CAMPING PRECAUTIONS

[woodster]

Many of us have our favorite camping areas that we continually go back to. With the advent of the computer we can easily go to the internet and check out the weather conditions for our particular camping destination. I have found that the Weather Channel is a good indicator but not always completely accurate for my destination. My favorite camping is done in the Mojave Desert which can have unpredictable weather changes that realistically no weather channel or weather bureau can forsee. The things I must consider when arriving at my destination are wind conditions and the possibility of flash flooding. I will choose a campsite that is on high ground or an area that will have ample run-off and won't back into my tent.

The wind is always a consideration as there is always a breeze in my particular area of camping. I usually get my tent up and staked by mid afternoon as the winds will always increase in late afternoon and evening. In driving through the desert I will always notice a few tents that the wind has picked up and relocated a few miles from their origin. I made my own 1/4" (round-rod) steel stakes in various length's to secure my tent in windy conditions.

I would be interested in knowing what precautions you take in going camping in your particular area and any helpful ideas you may have in locating and securing your campsite.

Woody Mortensen

[Big Dog]

A few of my basic precautions . . .

1) Critters - I pack a handgun of suitable caliber for the criters in the area - four-legged and two-legged.

2) Privacy - I don't like to have strangers approach me, so I slip into the trees well away from the trails, far enough to NOT be visible.

3) Comfort - pack a blanket or sleeping bag for colder than what you expect - it will get colder than you planned for!

4) Location, location, location - a rise is always nice - especially when it rains.

[NRAJOE]

When I camp in bear country I like to wipe bacon grease on my wifes sleeping bag then go sleep in my truck...

[mym1a]

Originally Posted by woodster

Many of us have our favorite camping areas that we continually go back to. With the advent of the computer we can easily go to the internet and check out the weather conditions for our particular camping destination. I have found that the Weather Channel is a good indicator but not always completely accurate for my destination. My favorite camping is done in the Mojave Desert which can have unpredictable weather changes that realistically no weather channel or weather bureau can forsee. The things I must consider when arriving at my destination are wind conditions and the possibility of flash flooding. I will choose a campsite that is on high ground or an area that will have ample run-off and won't back into my tent.

The wind is always a consideration as there is always a breeze in my particular area of camping. I usually get my tent up and staked by mid afternoon as the winds will always increase in late afternoon and evening. In driving through the desert I will always notice a few tents that the wind has picked up and relocated a few miles from their origin. I made my own 1/4" (round-rod) steel stakes in various length's to secure my tent in windy conditions.

I would be interested in knowing what precautions you take in going camping in your particular area and any helpful ideas you may have in locating and securing your campsite.

Woody Mortensen

I remember dust devils kicking up and throwing my tarp ,ramada several feet! Mohave any where near Bullhead city? camping in an arrio,wash is a no no I remember getting caught out in the desert when the monsoons kick up early afternoon, lightning extremely heavey rain wind and a temporary 20 degree drop in temp!!! and of course no were to hide !!!! best advise i can give for the desert is away from washes try to set up where you have some natural ground bolders that will block wind I wouldny set up camp under any cliffs where lighting or rain could dislodge rocks and have them fall on you.what hated the most was those damn dust storms that would last for 2 or 3 days!!I az rain wasn't usualy the problem!

[woodster]

Originally Posted by NRAJOE

When I camp in bear country I like to wipe bacon grease on my wifes sleeping bag then go sleep in my truck...

Try Honey, it worked on my first wife.

[NRAJOE]

Originally Posted by woodster

Try Honey, it worked on my first wife.

Awesome!

[.22hustler]

Thanks NRAJOE..I had to go change my Depends as I pee-peed in my pants laughing so hard..By the way, I transported a prisoner up to Heilbronn to get his finance records.At least I think they were his finance records!! Loooong time ago!!! I was stationed in Crailsheim, Germany, 1970-72, FA, 5th Bn, 73rd Arty.

[billy]

did you call her honey and snicker to yourself?

[SwedeSteve]

.22- Crailsheim=CryingShame! LOL. I was in Katterbach (near Ansbach)!

[irish murphy]

There are a few things we do over here.Well the ones who want to live anyway.When camping dont set your tent or swag up under a big gum tree.These trees are called widow makers.That fact is at anytime a branch can snap off the tree.These trees usually have branches that can weight anything up to 7 or 8 tons.A lot of people and kids sadly have been killed like this.

The next a lot of you would already know,DONT camp in dry river beds.This is a big no no.Find somewhere out of the bed where you have an escape route from the river if possible.Storms over here have been very violent and quick lately putting a LOT of water down very quickly.My mates place last xmas got 6 inches in 45 minutes and the creek that ive never seen flowing was a massive violent wall of water.

This one is very handy for those who sleep on the ground or in a swag.If you are camping in a forest or around a snake infested area.Before you just get down and roll up your bed/swag drag it away a few metres.Some unlucky people over here have been bitten on the legs hands or thighs by snakes.In particular is the Death Adder who likes to slither under your swag at night to keep warm.

There are a lot more handy tips but this will do for now.

[rondog]

Originally Posted by irish murphy

There are a few things we do over here.Well the ones who want to live anyway.When camping dont set your tent or swag up under a big gum tree.These trees are called widow makers.That fact is at anytime a branch can snap off the tree.These trees usually have branches that can weight anything up to 7 or 8 tons.A lot of people and kids sadly have been killed like this.

The next a lot of you would already know,DONT camp in dry river beds.This is a big no no.Find somewhere out of the bed where you have an escape route from the river if possible.Storms over here have been very violent and quick lately putting a LOT of water down very quickly.My mates place last xmas got 6 inches in 45 minutes and the creek that ive never seen flowing was a massive violent wall of water.

This one is very handy for those who sleep on the ground or in a swag.If you are camping in a forest or around a snake infested area.Before you just get down and roll up your bed/swag drag it away a few metres.Some unlucky people over here have been bitten on the legs hands or thighs by snakes.In particular is the Death Adder who likes to slither under your swag at night to keep warm.

There are a lot more handy tips but this will do for now.

I've seen too many TV shows about all the deadly critters in Australia. Only way I'd camp out there is in a tent that's inside a knee-high steel wall! Sorry, but I don't like deadly snakes, and spiders, and scorpions, etc.

[ezearln]

The note about flash flooding and keeping ones campsite out of dry creek/riverbeds, sederos and wadi's should be heeded. Many years ago I used to hunt and camp in the Anza Borrego area and once while traveling to my favorite bunny popping area after a violent sudden storm I caught sight of a D-9 caterpiller trying to move a boulder from the middle of the highway that had been left there by the flash floods. The D-9 was losing as the boulder was larger than the bulldozer. Taught me a lifelong lesson about the power of water that has only been reinforced over the years.

[Big Dog]

During last year's bout of drought, I did learn an interesting lesson - don't sit you waterbladder pack on the ground - the fireants were soon all over it getting the condensation!

During our last MC rally, a buddy suggested putting the front of my tent under the awning tarp he erected partially over his teardrop minitrailer. VERY good idea! It rained cats&dogs one night - my tent door was protected. Made for much less mess. The piece of matting under the door also helped - far less crud getting into the tent.

The Coleman Packable CFL lantern is great - I like having light to work by under the tarp. Even when it got wet (I was POURING water out of it!) it still worked fine. Excellent product.

In a campground, set up near the bath house - but not TOO near. Makes the job of answering "nature's call" in the wee hours easier. Too many ladies around to risk using 'the nearest tree'.

[WISCSHOOTER]

Lots of skitter repellant and a good knife.

[Big Dog]

'Skeeter dope'!! +1 on that!

[Joe Brainard]

Have done a bit of camping in bear country with my family, the rule my Gramps taught us was not only hang food up in a tree away from camp, but we never even eat in or very near our tents.
Another rule we use on backpacking trips, make sure someone back home knows where you are planning to go, what route you're taking, and what day you intent to get back.