Suzi’s Blog
The U.S. National Forest Campgrounds Guide website, www.forestcamping.com, is a wealth of information about developed campgrounds in all 176 national forests and grasslands across the country. It is basically an encyclopedia, straight forward and impersonal. Suzi’s Blog adds a little personal touch to the ForestCamping.com website with postings about our experiences, adventures, and discoveries along with other postings related to camping, national forests and grasslands, and family fund.
I am Suzi Dow and I hope you will find something interesting, something helpful, something informative, but mostly something that will help you get out and discover our national forests and grasslands.
Don’t be a headline this winter
Headline from last winter: Family in their recreational vehicle rescued from Oregon’s snow-covered wilderness There are lessons to be learned. Lesson 1 – Check the weather forecast. Storms can surprise even the most experienced. A weather radio is essential to any traveler. I remember enjoying a delightful stay at Gooseberry Lake Campground in Fishlake National Read More >>
Safe Wildlife Viewing Tips
Watching elk bed down for the night in an open field, a deer leaping gracefully over a downed tree or bears next to the road munching dandelions. These are some of the memorable wildlife encounters found in a national forest. Little wonder wildlife viewing is one of the top reason folks visit national forests and Read More >>
Words of wisdom from trees
Everything I need to know I learned from trees: It’s important to have roots. In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out. Don’t pin away over old flames. If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind Read More >>
BYOB and annoy an oil man
As we travel across the country, more and more places are sellinging re-useable bags. Makes good sense, especially if the merchant’s bag has something to promote their business. Here’s a posting from 2008 on the topic of re-useable bags and For years I have embarrassed my children and husband by practicing BYOB (a.k.a. Bring Your Read More >>
Is my MH a Black Hole for things?
Every year I debate my hair-style for the upcoming season. I like a shoulder-length pageboy style but a really short cut means less water needed to wash it and drying is faster. However, if I don’t cut it, I’ll be able to pull-it back into a ponytail or braid. But than there is the problem Read More >>
Apple and Cranberry Crisp
In my opinion, one of the trademarks of the RV lifestyle is innovation. Those innovations can range from repairing a broken screen door latch to a recipe using a little of this and a little of that. This recipe comes from the later. Tucked way in the fridge was some jelly cranberry sauce, while in Read More >>
Hickory – Special tree – Special nut
A great thing about our work is meeting so many great people and being exposed to their special interests. Years ago we met a man who enjoyed wood-carving. A favorite medium for him was the nuts of hickory trees. Through him we have learned more about hickory trees. Did you know hickory trees once grow Read More >>
Getting to Sleep when Camping
A good night’s sleep is important. I haven’t found any studies to prove it but I am a mom and have noticed a few things like: camping, hiking, swimming, and all those out-of-doors activities; a tummy full of good campfire prepared food; and, fresh, and breathing fresh air breathed during camping helps everyone sleep better. Read More >>
Samoa Cookhouse – Eat like a Lumberjack
The Samoa Cookhouse, at 908 Vance Avenue, Samoa (CA), is the last surviving cookhouse in the West. It continues to serve well-cooked “all-you-can-eat” food in the family or, as they called it “lumber camp,” style. Check the little museum and dining room walls for culinary items from the past and historical mementos from the area’s Read More >>
Las Vegas to Big Pine, CA – a long drive
Look at a US map and you’ll not – getting from Las Vegas, NV to Big Pine, CA is a long drive. About 160 miles across Nevada desert and maybe 90 miles up and over two mountain ranges, each with 7,000-plus mountain passes! That’s 250 miles with less than a dozen gas stations and even Read More >>
