Each year, the U.S. Public Health Service documents hundreds of cases of people who suffer the consequences of food-borne illness while on an outing (especially during holidays), and attributes most all of them to human carelessness.

Many people get caught up in the holiday spirit of eating, drinking, and being merry in the yard or while camping, cruising, or picnicking, take a holiday from taking care of their food–sometimes with disastrous results.

This does not have to happen to you. All you need to do is take a few proper common-sense precautions, and you won’t be in any greater danger of being poisoned while eating outdoors than you would be while eating indoors at home.

Disease-producing bacteria prefer certain types of food, particularly those high in protein and moisture, such as milk, milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, cream pies, custards and potato salad (outdoor cooking and eating favorites). For this reason, we refer to these types of foods as potentially hazardous. After preparation, these foods must be kept either hot or cold.

Hot is 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Cold is 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Temperatures between 45 and 140 degrees are unsafe. Disease-producing bacteria grow most rapidly at the middle of this temperature range.

If you have little or no facilities for maintaining these foods hot or cold, DO NOT TAKE THEM! Instead, plan your picnics (or other outings) around canned, preserved or dehydrated food, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Keep preparation time to a minimum (in other words, for example, don’t stop to talk on your cell phone in the middle of making a potato salad) and keep foods at a safe temperature during transportation. Disease-producing bacteria multiply quickly–in as little as the few hours normally encountered between the preparation and serving at a picnic (or other outing). Even small numbers of bacteria can grow sufficiently to produce illness.

The bacterial growth in sandwiches can be reduced by using frozen slices of bread together with chilled (45 degrees or below) fillings. They then should be wrapped tightly in a plastic film wrapper and placed in the cooler. They will then stay cold.

Do not refrigerate in deep containers. Food acts as an insulator and the center of large masses can be warm for long periods of time though the outer edges may be almost frozen. Use shallow pans and fill no more than three to four inches deep.

You need to remember, refrigeration does not kill disease-producing bacteria. It only slows their growth.
Do not put food in ice unless the ice has been produced from water of drinking quality, and unless the food can be washed (fruit and vegetables) or is sealed in a protective covering. Foods that are not otherwise protected should be sealed in clean plastic containers before placing on ice. (Don’t wash dishes in a stream, or lake that might contain polluted water.)

Cover the serving area (ground, blanket or table) with a table cloth to provide a clean surface on which to place food. Food should be kept covered except when being prepared or served.

Return leftover potentially hazardous food to the ice-chest immediately after the meal. If there is no ice left, or the food has been at an unsafe temperature for long meal periods, THROW IT OUT!

The best plan is to limit food quantities so there will be no leftovers. Don’t make the mistake of serving foods at lunchtime, then leaving them unrefrigerated to serve again later in the day.

Plan Ahead for a Fun-filled Family Camping Experience

Camping means different things to different people. For some, it is going out with a camper and practically all of the comforts of home. For others, it is the total other extreme of going out and sleeping under the stars (if you’re lucky, otherwise it’s sleeping in the midst of a rainstorm, and foraging for your food). This article falls somewhere in the middle.

The best way to go on a family camping trip is, in my opinion, to plan ahead. Talk it over as a family, plan what you are going to want and need to make this camping trip both a real family adventure and a pleasurable experience.

One of the things you will want to decide is where you are going to camp. I would recommend an established camp ground. You would have the security of knowing that they have done their best to keep the area maintained to be as safe as possible. Things such as snake bites or wandering wild life can really put a dampener on a family camping adventure. In choosing the camp ground, you will also want to look into what kind of activities, if any, they offer or are offered in the nearby vicinity.

Once you have chosen the ideal location, you will then want to begin to plan what to take with you. You need to choose the tent that will be right for your family. Shop around; see what is offered and what the best features are. Some tents offer ease in setting up, which is a big plus for some of us, while others require tent stakes and ropes. If you plan to use sleeping bags, you will be wise to remember that an adult size sleeping bag, does not necessarily mean one size fits all. Do you want some sort of mattresses under the sleeping bags or do you plan on sleeping right on the floor of the tent? How about lighting? You will probably want some sort of large battery operated lamp for your tent. You should also supply each camper with their own flashlight, in case any get separated from other members of the family in trips to and from the bathroom facilities.

Food is another important factor. You need to consider what you will be taking for food and what you will need in way of storage for it, such as an ice chest, etc. Most camping areas have a cooking area. Do you want to bring your own grill or use the outside “cookers” which may mean waiting your turn? Don’t forget to take the can opener if the food that you are taking with you will require one. One of the most frustrating things on a camping trip can be holding a can of beans in your hand and trying to figure how to get through the metal that is separating you and your family from your supper. Don’t forget cooking and eating utensils. Eating with your fingers can be fun with the right foods, but can also tend to get really messy.

Remember to take extra clothing along. If the weather is colder or hotter than you had planned on, you just may be glad that you did that. Don’t forget a first aid kit for any unfortunate minor injuries. Bring activities that can be enjoyed inside the tent as well as those for outside, such as books, games, etc., in case inclement weather makes you want to be inside. Plan for everything that could go wrong, and then be grateful and glad when all goes well.

Think about asking other family members or friends to go camping at the same time. Sometimes this can lead to double the fun, or sometimes not. This is something that you will have to decide for yourself.

Make it a family adventure that all will enjoy and possibly want to repeat another time. Above all, have a fun-filled family camping experience!

What Is The Best Camping Season For You?

Different camping seasons impart different lights and views.

Summer camping

The summer is the most popular season for campers because the weather is dry and warm, so campsites are more crowded, as weather is warmer and drier.

You need to plan ahead, make reservations and arrive early so to find a good campground, most especially during weekends.

Winter camping

There are some that finds winter camping more satisfying compared to the summer months, because they say, winter camping requires a specific strength and courage that summer camp does not.

If you love the challenge it brings, then consider winter camping. You can enjoy sleeping in mild weather outside.

Likewise, it gives you added self-confidence realizing that you actually can endure the preparedness and ingenuity this kind of outdoor adventure requires.

Certainly, there are many advantages to camping during winter; no snakes, bugs, flies, bears, dust or mosquitoes, plus winter wilderness view is breathtaking.

You can go snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and engage in many heartening challenges.

Furthermore, campgrounds during winter will be most likely quiet, empty and normally cheap that is surrounded by wooded haven campers forget to explore on busy summer months.

However, lack of preparation and readiness brings dangers. There are many hazards and dangers that one needs to be familiar with, like snow of large quantities falling from overhead trees.

But with good planning, you can enjoy the slow pace of winter camping.

Here reminders for winter camping:

1. Drink plenty of water to fight or avoid hypothermia because water effectively replaces all the moisture that was expelled from the body due to constant heavy breathing. Just drink water even when you feel you are not thirsty.

The recommended is one gallon water a day.

2. At signs of signs of approaching storm, immediately put your rain gear on. Should you get wet, change right away to warm and dry clothing, because the moist clothes will suck quickly heat from your body very.

3. Remember to pace yourself.

4. Do more tasks than you would normally, because movement will generate heat in your body.

5. Following tips 1-4 and wearing clothing layers, if possible, clothes that have been polyurethane foam insulated will help you prevent frostbite.

6. Always listen and take notice on your bodys feeling and reactions. When you start to shiver, immediately do something in order to make yourself warm before uncontrollable shaking and numbness sets in.

Take note that hypothermia occurs mostly in windy and wet weather with temperature ranging from 30-50 degrees F.

7. Eat a lot of complex carbohydrates and do avoid food rich in sugar and starches.

Fall camping

Fall camping today is catching up among family campers. The beauty of nature during the fall season is indeed captivating.

With lesser crowds and no insects to bother you, fall camping can be the perfect option for you.

However, during fall, some essential camping amenities such as showers and washrooms might not be offered.

But, if you can settle on remote fall camping, pack your warm clothes then enjoy the “autumn months.

Spring camping

Spring is the season of transition; snow is now melting away and it is time to go back outdoors and see nature after that cold and long winter.

So what is there to do during spring camping? Anglers are eager to go fishing because the small mouth bass and the walleye are both spawning; ducks are now coming back and you can go hunting.

Hike, swim, go canoeing, fishing, boating and do not forget to bring your paint brushes and camera as well because you will see more exciting sights.

Likewise, you can set up a barbeque outside, of course far away from your tent and enjoy hearty grilled snacks and meals such as hotdogs, burgers, steaks, fish fresh from the river, vegetables and salads.

Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring offers many different and exciting challenges unique to every season.

Remember, whatever the season, while you are camping, you are dealing and living with the wild. Learn and apply your basic survival knowledge when situation calls for it; stay alert and be prepared always.

Once you’ve made the purchase on a brand new boat you’ll be very excited - as you should be!
The first thing to do is celebrate with your family and friends, you deserve it.
You shouldn’t rush out on the water immediately after the purchase, as you have some things to take care of first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a safety course first.
There is a lot to know about boats.
Being out on the water is a lot of fun, although there are things you should know and things you should always be aware of.

After buying your boat, you should register it and re-title the boat and trailer if you need to. Pay your sales tax and apply any up to date registration stickers if you need to.
Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

When you make your first trip on the water, you should do so with an experienced boater. You can have them show you turning in tight spaces, even trailering and docking. Practice docking in different currents and take the helm with the boater there to help you. Get comfortable at the helm enough to where you’ll feel comfortable taking others out for a ride.

The world of boating can be very fun, offering you many things to do and a lot to see.
Boating offers plenty of freedom as well, especially for those who are completely new to boating.
Your first boat purchase is very important, as it opens up new doors in life. Your family will enjoy boating, all you have to do is give it a chance!

When summer time comes and salmon are starting to run, many people who like fishing visit Alaska. Tourists tend to know when the salmon run starts. This may not be on purpose but they do know the best place to catch salmon is in Alaska.

Alaskas waters make their tourists get the Alaska fishing guide and provide the tourists the best spots in Alaska for fishing. First, you have to know what kind of fish you want to catch. You can choose from different varieties of fishes like silver salmon, arctic char, steelhead, Alaska king salmon, rainbow trout, or any other fish.

The Arctic, Southwest, South central, Southeast and the interior are the five known geographical places in Alaska. These are the sites where you can maximize your fishing expedition. You have to hire a fishing guide since you do not know the area. They may give the best spots for you and accompany you to your fishing.

Here Are Some Things You May Want To Ask From Your Guide

1. You have to know how long they have been doing their work in Alaska. It is good if they have been staying there for a long time already. The reason is that they have much knowledge about the different yearly cycles of Alaska.

2. Be aware of the time you will spend during the trip. Also, make note of the time that you will need during the actual fishing. The amount that you will pay your guide might only be consumed on the time of the boat ride rather than the fishing itself.

3. Ask how much a particular guide would cost, because they have different rates depending on their skills, experiences and length of stay in their job. A guide that would cost cheaper than the average rate of the other guides might not have enough experience and skills.

4. It is recommended that you have your references. This will help you narrow down your choices in selecting a fishing guide. Most people who have been there are willing to share about how satisfied they were during the fishing vacation. They can also give you some advice on what you need to do during the adventure.

5. Remember, this is a chance for you to ask about particular issues that concern you. Do not hesitate to gather information from your guide. By this time, you should be able to have your final choice for your Alaska fishing guide that will be perfect for your plans and make the most out of your trip in Alaska.

The Advantages of Popular Custom-made Recreational Vehicle Styles.

Since recreational vehicle started to proliferate in 1910, Americans have been avid enthusiasts of camping and other outdoor recreational activities. As its popularity continues to grow, more and more people are trying to customize the total outlook of their recreational vehicles to suit their individual needs and wants.

For this reason, most of the recreational vehicles that are owned by people who love to travel are definitely custom-made or homemade. The design and outline of every custom-made recreational vehicles vary depending on the wishes of the owner.

Moreover, because of this growing demand for custom-made recreational vehicles, more and more trailers and campers are endowed with additional home appliances. Hence, bigger trailers are required to be able to drag larger cargoes.

The most typical size of recreational vehicles is 15 to 20 feet in length. But with custom-made recreational vehicles, there are trailers that grow up to 25 feet.

Most of the amenities that are contained in the custom-made recreational vehicles are focused on giving utmost comfort for its occupants. These custom-made recreational vehicles are specifically built to accommodate the additional features that its owner wants to include on its overall features.

Whatever the type or style of custom-made recreational vehicles, the best thing about this particular type of travel trailer is that it has the same advantage that every traveler wishes to obtain and experience. Heres a list of some of the advantages of most popular custom-made recreational vehicles:

1. Bonding with your family

The best thing about custom-made recreational vehicles is that it can provide a comfortable venue for reconnecting or building lost moments with your family. Because it is custom-made, people can enjoy more with the comfort and relaxation that these types of recreational vehicles can bring.

2. Trendy for the young ones

Another good thing about custom-made recreational vehicles is that parents can easily design a vehicle that will be patterned on the particular needs of their children. For instance, if you have a bigger family with more children than the usual, you can create a custom-made recreational vehicle that will provide you with bigger and more tailor-made features for your bigger family.

Indeed, with custom-made recreational vehicles, you can easily build a more relaxed comfy traveling experience with your family with a bigger and better features because it is tailor-made just for you and your familys needs.

Camping Gear - Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag

The last thing you want to happen when you’re 20 miles into the woods is to find your sleeping bag is not warm enough. You will be facing a very long and unrestful night which can ruin your spirits and sap your strength for the next day.

So how do you make sure you’ve selected the best bag for your needs? There are several aspects to consider:

GOOSE DOWN or SYNTHETIC?

There are pros and cons to most of the options available in sleeping bags.

Goose down is very warm. It is lightweight to carry and can be easily compressed for travel and quickly regain form when shaken out. It is by far a better choice for backpackers who intend to carry the bag with them for extended trips because of the lighter weight and smaller packing. However, goose down is also more expensive and losses its insulating properties when wet - a consideration if sleeping outdoors or travelling in inclement weather.

Synthetic filled bags are cheaper than goose down and retain their warmth even in wet conditions. They dry faster than down and are a good choice if travelling by boat or sleeping outdoors on the ground. However, synthetic bags are heavier and larger which can be a downside if you are hiking long distances with the bag.

For the average family camper synthetic bags are the least expensive and least affected by wet conditions. If travelling by car to a campground the size and weight of a synthetic bag should not be a problem.

RECTANGLE, TAPERED or MUMMY BAG?

As with the insulating materials, the shape of bag you choose will depend on your specific needs with pros and cons for each type.

Rectangle bags are most similar to bed sleeping and most familiar to the average user. They permit room for movement and you can easily zip two bags together for shared sleeping. However, rectangle bags are the biggest and not the best option for carrying on extended hikes.

Tapered bags are somewhat narrower towards the feet area of the sleeping bag. This shape provides less freedom of movement but more warmth because of the restricted space.

Mummy bags are the smallest and lightest to carry. They are very snug to the body (as the name suggests) with a hood that can be fitted around the head to conserve the greatest amount of body heat. While the average user may find the mummy bag uncomfortable to sleep in because of the restriction they are the best choice for cold weather camping and long hikes because of their warmth and small size.

WHICH TEMPERATURE RATING?

Sleeping bags will list the coldest temperature they are suitable for sleeping in. Depending on if you are camping in the summer or colder months you will need to choose a bag accordingly. Also take into consideration if you are normally cold or hot when sleeping and make the adjustments.

In most cases it is recommended to choose a warmer bag since you can always open it for venting if it is too warm. The temperature rating is based on using a sleeping pad under the sleeping bag which conserves body heat from the ground.

ADDITIONS:

If you frequently camp out you may want to consider a liner for your bag which will increase its warmth and can be washed separately, saving your sleeping bag from extra wear and tear.

You can also purchase sleeping bag covers. Some of these can substitute for a warm weather sleeping bag and can extend an all season bag into a cold weather bag by increasing the warmth. They can also provide extra protection from wet conditions and are a good choice for protecting goose down sleeping bags.

How comfortable you are when you sleep will drastically affect your enjoyment of a camping or hiking trip. Saving five or ten dollars at the expense of a good nights sleep will not seem like a good idea when you are tired and cold out in the woods, so choose wisely.

Advanced Cave Exploration: A Challenge To Go Deeper

Spelunking, or cave exploring, is a hobby for people who love nature and want to test the limit of physical endurance. Although some caves are very difficult to explore, especially those located under the sea or atop steep terrains, some people have dared to enter them for scientific purposes, or for the sheer fun of it.

If you are one of those who like to flirt with danger or study this mysterious type of land formation, you might want to explore advanced cave exploration areas. The following are caving specializations for extreme spelunkers:

Vertical Caving

Many caves have huge vertical drops, sometimes thousands of meters deep, which can only be accessible through rope work. To be able to explore such caves, you need vertical cave training and equipment.

The vertical cave exploration technique that is widely used nowadays is the Single Rope Technique, which was developed in the United States and Europe. The equipment you will need for vertical caving includes mechanical descenders, ascenders and a single rope.

Cave Photography

Anybody can take videos and pictures of the cave’s inner sections. However, only expert cave photographers can capture excellent photos and videos of the cave. The challenges you will surely encounter in cave photography include difficulty in bringing the equipment inside the cave, lighting up large cave cavities, and taking pictures in dark areas.

Cave Rescue

Many people venture into caves even when they don’t have the proper training and equipment to do so. Thus, some cave exploring aficionados have devoted their time to studying cave rescue. It is also important to note that many spelunkers, who usually become experts in cave rescue, are members of fire, rescue and police departments.

Cave Diving

Cave diving is one of the most exciting cave exploration activities. This is a highly specialized field in caving because you need to undergo training in both cave exploration and open sea diving. You need specialized equipment and rigorous training before you can be a cave diver. It is important to note that many people who have ventured into cave diving without the right equipment and training often get injured or even die.

Finding Virgin Caves

Although there are many caves that have already been discovered, some extreme spelunkers find thrill and excitement in discovering and mapping new caves. Finding an unexplored cave usually means entering very tight holes, digging through rock and dirt, and expanding narrow crevices.

Advanced caving requires lots of training and special skills. If you want to go beyond recreational cave exploration, you need to contact spelunking associations and take on special courses and training.

So you have decided that you should purchase and probably could just as well afford a recreational vehicle that is luxurious and custom made to fit your lifestyle as well as your taste and needs.

Where and who should you go to for those custom made recreational vehicles? The best place to go for that experience in creating RVs that are custom made is Kingsley Coach.

Believe it or not, Kingsley Coach will be there to assist you from the conception of your highly specialized recreational vehicle to its completion, as well as beyond.

Kingsley Coach has a design center where you have the convenience and the luxury to choose from a wide variety of options depending on your recreational vehicle desires and needs. You have the choice on how to decide on the details about the full recreational vehicle kitchen, the colors of the interior as well as in the flooring.

Plus, this may be hard to believe but, Kingsley Coach is also capable of designing the units of your garage as well as the space for trade shows. In Kingsley Coach, you will - more often than not find exactly what you need for your own personalized, custom made recreational vehicle.

You can even choose the paint on the exterior of your custom built recreational vehicle. Kingsley Coach, upon your request, could build on your own chassis or on theirs.
Kingsley Coach chassis’ include the following: Kenworth, Freightliner, Peterbilt. Just in case you cannot – in any way – make any design work with Kingsley Coach, they will help you – believe it or not - work with whoever is the RV customizer you choose.

However, the recreational vehicles made and created by Kingsley Coach are extremely up to date and are really nothing like anyone has ever seen. This is primarily because the recreational vehicles made by Kingsley Coach basically starts out using a chassis of a truck. The engine of the Kingsley Coach custom made recreational vehicle is found in the front, not under the bed.

Kingsley Coach has been able to design recreational vehicles for a variety of purposes, including NASCAR and the Semipro Team.

All in all, the experience of Kingsley Coach is a definite advantage to someone considering to custom make their recreational vehicles. All they need are your wants, needs, ideas and they will get themselves to work on your creative behalf

Download This Free e-Book.

Family Camping.Free Report.

Are the kids bugging you about another trip to a pricey theme park? Is your wife dropping hints every time an advertisement for a cruise appears on TV? Do you require resuscitation each time you visit the gas station?
Well, if you can relate maybe its time to consider something different for your next family vacation. If thats the case then Your Ultimate Guide to Family Camping is just for you!
Wanting to eliminate the sticker shock that comes along with a family vacation neednt be just a pipe dream. Your Ultimate Guide to Family Camping will help you achieve that dream.
It doesnt matter whether you were an Eagle Scout as a kid or if the closest youve ever come to the great outdoors is walking your pet in a dog park, you can create lasting memories on a family campout.

Your Ultimate Guide to Family Camping will show you just how easy and expensive your family camping trip can be. Create years of lasting memories without having to take out a second mortgage on your home!
Find out everything you need to know to turn this into the best family vacation you have ever had. You dont need a lot. Take a look at what we divulge in Your e-Book.

* What your camping style Yep theres a difference
* How to pick the best tent
* How to pick the best backpack
* How to pick the best sleeping bag
* Dressing for the occasion
* Campfires and setting up camp
* All About Gourmet Camping Food (Just kidding - general food basics)
* Fun Activities While Camping
* Play it Safe - Packing a First Aid Kit
* Staying in Touch
* Getting There Can Be Fun - Keeping Kids Happy
* Destination Suggestions
* 10 Fun Things for Kids To Do
* What About Fido?

Written in plain English this e-Book will help answer all the questions you may have in order to make an intelligent decision about whether to hide your wallet and pursue a vacation with lasting memories!
The purpose of our guide is to give you an over view of camping as well as provide you with information about the different steps you need to take to hit the road and get started.
So, why do you need to download your free copy now?

Because it gives you what you need to know to create the vacation of a lifetime!

Anyone can max out their credit cards and fly off to a theme park or a cruise. However, they dont realize that there is no substitute for teaching your kids how to build a campfire or sleeping beneath the stars.
Absolutely nothing can replace the experiences that nature gives us for free. And, sharing them with the people we love is precious.
If you are seriously looking for an inexpensive alternative to your family vacation, Your Ultimate Guide to Family Camping is just what you need.
Or maybe it isnt even the money. Maybe you are just looking for a way to better connect with those you love.
Regardless of your motivation and goals, turning your family vacation into a family campout will reap rewards that last a lifetime!
Before deciding to turn your dream into a reality, get the answers you must have before making the leap. This e-Book has those answers. Grab your copy FREE today and make the first step toward creating that vacation of a lifetime.