Guest Post
Summer is In and School is Out
Just a quick update here, from the gang at Southeast Camper. We wanted to let everyone know how things were shaping up for the group, now that the year is half past us already.
It has been a stellar year so far with only a couple of hiccups to contend with. Several events have become memories and a few recipes have been tucked away for sure.
As the first day of summer is upon us, we look back at our events from the first half of the year. We have kept with tradition and enjoyed our “Cabin Fever DOG”, to start with. 30 plus pots for the evening feast appeared on this beautiful day.
Following quickly on its heals was the “Two State DOG”. This was a monumental occasion as the newly formed “Capital City” chapter took on the hosting of the event which also included the “Olde Dominion Chefs” chapter from Virginia. Three chapters in all.
Not far behind came the ever anticipated “Spring DOG”. One small hiccup, due to park maintenance to the road leading in, bridge work caused us to postpone the event by a week. This resulted in a grand time with the exception of a smaller than normal crowd. Not everyone can switch gears that quickly when planning around vacation/work schedules and family. None the less, the rain held off for the day until evening and those able to make the date enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. A Mexican Lasagna that came to the table that afternoon was truly note worthy btw.
With the warmer weather coming early this year for us here in the Carolinas, many from the group have been seen out for adventure with every opportunity. Camping, cooking and general shenanigans to be honest. Everyone seems to enjoy the tales of adventure along with the pictures that are often times shared via our Facebook page.
From time to time, a note will come about, offering a suggestion or invitation to collaborate on some sort of impromptu gathering of friendly folks with a desire to be outdoors, maybe do some camping and share a meal with friends. The first event of summer looks to be one such event. One of our own has put together and is hosting a new event for the last Saturday of the month. This will be held in a less than familiar park to some and it seems to be of high interest. Many are appearing to have plans to attend. One never knows when or if one of these impromptu events will become a permanent part of the event line up.
Those of you reading this should come join us on our Facebook page and introduce yourself. There are several events yet to come and you are always welcome to join us.
Until our next update, Keep your iron hot and your coal dry.
Randy Bowman
Southeast Camper
How to Camp – An Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Now I know what you are telling yourself…..I would really like to camp, it looks fun but I have no idea how to camp, what to bring or what to expect. There are a few things that you really have to determine before you can figure out what you need to do to get ready for your camping trip. Answering the following basic questions will guide you to finding your footing.
1. What type of camping have you decided to do? Did you want to RV camp? Camper/Trailer camp? Tent camp? Backpack/Hike camp? Canoe/kayak camp?
Determining the type of camping you want to do can aid you in what sort of equipment and expertise is needed. For example, you would need a vastly different sort of equipment for RV camping versus hiking camping.
Camping descriptions:
RV Camping (or recreational vehicle camping) is most like living at home because you bring a furnished vehicle that you basically live in with you. You can make your RV just as comfy as you like. Everything that you need from home can most likely be brought with you in your RV. All you really need to think about are what foods and personal items you would like to stock it with. This type of camping is generally for the people who do not like to “rough it” but also might like to be social since many times RV are parked fairly near each other or in similar sections. Though there are some normal maintenance items with RVs, you basically park them and live in them.
Camper or Trailer camping is just a step more rugged than RV camping. Many times campers or trailers do not have showers or toilets, unlike most RVs. Depending on the camper or trailer, a refrigerator may not be included either. Generally, camper or trailer camping is more for people who do not like to sleep on the ground or worry about severe weather but still want to get out there.
Tent camping is generally more for people who would like to “rough it.” Tent camping requires you to think about all of your basic needs ahead of time (food, hygiene, restroom requirements, shelter, seeing at night, warmth). There are actually varying levels of tent camping as well. Some people like to bring a tent and shop for all of their needs while others like to camp in more remote areas away from people. Packing for a tent camping trip can be time consuming because you have to think of everything you might need.