So why do we like to hike and camp? Most of us would say that there is nothing like the closeness of nature at her finest. Hiking brings you closer to the natural world and puts you in touch with things you may have lost or forgotten: things that civilization takes from us. You'll discover and cultivate a harmony with and a respect for the wilderness that no nature show on public television can generate. No matter if you are a seasoned pro or just getting started at hiking, lets not overestimate our abilities or try to fool mother nature, because either one could and often does ruin your outing. A few things I have learned over the years to be safe and to enjoy the great outdoors is to get some reference material on hiking and camping and to stay fit. I still have my Boy Scott manual that I refer back to from time to time. Here are a few more tips that I've learned over my 40 years of enjoying the outdoors:

If you get cold at night put on a wool stocking cap and socks on your feet. Most heat loss in a sleeping bag is via your head. Plan your trip and take along a compos or now a days a GPS. Take along extra garbage and Ziploc bags. They have a thousand uses in camp. A paper bag can have other uses too like you can boil water over a fire if you have to. Water boils at 212 degrees while paper burns at around 452 Degrees. It is a good idea to start out by taking short trips then work your way up to longer ones. It is better to have a shallow fire pit instead if ringing the camp fire with rocks because some rocks explode when they are heated unevenly. A note on tents, zip the zipper closed before pitching it, that way you know it will close latter. If the zipper is hard to work rub some unscented soap on it to keep it moving. If the weather man misses the forecast and you find yourself out in an electrical storm get as low to the ground as possible or go to the middle of a stand of trees.

Enjoy the wildlife from afar by using binoculars and do not try to pet that cute bear cub, because momma bear is closer than you think and playing dead will not save you. The wildlife deserve there space to, respect them. A comfortable backpack is one forth your body weight properly adjusted to your back. A pair of leather gloves is good to protect your hands from hot pots and firewood. Dental floss is not only for your teeth but a good camp thread because it is strong and durable. It can be used to sew up holes in tents, sleeping bags, and clothing. In a pinch, a fishing line as well. Dry your tent and sleeping bag before storing. Putting them away wet is a good way to rot the fabric and make them smell. A blackened pan heats up faster then a silver pan. But if a blackened pan bothers you rub some liquid detergent on the outside to aid in the clean up.

One thing I always pack is my first aid kit; because accidents do happen, even the preventable ones. I like to take along one of those shake or crank LED flashlights, because you will always have a light they do not need batteries and the LED are good for 50,000 hours. Always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. So be safe and enjoy the great outdoors. For quality hiking equipment, I recommend TheHikerHut.com.

by John E. Spragg: I am fifty one years old and have hiked around most of the USA and parts of Europe, but I prefer seeing more of the United States. I enjoy being out in Nature and seeing Mother Nature at her finest. I have had a few close calls and decided that being prepared and more knowledgeable would cut down on the unexpected and make hiking safer and more rewarding for all

Furnished by the Campground Directory from the lifestyle section of Resources For Attorneys.

Here you are! You waited with great anticipation for this moment - Holidays are here! There it is - your motorhome. Fully equipped, beds are made, a breakfast basket on the little table by the window, the tank is full and you are ready to go.

You probably have some questions when you handle a large vehicle for the first time. The change from driving a car to "piloting" a Motorhome requires some special attention and concentration. Always obey rules and regulation and use common sense.

The Motorhome is longer, larger, higher and heavier than cars you are used to driving but they are easy to handle. After the first km's of driving you will find that they respond beautifully and are fun to drive. So don't worry!

Please read the motorhome's instructions carefully before you get behind the wheel. You will avoid mistakes and your travel through our beautiful country will be pleasant and trouble free.

Many of the hazards encountered on the road result from incorrect loading of an otherwise safe Motorhome. Overloading is the most common cause of accidents. A slight over load or poor weight distribution can seriously restrict steering and braking. It can also result in sudden blowouts an breakdowns. You can help control this situation.

To minimize swing and wobble keep the vehicle's center of gravity low. Store heavy items low, forward and between the axles: lightweight items high. Try to balance the load between the vehicle's two sides. Make sure everything is in place and easy to get at when needed. Secure all cargo inside and outside the vehicle or it will shift. Always leave room for the usual ground gear: leveling plank, wedges, water hose, jack and tools.

Avoid carrying spare gasoline; if you must, carry it in the storage container possible, tape the lid shut to prevent spillage and protect it with a shield.

While you are at the gas station check your motor oil, automatic transmission oil, radiator water, battery water and tire pressure. Heat in the desert can affect the tire pressure, over or under pressure can cause problems in steering your Motorhome.

Check your travel route every morning before you start. Plan for a camping place for the night for rest stops and dump stations. Also consider gasoline stops, especially if you travel in the desert.

Reserving a campsite in advance can save a lot of frustration later, especially during high season. When traveling without reservation, the earlier in the day you stop, the better are your chances to get to a good campground.

When driving into the campsite, especially at night, scout around the area of you on foot. A large log, a hydrant or other obstacles can punch through the paneling, tearing pipes or wiring and causing costly repairs.

Make sure you park level at the campsite. A board under one wheel or under one side might be all you need to do this. Check for rocks and jagged outcrops near the entry door. Avoid loose wires or hoses around the Motorhome. Check fuel lines and all connections before you use your appliances. Use a soap and water solution to detect leaks, NOT a match!

Should there be a leak somewhere, (it can happen because your Motorhome is constantly in motion) be sure to air the entire unit thoroughly, before using any matches or open flame. Your Motorhome is equipped with a fire extinguisher. Use it if needed. Dirt and baking soda are also great and effective agents to fight a fire. Do not use water! It can be very dangerous. Water on a gas or oil fire results in a bigger fire. Water on an electric fire can result in death or injury.

When you leave the camping place, it is a good idea to check your packing list for all items. It also helps to check the members of your travel party. You'd be amazed, how many travelers forget wives and kids. Disconnect all wires and pipes, shut off appliances (except the refrigerator). Drive the Motorhome off the boards or other supports and stow away. O around the Motorhome campsite for any articles left there. Always allow a little more time than you think you will need, to get started. Check your planned route and rest stops.

Written by Birgit Jurock for Happy Holidays Motorhome Canada at http://www.canadamotorhome.ws.

Furnished by: The lifestyle directory.

When planning a camping trip, there are some things that you can pack or do before you leave for your trip that will help you to spend your vacation relaxing and having fun rather than cleaning your site, making trips to the local store to buy accessories or having to deal with something that your forgot because there isn't a store around.

The first thing you should do is to make a check list of what you want to take with you on the trip. Aside from clothing and the basics there are some other things that can help to make your trip a success. Be sure to include waterproof matches because you never know when rain or some other type of liquid might get your supplies wet. Wet matches equal no fire and no fire can be a real problem. You can buy waterproof matches or you can waterproof your own by dipping them in paraffin wax.

Pack a survival kit with enough supplies for everyone on the trip and a few extra. Include band-aids, wet wipes and power bars. Sun screen and bug spray are essential for outdoor activities as well as citronella candles to help keep bugs away at night. Take along plastic bags to put wet things in or things you need to discard. It is also good to pack anything that you don't want to get wet into plastic bags.

Pack a sweatshirt and pants even if it is the middle of summer. At night you will probably be glad that you have them and it will keep you from being miserable, shivering by the fire. Lay out your own clothing and clothing for everyone in the family to make sure that you have something for every day and pack it in your suitcase by outfit so that you can just grab your outfit and get dressed without having to dig through your suitcase. Take along a pop-up mesh container for your dirty clothes to keep them separate from the clean stuff.

Get to your campsite early so that you can set up your tent or camper and still have plenty of time to explore the area and know your surroundings before night time arrives. Keep food locked in a cooler or in the car to avoid animals and bugs getting into it. Remove dirty shoes and clothing before entering your tent or camper so that you don't have to constantly sweep the floor. You will find this particularly helpful if you are camping at the beach. Take a small broom with you just in case your tent or camper floor does get dirty.

Bring along cards, other games and reading materials in case you encounter some rainy weather. There is nothing worse then sitting in your campsite in the rain with nothing to do. Some of your best camping memories might just be playing these games or relaxing with a book.

A battery free radio is good to check up on news or impending inclement weather. You should also have some sort of hand held radio to use in case of emergencies. Bring flashlights with extra batteries. Pack maps and travel brochures in your car and your suitcase or camper. If you lose or misplace one, you will have a backup waiting for you.

Set up your campsite and tent or camper so that you can get to things easily but you still have room to move around. Keep other things away from your sleeping bags and a clear path to the door to avoid bumping into things in the middle of the night on your way to the bathroom.

Experience is the best source for ideas of what can make your camping trip fun and worry free. Talk to others who camp to see if they have any ideas. If you go on a trip and think about something that you could really use, write it down, buy it as soon as you get home and pack it with your camping supplies so you will be ready to go on your next camping trip.

It doesn't take a lot to help make your camping vacation fun and carefree. With a little pre-planning and some organization once you get to your site, you can avoid many mishaps or emergencies that could spoil your vacation.

Steve Miers is a vacation lover and webmaster of This Cruise and This Vacation websites.

Furnished by: The Lifestyle directory.