2011 July | The Zephyr Express Travel Guide

Camping Tent – Factors in Purchasing the Right Tent

Posted on July 29, 2011 by admin

Are you planning for a camp and want to spend time in the outdoors? Then camping tent is the most important item that you need to carry with you. Here the most important thing is choosing the right type of tent and its color, quality and the size.

You can find the camping tents which are really useful for sub zero temperatures whereas some others are excellent for tropical forest atmospheric conditions. It is better to select camping tents based on the climate that you will be camping in.

Here are the things that you need to consider while buying camping tent:

In order to select the right type of tent, the first thing you need to do is decide the dimensions of the camping tent that you need. Mainly tents are prepared to protect you and your family.

In the market you will find the tents with labels telling their capacity, or for how many campers it is made. There is no need to choose various tents with different capacities. So, think carefully and decide cleverly on the biggest number of campers that you predict camping together with you.

Basically every camping tent consists of four components. They include: tent body, the poles, the trap and the rain fly. The trap is basically a material that you set on the ground which helps to keep your tent floor last longer.

Tips to choose camping tents based on your needs:

Just think what you require. Before going to purchase, consider the below factors:

• Your camping place or spot

• The season

• Whether you will be backpacking or not

Also consider if you have any other requirements and then decide the type of camping tent that you need.

Decide your budget and how much you are going to spend on the camping tent. Once you have decided your budget you will not spend much on it.

• Decide on the size and weight of the tent. If you prefer car camping, the size of the tent doesn’t matter.

• If there are many campers to sleep in the tent it is better to pick a large camping tent.

• If you want to go on backpacking then it is suggested to invest in a lightweight camping tent.

Search for the available aspects of the tent. It is suggested to select a durable fabric tent. Test how the tent shade spreads the light within the tent. Some colors make the interior of the camping tents brighter, whereas some colors make it dim and gloomy.

If you are planning for a summer camp, it is better to choose light color tents. For cold seasons, pick dark colored camping tents, as they absorb the heat from the sun and keep the interior of the tent warm.

Also, check the coating of the tent. Look for a water proof and shiny coating inside the tent. If you don’t observe these features then the tent might not be durable enough for heavy usage.

The most popular tent makers include: Great land, Coleman, Eddie Bauer, and Wenger. Select the manufacturer whom you trust most. With the wrong type of tent you can’t enjoy the camping experience to the fullest. It leaves it as an unpleasant one.

So, think carefully and choose wisely while you are purchasing the camping tents. Just remember that the tent you have chosen will be the home away from your home for fewer days. Visit Camping Tourist

The Mayan Civilization: the Collapse

Posted on July 27, 2011 by admin

The Mayan civilization has been credited with having the first written language in the pre-Columbian American continent. Aside from that, Maya civilization developed sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems at par with European civilization. Remnants of its art and architecture remain until today, so people of today can view the magnificent Mayan buildings and paintings.

The Maya civilization was one of the greatest Mesoamerican civilizations, but at some point in time, they simply disappeared. What happened to them?

Theories of the Classic Maya Collapse

The Classic Maya Collapse, as the collapse of the Maya civilization is dubbed among experts, has not been fully explained; and so several theories are being put forth by experts to try and explain the reason why the great Maya civilization shattered from prominence.

Social Theories

Social theories being put forth by experts include foreign invasion, but this is widely disputed as the process was so complex that it is impossible for a single military defeat to cause the collapse of a civilization. This theory is fueled by the amount of Teotihuacan influences in the Maya region, but opponents of this theory argue that the two civilizations had been in contact since at the Early Classic Period.

Another social theory being put forth is a revolution among the lower classes. Proponents of this theory hypothesized that, at the peak of the civilization, the lower class may have been overloaded with work and revolted. Evidences of temple burning and throne destruction are used as support for this theory. However, people not subscribing to this line of thought point to several flaws, like no revolts were ever documented by the Maya. They also argue that throughout its existence, the Mayas had a stable government, and so, one political problem could not have brought the downfall of the civilization.

Environmental Theories

There are several environmental theories that relate to the collapse of the Maya civilization. These include catastrophic events such as natural disasters. Mayanists dispute this theory, as there have been no evidence of a past volcanic eruption being discovered in the archaeological records left behind by the Mayas. According to Dr. Richardson Gill, volcanic eruptions may have been a way of cooling the climate in the Mayan region after a drought since droughts have been accurately documented by the Spanish in the Mayan region. However, no archaeological evidence existed to support the volcanic eruption theory.

Some experts also point to epidemic diseases as a possible cause of the decline in the Maya civilization. According to proponents of this theory, the Maya civilization may have decreased during the collapse because of some epidemic that spread across the land. Although this theory is not well accepted, it is also plausible because disease may have arisen from drought and famine. It is generally thought that disease merely contributed to the decline, but it is not a major factor in the collapse.

The Remnants of the Maya Civilization

The Maya people never truly disappeared. Most of them have survived until today, and are designated post-colonial Mayas to differentiate them from the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization.

Maya influence remains to this day. Mayan cuisine is still available in an island called Isla Mujeres in Mexico. Some companies have even taken to naming themselves after the Mayas, most notably the Grupo Mayan firm.

Planning your Oregon Camping Trip

Posted on July 26, 2011 by admin

One of the great things about planning an Oregon camping trip is the number of options visitors have, both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and even more privately owned facilities, the challenge won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be deciding which ones to choose.

When to Go

For most people, work and school schedules often help determine when they can take an Oregon vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the summer months if they want to visit for more than a few days. For most this works out great because Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds and attractions are open. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as many of the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast.

Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a resident group of whales along the coast for those that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale watching.

Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be kayaked or rafted.

Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service offices provide information on fishing conditions in their areas, as do websites for the local communities.

Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine country, and there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically less crowded than in summer months. Contact the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find peak color times for the areas you plan to visit.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the winter months, average inland daytime temperatures are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in December through January makes a winter trip to the Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the coastal areas.

Many of the state park campgrounds remain open year round although running water may not be available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the best time to visit Oregon.

Choosing Oregon Camping Sites

City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to town for those that want to be close to the action but still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural setting is not difficult.

Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds of private campgrounds throughout all areas of Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. Others are more basic or focus on nature and peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of interest and your camping style, you can likely find a private campground to fit your needs. Begin by contacting visitor information offices or city chambers of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit.

Oregon state park camping: The number of state parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is simply amazing. While some of these are day use only facilities, many provide overnight camping with both tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park camping sites are located in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically comparable or less than those at privately owned campgrounds.

For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s state parks website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml to find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and get your permit or park pass.

Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon beach camping can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission can be asked to leave.

What to Bring When Camping in Oregon

In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also include:

• a hat

• sweatshirts and jackets for layering

• a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho just in case

• a map of the area

• a flashlight

• bug repellent

• a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost)

• a whistle

Check all your equipment before you leave to make sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness survival information.

Other Considerations

Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and standard regulations can impact campground activities and services. For example, some Oregon campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit their website to learn about rules, regulations, and current conditions.