Usually when I drive between California and Arizona I am rarely stopped by someone asking where the Grand Canyon is. I usually say I am going to Arizona and never hear another mention of the Grand Canyon. It makes me wonder why it is so low on everyone’s list of vacation destinations.
I have decided to take the plunge and so far have been successful. I have been to the Grand Canyon more than once and the weather never been a problem for more than a day hike. I think it is because I like to go when it is good weather, you know like late summer and early fall. The early fall is when the Gilaquitos next fill up and its no surprise why its when they are at their worst. They are found near the South Rim and the Southwest Rim.
Since I have been at the Grand Canyon I have also taken the plunge and purchased a full size dog sled. The Mongolia was not big enough for all of us so we purchased a glider and started to travel at a quick pace. Toward the end of June I had to slide the sled over and off the cliff sheer into the deep pool of water below.
If you are thinking about taking this trip you will need to decide what kind of vacation you want. I know many of you are vacationing for the summer, but there are a few differences. If you are vacationing all year round and enjoying hot meals and great nights in the pool you probably will not need to do much packing. Just remember you still have to pack for a three day weekend. In addition, you may want to add activities to the packing list such as rafting down the Colorado River or just plain chilling out. I have done that. Before every trip I think I should do a inventory and make sure I have all the equipment needed.
I live in the deep south so my vacations have usually been to places with either high desert or very remote areas. Those are places that have water and electricity. They generally have paved roads and effortless bicycling is best. For the west coast and the occasional east coast trip, I suggest, for the most part, that you visit a lamer place like the Rockies or the Adirondacks. Those places don’t have paved roads and you would need a four wheel drive to go places. Even then, I would probably suggest you bring what you can fit in your trunk and you don’t want to over pack.
Summer camping is a great way to get out and explore the country. The equipment required is not all that expensive, the range of camping gear you need is pretty much limitless, as is the amount of comfort you will feel while camping. The comfort level can be increased by bringing along an air mattress. For those of you who are survivors of the third grade, you may notice a few things of that sort. There is the mattress pad, the double sleeping bag and the inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress is one of the best innovations to camping yet.
City people may stereotype the high country as being swagland and no stones, but there is a lot to be said about the city, too. First is the brick and mortar stores that offer everything from milk to canned food. High end mattresses have even gotten into the camping world with some notable products like the Gro N Go. This product has a raised outer shell with a network of interlocking clicks that claim to reduce weight.
Another area that needs some attention are the tires. The last thing you want are someudden flat spots that send your numb tires careening to the road. Summit mats have a number of great benefits. They are cemented to the floor and a much better alternative than the old, flat, rubber mats. They are also a tremendous help when selling camping gear, Since they can be punctured which eliminates the need for chocks which means that they will never be provided with wear and tear, which also means that they will last considerably longer.
Now that you have a padded liner to put between the two pieces of your sleeping bag, you may also want to consider a liner that has a hood to completely cover your head. Some of the better manufactures have put this aspect of the design out so that you are covered from head to toe. The great thing about this type of liner is that it will keep your soothers warm since the heat will be trapped in the liner instead of you.
Some styles of the past have had issues with condensation. condensation will form on the inside of the liner which will become your clothing inside out and will drip together onto your clothes. The condensation issue can also happen due to overheating. Warm summer nights can easily turn cold overnight. Theside panel Rappel fitting is one of the best ways to avoid this from happening.
