Brighten Your Camping Trip With the Power of a Maglite Flashlight!

Tripping in the dark? Can’t see the trees? Time for the power of the Maglite Flashlights!

Maglite Flashlights are practically a staple in our camping gear and around our house. You won’t find a better or brighter flashlight.

I wouldn’t ever go camping without one. And if you know a bit of their history you’ll understand why.

In 1979 Mr. Anthony Maglica introduced the world to the first Maglite flashlight. He sought out the highest standards of quality and integrity. He was obsessed with fine engineering and the company continues to produce Maglite flashlights with that in mind.

North American made, the Maglite Flashlights are so durable and long lasting I’m sure our children will be able to pass them down to their children one day!

There are a large variety of styles, sizes and colours to choose from including the mini Maglite flashlight. The mini mag flashlight is just as rugged and durable as the full size Maglite flashlights but obviously a lot smaller and lighter. These are super clipped onto your backpack, used for reading in your tent and make the best flashlights to give to the kids.

What we love about the Maglight flashlights is how well made and tough they are. And there’s nothing delicate about the mini flashlight.

All of their flashlights come with the outer casing made of aluminum and is resistant to corrosion. They have a pretty strong light beam and come with two power settings, one full strength and a lower setting that conserves power and is great for reading at night or used inside the tent.

Of the large selection of models they make, we also like their Maglite led flashlight and their MagCharger – rechargeable flashlight.

All of these are made with high standards of quality and dependability, made of aluminum and are designed to be tough, rugged and long lasting.

Of course being both campers and hikers we also bring a few headlamps with us, especially when we’re backpacking. Being able to be hands free at night time is pretty important when you’re out in the back country. We have headlamps for the kids too and these are also a staple in our camping gear.

You can look at the cheaper, plastic flashlights but if you really want to get your money’s worth and have the brightest flashlight in the campground, look for the Maglite brand, you won’t be sorry and you won’t miss your way to the bathroom either.

Happy Camping!

Jetboat Sydney – 7 Reasons Why You Need To Do A Ride

Experiencing Sydney has never been this exciting! Skim through the waters of the world’s most beautiful harbor as wind, speed and water combined with the most picturesque of backdrops gives you the most thrilling and jaw-dropping jetboat ride you will ever be in!

A Sydney experience is never complete without doing a jetboat ride on the harbor’s waters. What is it that makes a jetboat ride in Sydney a must for every tourist and local? Find out why.

  1. Sydney features one of the most stunning harbors in the world. For a tourist, devoting time on the harbor is a must. A jetboat ride in Sydney can provide visitors of this remarkable city the excitement that they crave for, whilst getting access to an amazing city view from an entirely different perspective.
  2. For locals, a ride over the city’s waterway can become a perfect permanent vacation right where they live. Locals get to see the city in a whole new light, discover places never seen before and be astonished as your ride reveals Sydney in a way that you have never even imagined.
  3. The South Pacific climate is perfect for a boat ride and other water activities as the city provides the perfect setting of world famous golden beaches and harbors.
  4. Sydney is not only known as the Jewel of the South Pacific, it is also famous for its diversity. This diversity has had a great impact on the adventure sport industry. Such is the endless possibilities of things to do in Sydney that one adventure can directly correlate with another. Sydney packages can provide more than just skimming through fantastic waterways at unbelievable speed. Rides can also include scenic picnics, whale watching, and wave riding. Go places in style and be enthralled at seeing places of interest from a different angle. National Parks, the grand Opera House, the Harbor Bridge and other amazingly remote destinations in Sydney.
  5. A jetboat ride is one of the most affordable adventures in Sydney. Locations are abundant aside from the fact that jetboating has become very popular in Sydney, is one of the reasons why the adventure is not that pricey as compared to other thrill providing activities. Not to be mistaken as a dime a dozen sport, this adventure can actually have competitive prices because some outfitters have vessels that can accommodate as much as 60 passengers.
  6. Exploring Sydney by land is an adventure and you can complete it by exploring on water. It’s the perfect getaway from work’s demanding pressure as well as the best tourist attraction that would top things to do in Sydney.
  7. Adventure and thrill right down to the core is found in jetboating. You have everything you can possible need for this adventure. Bring yourself and your friends too, a jetboat ride will provide the thrill as Sydney provides the perfect setting.

Commercial Dog Food Verses Homemade Canine Food

Not many people know the truth when it comes to commercial dog food verses homemade canine food. There are many differences and reasons why you need to know what is being served to your pet. Just because something is approved to feed an animal does not mean it is the best for them. Not every dog responds to the same food in the same way. Knowing your dog and what he or she prefers helps. If you are not sure what is in your dog’s food, you need to go look. You may be surprised at what you are actually feeding him.

Fresh Verses Fake

Protein is a major component in your dog’s daily diet. The content and type of protein in commercial pet food verses homemade food is completely different. Commercial canine food offer poor protein sources that are not adequate. Animal by products such as ears, hair, lips, and hooves are not considered quality meat sources. Yet, these end up in our pet food and we are supposed to be alright with it. Homemade dog food offers you the chance to be sure that your dog is getting quality protein sources. You do not need to buy the best meat on the market, but you can buy actual meat. Using standard beef, chicken, or turkey will allow your dog to get the amount of actual protein each day it takes to stay healthy.

Filler Or Fuller

One of the many issues surrounding commercial dog food verses homemade canine food is that commercial foods are full of filler. These low digestible products are made to make our dogs feel full, but do not offer a high source of carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, or minerals. They are pure fiber and filler that make our dogs need to potty more. A lack of easily digestible carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes, or rice can make dogs lazy. It is the carbohydrate in a dog food that gives the dog the energy he or she needs. Not getting enough proper carbs can also make your dog very sick and require more vet care than usual. Making your own food offers you the chance to give your dog the proper energy he or she needs each day.

The Allergy Factor

Despite the fact that when it comes to commercial dog food verses homemade canine food, homemade food is healthier; your dog is less likely to be allergic to it. Allergies are common in many dog breeds. The most common type of dog allergy is a food allergy. These manifest in many ways and can cost a dog owner a lot of money. Commercial dog foods do not allow you to choose the ingredients that are put in it. Take into consideration the preservatives and additives to make it last months under your counter and it is no wonder why many dogs do not fare well on it, Homemade dog foods allow you to control what your dog eats and keeps allergies to a minimum. There is also no reason to add any chemicals, as fresh is best.

Camping 101 For First Time Campers

I recently met a new family the other day. She is the mother to 5 boys and 1 girl all under the age of 9. My kids are now good friends with her 6 kids and her and I have wonderful conversations about everything under the sun. We recently spoke at a picnic and in conversation I mentioned that our families should go camping together. She confessed that they had never gone camping. I stood there starring in disbelief thinking, how could this be? She added that they did not own a single piece of camping equipment either.

Later that night I shared this information with my husband. Although I was still shocked, he reminded me about the time we went to our local REI and participated in a family camping event. REI loaned out gear to the families who were interested in learning more about camping and trying out some new gear. They put on a free campfire show with a fantastic Spanish guitarist/storyteller, while we all enjoyed an evening of camping together.

During that fun trip, we all camped at a local campground just 20 minutes from our home. We met a dozen or so wonderful families and were amazed to learn that this was their very first time camping. I guess it just never dawned on me that there are so many families out there who have never experienced the joy, adventure and sheer fun of camping. Perhaps the reason might be that there is a huge fear of the unknown about camping with young children, or they simply do not have any camping gear so they never investigated the idea further.

Some basic and simple ideas to get started are:

  • Do not worry about gear. Just find a local KOA where you can rent a cabin for a few bucks for the night.
  • Survey the area you are thinking about camping at first for safety from cliffs, or other dangers for kids. Maybe even picnic there first.
  • Plan on one night excursions at first to get an idea of what food quantities will be needed for longer trips.
  • Bring food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and breakfast again as well as snacks – healthy ones of course.
  • Make a check list to help you confidently pack for your trip.
  • Always bring a first aid kit, just in case.
  • Bring some fun toys/games, flash lights, blankets, rain gear, and remember to bring a camera.
  • Prepare yourself for some real relaxation, and family bonding time.
  • Start thinking about other campground locations,and start planning your trips.
  • Bring appropriate clothing and rain gear to be comfortable in unpredictable weather.
  • Remember, you can always rent your gear at local sporting goods stores at reasonable prices, a tent, and some bags should suffice.

Through the years, I have discovered that not only does camping rejuvenate the soul and get you back in touch with the reality of life and nature, it is also one of the most affordable family activities out there.

So my quest is to help new campers to find the confidence, and information to get started on the journey of a lifetime, with minimal expense, for maximum results.