Rancho Los Coches RV Park

San Diego's best kept secret

Keeping the Outside Out

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Protect your RV from the sunWe live in an incredible area and love the sun and sand that comes with it. Unfortunately both of these advantages can age your RV interior if you don’t take measures to protect your rig from each of them. We’ve learned some good tips from the RVers who stay in our park and wanted to share a few of them with you.

Shoes. Here in California shoes tend to be open and easy but they do collect sand. Many people adopt a no-shoes policy in their rig. Not only can sand be annoyingly gritty when it is scattered on the floor but it can accelorate the wear of your flooring. RVs are a big investment and leaving your shoes at the door is a small measure that can go a long way in extending the shine and beauty of that lovely new floor.

Rugs. Most RVers use are particular about the rugs they keep outside their door. In this sunny climate we can experience a problem with outside equipment fading. We have spoken to a few people who swear by the Presto Fit Patio Rug . Its backing keeps dirt from coming up through it, can be hosed clean, is fade resistant, and is reasonably priced. You can get them at Amazon and Camping World.

Shades. The sun can and will fade your interior furnishings if allowed to shine inside your rig too often and for too long. Most rigs come complete with shades but serious RVers have been known to upgrade their shades to something that blocks more light. You can talk to a dealer about this and to get an idea of pricing.

The sun is a wonderful thing. Many who come from the eastern states are almost hungry for it. But, like most things, moderation is key and this applies not just for your skin but for your RV as well.

Camping & RVing with Kids

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camping with kidsIt’s a wonderful thing to share with the younger generation. The beautiful scenery and pure air of the outdoors as well as the wildlife and starry nights can’t be bought or duplicated. On any given weekend, a meteor may cross the night sky that would not only be a
pleasure for your kids but also any of their friends that are invited to join on the trip. Just one camping trip can persuade your kids to enjoy the environment and all it has to offer. Below are some camping tips that should make the next outing a
wonderful family experience.

Before embarking on an overnight trip with kids who haven’t camped before, you could try practicing having a campout at home, whether in your backyard or in your living room.

In preparation, you should try to get the kids pumped about their weekend adventure and ask them what they would want to do and see on the family fun weekend. After creating a list, let your kids pack their things so that they will feel involved. You also should let your kids bring a few of their favorite toys or stuffed animals so they can feel comfortable in a new environment.

While on the campsite you should keep a positive attitude so that everyone has a fun and relaxing time. It’s always important that everyone knows where the campsite is located so that no one gets lost or disoriented, make sure that everybody knows the lot number and location. Giving everyone a whistle to blow in the event that someone is falling behind while hiking or during other group activities can help in keeping the group together.

Whenever you go camping, there’s always plenty to see and do. You should check out the wildlife of the local area to enhance the experience and enjoy any activities offered to visitors. Bring fun stuff like volleyballs, swimming equipment devices, campfire goodies, Frisbees and such to make your next family adventure the best yet.

Tips for Making Your Own Trail Mix

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Trail Mix for campingIf you are interested in having delicious and nutritious snacks that are easy to take on the trail with you, making your own snacks is a must! While you can purchase prepackaged mixes, creating your own can be a lot of fun! Invite the kids to help if you want and they are old enough.

Either way, making your own trail mix gives you the opportunity to be in charge of the ingredients. For some, this might mean purchasing dried fruits that have been processed a particular way while others might need to avoid ingredients due to potential allergic reactions.

Generally, trail mixes are concentrated sources of nutrition. This way, you can eat small amounts while hiking to provide your body with vital energy without being bogged down in the digestive process.

For the protein and fat content of your trail mix, use nuts and seeds. Chia seeds are excellent sources of nutrition and do not have to be ground up like flax seeds for the nutritional value to be accessible. Pick out the nuts and seeds that your family likes and experiment with different combinations in your trail mix.

As for the carbs, you will include the dried fruits of your choice. Some people like to focus their choices on a particular theme. For instance, a tropical fruit themed trail mix might have banana and coconut chips along with dried mango.

You can also add a few dark chocolate chips, dried fruits covered in chocolate or yogurt, or anything else with concentrated nutrition that will not spoil.

Have fun making your mix and record the ingredients you decide on so you can replicate the recipe later on down the line. You could even make a tradition of it for your family each year.

Proper Sleeping Bag Caring Tips

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Care for your sleeping bagsA sleeping bag provides a warm cozy place to rest at the end of a busy day of camping. It is important to care for your sleeping bag in order to keep it functioning at optimal levels. Here are important tips in this regard.

Make Sure You Sleep In Clean Clothing

You should never crawl into the sleeping bag with the same clothes that you wore during the day. Dirt, sweat, and oil can destroy the insulating power of the bag over time. Change your clothes before bedtime. Wear a knit cap to keep the oils of your hair off the sleeping bag.

Protect The Bag From The Ground

If you decide to sleep outside, make sure to place a pad down first. Most sleeping bags have a waterproof fabric on the underside of them. But you need to protect the bag from rocks and sharp sticks on the ground.

Handle The Zippers With patience

Many users get frustrated when using a two-way zipper of the sleeping bag. It can snag most of the time. Yu should learn to handle the zipper properly before using the sleeping bag. This will help you use the bag without damaging the zipper or causing tears. Practicing to open and close the zipper is important before you decide to actually use the sleeping bag.

Airing Out

You should turn the sleeping bag inside out to dry out any moisture that may be there. Never leave the bag under direct sunlight since it could get damaged by the UV rays in the sunlight. If the bag gets wet, you will need to air the bag out for several hours before you decide to use it in the night. In fact, airing out the sleeping bag is extremely important in order to prolong its lifespan over time.

A sleeping bag will provide a cozy place to rest at the end of a busy day of camping. You need to take care of the bag to enhance its durability over time. The aforementioned article offers important tips to care for your sleeping bag.

 

4 Effective Sunscreen Tips for Campers

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Sunscreen tips for RVersYou have probably heard about how important it is to wear sunscreen daily. However, have you ever wondered whether there is a right way to apply sunscreen? Well, the truth is that applying sunscreen is not as simple as putting it on and going but rather it involves following the sunscreen tips discussed below.

1. When To Apply Sunscreen

You need to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before heading out in the sun. You need to give it the chance to penetrate skin and protect it.

Applying sunscreen should be done even in those days that aren’t sunny. On cloudy days, the UV rays are still not blocked by the clouds. UV rays can even reflect off all kinds of surfaces including water, snow, sand, or even light-colored concrete.

2. How Much Sunscreen to Apply

Apply your sunscreen liberally. One big mistake that people make is to apply too little of it. You need to apply a full ounce of sunscreen, which is approximately the amount that can fill a shot glass, to all exposed parts of the body.

3. Is Reapplication Necessary?

Yes it is. Reapply the sunscreen throughout the day, at least every 2 hours or even more frequently if you have been sweating or swimming. Reapply the sunscreen frequently even if it is waterproof or water resistant.

4. Does It Expire?

Yes it actually does. Most of the sunscreen bottles have an expiration date, which you need to take seriously. The effectiveness of sunscreen does diminish over time and it is important to ensure that you are only using effective sunscreen.

Final Thoughts

Camping can be fun but only if you take the necessary steps to protect your skin. Follow the sunscreen tips for campers discussed here if you want to have fun without interruptions.

The Best Sun Protection Clothes to Bring on Your Camping Trip

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Play in the sunThe first line of defense against harmful UV rays from the sun is your clothing. That’s because they block and absorb the radiation thus protecting your skin altogether. Therefore, when you’re going on a camping trip, you need to pack the right sun protection clothing for the ultimate prevention.

Choosing The Right Sun Protection Clothing For Your Camping Trip

• UPF Factor
An abbreviation for ultraviolet protection factor, it implies the indication of the UV rays that can penetrate your fabric. For instance, a shirt with a UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the radiation will be absorbed into the skin.

• Fabric Factors
Clothing that covers every inch of your body is not useful if the sun still manages to get through. The best sun protection clothes are designed with numerous miniscule fibers that are woven or knitted together. If looked at through a microscope, the spaces between the fibers allow the UV rays to pass through and reach your skin.

If the clothes are tightly woven, there are smaller holes and fewer UV rays will pass through. Currently, the best fabric with ultimate UV protection includes twill used for making denims. On the other hand, you should opt for synthetic fibers such as nylon, acrylic, polyester or lycra since they are more protective. Shiny or lustrous semi-synthetic fabrics such as bleached cotton or rayon reflect UV rays.

Matte fabrics such as linen absorb the UV rays. You should also think about the weight and density of the fabric while looking for sun protection clothing. For instance light silk or sheer gauze offers less protection in comparison to cotton or heavier denim fabrics. When choosing the best sun protection clothes for your camping trip, look for those with at least UPF 30 and choose clothes that cover a larger chunk of your skin.

Use these tips to find the best clothes for your camping trip.

Make Ahead Summer Salads for Your Camping Trip

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camping summer saladSummertime is almost upon us and many of us are anxiously waiting for the weather to warm up so we can plan our annual camping trips. When you camp, one activity that you probably enjoy is mealtime. There are many things you can enjoy while camping, including hamburgers or hot dogs grilled over a campfire, foil packages filled with delicious meats and vegetables or light summer salads to help cool you down on those hot, muggy evenings. Continue reading to learn two different light summer salads that are perfect for camping.

– Strawberry Jello Salad

1 can (15-ounces) crushed pineapple in its own juice
1 packet (4-ounces) strawberry Jello
1 tub (8-ounces) Cool Whip
1 container (16-ounces) cottage cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Place the pineapple in a colander and allow to drain until all liquid is gone.

In a large bowl, combine jello and cottage cheese together. Once this is incorporated, gently fold in the cool whip, pineapple and walnuts until mixed thoroughly. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

* Tip: For an easy to manage side dish or dessert, place the strawberry jello salad in individual covered containers and keep in your cooler until ready to serve.

– Summertime Pasta Salad

1 (16-ounce) package of fusilli (spiral-shaped) pasta
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/4 pound cubed salami or pepperoni
1/4 pound cubed cheese (Provolone, Colby-Jack or Cheddar)
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16-ounce) bottle of Italian dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and cool.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, black olives, cubed cheese and salami together and stir to mix well. Then, add Italian dressing and mix to coat all ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and mix thoroughly.

Both of these side dishes can be made ahead of time and are simple to make. Enjoy one of these cooling salads on your next camping trip.

Tips For Packing a Cooler For Food Safety

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coolerIf you are going to be camping, you will want to be sure that you know how to effectively pack a cooler for proper food safety. Below, we will be discussing some of the top tips that you are going to want to implement to ensure that you do it the right way.

Tips For Packing a Cooler:

1. Pack Foods Directly From Fridge To Cooler.

The main thing that you are going to want to do when you are beginning the packing process is be sure that you are packing foods directly from the refrigerator into the cooler. You want to start with all of the cold or frozen foods first. That way, you will be able to keep everything cold that needs to remain cold.

2. Separate Meat and Poultry.

If you are going to be bringing both types of meat, you should be separating the meat from the poultry. You want to utilize separate bags from foods that you are planning on eating raw as well. If possible, you want to utilize a separate cooler. If not, you can simply place them in a bag that is not going to leak.

3. Fill The Entire Cooler.

A cooler that is completely full is going to last a lot longer and remain colder for longer periods of time than one that is only partially filled. Therefore, you want to be sure that you are filling it as much as you can in order to be able to pack it to last.

As long as you follow all of the tips discussed above, you should be able to keep the cooler as cold as possible for as long as possible and keep everything in it safe to eat for longer periods of time.

How To Create A Treasure Hunt For The Kids When Camping

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treasure huntCamping is a past time that many people enjoy for a wide variety of reasons. It is a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy all that nature has to offer. When you take your children camping, it can add a whole new level of fun to the equation. There are many exciting things to do with children when you go camping and one of them is creating a treasure hunt. If this sounds like something you and your children would enjoy, use the following tips to help you set up a fun adventure.

First of all, you should consider the age and abilities of the children who will be going on the treasure hunt. This will help lead you in the right direction as you create the fun adventure. For instance, if you have children who are just starting to read, make sure that your map or clues are easy to decipher. However, if you are creating the treasure hunt for older children, you can make it a bit more challenging.

Then, you should think about what you want the treasure to be. Again, this will depend on the age and interests of the kids doing the treasure hunt. Would your kids love bubbles, silly putty, or a new book? There are lots of options of things that can serve as treasures depending on your kids.

After that, you can decide where you want to hide the treasure. As you do, don’t forget where you put it and how to get there. It may be a good idea to make your map backwards if you find it difficult to create a map from the starting point to the treasure location.

Finally, it’s time to start the fun!

Healthy Popsicle Recipes The Kids Will Love

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healthy popsicles for camping kidsKids absolutely love sweet treats and, if you add a dash of cold in the summer months, you have a real winner. Unfortunately, most store bought popsicles contain high amounts of sugar, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors as well as other ingredients that could be harmful to your kids health.

Try these healthier popsicle recipes at home:

1. Fruit Juice

Simply take some fruit juice and dilute with some water until the right popsicle taste is achieved. Pour the solutions into a popsicle tray and stick the lot into the freezer. Remove when fully frozen and enjoy.

Berries are a firm favorite among most children as the juice is naturally sweeter and more vibrant. However, if you want to add a little extra sweetness, apple or grape juice is better than adding refined sugar. If you aren’t using freshly squeezed juice, remember to check the fruit juice label to ensure it doesn’t contain sugar or any other harmful ingredients.

2. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a great alternative for creamy popsicles that don’t contain any dairy. While dairy isn’t necessarily unhealthy for kids, most store bought creamy popsicles have additives that could be harmful to your kids health. Add fruit juice or any other flavoring to improve the natural flavor of the coconut milk.

3. Chocolate Mint

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is not an unhealthy treat unless it contains large amounts of sugar. So opt for the darker varieties or make a cocoa solution and add a dash of mint for a great popsicle recipe. Add a touch of milk or coconut milk for a creamier option. Sweeten with just a dash of berry juice or a small amount of sugar.

With just a little time and effort, you can make healthy popsicle treats at home that your kids will absolutely love this summer.