Family Camping Tents | Best Camping Tents: 2014-03-30

Saturday, April 5, 2014

been to greece??

sueet2b

from your past experience, how was your trip to greece? to their islands? which ones were the best? which ones are to avoid?

most of all, was it ever safe? or did you ever feel a little uncomfortable at certain places in greece?

the reason im asking is because this week my bf came up with the wild idea of taking off to greece (im currently living in italy) this thursday with only 2 backpacks and leave by boat, from italy to greece. get there, rent a little 'motorino' and take off to athens, then from there go from island to island, no reservations, nothing, no plans ahead, just on the road for a week. sounds like a fun, but it gets me kinda worried, what if we never find a hotel to stay for one night? what if all of them are booked? have people done this before? can you actually sleep on the beach? is it safe in general? here in italy its safe, its only UNsafe to be pickpocked, is it the same in greece?

any info at all would help, thanks!!

Answer
The main places to visit in Greece is the city of Athens (and Thessaloniki if you can) and some islands.

You have to surf in the internet for pictures of greek islands and find which is more interesting for you to visit. The most famous is Rodos, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, Creta, Paros, Hydra, Lesbos.

I suggest you to search for pictures because they have different architerture and you better choose your style. My choises are corfu and santorini. If you will go from italy with ship, you better book to stop in corfu (wich is in your way) stay there for a day or two. The town of corfu is the main attraction. Then take another ship to Pereus or wherever you want to go in greece.

about secutity, criminality is similar with italy, mostly imigrants like albanians commit crimes.
also you have to be carefull with the taxi drivers because they may charge more (report them to the police).

in the islands is not dangerous to camp at the beach but you never know, you better check for campings and hostels since you are a backpaker. in every city there is an office of the greek organization of tourism, they will give you all the information you need, I think that they are open from moring until afternoon on weekdays (not 24/7)

greece is less expensive than italy but you have to compare prices of hotels and restaurants in tourist areas because at this time of the year they may charge more.

the best think to eat (cheap) is souvlaki and giros (since you are in greece) there are many kinds of other take away too.

ps. don't drink tub water

Are ther any Greek here that are in Greece now?

Mother God

yasou! Can you please tell me the best parts of Greece to visit were its still warm in October months? Thanks

Answer
Yasou Greek girl,The best place for an extended Summer is the Island of Crete(kriti). I have spent many Summers on Crete & the weather is good up to early November in many cases especially the south west of Crete a place called Vai. If Crete is hard to get to try Southern Peloponnese's. The further south the warmer it is.

Vai is famous for its palm forest located right on the beach. It is the largest palm forest in Crete and these palms are endemic Cretan palms (Phoenix theophrastii) and were not imported inadvertently by Saracene pirates eating dates (as some would like you to believe). This superb beach, discovered by a few hippies in the 70s became a favourite with long term campers in the 80s until it got turned into something of a rubbish dump by their carelessness. A sad but not uncommon story in Crete and elsewhere. Finally, it was declared a protected area, camping was forbidden, the beach got fenced off and entrance only allowed during day time. The beach is free but you will pay a parking fee if you come by car.

Getting there: there is a public bus from Sitia several times a day.

Atmosphere: Vai is one of the main tourist attractions of Crete so the place gets very busy with tour buses as well a many visitors in rented cars. Mass tourism in eastern Crete.

Accommodation: none. The nearest place to stay would be Palekastro.

Restaurants: there is only one taverna in Vai (apart from the beach snack bar) but despite it's monopoly the prices are fair and the food is good. And you have a nice view of the beach.

Beach: The beach of Vai is beautiful but nowadays it is entirely fenced off and covered in beach beds and umbrellas. This certainly reduces its charm, especially when you add the masses of visitors.

Itanos is located only two kilometers north of Vai and whilst it only has a few palms it has three pretty beaches and no crowds (altough during the high season there are times when the beach can get crowded by Vai visitors escaping the chaos there).
Itanos was an important Greco-Roman harbour and probably inhabited since Minoan times. The archaeological site is right along the beach.
A very beautiful corner of Crete but its days might be counted: a HUGE touristic project is planned just north of Itanos. So go and enjoy Itanos whilst you can, it might change very very soon.

The climate of Crete

July and August:
The high season! The weather is hot, very hot, too many tourists especially since the Greeks have "discovered" Crete as a holiday destination. You become a number in the crowd, prices are higher and you may have difficulties finding accommodation. The sea of course is wonderfully warm and if you search a little it is possible to find villages and beaches that remain fairly quiet.

September and October
These are better months as the weather is not as hot anymore. The sea is still really warm and there are far less tourists. The Cretans - especially the ones who work with tourism - although tired from the summer season are getting more relaxed. It is also one of the preferred period for hikers. One drawback is that as it has not rained for several months the nature is really dry.

November and December:
Tourism comes to an abrupt stop at the end of October with the end of charter flights. These months are as quiet as January and February but the chances of good weather are much higher. It is also still possible to swim. All in all not a bad time to be on Crete if you are prepared to risk some days of rain.

Hope this helps its one of the beautiful places on this Earth.Na perasis kala opou kai na pas.Kalo kalokari Gr.girl. For more information I have placed links below.

Camping in Calgary Alberta?

ShayM

Does anyone know of any good places to camp in and around calgary?? I'm not looking for one of those family campgrounds where you're all shoved in together, just a cool little spot in the woods for me and some friends to set up camp. We're in tents, not RV's. Thanx!

Answer
YES!
Natures Hideaway!
I see some links above for it, but I go camping there ALL THE TIME.
Some of the campsites arent great, but some are lovely.

Alberta ghost places?

exile99989

Looking for my birthday to go a week with my friends on a camping trip. My whole life ive been interested in experiencing something paranormal, something to get me thinking. I have never really tried so I say I should start. I need to know of any places I can travel around Alberta or maybe even BC that are haunted or have some stories to tell.

Answer
Check out this site:

http://www.paranormalexplorers.com/haunted.html

It lists haunted locations in Alberta - as well as cemeteries...

Thursday, April 3, 2014

So, I've Never been camping!?

zam zam

I live in the Bahamas and believe it or not people here not outdoors people. Mostly they are the type of people that stay at home watching TV or on their laptops. Anyway, to get to the point, I'm different compared to the people here. I love nature, outdoors, animals etc and I've always wanted to go camping and hiking and fishing and all that! So just tell me all about camping, and the craziest thing that ever happened to you in the GREAT OUTDOORS!!!

Answer
I LOVE CAMPING!!!!! Ok so once me and my two friends (this was last summer) we went to Arizona, Nevada, and Utah for a week long camping trip (we live in California) during our trip we went to this one place in Arizona and it had so much lightning rain and thunder... They decided to go swimming during this freak storm... In the Colorado river... Near our camp site anyways it was pouring rain and when I say pouring I mean POURING! It was crazy within seconds I was soaking wet (I didn't go in the water) but it was raining so hard all of the sudden that we had to climb up into this little hill thing since it seemed like a flash flood was very possible. That was fun but after that we were covered in mod and soaking wet and we had to walk back to the site and two our of three of our tents were flooded... That night the rain stopped but the lighting and thunder went on.. It was cool cuz when we had dinner we would be sitting there in the dark and when the lightning hit it would look like day time for about three seconds (we were in the middle of no where in this desert place) it was SOOO COOL!!!! We always would lie down on the ground and watch shooting stars ... We saw a lot!! When we were in Utah we went and swam in a water cave it wa so cold that we weren't aloud to stay in long or we would get hypothermia.... And it was truely amazing ... In Utah there was this Indian he was fun to hang out with at our camp grounds.. But for the nights in Utah we stayed in tee-pees instead of tents. Alright let's get to about camping... You need a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, bug repellent, clothing (enough for the amount of days you are going and they have to be right for the climate you are going) sweatshirt, toiletries, NO PERFUME OR BODY SPRAY!... Deoterant, tenni shoes, flip flops, etc...
Camping to me is my favorite thing ... Let's put it this way if I had a choice between of Hawaii or camping ... I'd pick camping! YOU cant go camping without making smores!!!!! Omg i love smores... And you can roast hot dogs... And all these awesome things! I alwasy hab glow sticks cus i just love them.. Lol but omg YOUR MISSING OUT YOU HAVE TO GO!!!! Make some camp site reservations or go on a road trip and camp in a different state!!! I love camping away from my home state!!! Make sure you pack rverything you need on amd sunscreen!!! But if you forget to pack somethings amd your in the middle of no wjere ... Well then good luck... Lol oh also for camping you should always bring a role or toilet paper! Brign tissues... A flashlight everything you think you might need!I love camping it amazing and I suggest you go!!!! It's a wonderful experience ... Go with a few friends! It will make I better! When you go camping don't be afraid to be adventurous .. Explore your camp site,... Look for animals.. Through my camping I have seen (bob cats, coyotes, mountain lion tracks, and so much more) just go you will have fun! I'm going camping up at a river in 5 days!!!!!!!!! Ok this is long but I hope I helped ???

where's a remote place to camp in southern colorado?

nick o

looking for a place to camp later this fall in colorado. I'm a little concerned about getting shot by hunters. I don't know when the hunting season is from around that area.

Answer
go to any of your national parks in Colorado
you need a backcountry permit to camp in the back woods

Is there any good shopping place in Sabah, Malaysia ?

Abba Gees

In particular, I want to buy some cheap DVDs, VCDs, or CDs. I also want to buy some casual wear.

Answer
The main shopping centres in Sabah are located in Kota Kinabalu City. Most shopping centres offer a variety of different retail outlets, whereby each each shopping centre has its own uniqueness. You will be astonished at the wide choice offered! You can find almost anything you possibly could need, from souvenirs and antiques, over books to camping equipment, designer clothes, electronic goods and computers, and fresh foods. In shopping malls you also find pharmacies, food courts, one-stop photo labs and money changers, recreational facilities, hair dressers and centres for therapeutic massages as well as foot reflexology.

In other major towns in Sabah (Sandakan, Tawau, Keningau, Kudat) you will find smaller malls that cater mainly to the local population and you might not find the same variety as in Kota Kinabalu. However, you will always find everything should you suddenly run out of films, batteries, food provisions and mineral water, and even basic medical supplies.

Overall there are 5 large and 2 medium shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu. The largest is Centre Point, located on a 4-acre site in the centre of of KK and adjacent to the regional bus terminal. It has been operational since the early 90s and offers the largest choice. The second largest is the Karamunsing Complex. Amongst the newest malls is the KK Plaza Mall, which has only opened in 2001. It is located adjacent to the Kota Kinabalu City Central Market. Other smaller malls are Wawasan 2020 Mall, and the Likas Square Mall, which is slightly out of the downtown area, and Wisma Sabah, located next to the Wisma Merdeka Complex. At Wisma Sabah you find most tour operators and dive companies.

what are the reasons why Malaysia is one of the best vacation destinations in Asia?

MmaLu

Answer
hye im azleen and im from malaysia.

well there is a few reasons why malaysia is considered one of the best vacation in asia.first of all is about the beach,the multi races,the food,the culture.for your information 2007 is a special year because we are doing VISIT MALAYSIA 2007.during this year there will be alot of activities happening.i suggest you go to malaysia around august ,maybe a few days before 31st or be there at the 31st because this year happens to be the 50th year of our independence.so im pretty sure there will be a big celebration.and most people speak english in malaysia.

there is alot of nice beaches to visit in malaysia.for example there is teluk chempedak in kuantan,there is cherating in terengganu which has club med..a fantastic place to stay.and there are some great islands to visit such as pulau tioman,pulau pangkor and langkawi.from langkawi you can take the ferry to coral island a beautiful place to relax and go snorkeling.you can go scuba diving too in all the islands.

if you are a nature lover,there is alot of national parks to visit.the national parks are located in the west and east.there is also in sabah and sarawak.you can camp in the parks or just go for a day trip.you will be really close to nature.here are some parks.(the endau rompin natioanal park,there are some in terengganu and pahang)

the food is also great in malaysia.it gives your taste buds a different taste.there are alot of varieties of food.there is chinese,indian,malay and also western food.so there is not a problem if you feel like eating chinese or indian food.it's all in malaysia.i suggest you try 'satay,nasi lemak,roti canai,nasi briyani,char kuey tiow'.this are the main dish.for drinks you can try ' teh ais,teh tarik'.

if you would like to relax and have a drink at a bar then we have 'hard rock cafe',we have 'laundry' and ' maison'.those are some places i know.if you want to shop then there is klcc,midvalley mega mall,one utama and lots more.there is sunway pyramid and sunway lagoon a great place for family.also berjaya times square.there is a indoor theme park in times squares. yes you can find fake lv,guess and lots more in petaling street.

the safety situation is ok in malaysia.yes,there are pick pockets and snatch thieves but im sure other countries have those problems too.so just keep your important things safely and ask directions from decent looking people..do not ask odd looking people or kids who hang around buildings and smoke and do nothing but just sit there.be aware of them.

malaysia is also famous for sabah and sarawak.it is located on the borneo island.just a few hours from kuala lumpur by aeroplane.in sabah you can hike mt.kinabalu.they have nice beaches too and alot of local tribes such as the ibans,kadazans.

well i hope my answers will give you enough information.

Camping Places in the Florida Keys or south Florida.?

Eddy Apari

I live in Miami and i want to go camping on a beach where there is fish.I don't want it to be a campground as there are other people there. i want to be with my friends alone.

Answer
There are places that you can do what you are wanting to do & the criminal scum bags know ALL of them.
That being said, you can do what you want, but be advised, it is FAR from being safe
With you being from Miami, YOU, should be well aware of this.

you would be about as safe as you would be, if you went camping in the overtown area

I am looking for a place to camp in Florida.?

Neil

My girlfriend and I are celebrating us being together for one year. We are both into camping, and I originally planned us camping on Cumberland Island, but they are booked solid. Can you recommend some places in Florida that are intimate (camping places where you can not hear your neighbors snoring) and fun. I would really like this for this to be a fun and relaxing time. Thank you.

Answer
One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the stateÂ´s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands.

Visitors can enjoy there swimming, boating, and freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

They provide Full-facility of campgrounds and primitive campsites are available. Five palm log cabins, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, have been modernized for comfortable lodging. Located nine miles east of Sarasota on State Road 72.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

I'm trying to find a campground to pitch a tent near Orange Cove Ca or Fresno CA.?

airany_con

I want to go camping with my family but have no idea where to go since I just moved to Orange Cove CA does anybody know of a nice close place where there's a lake you can swim in?

Answer
Go to a book store or the library and find a book called "California camping" by Tom Stienstra. This book is called the bible of California camping. I use it often. I can't name all the campgrounds in your area, but this book will. They even list free bees too. Best book ever!

What's in store for the future of CA? Wise to move?

Johnny5

I really have enjoyed my time in CA, great weather, always something to do, but in terms of settling down long term, I really dong think it's the best place, especially in Los Angeles. I am in my late 20s, have my future to look after. I am from the east coast, and really miss home, the one drawback being the weather. I don't see things getting better in CA anytime soon, and feel that staying might bury myself deeper.

Answer
CALIFORNIA LIKE THE REST OF THE STATES ARE STILL GETTING BACK ON THEIR FEET GIVE IT SOME TIME IT WILL GET BETTER AND IF IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE HERE THEN HOW ARE OVER 34 MILLION PEOPLE DOING IT

heres some stuff to consider about california

in california we have the best weather of any other state no humidity rains 1 time a year and we have the nicest sunsets and most amazing days its never really ice cold and its never really blazing hott its in between all year around 60-96 all year around ,we have the nicest and cleanest cities in america,we have everything to do here so your never bored and were not spread out actually all of are cities are bunched together once you leave one city 2 seconds later your in the next its like a endless road of cities,,,in other states it is spread out and emptyness forest and farmland so you get that in the middle of no where feeling..now let me list some things we have in california ...

1.SNOW-for snowboarding,sledding,ect
2.DESERT-for dirt biking,atv,dunbuggies,ect
3.FOREST-for hiking,camping,ect
4.BEACHES-for bon fires,surfing,ect
5.BIG CITIES-for shopping,site seeing ect
6.SUBURBS-some of the nicest and cleanest and safest neighborhoods
7.CLOSE BY-we have las vegas,and lake havusu only a few hours away

and all these things you can do all year around and there all within a few hours of each other,we all the most well-known location that everybody all over the world has heard about let me list a few,,,

ORANGE COUNTY,LOS ANGELES,RODEO DRIVE,VENICE BEACH,BEL AIR,MALIBU,BEVERLY HILLS,LAGUNA HILLS,HUNTINGTON BEACH,HOLLYWOOD,AND MANY MANY MORE.

not to sound like a stuck up california person but we are the most high demand place to live that's why its so expensive here and everyone knows this place is great and wants to live here that's why we have the biggest population of any other state and the most tourist traffic,,and not to mention 97% of all movies,t.v shows,and music are made here,,,you can never get bored,,,,

we have more places to shop then any other state ..that are all well known,,some states only have a few of these things we have all these bunched into one

1.AMUSEMENT PARK-Adventure City,Balboa Fun Zone,Belmont Park,Boomers/Camelot/Family Fun Centers,Castle Amusement Park,Children's Fairyland,disneyland/disneys california adventure,fairytale town,funderland,gilroy gardens,great america,knotts berry farm,legoland,pacific,pharaos lost kingdom,pier 39,scandia,castle park,sea world,six flags magic mountain/six flags discovery kingdom/six flags hurricane harbor,studio park hollywood,universal studios hollywood

2.GROCERY STORES-avon,raphls,stater bros,fresh and easy,smart and final,costco,winco,food4less,joes,whole foods,miejer,pavillions,luckys,taylors,hâ¦

3.FAST FOOD-mcdonalds-,burger king,taco bell,jack in the box,wendys,arbys,sonic,in-and-out buger,bravos,bakers,wienerschnitzel,del taco,farmer boys,toms,what-a-burger,kfc,churches chicken,bushes chicken,panda express,sharkies,long john silvers,carls jr,green burrito,el polo loco ect

4.DRUG STORES-wallgreens,cvs,rite aid

and we have over 10 diffiernt movie theaters and are theaters are some of the biggest in america,and tons of high class shopping stores,and we also have some the biggest profiting malls and largest in america

5.MALLS-third street promenade,the grove,ontario mills mall,americana @ brand,beverly center,citadel outlets,brea mall,the block at orange,south coast plaza,fashion island,santee alley,

6.BEACHES-mission beach,oceanside,ocean beach,San Clemente, La Jolla, Coronado Beach,Huntington Beach,Venice Beach,Santa Monica,Malibu,seal beach,laguna beach,and alot more all well known

,,,and for are Governor hes not that great but hes done more for are state then that dumb texan gorge bush,,and california is gonna be the first state the legalize weed,,

all and all were stuck up cause we know are state is great we have everything that everyother state has and more and that we have the most Original stuff and we do have some of the hottest chicks and dudes just go to the coast,and heres what alot of are houses look some of them at least but there all nice PGAVACATIONRENTAL.com,and people say its bad cause the earthquakes well they are so minor you cant even feel them its better then other states with tornados and hurricanes which those you can feel,and people say stuff like california is bad because of the smog its not even that bad we still have some the freashest and crispest air in america,and the crime isnt as bad as people think its like any other state it has its good parts and bad parts but california was voted twice as safest states to live,have any questions hit me up

and orange county is the best county to be in,everything that california is about is in the (O.C)

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Are Dubai and Jeddah the most interesting cities in the Gulf?

None

I've been to Manama, found it boring. I hear Doha is boring as well.

Answer
There are many interesting places in the Gulf, it depends on what you find interesting though.

For example:

Tthe UAE is well known for its many attractions such as its wide variety of entertainment parks such as Wild Wadi - a water theme park , shopping centres and malls such as Mercato Mall ( Dubai), Marina Mall( Abu Dhabi) and Bin Batutta Mall (again Dubai ). This mall is like a small global world , each part representing a country by it's architectural design and products. Nature wise each place in the UAE, is is known for something. Its sand dunes ( Wadi Bashing, Fun Sand Drives & barbecues and camping), Heritage sites such as old forts and other places, mountains regions and beaches where diving is popular. I could go on and on...

Oman: Salalah, is very popular and known as a really lush green region that would probably shock tourists from around the world. It's a beauty.

KSA: It has some really beautiful places, it is all in its landscape and outdoor marketing.

the rights of foreign workers in dubai?

Trudy S

Answer
The UAE has a good Labour Law. Better and more advanced then in some Western countries. I have to admit that some companies abide the law like everywhere else, too.

Every worker or employee can file a case at the Labour Department in case his company does not follow the law. There are big signs build up in the Labour camps where this is written in all kind of languages.

When an employee or a worker does not take advantage of this, well, whom to blame. I agree that there are many uneducated workers working on the construction sites, but please do not tell me, that even they would not be able to complain. They are smart enough to start demonstrations and know how to block the traffic. Why do they not do it the proper way?

Many, especially workers, get cheated by agencies in their own home countries and have to pay back huge amounts of money they paid for their visas and then they start struggling.
The UAE Law states, that no agency is allowed to take any money for visa fees and that all fees have to be paid by the company. When the crime took place outside the UAE, is this the UAE's fault? It's against the Law to keep an employee's or worker's passport. Still people handing over their passports. The UAE's fault? People are signing contracts outside the UAE promising them this and that. Then they come here to find out they were cheated on. The UAE's fault?

The Ministry of Labour is working hard to stop all this and implened some new laws recently like i.e. minimum and minimum ages for housemaids of certain nationalities, no construction work during peek hours in the summer time.

The problem in the UAE is that good Laws exists, but there are not enough inspectors to controll the companies and some of them taking advantage of it.
There is much, much less sexual harrasment at work places then in the West, you are entiteld to receive 30 days leave, have 15 days sick leave with full pay and another 30 days with half pay. Overhours and working on public holidays have to be compensated, when relocating back home, the employer has to pay the airfare, etc., etc.

In Abu Dhabi (and in Dubai it's on the way) it's mandatory that the company has to provide healthcare for the worker/employee, his/her spouse and upt to three kids under the age of 18 years old. Name one country which offers that!!!

In general: The UAE as a perfect Labour Law and also a perfect trafic law. Now, who are the worst driver's????????

Go through Y/A and you'll find out how many people are cheating on companies and breaching the Labour Law. But - they all want to come back!

To one answerer above me, yes, organizations are watching the UAE like other countries, too. But - please look how actuell these reports are and look at the reports of other countries also compare.

If the host country (UAE) offers all kind of rights then the reason is, that these rights should be used!

Regarding Labour Law there are different rules for Government employees.

Btw: since this months all salaries have to be paid to bank accounts. This way unpaid wages shall be avoided.

redmond/kirkland area of wa. state, who should i go with sprint, verizon or at&t?

elizabeth

my husband and i are getting our 1st smartphones and we want to know who has the best coverage, customer service and how much the prices fluctuate month to month.

Answer
Verizon has always had decent coverage - up in the mountains, out in the San Juans. I've been out camping and the only phones that had coverage were Verizon.

We switched from AT&T a few years ago because our house in the burbs (not at all in the boonies) was in the middle of a donut hole of awful coverage. And we checked the coverage maps for AT&T recently and it's still the same.

Bottom line - there are a lot of places with few people and no cell phone towers in this state (mountains, state parks etc.) and no carrier has invested in the equipment to have great coverage through the whole state. But it certainly seems that Verizon has it covered better than anyone else.

Have a nice day

For Canadian Members - Good young family destination?

Take Dead

My young family (me, my wife, and one son, 2 years old) lives in the Greater Toronto Area. Over the summer we stayed in Niagara Falls and had a great time.

We're looking to get away to someowhere else in Ontario for a weekend (or longer) during the winter, and we're looking for a family friendly destination that's not Toronto or Niagara Falls.

Please help.

Thanks.

Answer
Well, I have a few suggestions if you plan to stay in Ontario.

First, this may be a bit far to go, but there is the Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival, but it is up past Sudbury, almost at Timmins. May be a bit far to drive, but maybe if it is interesting enough.
http://www.klfestivals.com/WinterCarnival.html

A bit closer to home would be the Cobourg Winter Festival, that appears to offer the same kind of things, and is just off the 401 heading east from Toronto.
http://www.cobourgtourism.ca/Winter_Fest_-114668.html

A little later in the season (end of March) you may want to go to a sugar camp, where your son might like to see the animals (many sugar camps also have small petting zoos for the kids) and gets to eat maple taffy off the snow.
http://www.mapleinthecounty.ca/index.php

Finally, a place all kids usually enjoy would be a trip to Santa's Village. There is the amusement park set up north of Toronto, near Muskoka.
http://www.santasvillage.ca/

I would say that some of these settings would probably be better if your son were older, as I doubt at 2yrs he will have much of a recollection of this trip as he gets older. Based on that, you may want to select a winter vacation that suits YOUR wishes and enjoyment, but that also welcomes kids in a "child-friendly" atmosphere.

Which is a better place to live San Diego, CA or Austin, TX over-all?

James

And what are the pro's and con's of each?

Thanks

Answer
texas is big but boring and spread out..all cities look the same,theres alot of abandoned houses and buildings so it make the cities look run down and ghetto,theres alot of bugs and its very humid,,theres not much to do there you need a car and money to get around and still there no guarantee your gonna have any fun and there beaches arnt much to be wowed about either

heres some stuff to consider about california

in california we have the best weather of any other state no humidity rains 1 time a year and we have the nicest sunsets and most amazing days its never really ice cold and its never really blazing hott its in between all year around 60-96 all year around ,we have the nicest and cleanest cities in america,we have everything to do here so your never bored and were not spread out actually all of are cities are bunched together once you leave one city 2 seconds later your in the next its like a endless road of cities,,,in other states it is spread out and emptyness forest and farmland so you get that in the middle of no where feeling..now let me list some things we have in california ...

1.SNOW-for snowboarding,sledding,ect
2.DESERT-for dirt biking,atv,dunbuggies,ect
3.FOREST-for hiking,camping,ect
4.BEACHES-for bon fires,surfing,ect
5.BIG CITIES-for shopping,site seeing ect
6.SUBURBS-some of the nicest and cleanest neighborhoods
7.CLOSE BY-we have las vegas,and lake havusu only a few hours away

and all these things you can do all year around and there all within a few hours of each other,we all the most well-known location that everybody all over the world has heard about let me list a few,,,

ORANGE COUNTY,LOS ANGELES,BARSTOW,BEL AIR,MALIBU,BEVERLY HILLS,LAGUNA HILLS,HUNTINGTON BEACH,HOLLYWOOD,AND MANY MANY MORE.

not to sound like a stuck up california person but we are the most high demand place to live that's why its so expensive here and everyone knows this place is great and wants to live here that's why we have the biggest population of any other state and the most tourist traffic,,and not to mention 97% of all movies,t.v shows,and music are made here,,,you can never get bored,,,,

we have more places to shop then any other state ..that are all well known,,some states only have a few of these things we have all these bunched into one

1.GROCERY STORES-avon.raphls,stater bros.fresh and easy,smart and final,costco,winco,food4less,

2.AMUSEMENT PARK-disneyland/california adventure,universal studios,knotts berry farm,six flags/hurricane harbor,legoland,sea world,lost kingdom

3.FAST FOOD-mcdonalds-,burger king,taco bell,jack in the box,wendys,arbys,sonic,in-and-out buger,bravos,bakers,wienerschnitzel,del taco,farmer boys,toms,what-a-burger,kfc,churches chicken,bushes chicken,panda express,sharkies,long john silvers,carls jr,green burrito,el polo loco ect

4.DRUG STORES-wallgreens,cvs,rite aid

and we have over 6 diffiernt movie theaters,and tons of high class shopping stores,2,3,4,6,7 of the biggest malls in america,

,,,and for are Governor hes not that great but hes done more for are state then that dumb texan gorge bush,,and california is gonna be the first state the legalize weed,,

all and all were stuck up cause we know are state is great we have everything that everyother state has and more and that we have the most Original stuff and we do have some of the hottest chicks and dudes just go to the coast,and heres what alot of are houses look some of them at least but there all nice www.pgavacationrental.com,and people say its bad cause the earthquakes well they are so minor you cant even feel them its better then other states with tornados and hurricanes which those you can feel,,and people complain about the smog but its not even that bad we have the bluest skies and the cleanest air with no humidity ,have any questions hit me up:

Are there any Acting camps in Southern CA/Los Angeles area for teens?

im am me

I have been looking but I cannot find any. I also am looking for a place to find open auditions. ANy help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

Answer
I'm an LA Actor giving you the REAL DEAL!

Here are some of the BEST acting schools in LA. A lot of them have youth programs or allow younger people to attend:

Cold Reading/Auditioning
-Margie Haber
-Annie Grindlay
-Brian Reise
-Amy Lyndon

Commercials
-Hey, I Saw Your Commercial!
-Chris Game
-Stuart K. Robinson
-Stuart Stone
-Killian McHugh
-Francine Selkirk-Akerman
-Carolyne Barry

Improv (All four are great)
-Groundlings
-Second City
-Upright Citizens Brigade
-Improv Olympic

Scene Study/Acting (It varies. Some schools are not for everyone. Chubbuck, Eric Morris, and Howard Fine are not for people who aren't fans of Strasberg or Uta Hagen (ie. affective memory and substitution.) Playhouse West, Joanne Baron/DW Brown, and Acting Corps are more Meisner oriented. Try to audit these places and make sure if they're for you or not.

-Doug Warhit
-Stephen Book
-Diana Castle
-Beverly Hills Playhouse
-Howard Fine
-Stella Adler
-Ivanna Chubbuck
-Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown
-Tom Todoroff
-Playhouse West
-Aaron Speiser
-Acting Corps
-Eric Morris
-Vinnie Guastaferro

Comedy:
-Scott Sedita
-Lesly Kahn

Good free places to camp in Oregon?

Gabrielle

I'm planning on taking a camping trip soon (it will just be me and my loved one) and I'm trying to find a good free place to camp. Just somewhere there won't be many people, preferably not an actual campground would be nice. I'm wondering if anybody has any places they enjoy going to? I do enjoy Bagby hot springs and the ape caves by St. Helens, are there any good spots around those places? Thanks(:

Answer
A few years ago when we were still allowed to camp there, Molalla River Corridor was an amazing secluded place to camp. I havenât been up there is a few years because they started banning overnight camping but I am not sure if they still enforce that. Other than that I do know of some other places where I have camped before that are in the middle of the boonies but my friends and I found them by chance and so I canât give you directions on how to go there. I know you said free but Detroit Lake is a nice place to camp. Itâs not extremely private but itâs safe and right by the lake.

is an oregon summer snowboarding camp the best place to learn?

cinnamon

i was watching mtv's truelife, and there were these teenagers who went to snowboarding summer camp in oregon. it looked really fun. it would be great to get out of arizona's 120 degrees summer tempetures. would it smart to go to a snowboarding summercamp to learn how to snowboard, and if youve seen this episode of truelife, will you tell me the name of the camp? im very familer with oregon, but never geard of that camp, help would be greatly appreciated!!! thnx

Answer
The Oregon snowboard camps are probably the best way to learn, but they also are VERY expensive ($1500-2000 for an 8 day session). The one on MTV I think was Windells. Another one is High Cascade. Both are great, fun summer camps and they are both in Mt. Hood, Oregon. Request brochures from both camps at their websites. If you don't want to spend that much (and assuming you live in Arizona year round) you could try to take a trip to Utah or Colorado in the winter and take lessons at a mountain resort, which would cost less than a summer camp. Hope this helps!

does anyone plan on camping this summer?

countrybum

and what is your idea of camping?

Answer
Yes, our family plans to go camping this summer. We currently have a pop-up camper. But, we tent camped for years. Our family's idea of camping is packing up the pop-up camper and the van and heading to any one of the beautiful campgrounds (both private or State Parks) within a couple hours drive from us. We leave the TV behind and spend time taking nature walks, playing games, swimming, biking and eating delicious meals made over the campfire. We have canoe camped, spending 2 days on the river with everything we need in the canoe with us. We also have borrowed my in-laws huge motor home. Canoe camping was a little more rustic than my liking and traveling in the motor home made me sick. For our family right now, the pop-up camper is just perfect for us.

I have a tent, but no instructions.?

Luo

I was about to change my camping equipement especially my tents, I want to buy a tent for each of my 2 sons who are 14 and 16 and I was wondering what kind of tent should I get for them.
I saw these video of pop up camping tents but im not sure about them.

What do you all think about those?

Answer
If you are talking about the pop up tents (about $50) that fold flat like a gignatic frisbee, I have one. A lightweight tent - Good for weekends only.

It took some practice to get the hang of how to get it back in the bag (no joke).
They are good for someone who is biking and wants to carry a light tent. They would also work out for car camping on a weekend if you can hide in your car in case of really, really bad weather.

I actually set mine up inside a large family tent (tent in a tent) to stay warm when overnight temps dropped below freezing. It worked, but then the zippers on the family size tent starting failing and I upgraded my big tent and have not used the small tent since. So I can't comment on how well they hold up in normal use.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Vancouver, things to do?

ohmygosh

heading to vancouver in august, looking for things to do.
thinking of maybe taking a trip to whistler or doing an alaskan cruise? any suggestions?

Answer
If you like hiking or camping then I would suggest taking the ferry to Bowen Island/Nanaimo or Victoria. Beautiful scenery there. You can camp by the beach, hiking in the forest. Visit deserted Native grounds to learn a bit about their culture and what that place was like before.
Whistler of course is very nice too, you could take a Greyhound up there. Rent a hotel. Spend a couple of nights, hiking, exploring, dining out, shopping (souvenirs can pretty much be found anywhere).

I like visting Downtown Vancouver.

People cant stop walking in Downtown, it's just sooo filled with things to do.
A day in Downtown Vancouver would be like :
10AM - Eat breakfast in the Four seasons restaurant
12PM - Visit Pacific Center and shop
1PM - Eat Lunch (food court or near by restaurant, Red Robin, CinCin, Earls)
3PM - Walk to Stanley Park, walk or rent a bike to walk/bike by the port of Coal Harbour
4PM - Possibly visit the Aquarium (located in Stanley Park)
6PM - Walk up Denman, watch the sunset at Second Beach.
7PM- Have dinner at a near by restaurant, (Beachhouse, Sushi)
8PM - Start walking back to your hotel and see oh so many lights.
9PM - Stand and watch people walking by your window.
10PM - Dream, and wish for tomorrow to come so you can visit Granville Island, or metrotown, maybe catch a movie at Silver City or Scotia Bank Theather

Where to go for Grad Camping Trip on Vancouver Island, BC?

Christina

im planning a grad camping trip for my high school grad class on Vancouver Island, BC... possibly around Parksville, Tofino, or the Gulf Islands....but I don't know where to go. We would want a place that isn't particularly family-oriented, because we're young and will inevitably make some noise. A place with like a group campsite would be best. we don't need any special amenities, just a campfire, some bathrooms, and showers. Any ideas? anything will help!!

Answer
There's no campsite I've ever been to that doesn't have noise a curfew, 11 pm at the latest, and pretty much all campsites are family oriented. If you make too much noise, even before curfew, expect to be asked to tone it down. The only one I've ever heard of that isn't family oriented is near Nelson BC. Miracle Beach, just north of Courtenay, has a group site that's a little removed from the rest of the campsites.

Is this a good list for camping (I'll be in a camper)?

Q. Lol sorry for flooding but it's URGENT!!!

If it helps much, go on google maps and look up lake George NY sattelite view so you can see it. It's really beautiful :D

And also these are like campsites. Our campground thing is rigt next to a park pretty much on a busy road, except the park is quiet and ao are the campsites. Im at the lake George battleground campsites and our whole family is on 1 little road haha. Cars drive down and me and my cousins are like gtfo!!! Lol does anyone have ideas??

Here is my list:

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Lake George List!!!
[CLOTHING]:
6 pairs of shorts
10 tee shirts
4 pairs of socks
Sneakers
Flip Flops
Sandals
2 hoodies
1 vest (it gets chilly sometimes)
10 pairs of underwear (awkward moment. *cricket cricket*
Pajama capri's with pajama shirt.

[SPORTS AKA FUN STUFF =D]
Kickball
Teeball (bat and ball)
Basketball
Frisbee
Skateboard
Scooter
Bike (If fixed by the time we leave)

[THINGS FOR THE WEDDING]
(Okay so my 2nd cousin is getting married.)
Nice dress
Nice shoes
Earings
Hair curler
Eye shadow
Mascara
Necklace

[PERSONAL ITEMS]:
Candy :D
iPod
Phone
My magazines
Books
Drawing notepad and a packet of pencils.
Nail polish
Lip gloss
Camera

Well that's it. Anything else I might need? You help is greatly needed :D
@Kaleb

I WILL need all of that at sometime because when it rains me and my cousins are inside the camper and we will get bored. Every year I forget these things and when my parents and my aunts uncles decide to stay t the campsite for the day it's just a wild horse rodeo. All of my cousins and me are practically jumping out of our skin when we wake up so we can get to the beaches and shops, museums resturanta and amusement parks. So the time when there is a thunder storm. (there has always been a maximum of 4 whenever we go tree, we get BORED.

Answer
I have gone camping too many times to count...I have been camping since I was little. I have stayed in tents and campers, so I know what is needed for both.
You pretty much have everything for your clothing, but I would also suggest bringing these:
~Since you are going to Lake George, which I am guessing is a lake, I would also bring a swimsuit and a towel.
~Tank tops for if it gets too hot
~Long sleeve shirt for if it gets chilly

For the sport section you have it all. Although, I would considered cutting back a little, because you have a lot listed. But, that is up to you. Nothing that you have listed really takes up a lot of space except for a bike and a scooter. But, do you really need a bike, scooter, and a skateboard? How about just taking one or two, not all three? Just a suggestion.

Things For the Wedding is nothing that I can really add anything to, because you know what you need for that.

You seem pretty set for your personal items. Candy is always good to bring :) And books and magazines are good to read when you feel like relaxing.
~I would suggest bringing a board game, like checkers or something. Board games are always fun to play when you are camping.
~I would also suggest bringing things to make smores. You won't be able to experience true camping unless you bring stuff to make smores. What you will need is graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars! You can either buy the metal things that you put the marshmallows on to roast over the fire, or you can find little skinny sticks and strip them of their bark and use those to roast the marshmallows over the fire. But, you definitely need to bring stuff to make smores! They are the best!

Hope I helped. If you have any questions, feel free to email me!

Isn't it backwards to give prisoners more rights than the average family?

Mark B

Does anyone else have a serious issue with the fact that US prisoners have rights not afforded to law abiding citizens? Ofr instance free cable, 3 squares a day, CHEAP access to an education (if not free), state of the art weights, etc etc. Can't we bring back chain gangs or make them earn their keep by producing something- I know some prisons make furniture, but what else?
and I am not saying we shouldn't try to reform prisoners. more along the lines of what arwenlotrz is saying. sure help them get a GED, but a college degree-- NOT- my wife and I are still paying for our own- it's an insult to pay for theirs too. Also, if prison really sucked, maybe people would be more hesitant to commit a friggin crime-- if you can't do the time, don't do the crime
and no, I do NOT expect a hand out, I am more than happy to work for what I have, I've done so since I was 14. I think prison SHOULD suck!
Oh, and I have been behind bars once, I was scooped up while at a part and spent the night in the clinker- it sucked, and I never want to go back!

Answer
Sheriff Joe of Maricopa County, AZ has made his prison a model the rest of the nation should follow

MARICOPA COUNTY, Arizona (CNN) -- The tent city looks like a military camp in the desert, with thick canvas sleeping quarters spreading out in a remote area of Arizona.

The inhabitants, however, are not soldiers, but residents of an unusual, some say brutal, prison run by legendary lawman Joe Arpaio, called the toughest sheriff in the West.

For the Maricopa County sheriff, who opened the nation's largest tent prison in 1993, saving taxpayer pennies matters more than comforting convicted felons.

"We took away coffee, that saved $150,000 a year. Why do you need coffee in jail?" says Arpaio, patrolling the dusty, barren grounds. "Switched to bologna sandwiches, that saved half a million dollars a year."

Arpaio makes inmates pay for their meals, which some say are worse than those for the guard dogs. Canines eat $1.10 worth of food a day, the inmate 90 cents, the sheriff says. "I'm very proud of that too."

Critics rail against harsh conditions in the prison, where temperatures can top 100 degrees.

"We still have rights, but they act like we're scum," one inmate complains.

Arpaio boasts of his chain gangs for men and women, which "contribute thousands of dollars of free labor to taxpayers each month," according to his Web site.

Does anyone know anything about Black Rock State Park, CT Is it a good place to go camping?

gordan3

I would like to tent camp there. Is the terrain hilly, flat? Is the lake clean? Is it good for kids? If anybody has any info. it would be great!

Answer
yahoo search is your friend

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325176

http://www.stateparks.com/black_rock.html

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/12901707.jpg

Are there any affordable summer theatre camps in CT?

Nicole

I've been looking for summer theatre camps in Connecticut (for ages 14 and up, or 14 and below), and I can't seem to find any. If you know of any, please enclose the link.
Thanks!
~Nykky

Answer
summer place players
or
CAMP AYA-PO music and drama. hello why not do that

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Camping out a Store?

Bertram

A restaurant is opening up on the OSU campus and they are offering free food for a year to the first 250 customers. Some friends and I pl,an on camping out the restaurant 24 hours in advance and I wanted to know if anyone has any tips on making this a successful and safe journey?
Its on the north part of campus, a relatively safe area.

Answer
I knew I read about this recently:

"How to Camp out Overnight in Line

Today it has become increasingly difficult to obtain hot commodity items, such as the X-Box 360, Nintendo's Wii, the Sony Playstation 3 and Tickle Me Elmo. With the holidays coming up, it is very possible that you will have to camp out in a line overnight if you want these items.
Steps [edit]

1. Assess the item you want to purchase first and foremost. Make sure you call the store beforehand and find out how many of the items they have, what time the store opens, and if they will be handing our preorder tickets (many places do now, to avoid possible madness). If there are only six PS3 stations and you are the seventh person, it's not worth your time to stay out all night.
2. Get ready! Start preparations as soon as you know what you're getting and what day the pre-order/shipment is. Make sure do not have commitments for the night of the purchase and the day after. No school, work, parties etc. You'll be too tired for any of this after the event!
3. Gather together supplies. This varies on where you live and what time of year it is, but keeping in mind it will usually be around the hoildays, and most likely cold, you will need to think ahead. See the "Things You'll Need" list for supplies.
4. Bring a buddy. If at all possible, bring a friend, husband, wife, girl/boyfriend, sibling, co worker - anyone! There is safety in numbers and you will have someone to hold your place in line during a food run or much needed bathroom break. If you can't do that, try to seek out a friend in line. Although there can be unsavory people, the chances that hardcore shoppers will stick together and keeping away stragglers cannot be discounted.
5. Check it out beforehand. If at all possible, drive to the location the day before. Seek out possible bathrooms, coffee shops and 24 hour locations. If nothing else you will want someplace to warm up. If there are no 24/7 grocery stores, look for convenience stores.
6. Dress well. When you are ready for the big day, start early and dress warmly! Three layers on top plus a coat (sweater and turtle necks), two layers on bottom (jogging pants/flannel pants and jeans), a hoodie and hat, gloves, scarf, wool or double layers of socks and warm shoes. Bring blankets as well, three at least per person, and sleeping bags if you have them. And get to the location as fast as you can - some hardcore shoppers will camp out starting at 5 PM -before the store even closes for the night!
7. Set up your spot on arrival. When you arrive chances are you won't be the first person there. Set up camp, say hello to everyone, and ask what they are there for. Find out your place in the line. Remain kind and respectful to your fellow shoppers - you'll go through a lot together that night!
8. Try to sleep if you can, as hard as that sounds. Walk around to stay warm. If you're with a partner, take car breaks/bathroom breaks, do a snack or food run and keep an eye on the time.
9. Wake early and stay alert. As you near 5AM, stay awake and do not leave the line! The manager may be out to hand pre-sale tickets out, and you do not want to miss this - you have been camping out all night for these!

Tips [edit]

* Do not give up hope!
* You need to dress warmly, this cannot be overstated! You may find a fellow shopper who is happy to help you and lend a blanket or buy you a coffee, but you will be in for the coldest night of your life if you don't plan ahead!
* Bring chairs! Do not sit on the ground, you will chill faster. Wrap blankets tightly around you to trap in heat.
* If you plan to camp out alone, there is a chance you will not find a person in line that will save you place. Assuming you have brought enough food and entertainment supplies, the only unmet need will be bathroom-related. The solution is to bring a "texas catheter" which fits over your private parts like a condom, but it has a tube attached that lead to a bag. Unfortunately, this solution does not address excretory needs. In order to deal with these issues, you must adjust your pre-camping diet for the 24-36 hours before you start camping. This technique varies by person, but the simple answer is to minimize your intake of greasy foods and other food that encourages sit-down bathroom visits. A more extreme solution is to take over the counter medicines that inhibit the need to sit down on the potty. This approach may seem extreme, but it will make for a good story to tell your friends while you play with your new game console.

Warnings [edit]

* Do not start fights or arguments with people who drive by. Some may drive by, say they are the manager and that you are too late. Just ignore them.
* Don't carry cash on your person. Use a debit or credit card, or pay by check. Leave your purse at home.
* Carry a cell phone for time, safety and in case you need to call a relative or the hospital.

Things You'll Need [edit]

* Backpack to hold supplies
* Energy drinks, soda, or coffee/cocoa in a thermos
* Magazine or book for possible reading material
* Foldable lawn chairs
* Blankets, comforters and a pillow
* Space heater (if temperature dips below zero)
* Snacks - chips, gum, possibly candy
* Cell phone
* Ipod, portable DVD player, or handheld game system or laptop to relieve boredom"

I want to camp around, not really in, Death Valley, is there a place I could do so without a tent?

Grey_Sweat

I would like to drive out to the desert (either in or around Death Valley, CA) and camp there, with just the earth and my car (and my best friend) and spend two days there, completely, without having to leave for food or perhaps facilities?

Where is a good place to plan on driving too. Distances is not a problem, i already plan on driving from Ohio to Nevada or so.

Also, what is the terrain like? Is it all sand or is there grass?

Links to the place you are speaking of would be grand. But if you could at least tell me a park, camping site or city, that'd be great.

I'm looking for a place that I could sleep in the beauty of nature.

Answer
The first thing to understand is that Death Valley National Park encompasses 3+ *million* acres, with elevations from 282' below to over 11,000' above sea level. The high elevation areas are covered with snow this time of year, so you won't be able to get to them. There are several campground that you can car camp in, but as one of the other answers already noted, if you want to camp outside a campground, then you must hike 2 miles away from the roadway...and, thus, your car.

As someone also noted, go to Furnace Creek Visitor Center and ask for good places. Note the Visitor Center is under construction (repair/rehab) right now, so they have a temporary Visitor Center set up at the front of the Furnace Creek Ranch, about a 1/4 mile from the old Visitor Center. I doubt you'll want to stay in any of the Furnace Creek camp grounds, they can be pretty...urban, shall we say?... If you have a good sleeping bag, then Thorndike and Mahogany Flats are great campgrounds at high elevations, both on the west side of the park. They may be closed due to snow, so call ahead. The mid elevation campgrounds are Wildrose and Emigrant (also on the west side, although Emigrant is pretty close to the highway), and Mesquite (on the north side) -- I would personally recommend Mesquite. If your sleeping bag isn't a good cold weather one, then stick to the lower elevations, where temps should stay at or above freezing this time of year...unfortunately, these campgrounds are ALL around the "built up" areas: Stovepipe Wells campground (at Stovepipe wells, right off the highway, but you can walk to a restaurant, and Stovepipe has its own ranger station, so you wouldn't have to go to the main visitor center); and at Furnace Creek (Texas Springs, Sunset, and Furnace Creek campgrounds). Of the three, Sunset is the easiest one to dismiss, as it is really an RV campground built on the old airstrip, and is right off the highway. Texas Springs segregates RV and campers, and is a good distance from the road...but is quite popular for just that reason. Furnace Creek campground has some nice camp spots that aren't too close to the roads, and is walking distance to just about everything...but RVs are awfully close to the camping area. All the campgrounds have no-generator hours, so you don't have to worry about generators running all night.

Also, there is a campground at Panamint Springs on the west side, but since it is a private affair, I don't know much about it. Like Emigrant, it is near the highway. And, it is near the Panamint Springs resort, so near a restaurant and services.

There is also a lot of BLM land and Forest Service land around the Death Valley area. For those, you could drive off the main drag a ways and snooze as you like, or contact the FS or BLM offices for campgrounds (there is a joint visitor center in Lone Pine, CA that can tell you about all BLM, FS, and NPS camping).

Oh, about the sand or grass...there are (if memory serves) 5 sand dunes in Death Valley proper. If you aren't at one of the dunes, there won't be any sand. There will be clayey dry lake beds or salt pans, or rocky alluvial fans. The salt pans are the only places pretty much devoid of life. The lake beds and alluvial fans will mostly have desert brush. If you can find one of the springs, you will find an abundance of greenery (Darwin Falls is easy to find, but a long drive, on the west side).

Last bit, get gas before entering the park, but if you need to get gas in the park, Stovepipe has the best prices (but no diesel).

Planning on going to Quebec, CA for five weeks in summer.. tips??

iL m

What kind of clothes should I wear, what places could I visit, etc.. thanks!

PS> I'm going to study French,

Answer
If you are coming to Quebec in the summer, expect to encounter hot days and warm nights. Summer (JUL-AUG) temperatures are usually around 80-90F in the day, and may only drop to 70-80F at night.

You are unlikely to find a sugar camp serving maple syrup taffy on snow in July, but all the tourist places will have maple products for the tourists.

Not sure what Charles was referring to about the food in the stores. Montreal is one of the hubs of Canada, and fresh produce arrives daily from the farms nearby for sale at places like the Atwater , Bonsecours, and Jean Talon markets, as well as other places. Every part of the city has supermarkets with food on the shelves that looks and tastes fresh.

If you are a nightlife person, there are loads of clubs, dancing, bars, and Montreal actually becomes more lively downtown on Friday and Saturday nights that it is during the day.

If you are into sightseeing, then there are loads of museums, churches, great architecture to see. Try the Old Port of Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, La Ronde (Six Flags), and the "Underground City" which is a series of passageways beneath the downtown core with shopping and restaurants that people use more in winter so they don't have to step outside in the cold.

There will be loads of festivals here during the summer, including Just For Laughs comedy venues, the Jazz Fest, Montreal Fireworks competition, and the Grand-Prix of Montreal.

Check out the links I provided below which may help you get around here and learn the local news and concerns.

Inexpensive and simple campgrounds in Quebec?

I would like to go camping in the Canadian province of Quebec this summer. I would like to be within an hours drive of Montreal. I have searched campgrounds but most of them are like resorts and are very expensive. The only amenities that I would really like to have are restrooms and showers. I am looking for an inexpensive, simple campground. I would like to spend about $200 or less a month.

Answer
I'd look under Provincial Parks Quebec. But as for the $200 a month, I'd say forget it. If you're very lucky, you might find places for as little as $10 a night, but there won't be many of those and the usual rate will be more like somewhere between $20 and $30 a night. Many places have limits on how long you can stay. Also, a quick look at a map will tell you that Montreal is a large city in a fairly heavily populated area with many smaller places around it. Campgrounds close to large cities tend to be somewhat more expensive than ones off the beaten track and they fill up fast in summer. Nobody needs to give any discounts because there are plenty of people willing to pay full price during the very short season that campgrounds are in high demand.

What are the top 10 things to remember to pack for a family camping trip?

ABC Gerbil

The facility has things like a fire pit, picnic table, water, and a bathroom. Other then the obvious what are your top 10?

e.g., tarps for under the tent and on picnic table, baby wipes, clothesline, etc.

Thanks!

Answer
1. Rain gear, coated nylon poncho or WP/B suit.
2. Tent, ground sheet
3. Mummy bag (rated to minimum temp expected)
4. Foam sleeping pad(s) or insulated inflatable pad (Thermarest)
5. Camp stove, utensils, knife, cups, plates, etc.
6. Cooler, full of ice and perishable food
7. Bug spray
8. Sunscreen
9. First Aid Kit
10. Flashlight, spare batteries

Ummm, where can i find a tent that can fit a 7 person family comfortably? read inside?

carter m

Like comfortably enough to camp in year round? it needs to last all four seasons. price doesnt matter. ive looked everywhere.

Answer
Cabela's makes several fine outfitter quality tents that come in all sizes: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0005884&type=pod&cmCat=cat20077_feat
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=search_redir&id=0005869513987a&navCount=5&podId=0005869&parentId=cat550002&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=XG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat550002&hasJS=true
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0005869514997a&type=product&cmCat=cchart_wll_tents
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?cmView=full&type=pod&id=0020095

As well as top quality family cabin tents:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0038280517208a&type=product&cmCat=cchart_wll_tents
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0003770514192a&type=product&cmCat=cchart_wll_tents
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0006290510012a&type=product&cmCat=cchart_wll_tents
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=search_redir&id=0003768514195a&navCount=16&podId=0003768&parentId=cat20105&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20105&hasJS=true
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=search_redir&id=0019163517218a&navCount=16&podId=0019163&parentId=cat20105&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20105&hasJS=true