Family Camping - More Tips and Tricks (+ Giveaways)

Camping with young kids always takes a bit more thought and planning.  We've accepted the fact that the sleepless nights, dirty kids, bringing along a little potty and working hard to keep the mosquitoes at bay for our (apparently sweet) 3-year-old are just part of the game (which will change with time.)

To be perfectly honest, I dread the sleeping part of camping right now.

Laying awake I certainly spend some time daydreaming about years down the road where sleeping through the night is a possibility, even in a tent.  While it won't keep us from camping and getting out whenever we can, it certainly means built-in naps for Mama (because everyone else manages to sleep through the "struggles") in the hammock are a must if we want to do anything productive the following day(s).  I certainly won't claim to be an expert in everything, so this is my plea for anyone with tips to get a 1-year-old to be ok in a sleeping bag to send them on our way!

But, like I say often on here, the experiences are absolutely worth it and practice makes perfect.  While our summer adventures mean being open to the fact that they could be cancelled (very) last minute due to a wildfire (thanks to Mtn Papa's job) we are working hard to cram everything in we can (while still remaining sane!)  It's part of the "no excuses" motto we try to live by.

Yes, it takes more work.
Yes, it can be draining.
Yes, mistakes are made and lessons learned.
Yes, sometimes I want to bag it and head on home.
AND
Yes, it brings us closer as a family.
Yes, it is getting easier as our kids get older.
Yes, every kid is different (which means different perks AND struggles).
Yes, we will continue doing it (the big AND the little adventures.)

This past weekend we spent some time talking about our current favorite bring-alongs for camping.  The things we miss when we don't have them and may not have thought about previously.  This list is not comprehensive and is a bit random, but worth sharing.  It's the little extras (so does not cover the basics like tent and sleeping bags!)  Plus, read to the end for your chance to win some of them!

*Guest Post* Part 2: How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles

Adam Nutting from Hiking the Trail joins us again today for his second installment on his Trekking Pole series.  As always, feel free to leave him feedback in the comments! And Happy Fourth of July! I hope you are enjoying the outdoors with your family today!

In my last post The Importance of Trekking Poles I talk about the many reasons why so many people are using them these days.

When choosing the right trekking poles you need to first consider what you will be doing with them. Will they be for hiking or maybe used for snow shoeing? There are many different models out there that are for multiple sports. Once you have determined how you will be using your trekking poles you need to take a trip down to your local outdoor outfitter. Trekking poles are like shoes. Sure you can try them on at home and send them back or you can go to the store and try on lots of them and find out which ones you like and dislike.

Some of the features you will have to decide from will be:

1. Grip type
2. Shaft materials
3. Locking mechanisms
4. Shock absorbers
5. Height
6. Weight
7. Cost

Let’s take a look at each one of these items individually.

Grip type: Having a comfortable grip is very important especially if you are going to be using your trekking poles for a long duration. You do not want to end up with blisters on your feet and your hands. Plus it makes the trekking poles an extension of your body if you are not constantly nagged by your hands at how painful they are.  There are several grip types on the market. Cork, Foam, and Rubber are the most common. Cork fits to your hands better and resists moister the best. Foam absorbs moisture and is the softest. Rubber is best suited for colder weather activities by insulating hands from the cold. Rubber also has the higher chance to cause chafing or blisters.

*I'm a Runner* (Plus Backing Bia Sport and Ibex Momentum Review)

I am a runner.  I am a runner.  I am a runner.

Wearing Ibex Momentum Jacket - see running trail along the Yellowstone River behind me!

I have to continue stating that to  myself to let it sink in because, quite honestly, I am not a natural runner.  I don't have a "runner's body", I am certainly not breaking any records with speed, I would much rather be in a body of water any day, and running while pregnant (which has been a large part of my life for the last few years) is completely impossible for me.

So, why bother?

Because it makes me feel good.  It makes me stronger.  I am "addicted" to the rush of endorphins, and it is a great catalyst for keeping me in shape for other adventures.

But, more importantly, my kids see that running (which I do at 5 am so it is "me" time instead of "push the massive double stroller time") is an integrated part of my life (among other activities.)  I want to be an example of healthy living for them.  Later in life, I want it to be natural for them to turn to exercise instead of (insert questionable outlet here.)  I want them to see that anything is possible, challenge is good and hard work pays off.

And, so I run.  I am a runner.

Campfire Dessert - Chocolate Orange Cakes

We are no gourmet cooks around here when it comes to camping.  Truth be told, I am often so worried about all the rest of the gear and getting ourselves there that food falls to the wayside.  We just don't get too fancy (though stepping it up a little is in the plans this summer.)

Melissa over at Adventure Tykes is linking up a bunch of us outdoor bloggers sharing some camping recipes today (so check her site for links to all of them!)  I, personally, can't wait to see what everyone else offers (maybe I'll get some great ideas!)

So when are are NOT having hot dogs and S'Mores, this is our tried and true dessert recipe. Sadly, somehow I don't have any photos of it at all, so you'll have to use your imagination for now (or check out this or this post of others doing the same/similar recipe!)

Chocolate Orange Campfire Cakes:

- Oranges for everyone (1 per serving)

- Chocolate Cake Mix

- 1 Can 7-Up or Sprite

- Tin Foil and Knife

1.  Cut off the top of the orange so that most of the orange remains in its "ball" shape.

2.  Dig out the meat of the orange without tearing the peel (just go slow and easy!)

3.  Mix the cake mix with the soda (I usually just mix them up in the plastic packaging the mix comes in to save dishes.)  

4.  Spoon the cake mix into the oranges about 1/2 full.

5.  Replace the lid on the orange and double wrap it in foil.

6.  Place the package in campfire coals for about 15 minutes (though this depends on the heat of the fire, the thickness of the peel, etc. etc. so check often!)

Yummy Yummy!  

Anyone ever tried this before?  Any great variables I should know about?