Family Campfire Meal Ideas

Simple Recipes For Easy Family Camping Meals

Camping with your kids allows you to create lifelong family memories. Mealtimes, however, can be somewhat of a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of easy kid friendly camping recipes that can involve the entire family.

Just like packing all of your necessary campsite equipment, planning your campfire meals ahead of time is a necessity. It ensures you are prepared for every meal and that you campsite stays complaint-free.

These delicious easy campfire meals for the family require a bit of prep work but are worth the extra planning. Every member of your family will appreciate these nutritionally beneficial meals after a long day of outdoor activities.

From breakfast to late night snacks and everything in between, all you need is a well-built campfire to cook satisfying food that everyone will enjoy. These 10 kid friendly camping recipes are not only fast and fun, they will please even the pickiest eaters.

Breakfast

While the fresh smell of coffee brewing over an open flame is enough to make adults rise and shine, kids need a campsite breakfast that provides a hearty foundation for the rest of the day. While there are plenty of Camping Breakfast Ideas out there, the following are easy and family friendly.

Southwestern Breakfast Burritos

With a little prep-work, these Southwestern Breakfast Burritos will provide a hearty start to your family’s busy day.

Ingredients:

Eggs

Shredded Cheese

Diced Ham

Flour Tortillas

1 tbs Taco Seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook eggs and combine with diced ham, shredded cheese, and taco seasoning.

2. Place desired amount of filling into each tortilla and wrap tightly in aluminum foil, keeping them in your cooler until you are ready to eat.

3. Place wrapped burritos next to your campfire’s hot coals for 10-15 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating.

Egg in a Hole

An easy and eye-opening breakfast for kids of all ages.

Ingredients:

Thick Bread, Sliced

Eggs

Butter

Instructions

1. Melt a pad of butter in a skillet over the campfire. Meanwhile, cut a hole in the middle of a slice of thick bread.

2. Place bread in skillet and crack an egg into the hole.

3. Place over the campfire until egg is fully cooked and bread is toasted.

Snacks

Don’t rely on processed foods when your kids are hungry between meal times. Healthy snacks are easy to make when camping with kids. Whether you are looking for a mid-day pick me up or a midnight treat, these snacks are sure to keep your little campers satisfied…

Read the full article here at roadmap.bookyoursite.com

0 notes

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

The Health Benefits of Camping That'll Turn You Into an Outdoor Person

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/the-health-benefits-of-camping-thatll-turn-you-into-an-outdoor-person/

The Health Benefits of Camping That'll Turn You Into an Outdoor Person

Photo: simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock

Thanks to a miniboom in outdoor services, the whole camping experience is fast becoming as turnkey as renting an Airbnb. For example, with Hipcamp, you can book a campsite on private land based on the amenities you want—say, a tricked-out tree house in the woods. Tentrr takes it one step further, allowing you to rent a fully furnished and setup campsite. Bring a change of clothes and some food, and you’re ready to kick back under the stars.

These businesses are in response to the fact that “more and more people have a desire to go camping,” says Hope Oldham, a senior REI Outdoor School instructor in Atlanta. Indeed, the number of Americans who camp has been steadily trending upward for the past five years, with 40.4 million people now overnighting in the wild sometime during the year, according to the National Sporting Goods Association. People crave nature, especially when the world feels intense and chaotic, explains Oldham. All the dreamy outdoor pics on Instagram may also be drawing newbies in.

Can’t rub two sticks together? “There are classes that teach beginners the basics, services that help campers find campsites, and gear rental programs,” says Oldham. You can pick up some skills at outdoor retailers like REI, which hosts camping classes at stores around the country. The company also offers women-only REI Outessa adventure retreats. (Skip the tent building altogether at one of these gorgeous glamping destinations.)

Then, of course, there’s also innovative new camping gear to take the grunt work out of pitching a tent, packing a bag, and cooking a meal outdoors. We’ve got all the latest picks here, plus some enthralling new science on why taking a rustic time-out will reboot you…

Read the full article here on Shape.com

Source

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/fit-getaways/health-benefits-camping-outdoor-person

0 notes

2ndtotheright · 7 years ago

Text

Best Summer Camping Vacation Locations 2018...

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/best-summer-camping-vacation-locations-2018/

Best Summer Camping Vacation Locations 2018...

Camping is a year-round adventure but some of the nation’s most scenic places become that much more beautiful and accessible come spring and summer. Whether you’re driving across country in a luxe RV or traversing the backcountry with a tent inside your backpack, these stops are all but guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Unless you have a backcountry permit, camping in Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park is limited to the Mazama and Lost Creek Campgrounds, which are only open during the summer months. The former takes reservations and is able to accommodate RVs while the latter is open to tents only on a first-come, first-served basis.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Travelers planning an overnight camping trip in Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mount Desert Island would be wise to make reservations in advance as the campgrounds here are extremely popular, especially during the warmer months from May to October. Blackwoods Campground is open year-round while sites at Seawall, Schoodic Woods and Duck Harbor Campgrounds are available seasonally.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Scenic Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is home to five gorgeous campgrounds, including Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, Loft Mountain and Dundo Group Campgrounds. The latter is ideal for large groups as it boasts three sites that can accommodate anywhere from seven to 20 campers.

Adirondack Mountains, New York

New York’s expansive Adirondack Mountains are home to countless campgrounds so your options truly are endless. Take your pick from traditional camping, backcountry camping, RV camping, island camping or even glamping.

Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

This beloved Pennsylvania state park spans more than 13,000 acres and boasts plenty of eye candy ranging from Lake Jean to the seven-plus mile long Falls Trail loop. The latter features a series of free-flowing waterfalls and has been recognized as one of the best hikes in the state…

Read the full article on travelpulse.com

0 notes

2ndtotheright · 8 years ago

Text

First Time Camping Tips for Families

New Post has been published on https://www.thecampingcompanion.com/first-time-camping-tips-for-families/

First Time Camping Tips for Families

Sometimes parenting takes you out of your comfort zone and gives you the opportunity to do things you thought you could never do — like camping, for instance. Never in a million years did I think I would sleep in a tent, in the middle of nowhere without any electricity. But when the kids want to do something, it kind of changes my attitude about it. With our first camping trip down in the books, here are my first time camping tips.

First Time Camping Tips

When I was thinking of the first time camping tips I would want to know, I kept ease, practicality, and usefulness in mind. I hope these first time camping tips help to make your first camping trip a smashing success!

Check the forecast. I know that forecasts can change much like the mood of my teenager. But even with that in mind, I think it’s important to know what you could be expecting while camping. Extreme weather is no fun when you’re not properly prepared and stuck in a tent out in the wilderness. By knowing the forecast you can pack accordingly to be prepared for what may come.

Make a checklist of everything you need to pack. When you’re camping 30-45 minutes from the closest store, you don’t want to forget anything. Since I live off of checklists, this step comes naturally to me. If you’d rather get a tooth pulled than write out a checklist, search for a printable checklist from someone who has already made one, then add and take off what you need or don’t need.

Pack easy camping food. When you’re camping you won’t have access to a 5-burner stove, microwave, oven, etc. You’ll need to utilize a camp fire and a camping stove, if you have one. You can do a camping stove as fancy as this one, but we used this one and it worked perfectly fine for our family of five.

Ideas of easy camping foods are fresh fruits, protein bars, chopped veggies, chopped meats, etc. Pre-chop all your food and place in plastic bags or containers before you head out. Once you get to camp, you can thread the veggies and meat on a metal skewer and cook over the camp fire. Think about foods that are easy to prepare and easy to eat.

Pack a lot of water. Some campgrounds have fresh, filtered water stations where you can fill up your reusable water bottles. This feature really comes in handy, especially when it comes to packing. Find out if the campsite you’re going to offers this or not. If not, pack a lot of bottled water — more than you think you’ll actually need. You don’t want to run out of water.

Plastic tubs are your best friend. I love using large plastic tubs instead of bags because they are uniform in size and help with making sure everything fits in the vehicle. I was never good at playing Tetris, so having all squares or rectangles really comes in handy. Keep all your things organized by tubs and it makes camp life so much easier. Trust me.

The 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE Hybrid was able to hold everything we needed plus had room for 5 people. We were all packed in nice and tight, but with the third row seating that we were able to fold down, we had all the room we needed for all our camping supplies.

Before we started our drive back home, I snapped this picture of everyone and everything all packed up in the Toyota Highlander. You can see how packed we were in there but it was cold so it was a nice, cozy ride back home.

Pack more clothes than you think you’ll need. You never know what’s going to happen. Always bring more clothes than you think you’ll need while camping. Before we went camping I didn’t read any first time camping tips, but I’m so glad we brought extra clothes. Not only did they come in handy when the weather reached the 40’s at night, they were useful when clothes got to dirty to continue wearing.

Don’t forget the ear plugs. Even if you don’t think you need them, pack ear plugs. There are some super scary sounds out there at night. Can I just say I never knew owls “screamed”. I’m not sure if it’s all owls, or just a certain type of owl, but the Park Ranger let us know the sound we kept hearing at night was an owl. You will also probably hear leaves rustling and it’s really hard to distinguish if it’s just the wind blowing the leaves or there is a critter outside your tent moving the leaves. You really don’t want to hear all that if you’re looking for a good nights rest.

Citronella essential oil or bug spray is a must. I’m sure you know this, but there are a lot of bugs out there, y’all. You will be absolutely miserable at camp if you don’t have some type of bug spray or repellent. Using Citronella essential oil is a natural way to keep the bugs away from you and the campsite.

Leave the electronics at home. Don’t be tempted to allow the kids to bring their electronics. If you think they will get bored, they will find something to do. I was incredibly impressed with my children. They explored and used their imaginations, they looked at the stars trying to find the different constellations, they drew and colored, etc. They never once told us that they were bored. Camping is a great way to detox from like — for real!

Lights, lights, lights. There are all kinds of portable camping lights. From solar lights to battery-operated lights, there is something for every budget. We personally used these solar camping lights and this battery-powered Coleman Quad LED lantern. The solar powered lights are great because they’re cheap to buy plus you don’t have the extra cost of batteries. It puts off a pretty bright light as well. The Coleman lantern is great because it actually breaks apart into four separate portable lights. You can use it as one large light or four smaller lights.

Arrive to your campsite early, if possible. Putting up a tent at night can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time camping. We did arrive at our campsite after dark, but thankfully there was a Texas Outdoor Family Park Ranger who helped us set up one of our tents. You will need to be respectful of the campers around you and making a lot of noise after dark may not go over well with your neighbors.

Bring a “footprint” to protect the floor of your tent. One of the Texas Outdoor Family Park Rangers told us about a “footprint“. Basically it’s a tarp or something similar that you place directly on the ground under the tent. It protects the tent floor from getting poked by something underneath it. If you want your tent to last, a footprint is a great way to ensure the floor stays poke and rip free for years to come.

Keep your tent zipped closed at all times. You may be tempted to leave the tent unzipped during the day —don’t do it. Bugs will find their way inside of the tent and make sleeping nearly impossible. Bug bites are a nuisance you really don’t want to deal with while you’re camping.

Don’t plan activities – keep it simple. Allow everyone to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Instead of planning activities, allow the kids to lead the charge. Ask them what they want to do. We hiked, went geocaching, fished, and more. But the key was to keep things low key and simple. We weren’t rushing from one activity to the next.

Bring board and card games. At night when the kids really can’t play, it’s nice to have something to do inside of the tent. Board games and card games are a great way to keep everyone entertained until bedtime.

Before you leave camp or go to sleep for the night, put all food items in your vehicle. All animals are looking for an easy meal. Don’t leave yours out for the taking. One of the Park Rangers told us that possums and armadillos are smart little creatures and can actually open coolers and food bins. To keep your food safe, keep it in a locked vehicle with the windows rolled up. Never keep food items in the tent.

I definitely know I’m not at expert at camping quite yet, but after our first camping trip down in the books, I have a better idea of what is definitely needed and what’s just taking up space. These first time camping tips are meant to help you while you’re planning your first camping trip with your family.

The bottom line is this — enjoy this time with your family. Don’t stress over all the details. Do what you can and allow things to fall into place after that.

Do you have anything to add to these first time camping tips?

Source

First Time Camping Tips

0 notes