<![CDATA[Camping Fantastic - Eat, Drink, Camp, Explore - Camping Fantastic Blog]]>Wed, 23 May 2012 23:41:04 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[The $100 startup.]]>Mon, 21 May 2012 18:54:52 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/05/the-100-startup.htmlChris Guillebeau is a world traveler, a  successful author, and travel hacker (earning thousands of frequent flyer miles without flying).  Currently, he is
on a quest to travel to every country in the world. 

Recently, I read his new book, "The $100 Startup".   As a writer and traveler, I enjoy reading his books because he's living my dream of an unconventional life that is full of adventure.  

For those that are interested in starting a new business but worried  about the startup cost, this book is a must read.  It describes several case studies of actual individuals that have started businesses with very little money, hence the title.  

Some helpful elements of the book include:
 
-The One-Page business plan

 -Six steps to get started

-How to come up with ideas (Idea Matrix)
 
The book is about business but not a "typical" business book.  You could say that the book is more about freedom.  Would starting a business create more freedom for you?   Could you earn more money and have more free time?   Is this your solution to finally escaping the 9-5 workday and getting out  to explore the world?    I hope you like the book, but more importantly, I hope  it causes you to take  action.
  
Discover the answer for yourself.  Click on the link below to purchase  your own copy of this potentially life changing book.

]]><![CDATA[The Cog Railway at Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 23:46:24 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/05/the-cog-railway-at-pikes-peak-in-colorado-springs-colorado.html
There are a few ways to make it to the top of Pike's Peak.  You can drive, hike, or take the cog railroad.  The railroad is the easiest and the least scary.  The Barr trail starts in Manitou Springs and travels over 21 miles with an elevation gain of 7500 feet.  This hike is not for everyone and if the weather changes this route can prove to be very dangerous.  Or you may drive up to the top of Pike's Peak but the road contains no guardrails. 

On my trip I took the cog railway to the summit.  At 14,110 feet, Pike's Peak is one of the "fourteens" of Colorado.  If you have not experienced high altitude you may feel nauseous or light headed at the top.  If you feel this way it is advised to eat light snacks, drink plenty of water and rest.   

A cog railway is a train that is able to travel at very steep grades, as much as 25%. The track has three rails and uses a Abt rack system and cog wheels in order to climb the steep grade.
 (  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abt_rack_system#Abt )

The railway operates year round (though there may be times when it will only proceed to the halfway point due to snow and unfavorable conditions at the summit) and only closes to extreme weather.  Often it is the wind and not the snow that causes the railway not to operate.  Winds of 100 mph or more can occur at the summit.  I visited the summit in April and the road was closed due to icy and snowy conditions, but the railway was open and we made it to the top.

The temperature at the top of Pike's Peak was only 15 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -5.  Your experience may vary but it goes without saying that warm clothes and proper attire are highly recommended, even in the summertime. 

The view is beautiful and amazing and on a clear day you can see the Rockies and the Great Plains.  Visit the Camping Fantastic Facebook page to view more pictures and video of my Colorado adventure.  

Manitou & Pike's Peak Cog Railway
http://cograilway.com/alongroute.htm
]]><![CDATA[Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, near Canon City Colorado]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 15:07:28 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/05/royal-gorge-bridge-and-park-near-canon-city-colorado.htmlThe Suspension bridge at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is one of the highest in the world.  At 965 feet from the deck to the Arkansas River below this is the highest bridge in the United States.  It is somewhat  frighting to walk across, or even drive across this bridge, however the views are incredible. The bridge spans about 1/4 of a mile over the Gorge. 
 
The park offers rides, an incline railroad and a petting zoo. The summer time is considered the busy season.   Another option is to ride the Royal Gorge Railroad into the canyon for a different view of the canyon (looking up).  You can drink wine on the train while watching daring rafters conquer the Arkansas River.  The railroad twists through the canyon and travels under the bridge.  This railroad is a separate attraction from the park but I would highly recommend trying both attractions as they are so close to one another.  See below for pictures and information.
 
Royal Gorge Bridge and  Park:
http://royalgorgebridge.com/Home.aspx
 
Royal Gorge Railroad:
https://www.royalgorgeroute.com/

]]><![CDATA[Off to Denver............]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:09:55 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/04/off-to-denver.htmlI am off to Denver next week taking a 30 hour train trip from Sacramento to Denver.  Once in Colorado I will explore many locations- The Fat Tire Brewery, Coors Brewery, Estes Park, Boulder, Denver, Casa Bonita, A unique efficiency cottage rental experience and more.  I plan to share the most interesting parts on here.  Up until now 95% of the blog has focused on camping, hiking, and exploring exciting locations in California.  But as I escape to Colorado a state just as awesome as California I feel that I should share what this state has to offer.  What is your favorite place in Colorado?  Anything I shouldn't miss?  
Stay tuned, more to come............................  ]]><![CDATA[The Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Ramona CA]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:05:52 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/04/the-ramona-grasslands-preserve-ramona-ca.htmlThe Ramona Grasslands Preserve is great for walking, exploring, or horseback riding.  A few small benchs can be found along the main trail that would be perfect for a mid day picnic.  Bring your camera as the views in this park are stunning.  Many small trails can be seen along the way but they were created by cattle or small animals and are not considered to be part of the main trail.  After veering off the trail we were advised by the volunteer patrol (they ride on horseback) that you must stay on the main trail.  So while tempting to veer off the trail this action is prohibited despite no visible signs in the park or on the park's website indicating this rule.  The park also contains a small pond.  You can even see where native americans ground up acorns in the rocks.  If you are planning a trip to Ramona, CA this park should not be missed. 

Find out more here:

Ramona Grasslands Preserve
]]><![CDATA[Want to see in the dark? Light your campground and cook or play in the dark.]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:22:13 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/02/want-to-see-in-the-dark-light-your-campground-and-cook-or-play-in-the-dark.htmlOnce it gets dark you will need to see to walk to the bathroom, to cook, or to eat.  The propane lantern is thought of as the most common lantern used during a camping outing but a headlamp, or handheld battery lantern can be used as well. Each type of lamp has some pros and cons. See below for more information.  Glowsticks are best for decoration or even for a camping dance party. 

Battery Powered Lights (Headlamp or Lantern)

Pros:
Lasts longer than a propane lantern

Cons:
Batteries can be expensive

Solar Powered Lights

Pros:
Great for Decoration, No batteries needed

Cons:
Can only be used at night and often less bright

Propane or Gas powered Lights

Pros:
Propane is affordable, Lantern is bright

Cons:
Batteries last longer, Sometimes difficult to light or dangerous,
Glass can break if lantern falls over

If decorating your campsite is the goal, I would use glow sticks or solar accent lights.  Battery power is the easiest to use but the large lantern I used needed 8 d batteries.  Unless you buy a off brand these batteries can be very expensive.  See below to see what lights I used on my most recent camping trip.  What lights do you prefer to lighten your campsite? Have you used any of the below products?



]]><![CDATA[San Antonio Falls, Angeles National Forest, near Mt. Baldy ]]>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:27:14 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/01/san-antonio-falls-angeles-national-forest-near-mt-baldy.htmlSan Antonio Falls, at about 100 feet, is one of the most impressive falls in the Southern California area.  These falls are easy to get to via a short hike at only 1.2 miles round trip.  If you are hiking to the top of Mt. Baldy, these falls are a nice detour along the way.  The waterfall consists of three tiers and is best viewed after a rainfall. 

To reach the falls, park at the edge of the road near the gated Falls Road just past the Manker Flats campground.  An adventure pass will be needed.  Walk up the paved road and at the hairpin curve at 0.6 miles is where you will start to see the falls.  This is also where the road turns to dirt.  A dirt path at the road's bend provides better access to the falls.

To get there:

From Pasadena:

Take 210 freeway east
Exit Mountain Ave.
Turn Left and drive north about 5 miles to Mt. Baldy Road 
Continue on Mt. Baldy Road about 5 miles and past the Mt.Baldy village 
Park near Falls Road (left side) just past the Manker Flats Campground
The trailhead is at the locked gate on Falls Road
]]><![CDATA[Short hike in Sycamore Canyon Park, Diamond Bar CA]]>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:56:58 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/01/short-hike-in-sycamore-canyon-park-diamond-bar-ca.htmlIf you are looking for a short hike to fit into your busy schedule Sycamore
Canyon Park in Diamond Bar is the spot.  A hike to the top of the park is only
0.6 miles but  the walk is peaceful and relaxing.  Many trees provide shade and
there are benches along the way if you need a quiet place to sit.  The park even
has a small waterfall. 

This park is great for hiking or a picnic.  The park also contains a baseball diamond and a small  playground.  At one time the park had a large scary slide that went down a steep hill but it has been removed for safety.  Now a smaller and tame playground  remains.  This park can be accessed via Diamond Bar Blvd or Golden Springs Drive  in Diamond Bar.  If you cross the street at Diamond Bar Blvd you can access the  more challenging Steep Canyon Trail  via  Steep Canyon Road. 

Sycamore Canyon Park is my favorite park in Diamond Bar and I hope that you enjoy it.

The  park is located at:
 
22930 Golden Springs Drive
Diamond Bar, CA  91765
]]><![CDATA[Hermit Falls Via Chantry Flat]]>Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:44:42 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/01/hermit-falls-via-chantry-flat.htmlThe trail is accessed from the Chantry Flat parking area (look  for signs).

These falls are not as impressive as nearby Sturtavant Falls but  this short hike is fun nonetheless.  It is an upside down hike so the return trip is less pleasant,
specifically the un-shaded parts.  
 
If spiders and/or spider webs scare you this hike  should be avoided.  Many spider  webs are visible along the hike especially along the creek, within the trees,  and in the surrounding brush.

Most of the trail is easy to follow and contains helpful signs,  but when you reach the creek the correct path can be confusing.  You can cross the creek either to the right via the horse trail or use the other trail to the left.   Either way you must cross the creek and then take the trail to the  right.  You will pass a cabin on  your left and eventually see a sign that reads "First Water 3/4 Jct.".  From this point you are only 3/4 of a  mile away from the falls. Hermit  Falls are very anti climatic compared to the majestic Sturtavant Falls.  The trail leads to a rock pool and a  group of large slippery rocks.  Please be very careful when walking on the rocks, and cliff diving is not  recommended.  There are actually
three falls at this location.  If  you are facing the rock pool you can see two small falls to your left and one  larger waterfall to your right.  From this location only the top of the larger waterfall can be safely viewed.  Although tempting, I would  not try to gain a better view of these falls as that would be unsafe, and could lead to serious injury.  
 
I was disappointed at the amount of trash at this location and the appearance of graffiti on the nearby rocks.  Despite these eyesores, Hermit Falls  would be a great place to have a picnic or just sit and relax.  Make sure to pack out all of your trash and if possible do a good deed  and pack out the trash of others.  
 
If you brought a water filter this would be a good time to refill your canteen, but drinking directly from the creek without proper water filtration is not advised.  To see the water filter that I use just click on the link below (affliate link).  
The return trip is mostly uphill and as with any hike, plenty of water is
needed.

Hermit Falls is a nice hike and relatively short at only 2.4 miles round trip.  If you have never hiked to Sturtavant Falls I would do that hike first as it is easier and more impressive.  However this hike provides a nice workout that is more exciting than your local gym.

TO GET THERE:

From Pasadena:
Take the I-210 East 
Take Santa Anita Ave exit
Turn left onto North Santa Anita Ave 
Continue onto Chantry Flats Rd

Look for the Chantry Flats Parking Lot  (end of road)
 
2201-2299 Forest Route 2N40,
La Canada Flintridge, California
91011

Look for trailhead signs (Hermit Falls)

Water filter that I use while hiking:
]]><![CDATA[The Camping Fantastic Adventure Club]]>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:32:51 -0800http://www.campingfantastic.com/2/post/2012/01/the-camping-fantastic-adventure-club.htmlJoin now:

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