Purchase an Affordable Kayak Under $500

 Are you ready for an affordable Kayak?

A kayak allows you to fish, explore water, enjoy views that can’t be seen from shore, get workouts around the lake or just have fun playing around. 

There are many uses for kayaks and it is up to you just how you would like to use one. So how do you know which kayak is best for you? When you’re deciding on a kayak, check out a few details first.

• In what type of water do you want to paddle?  Is it a lake, a seacoast or a river? This will help you start to narrow your choices.
• Sit-in or sit-on-top? Do you prefer the protection of a traditional sit-in, or the openness of a sit-on-top? If you’re open to either one, that’s fine, too.
• Kayak weight and your budget: Materials, which directly impact the boat’s price, are the biggest factor in the weight and durability of your boat.
• Shape and size considerations: These affect handling and cargo space.

Remember that you will need to have a life jacket anytime you enter open water.  

Here are some fun things you may want to purchase for your kayak: 

Inflatable:

They are now making inflatable kayaks better then ever.  They are super durable and will surprise you with they sturdiness and ease of movement in the water. 

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak $60.00

This Kayak has rated one of the top 5 for inflatables and is a great price and easy to store when you don't have a large vehicle to accommodate a hard side kayak.  

Sit In: 

Lifetime Blitz 90 $175.00

This Kayak weighs 40 pounds and can be easily moved with the front and back carry toggles.  It comes with a paddle and can be purchased on their website or from Wal-Mart.  

• Front and Rear Toggle Handles for Easy Transport
• Constructed of UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Adjustable Backrest for Comfortable Paddling
• 5-Year Limited Warranty
• Bow and Stern Shock Cords to Secure Gear
• Built-In Foam Blocks for Additional Flotation

Sit On Top: 

Emotion Spitfire 8 $249.00

The Spitfire™ 8 Kayak is designed for stability, performance, and affordability. The ST Performance Hull gives this shorter kayak a surprising amount of speed and tracking without sacrificing stability. It is equipped with great features like our CRS padded backrest + molded-in seat for comfortable paddling. The rear tankwell has bungee lacing to secure loose items and the molded-in carry handles make the kayak easy to transport to and from the waterfront. The extra volume and high capacity (up to 240 pounds) make this kayak the perfect fit for just about any size paddler from kids to adults. More Features »

Length: 8 ft. (244 cm)

Width: 31.5 in. (80 cm)

Weight: 39 lb. (18 kg)

Max-Capacity: 240 lb. (108 kg)

Best for: Slow-Moving Rivers and Waterways, Calm Bays, Lakes, Ponds

Sit in Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 ft. SS $449.00

The dynamic styling along with the many convenience features will make your paddling experience comfortable and enjoyable. The feature packed Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 ft. SS Kayak includes a unique and removable P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) that can be used as extra storage. Other features include large comfortable seating, covered console, protective thigh pads, adjustable foot braces, storage compartment, shock cord deck rigging, retractable carrying handles, paddle holder and two flush mount fishing rod holders - all at an affordable price. Made from extremely durable dent-resistant High Density Polyethylene.

• 29-1/2 in. W x 144 in. L
• Capacity: 395 lb.
• Maximum Passengers: 1
• Limited lifetime warrant

Protect your RV-Trailer-Camper- Cover from Damage Tearing

Protect your RV-Trailer-Camper- Cover from Damage




LESSON 1
In the winter we get pretty harsh snow, freezing rain, and wind.  For added protection I decided to purchase an Aquashed ACDO Cover like the one pictured above.   I winterized my travel trailer and decided to put this cover on. 
Well it sure was fun trying to get it on just right it's like getting a three year old dressed in the morning.  I used a ladder and with the help of my husband secured the straps into position.  I started in the back and moved to the front of the trailer.  When I went back to the camper the material looked in great condition but I noticed that there were holes rubbing on the top where the gutters come out on the roof.  I decided to leave it since it was super cold out.  By the end of the winter season the holes were completely worn through the material but I decide to keep the cover since it was in perfect condition otherwise. 
LESSON 2
The next winter when I put the cover on I just poked the gutters through the holes in the cover and went on my marry way.  By the end of the second season the cover was completely ripped off the trailer only to be held on by the bottom straps it was ripped to shreds.
I love having the protection of the cover and it keeps all the dust, dirt, and debris from running the roof of the trailer.  I recommend a cover for all seasons because of the protection it provides.
LESSON 3
So spending another $300 on a cover I decided that I should get my brain out of my pocket and actually come up with a plan on how I was going to keep this cover from getting torn up.  While looking at the gutters and other sharp metal items I came up with an idea.  I looked at the swim noodles that my kids were using while floating in the lake.  If I was to cut one  of those up I could use them as protection on the gutter and it would be a softer surface.  I could use gorilla tape to hold the noodle together. 

 




Here is what I did...
1.  Measure the Gutter Length
2.  Cut the Noodle to Length x 2 inches Longer
3.  Wrapped Noodle around Gutter and Secured in Place with   Gorilla Tape
4.  Waaa Laa Problem Solved!


You can purchase a swim noodle for $1 at Dollar Tree














While Speaking to my friend this week he told me that the Camper Supply store carried an item that can be purchased just for this reason. 
https://www.campingworld.com/rv-cover-rescue

While thinking about spending $25 on this he said that he could use old racquet balls that he had laying around his garage and come up with the same contraption.  He cut a hole in the racket ball wide enough for the gutter to fit in and drilled a hole in the other side to insert rope inside.  He tied a knot and placed one end on the gutter and ran the rope to the other side of the trailer and waa laaa $1.50 gutter guard. 




If you would like to purchase a gutter guard or make one on your own why not protect your cover as long as possible saving money to spend on your next camping adventure!

Glaming Luxury Camping in the USA Tent Treehouse

LET'S GO GLAMPING...SHE / HE SAID


Ever wonder what it is like to stay in a tent but your wife does not want to sleep on the ground?  Well here is the answer Glamping!   If you find it hard not to sleep on an actual mattress or need the comforts of home welcome to Glamping.  Glamping is a silly word for luxury camping.  This industry is becoming increasing popular with many travel goers.  There are, of course, other major differences between glamping and traditional camping. Glamping accommodations include mattresses, electricity, full-bathrooms, all the comforts of home.  Plenty of resorts offer upscale cuisine and on site chefs. Is Glamping for you?  Go check it out on your next vacation. 





Top 10 Glamping Locations in the USA

Fireside Resort	Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Under Canvas	Grand Canyon, Arizona
Moose Meadow Lodge	Waterbury, Vermont
Epic Private Journeys	Lake Powell, Utah & Arizona
Terra Glamping	Annapolis, California
Bali House and Bali Cottage	Kehena Beach, Hawaii
Glacier Under Canvas	Glacier National Park, Montana
Sandy Pines Campground So Let's Go Glamping!	Kennebunkport, Maine

Walleye Fishing Fun Interesting Facts

Walleye 

Bait for Bites

Both juvenile and adult Walleye fish almost exclusively eat yellow perch, moving onto bars and shoals at night to feed. Walleye also feed heavily on crayfish, minnows, worms and leeches.
Jigs are the most common lure that is used to catch Walleye.  They allow fisherman/fisher woman to reach the proper depth where most walleye are found.  When the water in the lake is colder you have to be slow, short and gentle moments work best.  In warmer lakes walleyes will become hyper and like a more intense motion.   
Cast out and let your jig sink to the bottom.  Start twitching and them jerk up in a twitching motion so the walleye can get a good site of the jig.  

Spinners are the oldest way to catch Walleye and used many times with lots of luck.  Try using a spinner with a worm on the end with the tail dragging

Length and Weight Limits
There are many length an weight limits set on these fish since they are so very popular. At many lakes in Colorado only Walleye above 18" can be kept.  
Walleye tend to feed more at dawn and dusk. On cloudy days when the water is choppy is perfect condition since they have such good vision.  

Walleye have teeth.......YIKES


Cooking: 
Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the walleye fillets into the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides and the fish flakes easily with a fork, 3 to 4 minutes per side.  I use bread crumbs Panko with oil.  


Interesting Facts: 
Walleye are a member of the perch family

Walleye Weights	Walleye Age
18" fish is 2.2 lbs.	5 Year old is 21 inches
19" fish is 2.5 lbs.	6 Year old is 22 inches
20" fish is 3.0 lbs	7 Year old is 23 inches
21" fish is 3.4 lbs.	8 Year old is 25 inches

Walleye is probably one of the safest fish to eat since they feed on other fish that will probably contain less cantonments then other fish.  

Walleye can live 15-20 years 

The biggest Walleye ever caught was measured 41 inches in length was caught by Mabry Harper in Tennessee in 1960. 

Reproduction: 

Walleye larva

In most of the species' range, male walleyes mature sexually between three and four years of age. Females normally mature about a year later. Adults migrate to tributary streams in late winter or early spring to lay eggs over gravel and rock, although open-water reef or shoal-spawning strains are seen, as well. Some populations are known to spawn on sand or vegetation. Spawning occurs at water temperatures of 6 to 10 °C (43 to 50 °F). A large female can lay up to 500,000 eggs, and no care is given by the parents to the eggs or fry. The eggs are slightly adhesive and fall into spaces between rocks. The incubation period for the embryos is temperature-dependent, but generally lasts from 12 to 30 days. After hatching, the free-swimming embryos spend about a week absorbing a relatively small amount of yolk. Once the yolk has been fully absorbed, the young walleyes begin to feed.  

Patio Camping Tablecloth Blowing All Around Here Are a Couple Fixes

 Tired of Your Table Cloth Blowing Away? 

Table Cloth Clips

These Babies fit on to most picnic tables and are metal or plastic.  They can come undone in high winds but are very practical.  The plastic ones can be picked up at the dollar store. 

BUNGEES

Table Cloth Bungees are sold at Camping World and come in a two pack. 

They seem like they would work out the very best for holding the cloth on during high winds. 

They cost around $8 for a set of two. 

WEIGHTS

Table cloth weights can be found in many different designs for any occasion.  They work well for low wind settings if you only have four weights.  High winds you might need 8 weights on at a time.  

Why Your Dog Needs A Life Jacket on a Boat Paddleboard Canoe or Kayak

E

While some dogs are natural born swimmers others are not.  Either way it is a wise investment for your dogs safety.  Dogs can struggle to keep their heads above water and could potentially drowned if you could not reach them in time.  If you are having your dog ride on your Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard it is essential that you have a life jacket for them. 

There are no standards or certifications for canine life jackets or life vests, but here are some things
to look for:

• A handle on top of the jacket will make it easier for you to grab hold of your dog if he's floundering. It will also makes it easier to teach your dog to swim; you can guide him in the water until he feels confident swimming on his own.
• The life jacket or vest should have a D-ring so you can attach a leash.
• Decide whether your dog need a life jacket or a vest. Dog life jackets cover more of the dog and provide both buoyancy and visibility. They're recommended for boating and any time your dog may be in open or rough water. If your dog swims primarily in a pool, a life vest is lighter, covers less area, and and is easier for swimming.
• Although dog life jackets come in all sorts of fun colors and prints, bright colors will make it easier to spot him in the water.

 

Paws Aboard Lifeguard Neoprene Jacket $16.94

https://www.chewy.com

Kugo Surf N Truf Coast Jacket $39-$59

https://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Kurgo-Surf-n-Turf-Coat_10262516_10208_10000001_-1_?

Kimol Life Jacket $35.00 and Up

Visit Amazon or Ebay for more information 

Camping Adult Beverages

Camping Adult Beverages

BEER

Get the cans because bottles can be an issue at some campgrounds.

WINE

Get the small bottles that will fit easy in your cooler or fridge and they are plastic.  

BLOODY MARY'S

Use your favorite mix..mine is V8 Bloody Mary.

1 Shot Vodka

2 Sprinkles of Pepper

3 Dabs of Worchester 

1 Teaspoon Pickle Juice

1 Sprinkle of Celery Salt

Spicy....add some Tabasco

HARD LIQUOR

Good old Fashioned Liquor Make Shots or Mixed Drinks

BOOZY SLUSHES

The Best thing About these Slushes is that I make them Ahead of Time and put them in Zip Lock Freezer Bags so They are Ready to Go on Hot Summer Days.

CAMPING MARGARITA'S

Lime Margarita

I get the Frozen Lime/Aide in the Freezer Section

1 Can of Water and 1 Can Tequila

Freeze

Sangria Margarita

1 Can Frozen Lime/Aide

1 Can full of Sangria

1 Can Water

Freeze

Orange Margarita  

1 Can Frozen Orange Juice 

1 Can Tequila

1 Tsp Triple Sec

1 Can Water

Strawberry Jell-O Shot

Cut the Bottom off of Strawberry so it Can Stand Up Flat

Hull out the Strawberry and Pat Dry

Mix 1 Box Strawberry Jell-O

4oz Tequila

Boil 1 Cup Water and mix with Jell-O until Dissolved and Let Sit

Then Mix in Tequila in Jell-O Mixture and spoon into each Strawberry

Chill Overnight..Waa Laaa

If you want to make these as a dessert item you can add some Whip Cream to the Top