Outdoor Camping Place

Imagine, it’s a beautiful 75 degree, sunny morning, perfect for a day hike.  I pack my backpack with a few essentials and start my trek along a very narrow, hardly noticable, trail through the dense forest.  Along the way I enjoy the sound of a bubbling brook, the songs of many different types of birds and… the poisons being released from my backpack?

That may seem a little dramatic to you, but if you’re a nature lover surely you want to be as eco-friendly as possible.  Luckily Ecogear wants to work towards a cleaner world too, and in their quest towards that end, they have designed a line of stylish, eco-friendly products for people everywhere. And, Ecogear was kind enough to send me their Bighorn pack to try out and review.

The Bighorn is light enough for a day hike but roomy enough for more!  It’s PVC free, uses only non-toxic dyes, has padded shoulder straps, a mesh back pad, multiple pockets, an MP3 player pouch with port and an adjustable stuff pouch with bungee.

I was told it was a day hike pack, so I was surprised by how roomy the bag was.  It measures 18 x 12.5 x 6.5 but the sides have adjustable clasps that make it easy to stuff way more than you’d think into it.

I don’t think it’s waterproof, but there is a pocket inside made of some unique fabric that feels like it would be water resistant at the very least.  There’s also a soft lined pocket, great for those gadgets (GPS, etc.) that you don’t want to get scratches on.  And, there is a complete organizer so you won’t need a separate wallet.  Places for your I.D., credit cards, even a snap to attach your keys to.
We took it with us for a non-traditional camping trip a few weeks ago.  We actually camped at the Bristol, TN NASCAR race.  So, though I didn’t go on a day hike, the backpack probably got more use and abuse than it would in the woods!

In it we managed to get two headsets, two scanners, two rain jackets, our cell phones, snacks, (peanuts, Chex Mix, trail mix, jerky, etc.) a couple  waters, the camera, and other misc items such as lipgloss, tylenol, etc.  And, it still wasn’t overflowing and everything had a place that made it easy to find!

Of course the best thing about the Bighorn, and all of Ecogear’s products, is the fact that they are environmentally safe.  You’ve probably heard a lot about the dangers of certain types of plastics used in water bottles, but PVC, (Polyvinyl Chloride) which is used in everything from plumbing pipes, to credit cards, to clothing, can also pose a hazard.  It can be made softer with the addition of phthalates. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to problems of the reproductive system. One of these, DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate), has even been banned in the European Union out of concern for children’s safety.

Instead of the commonly used and chemical-emitting PVC, Egogear has created bags coated with EPO, a healthy alternative. They use this patented system called Ecoweave (EPO), which creates virtually no risk to the environment or to human health. The benefits of Ecoweave include:

• Toxic-free
• PVC-free
• Chlorine-free
• No dioxin, phthalates or heavy metals
• Carries no ozone-depleting chemicals
• Clean to recycle—creates natural occuring emissions when burned
• Safe in manufacturing and consumer use

In addition to their stylish backpacks, you can also find messenger bags, a kids series with adorable cotton bags, and small duffel bags, and their EcoZoo collection has bags that are part pet, part toy, in fun animal shapes like pandas and pigs. The Recycle Series is Ecogear’s testament to the functionality of recycling. The rugged and sleek Palila backpack, looks like your average backpack, but is made of RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) water bottles. Now that’s recycle, reduce, reuse put into action!

And, just released in January, Ecogear has launched a new product the Yosemite earth-friendly sleeping bag.  It too is made entirely out of earth -friendly components like PVC-free and non toxic materials and features hollow fiber fill made of recycled polyester, the highest quality double layer off-set construction and has a special internal pocket for your cell phone or mp3 player.  The Yosemite is exclusively sold at Fred Meyer’s for $59.99.

All-in-all, I was very impressed with the Bighorn pack that I received.  It’s made better than most of the back packs that we’ve tried…  and with a son in college, we’ve tried many, many through the years.  Actually, if it had a laptop pocket I’d give it to him to use since the Ful pack I bought him less than a year ago is already falling apart.  I think I’ll be checking out the Black Rhino for him this fall.

For more information on Ecogear’s products please visit www.ecogear-products.com.

I want to thank Ecogear who sent me the Bighorn backpack to use and review. Other than the product, I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My new hobby has become exploring campgrounds! Even when not staying there, (though I wish I had time to stay at them all!) if I drive by a campground and have a couple minutes to spare, I’m driving through and grabbing some information and a photo or two for this blog.

So, when on our way back to Gatlinburg from Cades Cove – after riding my bike for 11 long miles around the Cades Cove Loop – we pulled into the Elkmont Campground to get the scoop on staying here.

My first impression was that it was beautiful! If you want to stay right in the Smoky Mountains themselves and be away from the hustle and bussel of Gatlinburg, this campground would be a lovely choice. Many of the sites are riverside (The Little River) and the sound of the rushing water would be enough to lull even the lightest sleeper to sleep.

The sites are fairly spacious, (you won’t feel like your neighbors are on top of you) the ones we looked at were very flat, and they can accommodate trailers up to 32 feet, or motor homes up to 35 feet in length.

The only thing that might be a deterrent for some folks would be the fact that there are no hookups, showers, or dump stations. There is potable water available at the campground and they can point you to shower facilities and dump stations just a few miles away. Generators are allowed on some sites, just be sure when you select your site that it is one that allows them.

Elkmont has a very special event that takes place annually for two weeks every June. It’s the Synchronous Fireflies of Elkmont. According to nps.gov, it is here that you can see “the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns.” They do it as part of their mating ritual though it’s unknown why the fireflies flash synchronously. The spectacle draws more than 8,000 visitors to the area annually, so if you are wanting to camp here during the month of June to see the fireflies, you’ll need to book your site months in advance.

Because the Little River runs right through the campground, there is great fishing to be had; or if you enjoy exploring the Smoky Mountains, some of the most popular hiking trails are within a few minutes drive.

A campground store is on premises which carries only the very basics, (Firewood is available.) but Gatlinburg is less than a ten minute drive away and you can get just about anything needed there, including a nice dinner in a restaurant… if you so desire!


Even without the electric (although I might miss my air conditioner on the hottest nights) and shower facilities (a reason to explore the surrounding areas) Elkmont seemed to be a campground I would love to stay at.  If you’ve stayed here in the past, I’d love to hear your experiences.
Camping sites at Elkmont can be reserved at Recreation.gov.

Our most recent outdoor camping trip took us to the Hillman Ferry campground down in the Land Between The Lakes region of Kentucky.  Hillman Ferry is a huge campground, with 380 sites!  But even though they have so many, they are still good sized sites – you won’t feel like your neighbors are on top of you! And, I really didn’t see many bad sites in the entire campground.  Most all of them are shaded and flat – what I look for in a great site!

We chose lot C21.  The water in the lake had been rising steadily all week and the campsite next to us ended up under water, but the campground monitors it closely and had closed the site before we even arrived.  Fortunately our site was on a little higher ground, but even so, after we left they were going to close the site until the waters receded.
There is plenty to do at Hillman Ferry.  In addition to the great fishing, (they have a fish cleaning station on the premises – and hubby caught enough fish for two or three dinners!) they have a sand beach, a basketball court, (which occupied many hours of DS’s time) a volleyball court, and an archery range.

Like to hike or bike ride?  Hillman Ferry is great for doing both since they offer both paved trails and footpaths.  And, if you can’t bring along your bike, you can rent them at the Outpost Supply center located at the front of the campground.

There are multiple restroom facilities around the campground and the shower houses were some of the nicest I’ve found – they were individual concrete rooms and were clean! Section” T” was the one exception I found. It still had the old shower houses I remembered from my teens which have no roof (if you like looking at the sky while showering this might just be up your alley) and just a shower curtain to partition you off.  However, this section is a full service section with pull-thru sites, electric, water, and sewer, so I guess they figure you have your own shower.

I had to take a load of DS’s dirty laundry with me since we waited to the last minute to pack, so I can tell you from experience that they have washers and dryers and that they work great.

We never left the campground, but if you are going to be there for a few days, there is an Elk & Bison Prarie, a Woodlands Nature Station, and a Planetarium within a short drive.

I do recommend you do most of your food shopping at home.  Since I didn’t, my options were to shop at the small IGA in Grand Rivers, or to drive 25-ish minutes to a Wal-Mart.  I opted for the drive this time because I needed a few items (co-axel cable) that the IGA didn’t carry.

For our spot, which was waterfront with electric and water and just 150 feet from the shower house, we paid $23.00 a night.  Not bad considering I just spoke with someone who camped in another state and the rate was $46/night!

To book a site at Hillman Ferry, Energy Lake or Wranglers campgrounds, visit www.usedirect.com/CampLBL.  To learn more about the Land Between The Lakes Recreation Area, visit www.LBL.org.

Last fall I was running through Kroger grabbing a few last-minute items for our outdoor camping trip when I spotted these pre-made, delicious-looking portobello mushrooms that only required heating. What’s really funny about the fact that I thought they looked yummy is that I’ve never been a fan of mushrooms. Portobellos are about the only ‘shroom I will eat because they have a firmer and not-so-slimy texture.

Even if you don’t think you’d like these, I urge you to try them. I’ve not had anyone try them and tell me they wouldn’t eat them. Hubby thinks they taste like steak, and though I wouldn’t go that far, they are the only decent best tasting mushroom I’ve ever had.

After I bought the pre-made ones, I figured out the ingredients they used and started making them on my own. Depending on the time of year, and the price of portabellos, you can save a few dollars doing it this way.

You’ll need either a warm grill (Let the coals turn to ash, then move most of them to the side and cook over just a few.) or a toaster oven. (If you are the type of camper that likes a little more civility than roughing it.)


INGREDIENTS
Portobello Mushroom Caps (The ones I bought this past week were called Baby Bellas, but were still a good size.)
Spinach Leaves
Grated Italian Cheeses (You can buy a cheese blend with Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, Fontina and Romano that works great for these.)
Italian Seasoning
Cooking Spray (Like Pam)


DIRECTIONS
Lightly spray the tops of the portobello caps with the cooking spray then turn them over and into the cap place 2 – 4 spinach leaves. Place a heaping amount of the cheese mixture on the leaves and then sprinkle liberally with the Italian seasoning.

Place on warm (no direct flame) grill or bake in toaster oven until the cheeses are thoroughly melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

It’s a glorious morning to be outdoor camping. The sky is blue, the temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and other than the geese fighting and making their honking noises just two spots away, the birds singing, and a few kids laughing, there is nothing but peace and quiet.

This particular outdoor camping trip was pretty much last minute. We had booked a sight earlier in the week, but the weather caused my husband to have to back-up his work schedule by at least one day. Then the forecast for the weekend was calling for showers and we didn’t make the final decision to go camping until late Thursday evening.

Fortunately, I was able to pack in just a few hours time and we hit the road by 9 a.m. on Friday. It’s a little ironic because a friend had just said to me a few days ago that she couldn’t go camping this weekend because she didn’t have any time off from work and it takes so long to get ready for an outdoor camping trip that she would need a day off to pack.

The key to picking up and going at the last minute is to have the majority of your supplies always ready to go. We have a popup trailer that we keep packed with all the necessary items in it. But, even if you tent camp you can be ready to go at a moments notice by keeping everything together in a few large Rubbermaid-type totes. I’ve read that some people even keep extra clothing in their RVs so that all they have to do is stop at the grocery and they’re set for the weekend. I don’t do that; as long as my laundry is clean I can pack clothes in just a few minutes. And, even if it’s not (as in the case of my son’s clothes this past weekend) I just throw it in a bag and bring along a little laundry detergent and do a load at the campground.

So, just what should you keep packed in order leave in haste on any given weekend? Here’s a list of what I keep in our popup camper.

· Cups/Plates/Cutlery (I like disposable but you can bring flatware – if you don’t mind washing it)

· Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife

· Spatula(s)

· Floor Mats I keep three. One for inside the camper door, one for the step and a larger one for outside the door on the ground.

· Mixing/Serving Spoon

· Antibacterial Wipes

· Bug Spray

· Sunscreen

· Paper Towels and/or Napkins

· Tablecloth(s)

· Coffee Pot or French Press (I keep a French press because electric is not needed to make coffee, and I can’t function without my coffee!)

· Dish Towel(s)

· Dish Cloth(s)

· Dish Soap

· Container for Water (I have a solar shower, but there are also collapsible water buckets or solid containers with spigots for easy dispensing. These are great for hand and dish washing.)

· Pot Holder(s)

· Foil and/or Plastic Wrap

· Ziploc-type Baggies

· Lantern (and don't forget extra mantels and fuel)

· Flashlight(s) (additionally, bring spare batteries and bulbs)

· Large Skillet (non-stick or cast iron skillets are both great for camping)

· Medium Saucepan (great for side dishes and pasta)

· Toilet Paper

· Garbage Bags

· Rain Poncho or Jacket

· Can Opener

· Lighting Stick or Matches

· Folding Chair(s)

· Camp Stove (unless you are using a Pop-up or RV with a stove in it, or if you want to cook everything over a campfire)

· Propane Bottles (For the lantern and stove)

· First Aid Kit

· Salt, Pepper, and other Miscellaneous Spices

· Rope

Here are some optional items I like to have with me but they probably won’t make or break your trip:

· Colander

· Electric Skillet

· Ax

· Steak Knives

· Tarp

· Bowl(s) – (I like cereal for breakfast so I need small bowls, but you may also want a large bowl for serving)

· Shovel

· Games, Cards, Books, etc. (things to keep you entertained – especially if it rains!)

· Small Propane and/or Electric Heater

· Fan

· Bungee Cords (good for making clothes lines and tying off tarps, etc.)

Now all you need to do is hook up your pop-up or RV (or grab your tent – don’t forget the poles and stakes) and bring along your blankets, pillows, towels and wash clothes, clothing, and food and you’re ready to hit the road and have an incredible time on your outdoor camping trip!.

If you are backpacking, you probably don’t need everything listed here, use your discretion you don’t want to be carrying 1,000 pounds around on your back.

If there is something I’ve forgotten that is necessary when outdoor camping, please leave me a comment and I’ll add it to the list.

It’s really not that surprising that I love outdoor camping as much as I do. Although I grew up in a nice suburban neighborhood, my favorite movie as a child was The Adventures of the Wilderness Family. Now, most of you probably have never even heard of The Adventures of the Wilderness Family, but the story centers around the Robinson family who’s tired of living in the city and moves to the wilderness of the mountains – in a spot so remote it has to be accessed by plane. They get stuck there for the winter when the weather turns bad and have to make the most of their primitive, rustic dwellings. OK, so the acting wasn’t great, but at seven I thought it was wonderful.

That should have clued me in that I was a nature lover. What 7 year-old wants to move up on a mountain with grizzly bears and mountain lions as neighbors?

The humor in the whole situation is that I really don’t enjoy primitive outdoor camping for more than a few days. By primitive I mean no electric or water. I have to have a hot shower, at least every other day, and I feel the need to know what’s going on in the world at least once in a while. However, whether or not we take the primitive route, there are few pieces of outdoor camping gear that I feel the need to take along to keep the trip from being miserable. In this post I’m focusing on that need I have for a hot water — not just for a shower, but also for washing dishes. Have you ever tried to clean a greasy pan in cold water? It’s near impossible to get the grease off.

The best solution, but of course most expensive, would be a Portable Tankless Water Heater
(runs off propane) Water Heater. One of these can give you hot water for up to 18 hours — but, will run you somewhere between $119 and $149.

A less expensive alternative, (the one I chose) is a 5-Gallon PVC Solar Camp Shower. You just fill it with water, hang or lay it black side up, in the sun for at least three hours (it takes longer dependent on how much water you fill it with) and viola’ you have warm water. Will it get as hot as a propane heated shower? During the summer when it’s hot out it can get quite hot, in the winter it will take longer and not get as warm, but at least it’s not ice cold. And, the solar bags are collapsible, making them easy to store or take along if you are backpacking camping.

Because the other showers rely on gravity to get the water out, your water pressure isn't going to very strong. However, there is one other option that will provide you pressure if you need it. It's the Portable Camp Power Shower. For this device you will need to heat a big pan of water, or it comes with a collapsible bucket that you can just fill and let sit in the sun, then you just stick the intake into the water, push a button and you have a shower with adjustable water pressure. It runs on 4 "D" cell batteries and is priced around $40.

And finally, for those who are modest, you might want a Private Pop - up Shelter. The one pictured here comes in it's own nylon bag and when you unzip it pops out to become a 4'x4' x 6'6"h room. Other models may have poles or be as basic as a tarp and can range anywhere from $25 to $120.

However you like to camp, you can be sure that there is no need to be without hot (at least warm) water. I did that for many years, and though it's possible, there are solutions that might just make your trip a little more enjoyable.

Located in Eastern Kentucky, about 75 miles southeast of Lexington, is my favorite area to camp and hike. The Natural Bridge State Park and Red River Geological areas are adjacent to one another and offer more than 80 miles of official hiking trails, incredible views, sandstone cliffs, and dense forests. The biggest disappointment about outdoor camping at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area is that there are so few camping spots with electric and water. That means you have to reserve them well in advance if you want to go on a weekend. In fact, if you want any spot in the campground period, you need to reserve them a few weeks out – that includes the primitive sites at the campground. (However, if you enjoy primitive camping, you might instead want to backcountry camp which is allowed throughout the Red River Gorge and Indian Creek areas. You’ll need to buy a permit at the Gladie Center or Ranger Station. Permits are $3/1 day; $5/3 days; $30/Annual. For more information visit the USDA Forest Service site.)

The two U.S. National Park Service campgrounds in the area are Whittleton and Middle Fork. They are located within a half mile of each other. Whittleton hosts a total of 40 sites, 17 with 30 amp hookups, 3 for tents (or a small popup) with 20 amp hookups, 11 with water hookup only and the rest are primitive. Middle Fork has 47 spots, 35 with electric the rest are primitive.

Of the two, Whittleton is my favorite. Of course that’s my personal opinion. My reason revolves around the setting. Where Middle Fork is more open, and can be loud at night due to the highway wrapping around it, at Whittleton the majority of the campsites with electric are in a row with a hillside to the front and a nice wide stream at the back (A24- A37). You feel like you’re camping in the middle of the woods, instead of in a parking lot. OK, well it’s not that bad. But, the way Middle Fork is, unless you get a spot across the creek (B27 – B35) you can be in the middle of a ring of RVs. It reminds me too much of a subdivision. However, if you have a big RV getting into the spots at Middle Fork will prove easier. The ones in the middle (B19 – B26) you can even pull straight through, while all the Whittleton spots have to be backed into. One word of warning about spots A001 – A003 at Whittleton, these sites are right at the main entrance to the campground and right on the road – no grass, no lot, just a spot to park. I would only suggest these if all you wanted to do was have a place to park your RV for the night. Additionally, spots A038 – A040 are on their own road, but adjacent to the campground entrance and the entrance lights are on all night. So if you like it extremely dark, these might not be for you. And though they say they are for tents, you can get a popup on them. (I can testify to that!)

Both campgrounds have shower houses. Whittleton has two shower stalls and Middle Fork either has two or three. They also both have restrooms, dump stations and a washer & dryer. (Which came in handy the time we hiked in the rain.)

Both campgrounds have hiking within a short distance. The Natural Bridge trailhead is within a half mile of Middle Fork , and at the very back of the Whittleton campground is the trailhead for Whittleton Trail. This trail was made as a connector of trails, but one mile from the campground you will find a short trail to Whittleton Arch. At just 2 miles roundtrip this is a great trail to get your feet wet in the Gorge. It has dense growth, lots of moss and ferns, and is an easy trail to hike.

Nearby you will find the Hemlock Lodge, which offers a breakfast buffet in their restaurant, Hoedown Island, where every Saturday night an old fashioned square dance is held, and the ‘almost famous’ Miguel’s Pizza & Rock Climbing Shop, where you can get a killer pizza with a multitude of topping choices or purchase anything from shoes to ropes for your rock climbing adventure.

Book your campsite today at ReserveAmerica.com, and if you have any questions about either campground you can post it in a comment here and I’ll try to answer.