Recreation Ramblings

If it has anything to do with recreation, I love writing about it. I'm all about having fun and letting loose. Follow me while I share some information about fun activities and things to see.

[kareneisenhut]

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Is a Tow Dolly Right for Me?

The average car tow dolly has faded in popularity as people have come up with ways to modify their cars for easy towing with tow bars. Despite their waning popularity, tow dollies still remain in use thanks to many loyal drivers.

The main draw to the tow dolly is that it allows you to pull any front-wheel drive automatic car without using lube pumps and axle disconnects. This makes the tow dolly one of the most versatile instruments for dinghy towing.

There are a ton of tow dolly manufacturers in the market, and it can be difficult to determine if a tow dolly would be right for your car. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a dolly.

Considering the Towed Vehicle

For the most part, the type of towing implement you choose rests squarely on the characteristics of the car you want to tow. The make and model can usually give you enough information to determine compatibility with a tow dolly. Some cars may still need modifications to get towed.

The most prominent problem deals with four-, rear-, or all-wheel drive vehicles. In a lot of cases, you can do a lot of damage to your vehicle’s transmission unless you disconnect the driveshaft. Manual transmission can also factor into the equation.

It’s a good idea to consult your manufacturer for information on your particular vehicle. From there, you can decide if a tow dolly is the most appropriate towing method.

Weight

Weight plays a big role in all aspects of towing. You have to consider the weight of the vehicle being towed as well as the weight ratings of the tow vehicle and hitch.

A four door sedan, for instance, probably won’t be too much of a problem for a tow dolly. A large sports utility vehicle, on the other hand, might call for something more robust. This is partly because tow dollies themselves can weigh quite a bit. The average tow dolly can weigh upwards of 500 pounds. So much weight can put a lot of strain on the towing car.

Speaking of which, it’s a good idea to consider the weight ratio between the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed. Many moving companies that rent out tow dollies advise customers to keep at least a 750 pound buffer between the weight of the front vehicle and the weight of the back vehicle.

So much weight might force you to buy additional equipment, like onboard brakes and lights, just for the extra safety.

Overall, do some research and use your better judgment. Consider contacting your vehicle manufacturer and towing experts.

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5 Essentials for an RV Camping Excursion

The sky maintains a crisp blue. The weather is heating up. It’s a crime that many of us are stuck in the office or classroom while the world seems to glint and shine in all its immense beauty.

It’s time to pack up the RV, hitch the car dolly, and get yourself on the road. Here are some essential items for a fun RV camping excursion.

1. Tow Dolly

Once you get to the campsite, you probably won’t want to lug your huge RV from trail to visitor’s center to trail; it’s just inconvenient. Instead, you should bring along your car, which means you’ll want to bring that heavy duty tow dolly.

A good towing dolly should be lightweight to accommodate an already heavy RV. At the same time, a dolly should be robust to deal with all the various trials and travails that come with hitting the open road.

2. First Aid Kit

The wilderness is an unpredictable place that is at once beautiful and potentially dangerous. Even with the best intentions and planning, you never know what might happen, and it’s a good idea to be prepared for the worst.

Scrapes, cuts, and splinters are pretty common in the wild. As small as it might be, an untreated cut can quickly become infected, which can really infringe upon your fun. A basic first aid kit should include:

Disinfectant/antibiotic ointment

Antiseptic

Adhesive bandages in various sizes 

Burn ointment

Gauze pads

Scissors

Adhesive tape

Cold packs

Sting and bite treatment

Tweezers

3. Furniture

Unless it’s raining, you’ll probably want to spend most of your trip outside of your RV, which means you’ll need somewhere to sit, relax, and enjoy nature. A set of lawn chairs or camping chairs is affordable and will make your camping trip just that much more enjoyable. If you really want to relax, consider purchasing a hammock.

4. Lighter or Matches

You probably don’t want to have to rub two sticks together to get a fire going. It’s hard and takes quite a bit of time assuming you do get things right. Whether you’re lighting the stove or attempting a camp fire, it’s just plain convenient to have a lighter and a few matches around. They’ll save you time and won’t tire your arms out.

Make sure you keep your fire-making implements in a dry place. Place any lighter fluids in air tight containers to avoid any emergencies.

5. Insect Repellant

Nothing can ruin a camping experience like insects buzzing in your ears. Make sure to have bug spray on hand. Use mosquito coil when you’re eating to prevent wayward spray from getting into your food.

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Plan Ahead For Your Summer Vacation

Everyone usually packs their bags and heads out for some sunshine at least once every summer. It is great that everyone is seeking a little rest and relaxation, but the problem is that everyone is cramming their vacation time in at the same time. Planning in advance is a must, especially when you plan on heading to popular destinations like San Diego where the Ocean Beach vacation rentals and Pacific Beach California vacation rentals get booked up far in advance. Here are 4 reasons why you should start planning your summer vacation now.

Best Accommodations: People that travel to popular destinations every year know that the best accommodations are booked up fast. With a little planning, you can ensure you get one of the best San Diego vacation rentals located close to the beach and other attractions that interest you. There is nothing quite like walking out of your front door directly onto the boardwalk and sandy beach, but there are not a lot of those places available, so start searching now.

Cheaper Flights: We all know how fast the gas prices are going up, and the same thing is happening for airline tickets. Buy your tickets now before the next price hikes affect your wallet more than you anticipate. It is also a general rule of thumb that you should book flights a few months in advance to ensure they have seats available the days you want to travel and at decent prices. Even better, start tabulating all of your credit card bonus miles and see how far it can get you toward a vacation.

Research Events/Activities: Summer is the season for the best concerts, festivals, street fairs, sporting events, and much more. San Diego is no exception and a fun event may be the deciding factor for when you will take a vacation. But if the event is popular enough you are likely to see the rooms and flights fill up quickly. A little advance research of what you want to go see will help you get there at the right time.

Guaranteed to Travel: The worst habit people get into is planning their vacation too late and then dropping the plans altogether. It is very unfortunate because travel and relaxation is so important in our lives for helping us rejuvenate and maintain a certain level of happiness. Planning a vacation far in advance and booking your flights and rooms will guarantee that you get away this summer and eliminate the chance of skipping a much-needed vacation.

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Where to Stay for Spring Break

Spring break is only a few short days away and people are scrambling to put together their last minute trips. Mexico is too far away to plan this late in the game but there are other famous spring break vacation destinations right here in our own backyard. Big city night life, relaxing beach vacations, raging parties on a lake, or even some last-minute snow bunny fun are all perfect options for this spring break. Now you just have to decide which one is best for you and what California vacation rentals you will be able to book on short notice.

San Diego: 72 and sunny every single day rings truer than ever when spring rolls around because the sandy beaches are ready for some barbecues and sun bathing. Some of the most popular beach towns are located within San Diego County. There is still plenty of time to book your La Jolla vacation rentals or Pacific Beach vacation rentals. Of course, pay attention to where you book your accommodations; "PB" is definitely the young party town compared to La Jolla or even quaint towns like Carlsbad in North County.

Las Vegas: Sin City thrives from spring break because the sun is out and pool parties are going full-throttle. Hit the strip until 6 a.m., count your winnings (or losses, of course) in the morning, order a Bloody Mary, and start the madness all over again. A weeklong stay gives you an opportunity to see more of the surrounding sites.

Lake Havasu: The spring break party of the west is definitely in, on, and around Lake Havasu. Boats, babes, and beers for miles make this a consistent good time for party goers. It’s not the big-city luxury life of the Vegas strip but you can be partying in the sun and sand all day long just as well at Lake Havasu.

Lake Tahoe: One last run down the slopes is possibly one of the best ways to say goodbye to winter and welcome in the spring. Lake Tahoe is within driving distance for all you vacationers procrastinating on plans that forgot to book flights, and this late in the ski season there should be plenty of rooms available for rent. If you're lucky you will get snow on the ground and sun in the sky, a beautiful combination overlooking the deep blue lake. 

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4 Projects You Can do With a 2 Post Car Lift

If you own a mechanic shop or you like to do work on your own vehicles, you might be in the market for a car lift. Car lifts make performing routine and complicated maintenance much easier because you do not have to get down on the ground or under the car. There are several different types of lifts, but the most popular by far are the 2 and 4 post lifts. While 4 post lifts are more suitable for vehicle storage, 2 post lifts are a lot better for major reconstruction and mechanical fixes. Understand which projects are easier when you own a 2 post lift and make the right investment.

Working on the Engine

If the full frame is under the body of the car and you are working on the engine, a 2 post application will make it easy for you to lift the car up off of the engine and the suspension subframes. This makes the job less involved and complicated.

Transmission Repairs

Hoisting the car off of the ground with a 2 post application will also make for easier transmission repairs. They will provide easy access to the transmission from the undercarriage of the vehicle and will prevent causing damage to other vehicle components you would have to bypass when working under the hood.

Tire Rotations

When you are doing tire rotations you need all of the wheels to be off of the ground. These lifts are far more convenient then using a car jack and will prevent errors and injuries when you are rotating tires. It will take less time to complete this type of project. Using a car jack can be dangerous because it can easily slip while you are working under the vehicle. 

Quick and Easy Oil Changes

If you do not want to get dirty while you are doing an oil change a lift is the answer. These lifts will give you easy access to the oil pan so you can perform oil changes in less time.

If you do not already own a lift it is time to invest in one. Working on difficult jobs or even routine tasks is much easier when you have the right equipment. Not only are lifts safer than jacks, they will help you be a more efficient worker.  You can keep your customers satisfied and get your home projects done quickly so you can enjoy your free time.

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5 Car Maintenance Tasks You Can do Yourself

If you own a car, you need to maintenance your vehicle so it runs efficiently.  There is nothing more frustrating than experiencing a breakdown and having to take your vehicle to the shop to pay your mechanic more than $100 an hour to diagnose and fix the problem. There will be times where you need to hire a mechanic. There are also times, however, you can fix or service your vehicle on your own to save money. With a little practice you might realize you've really got a knack for this stuff, at which point you can think about investing in  car lifts or an air compressor and do more DIY work right from your garage.

Changing Your Air Filter

If your air filter is clogged or dirty, it will affect the performance of the engine.  For better engine performance, you can change your own air filter in a matter of minutes and improve your fuel economy as well. Check out your repair manual, follow the instructions, and swap out the filter in five minutes.

Changing Your Oil

You do not need a car lift to change your oil if you are willing to get under the car, but it sure makes life a lot easier if you do have one. You need to change your oil regularly to keep a clean engine. Keep in mind that changing oil is a dirty job and you will need to buy the right oil, a filter, and an oil pan for the project to run smoothly. 

Changing Your Spark Plugs

If your car is starting roughly then you might need to change your spark plugs.  This is part of a tune up and you can do it on your own for free. The new plugs will cost about $10 to $15 and the project will only take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. 

Radiator Flush

If you want to prevent a radiator malfunction you need to have your radiator flushed. You can do the flush on your own without buying any expensive equipment. Let your engine cool, use the coolant and the flush solution you purchased and drain the old to put in the new.

Replacing Fuses

Your car's electrical system runs on fuses. If a fuse burns out suddenly, your headlights might go out or your radio might turn off. Luckily, you do not have to have your who electrical system overhauled if it was just a fuse. Find the fuse box located under the dash or on the driver's side. Find fuses that look melted or burned and replace the blown fuse with a new one.

If you perform maintenance on your own car you will feel like a rookie mechanic.  You do not have to pay a fortune for these tasks to be done right. Save money and maintenance on what you can at home so you can save for the times when you really need professional help.

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What Does Your Facial Hair Say About You?

Men’s facial hair is always a fun debate for both women and men alike. Women more often than not don’t appreciate the facial hair nearly as much as us men like growing it, but maybe that’s because we just need to figure out what style she likes. Every guy tries to grow facial hair that fits his style because the hair is like an accessory or extension of his style. Just like people identify with their cars and girls feel like they have slightly changed their personality when they color their hair, men personally identify with their beards and mustaches. Here is a quick breakdown of 6 facial hair styles and what they say about you.

Full Beard: Out of your group of friends you are the person most likely to spend several weeks away living outdoors… unshaven. You think men can be grizzly bears too. Unfortunately most full beards don’t attract the ladies, or not the ones you would want to bring home to mom, anyway. Using a Thiers Issard razor to cleanly trim a full beard can give you a sophisticated yet chiseled look like what your grandpa probably sported on a daily basis. Just grab a bottle of Brut or Old Spice men's cologne and you will be just like the old man.

Goatee: You probably started growing facial hair in the 90s when it was cool to have a thick beard just around your mouth and chin like Ken Caminiti. Ken is no longer with us and neither should your stuck-in-the-90s goatee.

Mustache: This is a tough call. A mustache can make you look like anything from a sophisticated scientist to a guy you wouldn’t want driving past your kid’s school in a van. Only a select few girls love a mustache on a man because it is hard for any guy to look good in one. If you are one of the rarities, then go for it.

Fu Manchu: If your goal is to look like some wise member of the imperial family or master criminal from the books, then grow that mustache out so long and skinny that it drapes below your chin and then grease it. Good luck.

5 O’clock Shadow: The standard look these days for guys who want to seem relaxed enough to have fun but probably have some responsibilities and can’t show up to work with a full grizzly beard. The stubble look is usually a good hit with the girls, too.

Clean Shaven: The baby face look can work for some guys who want to either look younger or are young and want to hold onto their metro personality. Chances are the constantly shaving folks have never grown facial hair before because they are nervous they probably can’t.

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Simplify Your Spontaneous Weekend Adventures

Have you ever wanted to simply just leave town? Get the heck out of dodge? Of course! So what’s stopping you? San Diego is a wonderful destination for a weekend getaway. No matter where you come from, it’s the land of milk & honey to just about everyone. Coming from San Francisco or Los Angeles you may disagree, but getting into the “not your backyard” frame of mind is much easier when you’re as south as it gets.

Take the worry of parking out of your trip and just valet at the airport terminal--the parking gods will take great care of your vehicle while you’re sipping a mai-tai on the beach! If you’re coming from Oakland airport parking the shuttle is possibly a better bet since it’s only 8 minutes each way. Everyone knows SFO parking can be a maze to deal with if you don’t use the services provided, and who can’t walk the ½ block for their trip to paradise anyhow?

Once you’re in San Diego you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the subdued population density. One suggestion would be to check out La Jolla Cove where there are many live tide pools along the coast, then shop around Prospect Street for some new clothes.

You should definitely pack some party clothes because downtown San Diego is the place to be on a Friday night! If bar crawling isn’t your thing there is also some of the best clubs in the United States, such as Fluxx nightclub in the Gaslamp. You’ll want to put on your dancing shoes for that one! You can always enjoy the incredible island of Coronado, where life is a little bit slower and more refined. Maybe even stay at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. One thing is for sure, if you’re coming from neighboring Los Angeles, you may even want to use LAX long-term Parking because you won’t want to go back!

Usually it’s the cost of the trip, or obligations you’ve already made, even the simple act of taking care of a pet. Surely, there are ways around these roadblocks. There are so many deal websites out there for last minute getaways the cost of an average weekend at home may even be the same price as a quick trip to somewhere amazing! Whatever you have planned for your days off, could you postpone it to the next week? A little procrastination never hurt anyone, especially when the reward can be the memories of a lifetime. So drop that cat off at your mom’s and get on that plane.

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How to Take the Stress Out of Planning Family Trips

Airport parking is a pain the derrière to anyone traveling. Add young children to the mix and suddenly daily tasks such as parking become even more of a hassle than you ever imagined. Have no fear, follow this easy-to-follow guide and planning your family trip will be easier than you thought possible!

There are always the top main concerns of:

Safety of your items while you are gone.

Cost of keeping the vehicle at the airport.

Distance/logistics of getting to and from the vehicle to your airport.

Remembering where the vehicle is located. (A tough task for even the most expert traveler!)

Some airport parking is very remote and leaving your items or even vehicle unattended for any length of time requires some amount of trust in a parking area. For instance, at LAX parking, ‘The Park at LAX’ offers a safe and secure location including licensed, bonded and insured security with 24hr cameras. How’s that for safety?

When you factor cost of parking into a family trip, it’s always going to be the most economical cost behind safety. There are two distinct ways of paying for parking with a family, drive-up valet, or economy self-park. If you’ve set aside a good chunk of cash for parking on your trip the best option is by far to valet. The least amount of time taken from car to airport and terminal to plane seat is always the best with kids. No matter what day it is, you have a limited amount of time to corral the family together and accomplish whatever task you have in mind before all hell breaks loose. Today that task should not be parking--it’s simply getting to your destination. If you include the valet in your travel plans, they will bring up the car for you before you arrive back!

Now, if your budget doesn’t allow for the luxurious valet service, then you need to be smart about your preparations. At San Jose airport parking and SFO parking you can pay ahead and even reserve your spot. This will save you time and money in the end--just be sure to take advantage of any free shuttle service offered so you can maximize your cost savings.

Last but never the least, write down details on where you leave your vehicle. Keep notes on what valet company you use in your phone in case you misplace your ticket. If you self-park and happen to have a camera phone handy, take a picture of something close by your car so you have a landmark to find. Never use other cars as landmarks because you never know when they will be moved; remember, you’re leaving for days not just a few hours. Best of luck getting the family all together for your trip and don’t forget to tip your valet!

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Weekend Escape: Snowy Mammoth Mountain Fun

Thinking of taking the family for a weekend getaway to Mammoth Mountain? Everyone knows LAX airport parking is somewhat of a nightmare, especially when planning a winter getaway. There are so many people coming and going every weekend, most people just simply wait in an aisle for another vehicle to depart so they can snag their spot. Here are some other options to save you time, energy, and money on a ski trip:

Keep in mind the Valet services

Pre-pay and reserve your spot

Utilize the complimentary shuttle

Winter travel involving extreme sports usually involves a more cumbersome amount of luggage. Why haul all of that down aisles of a parking garage when you don’t have to? Leave it to the parking pros--the valets! Many garages, for a slightly higher fee, will take care of the parking for you and help you haul your luggage to the check-in desk. What better trip to let them assist you on than a ski trip? Upon your return home you can even call the valet from the plane to have your vehicle waiting curbside for you at your selected terminal.

If valet is too pricey and you do decide to self-park, there are many secure lots that you may use. Most of the options are listed online where you can even check for short- and long-term pre-paid rates. This is an excellent way to plan your budget for parking ahead of arrival, as it also includes a hassle-free cancellation policy.

When choosing your specific lot, be sure to keep the essential needs for your vehicle’s safety in mind. Many of the parking options also provide either a secure location, or at least a covered lot for your vehicle. If you are leaving valuables inside and are concerned about who might have access, check for a structure with security service or cameras. A select few parking companies even offer an insurance policy for lost valuables. Bottom line is to reserve your parking spot in advance so you don’t worry about arriving early enough to secure a spot or be surprised by parking rates.

When self parking, keep in mind to check for a complimentary shuttle service provided at the lot. This will give you a safe and convenient ride straight to your terminal. If you’re coming from a more northern location, like OAK Parking or San Jose Airport Parking, keep in mind these same tips as they still apply. Now, go have a great ski vacation!

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Gear Up For Baseball

After a long cold winter, baseball aficionados love to hear the words "pitchers and catchers." Of course that is the sign that players are about to report for athletic training and baseball is about to come back to life, along with flowers, shrubs, and outfield grass. Young players especially love this time of year. Nothing is better than the smell of the fresh cut grass, and the sound and feel of a baseball popping a well-oiled glove. One of the true pleasures in life is sprinting full speed, with acres of space in the outfield, and running down a fly ball--unless, of course, you drop it.

Keeping your eye on the ball is as much a part of baseball conditioning as are the stretching exercises and the weight lifting. Here are a couple of great drills to help players keep an eye on the ball.

The Football Drill

Anyone who has watched a football game during the winter probably saw at least one receiver performing this drill before the game, and this drill works great for baseball players as well. One of the hardest catches to make is the over the shoulder catch. This simple drill works well in practicing the execution of those catches. Instruct a player to stand still, with his glove ready. Stand behind this player with a bucket of balls and softly toss them one at a time over his head. The player will not know which direction the ball is coming from, and is forced to spot the ball and react quickly.

The "I Got It" Drill

Put a player in deep right field, another in deep left field, and then position another player behind second base. Throw deep lobs into the outfield that all three players must run after. The one closest to the ball should call out, "I got it, I got it." Make sure the players know that they have to yell it twice in order to eradicate any doubt of who should catch the ball. When a player just calls out, mine, there can be confusion, or perhaps he will not be heard by the other players. If you watch most major league players, they clearly call out, I got it, and they call it out twice.

Keeping your eye on the ball involves batting, as well as catching fly balls. Make sure your team has plenty of baseball tees on hand. Too often, players associate tees with T-Ball; however, tees make great training tools for helping batters keep their eye on the ball while concentrating on perfecting their swing. Remember that keeping your eye on the ball is as much a part of training, as are the weights and the stretches.

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Are You a Camper or a Glamper?

Do you like roughing it in the wilderness or are you the type of person that would much rather camp in luxury? In the urban dictionary, a glamper is defined as an individual who prefers glamorous camping. If you prefer to stay in luxurious accommodations over a tent that you have to build on your own, you are classified as a glamper. While some resorts and camping locations have luxury cabins onsite, the best way to glamp is to invest in a motorhome or a luxury RV. Understand the differences between camping and glamping and decide which suits your lifestyle and your preferences better.

Do You Appreciate Indoor Plumbing?

If you are asking what the major differences are between camping and glamping, there is one popular answer--indoor plumbing. While some sites do have public restrooms and shower facilities, many people do not like the idea of sharing a bathroom with strangers. If you appreciate hot water and a clean toilet that only the family uses, it might be time to start looking for motorhomes for sale before you go on your next camping trip.

A Comfortable Bed to Lay Your Head

Another major difference between camping and glamping is that when you are a glamper you will sleep on a real mattress that offers support. Campers typically sleep in a tent on a sleeping bag that is less than 1-inch thick. If the idea of sleeping on the ground does not sound appealing to you, you are a glamper at heart and you should at least peruse used motorhomes. 

Stay Sheltered From the Cold Outside

After you have spent the day bonding with the wilderness you might want shelter. For a camper, the ideal type of shelter is a tent. For a glamper, you prefer a place that will shelter you from the cold and whatever may be outside during the blind hours of the night. Motorhomes and RVs will keep you warm and safe.

Some people like to rough it in the woods. If you want to rough it temporarily and you would prefer a campsite where you have running water, a clean toilet, a comfortable bed, and shelter, you are more than likely a glamper. Shop for a Sacramento RV so you can find a recreational vehicle that will allow you to glamp and find the perfect site where you can experience the outdoors and still feel like you are a part of modern civilization.

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What You Need for Winter Camping

Winter is in full swing and if you are brave enough to face the weather and head out for a camping trip you will need some extreme gear--your summer gear probably won't cut it. Forget about sleeping under the stars, winter camping requires advanced equipment that can keep your body temperature safe during the freezing cold nights. The warmer and more durable gear for cold weather camping can be a little pricey, but Internet discount stores and army surplus stores are two places where you can find brand name, reputable equipment on a tighter budget. While this is not an extensive list, here are three camping gear items that you shouldn’t leave home without when going on a winter camping trip.

Sleeping Bag: Winter camping will be dreadful without the proper sleeping bag. Depending on where you are headed, you will most likely need anything from a 0 degree to -18 degrees sleeping bag. While it may seem like a good idea to just brave the weather and use the bag you already own, getting a second bag that can withstand the weather will save you from a lot of misery.

Tent: All tents are categorized by how many seasons they are built for. If you own a 2 or 3 season tent, those will not cut it during the cold winter months. Even if you have a sleeping bag that keeps you warm, the tent is just as important to keep the extreme weather out of your living quarters. There are plenty of 4 season tents that can fit your budget like the Eureka camping gear line. If you are planning on heading up K-2, then don’t short yourself on a lesser quality tent just to save a buck, it will bite you in the butt on the way up the mountain.

Thermals: Also known as long underwear, you will need to have as many layers as possible in the extreme cold winter camping conditions. Layers will keep the warmth in and keep the cold out, which will allow you to enjoy your days outdoors instead of shivering the entire time and annoying your friends. If you have all the right gear like thermals, a -18 degrees sleeping bag, and 4 season tent, you might even be warm in the middle of a winter snow storm.

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Adventure on a Budget by Shopping at an Army Surplus Store

High-end outdoorsman stores and sporting good stores are a dream come true to walk around in for even the average adventurer. But once you begin checking price tags and realize what it costs to head out for a weekend camping trip, the idea of enjoying the great outdoors seems like it is financially out of reach. This is when an army surplus store comes to the rescue. An army surplus store is full of high quality gear at prices much more reasonable and friendly on your wallet. Find everything from heavy duty camo outerwear to 4 season tents at prices that are hard to beat at even the cheapest discount stores.

Adventure necessities you can find at an army surplus store:

Boots: If you plan on roughing it or hiking into areas where your feet must remain protected and warm, quality military boots are the best options on the market. Not only will the boots last you forever, saving you money, they will be comfortable and resistant to water, weather, and sprained ankles.

Clothing: Adventure seekers don’t want to lug around tons of clothing items and must be very picky when they pack. Weak materials and items that are not versatile in multiple situations are automatically crossed off the list. Military clothing like the M-65 field jackets are extremely popular for civilians as well because of their multiple uses, dependability, and even their stylishness. The original jackets have a military camo fabric that will help you blend in if you are looking to go hunting or just want to sneak around the great outdoors.

Backpacks: One thing military men know how to do is pack tight and put a lot of wear and tear on their backpacks. This automatically qualifies any military backpack as a high quality piece of equipment that any outdoorsman can trust. Carrying around a full pack for hours on end can be a horrible experience without the right backpack. Army surplus stores have several backpacks to choose from that will maximize space, limit weight, and resist even the most vigorous wear and tear.

First Aid Kits: Even basic items like a first aid kit are good finds at an army surplus store. They will often have higher quantity and quality of first aid items unlike the cheap pocket-size packs at the local retail store. Real adventurers might find themselves in a sticky situation and need more than just the basics and an army surplus first aid kit will be more dependable.

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Essential Items to Have in Your RV

Every RV needs certain essential items to make your first road trip smooth and problem-free. A person who has recently purchased an RV needs to keep certain items inside the RV to make the RV livable and self-contained. Arriving to your destination and realizing too late that you needed a different type of toilet paper will only make for a miserable first few days. Prepare in advance and pack all of these items before you set sail.

The following 13 items are essential amenities to pack before your first road trip:

RV Ladders: Compact ladders come in handy, and they are needed in order to have access to every nook and cranny. Also, a quality folding step stool is an item the RV owner can use to reach cupboards, the top level of a bunk bed and other areas.

Tool Kit: The RV needs to have a tool kit containing various types of tools. A person never knows when the need for a hammer, screwdriver, wrench or other essential tool is going to arise, so a toolbox is a necessary item.

Water Pressure Regulator: Every RV needs a water pressure regulator to protect the water lines.

Water Hose: A fresh water hose ensures that the RV is connected to a source of fresh water. Since water is one of life's absolute necessities, this item must take its rightful place in an RV.

Water Filter: An in-line water filter means that the people who are staying in the RV always have drinking water that is free from contaminants.

Sewer Hose: A sewer hose is an absolute necessity; don’t take your first trip without having one of these on hand. The RV will most likely come with a sewer hose.

Hose Fittings: An RV needs sewer hose fittings because many campgrounds will not allow campers who do not have sewer hose fittings in their RVs.

Extension Cords: An RV has to have a couple of electrical extension cords that can reach far enough to connect with electrical outlets.

Electrical Adapters: RVs need to have electrical adapters so the campers can have ample electricity when they are camping.

First Aid Kit: A first aid kit that includes several sizes of bandages, gauze, an antiseptic ointment, aspirins, or other pain-relieving medications, prescribed medicines and any other items needed for minor personal emergencies.

Toilet Paper: RV toilet paper is designed especially for RVs so that the tank does not get clogged.

Flashlight: A flashlight is a necessity because the campers may not always have access to electrical or even battery-operated lights.

Matches: Matches to light the oven are necessities. If the campers want to eat in their RVs, they need matches.

An RV owner who has necessary items before going on a trip is sure to receive more enjoyment from the experience.

[recreationramblings-blog]

Make 2012 Your Best Year: Out with Bad Habits

How many people have already told you this year that cigarettes kill, second hand smoke is worse than first hand, and chewing tobacco is the worst of them all? Unfortunately, you know deep down inside that your friends are right. 2012 is better than ever to quit all of your bad habits, but especially the tobacco addiction. It is one of the hardest tasks any person can take on by themselves and you will need to dig deep to get over the hump and come out a new person on the other end. Moral of the story: get friends and loved ones to support your efforts and break down the giant goal into a bunch of small baby steps.

Tricks for Quitting Tobacco Habits

Decide to Quit: The first step in how to quit chewing tobacco and cigarettes is to make the hard decision that you are committed to quitting. You can’t put in half the effort and hope for good results, it will only drag out a long and painful process. Think hard about the influence of tobacco on your life and your loved ones' lives, then make a firm decision to quit.

Tell Your Friends and Family: One of the best strategies for accomplishing huge tasks in life is to get your friends and family in support of your goals. By telling them, you are going to have to be accountable to them every step of the way and you will not only be letting yourself down if you fail but will be letting them down too. That extra pressure and support will help you get over the biggest challenges in the process.

Set Small Goals: Quitting cold turkey is tough especially to imagine how long and big of a commitment it will take. Break it down into small goals such as in one week periods. Get through one week, and then set another week-long goal right after. It’s like running a marathon, just run it one mile at a time.

Alternatives to Smoking: Some of the easiest ways to wean yourself off of bad habits are by using alternatives. You can use smokeless tobacco products that give you the sensation of smoking but not the addiction to nicotine. A safe alternative to chewing tobacco is the tobacco free snuff and chew. Even chewing sunflower seeds will help ease the transition out of your bad habits.