clair034

So a bunch of us are planning a trip for next week that means four nights of camping, and it also involves hauling a lot of heavy gear on top of two small cars. It occurred to us that everything we need to take, including two inflatable rafts, probably won’t fit inside the cars, so we started to discuss loading the gear on top of the cars. (istock) It seems to me that the things we’re loading have a strong potential to scratch the vehicles’ roofs – neither car has a roof rack or side rails – and in Utah, our destination, it’s possible it’s illegal for us to simply strap the gear onto the roof the way we’re proposing. So I found  a site that sells inflatable racks that use the roof to stabilize the load .  But that triggered a heated conversation about spending money versus making do with what we have. Which is something that comes up a lot lately, in the face of downsizing and layoffs and a rough economy. I was raised to take care of the things I already own, which is why I wa...

My favorite foods on the road are the ones that can be cooked in the RV, keep well, feed a lot of people and make most of them happy. If they’re incredibly delicious, that’s a bonus. This kalua pork recipe definitely qualifies on all counts. You can find recipes all over the Internet for this Hawaiian-style meat, but most of them put the pork butt in the oven, and oddly, even when they cook it in a crockpot, they call for way too long of a time, which dries out the meat.  The pineapple salsa moistens the pork or rice.  We have become addicted to the little slider buns you can now find in most grocery stores, which are made by Sara Lee and Pepperidge Farms. They cut down on the number of sandwiches every eats, which makes for natural portion control, and they’re tasty (count on at least two per person). We’ve also served the pork in tortillas with all the fixings – onions, cilantro, tomatoes, etc. Barbecue sauce is great with the pork, but the pineapple salsa recipe that follows is ex...

I just came back from a group camping trip composed of people to whom I am not related (read: don’t rely upon me for financial support or otherwise legally don't have to put up with me), and once again, I’m amazed at how we all managed not to kill each other.                              You know what I’m talking about here. Every trip, there’s always somebody who gets up super early and beats his (or, um, maybe her) chest, coughing and clearing their throats – and often yelling something like, “Yep, yep, it’s great to be alive!” – so loudly that everyone else has to get up, too.  No one ever really looks like this when camping. (istock)  There’s always that person who somehow manages not to be around when the disgusting greasy cooking thing needs to be cleaned, and there’s always someone who is so over the top when it comes to cheerfully (franti...

The Keystone State is one of the top in the country for fall foliage, and this time of year, the weather is usually pretty cooperative for camping. The views are spectacular from one end to the other, and there are so many things to do inside and out, it’s hard to know where to start. If the changing colors are your focus, though, here are some ideas. Just be sure to keep the camera battery charged, and check gocampingamerica.com for the RV parks and campgrounds near each stop. Southwest McConnell’s Mill State Park With the oft-photographed covered bridge in its midst, McConnell’s Mill, which sits 40 miles north of Pittsburgh on Rte 422 via I-79, is a big draw for those looking to take long walks around the picturesque seven miles of trails and a drive to the waterfalls, restored gristmill and Slippery Rock Creek. Pack a picnic, because there are multiple stops along the route through. If you fish or river raft, this is also a top-notch destination. More info  Ohiopyle State Park is a...

Camping and RVing doesn’t just involve the pulling up to a site, pitching a tent or hooking up and kicking back – there are usually activities planned, and that means gear. It seems as though every time we head out, someone brings along a new piece of gear that I wind up coveting, and it’s a struggle to keep from running out after the trip and buying it. Not only is the cost a factor – we just can’t afford every new gadget and gizmo – but there are also the considerations of space and weight. In addition, I think we can all count the number of items collecting dust in the corners of closets and storage spaces. But every once in a while, a piece of equipment turns out to be truly revolutionary, a top-notch replacement or so useful that it does wind up being worth the money. Here are a few that have earned a permanent spot on our excursions: Topeak Harpoon S2 Harpoon Master Blaster Bike Pump Not only is this now the bike pump we carry while we’re actually biking – it’s so small, it works...

We’re always looking for foods that the kids can help make, are easy to carry on a hike or to take to the beach in a small cooler, and that use up leftovers. If they happen to be relatively healthy, too, well, bonus! These veggie wraps fit the bill. We’ve filled them with everything from stir-fry leftovers to grilled vegetables to the toppings from homemade pizza, and it’s hard to go wrong. Most young ‘uns love cream cheese, and that provides the base and makes the tortilla hold itself together.  Kids can assembled their own, which gets them involved, and these are so easily transportable – just shove them into baggies (they stay nicer if you can wrap them in cling wrap first) and put them in a pack or a cooler for later. They’re a weekly lunch item for school for us. Lettuce or spinach adds extra crunch. Some fresh herbs, a little salt and pepper -- and if you have time, some sautéed garlic – all add flavor boosts, but aren’t necessary. These are just so user-friendly. The Chocola...