Bowie Knives and Airplanes
February 20, 2010 by Dylan Sabot
Filed under Travel
Unless one is on a private plane, it’s probably against the law and airline policy to carry a weapon in the crew or passenger areas. A Bowie knife is not something that can be carried on because it serves another function, such as a nail file or a book of matches. A Bowie is a weapon by design and has been so since the first one was manufactured. Carrying weapons on planes can be done, but with some special accommodations.
A Bowie knife requires special accommodations when one is flying. No airline will allow one to carry a blade or such dimensions onto an airplane. It can, however, be taken in one’s luggage. The relevant issue is access. The airlines are fine with transporting such items in a cargo hold but will not transport them in areas where travelers could access them in transit. The luggage must be packed in a way that is up to airline standards, as well.
The Bowie knife will be subject to any laws that apply once it and its owner are back on the ground. Remember this and check ahead to make sure that the knife is even legal where one is headed. There are some places where certain weapons are specifically against the law. It is not the airline or the TSA’s responsibility to inform passengers of the laws in other places, so be sure to be informed ahead of time.
Packing the Bowie knife must be done securely and according to procedures. The knife must be in its sheath within the bag. Loose blades will be taken away. The knife cannot be sent along on its own, outside a bag, and it may not be brought into the passenger area in any carryon luggage. The knife should not be taken out of the suitcase until one is off the premises of the airport and, depending on where one lands, until one is in an area where it is permitted.
A Bowie knife, if it is a particularly expensive model, may be better shipped than taken on a plane. While most airlines provide excellent security, there are incidents when items are taken out of passenger’s luggage, particularly on international flights. A Bowie has all the qualities of something desirable to a thief: light, expensive and easy to sell. Luggage cannot be locked on a flight, so shipping may be more secure than baggage.
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knives store featuring hunting knives.
Things That You Can Do On A Camping Trip
January 8, 2010 by Larry Forest
Filed under Travel
Camping is one thing that people consider one of their favorite things to do. It is especially fun to take out the whole family to a campsite. There are a lot of things that can be done when you get to a campsite.
Probably the best part is being able to get away from it all and just enjoy some nice free time. So in this article we are going to go over some things you can do when camping.
First of all when you go camping probably the first thing you can enjoy doing is enjoying the hiking trails. You can have fun on the hiking trails a few different ways. Naturally you have the choice of bringing the whole family on a hike. Or if you are the type that likes adventure, you can go biking on the trails if you are allowed. This is a fun thing to do. It is something I suggest all clients of my San Diego RV rentals service to do.
Something else that will be fun to do while you are camping is to go fishing. Obviously you need to find a campground that has fish in a lake. But if the camp site you choose does have one, fishing is going to be one of the best parts of the camping trip with the family. You can spend hours of time just trying to catch fish. And with the trailers you can rent like the ones at my Campland on the Bay RV rentals service you can store all the fish you catch in the refrigerator.
Another fun thing to do is explore all the different camping locations within a campground. Now this is something that won’t be so easy if you are camping with the normal tent. The reason for that is because you would have to go through the hassle of packing up every time. But if you rent an RV like the ones in my RV rentals service it makes it easy to move.
So those were just a few of the great things you can do if you go camping. As you can see there is a lot of variety you have to choose from when camping.
Travel trailers and RV’s right here for your Glamis RV rentals. You can also find some great deals at Mission Bay RV rentals.
Snowmobiling Excursions While Camping
January 7, 2010 by Wayne Torres
Filed under Travel
The adventures of snowmobiling can also be mixed in with the fun and independence of a camping trip.
Sleeping outdoors over night for a few consecutive nights is not an easy feat to accomplish without experiencing frostbite or hypothermia or, at the very least, extreme discomfort.
It is cold enough to endure the frigid temperatures that go along with snowmobiling during the daytime hours, but the evening hours provide another level of frigidity and cold weather without the warmth of the sun to balance out the cold.
As tough as winter camping may seem, it can still be a very fun and adventurous time as long as you make sure to take some precautions.
Camping in the winter wilderness can be an exciting and adrenaline-producing experience. Planning is the most important aspect of enjoying a winter camping adventure, though.
Top priority in your list of things to do should be to fully research the area(s) you plan to visit. Make sure to understand the conditions of the winter season in the region so you can equip yourself appropriately.
Knowing the average amount of snow, routes that you plan to take, and the experience of the group that you are going to travel with are important factors in planning your winter camping trip.
For instance, planning a snowmobile vacation that involves camping overnight with young children would not be an ideal scenario as they are generally more susceptible to exposure from the frigid winter elements.
Keep in mind that camping during the winter months will take a toll on your body and cause it to lose body heat in abundance. This is why good planning from the very beginning is essential.
Thermal clothing is a must when you snowmobile during the days and afternoons and they play a very important role when you plan to camp in cold weather as well.
It is also important to use the layering method. The idea behind this method is to wear several loose layers of clothing, each layer providing more insulation for the body.
Layering also makes it easier to remove clothing if the body begins to overheat. A body that is sweating will likely dehydrate and lose heat much quicker than a body that is dry.
Finally, no overnight camping trip would be complete without an ample amount of food for everybody in the group. A popular treat among campers is smores, but campers should also include foods that provide a better degree of nourishment.
Since appetites lessen during cold weather, the food you take with you should be appealing so you are sure to get enough nutrition to keep you moving throughout the day.
The diet of a winter camper should include a lot of dry foods with high nutritional value such as oatmeal, granola, and cheese.
Camping and snowmobiling can lead to a great time for all groups but it will take some careful packing and planning. Do so and you can enjoy it many times over.
This article was written and provided by Wayne Torres; if you got a kick out of it or found in interesting, you can visit Wayne at Watch the Inbetweeners Online and Watch the Sopranos Online.
categories: winter camping,snowmobiling,camping,outdoors,snowmobile,outdoors,hobbies,interests,winter
Wind Up Lanterns are Both Convenient and Useful
Everybody experiences a power outage at one time or another. You may be reading a book or rotating laundry when, suddenly, you are sunk into a blackout situation. As you start stumbling around in the dark, you run for the candles and hope that there are some matches somewhere. The fact that you rarely use these items leaves you stubbing your toe and tripping over things trying to get a little bit of light.
However, you could avoid this scenario completely if you had a wind up lantern on hand, and you’d be good to go till the lights came back on. These crank lanterns are perfect for all sorts of emergency situations, especially a power outage.
When you’re ready to buy your first wind up lantern, you’ll find some basic features that are part of most of the models. First of all, the lantern is powered by LED lights. These types of lights don’t use very much electricity for the volume of light produced. There are some of the models that may have 6 of the LED light and give out a good amount of light. These lights are all powered up by the hand crank. You can have fifteen to thirty minutes of light for as little as one minute of winding the crank.
Also, just about all of these lanterns have additional survival and safety options; an AM/FM radio built into the device is the most prevalent. Usually, emergency beacons are included as well. A few have additional benefits like MP3 players or charging ports for cell phones. Although the wind up handle charges all of the models, a few are also equipped with battery power, which makes them even more convenient.
It’s smart to keep a couple nearby since a wind up source of light is not very expensive. It’s recommended to keep one or two in your house in the event of a power outage. They’re excellent to bring on outdoor expeditions like hiking or camping trips as well. You can keep them charged in case of an emergency, and running out of power won’t be a concern if they come with battery back up. Your wind up lantern will be in running condition after you use the hand crank.
No one likes to expect the worse case scenario. However, things do happen and it pays to be prepared for all possibilities. With a wind up lantern, it doesn’t matter why you need light, it will always be available.
Just knowing that you can have light even if it’s a simple power outage at home, or for camping out in the great outdoors, or finding yourself in the middle of a real emergency will really reduce a lot of stress you could be experiencing in your life.
Want to get the best recommendations on the best wind up lantern or crank lantern? Visit WindUpLantern.Net
Guide to Pitching a 4 Man Tent
October 17, 2009 by Jeremy Thomas
Filed under Travel
Most novice campers are new to pitching a 4 man tent. When you are out on your camping trip, trying to get situated for the night, is not the right time to learn. If you are confused, it can be a frustrating encounter, which will make you impatient. Before you go on the camping trip, practice setting the tent up at home, to prove you can pitch it alone.
We have heard it all before. Location, location, location. It’s the most important thing. You want to find a spot that is high and dry. Go for the flattest part of the earth you can find. This will help your 4 man dome tent maintain its sturdiness should you get heavy wind or rain. Make sure there are not any rocks or debris in the area you want to pitch the tent, because this may damage your ground mat.
Now that you have found a good spot to build, assemble the floor of the tent. Basically, you are laying down the tarp, to serve as a barrier between you and the bare ground. Smooth out the ground cloth, and again, check for sharp objects that may poke holes in the floor. If you puncture your flooring, there is a good chance that insects will use this as a route to enter your 3 4 man tent, so make sure you put a temporary tape patch over the hole.
Put the poles and frame together. If this brand of 4 man camping tent is new to you, do an online search for clips that explain how to set up the tent. Build the frame slowly. If you get frustrated or annoyed, try not to bend the aluminum poles. Don’t ruin your whole trip, by bending a pole, and not having a back up plan. Be patient when setting up the tent.
Once the frame is together, attach the tent cover. Currently, there are manufacturers that make a 4 man pop up tent, that will pop up automatically, unfold, and set itself up. The fabric of the tent is already attached to the poles, and the set up is quick and easy. If you have the normal type tent, then be careful not to rip or tear the fabric when attaching it to the frame.
Attach guy rope to the spots designated on the tent. After pulling the rope until its rigid, nail in stakes at 45 degree angles, going away from the tent. Secure the stakes at 45 degree angles, anchoring them vertically will not last as long. Read about consumers who had this issue in a 4 man tent review.
Bottom line, if you want to breeze through set up at the campsite, then practice setting up the tent prior to the trip. It will save you time.
You can learn more about 4 man tents, by visiting the 4 Man Tent Guide for your needs. There are hundreds of tents to choose from, so come and shop today!
Getting Ready For Camping
June 27, 2009 by Nik Levesque
Filed under Travel
When you are planning on going on a camping trip you definitely need to make sure that you have planned ahead of time. Forgetting just one essential item can certainly make or break a time outdoors with the tress and elements.
Now, what if you do not know exactly what to bring with you? Maybe you are more used to going to motels and hotels and camping is still fairly new to you. Well, here is a good list to start from and make yourself prepared for the fun that you will have in the great outdoors.
The first thing to remember to include is a good tent for a decent night’s sleep. This will not only provide you with some shelter, it will also make a place for you to store some of your other stuff to keep it dry in case it rains.
One rewarding experience when camping is cooking and enjoying different camp foods. There are many different types of camping stoves that are easy to transport and set up. Make sure you bring the food along too and plenty of water!
Sometimes, you may want to bring an air mattress or some kind of camping bed with you to make sleeping more comfortable. There are also folding portable beds that can be bought at fairly reasonable prices.
For times when you may find yourself injured, make sure to be prepared with a good first aid kit that is equipped with all the essentials. You never know when you might need it.
Finally, other little small things like candles, matches, flashlights, a knife, rope, a tarp and other things is always a good idea too. Any small item that you can think of that you might need can be easily put into a small kit to bring with you on every camping trip.
Enjoy camping!
Destination Arizona
May 20, 2009 by John Seal
Filed under Destinations
Our country spans many different land types. From scenic forests to lush plains, masses of mountains to flat sand swept deserts, we seem to have it all in America. I myself have spent time living in many different parts of the nation, but let me tell you why I would chose to live in Arizona.
I lived there as a little girl, which makes my memory somewhat vague of the state. However, I luckily have older siblings that jog my memory with the most splendid stories of life there. Their stories alone are persuasive enough to bring anyone to live there.
My experience there was living in a small camper a short distance away from the Grand Canyon. Since our time there was only for the space of about 6 months, camping was our life. I remember that it was very adventurous and comfortable living in that condition with my family there.
The seemingly terrible summers of Arizona served us very well for those months of camping. Now an avid outdoor enthusiast, I look back to these experiences as the origin of my current enjoyment of such a life. Anyone looking for hiking, exploration, or warm campfires would be right at home in Arizona.
When I was little there, we would cook dinner around the campfire so often, that we became quite the experts. I have a vivid memory of campfire dinners with my family and how enjoyable they were. Especially when dinner was over and we got to make s’mores! I don’t know many children that get to grow up in a place where they can eat s’mores for dinner every night!
My father’s purpose there was business. He had become the vice president of a large construction company doing a job there. One night he came home, sad that he had fired a man on the site that day. So, later around the campfire making our s’mores, I accidentally put my marshmallow too close and it quickly caught fire. The recent events inspired me to yell, “Dad look! My marshmallow got fired!”
The Grand Canyon was frequently a place we went as a family. We also enjoyed the charms of Flintstone Land. Arizona was full of the most scenic view for us to find and visit. Those are memories you don’t ever forget. That was a very happy summer for us all.
The Native American influence was very prevalent and events were held at nighttime that we would attend. They would have large fires with hoop dancers fully dressed in authentic Native American garb. The splendor of such a such a sight, the headdresses and large hoop tricks, isn’t easily forgotten.
I would live in Arizona so that my children could look in their backyards to see all the beautiful land that races down the horizon there. I would live in Arizona so that we could find the adventures from my childhood in the life and culture there. If Arizona should be the dream location for your family, the property you want is just waiting for you to find it.
Canopy Tents – Great Camping Additions!
The canopy tent is a great addition to your camping equipment. The addition of this type of tent offers you great sheltered protection from natures elements. Canopy tents come in two styles. One is a screened sided canopy and the other is open sided canopy (top only) and these are also called screen tent or screened house.
Canopy tents with no sides make excellent camp-table covers and even cook stations. There is nothing that can ruin your camping trip faster than having to cook or eat your food in the rain. Most all canopy tents are free standing and can be erected anywhere in your campsite.
The canopy tent is not restricted to just camping. They are great for the back yard or even taking to the park. Wherever you need shelter, the canopy tent can provide the shelter you need for any event you are hosting.
The canopy tent with sides, also known as a screen tent, is a must have if your outdoor adventure takes you to those places where bug infestation is out-of-control. Those pesky bugs can wipe-out any sanity you have making your outdoor adventure less enjoyable.
Screen tents are made in 2 styles, one that has a floor just like your tent and the other just has screened walls with no floor. Both are adequate for protecting you from those pesky bugs. Its just personal preference for the one you choose.
Screen tents also make an adequate store area for all your camping gear. Leaving more room for you to relax or sleep in the main tent. They come in ten by ten or the twelve by twelve sizes. Giving an addition of 100/144 square feet of sheltered area.
The screen tent and canopy tent are both, portable, lightweight and very simple to set-up. Depending on the style and shape you buy, it will require only one or two people to set-up. Set-up can be done in as little as 5 minutes.
Now, however you enjoy your outdoor adventures, adding a canopy tent or a screen tent can and will increase your feelings of relaxation and enjoyment. You will feel more relaxed and at-ease knowing you have a place of refuge from those unexpected elements of nature that come your way. Giving you more enjoyment from your outdoor adventures, you just might find yourself spend more time in the great outdoors.
Lake George New York, A Great Place to Ride

Then there is another of my Favorite places to ride to, The Lake George NY area. My Uncle has a small Cabin in the Mountains right outside of the town of Lake George where I often stay. The area has some great long and winding roads for riding, These roads will relax even the most stressed Motorcycle rider.
There is so much history to the Lake George NY area. While on a trip one year riding around with no real destination in mind, I found myself in front of Fort Ticonderoga (fort-ticonderoga.org). Being very interested in American History I had to stop in and take the tour. The Fort was built between 1755 and 1759 and has plenty of stories to tell. It had a big roll in the American Revolution. As I walked around the Fort the I could almost imagine I had traveled back to the 18Th Century, The things I learned reminded me of the sacrifices our fore Fathers made to secure the Freedoms we enjoy and let slip threw our fingers every day.
Another thing I like to do is ride on some of the less traveled roads. Riding on a road where you see nothing but Forests and small Waterfalls for miles is very relaxing. I like to search out small little Dinners and eatery’s, Stopping at them and trying some of the foods they have to offer.
I recently met up with my Mother, Sister, Brother, Nieces, Nephew and other members of my family at the Lake George Escape Evergreen Resort Campgrounds (LakeGeorgeEscape.com), I found it a great places for me to relax for a few days. There where plenty of activities for the kids and many activities I could enjoy with the kids. In the resorts game room I won my Nieces and Nephew many prizes and I played (or maybe Battled is a more accurate word) Air Hockey with my younger Brother in the game room for hours. The resort has a pond and two pools to Swim in. Each week at the resort during the Summer has a thyme and while we where there it was Halloween week. The Camp Grounds has Nightly Hay rides around the Camp Grounds and since it was Halloween week my Brother came up with the idea of throwing out candy to all the kids as we took a Hay ride around the grounds one night. The Cherry on the top of this great resort has to be the on Grounds full service Tiki style Bar where most Nights they had a DJ to help keep the party going!
Many other things I have stopped to enjoy while riding around and staying in the Lake George area is White Water rafting, Hiking and many Trips to Six Flags Great Escape & Splash Water Kingdom. The park was known as Storytown USA when it first opened in 1954. As a Kid I used to love to watch the gun fights in its old western area known as Ghost town. The park may be much larger now and have many modern day Rides and attractions, but all the old Story town, Jungleland and Ghost town areas from the 50’s and 60s are still there! Then of course there is the town of Lake George it self with many great stores for shopping including a new shop I found last year called DILLIGAF’s. Many Arcades, Museum’s, Para Sailing, Night Clubs and Many Places to eat including some Waterfront Restaurants. Now in my opinion no trip to Lake George can be Complete without a Paddle wheel Cruise on the historic and scenic Lake George itself. The lake is known as the Queen of American Lakes. There are Two maybe three Companies you can use, But I recommend you take your trip on the Lake George Steamboat Company’s (lakegeorgesteamboat.com) Minnie-Ha-Ha. I have Pictures of me getting on this Boat with my Family that go back many years.

As Bikers We are always looking for Great places to ride to alone or with our friends and family that offer both great riding areas and many things to do. I have found Lake George to be a great area for both!
Maybe I will see you there! Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to LJs Radio Show at BikerLowDown.com
Love to Camp but Hate the Crowds? Check Out These 6 National Parks.
So, you’re planning an outing with the family this summer and you’ve chosen to tour some of the best national parks the United States and Canada have to offer. However, you cringe at the thought of the crowds you are about to encounter and the accompanying lack of privacy. Don’t despair. If solitude is your thing, these six parks may just be the answer:
1. Arches National Park. Not as well-known as its sister parks, Bryce Canyon and Zion, this southern Utah beauty boasts endless sandstone arches. Hiking is a favorite activity at Arches because of the landscape. Be sure to check out Landscape Arch, the largest in the park, as well as Delicate Arch.
2. Badlands National Park. What makes this park so unique has to be the terrain. At one point, you’ll notice the grassy prairies. Yet not far away, you see numerous canyons and buttes. There’s no shortage of wildlife to see, as you’re sure to spot bison, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rabbits, among others.
3. Big Bend National Park. This is truly the park for the water enthusiast. Located in western Texas, river rafting on the Rio Grande is a popular attraction. Canoeing and kayaking are perfect ways to take in the breathtaking views. The park, situated on more than 3/4 of a million acres, got its name because of the very large bend in the river.
4. Biscayne. The uniqueness of Biscayne is the fact that you can really only get there by boat. Located about 25 miles from Miami, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing that the 40+ keys have to offer. If viewing marine life is your thing, the crystal clear waters make it a snap to observe the many stingrays, small sharks, fish, and turtles you are likely to encounter.
5. Cape Breton Highlands. Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, Cape Breton was once home to Alexander Graham Bell. The uniqueness of Cape Breton is its accessibility all year long, whether its frolicking on the beach in summer, skiing in winter, or hiking in the fall. The many hiking trails offer stunning views of the coastline, the plateaus, and the wonderfully green highlands.
6. Congaree. South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is among the newest of parks, earning its status in 2003. The park boasts the largest floodplain forest in North America. More than 70 tree species adorn the landscape housing numerous animals that can be viewed from literally anywhere in the park.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these destinations, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the experience of the national park without the hassle of crowds. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you’ll find. A whole new world is just waiting to be explored.


