Our entire state is under an excessive heat warning until tomorrow night as the mercury continues to pass the 100-degree mark. For the past week we’ve been sweltering in oppressive temperatures that have exceeded 105 degrees. Yesterday, heat index values hit 115 degrees. And we’re not alone; more than 7,000 high temperature records were smashed this week in cities across the nation. To say it is “hot” is an understatement. In fact, for the first time in my life, I actually heard a warning to travelers to think twice about camping this week because of torrid temperatures. Personally, I can’t … Continue reading →

Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends, but not everyone loves roughing it in the great outdoors. Teenagers are especially reluctant to unplug from their daily digital lives in order to commune with nature on a family vacation. However, there are ways you can make camping fun for the entire clan. Being prepared for an extended stay outdoors is one way you can reduce apprehension and anxiety associated with camping. Before you even leave your driveway, check the weather forecast. If Mother Nature looks like she will be raining on your camping parade, you might consider … Continue reading →

Heck, with the record-breaking, summer-like temperatures sweeping the nation, why wait until July to rough it in the great outdoors? Our neighbor’s kids pitched a tent and slept outside Saturday night when the mercury was still in the 60s well after 10 p.m. Mind you, we live in Wisconsin where it snows in June and we’re lucky to see 70s in July. Naturally, my daughter wanted to join in on the fun, but I put the kibosh on that getaway. However, I did allow her to roast marshmallows with her pals and partake in some of the activities featured in … Continue reading →

Camping is one of the most affordable vacation options around. However, the idea of “roughing it” doesn’t appeal to all travelers, especially ones who are concerned about staying safe, healthy and happy while on holiday with their loved ones. Working with unpredictable elements can be intimidating for some folks; however, with a little planning, you can make the most of what Mother Nature doles out. For example, if you are worried that eating healthy may be out of the question during an outdoor camping trip, consider the following tips. For starters, you don’t have to limit your camping menu to … Continue reading →

“Cold” is a relative term when you live in Northern Wisconsin. After working at various TV newsrooms in the Dairy State, I’ve learned that people take offense no matter what you say about the weather… especially during the winter months. Whether we’re blanketed in two feet of snow and battling -40 degree wind chills or we’re dry and the mercury is holding steady at 20 degrees above zero, someone will find something to complain about. Interestingly, though, regardless of how bitterly cold it gets in these parts, there are some extreme travelers who will take to the woods in their … Continue reading →