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Sunday, December 16, 2012

Some Benefits of Privacy Shelters and Cabanas

Whenever you are outdoor camping or at the beach and you need some privacy either as a call of nature or to have a shower, privacy shelters come in very handy. This type of shelter is a structure that gives you dignity, security and most importantly privacy whenever you are outdoors. Depending on design they can serve a wide range of functions; protection from the weather, provide changing rooms, keep out pests, provide shower rooms and also serve as a toilet in some situations.

There are several types available: simple screen shelters, shelters with a roof and shelters with both roof and door. The choice of a shelter largely depends on the intended functions. For clothe changing at the beach a simple screen shelter should be all you need, on the other hand, for camping in the woods you will need a privacy shelter with both a roof and door.

There are several brands out there available for various uses and at different prices. One of them is the Stansport cabana privacy shelter. It can be very embarrassing to be caught out in the woods having a long call; the Stansport cabana privacy shelter is very ideal under such situations. It is light weight and very portable making it easy to carry whenever you are going out camping. It can be packed into a small package and then assembled on site. However, the Stansport cabana shelter might not be suitable for showers as it cannot hold up water bags due to its light weight nature. Nonetheless, if your water does not need to be suspended then they can still be suitable for showers. This lightweight shelter makes a great changing room as well especially while at the beach. It beats changing in the car which can result in your car seats getting wet and sandy.

Deluxe privacy shelter/shower combo is also another popular privacy shelter. It is aptly suited for showers during long outdoor camping excursions. It comes with heavy duty taffeta walls and polyethylene floor. The walls ensure maximum privacy as the floors help keep your feet from the muddy waters. What makes deluxe privacy shelter/shower combo very ideal is the large size and materials used. The nylon roof top makes for better visibility while inside, the bottom edges are also fitted with drainage vents, wide zippered doors make it easy to move in and out of the shelter. The interior of the deluxe privacy shelter/shower combo also boasts of hanger for clothes and a wire mesh for holding toiletries. The chain corded steel frame is also rust proof.

Whenever you are going outdoors to camp it is important to carefully consider your camping shelter needs. The weather and the camping environments are key points to consider. You have to ensure that your camping shelter will be able to withstand the prevailing weather conditions; it is not advisable to carry a light weight Stansport cabana shelter in a very windy condition. In such situations the more sturdy deluxe privacy shelter/shower combo is very ideal. It is also very essential to consider other small aspects of privacy shelters that make them very convenient and comfortable to use: shelter height is important for obvious privacy reasons; a privacy shelter should be able to conceal your full height. It should also be easy to assemble and disassemble. Portability is very important especially when backpacking for a considerable distance.

There are some privacy shelters that come with more hi-tech gear or if they do not come as a package they can always be added to the shelter. Some deluxe privacy shelter/shower combo come with 5 gallon sun shower for a warm bath. Portable chemical toilets are also a very useful add on to a privacy shelter; they have molded seats just like the ones at home and with removable buckets that makes disposal easy and convenient. In general, there are quite a number of gadgets that can improve privacy shelters and make your outdoor stay more comfortable and fun. Properly constructed and assembled privacy shelters can make for a perfect outdoor vacation at the beach or campsite. It is also important to make sure that your privacy shelter has stake out rings, this will enable it to anchor firmly on the ground during windy conditions. If possible buy a privacy shelter that comes with a carrying case for easy portability.


Monday, December 3, 2012

A Drone - How It Is Going to Change Your Life

There have been so many different articles and editorials in the news lately about drones. Everyone is very concerned about what these new technological wonders are going to mean to society as we know it. I for one am a little surprised with all of the hoop-la. Drones have been around for years, before they were named drones by the military, we called them RC airplanes. Okay to be fair, they have been developed and improved over the years, but while the military was developing their spy drones or surveillance drones, hobbyists were developing their own drones.

There are many ways that hobbyists have transformed their RC airplanes into "drones" to be used for many different purposes. Three of the very best that I have seen are to hunt animals, to take pictures, and to treat insects on crops. All of these things are very productive and good uses of a RC airplane.

Hunters have discovered that they can equip an airplane with a scope and night goggles and other hunting gear that allows them to track wild animals. This is really handy when you are hunting wild boar, or trying to follow herds of animals so that you will know where to find them. The technology is quiet and while somewhat annoying like a mosquito it is nothing that would scare animals off or even make them cautious.

There are many professionals that have developed a camera that can be attached and used to further their work. For example Google has used this technology to map many areas for their Google Map program. It has also been used by surveyors, wildlife photographers, and to watch weather and geological events like tornadoes and volcanoes. I think these are good uses that can give us much valuable information, while keeping people safe and out of harm's way.

For a farmer having the ability to mount his sprayer of pesticide or insecticide onto a RC airplane and spray his fields is so much better. Being able to treat his fields much less expensively will help keep his costs down, which in turn is good for food prices. Also the benefit to the environment is good. Not having to have the plane using fuel and emitting pollution into the air is a win for the environment.

The world of drones is not perfect, but when you consider all of the great things that they could be used for it does have a lot of benefits. Think of all of those elderly patients who have a hard time getting out for their medications. Maybe someday we will see pharmacies delivering medications. What about fast food? Pizza, anyone?

RC airplane hobbyists have the ability and with a little work they could create some very helpful and fun "drones". However, as with anything else that is good it comes with an ability to be used for bad. Care must be taken, but let's not forget to look at all the good.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Family Fun With a Water Trampoline

Are you thinking about purchasing a water trampoline in order to have some fun and enjoy it with members of your family? A water trampoline is similar to the traditional trampoline with the main difference being it is designed to float on water. It is excellent for lakeside residences or even areas where there is enough water to have an enjoyable time. The water trampolines such as RAVE Sports and the Island Hopper brands are known to be the absolute best when it comes to safety and excellence. Some factors that one should consider when they purchase a water trampoline are:

The most popular models such as Island Hopper and RAVE Sports are models that are available in 15 feet and 20 feet in diameter. They are large enough to accommodate a whole family and even friends that want to come along. In order to decide which size is suitable you should take into consideration the amount of space that you have. In order to have a great time you must make sure that there is a decent amount of space around the particular trampoline and it is away from the other boats and also the dock. There are even those trampolines that come in sizes that are 36-42 inches high and are 15, 20, or even 25 inches round. There are numerous sizes to select from, and you should always go with the one that will ensure the safety of your family and allow you to have a fun time on the water.

Durability is another consideration with the old adage "you get what you pay for". You want one that will hold up in saltwater, humidity and sunlight. The material that they are made up of is totally UV resistant.

Materials of the trampoline should be protected against any sort of wear and tear from usage. Most warranties are for one year and protect you against manufacturer defects.

Be sure to purchase a foot or electric pump that you can use to inflate the tube. These trampolines can easily be stored in off seasons so there is no need to worry. It is a wise decision to use a high quality inflator or even a shop vacuum to inflate and also to deflate it. There are even some water trampolines that can be used on land, they are the ones that have an inflatable tube that will provide support and connect the trampoline mat.

In order to keep individuals safe there are springs that connect the tube to the jumping mat. There is also a safety pad that covers all the springs. In order to get the best experience the quality and safety is very important. You should not go with the water trampoline that is cheap, but should examine the product properly before making a purchase. The water trampolines are now a lot lighter than before and are simple to install, they also provide a lot more jumping surface so there is a less of a chance of individuals getting hurt. The water trampoline will allow you to feel safe and avoid all kinds of accidents and injuries. While you are using it you will be able to have fun all summer with the new trampoline that you have purchased.


Monday, November 12, 2012

Cheap Camping Gear for First Time Campers

If you're a first time camper then you don't want to spend much on camping gear, especially when you might not like it. On a sunshiny day, few things are better than an evening outside the tent, but if you're unfortunate and the hail comes in horizontally from the west, I'm willing to bet you won't be going again.

I recommend giving it a try on the cheap before you fork out too much. Here's a few options.

Buying a Tent

If you're an average family (if there is such a thing) and have a couple of kids then you would think a 4 person tent would be good enough. Think again. A four person tent is design to fit four people lying on their backs on regulation sized sleeping mats. That's not your family. You need a bit of room so I would recommend at least a 5 or even a 6 person tent. Look at the next section and you'll understand why.

Sleeping Arrangements

Air beds take up a lot of room but I recommend you get some because a weekend of no sleep could be the end of your camping dreams. Forget about the foam mats, they are just torture, get one double air bed (if you're on speaking terms) and two singles, you won't regret it.

If you're camping in the summer you'll be able to get by with two season sleeping bags which are fairly cheap. Take some thermals and a blanket just in case.

The Kitchen

Those kids need grub. You could take them to the pub but if you want to save a bit then invest in a stove. All you need is a single burner and some butane gas and that'll sort out all the meals. Get some bacon, some sausages and any other meat product you can think of and off you go.

Forget about pots and pans just dig into the back of your cupboards and grab some old stuff. All you need is a pan, a frying pan, knives, forks and a few cups and you're ready to go. Buy a big bottle of water and some washing up liquid on the way.

Other gear you might need from the house

Don't forget some soap for your pits and your toothbrush and towel. Toilet roll is useful I find. If you have torches take them along. Grab some warm clothes just in case and that's it. Hope you enjoy it.


Friday, November 9, 2012

Camping Holidays - Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantages of camping holidays begin with adventure. A family can go wherever they want and camp there for as long as they have. From a camping base a family can go for walks out into the wild and see nature in its true habitat. They can also make their way over to huge lakes to fish or swim, and if they find an adventure park they can spend the day zip lining around the trees as fast as they can go, which is fun for everyone.

This is also where the disadvantages begin however, because some people like the routine they have and won't want it disturbed by living in a tent for a week or two. Sometimes there are no shower facilities and people will need to use a solar shower, which isn't a problem for most, but some people could feel self-conscious about their body when using one. Toilets are another big disadvantage if a camp site doesn't have the facilities provided, as people will need to go and dig themselves a hole to use, or use a communal one, which many consider to be worse.

For others the freedom of being in the outdoors outweighs all disadvantages relating to homely comforts such as showering and using the toilet. They also enjoy not being able to use their mobile phones, as these are an invasion which can ruin a holiday if someone is using theirs constantly. Whilst camping, people will also be away from the thick smog of the city, something many consider to be unhealthy. The great outdoors has nothing but fresh air, and most people consider this a huge advantage of camping holidays.

To break it down to a list of the core advantages and disadvantages, this is what most people think of camping.

Advantages

1) Adventure

2) Seeing Wildlife

3) Clean Air

4) No Mobile Phones

5) No Internet

6) No Traffic

7) No Interruptions

Disadvantages

1) No Toilet

2) No Shower

3) No Food Provided For You

4) Living In A Tent

5) Bugs

6) Little Or No Electricity

7) Nothing Much To Do If You're Not Adventurous

In conclusion, the advantages and disadvantages of camping seem to be entirely based on opinion. What people need to realise is that camping can be great fun as long as everyone is involved in enjoying themselves, because once someone isn't having fun, the trip is ruined. If worst comes to worst, building a huge camp fire and staying up late into the night is something everyone enjoys doing.

Emma Darling and her family have been on many camping holidays with both of her daughters, which is why she knows so much about them. For her the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but she really wanted to give people a breakdown in this article to help them decide. She has written lists like this before for Dorothy and Theodore, and found this type of article best for getting the points across to the reader on these subjects.