Author: admin

Posted on

Camping Safety For an Enjoyable Trip

Camping safety is something you should take seriously. Without proper first aid, a small cut or injury can turn an enjoyable trip into a nightmare.

If you have the opportunity to take a first aid course, either through work or from your community, you should really consider it. I have taken several courses and although I have never needed to use those skills yet, I am prepared if the time comes.

There are several aspects of camping safety besides first aid. Things like campfire safety, hiking safety, canoe and water safety, are just a few.

Did you know it is your responsibility to know if you are even allowed to build a fire on your site. It is not uncommon to have a fire ban in many locations due to dry conditions. If building a fire is permitted, you should know how to make it safe and also know the proper way to extinguish it completely.

How to store your food while camping is also very important. If you are in bear country it is even more important to keep you and your fellow campers safe. The use of a bear safe container is highly recommended. Hanging your food from a tree is a great method of keeping you safe.

Where the tent in located in relation to your campfire makes a difference too. You always want the fire downwind from the tent and far enough away so that no sparks or embers will land on your tent.

That’s a quick look at camping safety. I hope all your camping trips are fun and safe.

Posted on

8 Things to Consider When Traveling With Your Dog

If you are like me you want to take your dogs with you everywhere you go, and vacations are no exception. In fact, many of the destinations I choose are a result of pain staking research to determine acceptable locations for my dogs and me. For example, we just returned from Howard Creek Ranch Inn, a rustic B&B on the Mendocino coast of California. Howard Creek Inn is pet friendly with acres of old growth forest to hike and direct access to the beach. We had a great time because we did the following:

  1. Plan Ahead: Find places that are pet friendly. More and more hotels and B&B’s are allowing pets for a nominal fee. Call ahead to find out if there are any restrictions they may have regarding pet size or the number of pets allowed. Most hotels and B&B’s will not allow you to leave your dog unattended in the room unless they are crated. Triple A offers the guide “Traveling with Your Pet” which is available at most book stores.
  2. Pre-Travel Meal: Feed your dog a light meal before you travel. Depending on how much time you have available from feeding time to your departure time, will determine how much to feed your pet. You know your pet’s digestion and evacuation schedule. Just plan accordingly. If you will be flying, it is best to skip breakfast.
  3. Potty Breaks: Everybody needs potty breaks and your dog is no exception. This a good time for you and your dog to stretch your legs. Make sure his collar or harness is on and you can locate his leash. Lastly, be sure to bring along an ample supply of poop bags. Be considerate and clean up after your dog. Dog waste just doesn’t magically disappear. Look to Dog Bag for their large assortment of waste bags and dispensers. All Dog Bag poop bags are made of recycled plastic.
  4. Bring Water: Believe or not, your dog can get dehydrated just sitting in the back seat of the car. Bring water from home or pick up some bottled water. You will need a water bowl. There are many water bowls available today designed just for travel. Doggles manufactures a wide variety of unique and creatively decorated travel bowls.
  5. Seat Belt: We all know about the seat belt laws. It’s not a myth, seat belts save lives. What is not talked about is that it may save your pet’s life to. Your pet’s safety should be your primary concern since she can’t buckle her own seat belt. She can ride in safety and comfort, in the back seat, with the right gear. A travel harness is a great option. A travel harness will allow your pet to be safely restrained in the case of a sudden stop or accident. Doggles offers a line of standard harnesses that come equipped with a car seat restraint loop. This is a great travel option that allows you to easily detach her from the car’s seatbelt, then attach her leash and go for a walk.
  6. Toys and Blankets: Dogs find a sense of comfort and security when they are surrounded by familiar possessions. Always bring their favorite toys and blankets or beds. Familiar smells and textures will ease your pet’s travel anxiety.
  7. Treats: Who doesn’t like a treat while traveling? Hours cooped up in the car can be improved with a nice treat. A few treats make travel more fun your pooch. But, use them sparingly. You don’t want to expedite the pooping process. It’s uncomfortable for your pet and may require additional stops.
  8. Travel by Air: I will tell you right now, I am not a big fan of “checking” my pet in like a piece of luggage. Yes, he is a tough dog. Yes, the airlines say they are experts at shipping pets. Just do your due diligence. Now, if your pup fits under the seat, that’s another story. Traveling by airplane you will need proper puppy paperwork. Check with the airline to determine what paperwork they require. Your vet will be able to assist you with all paper work requirements. You will also need an “airline approved” carrier. There are a host of stylish options, on the market, that are approved for airline travel and will allow you to look sophisticated about town.

Traveling with your favorite furry friends is best if you plan a head. Follow the tips above to have great vacation.

Posted on

Planning a Long Road Trip With the Kids? Don’t Over Look Your Most Important Item – The Car

Car Maintenance is extremely important when you are planning to travel with your family. Can you imagine getting on an airplane that had not been thoroughly checked over before departure? It’s a very scary thought, yet we have all driven past vehicles that are broken down on the side of the road either from a flat tire that was so worn it should have been replaced months ago, or out of gas, fluids, or other engine problems.

We’ve seen vehicles broken down in the mountains during snow storms, on the highway near Death Valley, and on a typical sunny day. There are many reasons why a vehicle brakes down, but car owners and especially parents traveling with young children should make every effort to prevent a vehicle brake down at all costs.

Here are some basic steps to take to make sure your car is always in top notch shape and ready for your next camping trip or long road trip adventure with the kids.

  1. Get that oil changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months along with the vehicle inspection. Which ever one happens first.
  2. Have your tires checked and rotated at each oil change.
  3. Check your vehicle engine, belts, brakes, fluids, windshield wipers, lights and mirrors. Carry extras in your vehicle incase a blinker goes out, or a windshield wiper malfunctions while you are traveling.
  4. Check your spare tire to be sure it’s in good shape.
  5. Replace the thin spare with a reliable regular size tire ahead of time.
  6. Keep up on all routine maintenance checks.
  7. It is also good to have some emergency items for your car such as a 12V tire pump, portable jumper cable battery, tire repair kit, spare tire in good shape, and tools.
  8. Carry a GPS or Road Atlas.
  9. In the winter, it is advisable to carry chains, car wheel grip mats (for ice), 12V heater blanket, and shovel.
  10. Carry a cell phone and/or some payphone spare change with you while you travel to keep your family safe.

Now that you’ve taken the steps required to insure your vehicle has passed the safety check, and you are confident your car is in perfect traveling condition, load it up and head out on the highway for some more great travel experiences with your family. This is one preparation that should be a top priority. Your family is depending on it.

Happy Travels!