The First Adventures I Remember My mom used to pack a lunch in our backpack, and we’d go across the street to the vacant lot to roast marshmallows and cowboy camp under the stars. We’d never make it much past dark, but in our minds, we had been gone for days. This was back in a t

Introduction to the North Georgia Loop Hike - Not for Beginners There comes a point in life when the calendar starts talking back... My oldest son just got married. My youngest is halfway through college. I’m soon to be 58 years old, living in North Metro Atlanta, and somewhere b

1. You Don’t Need Better Gear. You Need Enough Gear I used to believe better gear would solve everything. Truth is, it just gave me new reasons to spend. I remember walking through outdoor stores years ago, convinced that one more upgrade would make the whole experience smoother.

🦎 **When the bugs don’t bug you… because something else handles it** 😳 After a full day of scuba diving in St. Lucia (5 dives, including a night dive 🐠), we came back exhausted and ready to crash in our beautiful resort room. Lights off. Silence. Then my husband says: “Somethi

Most people think camping gets cheaper once you own the gear. It doesn't – and the repeat costs are where budgets quietly bleed out. We found 5 spots where campers overspend every single season, and the fixes are almost embarrassingly simple. One of them will save you more than y

Taking the time to inspect, repair, or upgrade your gear will help you avoid last-minute surprises. Here’s a checklist of essential tools and gear to check before your first spring camping trip.   Tent Check: Ready for the Elements Your tent is your shelter from the elements

1. A Reliable Multi-Tool Every camper has a multi-tool story. From fixing loose tent poles and cutting paracord to opening stubborn packaging, this single tool solves more problems than almost anything else in your kit. Look for smooth hinges, sharp blades, and tools you’ll actua

Start with the Big Stuff Is there anything worse than arriving at camp to find your tent won’t pitch or your sleeping bag is damp? March is the perfect time for a spring gear shake-down. Set up your tent at home or in the backyard, checking seams, poles, stakes, and guylines. Ins

The Complete Hiker's Guide to Tick Behavior, Biology, and Field-Tested Protection Field Intelligence Report | Trail & Terrain Outdoor Pursuits --- You're deep in the woods, moving well, when you brush a low branch along the trail's edge. You don't think much of it. But someth

A Quiet Season of Opportunity March sits in the quiet space between winter and spring—when campgrounds are empty, bugs are blissfully absent, and the weather can’t quite make up its mind. For campers willing to plan ahead, it’s one of the most rewarding times to be outdoors. Fewer crowds, fresh landscapes, and a slower pace make this month ideal for intentional, low-stress adventures. Expect the Unexpected The biggest challenge of March camping is variability. One weekend feels like spring, the ...