Happy Camper Radio

Boating Under the Influence is a crime, and poses a serious threat to boaters, swimmers, and those who enjoy spending time along the shore.  In this week's episode, Skip explains what law enforcement officers look for in determining if a boater is operating a vessel while intoxicated. We'll also take a look at a couple of tragic events that occurred on the water, including one case that involved someone who was Boating Under the Influence.

Have you ever considered taking the family on a tour of a wildlife preserve? You may be surprised to learn there are several throughout the country, and no doubt, one or two located within driving distance of your campsite. In this week's show, Skip talks about a few right here in Georgia, including one of his favorites.

The Fourth of July weekend offers plenty of great opportunities to fellowship and make new friends in the world of camping. With the holiday falling on a Saturday this year, many people will be taking advantage of an extended weekend. In Episode 113, Skip talks about how advance planning helps to reduce stress, and ways you can avoid a costly speeding ticket while travelling to and from your camping destination.

Tent campers often dream of what it would be like to transform from primitive camping to an RV lifestyle. But when is the right time to make that move? In this week's show, Skip shares his experience in transitioning from a tent to a truck camper, and several thing you need to consider before making that purchase.

One way to impress your family at camp this summer, is to serve up a delicious, piping hot pizza at meal time. There are so many ways to prepare and cook pizza at the campsite, and it's one dish that is sure to keep them coming back for more. In this week's show, we'll take a look at some options of preparing and cooking your pizza at camp.

In Episode 110, Stephen Crewson from Canada calls the show to discuss camping and bicycling in Ontario. Listen in as he explains what many of the campgrounds are doing to accommodate campers on bicycles, and some of the criteria that campgrounds must meet in order to become certified.

This week, it's all about those traditional camp favorites. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an in between snack, nothing tastes better that the food prepared and cooked at the campsite. In this episode, we'll take a look at some of those all time specialties that keep campers coming back for more.

Campgrounds will be quite busy this Memorial Day weekend. It's a great time to get out and meet fellow campers while taking in plenty of activites, including parades and other events that honor those who have served in the armed forces. This week, Skip shares some ideas that are sure to keep you busy, whether at home, or on the go. 

The last thing any of us want on our minds while camping is to encounter a snake. While crossing the path of a snake is rare, we must understand that they do exist outside the comforts of home. On today's show, I'll tell you what to look for and what to do if you come face-to-face with one of those slithery creatures.

In this week's episode, it's all about cookin' and grillin'. With the warmer weather moving in, more and more people will be focused on outdoor food preparations. While some campers take a casual approach to preparing their meals, others put forth a great effort. If you're ready to fire up the camp stoves and barbecue grills, be sure to catch this week's edition of Happy Camper Radio. 

This week, Happy Camper Radio listener Tim Raley drops by the studio. Tim is a primitive camper and reptile enthusiast. He departed Florida last week for a two month cross country journey to take in all that nature has to offer. Listen in, as Tim shares with us his background and what destinations he plans to visit.

There are many great ways to enjoy recreational activities at camp. Some people go to tremendous lengths to bring their bicycles to camp with them. In this week's show, Skip talks about his experience growing up with a bike, and explains why bicycle safety is more important today than ever before.

With tax season behind us, now would be a great time to consider buying that new family tent. And with an enormous selection available online and in the stores, Skip wastes no time in selecting his latest upgrade. For individuals wanting to buy a tent for the bed of their pickup, there's great selections there too. It's all about tent shopping, this week on Happy Camper Radio.

While spending your golden years as a full time camper, there are some great opportunities in becoming a campground host. It's a wonderful way to meet people who enjoy camping just as much as you. This week, we take a look at what's involved, including some lifestyle changes you can expect when living life on the road.

As renovations continue in the studio, Skip grabs his headphones and remote gear and steps outdoors. This week, the show comes to you from his back patio where the fireplace and Tiki-torches are lit. In Episode 101, we take time to share some of the great comments and feedback we received from our listeners in recent weeks.

To mark the 100th episode of the Happy Camper Radio Show, Skip welcomes his brother Rick and cousin Greg to the program.  One thing that all good campers have in common is the natural instinct to gather around a warm campfire and relive cherished memories. Throughout the show, Skip, Rick and Greg take time to reflect back on some their most memorable moments of years gone by.

In a very unusual move, Skip is podcasting this week from his hotel room at the Atlanta Airport Hilton Hotel as he attends voice conference "VOAtlanta2015".  With the spring and summer camping season fast approaching, many families are beginning to make their vacation plans.  Some of these destinations will include bear country.  Although bear attacks are extremely rare, it's very important that every camper follow all state and national park regulations as they relate to camping around bears.  This week, we look at some of the dos and don'ts, and provide useful tips to make your camping experience in bear country a safe one.

Camping for the very first time does not require a major investment.  In fact, some folks can get started with little to no out-of-pocket expense.  This week, Skip explains how new campers can purchase their initial gear for just under $100., as well as a creative way to buy some equipment with a unexpected cash rebate.

When winter weather is at its worst, many schools and businesses close, roads are unsafe, and people find themselves stuck at home.  Are you prepared for when the power goes out?  In this week's episode, Skip explains how families can turn a bad winter event into a fun indoor camping experience.  We'll check out some options for preparing hot food during the storm, and explain what you can do to help you and your family stay warm.

Pocket knives are a very common tool we carry as part of our camping experience.  Some are equipped with a wide variety of tools and other attachments.  Many people carry pocket knives as part of everyday life.  In this week's episode, Skip talks about his experience throughout the years, how social attitudes have changed, and the importance of safety when it comes to using and carrying a pocket knife.