The very idea of a picnic can set your adrenaline rushing and often these days become the fondest of our memories. Planning for a picnic sure do requires a lot of smart thinking and some innovation. No matter what type of picnic you are planning to organize, certain facts like the food, events, activity, entertainment and most importantly luggage have to be taken into consideration thoroughly.

Carrying the appropriate picnic backpack is a pre-requisite whenever planning an outdoor trip. Not only does it offer ample space to load every necessary item but since a backpack can be hung round the back and shoulders it is quite easy to carry.

Most picnic backpacks are the conventional backpacks furnished with extra pockets (with a pocket on almost each side) that allows storing as much stuff as possible. These bags are designed in a strategic manner taking into account what could be needs of an evening out on a picnic. One can manage ceramic plates, food items, packets and even drinks in a single backpack and put themselves at ease by not having to carry multiple bags.

The present day manufacturers for backpacks also ensure that these bags have a waterproof lining to prevent the goods from any damage due to outside conditions and the best part is the neatly etched out compartments with locks and zipper that will refrain your food from spilling on to anything. Whether you are a couple, planning for a day out or a huge group in for some exciting time, there is a backpack to suit all your needs. These smart accessories are available in varied sizes.

There is no dearth of choices that one can exercise while choosing a backpack. You really don’t have to be bogged down by the mundane colors and patterns as the designers have leaped into the realm of trend that offers a wide array of styles and color tones. In fact lot of brands now produces sporty backpacks that serve a dual purpose and can be carried along while on a trekking or a climbing spree as well as a regular in town picnic.

Florida camping can be inexpensive too. While at the beach, we heard we could camp for free at the isolated campgrounds which dotted the Apalachicola National Forest. Naturally, our frugality sent us into alligator country.

We camped two nights in the dark woods, next to the dark waters of a slow river. There was was an old guy who seemed to be living there, and a young couple with their two-year-old daughter. Lester was from England, Kari from Texas, and Indya was born in Guatamala. They met in India, of course.

No crowds, and the price was right. March nights can be chilly here, so the six of us circled the fire at night, trading stories, and sometimes sneaking down to the water to look for the eyes of alligators. Unfortunately, we saw nothing, but we did hear splashes in the night.

The old guy told us that camping was also free at Williams Landing, on Lake Talquin, about twenty minutes west of Tallahassee. We moved up there, looking forward to the hot showers. Lester, Kari, and Indya followed the next day in “The Beast,” which was an old RV that had carried them there from Texas.

For eight days, we continued trading stories around the fire each night. We saw all kinds of wildlife. Packs of armadillos walked through camp, and giant grey herons fished offshore from the van. There were racoons, owls, squirrels, ducks, and turtles. Then there was the “monster.”

I was poking around near a corner of the lake, when I heard the splash. We had already seen two small alligators sunning themselves the day before, but this one had to be a giant. I returned with Ana the next morning, and again heard the splash, but it was under the water before we could see it.

Every morning we visited the monster once the sun was high enough for him to come out and soak up the heat. We caught glimpses, enough to know he was at least ten feet long. Lester and Kari made a “Crocodile Hunter” movie of us stalking it. Soon it no longer panicked, but just slowly lowered itself into the water, as if getting ready to hunt us properly.

After that we stopped trying to get so close to it. The five of us went to view alligators safely after that, from the tour boat at Wakulla Springs. I even got the chance to jump off of the big diving platform there. We eventually said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, but we hope it wasn’t our last time in Florida, camping.

First of all, let’s define car camping?  When you can drive your vehicle right up to the camp site, that’s called car camping.  Even if you’re driving a truck it’s still called car camping.  The advantage of car camping versus primitive or base camping is that you can take anything you want with you.  If you want to take a hammock or huge grill or a stack of magazines, you can.  Load your car or truck with food, clothing, shelter, bedding, games and anything else you want to take along and get going.  It’s really that simple.

So where can you car camp?  Just about anywhere.  National and  state parks don’t allow car camping except in designated campgrounds, other than that, you can car camp virtually anywhere on public lands.  The internet is loaded with websites that can help.  Start looking at www.backcountrytoys.com/education.htm.  Our Education Center is loaded with up to date camping information.

Here are some things I take along when I car camp:  hiking gear, bird watching binoculars and field guide, a radio for music and weather updates, tent, cot, sleeping bag, grill, shovel, fire starting gear, lots of food and drink, first aid kit, a stack of reading material – this can also be used for building a fire – such as newspapers and magazines, rain gear, hammock, dogs and dog food, folding chairs and table, stove, table service and utensils….you get the idea.  I take all that I need to be comfortable.  If you don’t have these things, don’t fret, all you really need are food, shelter and common sense.

Camping is a great way to renew and strengthen relationships.  Take your spouse, your children, your siblings, your friends.  Without the distractions of television, telephone, internet and alarm clocks, you will have a wonderful time.  I’ll always remember something a dear friend of mine told me years ago, “Time spent in our great outdoors is time added to your life.”  That sounds like a good reason to go.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time.  Get Outdoors!