Recent content by HikerChick

I have a distinct memory of the only time since learning how to ride a bike, of falling off of my bike. It was a very steep hill, though those in the group I was in climbed it without too much trouble (just a lot of effort!). Just as I was about to hit the crest, it was like I ran out of juice...

I'm loving the book recommendations, guys, thank you. I have an ebook reader and I can just buy those books and download them to the reader and decide for myself what I need. I love reading - it's the best way I learn!

My parents took us on camping trips from when we were very young, so I don't really remember my first. The first time I really felt like I was truly "camping," though, was with my mother and extended family on a beach where we had to bring our own water, dig our own "toilets", and for the first...

Jobiwan, that sounds like quite an experience and I'm glad that everything turned out ok! I'm not sure if I've ever hiked alone in a place unfamiliar enough that I wouldn't be able to have general idea of which direction to head in to reach civilization and help - but if I ever did, I know I'd...

I've used sharp cheddar cheese both out on the ocean as well as in lakes, and with a lot of success. People laughed at me at first for using cheese in the ocean, but hey, I caught as many fish as they did with their squid bait!

I have fished in both, and I think I prefer freshwater. Being out on the ocean or even on the shore means your out in the sun, and while the salt air feels good at first, it starts to get sticky and dehydrating very fast.

I've never used a starter log for a campfire, only for my fireplace at home. I've never had to consider cooking over a starter-log fire, so I guess I can't really help you there.

I know someone who uses a moped for just about everything except big grocery shopping trips - way better than burning gas with the family van!

I once got lost while hiking down a hill. Recent rains had cut multiple "paths" into the ground and I wandered off the actual trail onto one of them...found myself at the top of a precipice and knew I was lost. Fortunately, I knew that I just needed to keep heading downhill to eventually hit my...

I don't know about that AK: I really like mine falling off the bone. A lot. And I've had it falling off the bone and not overcooked plenty of times at restaurants - it'd be nice to have some on a camping trip!

Thanks for the link, Refrigerator! I'm a fan of beef jerky as well, Jade, especially if I have what I need to make it myself. :) I appreciate all of the suggestions, guys, and will be seeing what works on my next trip.

How much do lessons in horseback riding cost in your area? I've been calling around a few places for my niece, thinking some lessons would be a nice Christmas gift, but it's so expensive!

Same here, Pumpy. I have no desire to give up the skill of perfect marshmallow roasting; finding that perfect part of the fire where the embers are just the right temperature...getting that brown without burning. Mmmmm...

They have been domesticated, and I wouldn't be too surprised if it were possible. However, whether it was being done safely would be my question. All animals can bite, of course, but llamas haven't exactly been bred for their tempers...

I'm not a fan of guns, and we have too many guests and children around for our dog to be a meanie to strangers. Our apartment was broken into last year just before Christmas, so since then we've installed an alarm system that calls the police and us if it goes off while we're not home, or the...