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Spring Camping - Not Just Yet
Last month I wrote about properly preparing your gear before Spring arrives, and the call to camp is heard. But as I write this months article, most of the middle part of the country is buried in that cold white stuff. And folks in the Northeast are still recovering from the last blizzard. And it was a big one.
We're pretty spoiled here in the desert southwest. Rarely do we see storms that shut down an entire city or region, and even more rare is the sight of snow. Just the mention of rain is usually enough to double or triple the number of freeway fender-benders from a normal day. Last week we had a storm that dropped the snow level to 2000 feet. It's a rare and strange sight to see snow on the mountains around San Diego.
This is also the best time of year for camping around here. The desert temperatures generally range from 70's during the day, to 50's at night. Perfect camping weather, considering that come May those temps will jump to over 100 degees during the desert daytime. So we really look forward to March and April desert camping.
Next week we will depart on our first of several trips this spring. This time we are heading into some very remote and rugged country in central Arizona. I recently read about some great old 'ghost-mines' that we will try to find. So, following my own advice, we've spent our evenings over the past few weeks inspecting and repairing our gear, replacing what was lost or broken, and getting ready for another great season of camping adventures.
We're also hoping to catch and early desert bloom. It is quite amazing to see the stark, brown desert explode in color during the spring. It doesn't happen every year, but the desert has received more than normal rain this winter, and we are hopeful that our timing next week is right. We'll be posting updates and photos from along the way all next week on our Facebook page, so please follow along and enjoy the scenery.
If you haven't already joined us on Facebook - please take a moment to visit our page and become a PahaQue Fan. Now more than ever, camping is a great escape from the crazy, hectic world, a place where quiet, solitude, fresh air and star-filled nights await. And it is always better in a PahaQue tent or shelter.
Thank you for being a member of our growing PahaQue family. We appreciate your support past and present that has allowed us to live our dream of designing and building the best camping tents and shelters available. Now more than ever we remain committed to offering our customers the very best in quality and performance, backed with excellent customer service.
I hope to see you 'round the campfire soon!
Jeff Basford
President
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This year PahaQue is 1 of 5 finalists in the
Camping.About 2013 Readers Choice Awards! We need your support!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE
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Since Spring has decided to delay its return, we've decided to extend our Spring Sale deadline on a select few items. Hurry to save before Spring and our 2013 prices take effect!
Get up to 40% off our 2012 prices while supplies last!
Sale Deadline Extended to Friday Mar 15th
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Bear Creek 200 2 Person Backpacking Tent
 | | Bear Creek 200 Tent |
The Bear Creek 200 Tent is PahaQue's first two-person backpacking tent. With a full mesh body, it is designed to provide a wide-open, "sleeping under the stars" feeling on dry nights, as well as a dry and secure environment when the weather turns nasty. Designed as a free-standing tent, the Bear Creek 200 will provide complete protection, in any weather. High-quality 8.5mm T6 6061 shock-corded pole set provides a strong and lightweight frame. Bathtub style floor keeps ground water out so you stay dry. Almost 36 square feet of usable interior space makes this a roomy two person tent, and the rainfly vestibule adds an additional 6.5 square feet of protected space for gear and other items.
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 | | Green Mountain 4-Person Tent |
Green Mountain 4-Person Tent
The Green Mountain Tent is designed to provide a wide-open, airy feeling in good weather, as well as a dry and roomy environment when the weather turns nasty.
The Green Mountain 4 Person Tent is engineered to combine function and innovation, bringing campers the best value possible in comfortable and versatile camping gear.
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Cottonwood LT Shade Shelter
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Cottonwood LT 10x10 Shade Shelter
The Cottonwood is another innovative product from PahaQue Wilderness, the company that truly understands the quality level demanded by those who take the outdoors seriously, whether it's a family gathering in the park, a fishing trip by the river, or fully equipped campsite. Paha Que insists on using the finest materials and components available. The Cottonwood is the result of this blend of design and production skills.
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 | | T@B Trailer Side Tent |
T@B Trailer SideTent
Introducing our new T@B Trailer Tent! Double the amount of protected interior space with this easy to set-up, hi-performance tent from PahaQue Custom Shop. Installs easily using the awning rail already installed on your trailer, the T@B Trailer SideTent by PahaQue creates a completely sealed, bug-free and waterproof environment for your gear and guests! 100% Made in the USA. Use coupon code TAKE20OFF
Normally $799 SALE PRICE - $639
SALE ENDS Mar 15th, 2013 AT MIDNIGHT
**Please Note - sales prices will NOT be shown at time of order, but ALL prices will be adjusted to the sales price before your payment is billed. Please call us toll-free at 888.700.TENT (8368) for questions and complete information |
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CELESTIAL NAVIGATOR from PahaQue
Why does the Moon have phases?
The Moon has phases because it orbits Earth, which causes the portion we see illuminated to change. The Moon takes 27.3 days to orbit Earth, but the lunar phase cycle (from new Moon to new Moon) is 29.5 days. The Moon spends the extra 2.2 days "catching up" because Earth travels about 45 million miles around the Sun during the time the Moon completes one orbit around Earth.
At the new Moon phase, the Moon is so close to the Sun in the sky that none of the side facing Earth is illuminated (position 1 in illustration). In other words, the Moon is between Earth and Sun. At first quarter, the half-lit Moon is highest in the sky at sunset, then sets about six hours later (3). At full Moon, the Moon is behind Earth in space with respect to the Sun. As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight (5).
When is the Harvest Moon?
The full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox is commonly referred to as the "Harvest Moon," since its bright presence in the night sky allows farmers to work longer into the fall night, reaping the rewards of their spring and summer labors. Because the equinox always falls in late September, it is generally a full Moon in September which is given this name, although in some years the full Moon of early October earns the "harvest" designation.
In fact, each full Moon of the year has its own name, most of which are associated with the weather or agriculture. The most common names used in North America include:
January -- Moon after Yule
February -- Snow Moon (or Hunger Moon)
March -- Sap Moon
April -- Grass Moon
May -- Planting Moon
June -- Honey Moon
July -- Thunder Moon
August -- Grain Moon
September -- Fruit Moon (or Harvest Moon)
October -- Hunter's Moon (or Harvest Moon)
November -- Frosty Moon
December -- Moon before Yule
What is a Blue Moon and when is the next one?
Because the time between two full Moons doesn't quite equal a whole month, approximately every three years there are two full Moons in one calendar month. Over the past few decades, the second full Moon has come to be known as a "blue Moon." The next time two full Moons occur in the same month (as seen from the United States) will be July 2015. The most recent "blue Moon" occurred in August 2012.
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?
The Moon always shows us the same face because Earth's gravity has slowed down the Moon's rotational speed. The Moon takes as much time to rotate once on its axis as it takes to complete one orbit of Earth. (Both are about 27.3 Earth days.) In other words, the Moon rotates enough each day to compensate for the angle it sweeps out in its orbit around Earth.
Gravitational forces between Earth and the Moon drain the pair of their rotational energy. We see the effect of the Moon in the ocean tides. Likewise, Earth's gravity creates a detectable bulge -- a 60-foot land tide -- on the Moon. Eons from now, the same sides of Earth and Moon may forever face each other, as if dancing hand in hand, though the Sun may balloon into a red giant, destroying Earth and the Moon, before this happens.
March Full Moon - Thurs 3-8-13
NIGHT SKY OBSERVING TIPS
- Adjust to the dark: If you wish to observe faint objects, such as meteors or dim stars, give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
- Light Pollution: Even from a big city, one can see the moon, a handful of bright stars and sometimes the brightest planets. But to fully enjoy the heavens - especially a meteor shower, the constellations, or to see the amazing swath across the sky that represents our view toward the center of the Milky Way Galaxy - rural areas are best for night sky viewing. If you're stuck in a city or suburban area, a building can be used to block ambient light (or moonlight) to help reveal fainter objects. If you're in the suburbs, simply turning off outdoor lights can help.
- Prepare for skywatching: If you plan to be out for more than a few minutes, and it's not a warm summer evening, dress warmer than you think necessary. An hour of observing a winter meteor shower can chill you to the bone. A blanket or lounge chair will prove much more comfortable than standing or sitting in a chair and craning your neck to see overhead.
For more visit stardate.org
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The Gear Doctor
How to Prep Your Gear for the New Season
It's February, right? Still too cold to go camping, except maybe Arizona. That gives you a few months to "prep" your gear for the first trip. I've divided the gear into categories:
STOVE
Open up the stove and remove all cobwebs. Attach propane bottle and fire it up. Does it fire up the first time? Does the piezo-electric spark light the gas? If you answered no to either of these, it's time for a little clean up. Cut a small section (6"-8") of thin gauge wire and insert into gas jet. Ream it a few times gently to open the airway. Wipe the piezo-electric jet with a clean cloth and remove anything blocking the jet. Try firing up the stove again. Check levels of propane in the tanks. Do this by shaking the tank. Then feel where the tank is cold. Ideally the tank should have more than half the gas still in it, or you'll need another one for backup. Wipe down the grill and stove deck, making sure all are clean. Use Windex or something similar, with a paper towel or soft cloth.
TENT
Take out the old battle-axe and set 'er up. Poles should not be bent or broken. Any that are? Replace or repair right away. Once tent is set up, check inside for mildew or peeling tape (if it's equipped with tape). Cut any peeled tape and replace with new. REI carries "K tape" that can be cut by width and length, and is waterproof on seams (clear color only). Are there any holes or tears in the canopy? Use K Tape to repair (any color will do....). You may also zig zag a clean tear on the sewing machine, or with a hand needle/thread. Handy if you have a thimble for this. Tape over stitching to keep dirt out. Treat mildew with spray-on Clorox cleanup. Wipe off after 5 minutes with sponge and water. Do not leave Clorox on tent, rinse completely. Check pole sleeves and stake loops to be sure they're intact. Some repairs will need professional sewing; REI has a repair dept and will ship your tent out to be sewn. Allow 2-3 weeks for this. If you want to wash your tent, the best way is to hose it down first, then use a washcloth with a small dab of detergent to wipe all over the outside. Rinse well and let dry COMPLETELY before packing. Mildew happens when moisture is still on the tent when put away. Use the bag from the manufacturer to store your tent in a cool, dry place.
SLEEPING BAG
Check bag for ease of zipper use. If zipper is sticky, you can put graphite or wax on the zipper teeth to help lubricate it. Tri-flow (yes, for bicycles) works quite well too....but be sure to wipe off any excess. Zip the zipper up and down several times to get the lube on all the teeth. Is the bag dirty? Follow last month's advice on how to wash your bag. Always use a storage sack, not a stuff sack, for storing the bag. Pillow cases with a drawstring at the top can be substituted if you do not have the storage sack. Do not use Clorox based cleaning solvents on sleeping bags, only gentle scent-free detergent.
KITCHEN
Check that all pots/pans/utensils are clean. Add necessities such as paper towels, dish soap, clean towels, and scouring powder such as Ajax. If you use cast iron, be sure to have a small container of vegetable oil for keeping it lubed after cleaning. Make a list of household items you like to take camping, and then check them off as you pack them.
CLOTHING
Get out that favorite parka you only wear camping. Is it stinky? Give it a good wash. Check long underwear for holes if they are wool based. Use good thick socks for hiking.
Next month, we'll compile a list of camping gear that makes for a fun trip. Stay tuned and see what sorts of goodies the Doc has in store for the most memorable camping trips. Till then, give your gear a good once over and clean/repair as needed. You can put a tag on each item with the date checked so you know when it was last completed.
HAPPY SPRING CLEANING!!
----The Gear Doctor
Contributed by Anita Hudson Easton - 20 year industry veteran, and PahaQue's very own Gear Doctor!
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Whether you are a tent camper, or a trailer camper, PahaQue has what you need to make your outdoor experience the best it can be by providing top-quality products designed and manufactured with pride. We stand behind every product we make with a Lifetime Warranty. Since 1997 - Serious Outdoor Adventure Gear by PahaQue. PahaQue Wilderness 13125 Danielson Street #105 Poway, CA 92064 888.700.TENT (8368) |
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