Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the day off. Now it's time to get ready for the big game Saturday. Clemson vs Carolina of course. Any one want to comment?

Why A Propane Gas Bottle Barbecue Works Better Than The Rest

The smell of chops and sausages sizzling on the grill, the sounds of beer cans popping, the noise of children jumping in and out of the paddling pool...summer is here. There is no doubt that bbqs are a big part of the summer and most households enjoy one every now and again. What many people don't realise however is that their overall enjoyment of bbqs could increase ten fold if they simply traded in their cumbersome, charcoaled fired beast and purchased a sleek and elegantly designed gas fired alternative. When you mention gas bbqs, often people will say “it's just not the same.” They are right, it isn't the same. There is no mess, no smoke, no 2 hour wait as it heats up, no chargrilled meat that stays raw on the side, no burnt chicken drumsticks, no difficult clean up....and on and on.

There is no doubt about it, gas bbqs are simply superior to the traditional variety. They offer the same sizzling sounds and the same bbq taste but additionally they provide an easier platform on which to cook and a simpler and less messy overall experience. Lighting a gas bbq takes just moments and it doesn't need refilling with charcoal. Turning off the bbq is easy too. There is no choice but to simply wait when dealing with a charcoal or wood bbq, and in this respect you can find yourself held hostage by the hot ashes. They don't smoke either which can often pose a problem with bbqs, especially if you are having it in a small outdoor space or garden. You can enjoy a gas bbq on nothing larger than a balcony. Try doing that with a charcoal variety and see how far you get! Gas fired grills are easy to clean too so you don't have to cook on top of last years burnt remains that are stuck like superglue to the grill.

Gas bbqs are portable. Although they come in different sizes, the smaller ones can easily be loaded into the back of the car and taken on Camping trips, on days out or to the beach for fun in the sun. Stationary bbqs don't offer this same flexibility which really lets them down. There are “throw away” varieties available that can be taken away with you, but not only are they small, they cannot be refilled so once they are cold they will cook no more, and they are difficult to dispose of easily too. Gas bbqs are particularly perfect for Camping trips because they provide the family a fun and cost effective way to feed the family each night. Eating out is fun too but this can become extremely costly especially if there are many mouths to feed.

Cooking using a gas fueled grill makes the actual cooking much easier and therefore more enjoyable. Charcoal or wood fired bbqs have to heat up, and if the cooking temperature is judged incorrectly then the food gets burnt or if it is left too long so the heat dies down and the window of opportunity is gone. There are many pitfalls for cooking in this way and those who switch to a gas variety never look back and report of hugely successful cook outs, time and time again.

Because a gas barbecue simply needs connecting to a gas bottle, they are really easy to maintain and use. Whether it is a propane gas bottle or natural gas alternative, it simply needs clipping into place and igniting for instant cooking. If you love barbecues but find them hard work and on the temperamental side then look into a gas variety. They provide all the same benefits of a traditional bbq without any of the down sides.

Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Flogas, http://www.flogas.co.uk/leisure/barbecues/ a LPG supplier retailing gas barbecue grills and accessories such as the gas bottle which can be delivered together with your bbq. http://www.flogas.co.uk/buy-online/gas-cylinders/47kg-propane-gas-cylinder-refill/ Flogas also offer a heavier propane gas bottle suitable for generators, caravans and more.

Fishing Vacation 101

Universally, the term “gone fishing” is associated with vacations. In that case planning a fishing vacation should be nothing more then a natural choice. Fishing combines sport, relaxation, communing with nature and free food and hence qualifies as the perfect vacation. From a weekend trip to the closest lake front Camping ground to an adventurous and long packaged tour to the best fishing locales of the world, one has plenty of choices that could be made.

While planning a long fishing vacation, there are a couple of obvious choices to be made. First one being what type of fishing is most appealing. The most basic breakdown here is a choice between freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Fishing vacations come in various sizes and forms. They can be started with loading your car with fishing rods and sleeping bags or calling a travel agent or professional fishng guide.

These trips can be taken all the year round. Although the first thought is generally to catch the bass biting at the very onset of spring or the blues running in autumn. Trips can be made absolutely anytime of the year, even in the dead of the winter, just in case he angler has no aversions to cutting holes in the ice.

A properly planned vacation can be fun for all, irrespective of whether you are a novice or a very serious sportsman. The only essential purchase required is the fishing license, rest all can be rented. Rods and reels, boats and crews, which can even cater lunch, can be rented out.

It can be a way for families to spend time together while simultaneously enjoying the outdoors. Although the idea of skewering worms onto hooks may sound gross yet the vacation can be fun for the entire family. Fishing is a leisurely pastime and you don’t have to excel at it to enjoy, and a total beginner might be just as good or even more than a seasoned pro.

Just because you are vegetarian, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while fishing. One may use catch and release techniques for the fun of the sport.

While as said earlier, their can be several ways of going for fishing, however packaged tours certainly has some advantages. Best part here being that all the essentials are included right in the price. One need not carry all the equipment around, and thus the trip becomes more fun. Along with the trip, the vacationer also gets the expertise of the trip provider. Thus one need not hunt around for the best ‘fishing hole’ and thus the chances of returning empty handed are considerably reduced. Also at fairly reasonable prices one may also get lunch included in the package deal.

Toughest decision to be made while planning a trip is, where to go. Think globally as ther are plenty of scenic fishing spots which are a real treat for anyone interested. British Columbia in Canada boasts of beautiful wilderness and streams filled with great number of fishes of an ample of species.

There are also the less exotic but easier on the pocket destination which can be good value for money. Prices for accommodations may range from 100$ to 300$. One may also like to make it a learning experience, by opting for a Fishing School package. It generally includes hands-on and personal tutoring regarding the ins and outs of fishing. All the equipment is provided by the school. Prices may be around 300$ per session , travel expenses excluded.

How a Hitch Cargo Carrier Allows You To Pack More Stuff

With all the problems of flying I'm sure that tons of people as of now, are choosing to drive to their location rather than fly. Seriously come on; complete body scans? patdowns? X-rays that can see through clothes? Jeepers creepers it's a miracle anyone is able to get on a plane at all anyways.



Adding to the nightmare of going through checkpoints there is the huge cost of checking a bag onto a airplane. This means that tons of people aren't going to carry enough things to be satisfied when they leave. Can you even think of the cost of checking Tents, backpacks, coolers, heaters and all the other stuff we campers bring? The complete idea of Camping is being outdoors and being affordable.



Now what are we to do? I'm pretty sure you will in short order find out about hitch cargo carriers. Hitch cargo carriers are life savers! Whether you have a SUV or a littler car you will be able to use a hitch cargo carrier. This document is here to help you find what to look for.



Just say you don't have a hitch on your vehicle. (quite a number of Sports vehicles these days come with hitches). If you don't have a hitch you will want to find the local auto parts installation place and tell them you would like one installed. The cost of getting this done will be less than a flight with 3 checked bags I PROMISE!



You've gotten the hitch on your vehicle and your ready to look at buying a hitch cargo carrier. Now what you have to do is seek the weight limit of your hitch. That will be available in the owners pamphlet of the hitch or the vehicle if the hitch was installed by the manufacturer. It usually is around 400 pounds.



Once you have the high end weight limit you know what to start looking for. Now what you need to think of is the overall purpose of the hitch cargo carrier. Is it only for Camping? Will it be used the whole year? Identify the reason you need the hitch cargo carrier.



If you dont want to be taking it off all the time I suggest you look at some that fold. If your going to use it just for long trips then I would suggest you select a hitch cargo carrier with a fixed bed. Do you need a ramp? If your bringing a cycle or scooter you may need a ramp. If the answer is no then you likely don't need a ramp.



Lastly how much stuff will you be packing on the carrier? Find out how much the carrier allows and match it to suit your needs. Don't fear, the quality of the carriers these days is unmatched. The low end carrier and the high end carrier both offer you a nice solution to take extra stuff on that trip.



In summary: travel is harder now then ever before due to security at the airport. Tons of fun can be had on the road and you can bring along as much stuff as you want

How to Fly Fish; Fly Fishing Small Still Waters

Fly fishing small still waters can be hard for even the best of anglers. But with these top three tips fly fishing new places can be much easier.

Tip One:

Select the right equipment. (Always use the lightest gear possible when fishing)

Some anglers make the mistake of fishing with too heavy a rod, reel, line or flies. Using the right equipment is very important.

So how can having something like the wrong line effect your fishing? Simple lets stick to my example of a line for the moment. Fly line as you know is different to normal fishing line. So if your fishing a small still water then a light line would be better suited. Using a lighter line when paired with the right rod and reel allows you to present the fly easier with less chance of spooking a fish.

Since it's a small still water chances are you wont need to cast great distances so this is another reason to use light equipment. Always use the lighest gear possible when fishing. The lighter the gear the greater the ease to fish with out spooking the fish. And once again chances are since it's a small water the fish have seen nearly every kind of fly, line and god knows what else was used to try catch them.

Tip Two:

Move around.

One mistake I see an awful lot is when an angler fishes a spot too long and some times all day. Every 20 minuets or so move a few feet and fish some where else.

First cover the water from left to right and start with short casts. After completing a movement of casting left to right start again with a longer cast. Also vary the depth your fishing the fly and the speed you are retrieving it. Then, move.

Start the same technique as above and when finished move again. The only time I would recommend not moving is when your catching fish constantly in the one area.

Tip Three:

Get some local knowledge!

Knowledge is everything. Try talk to some local anglers or even just stop into the local fishing tackle shop. Ask questions like the depth of the water, the flies that work well and anything else you want to know. Information on the water your fishing is one of the best ways to catch fish.

Knowing the water you are fishing is important. Locals will tell you what flies work well or where the best spot to fish is.

If you don't get to talk to some local anglers then before you fish take a few minuets to just walk around the area your going to fish. Take note of over hanging vegetation, underwater features if you can see them and most of all signs of fish.

Hopefully these few little tips may help improve your fishing. Tight lines!


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For more top tips on fly fishing go to http://www.flyfishing-for-beginners.com

Fishing Charter Advertising on the Internet

Frequently I hear from fishing charter captains they are stopping their print advertising because the results for the price are hard to justify compared to their internet results. In the past, print advertising was really all that was available to a Captain. Now the internet has become part of most peoples lives and the prices to advertise much less than print advertising. So let's talk about where you should consider advertising so those clients find you.

Get your site listed with Google, AOL, MSN, Yahoo and all the search engines you can. This will require you work with your web person to submit it. Also in order to get a good position in Google and the others you will need to get links to your site and have good search keywords in your site. This is where your web person can help you make this happen. The judge of your success on this is where on the list your site appears when a person searches on your main keyword. Your main keyword is what describes your business the best. If you are a fishing charter in Key West your best keyword is "Key West Fishing Charters". Check your success on at least 6 or 8 search engines to see where your site is on the list (and do this each month to see how it changes). If you are number 355 you can't expect to get many visits to your site. Ultimately you want to be on the first page or two of your main search keyword depending on how much competition you have.

Get in the fishing directories. Typically the best place for clients to find a fishing charter are fishing site directories. These sites have lists of fishing charters and fishing guides by state and location. This is very important and one of the best places to have your listing. The price on this listing can range from a free listing to featured listings that cost money. Don't be shy. The more the better. Just be careful with your advertising budget on this. Pick out the top 3 or 4 sites you want to pay for and get listed with those. Then get a free listing with every other site you can. To find these directories just search for "fishing charter directory" or "fishing charters" in MSN.com or another search engine and you should locate most of the top directories. The best directory sites have listings by location (i.e. Key West, San Diego, etc.). If the site lists all the fishing charters in Florida your listing is one of a whole bunch. But if they list your site under Florida/Titusville area then you are one of not as many and the clients have a much easier time finding the charters they are looking for in the area they plan to visit. Whenever you pick a site to list with, take the time to look at it... make sure this is a simple useful site for your clients to find you.

Using Google adwords might be worthwhile. These are pay by the click advertising you can do with Google. You see these on the right side of the Google Search page. How affective your ads will be can vary greatly depending on the keywords. If you select "Destin Fishing Charters" then there are a lot of other ads out there and even if you pay $1.00 a click (which is very expensive for clicks) then you may still not see too many visitors from that ad. Take your best shot at this and pick one to ten ads and start with around a .21 cent click and see how that does. If needed to get a good position increase your click amount but do so carefully. You can spend a lot of money on this so make sure it is giving you the results you need. Use keywords that will get you 'quality' clicks and not just a lot of curiosity shoppers who never book. A keyword such as "Key West Fishing Charters" may work well for you because those persons are looking specifically for fishing charters in your area. However, "Key West" will give you more clicks because it is more generic but those clicks are lower quality because they aren't specific.

Doing cross promotions are always a great way to advertise on the internet. The price is right. I will put your banner on my site and you put mine on yours for no charge. This method is great for both sides. You can also pay sites to list yours. Depending on the site and traffic they receive it may be worth it. Some larger sites will charge hundreds of dollars per month for a banner and some you can get for just a few dollars a month. Pick your sites well. Good fishing site banner advertising will typically get you the best quality visitors that are really looking. So you know also, the search engines like to see different banners and links which makes your site do better in the keywords. The best ad is a banner with your link shown below it. However, your link shown should be "fishing charters" which when clicked goes to your site. This is a relavent link and tells Google that the link has to do with fishing charters.

Those are some of the basics of internet advertising. Like everything else it can be simple and cheap up to extremely expensive and complex. Remember to try to compare your results to see where your spending money and if it is making the return. Your web person can help here. There are systems you can use that will tell you how someone got to your site (via Google search, BlueSportFishing directory listing, banner you had on the local tackle shop site, etc.). Obviously anytime you speak to a client ask them how they found out about you and ask them if they have seen your website. While a word of mouth might get the client directed to you, it might have been your site that really created the call. Get feedback on your site from your clients and your web person.

Fuel Sources For Your Portable Camp Stove - Alternative Fuels

Even though propane stoves are fairly inexpensive, you may still want to have a stove that does not rely on fuel sources that must be carried along. As an example, you may want to have a portable camp stove that makes use of solar power. While you may have difficulty locating this type of stove, there are some other options.

Across time, humans have built all kinds of camp fires from wood, grass, and animal dung. On the other hand, there are a number of benefits that come with having a dedicated stove to cook meals on. If you are interested in a camp stove that makes use of grass or wood, you may also need some tools that will help you cut the materials to the proper size and shape.

In some cases, you may decide that it will be best to build your own stove. As an example, if you want a stove that will make use of sunlight, you will find all kinds of innovate ways to build it. This may even include making the stove out of cardboard, as well as other lightweight materials. While a solar cooker may not work on cloudy days, it may still reduce the amount of fuel that you will need to carry or find for a more conventional heating appliance.

If you have a long way to travel, you may also conclude that solar cooking will not work well for you. Unfortunately, it can take several hours for your food to cook using solar power. That said, if you are going to stay in a localized area, you should be able to enjoy preparing foods without having to gather fuel or spend money on it.

As you may be aware, there are a number of methods emerging to create electricity from motion. Without a question, once you have a source of electricity, you should be able to find some way to convert it to heat for cooking. You may even find that exploring this question will yield an invention that many other people will want to try out for themselves.

During the process of looking at alternative fuels for your portable camp stove, you will need to consider the limits and advantages of each option. In some cases, you will find that time and weather conditions will inhibit your ability to take advantages of specific fuel types.

That said, as you look at all the options available, you may spot a new idea or emerging technology that can meet your goals better than you might initially expect.

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

A&E Awnings - Full Line Systems

When shopping around for a new awning, not only is the fabric chosen important but also the metal components. In fact, many quality awnings will last between five and ten years. At that point, you can simply have the fabric replaced. However, the hardware should last much longer. Therefore, consumers should consider all aspects of an awning when buying.

An excellent place for both new awnings and part replacement is AE Awning. In this article, we wanted to give you some idea of what to expect when you buy from AE Awning. For instance, one of the most popular choices for a motor home is the A&E Elite 9000. Considered as a top of the line option, you will fall in love with the elegance and style. The Elite 9000 features a satin-anodized aluminum weather shield, which means you get the best protection possible.

This particular AE awning looks beautiful and is easy to operate. In fact, the design is specially patented with an anti-slack rafter so the fabric remains taut. In addition, changing the position between carport and patio is a breeze. Other benefits include the positive control lift-handle, all-metal satin finish, large locking knobs, and even acrylic colors, all beautifully woven into the fabric so the awning maintains its beauty.

Another popular option for an A&E awning is the Imperial 8500. In addition to the elegant look, this awning is made to last. The canopy is made from heavy-duty premium vinyl and the colors vibrant. The Imperial 8500 has a unique design that makes it stand out from other awnings. With a gorgeous horizontal strip that runs along the top and bottom, the style works well with any RV. Best of all, this AE awning is available in different models such as cuRVed or straight and it is easy to operate.

All of AE awnings offer special features to include the Imperial 8500. In this case, the vinyl is heavy and reinforced polyester while the steel roller tube comes with a lifetime warranty against rust. This awning also boasts an effortless operation, anti-slack rafter pivot, and easy to use pull strap. As you can see, AE Awning is a company that things of the consumer, taking in account the types of features that would make the awning more enjoyable to use.

In addition to awnings, AE Awning also sells top quality parts. Keep in mind that the parts are for this type of awning so you would simply need to use the part or model number when ordering. Your new awning will attach easily, providing you with years of comfort when traveling. With your AE awning, you will not have to battle against sunlight, snow, rain, or wind, while still being able to sit outdoors in the fresh air. In fact, your new awning will keep your RV or motor home up to 25% cooler, which means a nice savings on operation.

Fishing Gear: Make Sure You Make The Right Choice

If you are fishing for a big game fish or just a small fish to throw in the pan you need to know what fishing gear to use for the type of fishing you will be doing. If you are deep sea fishing obviously you want to use a deep sea fishing pole not one that is used for pond fishing. For this reason it is important to know the basics of fishing gear.

One of the most important aspects to know in fishing gear is the rod. There are different types of rods for different types of fishing. First specify what type of fishing you will be doing than pick the reel that is designed for that type of fishing.

The fishing line you use is also important. Much like the rod there are different lines for different types of fishing. But in fishing line you can use line for sea fishing that won’t be strong enough to support the weight of the fish you will be trying to catch. Target the figure for the weight of the fish and then buy the fishing line accordingly.

A reel is an important thing to know as well as there are many different types of reels to use for different types of fishing. Much like most of the aspects in fishing gear you need to specify what type of fishing you will do and then pick the reel after you have done that.

Other aspects of fishing gear that must be addressed by knowing the type of fishing you will do is lures, bait, as well as other fishing gear accessories. Specify what type of fishing you will do and then put together your fishing gear based on that type of fishing.

The best way to customize your fishing gear to what type of fishing you will be doing is to talk to a professional which can be found at most fishing stores and generally you can find them at sporting goods stores as well.

Home Madaga Gazebo - The Ultimate Review

Shopping for a new gazebo canopy tent will require some considerations on your part. Canopy Tents come in numerous different sizes, styles, supplies, and colors. You will find also many different brands to consider.

Some are more expensive because they include much better materials and manufacturing methods. Others are inexpensive but also considered a lot more portable. When you are deciding which canopy will greatest work for you backyard or patio area, you should definitely begin by determining how much space you would like to shelter.

This is where home madaga gazebo would come in as it is in a standard size of 10x10 which is pretty much the size that most people need.

Most backyard areas have an existing patio region that's typically depicted by a concrete slab. You can choose to cover that particular room or a lot more. If you don't have an existing patio area, you may want to stake out the room you wish to cover so you are able to get a much better idea of the space you want to cover. You can then measure the distance between the stakes to get the exact dimension that you'll require. You may not be able to discover a canopy of that exact size, but you ought to have no problem finding one that is similar, either slightly smaller or larger.

For more information on this particular topic, you can view other sites that I found here: http://homemadagagazebo.blogetery.com/2010/04/05/home-madaga-gazebo-the-review/ and here: http://provestrasideeffect.wetpaint.com/ and here:

It's typical for canopies to be created with supplies for example metal, wood, or plastic. A canopy made with plastic supplies is probably going to be really portable or one that is easy to put up and take down when you need to.

The home madaga gazebo is a perfect match as this can be taken down and installed back in less than 15 minutes. I recommended this to my friend and her kids would set it up for her each time she wants to use it.

Metal and wood supplies are heavier and regarded more permanent. You can even choose to anchor such a shelter down to your concrete patio to ensure that it remains stationary all year round.

The home madaga gazebo canopy style is very attractive and a lot more appealing to homeowners because from the peaked roof. The roof is usually created with some kind of canvas or vinyl fabric. Most fabrics are really durable and capable to withstand normal outdoor conditions.

In extreme weather, it's certainly best to remove the canopy or the entire shelter if needed.

If you are looking to buy home madaga gazebo 10x10, then you need to learn its ups and downs before so you will save yourself hundreds of dollars.

RV On The Go Gadgets� EternaBond Revolution

Got Leaks? You’re not alone. Rain water that leaks inside your RV, Boat, Trailer, Shed, Motor Home, or Mobile Home can be a real headache and can be very destructive. What can you do to keep the rain water outside where it belongs?

You need RV On The Go Gadgets’ EternaBond. Once you purchase this Revolutionary product, you will keep a Clam Shell on hand at all times. So what is this miracle product and why is it so Revolutionary?

RV On The Go Gadgets’ EternaBond is a flexible tape measuring four inches wide and is available in lengths from 5 to 200 feet. The Clam Shell Kit consists of a five foot piece of the Special tape and a scrubby to prep the surface you are repairing.

Finding the leak and deciding to fix it is the hardest part of the repair job. The actual repair itself is easy:

• Take the scrubby and clean off the surface surrounding the crack, hole or cut in the surface. This will do two things. It will clean the surface and rough up the surface.

• Dust off the surface with a clean rag.

• Take the EternaBond tape from the Clam Shell unroll it and cut off a piece of the tape so that it’s length will more than cover the crack, hole or cut.

• Remove the release liner from the tape itself to expose the adhesive side of the tape and place the end of the tape down at one end of the crack, hole or cut.

• Lay the tape smoothly over the repair area completely removing the release liner from the tape as you lay it out over the surface. Firmly push the tape onto the surface you are repairing.

• Use a small metal or wooden roller to activate the adhesive properties of the tape by rolling it over the tape. This will ensure the tape adheres well to the surface.

THAT’S IT. YOU’RE DONE. PEEL, STICK, STUCK. You will have a secure, non-hardening, flexible, water proof seal over that pesky leak. Now you can get back to enjoying the RVing lifestyle you have yearned for.

Select the RV On The Go Gadgets’ EternaBond Tape with the adhesive properties which are best suited to your repair job. One Step tape comes in White and Black and is normally used for RV roof tops. “A” Seal is for Aluminum surfaces and has an Aluminum foil cover on the tape. UV White and UV Black are used to repair leaks on Motor Homes, RV’s, Campers, Boats, Sheds and more. It has a built in UV shield in the tape surface. Stick 2 Sides tape is used for bedding down items you are mounting on the surface of the RV, Boat, Motor Home, etc.

First you peel off the release liner from one side of the Stick 2 Sides tape and firmly apply the tape to the surface where you will install that vent, or sky light. Remove the release liner on the top side of the tape. Place your vent or sky light onto the tape, and secure it in place as you would normally.

The Stick 2 Sides tape can also be used to fill holes or cracks or spaces too wide for the other tapes to do on their own. Once you have cut a piece of the tape and removed both sides of the release liner, you can mold the adhesive tape into a ball, a long roll or what ever shape you need. Push it into the crack or hole and cover it with the UV White or UV Black or the One Step White or Black. Remember to roll the finish tape firmly onto the surface in order to activate the adhesive properties of the tape.

What could be easier? The price, that’s what. The tape is not expensive and is so easy to apply that it has started a Revolution in the leak repair industry. It is so easy and cost effective, that the RV owner buying the tape and doing the job themselves.

Get your RV On The Go Gadgets’ EternaBond tape and join the hundreds of owners that have corrected leak problems. Now that the tape is available, you don’t need to postpone those needed repairs.

Good luck and have fun with your EternaBond knowing that this is a one time repair job that will last and last and last. Professionals are doing it. Home owners are doing it and now you can do it too. Last week you couldn’t spell Leak Repair Professional and now you are one.

Camping Tents -- How to Choose the Right Camping Tents

In choosing the right Camping Tents for both you & your family, you should ask yourself the following questions before you start shopping:

How many people will be using these Camping Tents? Determine the appropriate style and size. Tent sizes range from solo tents up to 12 person tents. There are luxury tents, dome tents, canvas tents, three and four season tents, and many more.

What is the purpose of these tents -- camping tents, backpacking tents, family tents, outfitter tents, or expedition tents?

What conditions must the tent handle? We recommend you purchase high quality camping tents that will withstand the most extreme conditions your likely to encounter.

As we know, the weather is so unpredictable, it is better to go with a high quality tent that offers strong durable support.

How often will these tents be used? A durable high quality tent will last your family through many years of fun and memories. You may start out only using it occasionally, but find that you and your family truly enjoy spending time together camping. You may meet up with other friends and go on trips together.

How much interior space do you require? Think about sleeping space, storage and comfort in your camping tent. Will you have enough space after you get your sleeping bag in place, boots off to one corner, backpack, extra jacket or vests?

Is tent weight an issue? If you are a backpacker, you will want a lightweight, highly portable tent. There are many super light or ultralight tents on the market today.

Hopefully, these Camping Tent recommendations will assist you in purchasing the right tent for you and your family!

Camping Equipment Essentials

The following is a list of equipment that you likely want to take on a Camping excursion.

• Tent
• Spare tent stakes
• Sleeping Bags
• Ground pad or air mattress
• Stove and fuel
• Lantern and fuel
• Flashlight and spare bulb and batteries
• Cookset
• Dutch oven or Reflector oven
• If taking a reflector oven- cake pans,
• pie plates, muffin tins
• Griddle or frying pans
• Toaster
• Pot holder
• Can opener
• Cooking utensils- spatula, large spoon, fork
• Mixing bowls
• Dishpan
• Dish cloth and towels, Dish Soap
• Plates, cups, knives , forks, spoons
• Repair kit
• Rope
• First Aid Kit
• Matches
• Pocket knife
• Saw
• Moisture proof bags
• aluminum foil
• Food supplies
• INDIVIDUAL GEAR
• Water bottle
• Toiletries
• Soap
• Towel
• Insect Repellant
• Hat
• Rain gear-jacket and pants or poncho
• Socks
• Shirts- Cotton and wool
• Sturdy shoes or boots for hiking,
• lighter shoes for camp
• Underclothing Long pants- cotton and wool
• Sun screen lotion
• Camera
• binoculars
• medications etc.

I hope this list has been of assistance in preparing you for your Camping excursion.

List Fishing Boats for Sale : Promote Your Business

Would you like to advertise your fishing boat for sale? Would you like to list your boating equipment for free? Register with a reputable fishing boats classifieds section online. You can advertise boats for sale online. Whether you have fishing boats for sale or related equipment like outboard engines, you can advertise the same on the Internet. Truly, the advent of the Internet is a boon in the current scenario. It can be used as a reliable medium to reach out to prospective buyers.

Private sellers and dealers can both list their boats for sale online. The process of listing a fishing boat for sale is simple, straightforward and free. Register yourself to get in touch with interested buyers. Registering with an online classified will bridge the gap between prospective buyers and you. Online classifieds are beneficial in more ways than one. You can expect great response from your target audience. Worldwide reach is one of the biggest benefits offered by classifieds online. Is it any wonder why more and more boat dealers and sellers are promoting their business online?

Online classifieds also offer a product review section where various boats for sale, fishing products and a range of other products are listed. Those looking to buy boats can read up these reviews to make an informed decision. Product reviews are updated, unbiased and reliable. Buying a fishing boat is a huge investment. You ought to read up reviews in order to make an appropriate long term investment. You can choose from an extensive range of boats including trawlers, day boats, commercial boats and sports fishing boats too. People can also browse through fishing forums to chat about fishing boats and fishing in general. They can post relevant questions related to everything there is to fishing including boat maintenance, sea angling, etc.

Whether you are a buyer or seller, you are likely to benefit from the many seRVices offered by online classifieds. Sellers looking for an effective means of communication should definitely register with a classifieds portal. They will be able to list commercial boats for sale on the Web. Needless to say, it is a cost-effective way of connecting with prospective customers all over the world. They will receive tremendous exposure which will help them boost their presence ‘globally’ and ‘economically’. The introduction of the Internet has revolutionized lives for all and sundry. It has made it possible for business owners to reach anybody, anywhere!

A reliable fishing boats classified can help you list commercial fishing boats to conquer your target market. Now you don’t need to spend a fortune on marketing and advertising. Make significant savings on marketing and promotion. Do not hesitate to advertise your business online – there is no better way of merchandising or advertising your commodities. It is a surefire way to improve your visibility. It is a sure shot way to boost market exposure.

Use Caution With Your Camping Stove When Camping In Australia

Most of us have enough difficulty cooking a meal in our fully decked out kitchens. When you go Camping, most people will have some type of Camping stove to use. If you are one who can whip up meals on a skillet over a campfire, then good for you. However, most of us will need to exercise some caution when using a camping stove.

Always use the right kind of fuel for your stove. Do not improvise or substitute some other type of fuel because a friend told you how great the other fuel is. Keep the fuel container away from heat and open flames. Make sure your stove has cooled down before attempting to change the fuel or to add more. When you do refill or replace a fuel cartridge, do it away from the campfire. Allow the liquid fuel that may spill to evaporate completely before you try to ignite the stove.

Camping in Australia can be an exciting and very rewarding. Be sure to follow these rules to ensure your Camping trip avoids possible problems associated with your camping stove. When you ignite your stove, keep your head and body turned away in case there is a flare up of the fire. Absolutely, NEVER leave your camping stove unattended! In just one second, something could happen that could lead to a fire that you cannot control. Make sure never to overload the stove. Do not use the camping stove inside your tent. If it is raining, make do with cold food and avoid creating a situation where someone could get seriously hurt.

Read all instructions that come with your camping stove and make sure to dispose of the empty fuel containers properly. This does not mean throwing them away. Most fuel containers should be recycled for reuse. Keep your fuel containers away from food even when being stored. If you can follow these simple guidelines, you should be able to enjoy your camping in Australia.

ROD-BENDING CARP BAIT INGREDIENTS -- from your larder

Do you always use a 'flavour' in your homemade carp, catfish, bass or bass bait? There are plenty of fantastic alternatives to chose from to achieve that essential 'attraction' in your boilies, dough baits, packbaits or bait dips!



To begin with, there are the simple and familiar 'sweeteners.' These include the old favourites like honey, natural maple syrup, fruit sugars, brown sugar, molasses, black treacle and golden syrup. Others are white sugar, milk shake powders, flavoured body building and weight gain powders.



On the subject of body building, what about those 'liquid amino acids' protein supplements and those brilliant vitamin and mineral dietary supplements? These often have an alcohol base, making them even more potent! 'Isotonic' energy drinks are interesting alternative flavours. Then there are the alcohols - like vodka. Try 'Tia Maria' or 'Malibu' or whiskey or brandy? What are favourite 'tipples' or sweet alcoholic drinks?



How about using yeast extract, 'Marmite' or 'Vegemite.' Malt and many associated side 'products and derivatives' are very sweet and rich in goodies for the carp.



Even adding milk powders, cream or evaporated milk, adds flavour, sweet milk sugars and added nutrition, that carp love. Have you tried probiotic flavoured yogurts or melted ice cream as a creamy alternative?



Have you tried using 'liquidized tinned sweetcorn' flavour? A very sweet alternative is using powdered liquorice root, or turning this into a liquid flavour. Many plants and trees have historically played a massive role in homemade carp baits; supplying so many exceptionally proven attractors and flavours and other associated very helpful feeding triggers and digestion aids. Even the basic cured vanilla pod to spray dried strawberries in natural form work great in bait.



Herbs are great in baits for many reasons. From the famous peppermint to fenugreek and garlic. Many herbs have exceptionally powerful effects on the body and brain, even inducing additive behaviour. Hempseed and the leaves of hemp come to mind. Does tobacco ring a bell too? In this category you could add red and hot peppers, cocoa, coffee, kola, and a whole list of others with great benefits in your bait.



Ground-up nuts and seeds produce their own carp attractive flavours and oils and are an effective alternative where so many synthetic flavours appear to have 'had their day.'



Drugs may not be ethical, and there are certain benefits to using crushed aspirin in a flavour mix. (Might even help if your carp happens to have a headache!) Using crushed bicarbonate of soda tablets might be interesting too...



Crushed peppermint oil tablets mixed with crushed garlic tablets, brewers yeast tablets and cod liver oil, make another interesting combination.



For savoury flavours, how about condiments like 'Tomato sauce,' brown source, or stir-fry flavourings like fish sources, black bean source, squid source, anchovy source crab source, etc? Many of these things are based on fermented fish; and are very effective. I remember using a fish source as a bait dip and could not stop hooking predatory fish like pike and catfish!



Common 'supermarket' fish pastes are also great. What about trying salmon and crab and anchovy together! Your local Japanese, or Thai, or Chinese grocery shop could well provide some especially 'magical' ingredients and extracts and are very well worth experimenting with...



Getting a 'feel' for ingredients, by looking at labels much more for ideas will really inspire you once you know the kind of ingredients that really 'pull' the fish! Mixing many of the above ideas together in your bait can well and truly get the fish feeding; without ever visiting the tackle shop for a flavour! But what will happen if your add a 'flavour' to these too? Perhaps your fishing results might surprise you. Why not go beyond tipping 'Red Bull' or 'Coke' into your bait and 'mix it up a bit!'



The author has many more fishing and bait 'edges' up his sleeve. Every single one can have a huge impact on catches.(Warning: This article is protected by copyright, but reprints with a link are OK.)



By Tim Richardson. 'The thinking angler's fishing author and expert bait making guru.'



For more expert bait making information and 'cutting edge' techniques see the expertly acclaimed new ebook / book:



"BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" SEE: SEE:



http://www.baitbigfish.com

Camping And Hiking Basics

Introduction

Camping and hiking involve a multitude of activities. They span the outdoors to encompass such things as camps, trail hiking, roughing it, campsites, sleeping accommodations, erecting Tents, backpacking, navigation equipment, and cooking activities. People who engage in these activities are motivated to get away from civilization and spend time in the wilds enjoying nature. They set up Tents; they sleep under the moonlight-sometimes with a sleeping bag, or they sleep in a shelter, either motor vehicle or fixed camp site shelter.

Camping and hiking often represent very hard work, especially if you have to bring many components of a plan together in an effort to make the venture a success. While the effort may be difficult, it can be lots of fun when the plan comes together as intended. Just make sure that you get all of the right advice and information available ensuring that you have a successful adventure.

There are lots of types of camping and hiking adventures to choose from. Examples of adventures include a trip to the beach, a hiking trail trip, a mountain climbing trip, a water sports trip, a recreational vehicle trip, a trip to a state or national park to name a few. Camping and hiking items have wide usage. For the individual nature lover, it may mean a walk through the forest with minimum gear, perhaps a backpack, hiking boots and, if lucky, some suRVival stuff (food, water, compass, and map). In the age of SUVs, serious campers will likely travel with a fully equipped vehicle. This could include not only backpacks and boots, but such things as sleeping tents, cooking stoves, table, chairs, heaters, and other items that can be used with electricity sourced from the SUV. Camping and hiking are often done in conjunction with other activities, such as picnicking, mountain climbing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Prescription for a Camping Sojourn

If your camping involves more than a day's trip, you will need to consider in your plan such things as:

" Camping gear including tent(s), sleeping bag(s), backpack(s) if hiking, stove or lantern with cooking utensils, compass, map, flashlight, hunting knife, toiletry items, sanitary supplies, food and water.

" First aid kit including first aid cream, bandages, dressing pads, aspirin or equivalent for pain or fever, insect repellant, sunscreen, soap, and thermometer.

" Other items such as cell phone(s), small shovel, axe, sunglasses, whistle, appropriate clothing including a hat, ID cards, and cash.

The Campsite

While much goes into the planning of a good camping trip, the implementation aspects of the trip is equally as challenging. Now that you have that well developed list of camping items, just what do you do with them once you arrive at the campsite? What are the limits of the campground? Will you pitch tents or sleep under the moonlight? Will the camp be pitched on the slope of a hill or in the valley? How thick is the brush that you picked for your campground? All of these are questions that must be quickly addressed. Erecting a tent gives you some protection from a potential rain storm as well as any local wild inhabitants of the area. Pitching it on the slope or top of the hill provides protection from a sudden downpour of rain that could flood the valley. Avoiding too much brush minimizes the danger from wild animals using the brush as cover. Also, a tent provides some protection from insects such as mosquitoes. Wearing long pants and sleeves together with insect repellant provides additional protection from insects.

Campground Activities

There is so much that one can do during a camping trip. You can go hiking. Of course, you'll need a backpack and hiking boots. You can fish, either from the banks or in a canoe or kayak. You can go swimming. You can also play volley ball or other sports game. Then, there is the option that you can just sit around cooking and eating marshmallows all day long. Another delight of camping is watching the sunset, watching the stars at night, or glazing over water fronts, especially if you're lucky to have the moon's reflection over the water.

Camping Tent Vacations Gaining Popularity - Have Yours For A Bargain Or For Free At A Site Close To You

Are Camping tent vacations really becoming more popular? Could you be missing out on savings of over 60% off your vacation because of you do not know where to start? Many people are discovering Camping tent options close to home to be fun, safe and cheap alternatives to fly-drive-hotel vacations.

Even Recession has not dampened growing of Outdoor Camping.

Research in 2000 by Roper Starch Worldwide Inc. for the Outdoor Recreation in America 2000 report published by the Recreation Roundtable found that 19% of Americans hiked in the previous 12 months, 17% camped in Tents in campgrounds, 9% backpacked, and 8% camped in the wilderness.

In 2006, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) reported that camping in Tents is the seventh most popular recreation activity of the U.S. population age 6 and older. According to the SGMA, over 42.2 million Americans camped in tents in 2009 and this trend is growing at a rate of over 6.5% even with the recession.

Today, there are an estimated 8,000 public and another 8,000 privately-owned campgrounds catering to the needs of 61 million campers using tents, travel trailers, motor homes or other types of RVs in the US.

Similar trends have been reported for Canada and several European countries. 2010 Data for the UK shows that overall camping and caravanning was 78% more popular than visiting Spain.

Contributory factors include:

* Growing interest in green/environmentally friendly and "nature" vacations

* Improvements in camping tents designs by manufacturers – leading to increased popularity of, 3, 4, 5 or 6 person tents, family tents and other luxury tents for those who want to go "glamping" (glamour camping)

* Upgrades to campsites, including shower facilities, electricity and cable, Wi-Fi. Some of the fancier campsites even have water slides, boating, horseback riding and kayaking equipment.

Bargain or for Free Campsites are close to you

Gone are the days when camping was synonymous to hiking or roughing it out in the wilderness. As indicated above, camping is rapidly becoming an alternative convenient family vacation.

When compared to RVs or the traditional fly-drive-hotel vacations camping in tents typically comes out at a fraction of the cost.

Airlines travel with its high costs and associated hassles, is making many people to look at camping as an alternative.

* Someone looking for an RV needs to lay out several thousands to buy one or hundreds for rental. Then there is the high cost of pulling these to your campsite.

* For a couple of hundred dollars, you can buy a luxury camping tent for your family. Daily rates to camp in most private campgrounds are under $50 and can be as low as $15 compared to hundreds for hotels.

* When it comes to camping tents vacation (especially short breaks or long weekends when the kids are out of school), you can actually enjoy the outdoors with the family for free! Possible locations include national parks, state parks, local parks and government recreational areas. You can legally camp anywhere on national forest land and the maps of the National Forests typically show all the places you have to choose from. Many cities allow over-night (dry) camping in their parks. Your local Chamber of Commerce or police station can help you about free places to spend a night.

* Free campgrounds offer other benefits besides saving you money. They are usually found in peaceful and scenic settings. Some are located by lakes or rivers and offer numerous recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, or water-skiing. You just need to do some homework, pack your camping tent and go enjoy nature!

If you are going camping for the first time, pick a spot close to home and plan on staying no more than a couple nights. In many campgrounds the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis - which means you may want to check in and select your camp site early rather than waiting until dark. It is always advisable to call the campgrounds ahead of time and reserve a spot. If you need family activities, also find out what the have.

For the budget conscious individual looking for money saving vacation alternatives, especially for short breaks, tent camping offers a very attractive alternative. With the availability of affordable high quality camping tents and some planning you will find yourself camping in your tent like a seasoned camper.

Michigan Fishing Reports

Michigan fishing reports deliver information about some outstanding freshwater fishing for multiple species. The Michigan Department of Natural resources publishes a weekly fishing report for Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Northwest, The Southwest, the Northeast, and the Southeast regions of Michigan. Michigan is noted for it's excellent Walleye fishing in most of Michigan's fishing report regions. Michigan has some unique great lake fishing and It's borders are attached to Lake Erie to southeast, Lake Michigan Which boarders, the Southwest, Northwest, and Upper Peninsula regions. The Upper Peninsula, borders lake Michigan to the south, and lake Superior to the north, and Lake Huron to the North East, The North East Region boarders Lake Huron to the North, and Lake Erie to the South.


The great lakes are some of the best fisheries in the world for lake trout, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Walleye. No mater where you travel in Michigan there are fishing waters close by. So when you think fishing think Michigan.



Michigan's Fishing report for the Southeast Lower Peninsula includes such water ways as Lake Erie, the Huron River, The Detroit River, The following areas on Lake Huron: Lexington, Port Sanilac, Harbor Beach, Port Austin on the tip of Saginaw Bay, and Saginaw Bay.



Fishing Report For Michigan's Southwest Lower Peninsula includes fishing areas such as: St. Joe - Pier, South Haven, Holland (on lake Macatawa adjacent to Lake Michigan), Grand Lake on Spring Lake adjacent to Lake Michigan and Grand River at Grand Rapids, Gun Lake By Yankee springs state recreation area, Reeds lake (East Grand Rapids), Muskegon Lake (adjacent to Lake Michigan).



Fishing reports about Michingan'sNorththwest Lower Peninsula includes fishing areas such as: Elk Lake, near the town of Elk Rapids, Skegemog Lake located on the border of three counties, Antrim County, Michigan, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, and Kalkaska County, Michigan, Big Glen Lake 25 miles northwest of Traverse City, Fisher Lake, Frankfort (on lake Michigan, Lake Missaukee (close to lake city and Cadillac ), Lake Cadillac (close to Cadillac ), Manistee lake (close to lake Michigan), Big Manistee River , Ludington (on lake Michigan) .



Fishing reports about Michingan's Northeast Lower Peninsula includes fishing areas such as: Rogers City (on lake huron), Rockport (on long lake near lake Huron) Presque Isle (on grand lake, near lake Huron), Alpena, on grand lake near lake Huron, Thunder Bay River near Alpena,Harrisville, near Lake Huron, Van Etten Lake near Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, Near Lake Huron, Au Sable River, near Houghton Lake, Tawas on the northern shore of Saginaw bay, Au Gres on the northern shore of Saginaw bay, Higgins Lake just north of Houghton Lake, and Houghton Lake near grayling. .
Fishing reports about the
Upper Peninsula Keweenaw Bay On the southern shore of lake Superior, Cisco-Chain-of-Lakes near Iron City, Menominee near Green Bay Wisconsin, Cedar River on the Green bay, Little Bay De Noc near Gladstone, Big Bay De Noc near Rapid City, Marquette on the southern shores of Lake Superior Au Train on the southern shores of Lake Superior, Munising near the Rocks National Lakeshore , Grand Marais near the Rocks National Lakeshore opposite end of Munising, Nawakwa Lake Just south of Grand Marais, St. Mary's River near Sault Ste Marie, De Tour near Northern Lake Huron, CedaRVille near the Northern Tip of Lake Huron, St. Ignace across Mackinaw bay

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Mark Fleagle Webmaster A well respected fishing specialist with 30+ years of fishing experience,who has written many fishing articles. Mark has been a online presence for fishing information for going on 4 years. Michigan-Fishing-Reports Get your free copy of "78 Fishing Discoveries Unleashed".

Camping Essentials For Festival Frolics

It’s nearly that time of year again and while Glastonbury Festival is considered to be one of the leading events in the musical calendar, festival virgins may be unaware of the suRVival skills necessary for an enjoyable experience. Now Camperlands, the leading provider of Camping equipment and campeRVan accessories are offering first hand advice to help festival goers everywere avoid a wet and miserable trip.

Dominic Ryder, Managing Director of Camperlands, the Manchester based firm who offer airbeds, ground sheets, Tents, Motorhome equipment and caravan accessories, said, “The festival season is all about image, looking good and enjoying the great outdoors. Every year we see photos of celebrities wearing the very latest fashions, wearing the brightest wellies and pitching the most colourful Tents they can find. Planning in advance may be the last thing on your mind, but it is this preparation that will inevitably lead to an enjoyable stay.

“Arriving at the site of the festival is a great idea, that way you can explore the area in advance and pick a prime location for your tent placement. By looking online in advance, you will be able to determine where to pitch your tent, and for many this depends on what they are looking to get from the experience. Those who want to watch the music from the comfort of their own tent, often pitch their tent in the fields that overlook the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.”

If you have just purchased a new tent for the festival season, it may save time and stress if you practice pitching it beforehand or at least read the instructions, as some designs can be hard to pitch. For the lazy camper, however, there are solutions to this common problem. The 2007 Wynnster Prairie 3 DLX, is a great example of a two-berth tent ideal for short stays and festivals that can be pitched in minutes. Priced at just £39.99 this tent is made from waterproof outer material, making sure that a wet and miserable weekend is off the cards.

Mr Ryder from the firm who offer everything for the budding festival goer including sleeping bags and airbeds, added, “Before you leave the house, and make sure that you have packed all of the essentials. Make sure that you take a torch with you for evening trips to the bathroom and stock up on toilet rolls- after all you do not want to be caught short.”

The Coleman Rechargeable LED Light, available from Camperlands is a great idea, as it features two LED bulbs are rated to last more than 100 000 hours. Finally, make sure that you take food into account, although there are many fast food outlets at festivals, this may get boring after the first day, so make preparations to have a picnic, cook your own food or even have a BBQ. The Campingaz Camping Duo Plus, is a great two burner stove, ideal for making beans, omelettes or sausages the choice is yours. Complete with a built in windshield, this unit it as sturdy as it is practical.

About Camperlands: Camperlands Ltd was founded by the late and much missed Mike and Peggy Ryder in 1968. The original concept was to hire frame tents out in the summer season to generate some extra income for their growing family. Today there are quite literally thousands of caravan, camping and motorhome accessories in stock, with several covered display areas dedicated to trailer tents, tents and folding campers.

Editor’s Note: Camperlands is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) team at Top Position, the online advertising consultancy. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.

Living Aboard An RV: Are You Ready For It?

One of life's many paradoxes is our constant desire to gain maximum control over our 'operating environment', despite the knowledge that so many aspects of daily life remain beyond our influence. Result being, we spend considerable time, money and effort attempting to get everything just right before taking 'the plunge'.

In the military, as I recall, this was referred to as the 'Ready - Aim - Fire' principle, whereas many human endeavors are, in fact, better suited to the more appropriate method of 'Ready - Fire - Aim'! And it seems to me that preparing for a fulltime life on the road is a fine example of this latter approach. After all, there are so many unique skills and practical techniques involved, it's reasonable to expect that much of what we need to know cannot be learned sitting at home. As they say, one learns to ride a bike by riding a bike.

Accordingly, while there is a raft of personal preparations to get squared away, there is much about serious 'bumming around' that simply evolves as each day rolls by. By way of illustration, out there on the road you'll find that few if any long-term, committed nomads have identical travelling outfits, nor do each follow precisely the same routines as when they first set out on the road. (One question I love to ask the old hands is: 'If you were starting out again, is there anything you’d do differently?')

So, if you dream of taking up the wandering life, though you may be unsure as to what you need or how you might travel, I suspect the Buddha would simply say: 'Follow your heart. Our time in this life is limited.'

Nevertheless, it still behoves all good RV nomads – and intending nomads – to place considerable emphasis on getting their outfit right, and then equipping themselves for a long and trouble-free life on wheels. (Nothing much wrong with hedging your bets by building up an abundance of good karma!)

Of greater importance than travel hardware, though, is your nomadic 'software': YOU, ie, your personal mix of attitude, personal preparations, and strategies for living on the road rather than simply travelling on the road. Because most often, it's the mental / psychological pressures rather than equipment failures that result in wannabe nomads scurrying back to suburbia.

In short, although you do need to look carefully at equipment and hardware, right up front during your preparation and planning phase you and your team must get absolutely clear on what lies ahead. To put it bluntly, you are heading toward a substantial culture shock!

That's right: shock. After all, if you've spent the past thirty or fifty years wallowing in the comforts and relative boredom of modern western society, taking a giant step 'backward' into a lifestyle positioned somewhere between 'upper third world' and 'new-age fringe-dweller', you have a mixed bag of challenges ahead. Heading onto the road fulltime, with some dewy-eyed notion that you're embarking on a romantic adventure, is asking for trouble. Not necessarily trouble of the 'money can fix it' variety (though there are sure to be a few of those), more of a 'what the hell are we doing here' personal confrontation.

The first attribute, then, which serious nomads should add to their psychological toolbox is mental tenacity, sufficient to accept, meet and live with all the interpersonal / societal negatives that we drifters bump up against along the way. Get ready, for example, to have humanity's contempt directed toward you. Not every day, perhaps, but from time to time you will sense it, subtle though it may be. If not fully committed to the lifestyle, if you don't feel the Zen – some 'higher purpose' in the whole thing – those jibes may slowly erode and ultimately destroy your self-esteem. Next stop: Suburbia.

The best defence against pressures of this sort is to find some deeper reason for becoming a fulltime RV traveller. Perhaps a hobby, a 'calling', some sort of mobile money-earner, or even a personal Holy Grail – anything that provides you with the 'justification' for such a 'bohemian lifestyle', while at the same time adding purpose and depth to your days and your travels.

Examples might include fossicking, fruit picking, writing, wineries, historic sites, bird watching, visiting bush pubs, searching for inner truth, or here in Oz, that good old standby, 'seeing Australia'.

Having said that, however, there are countless fellow nomads out there who are happy – even proud – to thumb their noses at designer bias and opinion, and just 'do it'. You have to decide for yourself which approach fits best, so that any necessary lifestyle preparations, by way of training and equipment, are included as you ramp up to 'Departure Day'.

Of course, identifying and building a 'purpose' is only one small part of your learning curve. To move from a fully supported, fixed, urban existence, to a high level of mobile independence, requires a certain amount of training, learning and research. Fortunately, independence is a skill and as such it can be learned. Moreover, this wandering nomad thing has been going on since mankind first walked upright, so you'll find an endless variety of sources from which to learn.

You could, for instance, study pioneering lifestyles and how the early settlers tackled their daily challenges; or perhaps delve into the nitty-gritty of the 'survivalist' and 'homesteading' movements. Other fertile fields of gypsy techniques can be found amongst the lives of explorers, and Earth's 'real' nomads, such as the Australian Aborigines, American Indians, hoboes and swaggies. Within their lives and their stories you'll find many similarities – and many of the answers to the day-to-day trials of self-reliance.

Another early stage of your nomadic apprenticeship ought to be setting out on the road for increasing periods of time to field test a few ideas for yourself. Certainly, short holidays will seem nothing more than 'junk food' to the true nomad, but to become independent and resourceful to any useful degree you do need to get out and practice the skills and techniques involved. It's an endless process of reading, thinking, trial and error, and practice – all of which develop both experience and confidence.

During this process you will also be 'easing' yourself into the life of a nomad. You might start by hiring a caravan or motorhome to 'try it on for size'. Meanwhile, your first taste of overnight independence might be in a national park or state forest. And essential skills like Camping, bush cooking, first aid, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and 12-volt power should start to play an ever-expanding role. Because the truth is, no matter which way you dress it up, moving from a house to a 'box on wheels' is likely to involve a significant step down from your current living standards so it's sure to be stressful. Baby steps are the best way to go.

Mind you, any knowledge, skill or piece of kit that eventually enables you to replace or supplement all those amenities and utilities enjoyed at home (or those of a tourist park) serve to increase independence. It pays, therefore, to start by asking yourself how you might satisfy – or better, reduce – your lifelong reliance on daily necessities such as power, lighting, water, refrigeration, toilet, shower, etc.

By the way, at the risk of jumping about here I should point out that, among all the skills that should or could be learned, those that offer potential to become sources of income on the road are doubly valuable. If you become adept at, say, mechanical repairs, baking bread, article writing, cutting hair, sewing, or basic carpentry, you can, potentially, use these skills to top-up finances along the way. In other words, concentrate your time and effort on skills that either make or save money.

At this point, you may be forming the impression that being a nomad requires a certain level of mental toughness. Well, you're darned right it does! But it's more an attitudinal toughness than physical. And it will come over you quietly, as a by-product of all this learning.

Another example of attitudinal toughness lies in the comparative level of 'roughing it' that each of us is prepared to accept. If decisions regarding comfort and convenience aren't discussed and mutually agreed with partner or group, troubled waters lie ahead! Get together with your team members and talk about the standard of lifestyle that suits your goals, your commitment, and your budget. Once settled, subsequent preparations – in terms of skills development and finances – can be directed along this chosen path. Keep in mind, however, we all tend to choose our own personal (and slightly different) path, so remain true to your own aspirations, values and needs (not to mention your limitations!), rather than being swayed by friends or experienced nomads.

On that point regarding other team members: Sure, there may be only one other, but whatever the number, they each have a different view of what 'nomadism' entails, secretly influenced by their own levels of 'mental toughness'. Ignore them at your peril! There is always room for compromise.

Not only do travel companions harbour various (possibly unspoken) fears and uncertainty about minor annoyances such as dust, heat, flies, remote and lonely campsites, creepy-crawlies, and bush toilets, each also has his or her own 'dependencies' and comfort zones to dismantle, such as friends, relatives, television, social activities, family memorabilia, and an array of home luxuries. All the cards must be turned face-up on the table before detailed preparations and financial commitment get too far advanced.

Besides, no matter what the quality or degree of your preparation and planning, difficulties WILL occur; problems come along regardless of where we are or how we live. Even so, chances are better than good that – accidents aside – most 'road' problems are easier to fix than those of suburbia – depending, of course, on all of the above.

Yes, the Zen here is mental toughness: Being prepared to take measured risk, then being ready to cope with and rectify problems as they arise. Trust your judgment and abilities, particularly your natural ability to learn, to gain experience and to get better, day-by-day, in all that you do.

Interestingly enough, none of this stuff is age-dependant. Nor is it dollar-dependent. Provided we stick to reality and practicality, while steering clear of fantasy and dreaming, any of us can learn to become a 'smart' nomad within the parameters of our limitations, plans and goals.

On the other hand, there are a number of hidden traps that you won't find mentioned in the 'positive' press about RV lifestyles. For example, if you (or any member of your party) has a strong craving for any of our modern-day ills – like alcohol, drugs, sex, television soapies, Internet, telephones, gambling, etc. – now's the time to start the 'weaning off' process. Otherwise your nomadic life may be voluntarily but prematurely cut short. Here again, gradual change is best, so allow plenty of time.

There is no doubt, a change as significant as fulltime bumming around requires loads of focused preparation. Indeed, across a planning horizon of less than two years I would think it unlikely that you could resolve, or even consider, all that you should. On the other hand, this long period of preparation and planning is part of the fun: the anticipation leading to excitement, the trips that lead to skill and confidence, and the experience levels that lead to safety. Allow sufficient quality time to enjoy and absorb this evolutionary process.

Remember: over-planning is far better than no planning, but be sure to incorporate sufficient flexibility to accommodate the new ideas, diversions, and changes that inevitably arise.

Top 10 Caravan Safety Tips

While owning a caravan can provide you and your family the opportunity to tour the countryside at a moment's notice, it's not without potential hazards. There are several steps you should take to ensure the safety of your family and the caravan itself. Here are our top 10 caravan safety tips...

#1 - Put Heavy Objects On The Axle

Don't make the mistake of putting the large, heavy things toward the back of the caravan. Your van could easily begin to pitch back and forth. Instead, place them directly over the axle.

#2 - Put Heavy Objects On The Floor

This goes along with the first tip, but let's clarify: don't put the heavy things in the cupboards. Put them on the floor to maintain control of your caravan.

#3 - Wedge Items

Minimize the amount of room available for items within your caravan to move around while you're driving. If they move around, they could cause damage. Even worse, they could cause your caravan to sway out of control. Wedge them tightly.

#4 - Check The Tyres

Most caravan owners neglect this step. You should do a routine check on the tyres before each trip. Look for bare tyres or signs of excessive wear.

#5 - Install A Smoke Detector

Take a precautionary step and install a smoke detector. When you leave your caravan at a site to explore the surrounding area, the alarm will alert your neighbours if a fire erupts within your van.

#6 - Place A Fire Extinguisher

It's one of those items that are easily forgotten. Take the extra time to buy and install a fire extinguisher near the door. You may never need it. But, if you do, it will be invaluable.

#7 - Shut Down Appliances

When you leave your caravan unattended or go to bed, make sure all of the appliances have been turned off.

#8 - Maintain The Brakes

Have a trained mechanic inspect your caravan's brakes periodically. It may be inconvenient to do so, but it helps to make sure your trip is a safe one.

#9 - Follow The Payload Guidelines

When you purchased your caravan, it came with a handbook. That handbook provides the maximum permissible weight that you can safely pack in your caravan. It's tempting to ignore the limit. But, it's there for your safety.

#10 - Adjust For Speed

When you carry a heavy load in your caravan, the time it takes to accelerate and stop can be difficult to get used to. Watch your speed carefully and leave ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

Being Safe With Your Caravan

If you follow the caravan safety tips above, you can all but guarantee that your trip will be fun and worry-free. The key is to pay attention to details, use common sense and plan ahead. Your caravan is meant to be fun and exciting for you and family. Take a few steps to ensure their safety.


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This article was written on behalf of the Camping and Caravanning club who offer customers a Campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/ rel="nofollow">camping in Europe so that everyone can enjoy a great camping holiday

Los Angeles Beaches - Dockweiler Beach

Los Angeles is an amazing city with hundreds of things to do. One of the most popular activities is hitting the beach. But what beach should you go to? If you live in LA you can check them all out but if you do not live in LA, you probably do not have that much time. Here is some information on one of the more popular beaches, Dockweiler Beach.

Dockweiler beach is a three mile section of beach complete with a beachfront RV park. Visitors will find such niceties as showers, picnic areas, public restrooms and food vendors. Activities at the beach include bike trails, walking trails, skating, surfing and volleyball. If you do not have a bike or skates, don't worry, there are rentals available. If you have an urge to try something different, consider taking surfing or hang gliding lessons. Another great thing about this beach is that it is the only one in L.A where you can have an open bonfire.

This beach does have a few negatives, one of which is that it is very close to LAX airport so the sound of jets overhead can be distracting. You will learn to tune the noise out though. It also does not have the clearest water and you will be treated to the view of oil tankers anchored off of the coast. If you can get over that, it is still a great beach.

If you would like to get to Dockweiler beach, the address is 12000 Vista del mar and it is located in Playa del Rey. If you would like to reseRVe an RV spot, call 1-800-950-7275. Make reservations as far in advance as possible.

Checklist for Your Next Camping Trip

Going on a Camping trip is an ideal way of getting away from the hassles of modern life. Getting back in touch with nature and spending careless days on the Camping site is for many a dream holiday. Before leaving for a camping trip, either long or short, one needs to do some preparations though. The camper has to think thoroughly about the things that he has to take. Here are some tips and tricks to make your camping vacation a success.

When one is thinking about a camping vacation, the first things needed are some good equipment like a tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear or a caravan. Good camping gear is expensive so it is worth spending some time going around to different outdoor shops and checking out what is available on the market. Make out for yourself; decide how much you want to spend, how many times you will use the camping gear, in what kind of weather you will be camping, etc. If you are a camping and nature lover and planning to spend the rest of your life camping, it is wise to invest in durable, good camping equipment that will last you a life-time. If you are just planning to get away for a weekend to have some fun with friends, you might be better of borrowing a sleeping bag from a friend. There are plenty of outdoor shops nowadays that offer a wide range of camping equipment. So, it is wise to think first what you want and what you need, before buying camping gear.

Another important factor that makes or breaks your camping holiday is the camping site. Find out what you might expect at a certain camping ground through internet or by consulting other campers. Again, first of all, make out for yourself; what level of luxury you want and what is important for you and your family or friends. Campgrounds come in different sizes and offer all kind of facilities these days. From swimming pools to indoor sports and from communal showers to water supply are available at every pitch for caravans or mobile homes. Of course, luxury and seRVices come at a price, so decide what is important for your holiday before picking a campground. Some people love wild camping with no luxury at all, others need water and electricity supply in their five-star mobile home. Get yourself informed on the amenities that are offered at the camping and choose your next camping destination accordingly.

Cooking in the outdoors can be fun if you have the right cooking utensils and if you are happy with a simple meal. Check out if you will be able to use a freezer at the camping ground, if there is a communal area that you can use as a kitchen or if there is a barbeque. Cooking can be the perfect way to wind down after an exciting day on the camping site. Again, if you take the effort to do some research and some preparations before departure, it will make your life on the camping easier and more fun. A good way to organize meals at the camping site is to prepare the portions at home in zip lock bags and then label them clearly. If you have electricity available, you can use a little freezer to store food that you have prepared at home and that just has to be heated again. When using a stove, be sure to put it on a flat surface and to protect it from the wind. Keep it at a safe distance from your tent! Leftovers and dishes should be cleared immediately to keep unwanted visitors away. Also, your food-supply should be kept in bags or cases so that animals don’t smell and finish the food before you can do!

When thinking about camping, an image of warm evenings comes to your mind; sitting around the campfire with friends having a drink, laughing and cheering and enjoying life on the whole. Unfortunately, we are not the only creatures that enjoy warm summer-nights. Bugs, mosquitoes, flies and other insects that inhabit the area can turn your stay at a campsite into a nightmare. Take your precautions by using insect repellents, citronella candles or mosquito coils and wear suitable clothing. Take a look around before pitching up your tent or placing your caravan and make sure there are no stagnant pools of water as water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Also, bigger animals may flock to the campsites: foxes, badgers and in some areas even bears may come uninvited, attracted by the smell of food and leftovers. Keep your food in your inner tent and in closed bags or hang it in a tree when you are camping in a wild environment.

15 Carp Fishing Bait Tips For More Big Fish And Homemade Baits!

Carp fishing gets more competitive every year so you need tricks to give you the edge over competing anglers and their baits and methods. Here are a number of well-proven big fish tactics and tricks and some deeper just as instant home truths about baits; their true effects on carp, and how much they are under-exploited by the majority of carp anglers!

When you think about carp fishing, after location and a sharp hook you might consider bait to be a less important factor; well I disagree; I've seen big carp caught on the crudest of rigs on the bluntest of hooks possible on outrageously thick nylon line and certainly fished in places seemingly totally devoid of any fish. But the factor that really did get the fish on the hook was the bait. In fact I have gone as far as testing numerous hooks, rigs, (very thick hook links and big heavy hooks too,) and what makes the most difference is the bait recipe employed; the fish response to this has proven to over-ride other considerations to the degree they are pretty secondary.

When testing one friends successful ground bait mix by feeding fish 3 versions of it in a stock pond at Horseshoe Lake the difference between the carp responses to his bait and my 2 new versions were staggering. In fact my friend was a bailiff and was a top rod on that lake using his own recipe of homemade spod mix. But when introduced to stock pond carp beside my versions of his own spod mix, his mix was completely ignored and was left untouched, and meanwhile carp actually head-butted the bottom in search of the other new versions, (this was even after they had all been consumed!)

To say this experience shocked my friend was an understatement, because here was his successful bait being totally ignored in the presence of another competing bait. I knew the feeding response to the new homemade spod versions would be very exciting but had not considered they would actually lead to the complete failure of the original version to even get a single a response from roach or tench in the area around the baits! If you have ever fished beside someone who is hauling and you cannot get a bite on your previously successful bait then you might well ask yourself what is going on with your bait (or not) in respect of their internal impacts on carp; are they really doing their job to maximum efficiency?!

Bait is supposed to trigger a feeding response in order to get a hook into a fishes mouths, but for various reasons this obviously is not so straight forward in reality as carp dynamically learn in response to danger of being hooked on recognisable baits and bait substances and so on. Many times carp will eat free baits but identify and ignore hook baits entirely, if not mark them as dangerous, even fanning them to one side out of harms way and even silently communicating to other carp the dangerous nature of suspicious baits perhaps by hormones and body postures and movements etc.

Those big and smaller wary carp we all really want often respond best to baits that are new especially if they contain levels and combinations of substances not familiar or completely new to them and this especially is where homemade baits and ground baits very seriously score!

What you can do with your own baits is amazing because you can control precisely how you wish to trigger feeding responses among many other things too. You can make homemade baits with far higher levels of feed triggering substances which without over-powering the baits with induce maximum concentrations of stimulatory substances in the waters and at carp sensory cells that lead to a strong confident feeding response. It is obvious that betaine in various forms contribute to the taking back of baits more positively to the back of the mouth to be swallowed and to the repeated consumption of baits.

Just the popularity of one substance such as betaine or GLM shows that one substance that carp are naturally highly stimulated by can have a big improvement in catches, but there are many other substances to exploit in many various ways. Just as betaine and corn steep liquor (CSL) are used in powder and soluble liquid forms you can apply this to a vast multitude of other substances you might never have considered before. The successful permutations and combinations are truly endless always keeping you ahead of those ever changing and adapting carp.

Carp bait success in many ways is about the efficient maintenance of a concentration of feeding triggers and attractors etc around your hook baits. Anyone who fishes with glugged broken boilies in glug-filled PVA bags, and compares their catch results to using whole readymade baits straight from the bag (and used alone in PVA bags,) will be shocked by the difference! But perhaps the most sobering thought about making your own homemade baits and ground baits is not just the impact they can have versus popular conventional baits, but the degree you can control their cost and produce incredibly effective baits to your own recipes, with far higher levels of potent ingredients than bait companies can offer profitably! Read on for my unique homemade bait and fishing bait secrets ebooks...

By Tim Richardson.

Now why not seize this moment to improve your catches for life with these unique fishing bibles: "BIG CARP FLAVOURS AND FEEDING TRIGGER SECRETS!" "BIG CARP AND CATFISH BAIT SECRETS!" And "BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" For much more now visit: http://www.baitbigfish.com Home of world-wide proven readymade and homemade bait success secrets bibles!

How to charge battery correctly?

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All lead-acid batteries contain highly corrosive sulfuric acid, generate explosive gases and have warning labels which should be obseRVed closely. For best results, charge the battery as soon as you know it is discharged. To charge your battery, follow these steps and important safety tips:



Before Charging:

1) Read the charger manufacturer's instructions.

2) Put on protective eyewear, rubber gloves, work clothes and remove all jewelry.

3) Place the battery in a well ventilated area.

4) Don't charge a frozen battery. Allow the battery to warm to about 60oF before charging.

5) If applicable, remove the vent caps and check the battery's water level and, if low, add distilled water to cover the tops of the plates. Do not overfill.

6) To determine if the battery needs to be charged, test it with a hydrometer to determine its specific gravity and/or with a voltmeter to determine its state of charge.

7) If applicable, reinstall vent caps before charging.

While the charger is unplugged, connect the leads to the proper battery terminals. Note: For side-post and studded batteries, we recommend that you use adapters to insure adequate contact. For additional information regarding adapters, contact Interstate Batteries.

9) Set the charger to the proper settings for your battery, e.g. 6 volts vs. 12 volts, low-maintenance vs. sealed, standard automotive vs. deep cycle.

10) Plug in and turn on the charger.

11) Don't wiggle the connections to check contact while the charger is turned on or plugged in.

12) Choose the lowest amperage setting initially. Once the charger is on and the battery is charging, you may want to choose a higher amp setting to reduce charge time.



During Charging:

1) Keep the vent caps on.

2) Don't allow smoking, open flames or sparks near the battery.

3) Don't allow the battery to become hot to the touch.



After Charging:

1) Immediately after the battery is fully charged, turn off and unplug the charger. Continuing to charge a fully charged battery will severely damage the internal plates and shorten battery life.

2) Disconnect the leads from the battery.



What's the best way to charge deep cycle batteries?



The maximum charger rate in amps should be 20% of the amp hour rating of the battery.



Normally, deep cycle batteries do not require special charging procedures. However, we recommended that you use a charger designed specifically for deep cycle batteries. It is best to slow charge all batteries, especially deep cycle. The 20% rule should be used when charging a deep cycle battery. That means to choose a charger where the maximum current (in amps) is less than 20% of the Ah rating. For example, an Interstate SRM-27 is rated at approximately 100 Ah, so a 20-amp charger should be the maximum. Also, it is best to use a charger that is adequate to recharge the battery within 10-12 hours (see next question).



How long should I charge my CANON bp-511 Battery and at what current?

Generally, we recommend that you use a low amp charge, i.e. as low as the battery will accept, over a longer period of time. A 10-20 amp charger can charge most automotive batteries. Fully charging a completely discharged automotive battery, for example, with a 10-amp charger may take approximately 6-10 hours at a temperature of 80°F. Lower ambient temperatures require a longer charge time.

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Some chargers automatically adjust the current and length of charge according to the battery's state of charge and then shut off when the battery is fully charged. If the charger requires manual adjustment for current or shut-off, check the charger's instructions to determine the proper current and length of charge based on your battery's rating.



What will happen if I don't charge my battery properly?

The two extremes of improper battery charging are under charging and over charging.



Under charging results from a failure to allow the charger to charge long enough to restore the battery to full state of charge. Continually operating the battery in a partial state of charge or storing the battery in a discharged state will result in a condition known as sulfation. Sulfation reduces the battery's performance and may cause premature battery failure.



Over charging causes accelerated corrosion of the positive plates, excessive water consumption, and in some cases, damaging temperatures within a lead acid battery. Deep cycle batteries should be charged after each discharge and/or after storage of 30 days or more. We recommend that a deep cycle battery not be discharged below a 50% state of charge. Recharging a severely discharged battery (below 50% state of charge) can result in the battery becoming overheated or overcharged.



Where can I find a charger for my battery?

Interstate chargers are available through our 320 distributors in the U.S., Canada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Guam.



What type and size of charger should I buy?

Type: The advantage of an automatic charger is its convenience. Once you connect the charger to the battery, the charger does the rest. Manual chargers are less expensive and equally effective at charging batteries, but they require a greater level of supeRVision.



Size: In selecting the proper size of charger, you must consider the battery's capacity and the amount of time that will pass between charges. In applications where cycling is infrequent, such as seasonal RV or boat usage, a charge with an output current rating equal to 20% of the battery's rated capacity will suffice. In applications where battery recharge should be accomplished within 12 hours, a three stage, automatic charger may be required.



Why won't my CANON nb-6l camera battery take or hold a charge?

A battery may not accept a charge for several reasons. Your battery may have a bad cell or an internal short and therefore be irreparable. Or it could be so severely discharged that it will require a professional calliber charger to charge it. Many home chargers have minimum voltages that must be present in the battery before the charger will switch on. Normally these low voltages are well below those exhibited by a battery that appears to be "dead."

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Often however, the battery is not given the adequate amount of time to accept a charge. One of the best tips regarding battery charging is to observe the charger's ammeter swing needle (available on some chargers) during the charging procedure. After the charger is connected to the battery and is on, the needle should deflect to a high amperage level if the battery is partially discharged. If the battery is severely discharged, the needle only deflects slightly away from zero. Continue to observe the needle in either situation. On a normally discharged battery only, the needle will start to taper in amperage back toward zero, usually in less than five minutes. This reduction in amperage typically indicates the battery is accepting a charge. On a severely discharged battery, the needle will start off very low then rise. This rise of the needle is a preliminary indication that the battery is accepting a charge.



Always determine the battery's state of charge before and after recharge. The most accurate method (on a removable vent cap battery) is to perform a specific gravity test with a hydrometer. If the battery will not hold a charge adequately, contact the nearest Interstate dealer.



How can I test my charger to see if it is bad?

Check the ammeter gauge (where applicable) or the indicator lamp on the charger. If the charger is working properly, the ammeter gauge should deflect to an amperage level above zero once the charger is connected to the battery and is turned on. If the battery does not respond to charging within a few hours, your charger may not be working correctly.