Life Begins At.....
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CRVA CARAVANNING BANNER BANNER way to find out useful tips for your first camping trip! Bring the right equipment Where and when you will be camping will determine what necessities and luxuries you take. Having the suitable clothing and a sleeping bag are the most important. In spring, when the nights are still chilly, a good quality sleeping bag will keep you warm all night. Kangaroo Tent City caters specifically for the needs of mature travellers going camping. Justin Kerley, Managing Director of Kangaroo Tent City, says that camping is all about comfort, safety, and simplicity so make sure that you choose the right product for your needs. "As a guide, you want a tent that is not too bulky and heavy, sets up and packs down in minutes, and is well made to cope with both hot weather and wet weather," he said. Kerley also suggests putting down a groundsheet before pitching your tent and a flysheet over your tent. "A ground sheet under the tent will provide protection from rocks and sticks which can quickly wear a hole through your tent floor and wreck it. A flysheet also provides a good insulating layer from the elements, but there must be an air gap between the flysheet and the tent itself. To create this and to protect the flysheet from tearing on the top of a tent pole, place a number of tennis balls over the poles before putting the flysheet in position." Most importantly, don't ever pack your tent or sleeping bag away wet. All materials are prone to mildew, and if they're not dried thoroughly, this can destroy your equipment. Other essential items you should pack include cooking utensils, flashlights, a first aid kit, and rubbish bags. Plan your meals Planning your meals before camping will save you time and money, and allow you time for more important things, like spending more time with the family while fishing or hiking. Freshield Vacuum Sealing System allows consumers to hygienically store food for up to five times longer than all other conventional storage methods. Jina Ryu, founder of Freshield Vacuum Sealing System, said that the convenient, cost effective and hassle free preparation of meals has taken on a whole new life with the introduction of domestic vacuum sealers to the Australian marketplace. "By using Freshield Vacuum Sealing System, you will no longer need to waste time and money discarding food which has spoiled due to inappropriate storage methods," Ryu said. Karen Wheatley suggests investing on a thermo cooking appliance, such as a Dream-Pot, which is an incredibly versatile appliance that is easy to use and energy efficient. "It's non-electrical and safe because food can't boil, burn or dry out. More importantly, it doesn't need constant monitoring and can be used for hot and cold meals," she said. Be safe When camping, always aim to arrive at the caravan/holiday park three hours before sunset, so that you can set-up camp without having to rush before it gets dark. It's important to avoid pitching your tent under large trees, particularly gum trees, to avoid branches falling on your tent in windy conditions. Karen also highlights the importance of securing your possessions while in a caravan holiday park. "No matter where you are camping, even in a holiday park with boom gates, lock everything up, every time you leave, even when you go to the amenities for a couple of minutes and especially at night," she said. It's also easy to have many minor accidents, cuts and grazes while camping. David Cooper, owner of Safety Dave, suppliers of first-aid kits, fire equipments and safety products, emphasises the value of having a first aid kid when camping. "It is a priority to bring a first-aid kit to prevent cuts and grazes becoming infected. Most pre-assembled camping first-aid kits will provide all the basics such as bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers and burn gel," he said. Make sure to bring insect repellent for protection from insect bites and sunscreen to avoid getting an uncomfortable sun burn. > THE RETIREE SPRING 153