Outdoor Summer Survival Tips: How to Beat Summer Blunders and Bugs

Summer is everyone's favorite time of year because of outdoor living whether it is with the boat, RV or hanging around the backyard. Here are some survival tips to help you have a safer and more sane summertime experience.

BOATING

If you are not already acquainted with the host of wonderful new products on the market for boaters please take a look at the offerings contained in the back of such magazines as Sail which can be found at www.sailmag.com. Among my favorite not-to-be-forgotten product ideas are 1) a mini-washer for clothes that can be hand-cranked; 2) a portable potty lawn for pets if you are planning an extended trip; 3) windproof and waterproof weatherized outer wear, nonskid shoes and gear specifically designed to cut ocean-side windgusts and keep moisture out.

CAMPING

My favorite campsites are KOA who offer clean, safe and affordable accommodations including cabins and electrical hookups, but no matter where you park your RV here are three essential products to bring along.

1) Thermal blankets: the kind especially woven to retain body heat, but are washable and reusable. Place them inside any sleeping bag and you will not freeze at night. A wool cap for your head and woolen and waterproof heavy socks will help to keep your toes and head from losing valuable heat as well.

2) Lamps: ditch the kerosene and purchase those cute little portable lamps that are powered by large square cell batteries. They are fire safe, can be hung next to a wall and work just like your lamp at home. They do not emit noises nor attract moths. They are small enough to be carried around like flashlights, but large enough and bright enough to illuminate game boards. If left on all night they can last about 10 hours.

3) Charcoal: preconditioned briquettes like "Matchlight" will save you from having to haul around lighter fluid. It will start up quickly despite damp whether conditions and hasten the time it takes to get the coals settled into the right temperatures for cooking. Always have a lighter, paper towels, plastic utensils and water bottles with you.

PESTS and POOL

Basic laundry dryer sheets do work to help repell small pests like mosquitoes. Anything with vibration helps too like electronic plug in pest repellers (for cabin) or windchimes (for RV). Make sure pets get a good flea and tick shampoo before heading out. Other handy ideas that work well to lesson bacteria and viruses are dandruff shampoo and pre-moistened anti-bacterial Wet-Ones or Baby-Wipes.

At the pool remember to always shower before getting in and after getting out to remove the chlorine from you and your expensive bathing suit which will disintegrate if not cared for properly. Discourage running and any diving head first into the water unless you are familiar with the walkways and pool depths. Never, ever leave children unattended or allow them to get close to the water filtration systems and very young children should always wear at least "water wings" - those little air-filled tubes that fit over their upper arms to hold their upper body above the water line. Make sure towels and garden hoses are not lying on the walkways. A large retractable patio umbrella that can be carried down to the pool under your arm will do more good than smelly, sticky, sunshine repelling sunscreen lotions. Waterproof flipflop sandals will help cut down on foot fungi issues.

FOODS

Hotdogs, chicken and fish taste great outdoors but unless they are stored and refrigerated properly can contain salmonella. One thing I love about the Omaha Steak Company is that they vacuum seal all of their food products individually so that even if food is left outside, the food will be airtight from contaminates. Some of the best outdoor foods for hikers and bikers are Nature Valley Granola Bars, Jello Pudding Cups and those little microwaveable bowls of assorted dinners like Rice and Vegetables or Macaroni and Cheese. These pocket foods are light, air and moisture tight, do not need refrigeration and taste surprisingly refreshing while on the go.