Another True Camping Story

My father was in the military and we moved to Iceland back in 58'. Iceland was a country founded by Vikings. The country was formed by volcanos to include mountains, valleys, lakes, caves, geysers, hot springs and so much more. Several volcanos are still active today. I joined the American Boy Scouts and we had many adventures with the Icelandic Boy Scouts. On one camping adventure, we met the Icelandic Boy Scouts up in a valley surrounded by mountains. Keep in mind that we camped only in the summer months. The temperatures rarely got above 50 degrees, but we were use to this. Our scout masters were military and we were always prepared for the unexpected to include cold weather gear of all types. The Scout masters always drove a jeep and we marched behind with our backpacks. We carried most everything we needed to include two man backpacking tents, cooking utensils, water, stoves ect. Our scout masters took a thirty man tent, k-rations just in case of an emergency. We met the Icelandic Scouts and set up our camps. The sun was out and a perfect time to go exploring. This camp out was suppose to be for three days. The next day the weather was starting to change, clouding up and getting colder. Later that afternoon it started to snow, something we did not expect. The snow really started coming down to include high winds. This storm continued all night and our scout masters told us to move our sleeping bags, clothes into the big tent. The Icelandic scouts were also invited to join us. There were around twenty in this large tent. We put our sleeping bags in a large circle, told stories, worked on our badges and ate K-rations. The snow and winds did not let up for four days. You can imagine what the parents were thinking because there was no communication. The scout masters always carried radios but due to the weather, they were not working. This freak storm lasted for four days. On the forth day, the snow and wind stopped. The sun came out and we all went out to look around at all the snow. Our two man backpacking tents were not to be seen because of all the snow. The big tent was all you could see. About an hour after the storm ended, we heard a yell from the direction of the mountains and saw an Icelandic rescue team skiing down the mountains pulling rescue gear on sleds. We started to yell, waving our arms. About the same time, here comes two helicopters from the military base. Little did we know that this was an international incident, which ended well. One helicopter took the Icelandic Scouts back to their capitol city of Reykjavik and the other helicopter took us back to the US military base. Our Scout masters stayed with the jeep and all the camping gear which was later lifted out by helicopters. A camping experience, I will always remember..Mike Carswell

Important things to know when tent camping

NEVER use any fuel burning, oxygen consuming device, in and around your tent. This includes any device that produce any fumes including stoves, lanterns, candles, hibachis, or heaters. This could result in carbon monoxide poisoning, injury or even death.

Never pitch a tent near a campfire and make sure a campfire is completely out when leaving the camp unattended.

Never spray your tent with bug spray.

Exercise care when using electricity in around your tent and never heat your tent with an electrical device.

There are many camping accessories that are safe to use in your tent. Battery powered camping lanterns, flashlights, and radios are just a few. Happy camping from Mike Carswell

Suggestions on Caring for your New Tent

After you have decided on the tent that meets your needs, there are a few things that you should do before going camping with your new tent. First thing is to inspect your tent and make sure all parts are present. Although setting up your tent is not difficult, reading the directions and actually setting up your tent is a good thing to do. After setting up your tent, check everything out. Breaking down your tent is important too. Being able to put the parts where they belong and folding your tent properly into the bag, will extent the life of your tent. You should set up and break the tent down two times, so when you go camping with your new tent, it will be an easy set up whether at night or day. Another suggestion is to carry a ground tarp to but under your tent floor. Your floor will last a long time and your body will appreciate it too. Another suggestion when camping with your new tent is to get your shovel and make a small trench around the outer perimeter of your tent. By doing this you will ensure water drainage away from your tent should it rain. The last and the most important thing to do is set up your tent within a few days after returning home, should you have to break your tent down in the rain. If you do not do this, your tent will mildew and most likely be toast when you use it next. Happy camping. Mike Carswell