pdf How to Camp Out

GETTING READY.

T

he hope of camping out that comes over one in early spring, the laying of

plans and arranging of details, is, I sometimes think, even more enjoyable

than reality itself. As there is pleasure in this, let me advise you to give a

practical turn to your anticipations.

Think over and decide whether you will walk, go horseback, sail, camp out

in one place, or what you will do; then learn what you can of the route you

propose to go over, or the ground where you intend to camp for the season.

If you think of moving through or camping in places unknown to you, it is

important to learn whether you can buy provisions and get lodgings along

your route. See some one, if you can, who has been where you think of

going, and put down in a note-book all he tells you that is important.

Have your clothes made or mended as soon as you decidewhat youwill need:

the earlier you begin, the less you will be hurried at the last.

You will find it is a good plan, as fast as you think of a thing that you want to

take, to note it on your memorandum; and, in order to avoid delay or haste,

3 JOHN MEAD GOULD

to cast your eyes over the list occasionally to see that the work of preparation

is going on properly. It is a good plan to collect all of your baggage into one

place as fast as it is ready; for if it is scattered you are apt to lose sight of some

of it, and start without it.

As fast as you get your things ready, mark your name on them: mark ev-

ery thing. You can easily cut a stencil-plate out of an old postal card, and

mark with a common shoe-blacking brush such articles as tents, poles, boxes,

firkins, barrels, coverings, and bags.

Some railroads will not check barrels, bags, or bundles, nor take them on

passenger trains. Inquire beforehand, and send your baggage ahead if the

road will not take it on your train.

Estimate the expenses of your trip, and take more money than your estimate.

Carry also an abundance of small change.

Do not be in a hurry to spend money on new inventions. Every year there is

put upon the market some patent knapsack, folding stove, cooking-utensil,

or camp trunk and cot combined; and there are always for sale patent knives,

forks, and spoons all in one, drinking-cups, folding portfolios, and marvels

of tools. Let them all alone: carry your pocket-knife, and if you can take

more let it be a sheath or butcher knife and a common case-knife.

Take iron or cheap metal spoons.

Do not attempt to carry crockery or glassware upon a march.

A common tin cup is as good as any thing you can take to drink from; and

you will find it best to carry it so that it can be used easily.[1]

Take nothing nice into camp, expecting to keep it so: it is almost impossi-

ble to keep things out of the dirt, dew, rain, dust, or sweat, and from being

broken or bruised.

Many young men, before starting on their summer vacation, think that the

barber must give their hair a "fighting-cut;" but it is not best to shave the