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Sunday, June 01, 2014

Camping and Hiking

by Amy Notarius Rowan Public Library

If your summer travel plans this year involve hiking or camping, check out these books from Rowan Public Library before you set off.

“Camping Made Easy” by Michael Rutter offers information for the beginning camper, including how to select the right equipment and clothing. Fire safety and first aid each get their own sections as well.

Joe Miller’s “Backpacking North Carolina” is a handy guide to the many trails available to hikers and backpackers in the state. Miller divides the books into sections, from the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains to the Appalachian Trail, Piedmont and coast. For each trip, Miller lists the same detailed set of important information, including distance and difficulty of the trail, where you can find campsites and water, and special considerations (e.g. watch out for bears!).

Especially useful for trip planning is the “best trips by category” section — find the locations and trails most suitable for beginning backpackers, for viewing waterfalls and wildflowers, going fishing and so on.
Hiking and backpacking are going to work up on an appetite, so don’t miss “The Trailside Cookbook” by Don and Pam Philpott. They begin with a nice overview of camping stoves, dutch ovens and pots and pans and provide a comprehensive list of pantry staples, essential backpack items and kitchen items.

They help you plan for the amount of food you’ll need, and how to store and label the food you bring. Recipes comprise the bulk of the book, and you might not want to wait for the trail to try one out. From hearty breakfasts and and breads to trail mixes and desserts, the variety is impressive.
Check out Rowan Public Library today before beginning your next adventure.

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