Anyone who has any experience with camping knows how important the ground cloth or tarp is.  It does several things- prevents ground water from comming up against the tent floor, it is an insulating barrier between the tent floor and the ground, and the cloth or tarp acts a tent floor saver from sharp stones or sticks.

Remember to tuck in the tarp inside the tent edge- if you do not, all the water landing on the tent will puddle on top of the tarp and make for a very unenjoyable camping experience!

     These days, the economy is hitting all of us very hard.  We need some means of stress relief.  You can do it by camping, stay local, get out into the clean fresh air and just let loose and relax!

    State parks and friendly clean campgrounds are close by, limited driving, and another added plus is the bonding factor!  Take the whole family- kids and all- talk, play games, and generally get reattached.  It is cheap and fun- go camping!

Just around the corner we will enter a new year- as we do so WILD BILLS has entered a new phase.  The web site is fully up and running and the complete VASQUE shoe line is available in the on line store as well as the WIGGY line.  You can buy shoes and sleeping bags.  Next will be the VAUDE and EUREKA line of tents and backpacks.  This has been quite a job for a computer puttz such as myself.  My computer genius- Tom Rose certainly has been my right hand man!

     Look for new and exciting things from WILD BILLS in the near future!  HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY, FRIENDLY NEW YEAR!     BILL

     I would like to take this opportunity to wish all a merry CHRISTMAS and a fantastic great new year.  As of this posting, WILD BILLS has an on line store.  As we develop the web site, more products will be offered.  The complete VASQUE line is up and running.  The WIGGY sleeping bag line will be next followed by tents.  Please contact me either on line or by phone (570) 586-7167 if you have any questions.  Thanks Bill

     As the weather is very warm for this time of year, don’t be fooled- the snow and cold temps will be right around the corner of the tent.  Maybe it is the right time to think about winter boots.  In my store, WILD BILL’S SPORTS DEN, I carry the complete line of VASQUE shoes.  Alvailable is a complete selection of running, trail running, multi sport, hiking, and mountain sport shoes and boots - all conditions will be covered and the selection is varried and large.  Call me at (570) 586-7167 and I will help you choose the proper style for your needs.  Soon you will be able to order VASQUE on line from my web site. Stay dry and warm!

     I have three sons, all of whom like to camp and some times to the extreme.  My middle son,  who works in law enforcement, went camping this past eight days in an area I would not venture into.  He and three companions went elk hunting with traditional  bows in the BOB MARSHAL wilderness  in Montana.  I know that this is the location where they transport the grizly bears that are problems or cause problems in Yellowstone National Park- not a sweet thought.  He and his friends did have a good hunt but, the bears did come within 50 yards of their campsite.  He has knowledge of the wilderness and can handle himself under all circumstances, but to sleep with bears that close is not my cup of tea!

     They did backpack out from their campsite (appx. 18 miles) without any problems and achieved their goal with the elk.  I know that this is a beautiful area with the wildlife, forest, and mountains, but you could not put me there camping- I do have a little good common sense.  Grizly bears are big, fast, and unpredictable as well as mountain lions who also live there!  Each person has his own desires and limits- as they say, each to his own!

If you have a small (four or less) family I can highly recommend the EUREKA NIERGY 9  tent.  THIS TENT HAS A VERY GOOD QUAlity STANDARD AND IS WELL DESIGNED AND PRODUCED.  The tent is rated at four to five people, the latter being very tight, easy to set up- two fibreglass  main poles for the dome and two for the fly.  I have set it up by myself but it takes a little effort alone.  Built into the tent is the unique electrical system ( YES ELECTRIC!) but you do have to purchase the power pak-$50.00 and acessories.  The fan/5 led light is great and does cool the tent when reversed.

     As far as wind and waterproofing, I only usded it one weekend when it was nice and sunny.  All other EUREKA products are waterproofed and tested so I believe this one is also.  There is plenty of headroom and very good ventilation.

  I do recommend this tent as I have said it is a quality product as is the whole EUREKA line of products.

    This past weekend my wife used the STRAM EXCLUSIVE FOLDING BED from equinox/LIBERTY MOUNTAIN and gave it a thumbs up.  The pad is 2″ and full length, and the cot has wood slats.  It is very comfortable and stable- does not squeek with movement.  It is a little bulky but it is worth a good nights sleep.  The pad comes in either 2″ or 2.75″ which would be super comfortable.  The cost of the cot is $95.95 and will offer years of service.

This past weekend my wife and I, along with good friends- Bill and Queenie, went tent camping in the Bloomsburg, Pa. area.  We were going to the fair!  Mother nature was at it”s best -hot days and warm nights with no rain.  We went on a brisk walk of about five miles (three were the wrong way- naturally the other guys fault).  The fair was ok, I did expect more as far as the activities.  We walked past some RVs that cost a small or rather large fortune-  I do not consider that any form of camping.

     The camp ground- INDIAN HEAD, was quite nice with lots of room, grassy and mostly level. The rest room and shower facilities were clean but need to be modernized.  The campground is situated along the Susquehanna river and Fishing creek- a great location and easy to get to.  The camp store needs to be stocked alot better, but the people are friendly and helpful.

     We only stayed one night so it was just a quick getaway with wine and campfire- and of course good friends, the perfect setting!  On the way home we did not take the major roads but toured the country side- the wife wanted to search for antiques and super finds.

     All it takes is one night camping to regain your strength and motivate your spirit.  HAPPY CAMPING!

You can’t beat the fall for camping and hiking!  Generally the weather is perfect, not to hot or cold and plenty of sunshine.  This comming weekend is looking fantastic and we are going to enjoy it- even to the point where I will take a mental health day.  My wife Dianne and I along with close friends Bill and Sandy (the queenie) are going to the Bloomsburg fair.  We will do alot of walking, relaxing amd just enjoying what nature has to offer.  We will be staying at a local campground- Indian Head, I will give you the details on how it rates with others.  By the way, I will be wearing my new VASQUE shoes from WILD BILLS.