Found an old camping book that took me back

[GoldenRivet]

I found an old camping book entitled Complete Book of Camping by Leonard Miracle and Maurice Decker.

The book originally belonged to my grandfather who probably purchased it new some time in the 60's the print date is 1963, he gave it to me when i was a kid interested in camping and it has been in storage, unseen by human eyes where it has remained for probably 20 years.

Its an interesting read in several ways.

first, the book shows how far we have come in communications. What i mean is, in the first chapter when the book makes suggestions about planning your trip, it mentioned things that would be alien to a youngster today.

for example: the book uses a hypothetical camping trip of someone wanting to camp in Wyoming and it says that the camper should place a telephone call to the operator and ask to be put in touch with the Cheyenne Wyoming operator who would then put you in touch with the appropriate game warden's office or department of parks and wildlife office for the area... and if you cannot afford such a long distance phone call then consider writing a letter to the game warden or state dept. of parks and wildlife requesting information on camping laws, camp sites etc. any letter addressed to a state's department of parks and wildlife - even without a full address - should be forwarded by the postmaster to the appropriate location. appropriate time should be given to receive a response, so plan your trip and send in letters as soon as the itch to camp arrives.

*now days its settled with 2 minutes of Google searching, and an instantaneous email which in all liklihood will be replied to within 24 hours.

another suggestion for being outfitted with the correct equipment or receiving camping advice on locations etc - was to go to the library or the local news paper's office. Once there you can usually find old news papers which may contain a contact name in the sports section. additionally, catologues and magazines are the best way to get into contact with outfitters or their assistants who can help you and are usually the best sources for purchasing equipment which will be shipped to your door.

*again... google. also wal mart, gander mountain, academy, scores of mom and pop outdoor stores, online sporting goods retailers and 2nd day air delivery renders any trip to the library and virtually all magazine ordering obsolete

secondly - something you probably couldnt get away with printing today. on the "camp cooking" chapter... there were two reasons provided as causes that camp fires have fallen out of favor as a means of cooking a camp meal.

first... obvious threat of forest fire.

the funny reason... "automobile campers - particularly women campers" - prefer the home like simplicity of a propane stove or grill as opposed to camp fire cooking.

another on the subject of bedding - "some campers can be as finicky as a new bride"

finally - the interest of the book came from the wealth of knowledge within its pages. i learned several things i hadnt even considered. for example... i have always sort of known where to look for the north star, but the book mentions a sure fire way to make 100% sure your looking at the correct star, no matter where you stand in the northern hemisphere. or the couple of new additions to wilderness lost procedures and survival i will be adding to my bag of tricks. the hand full of new knots i will be learning to tie and several other little "neat to know" things.

anyhow... it was a fun flash back.

thought i would share