Camping Tips

• Be prepared.
  Make sure you have enough food and provisions for the duration of your stay.
  Pack a few extra fire starters and lighters to be safe.
  Bring along an axe, hammer, and pocket knife. You never know when you’ll need them.
  Think ahead. Be ready for bugs, rain, sunburns, and other sticky situations.
  Don’t forget the first aid kit!
• Pick a campsite.
  Take a look around and be aware of your surroundings.
  Look for loose tree limbs or rocks that could potentially crash your site.
  Take note of noisy neighbors, also be conscious of your own camping etiquette.
  Find an ideal spot to light a fire, safe from wind and wetness.
  Maintain a safe distance from any water sources. Never get caught in a flash flood.
• Pick the right shelter.
  Of course the size of your tent is important,if you’re looking for comfort, get a tent twice as large as the number of sleepers it holds. (remember, you have to store a bit of your gear in there with you as well)
  Look for tents that have screened windows and secure closures.
  Make sure to pack a few extra tent poles just in case.
  Practice make perfect—so try setting up your tent at home before hand.
  Consider the weather conditions. Account for wind, the need for water resistance, and temperature.
• Pick your bedding.
  Be it a sleeping bag, camping mattress, air pad, cot, or hammock—make sure it’s sturdy and comfortable enough to suit your needs.
  Again, you must be aware of the temperatures you’ll be facing. Whether the weather is hot, cold, or wet—be ready for whatever situation may arise.
  Earplugs and sleeping masks can also come in handy.
• Make your space cozy.
  Throw in a carpet, lanterns, or a string of lights to make your campsite home.

Mary and Amy, Who Circumnavigated Lake Michigan

Meet Mary and Amy, adventure junkies and unbelievable craftswomen. Not too long ago, Mary completed a 4 year project of making her own dug out canoe. That’s right, a beautifully hand-carved boat from a tree called Makeba. Then Amy and Mary set off on a mission to boat around the perimeter of Lake Michigan. Are you blown away? I sure was when I first heard their story here. This trip would fulfill childhood dreams and teach both girls so much. It took 3 months, but they did it. They camped on beaches, made new friends, and got to know Lake Michigan more than most people ever will. Now they are working on fixing up an old boat they dubbed Blue Heron. (pictured above) They have many more adventures ahead of them, I’m sure. Mary told me that if there’s a toy they want, they make it. Most people would never dream of carving their own boat out of a tree or making their own surfboards and skateboards, but that didn’t stop these girls. It was really inspiring to see Mary and Amy at work. If you want something, make it happen. Even if it means to have to chop down a tree and carve the boat yourself.

Mary’s outfit: Traverse Hoodie, Carhartt Women’s Vest, & Original Fit Jean 
Amy’s outfit: Copper Harbor Hat, Linwood Chambray Shirt, Clarkston Cami, & Original Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree 

Kristie of Washington Outdoor Women

Washington Outdoor Women is an awesome group of ladies who teach women skills and fill them with confidence to help them in the great outdoors. While in Seattle, I spent time with Kristie, a logistics coordinator with Wow. We set up a campsite together and Kristie was so at home in nature. That’s such an admirable quality.  From going fishing, to cooking a meal for us, to finding her way around with a compass, to chopping her own fire wood— nothing was daunting to her. Gotta love those Carhartt girls who live to be outside, exploring and enjoying all that nature has to offer.