Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool

Selling high-quality, hand-held tools that were predecessors to the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool since 1983, it is no wonder this proactive and progressive company has evolved to providing such an advanced pocket-survival tool. Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool is to the adventurer what Palm Pilots were to this generation of communication coinsures, opening up a whole new world in diverse capabilities at your fingertips. No more searching through piles of tools or wishing you had a tool when you’re far from home and need a quick fix. Now you can own the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool for approximately $115.

Along with its blades, the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool includes eight zinc-coated steel bit drivers, beveled edged scissors for closer cuts on anything from zip-ties to fishing line and copper wire, diamond-coated files designed to withstand wood or metal without loosing their bite, needle nose and regular pliers for both detailed and heavy pulling action, bottle and can openers, large screwdriver, and an eight-inch ruler. All of the blades and tools on the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool are locking and can be opened single handedly, applying little pressure at next to no effort. The durable strength of its blades can be evidenced by its 154CM stainless steel Clip-point knife and the 420HC Sheepfoot serrated knife, both with outside accessibility for one-handed opening and closing.

The Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool has not forfeited style for function, either. It has been built with a 100 percent stainless steel body and a 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum handle. They’ve also included a fixed or quick-release Lanyard Ring and removable pocket clip to give the consumer choices as to how to carry or store this hand-held dynamo. It’s difficult to conceive that all these tools could be contained within a compact leather or nylon sheath instead of a large lunch-sized toolbox, but that’s progress for you. The Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool is just four inches closed and weighs a tad over eight ounces, with a blade length of 2.9 inches.

The fundamental goal of those who manufacture the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool is to provide outstanding customer service by delivering more than they promise. With annual sales of well over $100 million and almost five-hundred workers around the country making sure the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool measures up to public expectations, they continue to claim the lion’s share of the market in pocket-survival tools. It’s easy to offer their unbelievable 25-year warranty on the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool when they are confident of its long-lasting durability and unbeatable quality. In fact, part of the Leatherman mission is “To lead the high-quality compact multi-purpose tool market by providing the best value for their customers…” I would say, that is a goal they have achieved hands down, or should we say hands on, with the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool.

For versatility, durability, quality, and style, the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool has positioned itself to offer its user almost any type of tool needed in most any type of situation. The one thing its users will need to be weary of is that needy family members or friends return it when borrowed because by all standards—it’s a keeper!
 

Buy The Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool Here!

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment

The brisk blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore.  The Round Valley Reservoir swimming area was created by the construction of an earth dam across a narrow waterway on the west side of the reservoir, separating it from the main part of the reservoir.  The deepest lake in New Jersey at 180 feet, the reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. It is well stocked with lake trout.
Round Valley is one of the few parks that offers wilderness camping.  The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only by hiking or boating as the campers' parking lot is three miles away from the nearest site, accessible by a steep and rugged trail.  Cross-country skiers and sledding enthusiasts congregate at Round Valley in the winter months.

Camping in the Recreation Area

The Recreation Area offers 85 wilderness family campsites with fire rings, drinking water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Although there is no trailer or vehicle access, campsites are a three to six mile hike from the parking lot, include a swimming area and may be reached by boat, canoe, or backpacking.  Each family site accommodates up to 6 people.  Open from April 1 through October 31, each site rents for $17 per night.  Campers must check-in at the park office by 4:00 p.m.

There are also group wilderness campsites.  These eight sites each have a fire ring with running water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Each group site accommodates up to 25 people and is open from April 1 through October 31 at a rate of $25 per night.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Round Valley Recreation Area

Trails at Round Valley consist of three that are marked:  The Cushetunk Trail, which accesses the campsites and the Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail. All trails are accessed from the South Parking Lot within the Day-use Area.  These trails are open throughout the year.  Visitors should plan their trail activities so that they will be out of the park by closing and are reminded to stay on the path as wandering off dedicated paths causes erosion, damage to vegetation and may, in some areas, result in trespassing onto private property.  Fires are not permitted along the trails and pets must be leashed at all times.  The pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Drinking water is available along the lower service road located in the campground.

The nine-mile Cushetunk Trail and the three-mile lower service road are multi-use trails that pass through open and heavily wooded areas.  The Cushetunk trail surface is rugged, rocky and steep in places that makes it more suitable for experienced hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.  Users must follow the same trail back as it ends at the Water Supply Authority's Restricted Area and therefore, has no outlet.

The Pine Tree Trail is approximately a one mile loop and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail is 1/2 mile loop.  Both pass through pinewoods and are ideal for young children, birdwatchers, and seniors.  The Pine Tree Trail connects the day-use area with Division of Fish and Wildlife property. There is a fourth unmarked water trail that is approximately 1 1/2 miles.  You can access it from the camper’s boat launch area. There are no trails that completely circle the reservoir. Be aware of the park hours, so that you plan your hiking or biking trip accordingly. Please be sure to be out of the park before it closes.

Fishing is permitted in the Round Valley Reservoir.  There are 19 species of fish inhabiting the Reservoir, including largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually and lake trout are abundant.  The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages the reservoir as a trophy lake.  Anglers must follow the posted special fishing regulations that apply and Fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.  Fishing is prohibited in the swimming area and a valid NJ fishing license is required.

Hunting for waterfowl is permitted at Round Valley Recreation Area on a seasonal basis. Waterfowl hunting is permitted by boat only and hunting is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Picnicking is available at three picnic areas within the recreation area.  Two are located on tree-shaded grassy spots at each end of the beach, and the third is on a hill overlooking the reservoir and park.  At each picnic area the visitor will find tables and grills, restrooms, and playgrounds.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Boating is assessable at the public boat launch which is located north of the day use area, and is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.  Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, motor boats (up to 10 horsepower) and three chambered inflatable vessels are permitted on the reservoir and must be registered through Motor Vehicle if over 12 feet in length.  NJ Boating Rules & Regulations pertain to Round Valley Reservoir at all times.  Each person must have on a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD).  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

A parking permit must be obtained through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to access the reservoir at the public boat launch, or a copy of your fishing, hunting or trapping license must be placed on the dash board of your vehicle.

Swimming is permitted at Round Valley in the Day-use Area only from Memorial Day through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty and swimming is not allowed in the main reservoir.  Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies are available for purchase.  Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront.  There are two playgrounds and volleyball nets on the beachfront.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Scuba and Skin Diving is available at Round Valley.  Water clarity and rich aquatic life make the Reservoir one of the best freshwater lakes in New Jersey for scuba and skin diving.  Diving is permitted from April 1st through October 31st depending on water conditions.  Scuba divers must be certified and all divers are required to register at the area office, have a dive buddy, inflatable vest and a dive flag.  Divers must check-in prior to, and checkout after, each dive.

Mailing Address:
1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road Lebanon, NJ 08833-3115
 (908) 236-6355 (908) 236-6355
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 37’ 21.93” N 74° 51' 18.13" W
Size: 3,684 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
$ 2.00
walk-in/bicycle

Directions:
Take I-78 west to exit 20 A to Route 22 west, follows signs to the park.
Take I-78 east to exit 18 (Route 22 east), follow signs to the park
 

Tags: camping in nj, nj campgrounds

The Atlantic City North Family campground is a great one to stay at. It is in the Pinebarrens area  of New Jersey, which means the views are simply spectacular. This is a great area to camp in if you want to see the best that New Jersey has to offer as far as scenery. The campground is also in a prime location with relation to other Shore area hot spots. The Atlantic City campground is only a 15 minute drive from Long Beach Island. This is great if you also want to spend some time hitting the sand. Of course swimming, surfing, and snorkeling are all popular pastimes in the Long Beach area. If you want to save some money, the campground also offers free Long Beach Island passes during peak season. Besides the proximity to Long Beach Island, the Atlantic City campground is close to its namesake as well. It is only 30 minutes drive from all of the fun and excitement of Atlantic City. You can camp in the Pinebarrens and yet be only a short drive away from the novelty and action on the Boardwalk. Even better, the Atlantic City North campground offers a free van service to and from Atlantic City provided you are staying two nights at the campground. This is helpful if you’re driving a large RV or trailer that you want to be able to leave at the campground instead of having to deal with parking in the Boardwalk area.

The Atlantic City North Family Campground is reasonably priced with rates starting at $25/night for tent camping and going up to $35/night for a site equipped with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Obviously this is much cheaper than a hotel in the same area and you get to be closer to nature and the beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for great views without being too far away from the action then the Atlantic City campground might be just the place for you.

For More Info: Atlantic City North Family Campground

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

When you need to cook or simply want to relax around a campfire, knowing what kind of wood to use can eliminate frustration.  There are two basic kinds of wood for campfires; hardwood and softwood

Campfire Wood
Hard Wood burns longer, here are some examples of hardwoods:
Oak
Eucalyptus
Citrus
Cedar
Almond
Mesquite
Ash
Beech
Hawthorn
Holly

Soft Wood burns fast & splits easier, here are some examples of softwoods:
Avocado
Pine
Pinyon
Birch
Fir
Hazel
 Larch
 

The Burning Properties of Wood

Wood from an evergreen tree, called "softwood," burns quickly, lets off lots of heat and dies leaving no coals.  It makes a colorful bonfire, but you will need lots of it for a whole evening.  Deciduous or "hardwood" takes longer to ignite, burns slowly and turns to glowing coals.  It is perfect for a cooking fire.

Remember that good firewood is always dry while rotten, crumbly, wet or green wood will make a smoky fire and Poplar can smoke even when it is dry.  Avoid softwood with balls of tree gum attached, as this will cause a fire to spit.

For a great fire starter, use "fatwood" or dry wood from an evergreen tree that is streaked with resins.  Pine needles and Birch Bark (never peel from a live tree) also work well if they are very dry.   Don't try to start a fire with other kinds of bark though, since bark does not burn well.

Note: Never collect wood near Poison Ivy or Poison Oak.  The smoke from burning any part of the plants can cause an allergic rash and can be even more dangerous if inhaled.

A natural result of tree recognition is to learn the burning properties of their woods. Below is a listing of the most common woods for burning and their burning properties.  There are more, but this is a good list to start.  If you are unsure of the wood, the best and safest bet is not to burn it and it is worth remembering that ALL wood will burn better if split. 

Alder:  Poor in heat and does not last, to be seen growing beside ponds.
Apple:  Splendid – It burns slowly and steadily when dry, with little flame, but good heat.  The scent is pleasing.
Ash:  Best burning wood; has both flame and heat, and will burn when green, though naturally not as well as when dry.
Beech:  A rival to ash, though not a close one, and only fair when green.  If it has a fault, it is apt to shoot embers a long way.
Birch:  The heat is good but it burns quickly.  The smell is pleasant.
Cedar:  Good when dry.   Full of crackle and snap.  It gives little flame but much heat, and the scent is beautiful.
Cherry:  Burns slowly, with good heat.  Another wood with the advantage of scent.
Chestnut:  Mediocre.  Apt to shoot embers.  Small flame and heating power.
Douglas Fir:  Poor.  Little flame or heat.
Elder:   Mediocre. Very smoky.  Quick burner, with not much heat.
Elm:  Commonly offered for sale.  To burn well it needs to be kept for two years. Even then it will smoke.  
Hazel:  Good.
Holly:  Good, will burn when green, but best when kept a season.
Hornbeam:  Almost as good as beech.
Laburnum:  Totally poisonous tree, acrid smoke, taints food and best never used.
Larch:  Crackly, scented, and fairly good for heat.
Laurel:  Has brilliant flame.
Lime:  Poor.  Burns with dull flame.
Maple:  Good.
Oak:  The novelist's 'blazing fire of oaken logs' is fanciful as Oak is sparse in flame and the smoke is acrid, but dry old oak is excellent for heat, burning slowly and steadily until whole log collapses into cigar-like ash.
Pear:  A good heat and a good scent.
Pine:  Burns with a splendid flame, but apt to spit.  The resinous Weymouth pine has a lovely scent and a cheerful blue flame.
Plane:  Burns pleasantly, but is apt to throw sparks if very dry.
Plum:  Good heat and aromatic.
Poplar:  Truly awful.
Rhododendron:  The thick old stems, being very tough, burn well.
Robinia (Acacia):  Burns slowly, with good heat, but with acrid smoke.
Spruce:  Burns too quickly and with too many sparks.
Sycamore:  Burns with a good flame, with moderate heat.  Useless green.
Thorn:  One of the best woods.  Burns slowly, with great heat and little smoke.
Walnut:  Good, and so is the scent.  Aromatic wood.
Willow:  Poor.  It must be dry to use, and then it burns slowly, with little flame. Apt to spark.
Yew:  Last but among the best.  Burns slowly, with fierce heat, and the scent is pleasant.
 

Tags: camping basics, camping needs

Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern

As romantic as they are practical, the Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern is a great solution for lighting when you go on a camping trip, evening tail-gating party, or even just a relaxing, overnight cookout with the neighbors at a nearby park. There’s nothing easier to fill, refill, hang, or store than a Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern, and because of its well-crafted, durable design, it can hang in there with the big boys. This compact backpacking lantern has a pack size of 6.75 inches x 3 inches, but its lasting power is that of the larger and more expensive lanterns. It’s made of aluminum, steel, and brass and sports flip-out legs in order to provide greater stability and easier stance.

To make sure they’ve covered every possible desired function, the manufacturers have also included push-on mantles so there will be no more unsightly or weak strings to worry about when using your Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern. They have also attached stainless steel guards to protect its globe and give it that look of an old-fashioned kerosene lantern. The features are numerable on the Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern, so you won’t be disappointed when you get a look at the oversized ignition button, the folding dimmer toggle, and its refillable fuel tank that completely does away with the need for additional stove canisters. Another special element of the Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern that makes it effortless and incredibly safer to use is its Piezo push-button matchless ignition. Like magic, the lights are on and somebody’s home.

The Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern was built to take a beating and keep on beaming, which often happens when you’ve got the whole family involved in an outdoors camping trip. It’s textured, nonslip finish was especially designed to make it easy for little hands to lift and carry without the worry of accidental breakage or the possibilities of a spill caused by the helping hands of your loved one. The Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern has become a low-cost, safe alternative to candles and so much more powerful, providing light output of up to ten candlepower. And, depending on the fuel used, it can light up a room for up to four or five hours without refilling. There’s no longer any reason for the little ones to stay in the dark when you can warm up the tents to a cozy temperature using your Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern, tuck them inside the sleeping bags, and depend on the quietly operating Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern to keep them feeling secure until the “lights out” hour in camp.

So inexpensive to use, the Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern runs off a Powermax, Campingaz, or Coleman butane or propane fuel. The only thing that rivals its operating costs is its lower-than-most initial purchase price of $70 to $90. It simply can’t be beat for quiet efficiency, durable design, and an affordable price tag. It will make a believer out of you when you hear people say that good things DO come in small packages.   
 

Buy The Coleman Exponent Luminos Lantern Here!

Hidden in the southwestern part of the state, Parvin State Park is a park as varied as its wildlife.  Situated on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest.  Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances with blossoming dogwood, laurel, holly, magnolia, wild azalea and over 200 kinds of flowering plants.  Thundergust Lake, Parvin Lake and Muddy Run are popular for fishing and boating with swimming is allowed in Parvin Lake only.

The park has sheltered many throughout the years.  It served as home for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1941, as a summer camp for the children of displaced Japanese Americans in 1943, a POW camp for German prisoners in 1944 and temporary housing for the Kalmycks who fled their homelands in Eastern Europe in 1952.

Camping in the Park

Parvin State Park has 56 tent and trailer sites available.  Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hooks and a playground nearby.  Six people and two vehicles are permitted per site.  Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities can be found within easy walking distance.  There are also facilities available for individuals with disabilities.  A trailer sanitary station is located in the park.  Located on the south shore of Parvin Lake, the park is open from April 1 through October 31 at a charge of $20 per night.

The park plans to have Pet Friendly Campsites available in the spring of 2010

Four group sites are provided with a capacity of 25 people per site for a total capacity of 100 campers.  Flush toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables, one shelter are located near the group sites.  Located on south shore of Parvin Lake, these sites are open April 1 through October 31 at a charge of $25 per night per site.

The park contains 18 cabins each with a furnished living room with a fireplace or wood burning stove.  Each cabin has an outdoor campfire ring, two bedrooms to accommodate 4 people, a kitchen with running water, electric stove and refrigerator.  The cabin bathrooms each have a sink, toilet and shower.  There is electricity and a brick patio with a table and grill.  Two of the cabins are accessible for persons with disabilities and offer accommodations for 6 people.  A playground is available nearby.  The cabins are located on the north shore of Thundergust Lake and are open from April 1 through October 31.
Four-bunk cabins: $45 per night, $315 per week. Six-bunk cabins: $65 per night, $455 per week.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Parvin State Park

Parvin Natural Area (465 acres) is situated at the edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens and combines many of the characteristics and species of southern New Jersey and the Pine Barrens.  Several trails run through the hardwood and Atlantic white cedar swamps, pitch pine lowlands and upland pine and oak forests.  Parvin is home to the state-threatened barred owl and the endangered swamp pink.

Swimming is available at the lifeguard staffed swimming beach operated at Parvin Grove, which is located on Parvin Lake.  Parking areas, bathhouse, first-aid station, canoe rental and a concession offering refreshment, novelties and beach supplies are all conveniently located nearby.  Picnic Groves with tables, grills and playgrounds are located on either side of the beach with swimming available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Picnicking is available at several picnic areas in the park with table and grills available.  For larger groups, there are two picnic areas at Thundergust Lake which can accommodate 100 people per pavilion, have flush toilets, water, grills, picnic tables and activity and ball fields available.  These large group picnic areas must be reserved.

Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events.  A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group.  They may be reserved for a fee:
$80.00 per day
Open year round
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form.

Mailing Address:
701 Almond Road
Pittsgrove, NJ 08318-3928
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 30’ 15.27” N 75° 07' 50.33" W
Size: 1,952 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
N/A
weekdays
N/A
weekends
$ 2.00
walk-in
*3 years of age and under free

Directions:
From Route 55 north or south, take exit 35 and follow signs to the park. The Park is located between Centerton and Vineland on Route 540 (Almond Road).
 

Tags: camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

A one pot meal is a camper’s delight as the meal only takes one pot, as suggested in the title, is quick and filling, and if the pot is large enough can feed a crowd.  Cleanup is also a bonus. 

A good One-Pot Meal recipe should be:
Quick: The recipe should take less than 30 minutes to prepare and need only 30-45 minutes to cook.
Easy:  Even novice cooks should be able to make a successful One-Pot Meals.
Healthy:  A One-Pot Meal is low in fat and high in nutrition.
Tasty:  A One-Pot Meal should taste good and be filling.
Convenient:  A One-Pot Meal should be able to use fresh, frozen, dried and canned foods for the ultimate in convenience.

What is a True "One-Pot" Meal?
A true "one-pot" meal contains protein, starch and vegetables all in the same pot.  Any recipe that directs the cook to, "Prepare pasta separately." or "Serve with bread." is not a true "one-pot" meal.

What Do You Use to Cook One-Pot Meals?
A 2-quart cast iron Dutch oven is great, feeds 2 adults and may be used on the camp stove or a campfire.  However any type of cooking pot may be used and the size is easy to determine if you remember the one-quart-per-person rule.  To feed four, use at least a 4-quart Dutch oven or other pot and be aware that larger pots will probably increase the baking time.  Your Dutch oven need not be enameled cast iron, but it does make for easier clean up, storage and lighter weight when the pot is full of food.

Below is a classic one pot recipe:

Chicken and Dumplings
serves 6 | 30 minutes active time | 45 minutes total time

This old-fashioned winter dish is the soup equivalent of a hot toddy.  Use a wide pot so the dumplings don't stick together.
Ingredients for the soup
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1  3-pound chicken, cut into pieces
* 1/4 cup flour, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste
* 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
* 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
* 2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 sprig thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* Fresh parsley
Ingredients for the dumplings
* 1 1/2 cups flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 cup coarsely ground cornmeal
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
1. In a wide, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil.
2. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, then brown them in the oil over medium heat, about 2 minutes a side.  Remove and set aside.
3. Add the onion to the pot and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Stir in the broth.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the first five dumpling ingredients.
8. Add the cream and mix until just combined.
9. Drop about 12 heaping tablespoons of the dumpling mixture into the pot.
10. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes more.
11. To serve, scoop the dumplings and chicken into bowls, then cover with broth.
12. Garnish with the parsley.
Tip:  For quicker dumplings, mix 1 egg with 1/2 cup milk, then add the mixture to 1 1/2 cups Bisquick and stir to combine.

Tags: dutch oven, dutch oven cooking

An incredible cooking surface that can accommodate the entire camping group, this Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has true squeal appeal. It is the larger of the smaller type portable outdoor grills, measuring 51 inches x 50 inches x 37 inches when set up and 31.5 inches x19.25 inches x14.25 inches when collapsed, and yet it weighs only 57 pounds. For those who camp in groups or have large families the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove is idea to cook several pans of camp food all at the same time. Since both burners are independently controlled and have an eight-inch distance between them, the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove can easily handle different food items without the fear of too much weight or spillage. Your cook will have no shortage of power, either, because the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove boasts two high-performance burners that have a combined 25,000 BTUs cooking level.

Traditionally, he who cooks in camp doesn’t do the picking up, but don’t let that worry you if you’re on the clean-up crew. The Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has made it easy to wipe off the porcelain-coated cast iron grates. When using the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove for cooking the open-air hotdogs and hamburgers, don’t concern yourself with the possibilities of excess grease and meat that may stick to the grill. Simply thoroughly clean after each use and then treat the grill with some spray oil, and you’ll be ready for the next meal. Because of the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove’s excellent temperature control and 375 square inches of cooking space, grilling out a lot of food at one time is no longer a challenge. You can put the matches away as well because the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has a convenient built-in igniter for a quick, easy, and safe start.

While cooking on the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove, your food can be stored on the strong side shelves; however, these will need to be purchased separately. They have easy-to-wipe, stainless steel tops that hold additional food without the fear of spilling or grounding your dinner. Much like your at-home grill, the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove also comes complete with hooks to support large grilling spatulas, spoons, forks, tongs, and scrapers. The camp cook can plan lots of hot meals during your trip because the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove operates on a long-lasting 16.4 ounce propane canister, which you can find at almost any local store that carries standard propane containers.

Although the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has sturdy legs for stability and balance, the manufacturers have also given you the choice to remove the legs and cook on its surface placed directly on the top of a picnic table or the bed of a pick-up truck. The legs are easily removed for just such use, and when you’re done the legs and shelves of the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove can be stored beneath the grill. This makes transporting your stove just as easy and convenient as set-up and disassembly. Once you have taken it apart, the stainless steel lid closes and locks so there is no danger created by flipping or tipping in your vehicle. With the exception of the side tables and the propane canister, the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove can be yours for as little as $250. 
 

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is the place to be if you have kids or pets. The campground describes itself as a pet friendly resort with many planned activities to ensure that none of their guests will have time to be bored. They feature a heated swimming pool, go carts, and a stocked fishing pond. These are great activities to do if you have small kids and just aren’t up for any more sightseeing. The heated pool in particular is one of my favorite things about this campground. Spending some time in the pool is a great way for kids to burn off some extra energy while the adults relax after a long day. There are also many scheduled activities such as hay rides and games in the game room.

If you travel in an RV, the campground also provides full hookups as well as a laundry area and dump station. Jellystone Park also has the option for its guests to rent cabins or trailers, for those who want to camp but don’t want to bring the tent with them. No matter what your camping style is from primitive to modern, Jellystone Park has something to make sure that you get exactly the experience that you’re looking for.

Jellystone Park is a campground with just about anything you could want on site. They pride themselves on making sure all of their guests are happy. The base rate is $40/night for a campsite, and more for renting a cabin or trailer. Given all of the amenities on site, this could turn out to be a good deal if you use the swimming pool and other facilities. The Jellystone Park campground has won the Pinnacle Club Award in every year since 1998, meaning that it has a long history of fun times and quality service. Many families enjoy camping here so much that they return to the park year after year to keep making new memories.
 

For More Info: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

An energy bar is the outdoor equivalent of throwing softwood on the fire.  They are designed to provide quick energy when it is needed while camping or participating in other outdoor activities.  They are easy to carry, last in heat and cold and easy to eat.  The only downside is that commercial energy bars can be expensive and some leave a great deal to be desired in terms of taste.  Some would even leave one to believe that the main ingredient is sawdust.  The solution to these problems is to make you own.  Below are a couple of recipes for doing just that.

This energy-packed recipe is so easy to make, and requires no baking!  Whether you decide to wrap the bars in individual wrappings and take them on a hike or just keep them in the fridge for a post-workout boost, these bars are a delicious way to keep you going throughout your busy day.

I prefer to use a basic organic crispy rice cereal from the bulk section of my local health food store, but any crispy (not "puffed") rice cereal that is dairy-free will do.

Makes 16 to 20 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
5 cups dairy-free crispy rice cereal (see Head Note)
¾ cup rolled oats
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1 1/3 cup finely chopped dates
¾ cups dark, dairy-free chocolate chips, divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup groups.
¼ t. salt
2/3 cups soymilk powder
¾ cup honey or agave nectar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
¾ cups tahini
1 t. vanilla extract

Preparation:
1.  Lightly grease a 9” x 13” baking dish with dairy-free soy margarine or oil or you’re your baking dish with parchment paper.  In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, rolled oats, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, dates, ¼ cup of the dairy-free chocolate chips and salt.  Set aside.
2.  Place the soymilk powder in a small heat-proof bowl and set aside.
3.  In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, tahini, vanilla and the remaining chocolate chips.  Stirring constantly, cook until the chocolate chips have just melted, the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is combined, about 1-2 minutes. (Alternatively, you can simply place a heatproof bowl in the microwave and microwave the mixture until just melted.) Gradually mix the tahini-chocolate mixture into the soymilk powder, stirring vigorously to avoid clumping.
4.  Pour the tahini-chocolate mixture into the rice cereal mixture, mixing well until evenly distributed.  Using your hands or a wooden spoon, press the mixture into the prepared dish.  Cut the mixture into bars while still in the pan and still warm.  Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before removing from the pan with a spatula. Serve at room temperature or cold.  Bars will keep for 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Ingredients:
4 ripe organic bananas
3 cups organic rolled oats, not quick
2 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup coconut flakes or shredded
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Preparation:
Mash the bananas well in a mixer then add all other ingredients and blend well.
Place dough on a 12×16 inch jellyroll pan that’s been greased generously with coconut oil.  Pat out the dough into a rectangle about 1/3" thick.
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 18 ? 20 minutes.  Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes before cutting the bars.  Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
Note:  Before or after baking you may brush or drizzle a generous amount of melted coconut oil on top of the bars for an extra energy boost.

If you are not into cooking and experimenting then try this.  There is a website,
http://www.elementbars.com  this allows you to design your own energy bar.  Though more expensive it may be fun and will make great gifts for your outdoor friends.
 

Tags: camping recipe