Plum Island, off of the coast of Massachusetts is one of the prettiest American barrier islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a wonderful spot for a day trip as you can explore its soft sandy beaches, gorgeous marshes, and diverse assortment of birds. One of the best ways to get around on the island is by bike during the autumn and then stopping for a picnic along the coast. You can reach Plum Island by taking the Plum Island Turnpike which can be found about 35 miles to the north of historic Boston at a town called Newburyport. If you are wondering how the island got its name, it comes from the beach-plum bushes which produce fruit that’s often used to make jam from. (photo credit: alex1961) Most of Plum Island is actually taken up by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is a sanctuary about 4,700 acres in size. You will also find the 80-acre Sandy Point State Reservation on the southern tip of the island. Most of the population lives in the charming northern region of the island. If you’d like to bike around the island there are paved roads in town as well as unpaved and paved roads in the wildlife refuge. It’s pretty easy to get around by bike as the island’s terrain is more or less on the flat side. The wildlife refuge is open every day between sunrise and sunset, but the beaches close down during nesting time in the spring. A mountain bike is the best type to use if you plan on travelling on the unpaved routes in the south of the island since some of them feature pretty rough gravel. The island is a little less than 10 miles from top to bottom, so you should have enough time to see quite a bit of it if you’re only there for a day trip. Many bikers like to start out in the north of the island by the small Plum Island lighthouse and Merrimack River. Heading south, you’ll pass through the small town and wildlife refuge before arriving at Sandy Point State Reservation, where you’ll get some superb views of the Atlantic Ocean from. The island’s east side offers a lot of oceanfront beach which you can get to from the wildlife refuge. There are several boardwalks which take you over the sandy dunes to the beach. You won’t be able to bike along the boardwalk, however there are convenient posts where you can lock your bike. The west region of the island features beautiful tidal marshes that house a wide variety of birds. You’ll find hundreds of different species here with many of them migrating in the spring and autumn. Some of the birds you might spot include the piping plover, American woodcock, gray catbird, snowy egret, wood-warbler, marsh wren, blue-winged teal, marsh hawk, northern shoveler, and great blue heron. If you’d like to do a bit of hiking while on Plum Island, there are a few nature trails to explore. These include the Hellcat Wildlife Trail and North Pool Overlook. If you’d like to stop on the turnpike before visiting the island you’ll find the Joppa Flats Education Center on the highway just before reaching the island. the center offers bird-watching tours along with some other types of educational programs. For those who would like to combine a camping trip with a visit to Plum Island you’ll find Salisbury Beach State Park on the mainland just to the north of the island. There’s a large campground here with close to 500 campsites in it. There is also a four-mile long beach and the park is only five miles from the island.

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Winter Camp is not nearly as popular compared to the summer, but it is still enjoyed by many people. Most people avoid going outdoors in the winter because of the cold weather and deep snow. Although winter camping is not for everybody, there are some features that can make it enjoyable. Listed below are some of the benefits of camping at wintertime. Camping during the summertime is an activity that is enjoyed by thousands of families every year. The pleasant breeze and warm sun creates a perfect atmosphere that can be enjoyed by everybody regardless of their age, gender, or cultural background. There are plenty of activities to do during the summer, such as biking, boating, sports, and hiking. This can create a noisy and unpleasant atmosphere, especially if you are looking for peace and solitude in the wilderness. Summertime weather may be pleasant, but the atmosphere can resemble a city if it is filled with thousands of other campers. Going hunting during the wintertime can be an enjoyable activity if you travel to a remote location. Hunting is actually easier in snowy climates because it allows for more camouflage, so the prey will not see you as easily. Snow is also difficult to travel quickly on, so the prey will not be able to escape as quickly. This past winter camp meeting has actually been a living-changing knowledge for myself, and a lot of other people. I pressed in and relied completely on the Holy Spirit to maintain me energized daily to achieve all that He set me out to do. I was at the church early for Hospitality Ministry, worked book tables, sang for worship, and was ready to participate in the worship experience of the evening companies also. When going hunting during the winter, it is important to bring equipment for skinning the prey and making a fire. If the area is snowy, you can melt the snow to make water. The fire will also help to keep you warm during the night and keep other creatures from roaming around and causing a mess in your campsite. Though physically I was tired, the Lord sustained me. His strength was produced perfect wherever I was weak. Right after the evening meetings, I would go home and just rest in His existence, praying in the Holy Ghost and singing songs to the Lord. The presence of God was so powerful in the meetings, that when I would sing on the platform, the anointing brought on me to practically fall numerous occasions. If you go outdoors in the wintertime, you will not need to worry about overcrowded areas. With the exception of ski resorts, most outdoor areas have minimal visitors during the winter. This is perfect for campers who want to spend time alone in the wild with minimal distractions from other people. Since the weather is cold, you will need to purchase a good set of waterproof trousers and jackets to keep your body warm. Women’s and men’s waterproof trousers for winter have thick insulation to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. . Unlike during summer season where you have to book in advance to be able to get a spot in camping sites and rely on the description on a brochure, in winter camping that is no longer required. Often time, you can just turn up on the camping site right there and pick the best spot. Because the camp ground is relatively empty, there may even be enough space for you to do all your activities such as sledding and skiing.

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Adventure vacations are easy to organize when you go camping, because you can just pack up your tent and move onto the next place with very little planning, if you feel like it. Camping in Florida makes for the ultimate adventure vacation it is inexpensive, and once you have met the initial expense of buying your tent and all the other items you need, you will get years and years worth of wear out of them. It is not expensive to camps s site fees are very reasonable indeed, and unlike a hotel vacation you don’t have to break the bank to have fun. There is such a lot to do and see in Florida, the coastline is great and it is also interesting to visit the interior of the state. Florida has very good weather which makes it an idea destination for camping. Lovely golden beaches and warm seas to swim in are a draw card, but this is not all Florida is about. From Panama city to Miami where you can experience Cuban culture, you will be very pleased with any of the choices you make and camping makes for a perfect family vacation. Santa Rosa County in northern Florida sees many visitors taking to the camp sites around Milton. This is a well established city and the oldest in the state. It was officially incorporated into the US in 1844, and is the county seat of Santa Rosa. Being a vacationers’ paradise, Florida has many beautiful camp grounds with great facilities. Milton is central to Panama City, Pensacola and Fort Walton, and these four towns provide the visitor with so many different things to do and see. As a rule most campers enjoy nature and being close to it. Basing your camp close to Milton will allow you easy access to all the sights of these towns. But because camping is so portable, you could just pack up house and move on when you feel like it. Close to Milton you will also find the Blackwater River State Park, this park is renowned for being a hot spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking and enjoying nature. The river is absolutely pristine and it is only 15 miles from Milton. The Gulfarium in Fort Walton is a must see for the whole family, and this is an ideal place to learn more about the sea creatures that inhabit the coastal areas of Florida. You will see dolphins, sea lions and many other interesting and entertaining creature. Just by the way, Florida is also home to the gentle Manatee, and if you get the opportunity to visit these shy creatures, it will make your trip. Don’t forget that there are so many good camping location in Florida, whether you decide to camp at Disney World, one of its white sand beaches or in a more isolated area. Make sure you have an appropriate tent, good sleeping bags and other gear, and then get ready for fun for the whole family.

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This hike is on the section of the Backbone Trail that is south of Yerba Buena Road in Ventura County.  Please note that distances given here are very approximate. The trail starts at the southwest corner of the parking lot across the street from the trailhead for the Mishe Mokwa Trail.  After about 1/10 mile, one will encounter a couple of woolly bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum) that are blooming out of season.  These particular specimens are often blooming out of season.  In rocky areas, look for spike moss, lichens, and dudleyas.  Flower buds on ceanothus promise flowers in the next few weeks.  In the openings of the chaparral where mustard and wild oats are not choking out everything else, current new growth and seedpods from last year show that in a few months, flowers of shooting stars (Dodecatheon clevelandii) , clarkias, and Plummer mariposa lilies (Calochortus plummerae) will be found. From the parking lot, the trail continues downhill for approximately a half mile.  As the trail starts going uphill and passes through a gap in the rocks, turn around for a view of the highest peaks in the Santa Monica Mountains.  If it is clear, there is also a view of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands.  The trail will continue uphill for approximately one half mile.  This is the steepest part of the trail. Unlike many chaparral communities, the chaparral here contains few if any scrub oaks (Quercus berberidifolia).  The predominant shrubs are ceanothus and red shanks (Adenostoma sparsifolium).  Red shanks are found at the higher elevations of the Santa Monica Mountains and their distinctive, fine, yellow-green foliage makes them recognizable from a distance.  These bloom in the summer. At approximately one mile from the parking lot, the trail reaches an intersection.  For the purpose of this article, this intersection will be called the chain intersection.  To the left, the trail goes a very short distance to a small parking area across the street from the place with the anchor chain across the driveway.  Instead, turn right at the chain intersection to continue the hike.  The trail goes uphill for the next approximately 1 1/4 miles but is fairly gentle.  As the trail starts going along the north face of the hill, the chaparral gives way to a woodland of hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia).  Some perennials found in this area include sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides), pitcher sage (Lepechinia fragrans), and climbing penstemon (Keckiella cordifolia).  These will bloom in the spring and early summer. Approximately a half mile from the chain intersection, pay attention to the vegetation on the right side of the trail.  A small group of silk tassel (Garrya veatchii) bushes will be seen.  They are blooming now.  Although the flowers are not showy, it is interesting to find this plant, which is rare in the Santa Monica Mountains. As the trail turns more to the south, chaparral takes over again.  Look for chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum) blooming now.  On rock outcrops, look for the California polypody (Polypodium californicum) fern.  It goes dormant in the dry season and is starting to grow now.  Where the trail turns northwest, look to your right for a panoramic view of the Conejo Valley. Approximately a mile or so from the chain intersection, the trail makes a sharp turn and heads southeast.  Here, look for chaparral currants with flowers that are darker pink than what is typical, big berry mazanitas (Arctostaphylos glauca) starting to bloom, and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) in full fruit.  Continue to the top of the hill and in the shallow rocky soil, soap plants (Chlorogalum pomeridianum) are starting to come up.  Those that are far enough along exhibit their characteristic wavy foliage. The trail continues on to the east for another 2 1/4 miles or so.  However, we will turn around and go back the way we came, checking for anything we might have missed on the way in.

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This is a guest post by Aaron Garcia, an adventure seeker who often takesfamily vacations to Louisiana thanks to their great outdoor attractions. He loves staying at the campground in Robert, LA, because of its proximity to family attractions in New Orleans. Louisiana’s Natural Outdoor Beauty When it comes to camping and traveling in the great state of Louisiana there is more to tempt visitors that the exciting city of New Orleans. While any visit to Louisiana should include at least a short jaunt in that party city, there are lakes, swamps, plantations and bike paths a plenty that offer a more natural and beautiful view of the state. Full of beauty and wildlife, Louisiana parks and recreation areas are the perfect place to spend a camping vacation. Here are some of the best areas to visit during your next camping trip or day outing. Take a Canoe Trip to the Swamps One fifth of the state area is comprised of water features that offer endless exploration opportunities. The water recreation opportunities are not like those of other states. Many states boast of fast moving rivers and white water rafting trips, but in Louisiana you have the chance to enjoy the majestic setting of placid waters that are home to hundreds of different kinds of plants and birds. A canoe ride in the rich waters of Louisiana means paddling underneath a canopy of wetland trees, spotting egrets, and perhaps brushing by an alligator or two. There are many places to enjoy Louisiana’s waterways, but one of the best areas for canoeing and birdwatching is Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Making Lake Fausse your home base for water exploration is a great way to spend a family vacation. Open year round, the Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers canoe rentals for reasonable day or hour rates. Canoeing is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Louisiana. The quiet meandering waters are home to so much lush green beauty that several days can easily be dedicated to paddling through this wet green maze of hidden delights. Pack a Fishing Rod Fishing is one of Americas favorite past times and in Louisiana there is an abundant supply of fish for fishers of all skills levels. One of the greatest ways to enjoy all the fish Louisiana has to offer is by taking a chartered fishing trip. Hackberry Charters provides all you could want in a chartered fishing trip. Operated out of Calcasieu Lake, your trip includes fishing poles, bait, fishing licenses, fish cleaning, and much more. Charter fishing is a great vacation for the whole family, fathers and sons, old college buddies or coworkers looking for a break from the office. Tour a Plantation Plantation and fort tours are necessary when visiting Louisiana. Established in 1812 as a state, Louisiana is home to many old time plantations and civil war forts. The majority of the sites are located in plantation country and the crossroads country. Places like Rosedown Plantation will give you a perfect picture of what life was like over 100 years ago in plantation society. Walking tours of the gardens and forested areas provide an enjoyable outdoor excursion, while a tour of the plantation home enlightens you to all the wonderful historical facts preserved in this area. The nearby Port Hudson offers a looking into Civil War life. Known as the site of the longest siege in American Military History, Port Hudson is a great area to explore. You can visit battle sites, tour the museum, watch battle re-enactments or climb to the top of an observation tower. Aside from the rich historical activities, you can also enjoy a six mile hiking trail that will take you through the beauties of the port.

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We all love a family camping trip in the summer. We make plans to hit our favorite camping destination where you can fish, swim and sit around a campfire in the evenings. Summer is the premiere time for a camping vacation. Or so many people think. More and more couples are taking camping trips in the fall months to take advantage of lower campsite costs, smaller crowds and cooler weather. Many campsites reduce their fees after Labor Day, making fall camping less expensive than summer camping, an especially nice savings during the current economic times. Because school has started, there are fewer kids and teenagers camping in the fall, making the campgrounds a little quieter for young and old couples to have a relaxing, and maybe romantic trip. The nights are often chillier as well, offering the perfect opportunity to snuggle up under a warm blanket with a friend or loved one. Plus, the scenery during the fall can’t be beat. The greens of summer turn into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Fall camping does require two additional planning elements not necessarily considered when preparing for a summer camping trip. 1. Pack heavier clothes and bedding: The days may be sunny and warm, but nighttime temperatures can drop quickly and dramatically. Pack for the unexpected. If you think one sweatshirt should be enough for your trip, you should probably bring two. 2. Check the weather patterns where you will be camping: Prepare for potential changes in weather. Fall weather is more volatile than the summer. Pack rain or snow gear even if the forecast calls for blue skies. Other supplies do not have to vary much from your traditional summer camping trip. Your camping packs should still include plenty of food in airtight containers, a fully-stocked first aid kit, and essential camping supplies, such as matches, flashlights, lanterns, plastic tarps, rope, and firewood. T Fall Camping Destinations I am partial to the Northwest for outdoor camping and hiking trips. There are a large number of campsites open in Oregon and Washington year round, perfect for fall camping. 1. Castle Rock Campground: Located on Three Rivers, the Castle Rock Campground in the Siuslaw National Forest offers fishing and camping and is open year round. 2. Detroit Lake: Located in the heart of the Oregon Cascades, Detroit Lake offers a number of year round campsites as well as hiking, fishing, boating, and other fun outdoor activities. 3. Washington Coast: For exceptional coastal camping, visit Cape Disappointment, Pacific Beach, or Twin Harbors, all year round. 4. Cape Blanco State Park: This park located on the Oregon coast offers miles of coastal hiking, lighthouse tours, and extra large, private, sheltered campsites. For more information on year round campsites in your area, go to either www.oregonstateparks.org or www.parks.wa.gov/. Fall camping is an easy way to enjoy a three day weekend in the great outdoors. Simply take a few added precautions when planning for your camping trip by bringing a few extra supplies and know the area you will be staying in. These simple steps will make any fall camping vacation, whether in the Northwest or beyond, an enjoyable excursion.

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The Smoky Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountain chain in the Eastern United States. These mountains lie along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The Smokies are home to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the United States. The Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most majestic views in the world, which makes for unparalleled hiking and camping. If you haven’t been camping in the Great Smoky Mountains, you will need to take an inventory of your camping gear to determine what you need to purchase. The first consideration is your tent. You will need a tent that is waterproof and has a sturdy rain fly. Some areas of the Smoky Mountains, such as Clingmans Dome, average 85 inches of rain per year. You should prepare to get wet, particularly if you are camping in the spring or the fall. If you aren’t sure how well your tent will stand up to heavy rain, invest in waterproofing spray and apply a generous coating to all of the nylon areas of the tent, including the bottom. In addition, it is a good idea to purchase a large waterproof tarp that is approximately the same size as your tent floor. Place the tarp under the tent before you pound in the stakes to prevent moisture from seeping into the tent through the floor. The soil composition can vary from soft dirt to rocky soil, depending on where you make camp. Back country sites and mountain campsites, as opposed to sites in the foothills or the valleys, will have very hard and rocky soil. Bring heavy-duty steel tent stakes that are at least 10-inches long. These tent stakes will not bend easily and they are long enough to secure your tent into rocky soil. Bring a tent peg mallet as well to help you pound in the stakes. Your strength alone may not be enough to drive in the stakes. Black bears are the symbol of the Smoky Mountains, and for good reason. The Smoky Mountains have a large population of black bears, and some of them have become acclimated to humans to the point that they will approach campers in hopes of getting food. Purchase a food bag and store your food high in a tree. Alternately, buy a bear-proof locker or container. Do not leave food unattended on the ground or a bear might steal it, and do not place food in your tent or a bear might come into the tent at night in search of a meal. The Smoky Mountains get cool overnight, even in the summer. As a result, you need to bring a heavy sleeping bag that is appropriate for cold weather camping, as well as several layers of clothing. The peak of the mountain can be as much as 10 degrees cooler than the valley, so you need to be able to add and remove clothing as needed. If you are camping in the fall or winter, bring a heavy jacket, a hat and gloves as well as warm socks and boots. The weather can change quickly in the Smokies, so bring along a battery-powered weather radio. Check the weather radio before you embark on any extended hikes or before you decide to leave the rain fly of your tent open overnight. A clear day can quickly turn into a wind or rain storm, and a weather radio can alert you before you encounter any significant weather. Finally, bring your camera. Few sights in the world can match the mists coming over the Smoky Mountains, the elk herds moving through the valleys, or the unrivaled fall colors when the trees change. If you come to the Smokey Mountains prepared for the weather and the wildlife, you will have the camping trip of a lifetime and the photos will preserve those memories forever. The park offers several different types of campsites to choose from. If you’re not in the mood for camping though, hotels in Gatlinburg offer unique mountain charm featuring mountain craft decor and massive log beams. Whether you decide to camp or stay athotels in downtown Gatlinburg TN, the smoky mountains is truly a vacation you won’t forget.

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