Camping at Powell River BC, Canada

Two weeks later, we had packed our bags, journeyed across the Georgia Strait by ferry, conquered the endless road, and finally arrived at our campsite by Powell River. Needless to say, I was dismayed at the ridiculously primitive sight that awaited me. A flat expanse of dirt enclosed by some shrubbery; an isolated, barely visible restroom located in the distance, and a lone shallow pit with some stray coals were all that greeted me. However, my parents were eager to assemble the tents, and I reluctantly helped in their first dozen futile attempts. By the time the tents were fit to sleep in, dusk had fallen, and so we prepared to spend the night. Surprisingly, the sleeping bags were more snug than I had originally imagined, and we passed the night smoothly, only to awaken at dawn to a concerto of screeching crows.

Breakfast was feasible.  Fresh bread and fruits are the way to go on a camping expedition. Lunch was an entirely different matter. Cooking food over the primordial “stove” was no easy feat. Beware potential campers: it might be a smart idea to invest in a portable stove for your trip.

By noon, I had actually begun to enjoy myself as we trekked down to the shore, not far from our campsite. Gentle waves lolled over the moist sand, and I couldn’t resist abandoning my shoes and plunging into the water. After emerging from the waves, caked with salt and mud, I discovered – and marveled at – the miniature world that existed in the tide pools around me. We spent the entire afternoon on that beach; the bond with the various wildlife and creatures I discovered was so overwhelming that, by leaving, I felt a tangible sense of loss. Yet despite my heartache, I was looking forward to the next day of adventure that awaited me.

Some things you cant Prepare for when Camping: Like Actually Enjoying Camping!

Looking back two years later, I still hold dear many of those precious memories I experienced camping at Powell River. During the expanse of just five days, I hiked an eight kilometre trail, waded in a pond filled with fist-sized tadpoles and frogs in their process of metamorphosis; I learned to appreciate and embrace the natural environment around me; I encountered snakes, deer, and even a baby beaver (or possibly a large rat), and I survived it all.

I consider my experience somewhat similar to that which the tadpoles I saw were going through. They were changing from an infantile state to their adult counterparts. I developed from having a myopic point of view to the person I am today, willing and keen to try new things. And, of course, becoming an avid camper since then is undeniable.

Author: Sandra Chou

Edited by: CampTrip.com

Having started our trip on the east coast of Australia in the balmy summer months, it’s fair to say that we were not best prepared for June (Australia’s winter) camping at ULURU. Our tiny, two-man tent, our basic camping mats and fleece sleeping bags (no more than blankets) had served us well as we made our way down the Gold Coast and Byron Bay.

Camping Ayers Rock, Australia

After spending 4 months in Sydney we were on the road again and, although we had read that night time temperatures in the outback can fall pretty low in winter (as low as -5c), we were sure that a few extra layers and a cuddle together, with our love to keep us warm, would be all we needed! After all, many of the organised tour groups advertised sleeping under the stars. No tents, just snug little sleeping bags! We never did see any of those groups, and our sleeping bags were anything but snug!

After an exhilarating day visiting the National Park where ULURU, and walking around it’s base in our shorts and T-shirts (no real hint, yet, at what was to come) we had headed off with the rest of our group to the obligatory viewing point to watch the sunset. I would say that, in an ideal world, we would have been alone for this romantic moment; but even the other coach-loads of visitors couldn’t distract from the sunset’s absolute beauty. I was not disappointed. We left to head back to the AYERS Rock Resort campsite feeling tired, but looking forward to a peaceful nights sleep under the stars!

Desert Differs in Temperature for Night and Day

By midnight it was not so romantic. Not even my two pairs of trousers, three jumpers and thick socks were keeping me warm. We huddled together, wrapped around each other like a game of twister gone wrong but what little body heat we managed to steal from one another only served to demonstrate how cold the other parts of our bodies were that couldn’t get contact. Sleeping was futile. I was so cold. By 5am I gave up and went for a hot shower to get warm.  Trying to sleep standing up in the shower was difficult, especially with that itchy feeling you get in your hands and feet when the circulation returns, but I was warm at least!

As the day dawned and we started to pack up the tent, we were knackered from not getting enough sleep. I can honestly say it was the coldest, most uncomfortable night of my life!  From a Scottish girl used to camping at Loch Lomond that’s saying something. But I never was in the Scouts; maybe then I would have been more PREPARED? Would I do it again? Definitely! There are just some places in this world that you can’t experience from a hotel!

P.S The showers were 5 stars!

Here are some Tips on how to Keep Warm While Camping so this doesn’t happen to you!

Author: Catherine Anne Jackson

Edited by: CampTrip.com

How to go Budget Camping:

Borrow or Buy Used Camping Gear

First, ask loved ones if they have spare camping gear you can use. Most people do not use their tents, sleeping bags, and hiking backpacks year-round. Thus, you can save a lot of money just by using the equipment most people have lying around in their garage or attic. If you want your own supplies, be sure to shop for items during the off-season (i.e. winter) or look in the classifieds section, online, and at yard sales. This is a great way to find excellent equipment without spending too much money.

Budget Camping Food

The other necessity people need when they go camping, is food. Do a little planning and some smart shopping and you can feed yourself on a budget. First off, know that the joy of camping is making food over a campfire. So even if you are near local restaurants or at a park or campsite with food options, you should still bring your own supplies. Next, be sure to buy your camping supplies in bulk, especially if you are going with family or with a group. If you all pool in for a bulk order of hotdogs, buns and condiments, you will save a lot of money. In fact, with the right deals and planning, you could spend less on a week-long vacation’s menu than you do on a normal week of grocery shopping!

Search Your House for Useful Items

Look around the house before you head off for your camping trip. You do not need more than  a few tarps, some garbage bags, a deck of cards, and a couple of flashlights to keep you happy when you are out in the woods. The joy of such a vacation is that you are getting away from the world. Thus, you will not need to pay for movie tickets, high-end restaurants, or souvenirs. That is why budget camping IS the recession-proof vacation. Enjoy budget camping with the company of your loved ones and the great outdoors and you will have a great time for next to no cost.

Author: Lias Bower

Edited by: CampTrip.com

You don’t need a lot of money to eat like a king (or queen) while you are camping. You just need to avoid stocking up on ready meals and instead to arm yourself with a decently stocked storecupboard, a few fresh ingredients from the local shops or farms and a little inspiration to throw together a brilliant meal. With love, imagination, enthusiasm and the odd glass of wine, the cavewoman (or caveman) inside you awakens and every camping meal becomes a feast!

During the summer months, eating outdoors is the highlight of our camping trips and food somehow always tastes better after a day in the fresh air. I normally erect a gazebo just outside the tent, to provide a handy communal area for the girls and I. It gives us shelter from the rain or sun and a great space to eat under or chat and enjoy a drink in the evenings with fellow campers.

There is a huge range of cooking equipment available, from individual gas stoves and disposable barbecues; to top of the range gas powered portable barbecues that are capable of cooking for the whole family in one go! The main thing to remember is to choose your equipment based on the number of people you are cooking for – an individual gas stove will not be sufficiant for a family feast!

So, you want to know how to enjoy campsite cooking? Try to plan a few meals before you go away, this way all meals can be sorted in advance so all that’s required are a few clever storecupboard ingrediants and maybe some fresh and frozen items taken from home, combined with freshly bought local produce each day. All that’s left is to cook, eat and most of all… enjoy!

Equiment Essentials:

• Grater
• Washing up liquid.
• Tea towel
• Kitchen roll
• Dishcloth
• Salt & Pepper
• Cutlery
• Wooden spoons
• Bag of charcoal
• Aluminium foil
• Clingfilm
• Greaseproof paper
• Sharp knife
• Corkscrew
• Chopping boards
• Shallow pan
• Folding camping toaster
• Small non stick frying pan
• Mugs and plastic glasses
• Barbecue tongs
• Heatproof bowls
• Pocket knife
• Potato masher
• Skewers
• Eggcups
• Serving bolws
• Plates
• Pots & pans
• Cool box

Cooking with Gas

The simplist way of cooking in while you are camping is on a basic gas stove. You can choose from a basic one burner version, that uses a small gas canister and is perfect for boiling a kettle or heating a tin of beans or soup in a saucepan.

A camp cooker will offer you a little more versatility. They are collapsable with either two or three burners and usually a small grill and wind protection around the sides. These camp cookers are suitable for a wide variety of meals and a great choice if you are camping with the family.

If like myself, you are a serious camper and you are often away for more than a weekend then it may be worth investing in a ‘camp kitchen’. This is a purpose built stand on which your gas stove or cooker can be stored along with plenty of shelves and storage underneath for all your foood and equipment.

Cooking on the Barbecue

Disposable barbecues are inexpensive, making them perfect for one or two nights away. These are ideal for cooking a small breakfast or an evening meal. Many disposable barbecues come with a custom made stand to hold them above the ground, which prevents the grass from scorching.

If you want to use a charcoal on your barbecue, then there are plenty of reasonably priced barbecues which can be quickly assembled, including my favourite; the bucket style barbecue. These are cheap to buy, with folding legs for easy storage and are ideal for cooking a range of foods such as sausages, steaks or fish, whether it’s on the campsite outside your tent or on the beach. They heat up quickly and retain the heat, making them small but brilliantly efficient.

If you want to spend a little more, and have the space, gas powered barbecues are extremely efficient as well as being easy to use and clean. They have the added benefit of providing instant heat if you need to eat in a hurry. Gas barbecues are hugely versatile and are ideal when cooking for large numbers of people.
Whatever your needs and choice, try and buy from a reputable dealer where you should be guaranteed a quality appliance that will last years.

Cooking over the Campfire

Cooking over the campfire is perhaps the most idealistic vision of cooking in the outdoors. In reality, it is a little more tricky, as some campsites do not allow campfires and you cannot adjust the heat source as you would on a gas stove. With this in mind, it is however very hard to beat the taste of food cooked over a campfire. Adding flavoured wood chips will give your food a smoky or spicy taste.  And marsmallows, which popped on the end of a skewer and toasted around the campfire as night falls will always delight, no matter what age! A must for every camptrip!

Campfire cooking requires a clean burning hot fire. This can only be achieved by using dry, seasoned wood, if the wood you use is damp, your fire will be smoky and will burn poorly. If conditions are favourable, a camping grill rack or griddle placed over your fire will cook your food to perfection. Cooking over the campfire requires constant attention to ensure the food does’nt catch fire (trust me, i have learned from experience!)
Also, be sure to wait until the fire is begining to die off before you start cooking, otherwise the heat will be too strong. If your campsite permits campfires, make sure the fire is fully extinguised before you leave it – and on a practical note, make sure that you do not light it too near your tent!

Happy camping!

Author: Rosie Austin
The CampTrip Team

“Bringing extra dry wood in your bag is always a good idea”

After our swim in the lake where we spent much time in pain from the cold and becoming friendly with the tadpoles we set out for wood and made a campfire. Bringing extra dry wood in your bag is always a good idea. Dry wood was scarce around and we would’ve had a much harder time if one of our members hadn’t spontaneously brought some wood from home. One thing I recommend for campfires: olive oil flavoured bread dough. It heats up and rises over the campfire, and it makes the whole night gooey and warm. Also, it was my birthday. It turns out that marshmallows serve as great candles when you burn and light them. They go off with only a very quick blow at the end of the birthday song. They also look brilliant blazing through the night. And as an advantage to candles, you can easily peel off the burnt part and eat them.

The night was great, all sleeping cozily in one tent, but my favourite part of the trip was waking up to the lake. I remember stepping out of the tent at 8:30 in the morning (after 5 hours of sleep) and feeling fully awake. The scenery and silence made you take a huge breath of fresh air (mentally as well as physically) without you wanting to. I came out of the tent and smiled. The lake was flat and overhead two eagles were chasing each other in the air. They first performed a game of tag before going into a dance of flying in circles, it was beautiful. I should have taken a picture of them really, rather than my sleepy friend making his way out of the tent.

Waking up to wild life is impressive in unexpected ways.

I went for a swim again and then sat at the edge of the lake, simply stretching. There was no better feeling like sitting in such a remote and beautiful place. I will remember the freshness of the place with blithe enthusiasm for a long time. Waking up to wild life is impressive in unexpected ways. When we hiked down and reached civilization again, I felt like I had been gone for a very, very long time. It had only been 1 night, but what a night it had been.

Author: Naomi Poltier.
Edited By: The CampTrip Team

The long and short of it is, I basically peed all over myself!

I raced out of the long-drop, droplets of urine flowing freely down my legs, but it was too late. The mules carrying our bags and clean clothes had departed.
I trudged into camp, and finally managed to change into dry trousers… eight hours later!

This review speaks for all female urinary devices: it’s not worth the hassle, girls. They say the high mountains like the Himalayas have a lesson for everyone – and one thing the mountains taught me is that you are NEVER too good to squat.

Author: Alice Millington
Edited By: The CampTrip Team

• It is more than likely that you will be surrounded by tents and they will be pitched within close proximity of your own, no matter how long or far out you try to extend those guy ropes!
• Your standards of personal hygiene may slip a little. Be prepared to spend the weekend in mud encrusted shorts, hoodies, t-shirts and wellies! (just remember to pack clean underwear!) If you are concerened about ‘bad hair days’ then take a hat!
• You may stand in line for hours to use incredibly smelly toilets… (but relax, no one ever died of plague or caught cholera from using a festival porta-loo, even though they are unpleasent)
• You will pay over the odds for everything from a bottle of water or a burger to a souvenir T-shirt or cap.
• If you were thinking of taking anything to make you look beautiful in the great outdoors that runs of mains electricity… do not bother, leave it at home! Festival camping really is all about ‘getting back to basics!’ So leave the mirrors, curling tongs, hair dryer and iron at home!

With all of the above in mind, don’t let it put you off! Just remember that you are going there to enjoy yourself! So smile, loosen up, prepare to get a bit muddy and more importantly… let your hair down and have fun, it doesn’t matter what you look like! Here are some tips on how to survive your festival camping experience for the first time.

Festival Top Tips

The Tent: Always choose a bigger one than you need! This is probably the biggest mistake people make and something I have always wondered about when I have seen pictures of festival sites, all the tents look tiny! A 2-man tent is for 2 people lying side by side in sleeping bags, but it does not account for the mountains of stuff you will be bringing along with you! Always go 1 bigger as a minimum to allow for clothes, coolboxes and those muddy wellies! Make sure that it is easy to pitch too… just in case your friends are a little less than helpful!

Arrive early to choose your spot: Arrive early for the best choice of pitches. Pitch your tent within sight of landmarks you will remember and that will still be visible when you wake up to a field covered in thousands of other tents. Choose a spot as far away from the toilets as you can because it won’t be long before they stink to high heaven.

Claim you space!  Do whatever you can to mark out your territory if you don’t want to wake up within a foot of someone elses tent in the morning. Remember this is festival camping so the usual rules don’t apply! People will pitch anywhere and everywhere in desperation. A windbreak set in front of your tent can give you a little more privacy and much needed extra space, perfect if the weather is nice and you can sit outside and enjoy that cup of tea and fry up in the morning!

Pitch in a circle: If you go as a group, then try to pitch your tents in a circle. Making sure all your openings face inwards; that way if the heavens do open unexpectedly (which is likely if you live in the UK) you can sit in your tents, stay warm and dry with the flaps open chatting to each other.

Know your tent: It might seem stupid after all you know what your tent looks like right? Wrong! In a field full of a thousand tents… and after a few beers they will all look the same, especially after dark! So try adding a giant flag, a windsock (try to get one that is a bit unusual) or even some balloons on a pole to make your tent stand out.

Make friends with your neighbours:  Getting to know the people who have pitched their tents near yours will add to your festival experience and also to the amount of eyes that will watch over your tent when your not there; (a bit like neighbourhood watch; camping style!)

Don’t lock up!  Don’t be tempted to put a lock on your tent. Whilst it might seem like a good idea it simply highlights to any would be thieves that you have something worth stealing inside. And lets face it; tents are not made from bricks and mortar, they are easy to rip or tear into so you would also wasting your time. To be safe don’t take anything with you that you are not prepared to lose… (this includes your friends!)

Hide your valuables when asleep:  Do not make it easy for thieves by stuffing your money or valuables in your boots, then leaving them b!y the front of the tent Put them inside you sleeping bag or by your head under the pillow so they are safe and the furthest away from the entrance.

Plan for disaster!   Trust me, if you have a friend like mine… you will need a disaster plan!! And with the vast amount of guy ropes and tent pegs that will be pegged in each and every direction, it is likely that the odd person will fall over and tents do not offer a lot of support! Take some gaffa tape with you to repair or patch up any broken poles if needed and a First aid kit… just in case!

Light up the night!   Make sure you take plenty of lighting with you… battery operated lanterns, dynamo torches and glo-sticks can add to the fun and festival atmosphere and will also help you find your way back to the tent after dark.

Festival Essentials

Despite the obvious of your tent, money and tickets, here are some ideas for gear you should consider taking.

Ear Plugs:  It might sound silly but trust me when your trying to get to sleep with people snoring, (including the person you are sharing the tent with!) talking and playing music within a few feet of  you, you will be glad you’ve got them. Earplugs are essential!

Rucksack:  Ideal for your camera, sunhat, sunglasses, mobile phone, snacks, water and suncream. Make sure it is well secured, especially if you have got valubles inside.

Food and Drink:  There are always vast amounts of food outlets at festivals for those who are prepared to queue for ages and pay a fortune for a greasy burger! If that doesn’t tickle your taste buds; fill your coolbox with food that is easy to prepare, along with crisps, snacks and nibbles as these will be hard to come by. Cereal bars are also a good idea for a simple and nutritious breakfast. If you are taking alcohol, remember to decant into plastic bottles as glass is band from many festivals for obvious reasons. Don’t forget to take plenty of drinking water too, (freezing a few bottles beforehand will keep your coolbox cooler for longer!) and maybe some energy drinks.

Emergency Facilities:  Festival toilets have improved over the years, but it is advisable to avoid them when possible! Taking along a ‘Bog in a bag’ or a ‘Shewee’ will mean you don’t have to leave your tent in the middle of the night in the dark, cold & wet weather searching for some stinking toilets. Pack yourself some loo rolls too and keep them dry and to hand!

Head Torch:  You might look like an alien in the dark but trust me, you will be glad you’ve got your hands free when your scrabbling around trying to find things (or your friend) during the night.

Waterproofs:  The good old British summer time always likes to throw in a shower or two so be prepared. Take at least one extra set of clothes. There is nothing worse than trying to dry a wet pair of jeans in your tent overnight! Also pack some lightweight waterproof clothing… just in case!

Warm Sleeping Bag:  It might be summer time but it will get cold at night so spend some extra money and invest it in a decent sleeping bag. A good nights sleep will help you get the most out of your festival experience – so make sure you are as comfy as possible when you turn in for the night… why not take your quilt for some added comfort?

Bin bags:  You will need somewhere to put your dirty clothes and they are great for keeping your clean clothes dry should your tent leak. Keep all your rubbish and dump it at the end of the weekend in one of the festival bins. Bin bags are also handy to sit on should the ground become wet and muddy!

Wet Wipes:  You won’t have the luxury of a shower so you will need something to freshen you up and these are the best solution. Wet wipes are also handy for wiping anything and everything, so keep a few packs in the tent and in your rucksack for while you are out and about.

Antibacterial Hand Gel:   Take loads of the stuff! It is handy for through the day as finding a sink to wash your hands before or after eating will be tricky. If you are brave enough to use them; festival toilets normally supply free hand gel but it will run out in no time; so don’t forget to take your own… and lots of it!

Be Prepared:  It may be hot, sunny, wet, dry or chilly – though in the UK it’s likely to be a little bit of everything varying from day to night. Take a selection of clothing to wear according to the weather. Layers are the key and sunglasses, sunhats and suncream are absolutely essential!

Stay safe!  Keep in touch with your friends via your mobile phones, check in every now and then and arrange meet ups in advance. Stick together with a group and tell your friends where you expect to be and when. Do not wander off into dark corners of the crowd on your own. Be careful what you drink and who you accept drink from. Bottles at festivals are receptacles for all sorts of unpleasant waste. And no matter how warm and friendly the crowd seems – you never know what’s in a drink accepted from a stranger.

Happy Camping!
Author: Rosie Austin
The CampTrip Team

One of the best ways to make any dish stand out is not to overpower it with too much of a contrasting flavour – that’s what amateurs do. Instead, just add a “pinch” of it in your dish, enough to get your guest intrigued enough by this combination to ask you for the recipe. (Trust me, they always do.)
And what food is better prepared for the job than the orange, whose delicious juices can penetrate and infuse chicken breasts with a sweet, yet subtle flavour that will make you and your guests swoon when this dish touches your taste buds. So let’s look at a recipe for chicken breasts that desperately calls for orange juice from the depths of your Dutch oven and just so the menu is complete, we’ll pair this sweet dish with a more neutral but just as tasty, mushroom sauce. Did you just say “yummy?”…

Orange Chicken Breasts – A Slightly Non-Conformist, Yet Delicious Dutch oven Dish

The Ingredients:

The listed ingredients are meant for 3 servings and are prepared in a 10-inch Dutch oven. You can adapt this recipe for a 12-inch Dutch oven by simply adding an extra 50% of everything or by doubling everything for a 14-inch Dutch oven. The ingredients are listed in the order they’ll be used.

·2 tablespoons olive oil or any cooking oil

·3 chicken breast halves

·3 teaspoons Dijon mustard or Dijon mustard substitute

·Salt and pepper

·1 large onion, diced

·3 tablespoons butter, cut into 6 cubes

·1 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice

·1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Directions:

1. Pour the olive oil into the Dutch oven and pre-heat to 350˚ Fahrenheit by using about half of the required charcoals at first, both on top and bottom and adding the remaining coals after a few minutes. (Remember, the ratio of coals for roasting is 1:1.)

2. Cover the chicken breast halves with the Dijon mustard or Dijon mustard substitute.

3. Place the chicken breast, skin side down, into the pre-heated Dutch oven. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle onion over the chicken breasts and place 2 cubes of butter on each piece. Pour the orange juice into the pan, but be careful not to pour over the chicken as this might “wash away” the seasoning.

4. Cover with the lid and cook for 25 minutes. Baste once after 10 minutes.

5. After 25 minutes, gently turn the chicken breast on the other side (the skin side should be yellow or lightly brown) and sprinkle with the brown sugar.

6. Replace lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, check and see when your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165˚, which is the temperature the chicken should be when it’s done.

7. Serve on a plate with some of the orange juice left in the Dutch oven, or check the recipe for the mushroom sauce later in this article.

This recipe will offer your chicken a sweet, but subtle taste. It won’t be overwhelming by any stretch of the imagination. However, you can use more orange juice or any of the oranges’ cousins such as tangerines, mandarins or minneolas, and more brown sugar if you want to “turn things up a notch.”

Would you Like to be an Apothecary? As already stated, it’s the orange juice that gives the chicken breasts their flavour. But what if you’re not much of a sweet tooth and want to create your own concoction of something sour or bitter, rather than sweet? You can combine half of cup of orange juice with half of cup of grapefruit, lemon or lime juice. Or, you can forget orange juice altogether – it’s up to you.
Also, you can add a pinch or more of lemon sugar to your brown sugar, if you want to experiment. Be careful to not add too much, as lemon sugar has a very strong sour taste that can be unpleasant if over-used.

The Mushroom Sauce – The Chicken’s Best Friend:

Some people would find the taste of the orange sauce too sweet, and would like to match the chicken with a more neutral sauce, but one that doesn’t take long to make. And what better option is there than the mushroom sauce, the perfect companion for chicken dishes? Let’s see how it’s made.

Ingredients for Mushroom Sauce:

·Butter or olive oil

·2 shallots or red onions, diced

·4-5 garlic cloves, minced

·1 pound mushrooms, sliced

·1 cup vegetable stock or 1 cup water

·½ teaspoon dried thyme

·4 tablespoons cream

·Salt and pepper to taste

Directions for Mushroom Sauce:

1. In your Dutch oven or Dutch oven’s lid, turned upside down, or in a large skillet, heat up the butter or olive oil over low to medium heat.

2. Add the shallots (or red onions) and garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes, until the shallots become translucent.

3. Add the mushrooms, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until tender, by gently stirring them so all the pieces get cooked. It might be that this amount of mushrooms seems large, but in just a few minutes they’ll shrink considerably.

4. Add 1 cup vegetable stock (or 1 cup water), stir in ½ teaspoons of dried thyme and simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. After 10 minutes, stir in cream, tablespoon by tablespoon, and taste after each one, because different creams have different consistencies and different tastes. If after just one or two tablespoons you think it’s enough, stop there

6. Let simmer for another minute or two and then add salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve with the orange chicken breasts.

For those of you who like thicker sauces, you can add more vegetable stock and thicken it with cornstarch or arrowroot. Others might omit the cream altogether, although I think it enriches the taste and gives the sauce a nice colour. You can also run this sauce through a blender, or use a portable blender to make this sauce smoother – it’s up to you. Another option is to prepare this sauce in advance at home, store in the refrigerator and take it with you when cooking outdoors.

Author Bio:

Daniel Dutch likes to cook all kinds of things in his Dutch oven when he’s out camping with his friends and family.
You can find more of his recipes at his website, www.OutdoorDutchOvenCooking.info

Author: Daniel Dutch
Edited By: The CampTrip Team

There was one summer, I must have been about ten or so, I went on a backpacking excursion. I easily made friends with a few of the other girls, but there was one in particular I just couldn’t seem to sway to like me. Her name was Butch. I never found out if that was her birth name, or simply a pseudo nickname she had given herself, but she hated my guts. I was always nice to her, invited her to hang out with the rest of us girls, offer her some of my gummy worms, but she would just scowl and sulk away.

We had finished our long hike through the back routes in Yosemite National Park, and our counselors had told us to set up camp near a vertical rock wall. I tussled out my sleeping bag next to two of my buddies, Melissa and Cary, and took a gander at the setting sun over the horizon. It was breathtaking.

“What’s for dinner?” asked Melissa, throwing her backpack in the dirt with a hefty grunt. Our counselor opened up a baggy filled with hot dogs and started a nice, warm fire. I dug into a snack pack of nuts and dried fruits and took a seat next to the fire. I hadn’t seen much of Butch that day. She had dillydallied near the back of the group most of the hike, and at one point I think the counselor had us go ahead because Butch had disappeared. At dinner, I saw her crouch in the shadows on the other side of the fire. She actually looked rather amused, happy. It was probably the first time I had ever seen her smile. She had a rather nice smile, actually, one of those smiles that naturally didn’t need braces. The rest of the night was filled with campfire songs and s’mores. Melissa and I flirted with the cute boys and drank too much hot chocolate. But alas, it was time to go to bed.

I needed to use the bathroom before bed, so I grabbed a roll of toilet paper and a shovel and headed out into the wilderness.
When I returned, I walked by Butch’s sleeping bag where I caught her looking at me with one eye open, and a malevolent grin to make a dog stick its tail between its legs. I paid no mind to it, and walked to my bed. Just as I had kicked off my flip-flops and was about to climb in, a voice called out, “Stop!” I turned around to find Cary and one of the counselors approaching me. Cary’s arm was outstretched and pointed to my sleeping bag. “Are you sure you saw her do it?” asked the counselor. Cary nodded. “Mm hm. Butch did something to her sleeping bag. I saw it.”

I looked down at my sleeping bag and stepped away while the counselor picked it up by the end and hung it upside down. Two shakes of the sleeping bag later, a furry tarantula dropped out. All of the girls shrieked and scooted away. My eyes were wide. I blinked a few times but didn’t fully come out of my daze. The next few moments related to the counselor scolding Butch and panicking about what to do. She had called the campgrounds with our satellite phone, and someone from the camp was to immediately come pick us up. Butch was silent on the car ride back to camp. She sat in the front next to the counselor, her head bowed and staring out the window.

“I didn’t want to sleep in the dirt anyways,” said one of the girls.

“I can finally shower,” said another.

“Can you believe Butch would do that?” one murmured.

“She could’ve been killed,” said a fourth.

The girls kept talking amongst themselves, not at all trying to hide the fact they were talking about someone in particular in the car. I sat quietly in the back, still dazed and thoughtful about the occurrences of that night. In almost an instant, I would have stuck my bare feet down into sleeping bag I shared with a deadly creature. It could have bitten me, and if I hadn’t woken up from the bite, I may have never woken up at all. It would have been all too quick and easy, and someone purposefully and maliciously had attempted to do it to me. Again, what did I ever do to her? Why was I the target? As soon as we returned to camp, her grandmother was called and she was immediately picked up. I never saw Butch again after that. I’ve always been curious to find out where life took her, where she ended up and such. I’m just thankful that I had someone looking out for me that night.

Being a democratic and fair family we put it to a vote. I lost 4 to 1. So on a beautiful Thursday morning we woke up at the crack of dawn and I found myself headed to Ocean Lakes Campground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, my husband, 3 teenagers, and a camper in tow. 

“My breath was taken away at how clean and beautiful the beach was…”

Upon our arrival, I was surprised at the speed of our check in after having filled most of the paperwork online. I was delighted too, at the beautiful maintained grounds! Our pitch was perfect as I did request one with a little shade. Of course, after setting up the first thing we did was go to the beach and I have to say that my breath was taken away at how clean and beautiful the beach was. I watched on as the kids and my hubby bounce around on the waves, as i sat next to the lifeguard stand just in case he needed me to spot man of wars or sharks. Hungry and tired after a long trip, that evening we bathed in the very clean and well stocked bath house and headed on over to Crabby Mikes Seafood buffet. This was the best seafood I had ever tasted and I especially enjoyed the crab legs in butter.  I think I counted over 100 items on that buffet and we certainly got more than our moneys worth with 3 teenagers at my table. My oldest daughter doesn’t eat fish, but they had a fantastic salad bar, fried chicken, pizza as well as a slew of desserts. 
Upon returning to our campsite, we cracked open a couple of beers and talked until the wee hours of the night.
We slept very good that night listening to the surf. The following day we woke to a beautiful day and rented bicycles and tripped around the grounds. I couldn’t believe how secure this campsite was. I frequently saw security patrolling unobtrusively in and around the general store, the laundromat, and through the site. We went to Bucanneer Bay and played some miniature golf and

“I had to admit I was having a good time!”

That evening we ordered pizza from the pizza parlor on the campground and it was delicious too. There was so muchto do nearby. We went to Ripleys aquarium and saw MERMAIDS and other sea creatures. However, my girls and I opted out for the guys trip to the reptile/alligator farm. We chose to stay in the camper and watch cable tv, made available through the campsite.
I was very impressed with this campground. I have stayed at many and this site, thus far, is number one in comfort, security, cleanliness and with a ton of stuff to do very nearby. So much to do in fact, you need to spend at least a week in order to take it all in. Next time, family, next time!

Author: Reginia Griffin
Edited By: The CampTrip Team

Camping for some can just seem like too much bother, so much to do and the worry that it will not be done in the right way!… Well if I can do it then anyone can!
Check out my ‘camping alphabet’ below for some great tips, ideas and articles that will help you get the best from your camptrips. Happy camping!

A is for ACTIVITIES! There is so much to do during a camping trip, trust me, there is never a reason to get bored… even on rainy days!

B is for BUGS! They will be there on every camptrip in some shape or form, but camping with bugs does not have to be a problem! Don’t let the little beasties get you down!

C is for CAMPING! (of course, what else?)  But is camping for you?…

D is for DUTCH OVEN… A great thing to have in your camping kitchen! Have you ever cooked a meal in a dutch oven whilst camping?

E is for ESCAPING from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you kick back and relax in the great outdoors, so ditch the stress and bring on the smiles! Camping is fun… honest!

F is for FIRE. A campfire to be exact! Every camper should know how to build one and more importantly… (which i have learned from experience)…how to keep it going!

G is for GUITAR… songs around the campfire never sounded so good! But there are some sounds you just do not want to hear on a camptrip!…

H is for HIKING... get out there and explore! It’s great exercise too…for those who want it!

I is for INTERNET! Yes, you can still keep in touch with the ‘outside’ world if you really want to!

J is for JACKET… whatever the season, make sure you have the right jacket for your camptrip.

K is for  KIDS! A great way to create lasting memories is to take your kids camping!

L is for LIGHTING. Torches, lanterns, glo-sticks you name it. Choose the right form of lighting for your tent!

M is for MOSQUITOES! They come every summer and invade your tent, but there are ways to avoid the misery and meyhem!

N is for the NIGHT SKY. Why not try some stargazing while you are in the great outdoors?

O is for ORANGES! Did you know that you can cook eggs in an orange skin?…

P is for PREPARING… Always remember that preperation and safety are key factors for any camping trip.

Q is for QUILT! Do you take a quilt for luxury or a sleeping bag?

R is for RV… do you have one? How do you pack yours for your trips?

S is for SMORES! Delicious and so easy to make, a must for any camping trip!

T is for TENT! (obviously!) The most important part of your camping kit, your tent is your home whilst living in the great outdoors, look after it and it will look after you!

U is for USEFUL things and supplies that you don’t want to forget!

V is for VANITY! Yes, you can still look good when you are camping, it’s easy when you know how!

W is for WINTER. Camping in the colder months can be a great experience, but correct clothing is essential.

X is for ‘X’ marks the spot! How do you choose a camping location that’s right for you?

Y is for YOGA! It can ease tension and support a healthy body while camping… why not give it a try?

Z is for ‘Zzzz!’ Camping doesn’t have to include an uncomfortable sleep! Sweet dreams!

Author: Rosie Austin
The CampTrip Team

Figuring out what to pack for a camping trip is always a challenge, particularly if you’re planning to cook your own meals. It’s easy to rely on instant noodles and sausages, but the basics of campsite cuisine can become boring quickly.

What’s more, they’re not exactly the healthiest of foods. For this quick guide, we spoke to Gareth O’Rourke from Pure Leisure Group to learn more about the best healthy food options to take camping.

Breakfast: Grains, Fresh Fruit and Eggs

Instead of eating calorically dense energy bars for breakfast (many of which are mostly sugar) why not cook a delicious campsite omelette? Pack some eggs and fresh vegetables and cook the perfect omelette at your campsite.

If you like some carbohydrates with your breakfast, you have a wide variety of choices. Bring some quick-cooking oats and prepare porridge while you wait for your eggs to cook, or pack some muesli for a delicious continental breakfast.

Bringing a cooler? Pack some containers of fresh yoghurt for the ultimate tasty breakfast. Fresh fruit is easy to store and ideal for adding flavour to muesli and porridge during your campsite breakfast.

Lunch: Salads, Hard Boiled Eggs and Lunch Meat

Does your campsite have its own BBQ area? If so, you can avoid the queues that develop in the evening by cooking your sausages and meats at lunch. This way, you’ll have tasty food ready to serve on walks and other day trips.

Pack some salads in your cooler and bring them out at lunchtime. Bring several different dressings and you’ll have a unique and tasty lunch ready on each day of your trip.

Other great options include hard boiled eggs, which you can boil using a portable stove and cooking pot. Hard boiled eggs are a great addition to sandwiches, as well as common campsite breakfast dishes.

Dinner: BBQ, Fresh Salads and Pita Pizzas

Who says campsite dinners have to be boring? Go with a classic and enjoy a BBQ at your campsite, complete with sausages, tasty steaks and chicken skewers. If you’re searching for a healthy food option, try something leaner such as grilled chicken or turkey.

Even traditionally unhealthy dishes can become healthy with the right combination of ingredients. Bring some pita breads to grill on the BBQ and cook pita pizzas with some cheese and fresh vegetables.

Dinner is a great time to finish off salads you prepared at lunch. Fresh vegetables will last for several days inside your cooler, making them a great all-purpose meal choice for camping trips.

Make your next camping trip a healthy one

Going camping doesn’t mean sacrificing your health and fitness. Enjoy the classic campsite meals and some of the UK’s best scenic walks as you stay in Lake District camping pods from PureLeisureGroup.com.