The Troubles with Camping

The Troubles with Camping Each year, thousands of people throughout the United States choose to spend their summer vacations camping. Depending on individual sense of adventure, there are various types of camping to choose from, including log cabin camping, recreational vehicle camping and tent camping. Of these, tent camping by far requires the most "roughing it," and with proper planning can be very gratifying. However, even the with the best planning, tent camping can be an extremely frustrating experience due to uncontrolled factors such as bad weather, wildlife encounters and equipment failure. Nothing can dampen the excited anticipation of a camping trip than a dark, rainy day. Even the most adventurous campers can lose some of their enthusiasm on the drive to a campsite if the skies are dreary. After reaching their destination, campers must then set up camp in the downpour. This includes keeping the inside of the tent dry and free from mud, getting the sleeping bags situated dryly, and protecting food from getting wet. If the sleeping bags happen to get wet, the cold also becomes a major factor. A sleeping bag usually provides warmth on a camping trip; a wet sleeping bag provides none. Combining wind and rain can cause frigid temperatures, causing any outside activities to be delayed. Even inside the tent problems may arise due to heavy winds. More than a few campers have had their tents blown down because of the wind, which again begins the frustrating task of setting up camp in the downpour. Another problem likely to be faced during a camping trip is run-ins with wildlife, which can range mildly annoying to dangerous. Minor inconveniences include mosquitos and ants. The swarming mosquitos can literally drive annoyed campers indoors for the night. If an effective repellent is not used, the campers can spend an interminable night scratching. Ants do not usually attack campers, but keeping them out of food can be quite a