Tag Archives: hiking

Tents & Sleeping Bags on Sale at Amazon

David just finished a week at Boy Scout camp. I went up on Wednesday to look around (okay, so I’m an overprotective mother and wanted to make sure he was okay. It rained for the whole week; no sunshine whatsoever. What a week to be camping outside! I expected to find these twenty boys, mostly 11 and 12 years old, soaked to the skin, cold, shivering, and miserable. Instead, they were all happy, in good spirits, and for the most part, DRY. Yes, their towels from two days ago were still hanging on the line, unable to dry out in … Continue reading →

Luxury Camping Destinations

In previous blogs I’ve told you about some of my camping “adventures.” I wouldn’t consider any of them “luxury,” even though the hottest new trend in camping is lodging in high-end accommodations. (Yes, gone are the days of “roughing it.”) These days more and more families are opting to camp in a variety of spectacular locations with added amenities. The following properties combine the best of camping with creature comforts. Consider ditching the pup tent and soggy marshmallows and gear up for deluxe bungalows, maid service, and working showers… at a price even the most budget conscious camper couldn’t resist. … Continue reading →

Campfire E-Mail

Graham crackers? Check. Marshmallows? Check. Bug spray? Check. Laptop? Uh Check. Remember when camping meant getting away from it all? Camping is a sort of mini vacation from life, when you leave your phone and other modern conveniences behind to bond with nature. Well, times they are a-changing. These days, roughing it may mean living without a modern bathroom but not without e-mail. That is because more and more campgrounds are catering to those of us who are wired up to our laptops and other technical devices 24/7. Increasingly, people are wondering, what is a campground without Wi-Fi Internet access? … Continue reading →

Camping Etiquette

My aunt lives just miles from where fire ravaged more than 250 homes in the Lake Tahoe area last month. According to officials, the blaze displaced 3,500 residents and caused more than $160 million in damage. Fire investigators are now saying that a campfire may be to blame for starting the inferno. In light of the tragedy that occurred at one of our family’s favorite vacation destinations I’ve decided to list some camping reminders. Summertime is typically when thousands of families take to the woods to enjoy time in the great outdoors. If you’re one of them consider some of … Continue reading →

REI Outlet 50% Off

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I love REI. They have excellent gear, a wide selection, and a return policy that’s hard to beat. What I don’t like are the prices. They can get very spendy, especially with a couple of Boy Scouts in the house who seem to constantly need just one more thing. So it’s a delight for me to shop at the outlet, where prices are lower than in the store. Often, we’ll go to the store for something small like a new knife or compass and check out the bigger items to put on our wish lists. Then when they move over … Continue reading →

More Places To Hike In Hawaii

In my previous blog I filled you in on some of the best places to hike in the “Land of Aloha.” While most tourist tend to gravitate towards Oahu’s landmarks, historical sites, world class shops, and universally famous beaches there are some who travel to paradise for the chance to explore nature at its finest. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to experience the 50th state’s most beautiful sites than by lacing up some comfortable shoes and taking a hike. Here now are a few more of Oahu’s most popular hiking trails: Manoa Falls Trail—Waterfall lovers this one … Continue reading →

Where To Hike In Hawaii

It’s a great way to escape the crowds in Waikiki and an even better way to work off some of the extra calories you consume while diving into the tropical dishes (and libations) offered in paradise. I’m talking about hiking… and there’s no better place to take to the trails than in Hawaii. (Okay, I may be biased, but just a little.) The island of Oahu alone offers more than 80 trails to choose from. Each provides breathtaking views of the area’s lush rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and emerald green valleys. It also offers you the opportunity to learn about a … Continue reading →

Hiking In Massachusetts

Nothing says summer vacation than a day spent in the outdoors. Our family has spent many summers hiking through various national parks. We enjoy bird watching, exploring and just spending time together in nature. The state of Massachusetts offers many places to spend a pleasant afternoon in the woods. Here are four spots worth exploring: Pocumtuck Ridge Whether you love hiking or mountain biking the Pocumtuck Ridge offers spectacular views and well-marked trails. The 200 million-year-old ridge is located between Deerfield and Greenfield and provides scenic views of the farms and homes tucked in the valley below. Most of the … Continue reading →

What are You doing for Fourth of July?

How will you and your family celebrate Independence Day? Do you take time to remember why the day is special? Maybe you display your flag and show your spirit with red, white, and blue apparel. Celebrations consist of many different events from attending parades, carnivals, and fireworks displays, to camp outs, picnics, and parties. Some people have huge celebrations while others have quiet events at home with family or maybe just a few friends. What is your favorite way to celebrate Fourth of July? Is there a year that you recall that was particularly special or exciting? Please share your … Continue reading →

Family-Sized Tent only $59.99

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It’s summer, and that means family campouts. We have been doing more campouts since the boys got involved in Boy Scouts. Little by little, we are adding to our gear. Until now, we’ve been in separate tents, but this deal is good enough that we’ll finally all be able to fit in one. Camping with your children is one of the best memory-makers you will ever find. It’s not necessarily the actually camping, but the shared problem solving that goes along with it. I don’t think we have ever camped where SOMEthing didn’t go awry. It is working together for … Continue reading →