Serji’s Travel Blog

I just spent the weekend at Hecla Island Provincial Park in Manitoba Canada and let me tell you it was probably one of the best weekends in the past few years. Six of us went up and camped and went all out. Giant potluck dinners, amazing pancake breakfasts and just a good time.

The beach was beautiful, not crowded at all, and really warm. The weather was perfect. I think if I could I would retire up there. There are lots of programs for kids too, which is cool. The island isn’t huge, but it just has so much to see. We all really enjoyed ourselves.

If you ever get the chance, check out Hecla Island. You will not regret it.

Teddy Roosevelt’s foreign policy was to “walk softly and carry a big stick.” Those words of wisdom are useful for walkers and hikers to remember as well. When should you use a stick and how do you choose one?

I’m on a crazy hiking kick right now. Every weekend my buddies and I are going 8 hour hikes. They are pretty hardcore! So I was think that I needed a good hiking stick. My buddy Joel uses a classic large piece of wood found on the ground, but I want something more, something shiny. So I found myself a list of some really great walking sticks.

I love camping, I do it every year for as long as possible. This year I want to go somewhere new, so I did some research and found the best campgrounds of 2005. This year I want to go to at least two of them.

• Apache Campground - Lincoln National Forest, NM. Paula tent camped here in July. “The area scenery is just phenomenal. We took several short hikes through the beautiful Sacramento Mountains, and we were awestruck at the serene beauty of it all.”
• Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park - Live Oak, FL. Julie tent camped here in December 2004. “Everything is right there on the campground. They also have heated bathrooms with hot showers, which is always important. The campground also includes a great line up of annual events such as concerts, swap meets, Old Time Farm Days, and a beautiful Christmas light display that runs through the month of December.”
• North River Campground - Tellico Plains, TN. Barry RV camped here in October 2003. “Considered primitive by most, what this campground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for with charm. It’s situated in a remote mountain cove where the bubbling and gurgling waters of the North River gently flow past the edge of the campground.”