Summer Camps and COVID-19

The summer weather has arrived. Your kids might want to go to summer camp – especially if they do that every summer. Parents need to keep in mind that COVID-19 is still spreading, and that there is no cure or vaccine. There are things to consider about summer camps and COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have some guiding principles to keep in mind about summer camps and COVID-19. These guiding principles are not meant to replace any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws. According to the CDC, the more people a camper or … Continue reading →

Affordable Winter Escape

Camping is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a family vacation. However, during the winter months most clans retreat to warmer venues, even though the season is a terrific time to get outside and commune with nature. If you are game to camp in the snow and cold, be prepared to do your homework first. For starters, you should never set-up camp in a remote location during the winter. This is especially true if you are roughing it in a mountainous area. Avalanches kill hundreds of hikers, skiers and campers each year. Before erecting a tent at … Continue reading →

Get Set to Ski

The West Coast has been hammered by a series of storms causing widespread property damage. Still, there is a silver lining for some enduring Mother Nature’s wrath. In Lake Tahoe, nearly 30 inches of fresh snow has fallen, allowing ski resorts there to open early. Likewise, Utah’s Wasatch Range has already received more than 4 feet of snow prompting Alta, Brighton, Solitude and Snowbird to open for business. If you are a snow bunny, Old Man Winter’s early arrival is fantastic news. Many of the nation’s major ski destinations are hoping the snow and cold sticks around for a while … Continue reading →

Happy and Healthy Trails

Camping is one of the most affordable vacation options around. However, the idea of “roughing it” doesn’t appeal to all travelers, especially ones who are concerned about staying safe, healthy and happy while on holiday with their loved ones. Working with unpredictable elements can be intimidating for some folks; however, with a little planning, you can make the most of what Mother Nature doles out. For example, if you are worried that eating healthy may be out of the question during an outdoor camping trip, consider the following tips. For starters, you don’t have to limit your camping menu to … Continue reading →

Heat Wave Camping

Our entire state is under an excessive heat warning until tomorrow night as the mercury continues to pass the 100-degree mark. For the past week we’ve been sweltering in oppressive temperatures that have exceeded 105 degrees. Yesterday, heat index values hit 115 degrees. And we’re not alone; more than 7,000 high temperature records were smashed this week in cities across the nation. To say it is “hot” is an understatement. In fact, for the first time in my life, I actually heard a warning to travelers to think twice about camping this week because of torrid temperatures. Personally, I can’t … Continue reading →

Make Camping Cool

Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends, but not everyone loves roughing it in the great outdoors. Teenagers are especially reluctant to unplug from their daily digital lives in order to commune with nature on a family vacation. However, there are ways you can make camping fun for the entire clan. Being prepared for an extended stay outdoors is one way you can reduce apprehension and anxiety associated with camping. Before you even leave your driveway, check the weather forecast. If Mother Nature looks like she will be raining on your camping parade, you might consider … Continue reading →

Hello Hiking!

Today kicks off National Park Week; time to lace up those boots, head outside, and reintroduce yourself to fresh air and sunshine. Hiking is also a great way to work off some of those unwanted pounds you may have packed on during your winter hibernation. What’s more, you can do so without breaking the bank as National Park Week yields free admission to more than 100 parks which typically change a fee to get in. If you are looking for the perfect spot to get your springtime hike on, consider the following: The Appalachian Trail: Known as the granddaddy of … Continue reading →

Spring Break Camping Trip

Heck, with the record-breaking, summer-like temperatures sweeping the nation, why wait until July to rough it in the great outdoors? Our neighbor’s kids pitched a tent and slept outside Saturday night when the mercury was still in the 60s well after 10 p.m. Mind you, we live in Wisconsin where it snows in June and we’re lucky to see 70s in July. Naturally, my daughter wanted to join in on the fun, but I put the kibosh on that getaway. However, I did allow her to roast marshmallows with her pals and partake in some of the activities featured in … Continue reading →

Winter Wonderland Vacation

If you didn’t find a plane ticket to Hawaii in your Christmas stocking this morning, then you might as well make the most of your chilly surroundings… or someone else’s frigid environment. Tis the season to travel to the world’s most popular winter festivals. The coldest season of the year brings with it a myriad of outdoor celebrations, which encourage travelers to bundle up, and enjoy Old Man Winter and all his Artic glory. If you are looking for a cool place to spend part of your winter break, check out the following freezing festivals: WISCONSIN They don’t call it … Continue reading →

Extreme Winter Adventures

“Cold” is a relative term when you live in Northern Wisconsin. After working at various TV newsrooms in the Dairy State, I’ve learned that people take offense no matter what you say about the weather… especially during the winter months. Whether we’re blanketed in two feet of snow and battling -40 degree wind chills or we’re dry and the mercury is holding steady at 20 degrees above zero, someone will find something to complain about. Interestingly, though, regardless of how bitterly cold it gets in these parts, there are some extreme travelers who will take to the woods in their … Continue reading →