Fire is Fun.

That’s my motto.

However, getting that campfire started isn’t always easy. I was never a boyscout and I guess that shows when it comes to starting a fire. However, once I get it going, well, then we’re talkin’.

But between wet wood, and not enough kindling, and a whole bunch of other things, I’m not so great at actually getting the fire started.

But if you want a way that will help you make sure your campfire gets going without a lot of fuss, give this a try.

You’ll need to plan a little bit ahead of time, but it’s worth it.

What you want to do is gather up some pinecones and take them home with you. It’s important that they be dry so if you’re not sure just stick them on the oven for a little while.

Next, melt some candle wax (insert obligatory CAUTION: candle wax is HOT! warning here), and dip the pinecones in the wax to get them coated. Let them dry, and then store them with your other camping supplies for your next camping trip.

Then next time you’re out getting your campfire started, stick one of these little guys in there and you should be all set.

Bonus: They smell nice.

Now that it’s officially summer, I thought I’d provide you with a few tips for beating the heat while camping because it’s no fun to leave the confines of air conditioning if you’re just going to suffer in triple digit heat while you’re out camping.

1) Location Location Location

If you haven’t decided where you want to go camping, I’d recommend you take a look at going some place where the temperatures aren’t blisteringly hot in summer. That means southern states like Arizona, Texas, and many others aren’t as good of choices as Montana, Wyoming, the Rocky Mountains where it doesn’t get as warm in the summer.

However, picking a more temperate location isn’t always feasible so let’s talk about how to pick a campsite that will help keep you cool. Look for a campsite in the shade or one that will be in the shade in the afternoon when it will be the hottest outside. If you’re camping on the water, get a campsite close to the water as you can get a nice cool lakeside breeze (provided the lake is large enough) when you camp next to it.

2) Drink like a sailor (sort of)

Okay, so I didn’t mean to get your hopes up that you should spend your entire time in a drunken stupor with the intention of beating the heat. Instead, drink water and plenty of it. Sodas don’t hydrate as well good old water, and alcohol is actually dehydrating so you may wanna lay off the sauce at least when until the evenings when the temperatures are cooler.

3) Stay Outta The Sun

The sun I great for a lot of things. Without sun we’d all die. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. And if you’re out in the intense summer heat all die without protection you’re not gonna be too happy later on. Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen if you’re going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. And if you’re pasty white like I am, then just make sure you don’t go out in the sun without sunscreen at all.

4) Be a cool dresser

They say you’re not supposed to wear white after Labor Day. Fortunately, it’s well before Labor Day so you’re in the clear. Wear whites and light colored clothing to stay cool. Also, wear breathable clothing like nylon and polyester and if you’re going to be highly active, leave the cotton at home.

5) Schedule wisely

If you love to hike or bike, plan those activities in the morning or for the early evening when things will have cooled off a little. During the day, water based activities like swimming and jet skiing will keep you cooled off. You could also do one of my favorites and take a trip to local wineries which are air conditioned, and not only that, you usually get free wine samples (yes, I know that breaks rule #2, but don’t look at ‘em like rigid rules, more like suggestions).

And if you want to keep your food cold too, then just read my post from a few days ago – keeping your food cold while camping.

Here’s something kind of nice happening in Missouri. Missouri governor Matt Blunt has instructed the DNR to waive camping fees for families displaced by flooding. If you live in an area that has been declared a disaster county in 2008 then you can go camping at state parks for free for the next 15 days. Campers can get basic and electric charge on a first come first serve basis.

The one thing you do need to bring is your own camping equipment, but I think this is a great way to allow people to get away from flood ravaged areas and to enjoy themselves for a little while.

So if you’re living in a disaster county in Missouri and you want to get away for a few days, then you can go camping in a Missouri state park for free.