Monday, December 31, 2007

Bluebonnets in the Spring


You cannot imagine just how beautiful a field of Bluebonnets is until you actually see them in reality. The Bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas and they come into bloom last March and early April. This is an extraordinary picture, but I do not know the photographer's name, I just know it is worth putting here for all to enjoy.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Is your dog ready to go camping?



Is your dog ready to accompany you on this camping and fishing trip? Well, if your dog is as happy to go on these outings as mine is, you can't get the van ready soon enough. My dog gets so excited, and he helps carry items to the van ahead of me. It is like he knows for sure where we are going, and I am convinced he does actually know. I am sure you have a list of supplies you are taking, but be sure to include a few things for your dog as well. Here is a list I have prepared for you to use as a guide if you need it.
  • Vaccinations should be up to date, take paperwork to prove the records are up to date.
  • Have the dog wear a collar with i.d. tag with name of dog, owner, address and telephone number. Maybe a temporary tag with the name of the park where you will be camped, would be useful as well.
  • Leash, as well as a spare. Life jacket if you plan to take the dog into the river or go in a boat.
  • Take bedding, food, water, and dishes for both, bearing in mind that dogs drink lots of water, especially when the weather is warm or hot. Insect repellent and first aid items should be included.
  • If you are going to rough terrain, take dog boots for him so he will not get paws bruised.
  • Take a backpack so he can carry some of his own camping supplies, provided he weights at least 20 lbs.
  • Some camp grounds accept dogs and some do not, so call ahead to make sure of the regulations.
  • Prepare your dog ahead of time for the amount of exercise he will be getting on this trip, by taking him for walks at home a week or two before you leave. Have him wear a backpack on these walks so he will get used to carrying some extra weight. Gradually add to the backpack until you get it properly weighted for him.
  • Have a successful camping and fishing trip.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Camping in the great outdoors


Do you have the camping supplies you need for another great season of outdoor adventures and other outdoor recreational activities? Just imagine another great season when you can kick back, play some bean bags, fish a while, take a boat ride, cook up a great campfire supper, and sit around the campfire at night?


For some campers, this means having dependable gear, sleeping 6 to a tent comfortably and an enjoyable trip for all. Take an inventory of your camping, hiking, and fishing gear, checking to see if any need to be replaced, and you will be ready for a new season of outdoor fun and relaxation. Keep a list of your camping, hiking and fishing gear you plan to pack for your trip, so you don't forget something important. It pays to pay attention to details so the trip will be a total success for all your family. Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Your tent is your home


Living in a tent can be a challenge, but it can be fun and here are some tips on making
things a little easier for you and your family.

Organize your tent, have a plan, and set rules. Make one end of the tent for sleeping bags, and the clothing for changes at the other end, allowing you to change at the entrance and not at the other end on the beds. If your tent has two doors, that will be easier as well. Place a carpet mat at the entrance (s) to keep out the trail dust, etc and help keep your tent cleaner.

Air mattresses are great for camping, sleeping on the ground is not good. The kids will probably enjoy sleeping in their sleeping bags, but for the adults, the air mattress is far better.

Lighting is very important, and now with the quality of a battery operated lamp, that would be good for the inside of the tent for short periods. For longer use, a gas lantern will certainly be more economical.

Sealable plastic bags are the best, for storing various small items , and will hold up to several camping trips, and you can view what items are stored there. Plastic bags are handy for storing snacks, crackers, cookies, etc. Also in the coolers, plastic bags are good to use to seal food for storing, preventing the food getting wet.

In the event you are taking your dog, there are a number of items you should take along for his or her comfort. There are sleeping bags for dogs as well, they come in various sizes to fit your dog. Be sure to include first-aid kit items for the dog and the family, in case of injuries, insect bites, etc. Include in the first-aid items, insect repellent, for times you meet up with mosquitoes or such. For the dog, take his immunization record, especially the rabies shot information, in case you need to show he is protected. His collar should have a tag containing phone number, and name and address of his owner.

Happy camping.....

`

Monday, December 24, 2007

Are you thinking about a camping and fishing trip to Texas?

The possibilities of you finding the ideal spot for camping and fishing with the weather perfect for the occasion in Texas are extremely high. From the northern border of Texas with Oklahoma to the southern border with Mexico, as well as from the extreme western edge close to El Paso, all the way to the eastern coast along the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana, there are camping sites available in a variety of scenic environments.

My favorite section of the large state of Texas is the "Hill Country". This part of the state holds many camping and fishing sites, including rivers, lakes and reservoirs in and around state parks with lots and lots of fish, birds and other wild life. Some of my favorite places I will list here: Kerrville-Schreiner State Park, 3 miles southeast of Kerrville, Hill Country Natural Area, south of Bandera off state highway 1077, Guadalupe River State Park, 30 miles north of San Antonio, and Garner State Park, 31 miles north of Uvalde and 9 miles south of Leakey.

Some of the camp sites have cabins, others have places for tents, and some are adjacent to lodges in the general area, for those who don't wish to sleep under the stars. Overall, one can locate their ideal spot for camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, or just spending time with nature in the Lone Star State of Texas.