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Tips for a Successful Camping Trip
 by Giuseppe Tesola
http://www.hcamping.com

Just like childbirth, you often forget the pitfalls of last
year's camping adventure. To make your trip to the Great
Outdoors a little bit more enjoyable, grab your flashlight
and nestle under your bed to review these handy pointers
pulled from firsthand experience.

1.~A checklist makes sure you not only listed all your
basic needs but that you also packed them. All the
equipment and supplies that you won't find in the middle of
the deep woods should be included, such as a tent, sleeping
bag, waterproof matches, food and emergency kit. Remember,
you can't (or won't want to) run out in the dead of night to
the nearest convenience store.

2. Remember that camping means being outdoors and that it
will probably rain sometime on your trip. Pack everything
that you bring with you in some type of waterproof
covering or container. Smaller items can be placed in
zippered freezer bags; freezer bags are much more durable
that ordinary zippered plastic bags. Film canisters or
plastic prescription containers work well for small items.
Remember to protect the large items, like the sleeping bags,
as well.

3.~Before the temptation to sight-see kicks in, set-up
upon arrival. Why? It's too tempting to put off set-up too
long. Daylight is a much safer and more convenient time to
take care of your arrangements than at night when you'd
rather be toasting hot dogs.

4. Also have those items that you need after dark ready
before darkness falls. Of course, you remembered to check
the flashlight batteries before you left home, didn~t you?

5.~Plan your menu before you leave home. Make another
list for this and remember to think about ingredients and
condiments. Nothing is worse than going camping, cooking
hot dogs, and discovering you don't have ketchup. Also,
it's really tough to open a soup can without an opener.
It's also nice to precook some meals ahead of time so the
cook isn't always stuck at the campfire. Some ingredients
don't require big amounts. In this case, pre-measuring
small amounts of baking supplies or combining these supplies
into small bags equates to less to transport and less prep
time.

6. Do remember to protect your food from the animals that
like to frequent campgrounds in search of an easy and
tasty meal. Always eat your meals outdoors. If you eat
in your tent, the smell of the food will be trapped inside.
Do you have any idea what a hungry and curious raccoon
can do to a tent?

7.~Don't try to feed wild animals. Even if the animal
looks cute and begs, don't give the animal people-food. Our
food isn't right for their systems. Plus, animals don't
know "manners" and can turn on you in a wink of an eye.

8. Be a good steward of the camping area. You came to the
campground to enjoy the scenic beauty of the outdoors;
leave it beautiful for the next person or for your next trip
Remember to bring plastic trash bags for packing out
everything that you brought with you. As the saying goes,
leave only your footprints.

9. Be a good neighbor. In addition to the usual
admonitions not to be noisy and rowdy, help a fellow camper
who may be in need. Novice campers especially may need a
little help now and again.

10. Above all, don~t forget to have a good time, even if
it rains all week.

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