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Thanks refrigerator, that's an exhaustive list. Next time I backpack, I'll bring some of those remedies along and if I get caught in a patch again, I'll try them out. And JollyRogers, I made the very mistake that you described. I scratched and took a steaming hot shower to relieve the itch which...

Well, we intend to tent camp so I want something warm and I think you're right about getting the adult size bags. I think if I spend a little more on quality mummy bags, that will help keep the heat in and they can use them for years. Thanks!

I grill my corn on the cob the same way...in the husk, and it turns out great! And we do this frequently because I am a Nebraska native, so, that's like our staple food ;-)

Ok, stupid question coming up! You're in the backcountry, you hike into an area with some poison oak (because you weren't paying attention) and you get horrible rashes all over your legs. Coincidently, you don't have any anti-itch meds to put on it because you forgot to bring them. So you...

Grandpa, you're onto something. Just cut up or mince a bunch of veggies, potatoes and bacon or ground, beef or turkey, add seasoning, wrap it up in foil or some other lightweight metal container then bury it under hot coals. What an easy way to cook. You could even do breakfast like that with...

I love potatoes too and could probably eat them every day! *Especially* with cheese & bacon :-) I love making them this way on the trail because it's so easy to do, really no prep time, except washing them, then just burying them for a while. Really healthy, too. Especially for hiking. Only...

I am shopping for gear for my children and am looking at sleeping bags for the younger kids (ages 6 and 8). There are some great sleeping bags that are just their size but they are kind of expensive. Should I buy adult size sleeping bags and let them grow into them or should I buy the bags they...

We used to zip our sleeping bags together and that seemed to work pretty well...but then it was two people sleeping in them so we were able to stay pretty warm : )

An easy way to make baked potatoes is wrap them each in foil (you don't have to do this but then hopefully you don't mind the taste of ash :-) Anyway, bury them under the coals of your campfire, turn them occasionally and they should be done in about half an hour.

I haven't found any information about phosphate levels in the waterways but I did read an article that stated Washington state is considering imposing a ban on beach bonfires to reduce CO2 emissions because, apparently, these fires are contributing to global warming. I just don't agree with all...

I'm sure camping in cold temps like that is an adventure for some but I really don't enjoy it at all. On those cold mornings I just don't want to move or even leave my sleeping bag. Not for anything!

If it's moldy, you can probably clean it just by letting it sit in the sun a few days, or spot clean with 1 part bleach and 1 part water (or vinegar if you're afraid bleach will destroy the material). I also seal the seams regularly, because even one leak can be enough to ruin everything in the...

When I worked trails in Yosemite, we followed a very rigid rule and were not allowed to set up camp within--I can't remember exactly how many feet now...I'd say at least 100 to 200, if not more. At any rate, we were not allowed to camp near any river, stream or lake because of the risk of...

Wow, Grandpa, did the 4 year olds hike right along with you? Because that's quite a trek, that would be quite an accomplishment for them! We set up base camp at Tuolumne Meadows and stayed there for, I think about 4 weeks, before we moved. I loved that area, we had tons of deer and bears come...

Just curious if anyone on this forum has ever hiked to or camped at the lower or upper Ottawa lakes in Yosemite Nat. Park. These lakes are way in the backcountry, can remember exactly what region...I'd have to check a map. But pretty reclusive area. I got married there and have not made the trip...

Hey, you've been to Cloud's Rest? So have I! Amazing, isn't it? I also have a fear of heights so I don't know what compelled me to make those climbs. Young & dumb, I guess. I don't know if I'd do it today. I did go to the ledge of Half Dome and sit with my legs dangling over. I can't imagine...

Any fellow climbers to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite? If you haven't been there or climbed it, you pull yourself up a very steep ledge by ropes and small, wooden footrests. It's heinous but so worth the effort. Anyway, I heard they no longer allow this climb because someone recently fell to...

What I learned when I was a newbie hiker? Wear quality socks (wool), keep an extra pair. Make sure they are dry and bring Moleskin. Without your feet, you are nothing on the trail. I got the blisters to prove it.

"Not enough" I agree, Grandpa. I've camped in big groups before and the protocol was to leave the sites exactly as we found them, or at least in a natural state. It usually took us 2-3 hours to disassemble and clean up but that's how we learned. Then I would go hiking way into the...

kodiak is right, it is not a good idea to take animals out of the wild...especially to make pets out of them..who does that? Not to mention, several animals are protected which would make that a highly illegal activity.