Preparing For A Successful Camping Experience
Josh and I are getting ready for our end of summer/pre-Labor Day annual camping trip. Just yesterday, we lugged up our rolling duffle bag from the basement so that we could start packing. I’m in the process of putting a camping gear list together, to ensure us a most memorable camping experience. The list of camping supplies and camping products I’d like to take along seems to be expanding, and I’m afraid that not everything will fit into the trunk of our caravan.
So far, I’ve prepared the sunscreen, insect repellent, and a survival/first aid kit. I got a horrible insect bite during last years camping trip, and I didn’t have anything to treat it with. By the time I came home it was double its size, hurting of course, and I had to have my doctor look at it. That’s why I remembered now to pack Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment, as well.
Next on my list are a small hatchet, a heavy-duty flashlight, small pocketknife, compass, multipurpose knife, extra batteries and an area map of Lake Michigan at Manistee National Forest in Michigan, which is to be our destination. I might also take an outdoor portable metal lantern.
During the day, we’re looking forward to plenty of relaxation time, as well as catching up on our hobbies. One of my favorite activities is bird watching, so I’ll be sure to include my waterproof binoculars (without the tripod). My husband, though, can spend all day fishing; he has already prepared his favorite fishing rod and reels. In case it rains, I think I’ll pack some good games and books such as The Contract Surgeon by Dan O’ Brian, or Left-Handed Law by Charles M. Martin.
I’ve done some research online recently, because I’m trying to decide if we should invest in a camping stove. After all, these camping trips have become a family tradition and I hope we’ll be continuing them for many years to come. In any case, the camping stove I’ve seen at clintonbrothers.com seems compact, yet versatile enough.
What I know I certainly need is a new tent. We’ve narrowed it down to a choice of the canvas tent, hiking tent, or triangular tent, because Josh adamantly ruled out the dome tent and pop-up tent. Seems the guy knows what he wants. I guess I’ll leave the tent to him.
Now for the shelter equipment, I’ve gathered the tarps, blankets and pillows and a sleeping bag for Anita (her oversized sleeping bag). We’ll need some rope when pitching our tent, and a multi-use knife and folding saw to clear the brush at our campsite. Matt, Josh’s friend, reminded us to take folding chairs and also a whistle, in case one of us needs to call for help.
Tonight I hope to gather the cooking necessities, including the matches, can opener, dish soap, dishcloths, potholders and trash bags.
In the waist pouch, I put my cell phone and the Olympus digital camera my parents bought me for my birthday. Surprisingly, there might even be room for our zoom mini camcorder. I can’t wait to capture the memories. My Alpine Trekking Camping backpack is ready to go, with premoistened wipes, aspirin and cash, of course.
Gosh! Good thing Sheryl called. I almost forgot paper towels, clothespins, and most importantly, our swimsuits and cotton towels.
The steel-toe hiking boots we usually pack in last, as it’s the first thing we’ll need to have access to, in order to find a suitable camping spot. Also, our pull-on sweaters are draped over the back of the seats of the car, as it usually gets nippy towards nighttime, which is when we’ll be traveling.
Well, that about takes care of that. I think I’ll go get some rest now. Josh and I will be alternating with the driving, and I’m taking the wheel first. If you think of anything that I might have forgotten, please don’t hesitate to call me and let me know. I’m sure that clintonbrothers.com, the worlds-leading website, will have it at my door in a jiffy.