Dutch Oven Cooking
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September 2007
28 September 2007
27 September 2007
Omelet in a Sandwich Bag
Prep Time: 5-15 minutes Servings: 2-3 people Ingredients:
Directions: Have everyone write their name on a bag with a magic marker. Put all ingredients in the bag. Shake your bag well. Place in boiling water for 12-15 minutes until good. Watch out for steam when opening the bag. Happy eating! Submitted By: Imelda Nesteby |
26 September 2007
Backyard Mural
Take artistic ventures outdoors and transform an old white sheet into a monumental canvas.
Craft Materials
Old Bedsheet
Tempera Paints
Paint Brushes
Sponges
Squirt Bottles
Time Needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Start by soaking an old sheet in water and then hanging it on a clothesline or draping it over a fence.
2. Get out various tempera paints and applicators -- sponges, paintbrushes, squirt bottles -- and go at it, creating pictures, tic-tac-toe grids, or just colorful designs. You can also mute and mix colors with a water-filled spray bottle.
3. Whenever you don't like what you see, simply hose down the canvas and start over. For art on a smaller scale, try the same techniques with a pillowcase or an old T-shirt
25 September 2007
Camping in Catskill Mountains
We went camping at North Lake campgrounds in the Catskill Mountains every year my father and brothers would set up our green canvas WWII army tent that a friend of my father gave him; and my mother, my sisters and me would set up the rest of camp. the next day my father Took my brother and me hiking up to the site of the old Catskill Hotel I say site cause the hotel by 1963 was burn it down to the ground. All that remains of what was once America's most fashionable resort is the gateposts and the sweeping views from the cleared site. We found a wild blue berry bush right thereat the site & we pick a bunch of the blue berries and brought them back to camp. My mother washed them off and made blue berry muffins and blue berry pancakes for breakfast the next morning all on the camp fire. My father had just recently passed away and that is one of my dearest memories of him. He was the one who made camping fun and gave me such a love for it and for that area of the Catskills.
Submitted By: Barbara Sonin
24 September 2007
Roadmaster Suspension Solutions Anti-Sway Bars
If you have been around RV’s you have probably heard of the term “sway,” even if you don’t pull a trailer. It’s a common term in the RV industry and it means a side-to-side movement. Sway is normally associated with a travel trailer being pulled by a tow vehicle, but it can take on a whole new meaning for motorhome owners too.
Recently we purchased a new, 35’ Class A motorhome. The first time I drove it on the interstate I experienced this thing called sway, when a semi truck passed us. Rather than calling it sway, when a truck passes, I refer to it as the “push-pull effect.” As the truck is passing you, the first thing you feel is the air pressure from the truck pushing against the side of the motorhome. Then as the truck starts to go past the motorhome it pulls you back in. This sensation makes the motorhome feel top heavy.
Other terms used for sway, as it pertains to motorhomes, are “body roll” and “pitch.” You will experience these different types of sway whenever pressure is exerted against one side of the motorhome. It can be caused by a gust of wind, or due to a shift in weight while cornering. The effects of sway on a motorhome are increased because of the height and mass of the motorhome. Regardless of what term you use for sway, over time it takes its toll on the driver.
The solution to sway is in the motorhome suspension. Chassis manufacturers are aware of this problem and in an effort to reduce sway they use what is referred to as a sway bar. The sway bar is the link between the suspension system and the vehicle frame. The sway bar uses the weight of the rear axle as a brace against the chassis, so any pressure exerted against either side of the motorhome is countered by the sway bar. The problem with this, in many cases, is the stock sway bar, installed by the manufacturer, is not strong enough to absorb or counter the effects of sway or pressure against the sides of the motorhome.
Now that we know what the problem is, what can we do to fix it? Camping World has the solution and it’s an RSS sway bar by Roadmaster Inc. RSS sway bars have a thicker diameter than stock sway bars. They’re made of 4140 “chromoly” steel which is stronger and more durable than the spring steel used in most stock sway bar applications. The RSS sway bar works by reducing the body roll and balancing the weight transfer during cornering.
Another problem related to stock sway bars are the bushings they use. Sway bars pivot as pressure is constantly being countered by the bar. Most stock sway bars use rubber bushings at these pivot points. Rubber bushings harden and wear over time, causing the motorhome to roll or lean even more, from the same amount of pressure exerted against the side of the motorhome. RSS sway bars use polyurethane bushings. Polyurethane won’t wear like rubber, and it holds up much better at these pivot points.
The installation took me about three hours. Our motorhome is on a Ford F-53 super duty Class A motorhome chassis. One step in the installation instructions said to torque the U-bolt nuts to the original manufacturer’s specifications. It took a couple of phone calls to find out what these torque specifications were. I also had to purchase a new torque wrench before I could start the installation. My torque wrench only went to 150 foot pounds and I needed one capable of 300 foot pounds. If you have the proper tools and facilities the installation is not that difficult. Pneumatic tools would help immensely. Some of the parts are heavy and bulky, so you will probably want an assistant to help with the installation. If you don’t have the proper tools, or if you don’t feel like tackling the installation by yourself, you can purchase your RSS sway bar at any Camping World Supercenter and let the pros install it for you. Call ahead to make sure they have the model you need on hand; Roadmaster makes these sway bars for specific motorhome chassis applications.
The real test was going to be how the motorhome handles on the road. Soon after I installed the RSS sway bar we loaded the motorhome and headed out on a trip to Niagara Falls. I drove the motorhome slightly over 7,000 miles without the RSS sway bar. After driving it 750 miles with the RSS sway bar all I can say is the difference is like night and day. I wish I had it on the motorhome the first 7,000 miles. The motorhome is more stable on the road, it handles and corners better and the body roll or sway was drastically reduced. And now when a truck passes it’s hardly noticeable. The RSS sway bar really makes getting there half the fun now.
Happy Camping!
Mark J. Polk
21 September 2007
Stay Organized
Here's a tip I picked up from my tree-planter daughter: Pack all your camping gear in big, sturdy plastic totes. At the end of the season I clean and repack all my gear and stash it in the tote. On the lid I stick a ziplock bag with a detailed list of all the contents written clearly on a card inside. \ I can see what's inside at a glance--and I know it's clean and ready to go. It's good way to ensure I don't forget anything, and if I want to go camping on impulse I just grab the tote, pick up my tent and go.
Submitted By: Juliet Gill
20 September 2007
Fried Tuna Sandwich
Prep Time: 10 minutes to make and 5 minutes to fry Ingredients: Directions:
Submitted By: Imelda Nesteby |
19 September 2007
15 Questions
We’re so good, we can guess in less then 15 questions!
Around the campfire we have one person who thinks of something. For example a car, boat, goat, etc. The rest of the group goes around with a question about the something to try to figure out what it is. Example questions would be "Is it a person/place or thing?" "Is it bigger than a car?" We are so good at figuring it out, we can do it in less than 15 questions!!
Submitted By: Diana Ramirez
18 September 2007
Dad is the Best Teacher
This is my dad and I on one of our many camping trips. My dad is the best teacher. He makes me aware of the dangers of a hatchet, campfire, and makes me stay on the trails when we ride or hike. He even taught me to build a fire from a stick, string, and friction. I have the coolest dad.
Submitted By: Dustin Copsey
17 September 2007
Soda-Club Soda Maker
Make fresh fizzy soda or sparkling water in seconds – at home or in your RV! With a sleek, space-saving Soda-Club soda maker, there's no more heavy bulky bottles and cans to lug on board and cram into your storage space. You'll cut way down on the amount of recyclables you generate, so you can keep your campsite clean and pristine...and keep your RV clutter-free. Soda-Club offers over 25 great-tasting flavors of sodamix, including diet flavors sweetened with Splenda® brand sweetener, and regular soda with 2/3 less sugar and calories than regular store-bought soda. Soda makers operate without batteries or electricity, and come with a three-year manufacturer's warranty.
14 September 2007
S'more Tip
We all love S’mores. I like to wrap them up for the kids individually in foil and then cook them on the campfire for just a bit until the chocolate and marshmallow melt. The kids still melt marshmallows, this just saves from having a sticky mess on the table in the dark or having your s’more break while trying to eat them.
Submitted By: Nancy Low
13 September 2007
Campfire Apples
An easy to make and tasty snack for everyone to enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 or more
Ingredients:
Baking apples
1 to 2 tbl spoons of water
2 or 3 tbl spoon of sugar
1 tbl spoon butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon dash or nutmeg
Optional- raisins, chocholate chips, marshmallows, caramel
Directions:
- Core apples and pare the top portion.
- Prepare a piece of foil, about 2 feet long, then fold in half.
- Place one apple in the center of the foil.
- Bring the foil up around the apple leaving the top open.
- Add 1 or 2 tbl spoons of water into the core of the apple, followed by any of the above ingredients.
- Gather the foil over the top of the apple and fold twice to seal.
- Place the foil packs on the fire for 20 min.
- Remove and enjoy
Submitted By: Richard Niemi
12 September 2007
Bocceball
Anyone who can throw a baseball can play this game.
We play bocce ball every time we go camping. You can play with two people or in teams, and you can play anywhere. Each team has to try to get their ball closest to the Balini. The team who is closest scores a point – we always play to ten points. Anyone who can hold and throw a baseball can play bocce ball. It’s a lot of fun!
Submitted By: Sherrie Cisler
11 September 2007
The Motor Boat Stalled
One of my fondest childhood memories is camping with my family. My dad loved fishing and would always put out trot-lines. He would get up early every morning and go out and check them. One morning he went out before anyone else was up. We awoke to dad trying to get back across the bay with nothing but a gallon bucket to propel the boat. The motor had stalled and he forgot to take a paddle. All he had in the boat was the bucket. So we stood on the bank laughing and watching his journey back to shore.
Submitted By: Gina Neal
10 September 2007
CW Gear® Cast Iron Cookware Set
This outdoor cast iron cookware set provides all you need for delicious, scrumptious camp cooking! Heavy duty and ideal for all your outdoor cooking needs, it even retains heat longer than conventional cookware.
This easy to clean, versatile, and durable set includes a 2qt. saucepan, 6qt. Dutch oven with bail handle, 12" skillet and pot lifter. The 20"L x 9"W griddle is ribbed on one side for broiling, and smooth on the other for pancakes, eggs and much more!
07 September 2007
Rainy Day Activities
We have been camping with our son, now 15, since he was about 2. Most of our trips are with other family members who also have children. Since the weather is sometimes unpredictable and we prefer campgrounds that are a little more remote, (Our favorites are Sampson on Seneca Lake, NY and Long Point on Chaumont Bay, NY) I keep a small cupboard with rainy day activities. I watch for sales at a craft store for canvas tote bags, t shirts, fabric paints, craft kits, beads, etc. Kids and adults alike enjoy the finished products. We let the kids go crazy with the shirts, they end up wild; fluorescent paints are great at campgrounds at night. One year I bought small glass containers and we decorated with fabric paint, buttons, and wooden decorations, marked them as "camping coin" and the kids use them for money to play video games at the campground activity room. The craft cupboard in our camper is a hit with all kids passing by!
Submitted By: Karen Newton
06 September 2007
Mountain Meatloaf
Try this amazing meal on your next trip. It will be sure to fill you up!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
6 whole onions (sweet if available)
1 lb of ground beef (can substitute canned corn beef hash if desired)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Cut the center layers out of the onions - save the tops.
- Fill the onion with the ground beef or corn beef hash to within 1/2 in of the top of the onion.
- Put about 1 tsp of cheese in each onion.
- Place the tops back on the onions.
- Carefully place the onions in burning coals.
- Then build up the coals around and on top of the onions.
- Let cook about 30 minutes.
- When finished peel off the outer skin and enjoy.
Submitted By: Laura Madigan
05 September 2007
Charades
It can take as few as 2 people to play!
It can take as few as two people or as many as ten. Divide up into two teams and choose a theme. Each team gets small pieces of paper and they write down what they want the other team to act out. Put them in a hat so the other team can select randomly. Act out a favorite TV show, movie, character and whoever guesses does the next round. Lot's of FUN! Kids and adults both can play.
Submitted By: Pamela Allen
04 September 2007
Camping with Dad is Great!
I am 7 years old and every camping moment I have with my dad is great. When I am with my dad it is always an adventure. We go camping a lot. He taught me how to set up the tent and to build a fire. We love to go hiking in the trails and look at all the animals, bugs, habitats, and I like to look for bears. My dad teaches me to respect nature and to always make sure I don't leave messes. We camp in Yosemite, Idyllwild, Big Bear, and any State Park along the way. Being with my dad is great especially when the sun goes to sleep and the moon wakes up and its time to make s’mores. Me and my father have a very special bond and camping together is always a special moment.
Submitted By: Alona Minchin & Audrey Fennel
03 September 2007
The Perry Mesa Innovative Camping Tent
The new Perry Mesa combines a roomy tent with an even roomier screen room. This innovative design from Paha Qué Wilderness sleeps eight -- four in the tent, four more in the screen room. For those who like room to stand up and move around, The Perry Mesa is the answer. Overall, it's 10'x14'; the tent area is 6'6"x10', with 6'6" peak height.
The roof is genuine no-see-um mesh, over both the tent and the screen room for excellent ventilation, and the enjoyment of stargazing at night. If the weather turns bad, a waterproof rainfly is ready to keep everyone dry and still maintain ventilation, thanks to WCS™, the exclusive Weather Control System developed by Paha Qué.
A heavy-duty waterproof coating on walls and floor keeps the interior snug and dry. Combined with factory tape-sealed seams, this guarantees a cozy, dry night in any weather.
The screen room section has two large doors and big built-in awnings on three sides, providing lots of additional shade and protection. Lower the awnings to keep out bad weather, or just roll them up out of the way. A big D-shaped interior door, complete with corrosion-resistant YBS brand zippers, keeps the tent area private, dry and easily accessible.
MSRP $499.
For more about Paha Qué Wilderness, visit their web site: www.pahaque.com
