Exploring history while camping!

There are so many things in life that challenge us daily. Camping is perceived as a challenge and it's really not.
I am disappointed that more of us don't do it.  Camping is worth it!! 
We're back in the Low Country islands of the Gullah Geechee People (St. Helena S.C).  and this time we are joined by our family. Whom we haven't been camping with for many years. Our first night was a long one! Filled with laughter and joy which lasted into the wee hours of the morning. I am always amazed at the level of relaxation I'm able to achieve while camping. I am generally a bit hyper and tend to keep moving until it's time for me to sleep, but in the woods my body slows down and I find that I can become still and take in all the beauty of my surroundings. 
Here in the South Carolina islands there is much to see and do. First the beauty of palm trees and live oaks with their Spanish moss blowing in the warm tropical breeze. With the ocean warm and inviting.  
The sand dunes are filled with loggerhead turtle nests, and are preparing for there journey to the sea.
Long stretches of soft sand, perfect for romantic walks or morning runs if your so inclined. 
And there is the rich Gullah history here and the basket weavers who still use their talent that was passed down to them from the ancestors.
St. Helena Island is one place everyone of us should visit, and making it a camping excursion is the way to go in my book. So unplug and let your body and soul take in all that these beautiful islands have to offer.
Also make sure that you visit Hunting Island State Park with it's beautiful beach and lighthouse.

NY Times Article mentions Camping in Color

Check out this fascinating article in the NY Times Travel section (Traveling While Black) written by Farai Chideya. We are honored to be included in this piece.

Camping History in America for African Americans 1930-1950

Lewis Mtn Picinc Grounds park sign.

NPS Photo

 Many people have asked us "Why don't Blacks Camp" Apparently we have been, for a long time.

Check out this article about Shenandoah National Park in Virginia

Bus Tour (ca 1950) NPS Website

These are excerpts from a NPS Newsletter written by Reed Engle, Cultural Resource Specialist
from Resource Management Newsletter, January 1996

 On November 30, 1932 Arno B. Cammerer, then Deputy Director, National Park Service, added a hand-written note to Director Albright on a typed memorandum about the development of concession facilities in the proposed park: "Provision for colored guests." Three years before Shenandoah was officially established, the groundwork for an official policy of "separate, but equal" accommodations was being established. 

As these plans were being formulated, Harold L. Ickes, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Secretary of the Interior, wrote in his diary:

... my stand on the Negro question is well known. I have been in the advance of every other member of the Cabinet, and the Negroes recognize this.... It begins to look as if real justice and opportunity for the Negro at long last might begin to come to him at the hands of the Democratic party, which Negroes have scorned... until they swung over to Roosevelt in large numbers in 1932....

Notice the Arrow, designating where African Americans could Camp.

Lewis Mountain Campground Segregated Facilities 1939-1950

As you can see from this article and these photos, African  American's have a history with  recreational camping.
So there no reason why more of us can't experience the outdoors.

 Photos from National Park Service website

The History of the Hands

The Hands of Jery B. Taylor

There are so many things in life that challenge us daily.  Camping is perceived as a challenge and it's really not.I am disappointed that more of us don't do it. I have been unable to write to you for a while because life has challenged me but like life ... Camping is worth it!! 

We're back in the Low Country islands of the Gullah Geechee People (St. Helena S.C).  and this time we are joined by our family. Whom we haven't been camping with for many years. Our first night was a long one! Filled with laughter and joy which lasted into the wee hours of the morning. I am always amazed at the level of relaxation I'm able to achieve while camping. I am generally a bit hyper and tend to keep moving until it's time for me to sleep, but in the woods my body slows down and I find that I can become still and take in all the beauty of my surroundings.

We also enjoyed our visits to Barefoot Farm to purchase our fruits and vegetables and take in the wisdom of the elders.  I was picking out tomatoes, zucchini and peppers for our outdoor dinner that evening when I remarked how hot it was. The elder woman then said, "how lucky we are to feel the heat and still have our mind"... She went on to add that there are those who don't even know it's hot and don't have presence of mind. I think I shall never complain again!
Here in the South Carolina islands there is much to see and do. First the beauty of palm trees and live oaks with their Spanish moss blowing in the warm tropical breeze. With the ocean warm and inviting.  
The sand dunes are filled with loggerhead turtle nests, and are preparing for there journey to the sea.
Long stretches of soft sand, perfect for romantic walks or morning runs if your so inclined. 

And there is the rich Gullah history here and the basket weavers who still use their talent that was passed down to them from the ancestors. We were quite fortunate to have met the talented and noteworthy Jery B. Taylor who's works are featured at the Penn Center Museum. 

Jery B. Taylor
Her hands hold such historical value one wonders if they have been insured. St. Helena Island is one place everyone of us should visit, and making it a camping excursion is the way to go in my book. So unplug and let your body and soul take in all that these beautiful islands have to offer.

Low Country Camping Trip

This sign is from the Penn Center in St. Helena, South Carolina.

We are camping down the road from this historic site and an important piece of African American history. This site is on the National Historic register.

Here is a description from the Beaufort S.C visitor bureau.

"With its abundant farms and shrimp docks, St. Helena Island, just 5 miles east of Beaufort, offers visitors a glimpse into rural Low-country life past and present. St. Helena is home to the Penn Center, one of the first schools for the children of freed slaves the location of a small rural cottage, where Martin Luther King, Jr. drafted his famous “I have a dream speech”.

After visiting the Penn Center we were moved and felt inspired by the culture of the Gullah/Geechee people.

There are 15 historic buildings and structures on the Penn Center Campus, and over 50 acres of beautiful live oak trees leading to a expansive salt marsh

Salt Marsh behind the Penn Ctr.

Penn Center St. Helena S.C.

This area is a must see, for all people not just African Americans, so much culture, art and history.

Designated by Congress in 2006, the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia.

Museum

Stay tuned for more of this historic area.
The Camping Consultants

How to clean and scale a panfish

This is a post that we did last fall after fishing season ended for many. We feel that this article certainly applies more at this time of year. We've been asked again and again about this topic. So back by popular demand.

This video shows you just how easy it is to scale and clean a panfish.
Panfish taste great, their light and sweet. Their usually the first fish you or your children may catch.
Just use a small hook and a worm and your ready. check out the link for pictures of different types of panfish. So get the frying pan ready.

The Camping Consultants

Choosing a Tent

When purchasing your tent we suggest poles that are shock corded for quick and easy set up. Shock corded poles have a stretchable cord inside or in some cases aluminum poles with chain, keeping all the pieces to each pole together. There are basically three types of family tents. A cabin style that you can stand up in, these are great when changing clothes or when you have children. These also can come with dividers to make separate rooms. Dome styles are also good, lightweight, but have way less headroom with sloping walls. And some of the newer tents can have screen rooms attached and awnings, I even seen some that look like a log cabin. Choose wisely, purchase the best quality that you can afford. A quality tent will last for years. It may be best to borrow or rent first to see which type suits you.  
If your a first time camper and you have purchased a new tent or borrowed one. There are a few things you should do before you go.  

Open and set up your tent to confirm that all the parts are intact. 

Familiarize yourself with the set up, this way you'll know what your doing when you reach your campsite, this is especially true if you may arrive after dusk. If your lantern is new, set that up as well to confirm that it too is in working order.

View our video on lanterns and read last seasons article on what to bring and how to shop at home. Remember, the more prepared you are the more fun you'll have when you get there.

The Camping Consultants

Myths about Black folks and the sun

I recently read an article that I want to share. As an African American who uses sunscreen regularly,  I often get strange looks from other African Americans when they see me slather on the lotion. I've even listened to snickering and comments like (is she trying to get a tan)? And my favorite, black folks don't need that stuff. But having experienced the itching and peeling for myself I'm not about to forgo the products, not to mention the control of just how dark I get each summer. I'm brown sort of a caramel color and with sunscreen and a lot of sun exposure I'll turn a nice tropical tone. Without it I'll just get darker but that's when the skin burns.  Science has confirmed that we can also get skin cancer and have a far shorter survival rate than Caucasians. So protect your children and yourself. Enjoy time outdoors but don't forget the sunscreen because the ultra violet rays won't forget you. Be safe not sorry.

Here are the recommendations from American Medical Associations annual meeting.

Skin Cancer Prevention in Communities of Color

The five-year survival rate from melanoma is lower in African Americans (58.8 percent) than Caucasians (84.8 percent), and the incidence of melanoma among Hispanics over the past 15 years has risen to rates comparable among whites. Hispanics and African Americans are screened less frequently for skin cancer and mistakenly believe that their chance for developing skin cancer is lower compared to Caucasians. Today, the AMA passed policy to support and encourage efforts to increase awareness of skin cancer risks, skin cancer screening, and sun-protective behaviors in communities of color.
“All patients regardless of race or ethnicity should use the same sun protection measures including sunscreen of at least SPF 15, avoid the sun during peak hours and regular exams,” said AMA Board Member Peter W. Carmel, M.D.  “However, African Americans and Hispanics are much less likely to practice these behaviors, and the AMA supports efforts to increase awareness.”

A camper Transformation

 
Before

Hello campers, We haven't posted in awhile been a little under the weather, 

But all is well now.

The picture above is what can happen to a camper when water can sneak in. So make sure that you check all seams, cracks, and any place water can get in. Be sure to use the proper sealants for the type of roof that you have, some sealants that are good for the roof may not be good for plastic skylights etc.

This is a Toyota mini motor home that belongs to my neighbors.

After

When they got this camper I couldn't wait to work on it.

I first rip out all the damaged and rotted wood, sealed the roof, let it dry out thoroughly.

And replaced the synthetic wood with oak plywood.

Now every time I go to my neighbors they have done some other modifications. They are addicted. 

If they come outside one day and the camper is gone, We didn't take it.

Happy camping.

The Camping Consultants

Cabin Fever

Happy Valentines Day!

Who would have thought that they would be trucking in snow for the Olympics, and we have snow all over the states.
Here in the southeastern part of the country we seldom see snow.
This phenomenon around the country has been amazing to watch.
Hawaii is the only state to escape the precipitation. Anticipating the beginning of camping season and cabin fever, created the perfect mix for some fun in the snow. This how we spent our Saturday, making snowmen with neighbors. Who knows when this will happen again.

Devastation in Haiti

photo from Carolyn Cole/LA Times

We would like to offer our condolences to the families and victims of Haiti. What the experience has been like for those who are survivors of this tragedy, one can only begin to imagine. Our prayers are with you. Watching the devastation and loss of life is horrifying to view. This puts into perspective that the little that we think we have is really an awful lot.

We are truly blessed. This is one cause that deserves our support.

The Camping Consultants

Recycle your Christmas Tree

White House Christmas Tree/Msnbc

Christmas has come and gone, It's time to take down your tree and all the trimmings.

If your like us you have a real tree. Do like we do and recycle it.

Feeling guilty about having a real tree?  Missing that aroma that fills the house when you enter?  Here's some Christmas tree facts that you may find as interesting as we did.

This is from the National Christmas Tree Association:

"North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department."
"Most artificial Christmas trees are made of metals and plastics. The plastic material, typically PVC, can be a potential source of hazardous lead. Read a warning about them from the Children's Health Environmental Coalition."

"There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry." 

"For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring."

Things that make you go ummm!!!

Not knocking artificial trees, for some it's a cost saver real trees are not cheap.

There's is no needles to clean up. You may want to wear gloves while handling. If you have one, enjoy it.

We learned some things about trees that we thought might interest you.

We grew up with fake trees, from silver to green.

But as adults we always have had a real tree.
OK we're biased.

To recycle your tree if your community doesn't have curbside pick up, click here for Earth911.com to find a location near you. A lot of home improvements stores have a recycle day just for trees.

Some communities like ours mulch them and give out free compost.

In the spring a lot of lakes will use them as natural fish habitats.

Before you place a tree in a lake or pond, please check the regulations for your area.

So don't feel guilty about your tree which stands so magnificently adorned with all your precious ornaments.

Recycle reuse and regenerate.


The Camping Consultants

Increase in vision problems among African Americans

We came across this medical news today, and feel that it ties right into what we've been saying about African American children and the outdoors. 
Too many video games, 
Too much TV and not enough outdoor life.
There is a increase in myopia or distance vision, as published by researchers at the National Eye Institute and published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.  This is a quote from Susan Vitale, PhD, of the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Md.  
"People are using computers and handheld devices much more, and they're spending less time outdoors. There are a lot of possible changes that are reasonable guesses as to why the prevalence of myopia has increased." 
Among blacks, estimates of myopia prevalence grew faster over the period than it did among whites, more than doubling -- from 13% to 33.%.   
You can also check out this article from the Los Angeles Times," A study finds that 17% more Americans have myopia than 30 years ago. Close-up computer work could be a reason".
The Camping Consultants wonder, can camping be part of the solution? 

Let us know what you think.

The Camping Consultants

No If's ands or Butts

 Photo from Discovery news

Have you ever gone camping and arrived on your site to find it littered with cigarette butts?

The same applies to all plastics, fishing line,and worm containers etc.

This post is not about knocking people who smoke. Some people who smoke are very responsible with the butts. 

We just wanted to bring some facts to those who are not so responsible. 
New studies show that cigarette butts can kill fish.

This is a excerpt from the website Cigarettelitter.org 

 Fact:

"[Cigarette butts] also present a threat to wildlife. Cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds, whales and other marine creatures who mistake them for food ... Composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, cigarette butts can persist in the environment as long as other forms of plastic."
--Clean Virginia Waterways

You can also check out this article in the NY times, Cigarette Butts: Tiny Trash That Piles Up.

Our point is: Please dispose of trash properly!!!

The Camping Consultants

 

A Gift for the Holidays

As you begin to shop for holiday gifts, Why not give the gift of the outdoors.

Recreation.gov is a great place to start, this is where we book most of our trips.

At this site you will find National parks, Army corp of engineers campgrounds and other Federal sites.

One of the things I like about this site is, Let's say you want to go to the Smithsonian. All you have to do is pick the museum of your choice, and on the same page you can also make reservations for near by campgrounds.

It may be difficult to book a date for someone else, so a great thing to do is make your own gift certificate on your computer, or get a youngster to do it for you.

Now is a great time to book for the spring to get the best sites.

The Camping Consultants

Giving Thanks

As we begin the holiday season we give thanks.

We are thankful for our families, thankful for  our bounty and our health. 

But do we acknowledge our world, our precious planet and all it provides?

Do we take the time to look at all the different shapes of leaves and colorful hues, or do we simply rake and discard them?

Do we let ourselves enjoy the bright blue sky on a crisp autumn afternoon, or do we rush through it to the warmth of our dwellings?

When do we give mother earth her thanks for all she provides us. 

Our very existence is based upon her. 

While some of us may experience cold snowy days and others rain filled gray skies, let us not miss out on the beauty of it all.

We are thankful for all the enjoyment and pleasure that nature provides, and we are thankful to all of you who read this blog. 

May you have a blessed and bountiful holiday.

The Camping Consultants

Fall and Winter Camping

We love the cooler weather, and still enjoy camping. All you need is the proper equipment and a little know how.

We came across this article written by Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program, Princeton University.

The website is the Outdoor Action guide to winter camping.

Everything you need to know from sleeping bags to survival is covered. You may not need to use all of the info, so just tailor it to your particular type of camping whether it be in a tent, pop up camper, trailer or rv.

The Camping Consultants

Things not to do when camping!

Over the years we have had camping experiences with animals.
Deer have attempted to get into plastic bins storing food.
Squirrels have eaten marshmallows left out overnight, but this was the most amazing.
After a day trip sightseeing we headed back to the campground.
Instead of eating out, we wanted to cook a nice dinner and relax.
We were looking forward to our two inch thick new york strip steaks seared on an open fire, you know the old school kind from the butcher wrapped in paper.
When we arrived at our site there were grapes spilled about and muddy prints on our cooler, which we left out but hinged tightly.
The animal had small hands which opened the latches and stolen not just grapes, but our brats and our beautiful steaks. We were outdone, raccoons  raided our cooler.  The more we looked around the more evidence of the crime we discovered.
Well I guess you could say we learned our lesson, now we put our cooler in the car if it has food inside and suggest you do the same. Unless your in bear country which requires a whole lot more. That's a story for another day.
And the morale of the story is don't leave your cooler alone. What if there was wine in there?   


The Camping Consultants

Barefoot on the beach (part 2) /The curse of the banana

This is part two of Barefoot on the beach. 

Deep sea fishing is a all day affair, so we pack a soft cooler like a picnic.

Some boats sell drinks and snacks,

but we're picky eaters so we always bring our own.

Being that it's Florida in summer we also pack rain ponchos just in case it showers, also sun screen and sunglasses.

Our friends have also packed snacks and lunch for the afternoon.

The day begins early, the boat pulls out to sea at six o'clock. It's warm and it's just beginning to brighten up, into what seems to be a great day. We speed away with the boat jumping the waves.

The captain and his mates welcomed everyone aboard and explained where we would be going, and the types of fish we hopefully will catch. When the captain noticed that our friends had brought bananas aboard. The captain tells him that bananas are bad luck  on a fishing boat, and that he needed to get rid of them. That was the first time that we had heard of that superstition, what the captains says is okay in our book.

Our friend laughs, peels the fruit and begins to eat from the bunch. It takes about an hour to reach the fishing area. Our banana eating friend has heaving over the side of the boat the whole time.

Every one has rods ready, we bait up and drop line anticipating our first catch.

The captain sees fish on radar we wait, but nothing happens. So we go further out to sea.

Again we stop and fish and now half the boat is sea sick. Still no fish!

Then it gets worse!!

 (Clouds rolling in)

Out of nowhere the sky turns black and the sun just disappeared.

The wind begins to pick up causing the waves to rock the boat dramatically, but we still fish.

Now almost everyone is sick, and like something out of a movie rain began to pour down upon us tossing the boat about like a toy. We were scared! Everyone was silent or sick as we waited for the storm to pass. Finally after about an hour which felt like a day, we see glimmers of sun as the rain lets up and we head back to the marina. Not one person caught anything.

We were all disappointed except for our still sick friend who was happy to be back on land.

There was no sympathy from the crew or passengers for our banana eating buddy. 

So Don't Eat Bananas on a Fishing Boat!!

The Camping Consultants

Barefoot on the beach

Each summer as with a lot of families, we have our annual summer vacation.

As you would have guessed, ours is a camping vacation. This time we choose St. Augustine, Florida, and stayed at Anastasia state park.

The sites were very tropical, small but cozy. Once settled in we felt as if we were on a tropical island. The history of St. Augustine is rich in culture as in the picture above, this quarry was worked by Native Americans and enslaved Africans. The coquina stone mined from this quarry was then used to build the Castillo De San Marcos fort.

Another site that's rich in history is Fort Mose (pronounced mo' se) the first settlement for freed Africans in North America.

The town is adorable. We toured around on a rented scooter, which was an adventure on it's own.

We followed the path of the tour buses which lead us to the tour sites. We visited the Ponce De Leon fountain of youth (and looking younger for it!), The Castillo De San Marcos fort, just to name a few.  And what a way to top off a day by visiting a local winery for a tour and a wine tasting, a really good wine tasting!

The beach at Anastasia campground was unbelievable, on this visit our footprints were literally the only ones. The beach is breathtaking, the white sand so soft underfoot.
The entire week as we toured various sites around St. Augustine, we listened to one of our favorite cd's Barefoot on the beach.

Where Micheal Franks talks about the beach and the Fountain of youth.  A couple that we've known for decades was coming down to spend the rest of the week with us.
Being from Boston, whenever we go anywhere near the ocean we try to get in a deep sea fishing trip. So we were excited.
Remember camping can be more than roasting marshmallows, It's a inexpensive way to travel and explore new places.
Never underestimate the power of camping, the possibilities are endless.

Stay tuned for part two, our adventure at sea, and what an adventure it was!


The Camping Consultants