Category Archives: Guest Post

Benefits to Owning Tent Trailers

Everybody can use a much needed vacation whether it is to get away from the routines of life or the stress of work.  Unfortunately, vacations can put more stress on us because of the amount it costs to take them!  For many it just isn’t reasonable to go on a vacation every month or weekend.  The costs of hotels and airfare aren’t budget friendly.  Owning a trailer tent can make a weekend trip much more reasonable.

Most of us live pretty close to a wilderness area of some sort whether it’s the beach or the mountains or even the desert.  The possibilities are endless.  On the other hand, not all of us are meant to be serious campers.  We like the comforts our homes and lives offer.  Tent trailers offer a nice compromise.  Although they aren’t made as luxurious or as spacious as a RV they offer a nice in between.

First, they are much more affordable than a motorhome or RV.  Some RV’s can be more than a home mortgage.  You can get a tent trailer for a few thousand dollars or less making it much easier to fit into the budget.  Ok, you might be cringing when you think about a few thousand dollars.  The fact is even going on a big vacation once or twice a year can cost close to that but you will be able to enjoy this for many years to come.

Second, they are much smaller.  They are designed to be compact and easy to transport.  Many even are made to be stacked on their sides so you can store them easier when they are at home.
Third, they are a better option than a traditional camping tent especially if you aren’t such an outdoor enthusiast.  Camping with tents is great if you love sleeping on the hard ground and waking up with condensation built up all around you.  While a tent trailer is still just a tent it has a few extra perks along with it.  It is raised up off the ground so you aren’t going to wake up with a rock lodged in your back.  Also, because it’s up higher off the ground you don’t have to worry about accidentally pitching it where all the water runs off when it rains.  You also won’t have to worry about getting a ground covering either.

Lastly, it gives you a great excuse to get away even if it is just for the weekend.  Pack up a bunch of those non perishables you have in the house, grab some clothes and a few basic camping supplies and hook up the tent trailer.  It is that easy. We all could use more excuses to relax and have a little fun.  Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to do so.

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Local Mason OH environmental project scheduled to save tributary

Mason, a successful city in Warren County, Ohio, has ignored the impact of development along Muddy Creek, a tributary of Little Miami River, with a length of around 1400 feet. The Mason OH housing market has seen expansive growth, especially since last year it was voted Cincinnati’s Best Suburb, and because of development the stream is subject to higher erosion levels. Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency has observed this and granted $258,000 for its restoration.

Apart from this funding source, the $430,000 project has received additional funds from local people. The goal of the project is to enhance the stream banks and restore the creek’s natural flow and habitat. Restoration is planned to start in 2011. Owing to the length of the creek, certain locations like the stretch near St. Susanna Church and to south of intersection of Hanover Drive and Reading Road have been chosen for focused work since the creek bends are more liable to erosion than the straight sections.

The project also includes the planting of more shrubs and trees in these areas since they can hold  the soil in place and help remove any pollutants from entering the creek. In addition, this will shore up banks and decrease silt deposits in the river.

Muddy Creek will also enjoy full sunlight penetration, which is necessary for the survival of the aquatic insects and organisms, sustaining a healthier aquatic ecosystem. Alternatively, this can result in algal bloom formation and lowered oxygen levels that can completely destroy the aquatic lives.

In addition to environmental improvements, recreational benefits will result from this project. The city has already built a few bike trails around the river and has planned more to be built in 2011-2012. Mason is the largest local contributor to the project with $103,130 and St. Susanna Church is the second largest with its contribution of $53,850.

Water Conservation – An Important Job For Everyone

Water conservation isn’t just a job for special interest groups and the government.  Everybody can do a little something to make a difference to preserve out most precious resource – water.  If even 1 out of every 10 people would understand the importance of water conservation, it could make a huge impact on how much water we use and how we use it.

Did you know that even the most minor water drip can waste thousands of gallons of water every year?  That’s right – 1 drop of water every second adds up to over 30 gallons a day.  Multiply that by 365 days a year, and you’re wasting over a thousand gallons of water every year, all for the inconvenience of fixing that faucet.  Go ahead and learn how to fix that leaky faucet, or call someone to do it.  You’ll see a difference in your water bill, and you’re going to help the Earth.

You may think that’s a bit overstated, and you probably think that the Earth has plenty of water.  This is partially true; the Earth will be covered with water long after we’re through with it.  The thing is though, that water needs to be clean in order for the us to grow and prosper.  More importantly, people need extremely clean water to live hygienically and in a healthy way.  Now, while we may not run out of water any time soon, making water potable requires an extensive amount of resources and fossil fuels.  Every ounce of water we preserve, and use properly, rather than wasting, helps preserve other natural resources that are more likely to run out in the near future.

The importance of water in human life, and in the world, really can’t be overstated.  It’s contribution to our use of energy and other natural resources can’t be ignored either.  The example above is only one of many ways that most households are wasting water.  If you are a little more observant, and cautious with how you use water on a daily basis, it can really make quite an impact in preserving multiple natural resources, including our precious water.

The Insulating Benefits of a Sleeping Bag Liner

As a necessary requirement for any camping activity or outdoor overnight activity, the sleeping bag is very important. When sleeping in the cold outdoors, it is vital that the proper type of bag is purchased. All products provide a rating on the label, so you know how much protection you will have against the cold. For bags that do not provide enough warmth in the cold, there are other options in improving performance, without purchasing another bag. A sleeping bag liner or travel sheet slips inside your bag, to improve its ability to protect you from the cold. Liners can be added or removed to meet the changing requirements from one day to the next or in different locations.  These products typically come with a zipper, which aids in keeping warmth in your bed roll.

One product available is the silk liner, which is desirable because it is soft, yet sturdy. Other products combine Egyptian cotton with silk, for an even more comfortable feel. Silk fabric is a soft and shiny when dry, yet becomes very strong when it gets wet. Woven silk provides insulation properties that are far better than other heavier fabrics. This makes it perfect for use with bedding, particularly in the outdoors. It can greatly improve the comfort level of the sleeping bag and allow the user to get a better night’s rest. Silk used to make consumer products interestingly comes from caterpillars. If you think about how well this creature’s cocoon keeps out chilling temperatures, you can understand the benefits that using silk will provide in keeping you warm.

If the high cost of a silk liner is not in your budget, you can buy a fleece liner as an alternative. Fleece is made of natural animal fibers, typically from the yak or sheep. It keeps animals warm, so it will help keep you warm inside your bedroll as well. Liners made of this fabric can be washed in a machine at home and are available in many bright colors as well. Coleman offers a desirable product which folds into a highly compact roll, which is kept in place with a stretch cord. This can keep you warm in temperatures as low as fifty degrees (F), by itself. This is an indication of just how warm you will be when using this product inside your bag. It is a very thin fabric, but provides quite a bit of warmth.

As weather conditions can change very quickly outdoors and wind chill can make the environment much colder, using a bag liner is the best way to ensure you will stay warm, when such conditions arise. Many have additional handy features, like a carrying pouch or a closable storage pocket. These items are easy to pack and take with your other camping gear.

Illinois Pocket Watch History

In a grand building standing on many acres, the Illinois Springfield Watch Company was born. The year was 1869. The man: J.C. Adams. Adams founded the company based on industry and a vision for the future. Springfield was a booming town and Adams, among others felt it was the perfect place for pocket watch manufacturing.

The first company directors included J. T. Stuart, once a partner of Abe Lincoln, a bank president named Williams, a local merchant named Miller and others. The Illinois Springfield Watch Company began production in 1872, however, things were not in full swing until around 1875. They initially produced key-wound watches and later, a line of fine railroad pocket watches as well.

The company reorganized twice, due in part to financial issues. By 1885, they had become the Illinois Watch Company. The company produced many a pocket watch, not all under the Illinois label. They brought us names like Burlington, Santa Fe, Plymouth and Washington, all produced by Illinois but sold by different means and various exclusive retailers.

The last pocket watch in the Illinois tradition was made in 1932. the Hamilton pocket watch company had purchased the Illinois Watch company in 1927, continuing to manufacture true Illinois. However, after 1932, Hamilton was producing watches with the Illinois label that were technically Hamilton pocket watches.

Just because the Illinois pocket watch ceased production in 1932 does not mean a collector can not still find them today. There are many classic Illinois pocket watches in excellent condition available for sale. Antique dealers, pocket watch guide websites and even ebay are great places to find them. As any collector knows, don’t expect them to come cheap, as antiques never do. The purchase price is going to be dependent on the pocket watch condition, model and year of production (age). The most important any collector or buyer should ensure is that the watch they are buying is authentic. Ask for proof. Any reputable pocket watch seller will be more than happy to meet this request.