Outdoors Bloggers share their stories

Recently when  reading one of the many blogs I like to follow, I came across a group of great women bloggers, based in the USA and Canada, who had all written about “their camping style”.

The common thread amongst them all, was their desire to get outdoors with their families and have a great time.    The ways in which they do that, differ, but the end result is always the same – experiences and adventures creating lifelong memories.


Each story, seemed to have a little part of my own story within it – especially the stories that started off with mums who didn’t initially like camping, but have changed their minds.   Oh, and the mums who like toilets nearby too!  

The posts are beautifully written, descriptive, with some amazing scenery and gives those of us in Australia, an insight into camping, North American style!

I will need to think about our own camping style, and add it later, but meanwhile, I recommend that you take the time to read these stories.

Maybe you have a blog post about YOUR camping style in Australia?

 

If so, let us know so we can create an Aussie list.

 

 

 

Blog Posts about Camping Style:

Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies – Learning to Love Camping. It’s all about style

The Campy Mom – Secrets Revealed. Outdoors Moms share their camping style

Adventure Tykes – A tent on your roof? What?

Outside Mom – My camping style; No fees, no toilets, no people

Kid Project – From tent to trailer: what did we do?

Wilderness for Kids  – Public Use Cabins, Yurts, Fireplaces

ColoCalders – Camping Style with a RV trailer

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Can you have portable toilet in your pocket?

When the idea of camping was first suggested to me, my first thought was "where will I go to the toilet".   The answer provided was behind a tree or bush.    Consequently, we did not go camping for a long time.

Years later, I said I would give camping a go, as long as it had a toilet nearby. I hadn't yet discovered that sometimes going behind a bush is a better option than using a grubby drop toilet (but that's a story for another day).

Having a toilet nearby remains something the females in our  family really, really, appreciate.

For others, who don't take a Porta Pottie with them - such as we do sometimes; it's our little luxury -  they won't go camping because of not having a toilet.  I know of someone who hung on for 7 days when hiking because they didn't want to go  and squat in the woods!


When I was looking around for the ways to do a wee if you are female and outdoors (if you missed that post, read about it here, because it truly is, enlightening!), I found ways to do Number 2's that are on the market.

I assumed, wrongly, that if you didn't go behind a tree (with a spade) or use existing facilities, then you didn't go at all.   

But as was pointed out to me,  depending on where you are going, for environmental reasons – you HAVE to take out all waste.     I remain a little horrified by that thought....I am so not ready for that.


So, if you have to be environmentally friendly or if you think that there must be alternatives to going in the woods/Porta Pottie/amenity blocks, here we show you another 2 products designed to making the toileting issue for some people, well, easier???  (there are a lot of other toilet options out there I realise, but just showing two innovations!)

I am not so sure about it, but read on and then you can let me know what you think!

The Biffy Bag

This is a personal disposable toilet system is a complete toilet that fits in the palm of your hand.   Carry it in your backpack, or pocket or  handbag (if you have one when you camp).

The website says 

The bag within a bag design offers 3 layers of leak protection and provides 4000 times the odor resistance of a standard garbage bag. The transport bag itself has a burst strength rating greater than 50 psi and a puncture resistant rating greater then 13 psi making it virtually leak proof.

How does it work?

The diagram, which comes from the Biffy website, tells you just what you might want to know:

And remember – leave no trace.

If you use this bag, dispose of thoughtfully and appropriately.  The bag system  is 83% biodegradable or recyclable.   But you still need to put it a suitable garbage bin.

This could be one way to help ease concerns of those afraid of the outdoors because of toileting issues.

For others, it may freak them out further.   

Another product is Bog in a Bag.

This one is a little different, because it comes with folding stool as well (which has a hole in the middle, where a plastic bag is placed).

Now its not any old plastic bag, but one filled with magic crystals (full disclosure - they are actually not magic, but polycrylate crystals).

After you have done your business, you get rid of the plastic bag.    And your folding stool can now function once more, as a place to rest your bottom, rather than a stool to help you empty your bottom.

For details on that product, go to the home page Bog In A Bag




Will we use any of these products?  Unlikely!   I don't think I could deal with all the bags...Maybe if it was for a small child, I could do it - but an adult? No way. 

What do you think?   Any comments, then leave us a  note below!  Thanks.

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Then and Now of Camping (infographic)

Camping equipment has certainly changed over the years as this infographic shows. I don't know if I ever would have gone camping if I didn't have some of the more updated necessities we now own.

Browse more data visualization.

original source: http://blog.visual.ly/


What do you think? Are the improvements all for the better?

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Lego goes camping

Even Lego men go camping (and not always with success - so its like real life).    Enjoy.  

(if you like funny videos, you might appreciate this video on camping explosions)

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Zippo Handwarmer is Camping Gadget of the Week

 

• Feeling cold in the morning around the campsite? 
• Or maybe sitting in the tent at night?   
• Possibly, as you sit at your computer reading this?

Then this Gadget of the Week could keep you a little more toasty!

It is the Zippo Handwarmer, and brought to you by the makers of the famous Zippo lighters that have been around forever.

Fill it with lighter fuel (can last between 12-24 hours depending on how much fuel you add), light the warmer up and place in the provided bag (you must use this bag, as the warmer becomes very hot).

Once you start it up to warm yourself, it is not that easy to stop from what I can gather (involves prying off the burning element without actually burning yourself), so you may want to be prepared to keep body parts warm for a long time.

My feet might actually need one of these right about now.

Or maybe this Selk Bag is more to your liking?

What do you think?    Leave your thoughts below!

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Darth Tater meets The Grampians

Ever seen the TV show  ‘The Amazing Race’ ?   If so, you might have seen that the contestants sometimes have to lug around a gnome from some travel agency.

We, were like those contestants.   Except for the bit about winning a million dollars, travelling the world for free and dealing with taxi drivers who never know where they are going.  Oh, and we don’t wear matching outfits, never been cheerleaders and don’t get threatened with elimination at the end of each day.
So except for all of that, we were just like those contestants.   

But rather than a gnome, we took Darth Tater (a spud on the Dark Side).

So, Darth Tater came to the majestic Grampians in Victoria for a lovely break in the middle of winter (and our family of 4, became 5)



The Grampians has a lot to offer at this time of the year to the visitor. 

Being cool (and on one day we were there, icy), visitor numbers are lower than school holidays, and you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without fighting for a view with hundreds of others.

Accommodation options are plentiful, so you can also have your pick of where you want to stay.

On many of our walks, we were the only ones there.    We could sit on a peak in silence (if we chose) and didn’t have to wait for people to move out of the shot for photographic purposes.     We had the walk to the Pinnacles, Silverband Falls and Beehive Falls all to ourselves.

On another day of our stay, a short drive from Halls Gap, took us to Boroka Lookout, Reids Lookout and The Balconies.   This was the day Darth joined us.   The day was windy and overcast, but we could still appreciate the beauty that stretched out as far as the eye could see.




From Reids Lookout, a short walk to The Balconies is a must.    The path winds through bushland and the wildflowers were coming into early bloom.      
This walk can easily be done by everyone (though some preferred to be carried as seen below).

The view from The Balconies.



Next major stop, was Mackenzie Falls.  

Of all areas we visited in the Grampians, this was the part that had the most visitors we had seen for the duration of our stay.   Where they had been on all our other walks, I do not know, but everyone had decided that these Falls were the place to be.    We were there in low season, so I can only imagine what it must be like at peak time.

A long descent to the bottom of the Falls is a must if you can manage it.   It’s not too bad going down, but coming back up does test your fitness.   To truly appreciate the scenery, I would make the effort.  The Falls can only be truly appreciated at the base.




As was the case with most places near water, the damage of the floods from January 2011 was evident.   

Large amount of debris and some infrastructure damage remain, and once where bridges were, now large stepping stones/rocks take their place (which I think is better anyway).

                      Darth resting (or possibly sliding off) on our car at the end of the day.

The Grampians are a beautiful place to visit in Victoria, and offer a lot to see and do.
 

Your level of fitness and time will determine how much you can get out and explore.   They are not overwhelming in size as say, the Flinders Ranges (which takes hours to get from one place to another).    The wildlife abounds, the people everywhere were friendly and welcoming, and we didn’t get too many strange looks when Darth put in an appearance!

Full review of camping facilities found in the area is  on our main website  (minus input from Darth Tater).       

Want to leave a comment or thought about the Grampians or maybe reference Star Wars, then please do so below.   Love to hear from you.

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Don't wash up your plates - eat them instead.

Have you eaten outdoors? Who does the washing up of all the plates etc? 

For our family, it falls to the parents as the children seem to get incredibly busy at that moment and with nightfall approaching, you want it done! And done NOW!

You would know from your experiences, that in can be a bit more work than say, at home.

You can't sometimes just turn on a tap, and there is the hot water - you might have to go looking for a water source and then boil it up!

We have been out camping where there is no water source, and we are rationing our water for everything.     There is that fear that you will run out and have to get in the car and drive somewhere to get the water.     This happened to us on Kangaroo Island - where many areas to not have mains water.   We had to ask a local farmer for rainwater.

We have been out with some campers who choose the disposable option for all their camping!  Its not environmentally friendly and more prone to being left in the campground.   And not a good idea to burn it either!


So, if you are thinking about an alternative to washing you up, here is an option available.  You  can use  4-piece set (made by Firebox) which is made from 100% biodegradable cassava (a perennial tropical plant used to make tapioca).    You get  cassava plates, bowls and cups; plus wooden spoons, forks and knives (don’t eat the cutlery).

The plates, bowls, etc. can be re-used if washed with care, or if you bury them as it turns into compost within a week (if in water).    Or, eat them.      Now, there are no excuses for leaving your rubbish for others to find.   Remember: Leave No Trace.

Anyone hungry?   

Leave us a note below!

Reference:   Firebox

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Aeropress is Camping Gadget of the Week

I am a bit of a coffee snob.  

Not too proud or ashamed to admit it!!  

What that means is that instant coffee is something I can’t drink.   I would much rather go without, than drink a crappy cup of coffee.

So when we go camping, I ensure we have a decent cup of coffee.      And we have a number of ways of getting that perfect brew, and the Camping Gadget of the Week, just happens to be one what we use. 

It is the Aeropress.
This gadget is not a new one but been around for a while.    Many other campers and hikers use, and recommend it.  

Small enough to put in your daypack, and definitely suited to all who camp.  In fact, we have used it at home and work in the quest to perfect that cup of coffee we love!

It is a coffee plunger that you place over your cup, fill with your coffee add water, and slowly press the plunger. 

The water and coffee pass through a microfilter so the coffee you get is free of gritty coffee grinds (the muck that is at the bottom of your cup sometimes).   

Our full review and more information on how it works, can be found HERE 

Or check out the MSR Mugmate as an alternative.

Otherwise, leave us a note below on your thoughts about this gadget.   How do YOU like your coffee?  What do you use when you are camping or hiking?

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Camping with dogs

If  you really love your dog and you like camping, now there are no excuses for not letting your pooch travel and camp in style!!

Anyone think their pet is worthy of this little camper?   Let us know below!

Or maybe you could pick this up for yourself (there would be room for your pet too) - Campervan for Sale

Source:  Straightlinedesigns

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