Hey Ranger! The Ultimate Swiss Army Knife

For over 80 years, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog has offered unusual (and extravagant) gifts for the man or woman who apparently has everything else. Now, the folks at Hammacher Schlemmer have their own cutting-edge gift idea for the traveler and outdoor enthusiast: “The Only Complete Swiss Army Knife.” A Swiss Army Knife has been a staple on the outdoor scene for decades, but this version is apparently targeted more at those who prefer to hit the road instead of the trail. Tipping the scales at a robust two and three-quarter pounds, this won’t be the tool of choice for backpackers! For road warriors, however, there’s something on board this model for almost any situation. What does it take to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for “The Most Multifunctional Penknife”?  (Apparently the definition of “penknife” is rather broad!) How about “87 precision-engineered tools” that perform a reported 112 functions? You’d expect a good sampling of blades, screwdrivers and pliers on a Swiss Army Knife, and this model doesn’t disappoint in that category. However, in an effort to be sure that no sportsperson is left behind, the “Complete” version also caters to aficionados of the following activities: Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! What’s in Your Viewfinder?

Along with scenery, wild animals rank high on the list of favorite outdoor photo subjects, and for good reason. In areas such as national parks where they are legally protected from hunting, many birds and animals gradually lose their fear of humans, and can be approached much more closely than in other locations.  As the following story illustrates, that can create some interesting situations if you get too focused on what’s in your viewfinder instead of your wallet, and forget about the real world beyond your lens! Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! A Hot Potato

Just when you think you’ve heard it all for weird campground escapades, here’s one from (you guessed it) California. This wacky event was reported in the media, so I’ll share it with the qualifier that the following example of a hot potato is definitely a bad idea! Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! How Much Firewood is in a Cord?

The Internet can be a great source of information, but it isn’t foolproof. If you aren’t already familiar with the topic, taking on-line advice without a bit of checking can sometimes leave a person in a Melancholy Situation. A good example involves units of weight or measurement we don’t use on a regular basis, such as how much firewood is in a “cord.” Even campers who travel in a fully self-contained RV sometimes enjoy the ambiance of a wood fire at their site, and with the price of propane, some campers are using wood a little more often for cooking or a warming campfire. Locating legal firewood near a heavily used campground can be a challenge, however, especially late in the season. Start looking for “dead and down” wood close to camp and you’ll likely conclude that those hunter-gatherer genes are still well-represented in the campers who have come before you. Many campers just end up springing for a bundle or two of wood from the camp store, but firewood purchased that way can be pricey if you plan to use it on a regular basis. That’s probably the background for an item I spotted on an Internet message board, offering advice on how campers in one location could save some serious money on firewood by the cord. Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! Pocohontas Meets Hollywood

Have you ever visited a location because it was featured in a movie or TV show? Almost any Chamber of Commerce would be thrilled at the potential tourism traffic that can result from their town’s “stardom,” but fame can sometimes be a mixed blessing. A good example occurred a few years ago when Hollywood decided to bring Pocahontas to the big screen. Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! Where’s the Cattle Guard?

As you travel rural roads, especially in the West, you may spot a highway sign warning that a cattle guard is located ahead. Drivers from other parts of the country–especially city dwellers–have been known to look around and, after failing to spot anyone, ask “Where’s the cattle guard?” Perhaps news reports that cattle rustling is on the rise again due to higher beef prices are partly to blame for the confusion, but just for the record, a cattle guard bears no resemblance to either a crossing guard, a security guard – or a cowboy. Those signs are useful, however, since crossing one of those guards after driving for miles on a smooth highway can be a bit of a jolt . Those of us who live in the West don’t give those devices a second thought, but just in case they’re new to you, here’s the inside scoop–including the word on virtual cattle guards. Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! Need a Travel Game? Try Mascot Mayhem

Sooner or later we all experience one of those days when bad weather confines us to the camper, or perhaps you’re on the road and in desperate need of a diversion from “Are we there yet?” Either situation is a good opportunity to try a travel game I’ll call Mascot Mayhem. All you need is a state highway map or road atlas and a little imagination. If you’re a high-tech traveler, you can probably use the map on your GPS unit or laptop computer. Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! Pay in Advance for a Campsite?

One of the decisions we face when arriving at a campground is whether to pay for more than one night in advance. Sure, it’s convenient to ante up for several days or even an extended stay all at once, and some campgrounds may even require you to do so. If this is a location where you’ve stayed before, and you’re confident you’ll enjoy your visit, that may not be a problem. It’s good to keep in mind, however, that getting a refund can sometimes be a challenge, especially at government-run sites. If the people in the site next door turn out to be addicted to late-night karaoke, you may not want to have more invested in this campsite than you’re willing to write off. A good example of the perils of paying in advance was sent to me by a reader of RV.net. Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! Don’t Feed the Bears

If you were to compile a list of the terms most often associated with signs and regulations in parks, two would probably come to mind: “Keep off the Grass” and “Don’t Feed the Bears.” The implications of ignoring the one about bears are obviously a lot more serious! I’ll share an amusing story in this post, but it is important to follow good safety guidelines when it comes to bears. For some useful tips about bear safety, click here. Almost anyone who has camped for very long has heard or experienced “bear stories.” Some have become legends of sorts, and often serve as good examples of what not to do in the Great Outdoors. Whether they are true or simply woodsy versions of urban legends is sometimes hard to determine. Bryan Kramer, a reader of this blog from Florida, sent an e-mail with the background of one of those legendary tales. Read more  Read More →

Hey Ranger! Let Sleeping Snakes Lie

What do Hoover Dam, a rattlesnake, and cold water have in common? They’re all elements in a story that confirms the wisdom of a good rule for any outdoor trip: let sleeping snakes lie. Many people who enjoy the Great Outdoors worry about snakes. While it certainly pays to be cautious when it comes to any type of wildlife, the risk of being accosted by a snake is very small. You can greatly improve those odds by following three basic rules about snakes: (1) just leave them alone; (2) don’t put your hands, feet or any other body parts anyplace without looking first to ensure it isn’t already occupied by another life-form; (3) don’t assume that an immobile snake will remain in that condition if you violate rule number 1 or 2. Based on those guidelines, the two guys in the following story failed to receive any points toward their snakemanship badge. Read more  Read More →

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