Category: Camping

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Arapiles swimming holes

Mt Arapiles rock-climbing area has a few options for swimming on a warm day, which is perfect after some climbing adventures!

Both options have a rope-swing, and easy access to the water from the car (less than a 10 meter walk).

Wimmera River

A little cold, but really nice on a hotter day. On the other side of Natimuk (about 10 mins drive)

Drive down Polkemmet Road, then turn down Obrees Road until just before the river, where a dirt track goes through the trees for a hundred meters or so.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pE7LvaXyHToFf75H6

Mitre dam

If there’s water in it (usually the case outside of summer), this is the closest option to Arapiles.

Drive down Arapiles-Grass Flat Road, and then Three Chain Road, and go around the dam until you’re at the far end with the rope-swing.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gdnQjmMRaS4UcG7TA

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Inspiration

Ueli Steck – The Swiss Machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUWBbepsdmY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

World’s Most Insane Rope Swing Ever – Canyon Cliff Jump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdJc1_IBKJA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Kayaking New Zealand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLUxzgdeD78&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Above & Beyond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLjQ1hHZPMU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Days of my youth

This is Backcountry

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Camping Solar Panel Kit

Options;

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews/buying-advice

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews

Phone requires at least 7w panel. The higher the wattage, the faster it’ll charge.

Goal Zero – Guide 10 ($149)

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mobile-Phone-iPad-Solar-Power-Charging-kit-GOAL-ZERO-Guide-10-Plus-Nomad-7-USB-/111180332312?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item19e2dd3d18&_uhb=1

Goal Zero – Nomad 7 ($61-70)

InstaPark Mercury 10 is said to be better than this.

Charges phones (poorly)
Output: 2.5w, 0.5amp

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews/Goal-Zero-Nomad-7

Goal Zero – Nomad 13 ($108-160)

Charges phone, laptop, tablet, with cig lighter adapter
Power output: 13w, 1.0amp

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews/Goal-Zero-Nomad-13

PowerTraveller SolarGorilla ($176-$226)

Bulky

Charges phones, tablets, laptops
Output: 10w, 0.5amp

SolarMonkey – Adventurer ($117-130)

Charges phones, tablets.
Power output: 3.5w, 0.7amp

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews/SolarMonkey-Adventurer

Instapark Mercury 10 ($75)

Rated as very good – best buy. << Looks like a winner!
Need to also get a battery pack included with the purchase though.

Charges phone, tablet. Not laptop.
Power output: 10w, 0.57amp

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews/Instapark-Mercury-10

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews

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Camping Trip – equipment list

Gear

Basics (general equipment):

  • Tent
  • Ground-sheet
  • Tarp
  • Hammer (or find a rock to hammer the pegs in with!)
  • Car-fridge
  • Insect repellant
  • Matches + newspaper
  • Camping chairs + table
  • Water

Basic personal items

  • Doona/Sleeping bag + liner
  • Mattress/Sleeping mat (& pump, if needed)
  • Pillows
  • Head torch (& spare batteries)
  • Beanie

Baby things

  • Pram (only when needed)
  • Cot
  • Sleeping-sack
  • Baby carrier
  • Food (frozen)
  • Nappies & wet-wipes

Cool stuff

  • Hammock
  • Camera (with tripod for shooting at night)
  • Book / Kindle
  • Board games/deck of cards

Personal – clothes / toiletries:

  • General clothing for the daytime (both wet / cold / sunny / hot)
  • Shoes (walking/hiking)
  • Thongs (for beach / communal showers)
  • PJ’s
  • Ugg boots
  • Raincoat
  • Hats / sunscreen
  • Toilet paper
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss
    • Soap
    • Towel & facewasher
    • Face washer
    • Wet-wipes

Food

Find out what meals you’re looking to put together before rushing out and buying everything under the sun… Get the ingredients for those, plus some snack food & fruit as well is a good one.

Remember you probably won’t have a fridge to put stuff like milk in so only pack what you can fit in an esky! Also – you don’t have a dishwasher to shove the dishes in, so the less mess to clean up after – the better!

Meal Ideas for camping

General necessities:

  • Plates / bowls / cutlery / cups
  • Foil
  • Butter / oil
  • Can opener
  • Bread (sandwiches / toast + nutella / jam)
  • Tongs
  • Bucket (for doing the washing up in)
  • Washing detergent & sponge / brush
  • Garbage bags
  • Salt / Pepper
  • Trangia & gas bottle if no fires are allowed
  • Frying pan
  • Tea towel

Stuff to organise before leaving home

  • Take the bins out
  • Turn off the hot water at home
  • Take last min things;
    • Pillows
    • Ugg boots
    • Freezer food
    • Fridge food