Blog on a Log
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Mantario Hiking Trail Reopens!
Great news for long distance hikers of the Manitoban variety: last week Manitoba fire rangers and parks staff worked to clear the damage from last October's snow storm on the long distance Mantario Hiking Trail. Yesterday park officials announced the trail has been officially reopened and is now ready to receive a new season of hikers!
The Mantario is one of Manitoba's only long-distance backcountry trail, stretching roughly 62-km along the Manitoba/Ontario border. Water resistant trail maps are available from both Wilderness Supply Winnipeg locations.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
5 Forgotten Camping Essentials Under $30
There's lots to remember when you head out to the great outdoors, but you don't need to break the bank to do it right. Whether you're heading out for the weekend or going further afar, a few inexpensive items can go a long way to making your trip an enjoyable one.
Camping Tarp
Whether you're protecting your cook area from a light evening rain, laying out a feast during a picnic lunch, or keeping the dew off the portage packs, a camping tarp might be one of the most useful multi-purpose items you can bring with you. The Outbound tarps are washable, rot-proof, and reinforced for years of use around the home, cabin or campsite.
$15
Sleeping Bag Liner
Have a sleeping bag that isn't quite cutting it for warmth? Adding a liner can increase the warmth rating of your bag anywhere from 2 to 10 degrees, all while wicking moisture and adding to the longevity of your bag. It's an inexpensive way to extend a summer-weight bag into the shoulder seasons or make a always-cold sleeper more comfortable.
$29
Extra Tent Pegs
You know how pegs get lost or misplaced, and then one day you go to set up your tent only to find you're missing a few crucial elements? Avoid that headache altogether by picking up a few extra pegs to take along. You'll thank us next time your tent holds through that summer storm that leaves everyone else blown over.
$1-$3
Tent Lantern
You can't beat a headlamp for hands-free viewing, but when you just want a gentle light for changing or in-tent cards, a Micro LED Lantern is the clear winner. This little light punches well above its weight, casting a 2 meter ring of light to illuminate your whole tent. The best part? At 2 inches tall and less than 1 oz, you can leave it clipped in your tent year-round - it's small enough to not get in the way when packed, and then always ready as soon as you set up your tent.
$9.99
Waterproofing
When your tried-and-tested gear starts showing its age, a little re-finishing can extend its life for multiple seasons. A simple spray-on or wash-in treatment can make your rain jacket or tent fly repel water like new, keeping you and your gear warm and dry even in the harshest conditions. Try it to keep your favourite gear ready to go for years to come.
$16.99
What are your camping essentials? Is there one thing you always forget to take?
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Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Mess-Free Camp Cooking: Easy Egg Scramble in a Bag
'Bag boiling' is a great way to cook around the campfire with no messy pot cleanup. We met with Breakfast Television Winnipeg to share one of our favourite recipes for eating well in the great outdoors: Egg Scramble in a Bag
Recipe
(Perfect for No-Mess Camping Breakfasts and Picky Eaters!)
Ingredients (per camper):
- 2 eggs
- 1 handful shredded cheese (~1/2 cup)
Optional:
- 3T diced onion
- 3T diced green pepper
- 2 slices thick cut ham or back bacon, cubed
- 3T salsa
- Cracked black pepper
At-Home Prep
In individual, sandwitch-sized bags combine eggs, cheese and whatever optional ingredients desired by each camper. Seal, squeezing out as much air as possible, and mix well by shaking/massaging the bag. If you have created different recipes, write the campers' name on each bag with a permanent sharpie marker. Keep refrigerated or in a cooler until cooking.
At the Campsite
Boil water in a large enough pot to fit all the bags. When water is boiling, add bags directly to the pot and cook for approximately 14 minutes, or until contents do not look runny. When done, remove bags from the water (carefully!- use tongs or pliers). Open or cut bags, and roll out a delicious egg scramble breakfast, ready to eat! Dispose of used bags in a bear-safe garbage site, and use the boiled water for coffee, hot chocolate, or washing dishes.
Tips:
- Kids can have fun helping choose the ingredients their own scramble concoctions, and squishing the bags to mix all the ingredients together!
- Do not be tempted to leave the edges of bags hanging over the sides of the pot for easy access. The plastic will not melt if submerged in the water, but may melt against the hot outer side of the pot.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Free Entry into Manitoba Parks this Weekend
Entry into all Manitoba Provincial Parks will be free this weekend, June 7th-9th. A fishing license is also not required on June 8th and 9th in all Manitoba provincial parks.
The break from usual park fees is meant to encourage Manitoban families to get out and enjoy the province's many natural resources. "I want Manitobans to take this opportunity to create wonderful memories with family and friends," said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh, "enjoying the beauty and bounty of our many lakes and rivers, and the wide range of outdoor activities available in our parks."
The free weekend may come as a relief to some Manitobans after the reinstatement of park entrance fees last year. Park permits once again become mandatory starting Monday, June 10th, costing $40 for one year.
Government of Manitoba Press Release
Photo via Travel Manitoba on Flickr
Related Articles:
2013 Manitoba Park Passes Now Available
How to Camp... In Manitoba
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Whiteshell Red Pine Forest Under Attack
The gorgeous Red Pine Plantation forest near Faloma is currently being considered as a site for a new cemetery, meaning the clearing of the majority of this beautiful highlight of the South Whiteshell Trail.
There is so little red pine in the Falcon area, and it would be a shame to loose the natural beauty of this portion of the trail. Please take a moment to write to Kevin Kowaski and Sue Aitkin to request an alternate location be found and join the fight to save the trail:
kelvin.kowaski@gov.mb.ca
sue.atkin@gov.mb.ca
Photo JanetandPhil via Flickr.