Take advantage now!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Reader feedback!!
I'd like to hear some feedback from my readers. I will try to do this periodically. Just respond to the question below in the comment section!
Question: What are your favorite camping memories and why?
My answer is uninterrupted family time!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Indiana State Park Review #2 - Mounds State Park (Anderson)
We have visited Mounds State Park (near Anderson) as a homeschool group hiking around the Indian mounds, but finally had an opportunity as a family to camp here last Memorial Day weekend. We had super hot weather, but still managed to enjoy a hike or two.
Sites: The campground is much smaller than some campgrounds, but the sites are a nice size. Plenty of room for our dog and kids without feeling too crowded. There are nice, paved drives at each site.
Facilities: The comfort stations were not as modern as some campgrounds, but they could've been worse.
Activities: This campground is built on the site of ancient Indian mounds. The Interpretive Center has much history about these Woodland Indians and several of the trails pass by some of the mounds sites.
The White River passes through this state park, so fishing is an option. They also have a nice pool at the campground complete with a diving board. (We spent a day there because it was so hot and humid the weekend we were there!) The roads are decent for biking as well.
Because of the historical significance of this state park, they generally have an Archeology Weekend here and other historical events. Just check the calendar when you book your site.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this campground a 10 because it has a little of everything.
Sites: The campground is much smaller than some campgrounds, but the sites are a nice size. Plenty of room for our dog and kids without feeling too crowded. There are nice, paved drives at each site.
Facilities: The comfort stations were not as modern as some campgrounds, but they could've been worse.
Activities: This campground is built on the site of ancient Indian mounds. The Interpretive Center has much history about these Woodland Indians and several of the trails pass by some of the mounds sites.
The White River passes through this state park, so fishing is an option. They also have a nice pool at the campground complete with a diving board. (We spent a day there because it was so hot and humid the weekend we were there!) The roads are decent for biking as well.
Because of the historical significance of this state park, they generally have an Archeology Weekend here and other historical events. Just check the calendar when you book your site.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this campground a 10 because it has a little of everything.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Hiking - Great exercise and fun for the whole family
Just about every state park you go to has several options for hiking, whether you are a beginner or are looking for a challenge. When you book a campsite, be sure to look on the website for activities or maps to find where the trails are. The best hiking experiences will be when you have prepared properly for the trip.
Essential hiking supplies:
- water
- camera
- snack
Trail mix
Granola bars - this is my all-time favorite granola bar recipe. I make it every time we go camping, whether we are hiking or not.
Protein bars
- hiking shoes
- map of the area and/or campground
- bug spray
- first aid kit
- cell phone
- and a backpack to keep it all in
Other hiking supplies:
- knife
- thermal blanket
- emergency shelter
- extra socks - in case you walk through a creek or it starts raining. The last thing you want to do is walk the rest of your trip in wet socks. It will for sure give you blisters on your feet!
- compass or GPS
Another great family activity that goes along great with hiking is geocaching. Basically, this is a scavenger hunt. You go the website and print out caches in the area you will be in. Look at the coordinates, find those coordinates using your handheld GPS and using clues from the post on the website, locate the cache. Once you find the cache, there is generally a log book to sign. Most people take little gadgets to leave in the cache and take something from it.
Essential hiking supplies:
- water
- camera
- snack
Trail mix
Granola bars - this is my all-time favorite granola bar recipe. I make it every time we go camping, whether we are hiking or not.
Protein bars
- hiking shoes
- map of the area and/or campground
- bug spray
- first aid kit
- cell phone
- and a backpack to keep it all in
Other hiking supplies:
- knife
- thermal blanket
- emergency shelter
- extra socks - in case you walk through a creek or it starts raining. The last thing you want to do is walk the rest of your trip in wet socks. It will for sure give you blisters on your feet!
- compass or GPS
Another great family activity that goes along great with hiking is geocaching. Basically, this is a scavenger hunt. You go the website and print out caches in the area you will be in. Look at the coordinates, find those coordinates using your handheld GPS and using clues from the post on the website, locate the cache. Once you find the cache, there is generally a log book to sign. Most people take little gadgets to leave in the cache and take something from it.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
Indiana State Park Review #1 - Mississinewa Lake
Mississinewa Lake Campground is one place we have camped the most often. Usually we go with extended family, but we have also gone with our scout group.
Sites: The electric sites are quite large in comparison to other campgrounds, leaving plenty of room for privacy. We have also camped at the youth tent area for scouts, which have been remodeled since we have been there. Most of the sites are flat with plenty of grass - great for tent camping.
Facilities: The comfort stations have all been kept up to date with plenty of showers and roomy toilet areas. There are also non-electric sites with pit toilets.
Activities: There are plenty of things to do to keep a family busy. Since the campground is on the lake, there is fishing, boating and a beach for swimming. Since the beach has small gravel rather than sand, building sand castles is out of the question. But you can throw a football or frisbee.
There is a fishing pier near the beach area and there are a couple of inlets that many people use for fishing. The campground also has a disc golf course - I believe it is a 24 hole course. You will need to bring your own discs or purchase one in the camp store near the beach. They also have basketball courts and volleyball close to the campground. There are a couple of older, wooden playgrounds for the younger children. There are several trails for hiking and a bike trail.
One thing this campground is missing is an Interpretive or Nature Center. I always enjoy going to the peaceful Nature Center when we are camping to watch the birds.
The campground is know for it's fall camping weekends. Although we have never camper during one of these weekends, we did drive up there one weekend and walk around the campground. Most campgrounds were decorated and since this was close to Halloween, our boys had the opportunity to "trick-or-treat" at the campsites. You'll have to book early if you want to camp during one of these weekends, unless you use the youth tent area or the non-electric sites.
Every year, they hold the Mighty Mississinewa Triathlon in September, if that's something you are interested in either participating in, or watching.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best), if give this campground a 9. And since it's close to home, we are more likely to just head up there to camp over a weekend.
Sites: The electric sites are quite large in comparison to other campgrounds, leaving plenty of room for privacy. We have also camped at the youth tent area for scouts, which have been remodeled since we have been there. Most of the sites are flat with plenty of grass - great for tent camping.
Activities: There are plenty of things to do to keep a family busy. Since the campground is on the lake, there is fishing, boating and a beach for swimming. Since the beach has small gravel rather than sand, building sand castles is out of the question. But you can throw a football or frisbee.
There is a fishing pier near the beach area and there are a couple of inlets that many people use for fishing. The campground also has a disc golf course - I believe it is a 24 hole course. You will need to bring your own discs or purchase one in the camp store near the beach. They also have basketball courts and volleyball close to the campground. There are a couple of older, wooden playgrounds for the younger children. There are several trails for hiking and a bike trail.
One thing this campground is missing is an Interpretive or Nature Center. I always enjoy going to the peaceful Nature Center when we are camping to watch the birds.
The campground is know for it's fall camping weekends. Although we have never camper during one of these weekends, we did drive up there one weekend and walk around the campground. Most campgrounds were decorated and since this was close to Halloween, our boys had the opportunity to "trick-or-treat" at the campsites. You'll have to book early if you want to camp during one of these weekends, unless you use the youth tent area or the non-electric sites.
Every year, they hold the Mighty Mississinewa Triathlon in September, if that's something you are interested in either participating in, or watching.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best), if give this campground a 9. And since it's close to home, we are more likely to just head up there to camp over a weekend.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
More Recipes
If you are a tent camper, you are most likely cooking over an open fire for 80% of your meals. Sometimes hobo packs get old and you just want something different. Here are a couple of other recipes I found in an old Family Fun magazine.
For both recipes:
Combine ingredients in a 4 1/2 inch disposable aluminum pie pan and seal it in foil. Wrap a second layer over the pan and fold over the extra foil at the top to make a handle. Poke a stick or tongs through the handle and hold it over a fire. (You can also set it on the grill over the campfire). Cook according to the directions below. Let pack cool briefly and open carefully.
Fire Roasted Nachos
1/2 cup tortilla chips
1/2 cup Cheddar or Monterey Jack
Toppings (diced tomatoes, bell peppers, sliced jalapenos, black beans, etc)
Salsa (optional)
Cook for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and serve with salsa, if desired.
Foil Pack Mac 'N' Cheese
1/2 cup cooked elbow macaroni (plan ahead)
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar
1 Tbsp. Parmesan
1 Tbsp. milk
1/2 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper to taste
Cook for 7 minutes until the cheese is melted. Stir before eating.
For both recipes:
Combine ingredients in a 4 1/2 inch disposable aluminum pie pan and seal it in foil. Wrap a second layer over the pan and fold over the extra foil at the top to make a handle. Poke a stick or tongs through the handle and hold it over a fire. (You can also set it on the grill over the campfire). Cook according to the directions below. Let pack cool briefly and open carefully.
Fire Roasted Nachos
1/2 cup tortilla chips
1/2 cup Cheddar or Monterey Jack
Toppings (diced tomatoes, bell peppers, sliced jalapenos, black beans, etc)
Salsa (optional)
Cook for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and serve with salsa, if desired.
Foil Pack Mac 'N' Cheese
1/2 cup cooked elbow macaroni (plan ahead)
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar
1 Tbsp. Parmesan
1 Tbsp. milk
1/2 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper to taste
Cook for 7 minutes until the cheese is melted. Stir before eating.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Plans change
We've been on a couple of camping trips where we had a fun day planned and something happens to bring the plans to a halt. It's disappointing, to say the least. You try to make the best of things, but you know you only have so much time at that campground and sometimes the opportunity to return is months or years away.
Several years ago, when our youngest son was about 6 or 7 years old, we were camping at Chain O' Lakes State Park. We were fishing and my husband laid his fishing pole down on the ground instead of leaning it against the tree and our son stepped on the hook with his bare foot. We had planned to canoe later that day, but suddenly our plans changed. We had to find the closest Urgent Care center, which was about 1/2 hour away, to get the hook removed. By the time we got back, we had spent about 3 -4 hours away from the campground. Although we still had fun, we didn't get to go canoeing that year. We have not been back to that campground yet - and that was 5-6 years ago.
A couple of years ago, we went with my in-laws and sister and brother in-law to Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. It was a family vacation - all 10 of us. We were going to go into the park 2 different days. We decided to do the theme park the first day because the second day was supposed to be warmer, which would be better for the water rides. The morning of the second day, my nephew woke up with pain in his leg. He had a cut on the bottom of his foot that had become infected and was moving up his leg. Another unplanned trip the the nearest doctor! He was put on an antibiotic and was told he could not go swimming and in order for it to heal faster, he should stay off the foot. He got to ride in the kiddie wagon for that afternoon. Bummer weekend for him!
Another time, we camped at Pokagon State Park, it rained almost the entire weekend. We had planned to bike and hike, but instead spent quality time inside the inn playing board games and ping pong. We still had a great time and we have since gone back to Pokagon.
I guess the point of this post is to be flexible. I'm a planner. I like to have the weekend all planned out - menu plan and activities, time of arrival and departure, etc... But when you are dealing with Mother Nature, you have to be flexible. Accidents happen, illnesses and weather can delay things, mechanical failures (so far all of ours have been on the return trip home) and flat bike tires - all these things happen unplanned. If you go into a camping situation with many possibilities, then you have options. And be sure to know where the closest hospital and department stores are. :) These are great teaching moments for our kids.
Several years ago, when our youngest son was about 6 or 7 years old, we were camping at Chain O' Lakes State Park. We were fishing and my husband laid his fishing pole down on the ground instead of leaning it against the tree and our son stepped on the hook with his bare foot. We had planned to canoe later that day, but suddenly our plans changed. We had to find the closest Urgent Care center, which was about 1/2 hour away, to get the hook removed. By the time we got back, we had spent about 3 -4 hours away from the campground. Although we still had fun, we didn't get to go canoeing that year. We have not been back to that campground yet - and that was 5-6 years ago.
A couple of years ago, we went with my in-laws and sister and brother in-law to Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. It was a family vacation - all 10 of us. We were going to go into the park 2 different days. We decided to do the theme park the first day because the second day was supposed to be warmer, which would be better for the water rides. The morning of the second day, my nephew woke up with pain in his leg. He had a cut on the bottom of his foot that had become infected and was moving up his leg. Another unplanned trip the the nearest doctor! He was put on an antibiotic and was told he could not go swimming and in order for it to heal faster, he should stay off the foot. He got to ride in the kiddie wagon for that afternoon. Bummer weekend for him!
Another time, we camped at Pokagon State Park, it rained almost the entire weekend. We had planned to bike and hike, but instead spent quality time inside the inn playing board games and ping pong. We still had a great time and we have since gone back to Pokagon.
I guess the point of this post is to be flexible. I'm a planner. I like to have the weekend all planned out - menu plan and activities, time of arrival and departure, etc... But when you are dealing with Mother Nature, you have to be flexible. Accidents happen, illnesses and weather can delay things, mechanical failures (so far all of ours have been on the return trip home) and flat bike tires - all these things happen unplanned. If you go into a camping situation with many possibilities, then you have options. And be sure to know where the closest hospital and department stores are. :) These are great teaching moments for our kids.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Setting up your campsite
When you get to your campground, you want to first determine whether you want your living area in the sun or the shade. If you are fall camping, you might want to be in the sun depending on temperatures. If there are no trees on or near your site, you will be in the sun whether you like it or not!
Secondly, you should determine where the sun rises and sets and depending on where your trees are, where will the shade be at different times of the day?
If you are tent camping, you will want to find the flattest area on your campsite. And if there has been or will be rain, you will want to stay away from dirt/muddy areas.
Also, if you are using a tent, you will need to see where your fire pit is in relation to where you want your tent. You want to be sure it is far enough away that sparks will not ignite your tent!
Once you know where you will pitch your tent, clean that area as much as you can of sticks, nuts, rocks, etc. If you are using a camper, be sure the area you aim your door towards is free of dirt/mud and there are no holes you could trip in. Also, be sure you get your camper close enough to the electrical outlet. (Ha! Ask me why I made a point of that!)
After your living area is set up, you should work on your dining area. If you have a dining canopy, you will want to place it over your picnic table (that should be supplied at any campground). Make sure, again, that it is far enough away from your fire pit that you don't have sparks burn holes in your canopy. (Again, experience has prompted this piece of advice.)
I also like to make sure to not have the picnic area too far away from the camper so there's not as much walking back and forth. Place a table cloth over the picnic table and clamp it down. If there is not grill over your fire pit, you might want to purchase a tripod grill.
Finally, get your lounge/lawn chairs out and set them up where you will be comfortable. And have fun in the great outdoors!
Secondly, you should determine where the sun rises and sets and depending on where your trees are, where will the shade be at different times of the day?
If you are tent camping, you will want to find the flattest area on your campsite. And if there has been or will be rain, you will want to stay away from dirt/muddy areas.
Also, if you are using a tent, you will need to see where your fire pit is in relation to where you want your tent. You want to be sure it is far enough away that sparks will not ignite your tent!
Once you know where you will pitch your tent, clean that area as much as you can of sticks, nuts, rocks, etc. If you are using a camper, be sure the area you aim your door towards is free of dirt/mud and there are no holes you could trip in. Also, be sure you get your camper close enough to the electrical outlet. (Ha! Ask me why I made a point of that!)
After your living area is set up, you should work on your dining area. If you have a dining canopy, you will want to place it over your picnic table (that should be supplied at any campground). Make sure, again, that it is far enough away from your fire pit that you don't have sparks burn holes in your canopy. (Again, experience has prompted this piece of advice.)
I also like to make sure to not have the picnic area too far away from the camper so there's not as much walking back and forth. Place a table cloth over the picnic table and clamp it down. If there is not grill over your fire pit, you might want to purchase a tripod grill.
Finally, get your lounge/lawn chairs out and set them up where you will be comfortable. And have fun in the great outdoors!
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