tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22698116084669267492024-02-07T13:46:54.432-08:00Prep-123Readiness and Emergency Survival For Beginning Preppers. It's not all doom and gloom. Preparedness has fun topics, too, like gardening and saving money. MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-41584899940800517412018-07-13T18:43:00.001-07:002018-07-13T18:43:13.995-07:00Poultry Egg Issues<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfANjfsymzgkrYS4yKdzQ8SU3FQSiV_wKVJywVYfgG_TcJGte8tFnoREV_md7nrFd3an9zIbLsPBI4bRl1Pwz61lpp75GSsP5ZDLZeu_rp3xbUcaweoa4gTV49RBKbMZ6z-aMeYNvbMKb/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfANjfsymzgkrYS4yKdzQ8SU3FQSiV_wKVJywVYfgG_TcJGte8tFnoREV_md7nrFd3an9zIbLsPBI4bRl1Pwz61lpp75GSsP5ZDLZeu_rp3xbUcaweoa4gTV49RBKbMZ6z-aMeYNvbMKb/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/>
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Sometimes, laying hens lay eggs that are damaged and unusable. Often, these issues can be addressed with a simple fix in their diet. Quail, chickens, ducks, and other egg layers need high amounts of calcium to produce a quality egg. <br/>
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<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHaL6EYgnCIM-f6gjSrxXjvOrDTb2fojcRXmnpRO3ZXaA3zaZPkDQTu3GVACOIBCLtrXlMOGN9qUJobbi-PodtWCpzIXV2Ya4QSKU4g_-7S23QH0fVguyXONXnZkTHtl_3XbjAUKDLY11/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHaL6EYgnCIM-f6gjSrxXjvOrDTb2fojcRXmnpRO3ZXaA3zaZPkDQTu3GVACOIBCLtrXlMOGN9qUJobbi-PodtWCpzIXV2Ya4QSKU4g_-7S23QH0fVguyXONXnZkTHtl_3XbjAUKDLY11/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/>
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<b>Add Eggshells</b><br/>
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Collect eggshells while keeping poultry. These may be dried and baked for a short time on a cookie sheet in the oven. Bake at 140° for 30 minutes to kill the element that make the birds eat their own eggs.<br/>
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<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6fy4-_qmEEATJu-rsaYtWXAFmASe3odemG6_2fOA6J2jFHGSd-slQ5zyGkd2rUIsFMEbBqOoZPZm6PzCPHE4FTljfyKsbLyN7GP_uFOm_eLRhcF0ziuFDM6dLiBK3ryFNt6o0GB8S5ap/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6fy4-_qmEEATJu-rsaYtWXAFmASe3odemG6_2fOA6J2jFHGSd-slQ5zyGkd2rUIsFMEbBqOoZPZm6PzCPHE4FTljfyKsbLyN7GP_uFOm_eLRhcF0ziuFDM6dLiBK3ryFNt6o0GB8S5ap/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/>
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<b>Grind Eggshells and Layer Pellets</b><br/>
A small hand grinder is a handy tool for pulverising shells and even layer pellets for snall flock birds like quail. It reduces the items into powdered form for easy feeding and meal supplements. <br/>
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<i>Tip: eggshells are an excellent nutrient to add to tomato plantings!</i><br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-59215281409086432542018-07-12T07:13:00.001-07:002018-07-12T07:13:08.782-07:00Emergency Food for Farm Birds<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYdJShhFAZ2ziT-NV_G_OUuKICO3QAYF4FY2aPEYw2czWq93YIOffcabBZW0eWRml-5yEsiF6DML_n4YOtm0BPO-6UxP9noU392uFVQSHMgko5MZbjm4FHA0WDVNL7nCLHinqV5oo-b_K/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYdJShhFAZ2ziT-NV_G_OUuKICO3QAYF4FY2aPEYw2czWq93YIOffcabBZW0eWRml-5yEsiF6DML_n4YOtm0BPO-6UxP9noU392uFVQSHMgko5MZbjm4FHA0WDVNL7nCLHinqV5oo-b_K/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/>
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Emergencies happen. Feed supplies run short and the flock is goung to revolt if they aren't fed. What does one do in this situation? Create a healthy, temporary substitute that contains proteins and grains with an bit of color and make a peace offering to those feathered friends.<br/>
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<b>Emergency poultry rations</b><br/>
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This is enough food nutrients to carry flock birds over until feed is replenished.<br/>
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12 dozen boiled eggs<br/>
1 cucumber<br/>
3 tomatoes<br/>
3 C oatmeal<br/>
4 C water<br/>
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Chop eggs shell and all. Chop or dice tomatoes and cucumber into fine pieces. Stir together and set aside.<br/>
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In a large stock pot add and boil water. Stir in oatmeal and let simmer 6 to 10 mins on medium. Stir occasionally. When oatmeal thickens add egg and veggie mixture. Pour into small bowls and place in fridge to cool. <br/>
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For added bulk, stir in leftovers from family meals, meal worms, canned beans, or canned veggies. Tuna may also be added.<br/>
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Serve at room temperature.<br/>
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Makes 20 + bird servings.<br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0(0.0 0.0)0 0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-2944215001882192342018-07-08T09:44:00.001-07:002018-07-08T09:44:42.226-07:00On Homesteading<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVb-tFxXekOhI5z1SsFZBzW8ymHYzw1qDPOZNaMopQLxj6B-t0WN257UhPeQVSRC6NOvvWDT9vN3LikYz4liLt13t60PIiHtkAp3sEzvAtNZROQrsV7GNlz7oBeRy5cMOeismVkTs3Pja/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVb-tFxXekOhI5z1SsFZBzW8ymHYzw1qDPOZNaMopQLxj6B-t0WN257UhPeQVSRC6NOvvWDT9vN3LikYz4liLt13t60PIiHtkAp3sEzvAtNZROQrsV7GNlz7oBeRy5cMOeismVkTs3Pja/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/>
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I cannot tell you how hard it is to give up having a social life, spending weekends buried in farm chores, resting in between when I can't go any further. How tough it is on the body to stoop over and clean out a water jug or brooder or grab a newly laid egg. How heartbreaking it is when the local varmint eats your newly planted flowers or one of your favorite hens dies. How aggrivating it is to water that garden you broke your back to plant daily, sometimes twice, so it stays living. How frustrating it is to need things that time will bring to your door to create a nicer environment for you and your homestead. Or how rewarding it is to call this farm and home yours at the end of the day when the stars shine bright and the rooster stops crowing. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is my world and I'll keep at it until I cannot possibly do anymore....<br/>
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<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4apom6I3nJHAZDvLcuR0YeaxaL3wczttPDOWV9VbOq3TN5pPo85brD8gzypfQX1GmrLxz9bp_pcPSfIWcq_-oYW2UWjhsWG4S4I3ZjYn4GNcxClkCeN3xVxu-GHxGtHKyozuG3woGtC-/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4apom6I3nJHAZDvLcuR0YeaxaL3wczttPDOWV9VbOq3TN5pPo85brD8gzypfQX1GmrLxz9bp_pcPSfIWcq_-oYW2UWjhsWG4S4I3ZjYn4GNcxClkCeN3xVxu-GHxGtHKyozuG3woGtC-/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/><p style='font-size: xx-small' align='right'>posted from <a href='https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger'>Bloggeroid</a></p></div>MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-76686553964790278472018-06-12T22:53:00.001-07:002018-06-12T23:00:44.960-07:00Raising Ducklings<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xnQ_ZxKeS6ea_VxDIq3jGqpFaBvLn_BEW3Iv7k1tPPG-1C3rj0fwXvfeiLeyPAjDRHy1OBfrZI2EMN1MFUHJ3qWRcvkH2tysY5Z516nn8K6CL13338U-_jXi3r4h3kZZBav1ueySRgoQ/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xnQ_ZxKeS6ea_VxDIq3jGqpFaBvLn_BEW3Iv7k1tPPG-1C3rj0fwXvfeiLeyPAjDRHy1OBfrZI2EMN1MFUHJ3qWRcvkH2tysY5Z516nn8K6CL13338U-_jXi3r4h3kZZBav1ueySRgoQ/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br />
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Ducks are a great way to keep pests under control. They love creepy crawlies that make most of us cringe. They are sweet birds, but before you run off to buy your little, fuzzy baby there are a few things to think about before you bring home a cute nightmare.<br />
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Duck Facts<br />
Ducks are messy. Plain and truthful. Ducklings stink. These adorable birds tend to spatter every liquid all over them and anything close to them. They will desecrate all things within four feet of them if contained with a supply of water and feed so be prepared for cleaning up a lot of messes.<br />
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Early Duckling Care<br />
Fresh hatched ducklings will need a heat lamp like baby chicks do for their first few weeks of life. Adjust the height of the lamp so the ducks have a warm area on one end of their nursery and a cooler section on the other. If they avoid the heat area it is too hot. If they huddle under it - it is too cool. <br />
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Feeding Schedule<br />
Offer feed and water every two hours or so to cut down on feed waste and watery messes. A separate feeding area would be ideal when ducks are in the early stages. They are like bad little kids and they will take every opportunity to create a mud puddle and stomp in it.<br />
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Housing Ducklings<br />
I tried four options before I found an efficient way to keep my ducks tidy. I tried pine shavings. I tried dirt. I tried puppy training pads in a tote and in a kiddie pool. I finally set them in my bathtub. This final solution kept my sanity in tact. <br />
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Cleaning up after a duck is smelly and wet work. The shower and tub proved to be a great option. When some of their feathers began showing, they were ready for light showers and dips in deeper water. <br />
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*<b>Please, supervise small ducklings when introducing them to water their first few weeks. They can drown if they are in deeper water than they can stand up in.</b>*<br />
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The tub works wonderfully. This can be mimicked in an outdoor area that is secure from adult ducks and predators. They'll need a containment system that can be hosed out and a place they can dry off. Youngster ducks do not produce the oils necessary to protect their feathers so wait until their fuzz turns feathered before allowing extended swim time. 10 minute dips are fine when they are babies. Towel dry them off in the early development stages. <br />
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<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5Wmo4Xz_W9FrwY5Ji5r6W4lOv5H8erxgYpZfiJO1VhBlJjhrlFcU-p7woEoOX88MPJGlP7QHqhZdG_JDdD0P9hNaat1OmQbhNL2APRHvhpU3Dg4MLidAQYFtCQR9sm7bIWpzTK_Sya-y/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5Wmo4Xz_W9FrwY5Ji5r6W4lOv5H8erxgYpZfiJO1VhBlJjhrlFcU-p7woEoOX88MPJGlP7QHqhZdG_JDdD0P9hNaat1OmQbhNL2APRHvhpU3Dg4MLidAQYFtCQR9sm7bIWpzTK_Sya-y/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br />
Ducklings with Pine Shred Bedding<br />
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<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J6IXhx2Pgv9ZxHs2WfDVx0cHw0BqO4rWGiMCLJ1AwxD7BF4sbE5Qjd0wlmWkObrN1Q3nifPfPZthhOzTXk-a7w_mOO_6VT2lx4qnlGK2BTTVGQIvzN8hifowtQDC_eybB7wZGllVQIJu/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J6IXhx2Pgv9ZxHs2WfDVx0cHw0BqO4rWGiMCLJ1AwxD7BF4sbE5Qjd0wlmWkObrN1Q3nifPfPZthhOzTXk-a7w_mOO_6VT2lx4qnlGK2BTTVGQIvzN8hifowtQDC_eybB7wZGllVQIJu/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br />
Ducklings with Training Pads<br />
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<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88_yI1iQp06Jndj3wca5imDZgfQvnub-Hqkqyldu8NvnCuBIrcAw8289CU5Ml7ar4_RNqv8gP3wuvH6Kp3wBZW68msBT-gwsb_OEcKr5vSmB5UmzhDF5AqoKQgtUItiixjlhVgVm5TlHS/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88_yI1iQp06Jndj3wca5imDZgfQvnub-Hqkqyldu8NvnCuBIrcAw8289CU5Ml7ar4_RNqv8gP3wuvH6Kp3wBZW68msBT-gwsb_OEcKr5vSmB5UmzhDF5AqoKQgtUItiixjlhVgVm5TlHS/s640/%255BUNSET%255D' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br />
Ducklings in the Tub<br />
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Water a Deep Necessity<br />
Adequate water depth in a dish will insure your duckling gets the amounts of water it needs. Ducks will dunk their whole face in the water container. It does this to wash food down and to clear sinus and eye ducts. Keep plenty available for them and keep it clean best you can. <br />
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Nutrients for Feeding<br />
Vitamins and minerals are very important to any living thing. Adding a poultry supplement like Nutridrench is a great way to get your little water birds off to a great start. I dribble about 6 drops into my duck's water dish in the mornings. One of my birds actually dives for the brown drops! <br />
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Niacin for Duck Health<br />
Niacin is an essential nutrient that helps keep young ducks on the right track. I sprikle niacin powder in the water once a day and they drink it down. Niacin contibutes to strong feather growth and health growth. It can be found in flakes and in health powders like brewers yeast. I use capsules as they were all that was available to me. <br />
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Proper Feed<br />
Chick starter crumbles is the best way to start your duck in the right nutritional direction. Be sure to avoid feeding the medicated formula. Past mixes were deadly to young ducks. Non-medicated is good feed for the first month or so. <br />
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After a few weeks, mix a little flock raiser in with the starter feed. This helps the transition to adult blends. Adding a bit of meat bird formula might help their protein intake, but don't give them much. Too many protein points isn't good for that young bird.<br />
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First Aid Kit for Ducks<br />
Your cutie pie is going to need first aid care for one reason or another - eventually. Keep a bottle of Vetricin handy. This is a great product for wound care. It is easy to use and helps heal cuts and wounds quickly. Bandages aren't necessary. A duck won't keep them on long. You can try to use a self sticking wrap, but that usually gets taken off after an hour or so. Simple care of cuts or abrasions is the same as human first aid. Clean the area. Administer antibiotic ointment and tend often. They are resilient creatures. Consult a professional if something beyond a simple first aid kit arises.<br />
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Duck Housing<br />
After a month or so, your ducklings are going to be medium sized and need more than a small tub for their living environment. An enclosed run and a shallow pool is great for daytime activity. At night, consider a small duck house for them to slumber in. Protecting them from possible preditor and extreme conditions makes for a healthy duck. <br />
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<br /><p align="right" style="font-size: xx-small">posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></p>MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-63296585303993384222018-04-09T07:16:00.001-07:002018-04-09T07:42:36.339-07:00Spring Into Raising Chickens<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA0pPkukGjyPMfTD80Kat2eU9hMU3_J8rDH_ztammQbZA2yp18Jic5fOJedNPR_hoN8gWJEluGFwGDNrp8gjaiHLzfKHST7EjFOAlZVh32fCBcvITQH6z0Lv8EPYO9iiHW9WyFXltFIr8/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Baby chicks with tray feeder" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA0pPkukGjyPMfTD80Kat2eU9hMU3_J8rDH_ztammQbZA2yp18Jic5fOJedNPR_hoN8gWJEluGFwGDNrp8gjaiHLzfKHST7EjFOAlZVh32fCBcvITQH6z0Lv8EPYO9iiHW9WyFXltFIr8/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" title="Baby chicks with tray feeder - Image M Burgess" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Chicks with Tray Feeder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The weather is warming up and the appearance of baby chick in the feed stores signals Spring is here. Chicks are fuzzy, little packages of cuteness, but they are fragile and need a measure of care in their first few weeks of life to grow them to healthy adult stage. Before you bring that adorable birdie home, make sure to have all the elements the baby's home will need before it arrives. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh1LHgDTRLaY-HDqb0meyLDr-iV73slDlctcyO0pNMKkE2BycXD-DPP29x_Bw7buG3MJd6SquIE81VOkjEAYS00YYoZdY95AKUUhZ4KG7DFT7swF9naIKtfBQBidsqjGzCP1DjUZNHJGb/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh1LHgDTRLaY-HDqb0meyLDr-iV73slDlctcyO0pNMKkE2BycXD-DPP29x_Bw7buG3MJd6SquIE81VOkjEAYS00YYoZdY95AKUUhZ4KG7DFT7swF9naIKtfBQBidsqjGzCP1DjUZNHJGb/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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<b>Brooder Box Equipment</b><br />
A brooder is the first home a chick knows once it is hatched via an incubator. Caging properly is essential to keeping baby chickens safe and comfortable. A naturally hatched bird would be tended by its mother hen and an ideal brooder simulates this condition. A stable temperature and clean bedding means a healthy bird and environment. <br />
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Many people use a large cardboard box for a brooder and this can be good if you are around to supervise continually. They can be easy to clean - just throw the soiled area away.<br />
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A large plastic tub works well, but would needs air holes drilled every so many inches around the chick's head height. Drill several holes in a succession about five inches from the floor level. Two to three rows should provide adequate ventilation. The lid may be fixed with a window of hardware mesh or left open. Do NOT affix a solid top to the bin. Chicks will suffocate quickly. Clean and replace bedding often.<br />
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<i>Pine shreds are ideal small animal bedding</i>.<br />
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<b>Provide Adequate Warmth </b><br />
Until recently, a standard heat lamp bulb was personally used in the brooders. The heat lamp provides steady warmth and light, however, the issue of light 24 hours is not an ideal situation for budding chickens. Comfortable heat without illumination would be preferable. The chicks need a given period of darkness for them to properly rest. A good sleep helps living beings regenerate and heal their tissues and nervous system. It also allows for the body organs to fully flush toxins.<br />
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Ceramic bulbs allow for steady heat without light and are safer for a coop or cage. They do not have a heat element or a glass fixture subject to malfunction or fure hazard. Affixing one of these clever bulbs is as easy as screwing a regular bulb in. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://amzn.com/B075XJXPGC/?tag=preparednessk-20 </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(affiliate link)</span></i><br />
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Adjust the exposure by using a thermometer in the rest or heat area. Ideally, cage temps should be slightly higher on one end (95° F) and cooler on the other (89° F) so the tender creatures may adjust as needed. This author places water and feed containers in the cool side so that the warm section has plenty of resting space.<br />
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If the chicks are steering away from the warm area, adjust the lamp distance. The area may be too hot. In contrast, if the chicks are huddled together, the area is too cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QvrD73RRScjwvPRkP1yr_iWFGKUkvVlGUOGUlwYRKxKZSIHy9c745lKM2732rkGr_zFEPeKTGpzH10VDQd0vOY3wcdTMkFvlxmzfpADElQV0nfaUtkmOnnaKFEdGsRJTnW3knrKVkQet/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QvrD73RRScjwvPRkP1yr_iWFGKUkvVlGUOGUlwYRKxKZSIHy9c745lKM2732rkGr_zFEPeKTGpzH10VDQd0vOY3wcdTMkFvlxmzfpADElQV0nfaUtkmOnnaKFEdGsRJTnW3knrKVkQet/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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<b>Feeding Young Chicks</b><br />
Young chicks have a varocious appetite. They consume chick starter it seems almost as fast as you can put it in the feeding trough or dispenser. A good recommendation for feed is one quart sized feeder per 6 birds. This dozen are wiping out their fresh supply in about an hours time. They will let you know when it runs out. Their peeping sounds will get your attention! Medicated feed is not used with this flock. The start and grow is sufficient to sustain them and help keep them fed. <br />
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If you have enough room, the strip type container is ideal, but the bottle dispenser is easier to tend to. Keeping several feed bottles ready to go is another advantage of this type of feeder. The tops of the strip type tend to get messy from perching chicks. <br />
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Meat type bird will tend to devour feed quickly. They are specially designed by Nature to increase in weight quickly which means a very active appetite. Feed may have to be rationed and birds separated into like groups.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTku_ST2sv5SUqgOQszN2vNDKUTN4LyvHcgiLwqJeuqxQtJIGXJSCDgM_MvBK78KiMZXIvkKEhZ-MN-YyLUOTgXlVU2ZCteGKXDAc8NwBHEEHuJsakLLjV_BSlxYOL7xIJlVQMEBAyTL_M/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTku_ST2sv5SUqgOQszN2vNDKUTN4LyvHcgiLwqJeuqxQtJIGXJSCDgM_MvBK78KiMZXIvkKEhZ-MN-YyLUOTgXlVU2ZCteGKXDAc8NwBHEEHuJsakLLjV_BSlxYOL7xIJlVQMEBAyTL_M/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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<b>Brooder, Cage, and Coop Sanitation</b><br />
Keeping a brooder clean is a daily task. Remove droppings often and change bedding every few days as needed. The plastic tub may be sanitized with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Bleach may be used for disinfecting, but vinegar is easier on the senses and does just as good a job. Leave a light mist on the sides and base of the container after wiping away debris for full disinfection. Allow it to dry naturally. Place birds in a temporarily holding area until this task is completed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6wuRM9K8nId_W47T5dLrMX6CLwEwfisdP_-xFj0RgeATLue-pHavnCHKjT2jW1MOUSvFZs8mBmDzf3RmFV7zPZgU-awPYsASCY1bPHtMaAT32UqvqRSzDYuDyv-E6u5qQJvNNHa57AkF/s2560/%255BUNSET%255D" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6wuRM9K8nId_W47T5dLrMX6CLwEwfisdP_-xFj0RgeATLue-pHavnCHKjT2jW1MOUSvFZs8mBmDzf3RmFV7zPZgU-awPYsASCY1bPHtMaAT32UqvqRSzDYuDyv-E6u5qQJvNNHa57AkF/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></div>
MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-59653902564170322412016-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:002016-09-09T17:32:02.704-07:00Watermelon Vines Cover the Desert Floor<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Watermelon vines have taken hold in my backyard and I couldn't be more delighted. The fabulous fruit is a personal favorite and to have it growing live in my garden is a sweet event. I'll say this in the dear old southern granny voice, "It just makes ma heart swell!"</span></h2>
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Last week's count of established and newly forming fruit numbered over two dozen. The monstrous patch of leaves is covering a former corn bed that is seven feet by seven feet and furrowed like real farm rows. The channels allow for deep watering and saturation to direct moisture to thirsty roots. These wonderful fruits require a lot of <a href="http://hubpages.com/health/h20-just-good-water" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>water</i></b></a>, especially during the very hot months. The melon plants are hearty, cool leafy strings with bulging striped fruits. Their beginnings were just a few seeds in a couple of small pots. What I have now is the equivalent of a mini-jungle.</div>
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The flowers are tended neatly by bees and flying nectar loving things. The flowers on the vines are abuzz with bee activity early in the mornings just after sunrise. Attracting these important creatures is key for any successful planting. Once the bees know that you have these sweet flowers they will visit faithfully. Their presence means healthy fruit!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon Plants - Starter Pots</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recent Garden Tour</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Video</i></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Allow me to introduce you to my backyard urban farm. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Walk along with me and my chickens as we inspect a few things around the garden beds. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>The watermelon patch is highlighted for bragging rights. </i></span><br />
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I believe these watermelons are Sugar Babies, but I may be wrong. They look more like the Crimson Sweet watermelons below. There are a wide variety of the fruit vines on the market. Plant them in late April in Nevada and watch the melon magic begin! Watermelons take up a lot of space so be careful where you plant them. The vines will need to stretch 15 to 20 feet all around the planting area. They will climb over and around everything in their path.</div>
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Order seeds for your next garden here at <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7922587/type/dlg/sid/mscb-1006/https://www.directgardening.com/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=watermelon&submit_search=Search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Direct Gardening</a>. Most of them are under a dollar for the basics and quite affordable for more exotic varieties. Once these get going, collect the seeds from the melons and save for the future crops. The ideal seeds are the darker, mature ones. They are usually fatter than the rest of the seeds in the fruit. This is true of most seeds in fruit and vegetable varieties. Ask people to be considerate that are eating the fresh melon and spit the seeds in a pre-planned watermelon area so the yard doesn't end up with wandering vines. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/2q101qgpmgo3BD669CB354BBBBC83587676A4C5444?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.directgardening.com%2F292-seeds%2F5219-crimson-sweet-watermelon%3FSource%3DCJDF&cjsku=5219" rel="nofollow">Crimson Sweet Watermelon</a></td></tr>
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<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-61064679983188601432016-08-06T02:12:00.000-07:002017-06-17T13:27:01.250-07:00How to Keep Chickens Cool in Blistering Summers<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The temperatures in Las Vegas blow in at over 115 during the middle of summer. Keeping a flock of chickens cool and comfortable during these heat spells is an important task. My A-Frame Coop is set up just right now. After the <a href="https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2016/05/summer-heat-and-animal-safety.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cornish Rock</a> disaster in May, I made my chicken shelter a top priority.</span></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYVPBvWxdZC_0cgNj0Ic0JySXYlj-uP4D8Sr4aJ5ytJTQy3C2SaeGGaBwPoSc7E-hzE6JiRITQYaA0rV64I3cKNPgUluqivIky1PyYDBT4LMC69KMTBGRWyqe65jSN83IfbZIUN-X7S6Q/s1600/Interior+A-Frame+Coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Interior of A-Frame Chicken Coop - M Burgess - All Rights Reserved" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYVPBvWxdZC_0cgNj0Ic0JySXYlj-uP4D8Sr4aJ5ytJTQy3C2SaeGGaBwPoSc7E-hzE6JiRITQYaA0rV64I3cKNPgUluqivIky1PyYDBT4LMC69KMTBGRWyqe65jSN83IfbZIUN-X7S6Q/s640/Interior+A-Frame+Coop.jpg" title="Interior of A-Frame Chicken Coop" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A-Frame Chicken Coop Interior - The Chickens are right at home in their Gypsy camp coop.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I know my coop looks a little ghetto, but it works and below I have shared a few tips and techniques that seem to keep these birds comfortable. A rigid schedule has to be maintained or the hens will not lay eggs out of discomfort. &nbsp;In the summer time, the coop needs to be cool enough to help the birds keep their body temperatures down. It also needs to be roomy enough for their grazing and pecking needs</i>.</span></blockquote><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Video: A Visit to the Coop</i></span></b><br />
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<h3>First: Chickens Need Lots of Shade</h3>The best coops and chicken shelters cast a wide shadow across the space a chicken has to graze in. Combine this with adequate scratch room, the hens will stay where they belong and be cool and cozy during heat waves.&nbsp;<br />
The shade in our coop area is achieved with a plywood roof, a bamboo screen, and an old dust ruffle with a white center sheet placed over areas that would be sun exposed. In cooler weather, the sheet will be removed. The more shade the better. The coop I managed to build is a bit ghetto and a little gypsy, but it works for the girl's needs.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGO2IptFY8sIQWBkfTEqOI1Zk7qlUN0cu88CKjDkR-GnOVj8SViaIzT8IK2dYRAHJMzdDQtnSkJ4xU4phlUZqViCWaixDYx2970IQGl0v-Bt4o6x940evbDsgK_VpLsSkYTT7mHCDuuKf/s1600/Ghetto+Coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGO2IptFY8sIQWBkfTEqOI1Zk7qlUN0cu88CKjDkR-GnOVj8SViaIzT8IK2dYRAHJMzdDQtnSkJ4xU4phlUZqViCWaixDYx2970IQGl0v-Bt4o6x940evbDsgK_VpLsSkYTT7mHCDuuKf/s640/Ghetto+Coop.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghetto Coop</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
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Ideally, a coop should be entirely secure and invasion proof. Where I live there are no animals that would threaten my chickens so they are able to roam in and out as they like. If you have predatory animals secure hardware mesh down at least a foot surrounding your coop.<br />
In the first image, you can see the roosting bar, the water containers, and a plastic box containing the chicken's feed. The shaded area is large enough to give them room to wander without being right on top of each other. The plaid flannel blocks sun from the west end while the odd white sheet with the dust ruffle reflects the sun off of the top of the coop. Ideally, I would have painted the roof white for the same effect. I am developing this coop as I go and as I see the need to alter it for the health of the birds.&nbsp;<br />
There is a chicken wire fence running around the exterior of the structure, but I leave it open as of late because the hens climb up to the top of the a-frame roof and leap off into the garden. The roof section is about four feet tall. I'd rather not have them testing their wing capabilities. They only float down so there is a possibility for them to get hurt. Chickens do not fly very well.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Second: Chickens Need a Lot of Water</h3><a href="http://hubpages.com/health/h20-just-good-water" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Water is essential </a>to any living creature's survival. This goes without saying. It is the best way to keep an animal cool during extreme heat. Looking around the internet for ideas on keeping chickens cool, I found a few forum threads that suggested large tubs of water be set around coop areas. They mentioned ice and even mud for allowing the hens a place to cool their feet.&nbsp;<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61qu%2Bb3oyTL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61qu%2Bb3oyTL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Houston-International-6090-18-Inch-Galvanized/dp/B004G1GDYQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1470354731&sr=8-65&keywords=galvanized+tub&linkCode=ll1&tag=preparednessk-20&linkId=a3ff069ca4e0b8c729a83e733a89642d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houston International 6090<br />
18-Inch by 16-Inch by 9-Inch<br />
Galvanized Oval Tub<br />
[Amazon Affiliate Link]</a><br />
</td></tr></tbody></table>I have all three conditions in the a-frame coop as you can see in the video. The large bins are dumped daily and the girls get a nice little mud puddle to scratch and wade in. They'll wander through it and cool their feet off and in turn cool their body temperatures. The purple tub is just a cool spot. They do not like it as much as they like their galvanized tub.&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Ice Therapy</h3>I save half gallon milk jugs and rinse them as I use up the contents. They are then filled with water to about two inches from the lid area, sealed, and dropped in the deep freezer. They will be solid after about 5 hours. I rotate five or more of these in and out of the compartment as needed. I use four in the outdoor coop and two more large jugs in the small hutch I also keep. I use three five gallon buckets altogether. The ones in the A-Frame are kept with a lid on them so that I can reuse the water. It is usually cool and chills quickly when I change out the jugs. The idea here is to drop the interior temps by a few degrees and make the space more livable. The one in the hutch area is left open so the hens there can have an additional water source. &nbsp;<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/616WoEaeKGL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/616WoEaeKGL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-CO30XE-Outdoor-Portable-Evaporative/dp/B00IINNKRQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&dpID=41kOFNlMsfL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=GSENYDH7CZFGV49VXK7J&linkCode=ll1&tag=preparednessk-20&linkId=6d91466e28229fadd22d28bcd8108d81" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honeywell CO30XE 63 Pt. <br />
Indoor/Outdoor Portable Evaporative <br />
Air Cooler with Remote Control, Grey <br />
[Amazon Affiliate Link]</a></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Opt for An Air Cooler</h3><br />
I have been told that there are chicken folks that have a real shed for their birds complete with a swamp cooler or an A/C wall unit built right into the shed. I just love that idea, but at this time I cannot build something like that. That is one of those someday projects. I have looked around at different solutions and will invest in a unit such as this Honeywell Evaporative Air Cooler. This is an affordable piece of equipment and can be brought camping or to a beach area. It is something I am considering investing in.&nbsp;<br />
The cooler will have to be placed in a box of some kind so that it does not collect bird droppings. It will be just the thing we need to deliver a cool area to these precious birds. The more comfortable a hen is the more likely they will produce eggs, even in the wretched months of summer.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Chicken Popsicles&nbsp;</h3>There was a meme going around Facebook that showed a confetti of fruits and veggies frozen in ice. It looks like a nice snack for keeping chickens cool and entertained. The mix looked like about two cups of goodies to about four cups of water then frozen in a large bowl and removed for pecking. I have not made one of those, yet, but I do offer the hens watermelon occasionally. They are skeptical at first but once they taste it - it disappears fairly quickly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt6kOmwfW9zPlKRcO3Go0ujXG9ZDeLnF6WSvHCBSHe8pn6r29VvQdewmemH7Eow1sK7Xa5GhvYE68w7-tF1ZQo92fDnswX-UIO810aGk3PBziIDKmQBCeZpzts8ix9fUtX1MLAyYxTbpv/s1600/Chickens+Chillin+in+Their+Coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Keeping Chickens Cool During Summer Heat Waves - Image: M Burgess - All Rights Reserved" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt6kOmwfW9zPlKRcO3Go0ujXG9ZDeLnF6WSvHCBSHe8pn6r29VvQdewmemH7Eow1sK7Xa5GhvYE68w7-tF1ZQo92fDnswX-UIO810aGk3PBziIDKmQBCeZpzts8ix9fUtX1MLAyYxTbpv/s400/Chickens+Chillin+in+Their+Coop.jpg" title="Keeping<br /><p align="right" style="font-size: xx-small">posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a></p>MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-90007465551512108292016-07-16T06:37:00.002-07:002016-07-16T06:51:19.436-07:00Product Review: Portable Rain Barrel<h2>
Collapsible Storage Container for Water</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B007EM2YCE&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=preparednessk-20" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B007EM2YCE&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=preparednessk-20" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EM2YCE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preparednessk-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B007EM2YCE&linkId=c77ff7ba4fd73a3dbd24738deff93a2a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Portable Rain Barrel</a></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Water is vital to human survival. We may last only a week without this valuable moisture. To ensure your family has a proper allotment of H2O, stash at least a gallon per person for the emergency storage plan. If you are planning on two weeks of backup water and you have four family members, you will need at least 56 gallons. Increase that by the amount of water needed for washing and that number doubles. </blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="text-align: justify;">See </span><a href="http://hubpages.com/health/h20-just-good-water" style="background-color: white; color: #551a8b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.7px; outline: 0px;">H2O - A few dozen healthy reasons to love water!</a>)</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Water storage is a high priority with a preparedness plan. While on the search for options on large capacity water storage containers, I ran across this lovely idea and immediately had it shipped. Imagine a portable rain barrel! The price was affordable and I had to check it out. It was soon put to good use as we had storms moving through the area within the week that it had arrived.</div>
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The Portable Rain Barrel holds around 35 gallons of rainwater and it was simple to set up. The zippered top was smooth to close and the only issue I had was the water spigot assembly on the bottom of the unit. That issue was user error. It seems I had forgotten to close the gadget and all the rainwater that would have been held in the barrel freely ran out of the spout. Turn this to off when you assemble the hose attachment. </div>
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The box size surprised me when it arrived. It was no more than a large poster box. I looked at it suspiciously when the postal worker dropped it off to me. No way will this thing hold 35 gallons. I did wait to put it together for about three days. Once I broke it out of the box I realized what a treasure I had found. The container was put to work under the crease on my roof since there are no rain gutters.</div>
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The first set up proved to be a little flimsy, but once it held water, the container sat on its own and has ever since. In time, I will empty it for fresh water addition, but for now, I am curious how long it will take to fill up. It has been about six weeks and the barrel is over half full. I am optimistic that the capacity would be overflowing had I thought to make sure the spigot valve was closed. I can assure you, I will be buying another one in the near future<br />
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Read more about the Portable Rain Barrel on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EM2YCE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preparednessk-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B007EM2YCE&linkId=738eb31797aee07f4b71766e05573a16" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EM2YCE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preparednessk-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B007EM2YCE&linkId=c77ff7ba4fd73a3dbd24738deff93a2a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><click here=""></click></a></div>
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-44024827934444059882016-07-14T14:27:00.002-07:002016-07-14T15:28:33.234-07:00Preparedness and the Reality of a Home Invasion and Burglary<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h2>
There are certain thoughts and realities that come to light when one experiences a burglary like I did this week. The what if's pop up every other minute counting down the possibilities. </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmhKS9RydBbvmVuDJb-jBIMDnl9dugn8YG2OSXa7MuukJYR3mKVNCySZdrpjA3dN4X9brlZnvtVk1u8JmhuLiKMX-t0A7U0B9k_noo2n4UmpJZNeY-vNuq9yg1Yj_zdOCn5QMs7G_XER9/s1600/Door+damaged+in+break+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Door damaged during home invasion" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmhKS9RydBbvmVuDJb-jBIMDnl9dugn8YG2OSXa7MuukJYR3mKVNCySZdrpjA3dN4X9brlZnvtVk1u8JmhuLiKMX-t0A7U0B9k_noo2n4UmpJZNeY-vNuq9yg1Yj_zdOCn5QMs7G_XER9/s320/Door+damaged+in+break+in.jpg" title="Door damaged during home invasion" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door damaged during home invasion</td></tr>
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What if I were home when this happened? What if they come back? What if they had harmed my pets? What if -- what if -- what if!?! The ricochet of these thoughts are what causes the worry and anxiety to surface until the mind can settle. It takes time. Just like the effects of a bad flu or a virus, a violation of our space is an effect on the nervous system and thought processes. In time, these flickering questions will fade, but the possibility of the next event keeps a person on alert for better home security and certain practices.</div>
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<h3>
My Experience with a Burglary</h3>
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I came home from work like I always do, unlocking the door and stepping in to greet my animals. I was tired, but happy that I had a good night. This time, I stopped in shock as my door crept open too easy and the frame fell in upon the unlocking of the deadbolt. I thought to myself the cats must have really wanted to get out....no wait! Oh, dear God, no! I've been broken into. The robber had set the frame back in place slightly to mimic a complete closure. My animals were all staring at me, puzzled. Two cat faces and one canine told the story of something that had gone down within the past couple of hours - or was it minutes? They knew who it was. If only they could talk. </div>
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I paced the home carefully knowing I needed to be cautious. I surveyed my rooms and cleared my home then assessed the missing objects and rooms violated. I called the police as soon as I made the round complete. "311 Operator, Hello! I've been robbed." She asked for my street address and told me that this was a report call so it might be awhile before I saw an officer.<br />
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I took an inventory and noticed my tv missing and the handful of change gone from my desk. The jewelry box that held sentimental items was taken. It held a few mementos of the past, but nothing of value. What a disappointment that is going to be when it is rifled. Too bad they had to take that. It had a ring my grandmother gave me that was Sarah Coventry. It was worthless to all but me.<br />
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I had to get the animals fed so I did the smart thing and put gloves on. The metro dispatcher had asked me not to touch anything until the investigators arrived. I obediently went about my business - dishing out cat and dog food then went to wait outside in my car. Thanks, dear dirt bag, I thought. A twelve-hour shift in a busy, congested city and I get to come home to this. Ah, such is life in the world we have been given.<br />
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The premises had to be looked over and fingerprinted. The door to the tv cabinet may give a clue and so might the door itself. Black dust was carefully feathered over surfaces and my fingerprints were taken to rule out my set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7Qo_N5lf_J5Ls8Kq6aCPX3OYS1_Prfm2FT_uRri0SlgK6PmSEu0kUMZOhPUr5oZodCj71EJqERrDcVHQRBIXXkMg-5tT_rf0RycqrrOFwEzsfUp5En2cyBiGk7Z9H7DZUnfNWdDGKrdZ/s1600/TV+Stolen+-+Empty+Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7Qo_N5lf_J5Ls8Kq6aCPX3OYS1_Prfm2FT_uRri0SlgK6PmSEu0kUMZOhPUr5oZodCj71EJqERrDcVHQRBIXXkMg-5tT_rf0RycqrrOFwEzsfUp5En2cyBiGk7Z9H7DZUnfNWdDGKrdZ/s400/TV+Stolen+-+Empty+Cabinet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My conclusion is this. Mind your area. Check your doors before you leave and when you come back again. A checklist below will help cover the areas in the home that need attention before and after vacating the premises.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Doors Locked</li>
<li>Windows Locked and barred</li>
<li>Lights on somewhere in the home</li>
<li>Security lights in order</li>
<li>Security System Armed</li>
<li>Valuables: Serial numbers recorded, item photographed, and an itemized list kept in safe place (safe deposit box or cloud file)</li>
<li>Do not leave valuables in plain sight</li>
<li>Scan area and see that nothing is out of place when you get home.</li>
<li>Make a visual inspection of home to make sure there is no intruder</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<i>If you have had a break in the ability to itemize the situation quickly helps the information relay to the officers who will be handling the report.</i><br />
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<h3>
What to do if your home has been burglarized </h3>
<ul>
<li>Call police dispatch immediately. Use the non-emergency line Generally, 311</li>
<li>Do Not Touch ANYTHING!</li>
<li>Make a visual inspection of home to make sure there is no intruder</li>
<li>Get you and your pets in a safe area until the investigators can finish their reports</li>
<li>Make a quick survey and a list of things that are missing / damaged </li>
<li>Let officers do their job so that the situation is handled efficiency.</li>
</ul>
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<b><i>After the report is made:</i></b></div>
<ul>
<li>Assess what can be done at the moment and clean up / straighten up areas that need attention</li>
<li>Remove fingerprint dusting with a paper towel and cleaning agent.</li>
<li>Call your insurance company / landlord and report the break-in</li>
<li>Relax. Chances are the robbers may not be back.</li>
</ul>
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<b><i>Extra precautions:</i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Install metal frame doors</li>
<li>Security film on windows</li>
<li>Install lighting everywhere</li>
<li>Install peephole</li>
<li>Video camera surveillance recording off property</li>
<li>Flood lights activated by motion sensors</li>
<li>Heavy duty locks and extra secure interior chains and slider locks</li>
<li>Guard dog</li>
<li>Firearm</li>
</ul>
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Police Department Video on Home Burglary Prevention </h3>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nW4lO2waQLg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nW4lO2waQLg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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The harder it is to get into your home, the more likely it will be to discourage a perpetrator from breaking in. They want a quick grab and go job. The longer it takes to get in the higher the likelihood of being caught.</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">BE AWARE -- EVERYWHERE!</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
While the temperature of those who do deeds of this sort are heating up, we need to be extremely cautious everywhere we go, not just home. We need to be alert everywhere. I'm going to be a jumpy mess for a few days, but I am determined to enjoy my home, go about my life, and put this invasion behind me. I will be placing in motion additional precautions to keep me and my fur family safe. This is just a rocky moment in a daily grind and this too shall pass into moments I look back on. It will be a space in time I am grateful that none of my family members or myself were harmed.<br />
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If you have anything to add to this list, please mention the tips below in comments. Thank you for visiting!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
More on preventing home invasion and burglary:</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jcsd.org/burglary_prevention.htm">http://www.jcsd.org/burglary_prevention.htm</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.burglaryprevention.org/">http://www.burglaryprevention.org/</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3774bhyh34108-ah3nx9v7v3tc.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=10001" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Do it yourself home security</a></div>
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<b><i>Amazon Shopping - Home Security</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2269811608466926749" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Outdoor-Recorder-Security-Support/dp/B01ELFE55U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1468535224&sr=8-1&keywords=FREDI%C2%AE+Mini+Portable+P2P+WiFi+IP++Camera+Indoor/Outdoor+HD+DV+Hidden+Spy+Camera&linkCode=ll1&tag=preparednessk-20&linkId=635826b48b5e310f7732d579d64bfca9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FREDI® Mini Portable P2P WiFi IP </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Outdoor-Recorder-Security-Support/dp/B01ELFE55U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1468535224&sr=8-1&keywords=FREDI%C2%AE+Mini+Portable+P2P+WiFi+IP++Camera+Indoor/Outdoor+HD+DV+Hidden+Spy+Camera&linkCode=ll1&tag=preparednessk-20&linkId=635826b48b5e310f7732d579d64bfca9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Camera Indoor/Outdoor HD DV Hidden Spy Camera </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lights-Outdoor-Garden-Waterproof-Motion/dp/B01DG7V57K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1468535005&sr=1-18&keywords=security+lights&linkCode=ll1&tag=preparednessk-20&linkId=e43804fbc1626adc7e7dd72be63a7432" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Solar Lights, Outdoor/Garden Waterproof Solar Motion Light - </a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lights-Outdoor-Garden-Waterproof-Motion/dp/B01DG7V57K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1468535005&sr=1-18&keywords=security+lights&linkCode=ll1&tag=preparednessk-20&linkId=e43804fbc1626adc7e7dd72be63a7432" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wireless Security LED Light</a></span></div>
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-56343658681888926632016-07-12T07:19:00.000-07:002016-07-12T07:19:11.811-07:00Fishing Camping Southern Nevada<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<h2>
Southern Nevada offers more to the visitor than the ritzy, glitzy Las Vegas Strip Corridor. There are amazing national parks surrounding the neon city. Fish, hike, camp, and relax in a variety of terrains and eye-catching natural beauty.</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3qOv4DJsrMdZ9gMlP0Z0dP33PDju3eeKk0sNA0P42UsJn2G48vXuDD-8gXAhIptdspxVz9UPqEWbF7EGg2m-73DnXTGmNTMwqtL2FkndwSAy5OGiQfTTdLwgjCA6U5LlDIoCugUWUBci/s1600/Eagle+Valley+Reservoir+Visit+2015+%25287%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3qOv4DJsrMdZ9gMlP0Z0dP33PDju3eeKk0sNA0P42UsJn2G48vXuDD-8gXAhIptdspxVz9UPqEWbF7EGg2m-73DnXTGmNTMwqtL2FkndwSAy5OGiQfTTdLwgjCA6U5LlDIoCugUWUBci/s640/Eagle+Valley+Reservoir+Visit+2015+%25287%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Fishing the dock at Eagle Valley Reservoir - Image: M Burgess <br />All Rights Reserved 2016</span></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y exploration of the Southern Nevada camping areas began this past Fall (2015) when it was realized that there had not been an outing of this sort for more than 2 years. The equipment was there, sitting in wait and collecting dust. A fishing pole that had been purchased three years ago still had a tag on it and had never touched the water. This was not acceptable. An idea to hit the mountain was put into motion, the car was packed for a few days of supplies and the adventures began</i><i>. The following parks are among the places I visited on my grand nature outing adventure.</i></blockquote>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">
Ideal Camp Schedules </span></h3>
During the cooler months of winter, the camping areas of Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon (not shown below) are accessible. During the cool months, Mt. Charleston is a great place for winter sports and snow play, but not for camping. Spring and summer are a good time to visit the mountain. Waiting for the warmer days of early spring is something this author looks forward to. Camping and fishing are the desired timeout whenever the time is available. Looking for a great place to take the kids? Any one of these areas is an ideal family adventure.</div>
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This basic list is just a handful of recommended places available for use during the more pleasant seasons of the year - Fall and Spring.<br />
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Eagle Valley / Echo Canyon - spring through late autumn<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Lake Mead - early spring and late autumn</span><br />
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Mt. Charleston - <span style="text-align: start;">spring through late autumn</span></div>
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Red Rock Canyon - early spring and late autumn<br />
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Valley of Fire - early spring and late autumn</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Driving an hour or two from the Sin City will lead you to several wonderful camp and hike areas. </i></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Mount Charleston / Kyle Canyon Hill Top Campground</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEYYDbtylpZvm75bzYgv9kLvjc7IxOsZUmeNwyiHF6y1uBEjtc7HNxK_xb0KhyzgpBrIISttvFlouceRiA-hsfbjRFOJJDMOKDe_dFZoY6bUMeS9W_OhMVm7zy1dofd08FEl5LWZELUOI/s1600/IMAG3397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picnic table and view - Hilltop Campground, Toiyabe National Forest, Kyle Canyon, Nevada Image: M Burgess" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEYYDbtylpZvm75bzYgv9kLvjc7IxOsZUmeNwyiHF6y1uBEjtc7HNxK_xb0KhyzgpBrIISttvFlouceRiA-hsfbjRFOJJDMOKDe_dFZoY6bUMeS9W_OhMVm7zy1dofd08FEl5LWZELUOI/s640/IMAG3397.jpg" title="Picnic table and view - Hilltop Campground, Toiyabe National Forest, Kyle Canyon, Nevada Image: M Burgess" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Picnic table and view - Hilltop Campground, Toiyabe National Forest, Kyle Canyon, Nevada - </i></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;">Image: M Burgess</span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;">All Rights Reserved 2016</span></td></tr>
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<b><i>Basic Information: </i></b></div>
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Open til October 10</div>
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<b><i>Address: </i></b>Las Vegas, NV 89166</div>
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<b><i>Location and GPS Info: </i></b>36°18'35"N, 115°36'24"W</div>
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<b><i>Phone: </i></b> (801) 226-3564</div>
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<b><i>Directions: </i></b></div>
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Take the 95 to the Mount Charleston Exit and follow that past the Mt. Charleston Resort. Make a right at Deer Creek Road. Drive about 5 - 6 miles up and look for a brown sign past Robber's Roost (great hike!) that reads "Campground 1/4 Mile." That is your marker. Slow down and turn right into that forked road. The fork to the left is the one you want to take.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Driving Time: </b>about 1 hour</span></div>
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Campground rental fees and other services may be found here at the park's website</div>
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<a href="http://www.recreation.gov/camping/hilltop/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70573"></a><a href="http://www.recreation.gov/camping/hilltop/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70573">http://www.recreation.gov/camping/hilltop/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70573</a></div>
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Our Mt. Charleston Adventure</h3>
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Mount Charleston was our first stop on a six-weekend journey. The Hill Top Campground had one available area with a view of the valley. We got lucky, my dog and myself. The camp was full. There was a drawback on this visit. The water reserves had been tapped for a devastating <a href="http://hubpages.com/travel/mt-charleston-memories" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wildfire</a> two years ago and the mountain had received little rain in the time period. There would be no water on the mountain. The toilets were port-a-potties. Luckily we brought our own jugs, bottles, and containers. It is a wise choice to bring few days supply of water, especially when visiting a natural area. Water quality is always questionable. Having your own saves a few moments of grief. Mt. Charleston normally has spigots nearby, but they are dry. The water is potable only, which means it is only for washing, not for cooking or drinking.</div>
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<br />Related blog link: Camping on Mt. Charleston with a Dog and a Dutch Oven<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2015/09/camping-on-mt-charleston-with-dog-and.html">https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2015/09/camping-on-mt-charleston-with-dog-and.html</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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The Valley of Fire State Park</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9x8PWJ8rXu15iz2uSH2JiyMxksocP3rm1d7FWdFr3jYW3Cg6CSZbOT19huZPl3Veq0ZrYID8TwnGJV6aiUZkWLbQGHC58UYinj98g2orJeSc3_NxVIafZOhe9nJmuxDRbkbfeQWFjttV/s1600/IMAG6060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Valley of Fire, Nevada - Atlatl Rock Campground Image: M Burgess" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9x8PWJ8rXu15iz2uSH2JiyMxksocP3rm1d7FWdFr3jYW3Cg6CSZbOT19huZPl3Veq0ZrYID8TwnGJV6aiUZkWLbQGHC58UYinj98g2orJeSc3_NxVIafZOhe9nJmuxDRbkbfeQWFjttV/s640/IMAG6060.jpg" title="Valley of Fire, Nevada - Atlatl Rock Campground Image: M Burgess" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #999999;">Valley of Fire, Nevada - Atlatl Rock Campground - </span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;">Image: M Burgess</span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;"> - </span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;">All Rights Reserved 2016</span></td></tr>
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<b>Basic Information:</b><br />
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Open year round<br />
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<b>Address: </b>29450 Valley of Fire Road Overton, Nevada 89040<br />
<b><i>GPS Info: </i></b>36.4303° N, 114.5143° W</div>
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<b><i>Phone: </i></b>702-397-2088</div>
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<b><i>Directions: </i></b></div>
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From the I-15 N. Take exit 75 from I-15 N - Merge onto Valley of Fire Hwy - follow road to Valley of Fire State Park </div>
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<b><i>Driving Time:</i></b> about 1 hour 15 mins</div>
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<b><i>Be advised there is a toll booth for entry into the park</i></b></div>
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Campground rental fees and other services may be found here at the park's website:<br /><a href="http://www.valley-of-fire.com/park-information/">http://www.valley-of-fire.com/park-information/</a></div>
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Visiting The Valley of Fire</h3>
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Easter weekend (2016) warmed enough to consider a visit to Valley of Fire. The campground is located about 60 miles from the city of Las Vegas. The road is paved and the journey is a breathtaking ride into desert beauty. This time of year encourages the blooms of various cacti and desert flowers. The valley floor is dotted with lovely blossoms and colorful foliage. It is a striking contrast to the deadly heat of the summer months when the vista is dried and patiently waiting for the temperatures to cool once more. </div>
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Again, we found the last campsite available. The Atlatl Rock camp provided a nice backdrop and a secluded area for pitching our tents and enjoying the area.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Related Article: Camping Early Spring in Valley of Fire</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://las-vegas-tourist-attractions.blogspot.com/2016/06/camping-early-spring-in-valley-of-fire.html">http://las-vegas-tourist-attractions.blogspot.com/2016/06/camping-early-spring-in-valley-of-fire.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><i>About an hour from the city</i></span></div>
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Lake Mead / Callville Bay Campground</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j6jzPboPoXiyOsZapN8ANe3Xv4MIBg_ZVkdH7A-Jq9WcV5V-OLJp0vNz-DDBExOcimLnPd04J_mzXv04NsgifuwKxNeEqwajb9pY3v_KLTdJtcQSSQKo32_gKd4QXbeRq4NCf1aDHWKZ/s1600/Calville+Bay+Campground+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j6jzPboPoXiyOsZapN8ANe3Xv4MIBg_ZVkdH7A-Jq9WcV5V-OLJp0vNz-DDBExOcimLnPd04J_mzXv04NsgifuwKxNeEqwajb9pY3v_KLTdJtcQSSQKo32_gKd4QXbeRq4NCf1aDHWKZ/s400/Calville+Bay+Campground+Sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Callville Bay Campground Sign</span> - <span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;">Image: M Burgess </span><br style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: 12.8px;">All Rights Reserved 2016</span></td></tr>
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<b><b><i>Basic Information:</i></b></b></div>
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Open year round<br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Address: </b>100 Callville Bay Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89120<br />
<b><i>Location and GPS Info: </i></b><br />
Latitude 36° 08.6401'<br />
Longitude -114° -43.3200'<br />
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<b><i>Phone:</i></b> 702-293-8990<br />
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<b><i>Directions: </i></b></div>
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Take I-15 S, I-215 E, W Lake Mead Pkwy and Northshore Rd to Callville Bay Rd - Follow Callville Bay Rd to campground<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Driving Time: </span>about 1 hour<br />
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<b><i>Be advised there is a toll booth for entry into the park</i></b><br />
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Visiting Lake Mead</h3>
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Our visit in October to Callville Bay was a test run for camping near Lake Mead. The temperatures were still in the nineties and I have to admit that this trip was a bit uncomfortable during the daylight hours. The ideal expedition to the lake involves a boat if one really wants to experience the area in comfort. There are coves around the water areas that are available for camping.</div>
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The campground itself was clean and quiet. The air was sticky and hot during the day. The dog and I agreed to leave early as the mood was dampened by the heat and humidity. We set up camp late in the afternoon, had dinner, then slept overnight. The following morning we found a fishing cove further down the road and tried our best, but the fish were showing several yards from where the bait would reach. I did not enjoy this trip as I would have liked to. The checklist was complete after a failed fishing attempt, so we packed up and left. The cooler months of winter would be an ideal time to camp Lake Mead's campgrounds.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i>About three hours from Las Vegas is a beautiful area called The Spring Valley State Park. It holds a few great camping and fishing sites. These are my favorite places to camp out. I favor the Horsethief Gulch Camp near the Eagle Valley Reservoir over Echo Canyon, but both locations are beautiful and peaceful. </i></div>
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Campground rental fees and other services may be found here at the park's website</div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.callvillebay.com/rv-park-and-campground">http://www.callvillebay.com/rv-park-and-campground</a></div>
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<i>Just a three hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada you will find these gem locations</i></div>
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Echo Canyon</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2DKc-DVXGSzyytAD2CtUNgqX7nwIO6fuAKoC9CSouozea4Ydj0CI4yEd4wmm_d_rmW_nkk20oz7-9HFhShns6zUBzJ6VMU1zxJOkHJ6F2_1hB8GyzoTqi197E3TP6yyeeop-saNpmCmW/s1600/IMAG3657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2DKc-DVXGSzyytAD2CtUNgqX7nwIO6fuAKoC9CSouozea4Ydj0CI4yEd4wmm_d_rmW_nkk20oz7-9HFhShns6zUBzJ6VMU1zxJOkHJ6F2_1hB8GyzoTqi197E3TP6yyeeop-saNpmCmW/s640/IMAG3657.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">Echo Canyon camp side view. - Eagle Valley area Spring Valley </span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">State Park, Nevada. Image: M Burgess All Rights Reserved 2016 </span></span></td></tr>
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<b><i>Basic Information</i></b></div>
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Open until late October. Reopens late February - Early March<br /><br /><b>Location and GPS Info:</b> </div>
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37º54'27.81" N 114º16'4.89" W<br /><br /><b>Phone: </b>(775) 962-5103</div>
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<br />Directions: I-15 N to the 93 N exit. Travel north <span class="renderable-component" jsinstance="0" jstcache="1391" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588); font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span jstcache="419"><span class="renderable-component-text renderable-component-text-not-line" jsan="7.renderable-component-text,7.renderable-component-text-not-line" jstcache="423" jsvs=""ltr";"> </span></span></span>US-93 N/Great Basin Hwy to the 322 near Pioche. A small sign will indicate Echo Canyon. Follow the road to the campground.</div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Driving Time: </span>about 3 hours</div>
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<br />Campground rental fees and other services may be found at the park's website<br />Website: <a href="http://parks.nv.gov/parks/echo-canyon-state-park/">http://parks.nv.gov/parks/echo-canyon-state-park/</a><br /><br />The camp was a wonderful experience. The shore was easy to get to, just drive the car to the edge near the water and set up the spot for fishing, The campground was clean and set comfortably up a hill with a marvelous view of the water. I found the water area too weedy for fishing, but it was a relaxing experience. Just being out in the great outdoors was reward enough. The dog was a bit reserved when it came to leaving the tent. He must have smelled something in the area he found threatening. There are wild animals around that might cause him harm, but I neither saw nor heard anything, Some guard dog he is... </div>
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<i><span style="text-align: center;">Read more about our visit </span><span style="text-align: center;">here:</span></i></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Camping with a Dog and a Dutch Oven - part two</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2015/10/echo-canyon-camping-with-dog-and-dutch.html">https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2015/10/echo-canyon-camping-with-dog-and-dutch.html</a></span><br />
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<h3>
Eagle Valley Reservoir - Horsethief Gulch Campground</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHp5zn5-rRvlKfM7sjp_WFk3tBowWPeTBIfcTr6OOZASISDnLtBvhbyNgvTQ6DG8sEpSiUnIVVIySJvQu-Qko3q19HcoPDq3huYL51-YSpLHYAClvTwAcklume2kTeW8kdMXqXqDAY3rkA/s1600/IMAG3470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHp5zn5-rRvlKfM7sjp_WFk3tBowWPeTBIfcTr6OOZASISDnLtBvhbyNgvTQ6DG8sEpSiUnIVVIySJvQu-Qko3q19HcoPDq3huYL51-YSpLHYAClvTwAcklume2kTeW8kdMXqXqDAY3rkA/s640/IMAG3470.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">Eagle Valley Reservoir - Fall 2015 - Image; M Burgess - All Rights Reserved 2016</span></td></tr>
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<b><i>Basic Information</i></b><br />
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Open until late October. Reopens late February - Early March<br />
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<b>Address:</b> Pioche, NV 89043<br />
<b>Location and GPS Info</b>:<br />38º01'21.33" N 114º11'41.42" W<br />
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<b>Phone:</b> (775) 962-5102<br />
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<b>Directions:</b></div>
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I-15 N to the 93 N exit. Travel north <span class="renderable-component" jsinstance="0" jstcache="1391" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.870588); font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span jstcache="419"><span class="renderable-component-text renderable-component-text-not-line" jsan="7.renderable-component-text,7.renderable-component-text-not-line" jstcache="423" jsvs=""ltr";"> </span></span></span>US-93 N/Great Basin Hwy to the 322 near Pioche. Follow the road to the end past the Eagle Valley Resort.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Driving Time: </span>about 3 hours<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Campground rental fees and other services may be found here at the park's website</span></i><br />
Website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/spring-valley-state-park/<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="text-align: start;">Eagle Valley, by far, is my favorite camp site. The area is serene and surreal. The rolling hills and the assorted brush are appealing to the eye and the mind. The dock is a great place to fish early mornings and there are comfortable campgrounds within the park. Amenities include a fish cleaning station, modern restroom facilities, fire rings and covered picnic tables. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><i>Related Article:</i></b> Camping with a Dog and a Dutch Oven - part two</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2015/09/camping-with-dog-and-dutch-oven-part-two.html">https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2015/09/camping-with-dog-and-dutch-oven-part-two.html</a></span><br />
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<h3>
<i>About the Author:</i></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiqBUeXJcnZj_JL3eQ_8DsVGUVeljyLywhGGrwzdPltLyzI3CALJRSa0TyYQsOjTdW4ru5-tQjy1DLnDnpghxwscSy9cHvDFAiKb0nDcRITAHGBPTjg0FLWbcBgbsrSAu_VtxcHzE9Gko/s1600/IMAG3460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiqBUeXJcnZj_JL3eQ_8DsVGUVeljyLywhGGrwzdPltLyzI3CALJRSa0TyYQsOjTdW4ru5-tQjy1DLnDnpghxwscSy9cHvDFAiKb0nDcRITAHGBPTjg0FLWbcBgbsrSAu_VtxcHzE9Gko/s320/IMAG3460.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #999999;">Fish caught Eagle Valley Reservoir</span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Image: M Burgess </span><span style="color: #999999;">All Rights Reserved 2016</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Camping and fishing are my very favorite time outs. I love cooking over the open fire and enjoying the scenery. The relaxing hours with a fishing pole are what a friend of mine calls tension relief. It certainly is that. The added thrill of a fish on and a tasty fish dinner makes these trips worthwhile. A visit to an area with wildlife and beautiful scenery is just the thing a restless heart and tired mind need after weeks on end of a busy work schedule. You may care for the hiking and exploration in these areas. As for me I will stick to the leisure of fishing, resting, cooking, and meditating on the views. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">It has been my pleasure sharing this passion with you and I t</span><span style="text-align: justify;">hank you for visiting! </span><br />
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-19589471360896507272016-07-10T06:17:00.000-07:002016-07-10T06:17:14.216-07:00Civil Unrest - Events That We Should Have Prepared For<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
When chaos pulls up the reigns on a calm society, the events can produce a sense of disaster especially if our homes are near the target areas. In our news, just this week, are incidents that are heated with violence and angry mobs. There is a real cause for concern if this is in your city. Readiness basics need to be in place before these things happen. </h2>
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We can be fearful of the dangers that accompany the event. We may have to defend ourselves and our homes. We need to be prepared for any scenario. This is certainly a situation that should take everything we know about preparedness. Our skills, testing, and supplies need to be in order in these times. Are these things in our toolbox, so to speak? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUMO1IdpG54C0slkQd7lpYfgkbbFIC0sbgRyJwHkF-0PRIP6X91VIQV1b9hQraxz5Q0S0iuxgbJRd8rAsuhU-PaQO-_4REI21IiWH8yaWhwPfwWxpIlRGS3O8anhsGYSRuPafLQrVgUnb/s1600/Protest+Rally+-+Morguefile+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Protesting Crowds" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUMO1IdpG54C0slkQd7lpYfgkbbFIC0sbgRyJwHkF-0PRIP6X91VIQV1b9hQraxz5Q0S0iuxgbJRd8rAsuhU-PaQO-_4REI21IiWH8yaWhwPfwWxpIlRGS3O8anhsGYSRuPafLQrVgUnb/s640/Protest+Rally+-+Morguefile+Image.jpg" title="Protesting Crowds" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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72-hour kits</h3>
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Are your 72-hour kits in order? Does every member of the family have one of these supply bags? Three days of food, water, and hygiene supplies should be prepacked. A change of clothing, socks, and undergarments need to be ready to grab and go at a moment's notice. Keep one in the car for roadside emergencies. The better you plan ahead, the easier it will be to bug out or stay in place for #SHTF events. Include important medications for individuals and tailor fit each one to fit the family member. Do not forget to pack one for the beloved family pet. They may have to move with us quickly and there may be no time to pack the food dish and other supplies. </div>
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Food Storage</h3>
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Is there <i><b><a href="https://www.thrivelife.com/survival-recovery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">food storage</a> </b></i>enough for every one of our family members and pets for at least two weeks? Are the basics stored and all of the food groups covered? Does the family stash include multivitamins and other nutritional supplements? Canned goods, dried goods, and jars of necessary nutrients are a must for preparedness. It is the foundation of all we do to be prepared. Food storage is energy for the body. Without fuel, we are running on empty. A good food supply will aid in comforting our family in times of extreme stress. <i><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2269811608466926749#editor/target=post;postID=8490202639270432402;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read more....</a> </b></i></div>
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Water Supply</h3>
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Water supplies should cover more than that time period. The possibility of water shortage and the ability to leave one's home may come to pass. Plan for drinking water and potable or wash water. Potable may not be consumed, but is safe for bathing and clean up purposes. Do we have sanitizing tablets or bleach for killing bacteria if we have to process our drinking water? Is there a way to boil water to sterilize it? Do we have a life straw or another form of filtering tool for processing tainted water, if needs be? <a href="http://hubpages.com/health/h20-just-good-water" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>Read more....</i></b></a></div>
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Toilet and Hygiene Prep</h3>
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Whether or not you shelter in or bug out toilet and hygiene preps are inevitable. In the home, if the water is shut off, using the commode can get a little messy. There needs to be a supply of water which will flush the discarded waste down the pipes. A five-gallon jug placed in the bathroom might last for a few flushes. Make sure to keep a container of bleach handy for sanitizing the bowl if needed. </div>
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Bugging out to a wilderness location might require the digging of a latrine. Bringing a prepared sanitation bucket along packed with trash bags and bleach for a chemical toilet is a good alternative. The problem with a makeshift chemical toilet is disposing of that bag some place proper. </div>
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First Aid Kits and Medical Supplies</h3>
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A first aid kit is one of those things that is unappreciated until it is needed. Stocked well with the wound packing items and bandages it can turn a bad situation into a livable one. Be sure to stock this kit with medicines like ibuprofen, antihistamines, stomach remedies, anti-diarrhea meds, and antibacterial ointments. Buy one pre-packaged then stuff it full of additional goods. The better off this is set up the easier it is to treat wounds and common ailments. </div>
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Safe Shelter and Evacuation Planning</h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you are blocked into the home, there is no choice. You must stay safely indoors. There may be a chance of a break in or windows knocked out so stay somewhere you can be safe. A large closet or interior room without front facing windows is best. Go quietly about your business if possible. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We may need to evacuate the home if crowds get too unruly, but what to do and where to go? </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">If evacuation is possible staying at a shelter or a camp area are options. Shelters</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> will not allow pets or certain preparedness tools, so be aware of those conditions before you start out to that location. A campground might be ideal if you have a good tent and the necessary items to set up your camp properly. There will be camp fees so be sure to have enough cash stashed n the emergency kits to cover a week or two outdoors. If you have done your research on the area surrounding your home, you may have already found a safe zone to camp in that does not have an entrance fee.</span></h3>
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<i>Remember that leaving the home may entail a traffic tie up as everyone in the area may be thinking and doing the same thing and heading in the same direction.</i><br />
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Defense Training</h3>
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Do you have weapons training and proper permits? Let an intruder pass unless they confront you.</div>
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If confronted, there are a number of ways to handle that situation. Protect your family and yourself at all costs if this is the situation. By all means, do not make a situation worse than it already is by causing more harm. In a split second, things can get deadly. Make this a last resort, but by all means, be ready for it. Stay on the side of the upper hand.<br />
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Don't wish you had planned. Be thankful you did and keep adding to the stores and stock set aside. Grow a garden. Network with people who have this same mindset. Follow groups and newsletters of preparedness sites. Planning for a disaster and not using the supplies is better than the crushing, panicky feeling you'll get when you do really need prep items and are foolishly stuck without them.<br />
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Related links:</div>
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More from this blog: <a href="https://preparedness123.blogspot.com/">https://preparedness123.blogspot.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.optimumpreparedness.com/long_term_water_storage_article.html">http://www.optimumpreparedness.com/long_term_water_storage_article.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.survival-recovery.com/">www.survival-recovery.com</a><br />
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<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-76488953066224082472016-05-31T15:47:00.003-07:002016-06-10T21:39:12.540-07:00Summer Heat and Animal Safety<br />
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Always Remember - Animals are Fragile!</h2>
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The temperatures are rising outdoors and this means the additional danger of high heat comes with it. Our pet's health should be on the forefront of our concerns. I made a fatal mistake this week with my flock and this is something I am going to be upset about for quite some time. I feel the need to share it so that others do not make the same mistake I did. Prevent animal tragedies by studying the environment they will be sheltered in BEFORE you move them into that location.<br />
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Do not <i><b>ever</b></i> forget HEAT KILLS!</div>
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A Backyard Flock</h3>
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I am already experienced with egg laying hens and this year I thought I should learn all I could about chickens. This included the butchering process. I brought home four birds including two Cornish Rock hens in March. I now know that I do not possess the mind or heart that can do what needs to be done for a fresh chicken dinner. I can catch, clean, and eat a fish, no problem, but chickens are not something I can kill. I'm ok with that. The thought about getting these birds ready for the table was looming over me like a bad dream. What happened yesterday proves I am not capable of dressing a bird unless it is of extreme necessity. It also taught me the value of planning completely to ensure the safety of my animals.<br />
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I have a small set of chickens in my <a href="http://amzn.to/1WvpNz6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backyard</a> and I felt the birds needed a bit more space to run around and be comfortable. They have a good sized hutch on a shady side of the property, but I wanted to give them a play yard. I thought that giving them room to roam in a fenced in area would be doing them some good. Little did I know that it would be a tragic event for two of my birds. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt8f5I_QxXI19MwP77VKOu0ZNoX5VUC9Io4aTuFwG4t4_OuE-hEkqZ1qpBwMBP3xOvPlBkD1SRdW1q3B1AS8H77AKRfRN3yiVTbL49SNgRazl3febVwRaf-7k9rVZ0mTImjAF6WvrT2O5/s1600/IMG_20160530_070058.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt8f5I_QxXI19MwP77VKOu0ZNoX5VUC9Io4aTuFwG4t4_OuE-hEkqZ1qpBwMBP3xOvPlBkD1SRdW1q3B1AS8H77AKRfRN3yiVTbL49SNgRazl3febVwRaf-7k9rVZ0mTImjAF6WvrT2O5/s400/IMG_20160530_070058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>My backyard flock 2016 - Henry and Henrietta's last picture (The white birds) </i></span></td></tr>
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Cornish Rock Hens</h3>
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The white chickens are a special breed specifically produced for meat. They are Cornish Rock hens. (Well, one is a hen the other is a rooster that crowed for the first time just this very morning.) The birds quickly put on weight. In a short time, they are too big to use their legs and will just sit and eat and drink until they are butchered. They have fragile hearts because of their fast growing bodies and are prone to heart attacks. </div>
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The chickens were getting huge. They are only a few days shy of three months old and they are the size of small turkeys. The feed store told me they would grow fast, but this was crazy fast. At just two weeks old they had already doubled the size of their adopted sibling sisters. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFPhOzIrcWrx2xwkUUTc9OFbYiYiipt8elQFmAAT0XmHmGO0EfRqUN2PMxTmtAvX-Iix3Ee-7Q8ejBPAyzZmBku_Z0RTjdc6bXD7ImLew4zvddy-CWKH1se0H0iObKDcWguxb2TwT0ETi/s1600/IMAG6097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="White and black baby chickens at their water bottle" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFPhOzIrcWrx2xwkUUTc9OFbYiYiipt8elQFmAAT0XmHmGO0EfRqUN2PMxTmtAvX-Iix3Ee-7Q8ejBPAyzZmBku_Z0RTjdc6bXD7ImLew4zvddy-CWKH1se0H0iObKDcWguxb2TwT0ETi/s640/IMAG6097.jpg" title="White and black baby chickenss at their water bottle" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Henry at two weeks</i></span></td></tr>
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Free Ranging Chickens</h3>
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Free ranging <a href="http://amzn.to/1RKzfqt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chickens</a> are certainly happier birds, but I am told chickens don't really care where they are as long as they are fed, their water is clean and so is their coop. They just go about their chicken business fairly happy where ever they are. I have seen this with all of my flocks. They generally just mutter along through the day. They do get chattery around feeding time and that is all the fuss I have had from my birds. </div>
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I let them out to run as often as possible, but I am very cautious about time outside. A free ranging flock with peck at everything laying in the area they have access to. My small flock last year destroyed my garden beds both flower and vegetable. Funny, they never bothered my herb bed. (Preseasoned chickens anyone?)</div>
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An issue arose that had me feeling guilty about keeping my birds hutch bound constantly. I wanted them to free range, but I also needed to protect my garden which had I had invested quite a bit of time and funds to establish. I want them to have a good life with me and I care for each of them as if they were little kids. The idea arose to give them a run so they could stretch their wings and legs and allow them roaming room. I designed a pen area with a small triangular shelter and went to work on the plan. Mind you this is still in beta test mode....</div>
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Outdoor Sheltering</h3>
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As I thought about the new coop I would build I came up with a solution that would be multi-purpose. I built a lovely triangular shelter. The idea was to allow the birds to step up onto a small shelf in the unit and be protected from the sun. It would have hay on it for comfort and be easily accessible for a resting bird. I would add a box underneath to double as a nesting box and add roost bars and an extended roof later. They are not laying eggs yet, so the nesting box can wait. For now it would give the birds a yard to roam in. It would also double as a wintering shelter. The interior would have a small hook to attach a heat lamp. There would be a safe distance between heat source and animals and hay. I could use it as a brooder, too, if I needed. One would only have to set a plastic bin in the space under the lamp and the chicks would be comfortable and safe.<br />
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The yard area was about seven feet by seven. I drove in the fence posts last week. The coop was set inside the pen area and I strung up the chicken wire but I had not secured it completely. I still had a lot of work to do here. It was usable as is - fenced with four-foot high chicken wire and secured. I thought they were safe. Or so I believed. I did not account for the effect of the full sun on the shelter's full afternoon temperatures.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0k9wYOWcwi7R67nXHbZPH2Q7YhRuO11zqwQU9uSdNXT9pz-y0mxCQ24nJtb7QtzzSGev2QzCwfHoaf2Bihq4pP-BsHPoiJLCnd4QcwLq1rHjzUMQzZCHHykxBgj6VvESa7ndetp7pnvb/s1600/IMAG6792.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0k9wYOWcwi7R67nXHbZPH2Q7YhRuO11zqwQU9uSdNXT9pz-y0mxCQ24nJtb7QtzzSGev2QzCwfHoaf2Bihq4pP-BsHPoiJLCnd4QcwLq1rHjzUMQzZCHHykxBgj6VvESa7ndetp7pnvb/s640/IMAG6792.jpg" width="359" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>New Coop Run (a work still in progress, but workable) - Day One</i> </span></td></tr>
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A Tragic Move</h3>
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I placed their water and their food out in the pen. I set a shade cloth up over the back end of the run so the shade would help protect the birds. I put them out in the chicken yard in the morning on Monday and the last I looked in on them it was around 9:30 am. I went to get my rest for the night and did not check back on them until 2:30 in the afternoon. They were delighted. Pecking grass and ground, they milled around exploring their new home.</div>
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When I woke back up, I went to see how the chickens were doing. To my horror, both the white birds were laying on the shelter shelf. Both of these beautiful birds had died. The other birds were sitting up around them unharmed. I am not sure if it was the heat or their hearts, but. I was crushed. What started off as an idea to help them cost these two sweet-faced birds their lives. I couldn't have done any worse if I had thrown these birds in my car and shut the door on them. I will carry this tragic accident with me for a lifetime. The Memorial Day weekend will always stick in my mind as this day, this sad moment. </div>
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Prevent Animal Tragedies</h3>
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Examine the area you want to shelter your animals. What is the high temperature during the hottest day of the year where you live? This day was still somewhat cool where I live and it still killed these birds. Put a lot of time and research into what you will be providing for your animals. Please, do what you can to explore every option before you put an animals life in danger unknowingly. Mistakes like this do not have to happen if you plan ahead and you plan well.</div>
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This situation may have been avoided if I had set a thermometer up in the shelter and observed it. It would have also been prevented if I had just brought the chickens back to their shady area before I went in for my day's sleep. This accident has left me grieving birds I was going to butcher. It just goes to show me how I would have felt had I wielded a hatchet on them. </div>
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Be Prepared for Pets and Summer Heat</h3>
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Prepare always to prevent harm to any animal you have. Keep an eye on your dog when you are opening the car doors. People I know in Florida has a puppy get in their car and they did not notice it there until it was too late. My dog constantly tries to get in my car when I return with groceries. His want for a ride may cost him his life. I double check my car before I lock it up. I make sure he is never in there with the windows up. I take him with me if I am going to be away from the car for any length of time or I leave him safely home.</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">During hot months, bring your animals inside or somewhere cool. Give them lots of water. Keep them safe and comfortable. Preparedness for your animals is as important as prep for your family. They are family whether they have fur or feathers...</span></b></i></div>
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Rest in peace Henry and Henrietta.<br />
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Keeping Chickens Cool Articles:<br />
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<a href="http://www.thehappychickencoop.com/7-ways-to-keep-your-chickens-cool-during-summer/#comment-7261">http://www.thehappychickencoop.com/7-ways-to-keep-your-chickens-cool-during-summer/#comment-7261</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/beat-heat-helping-chickens-survive-high.html">http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/beat-heat-helping-chickens-survive-high.html</a><br />
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-25528530188856161312016-05-31T13:07:00.000-07:002016-05-31T13:07:09.284-07:00Chickens in the Backyard<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
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<h2>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">The Cost Of Fresh Eggs</span></h2>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i style="color: black; text-align: justify;"><b><u>Please, check with your local ordinances before purchasing your chicks. The neighborhood I live in allows up to three in the yard without a rooster.</u></b></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-bDC6347djuhYoV-vp1mchCkLvr1gbPvHYFjs9ZmFMf6HoYygWhs8vo3WOTtME8PX3lKO7AnZsRn1jeWodYUTjNoKERkSxHSseUkOr_CcV8zrXEvFZ6ViMbLeTS68rrbpQg68I1im-2O/s1600/1455162671773.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="free range brown egg prices" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-bDC6347djuhYoV-vp1mchCkLvr1gbPvHYFjs9ZmFMf6HoYygWhs8vo3WOTtME8PX3lKO7AnZsRn1jeWodYUTjNoKERkSxHSseUkOr_CcV8zrXEvFZ6ViMbLeTS68rrbpQg68I1im-2O/s320/1455162671773.jpg" title="Free Range Egg Prices" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Range Egg Prices</td></tr>
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I talked about <a href="http://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-would-love-to-raise-chickens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">raising chickens</a> a couple of years ago in an article and last season I bought and raised three fine hens. Unfortunately, they slipped through my fence and disappeared on me. I never did track them down. My current set of birds is under lock and key and an ever watchful eye. There are things you need to really understand about raising chickens and I will try to list the most important ideas here.<br />
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Raising these birds were challenging, but rewarding. They needed me to feed them twice a day, provide fresh water, and clean cage droppings on a regular basis. You must be ready to spend a few minutes several times a day to keep your flock healthy.<br />
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The times I check the prices on a dozen eggs at the store tells me I am doing the right thing. Free range, brown eggs are up to $4.62 a dozen. That is pricey protein and ridiculous when you realize you have space and dedication for raising your own egg laying birds.<br />
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When you figure the cost of eggs, it becomes clear that homegrown eggs are cost effective if you account for the cost of the eggs, the cost of storing them, the time it takes to shop, and the unknown factor of how these birds were raised.<br />
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The initial price of the chicks is under $3 for a basic laying hen. The feed runs around $17 and will last about a month. They take a twice a day routine to feed, water, and maintain. I feed mine when I wake and when I get home from work. Generally, 5 pm and 5 am are good times to tend the coop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yB8no694uP-yxBybIxGEQxcGq7QRdzj_sZLDPV-YeH8-Ryb227VqCx-dlNllSb9-RaMpWsyXb_JPgwXvRrnQ2-0UEaN_XQl2NYr9_VExBFgHQUqvTM7_O0agSZizQ2Cl0NUzsk6_SoYW/s1600/Chicken+Coop+Instruction+Images+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yB8no694uP-yxBybIxGEQxcGq7QRdzj_sZLDPV-YeH8-Ryb227VqCx-dlNllSb9-RaMpWsyXb_JPgwXvRrnQ2-0UEaN_XQl2NYr9_VExBFgHQUqvTM7_O0agSZizQ2Cl0NUzsk6_SoYW/s400/Chicken+Coop+Instruction+Images+%252814%2529.jpg" width="223" /></a></h4>
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Build Your Own Coop</h3>
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The birds are going to need a safe, comfortable environment. The floor needs to be secure and so do the walls and roof. The unit I built has a top that secures with a hook and eye catch so that my cats cannot lift it easily. They are up off the ground so that creepy things cannot easily enter the coop area. This chicken coop hutch cost me around $60 in materials to build. It took one afternoon and bit of cursing and elbow grease to build it.<br />
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Not that it makes a difference, but I should point out that I am a small female with no knowledge of wood working skills and I was able to build this easily. Moving it was the biggest issue I faced. Determination says a lot about getting things done. A screw gun, skill saw, and a few ideas on paper made this idea a reality. This is light enough that two people may move it easily for clean up under the coop occasionally. I will eventually share the plans for this coop. See my author site for occasional updates: <a href="http://www.mariaburgess.com/">www.mariaburgess.com</a><br />
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Chickens Produce: Eggs, Fertilizer, Calcium </h3>
The bird's droppings are high in nitrogen and can be used to feed your garden plants a necessary nutrient. I would let the waste compost for a week before adding to the garden bed. I do dump the water dish in different areas of the yard as I clean the feeding area for the birds. What is the cost of fertilizer and soil amendment? I pay $9.99 at the local nursery for a bag of dirt that contains 15% chicken manure. Chemical fertilizers can be cheap or very expensive depending on the brand and purpose.<br />
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Back to the real cost of eggs. Three hens yield an egg a day early in their laying career. That's a dozen eggs every four days. Tag that with the current cost of eggs and this is a $4.62 return on your investment. The feed is minimal and a bag lasts about a month with three birds.<br />
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I love animals so the idea of having these birds in my critter family made sense. The notion of fresh eggs also hit home for me. It is a deliberate plan of action for my preparedness lifestyle. Having necessary protein at ready access is worth all the effort. The sweet faces on the birds sealed the deal.<br />
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-82711667646271795412016-01-17T16:04:00.000-08:002016-01-17T16:04:14.533-08:00Recycling a Christmas Tree<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Plant nurseries and other businesses are inviting people to mulch and recycle their Christmas tree instead of tossing it to the curb for the trash truck to collect. </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfpiijWBnXjFPz-r3Ty_lBfu3KBjyDmQar7SK_4XX0Q8Rly-vSHa3alOAWqUzo5rqj3Q_yb0Zv5t6M1HjwF62lLF0zK57tU_37hodfAVimNscHr1Ab9d4i695foBjaBZlX6vj-4OISDTj/s1600/Tree+trimmings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Christmas tree being reclaimed for fire kindling" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfpiijWBnXjFPz-r3Ty_lBfu3KBjyDmQar7SK_4XX0Q8Rly-vSHa3alOAWqUzo5rqj3Q_yb0Zv5t6M1HjwF62lLF0zK57tU_37hodfAVimNscHr1Ab9d4i695foBjaBZlX6vj-4OISDTj/s320/Tree+trimmings.jpg" title="recycling a christmas tree for kindling" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">Recycling a Christmas tree for kindling</span></td></tr>
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I went one further with my tree this year. I chunked the branches and twigs off and set them aside for kindling and potpourri. </h3>
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I know it might be a little late for this year's tree to be reclaimed, but here is a great tip for next year. After I stripped my tree down, I set the small sized branches away in boxes and stored them out of the way so they do not get wet. They are an excellent way to start up a fire and the smoke from the burning needles and twigs is terrific. </div>
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The smell of a live tree is amazing. The scent is earthy and sweet and picking one out is indeed a favorite moment of the season. Decorating them carefully and watching them twinkle in the twilight brings comfort and amazement. It is the reason I insist on not investing in an artificial tree for the holidays. This year was my first tree in almost a decade and I thoroughly enjoyed its presence. It was a joy to behold as I trimmed it with glittery things and sweet favors.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recycling a Christmas Tree for Kindling</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3 !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;">
<span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1ZFgizA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fiskars Traditional Bypass Pruning Shears</a></span></span></h1>
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<i><b>This project requires a pair of gardening or work gloves and a small pair of pruning shears. A small saw or cutting tool that can handle the trunk cuts will be needed as well. </b></i></div>
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I allowed my tree to rest and dry completely on the back patio before I trimmed it down. When the smaller twigs break away from the trunk easily it is time to remove all the branches from the tree trunk. I began trimming from the top section and wove down through the front side facing me until I had a good sized slot down the length of the tree. Once a large enough gap has been opened in the dried foliage the job gets easier and faster. </div>
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Cut all twigs down to about 10" and place them in a holding container. A box or plastic tub will work fine. I may later set choice twigs away in storage bags for the scented potpourri, but for now the project is complete. I still need to cut the trunk down. I will do so when time allows. The cuts can be any length provided they fit neatly in the coal area of a fireplace or fire pit. Place about six to ten twigs in the fire staging area when beginning a fire. They should ignite easily and allow a log placed above to catch easily.</div>
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Save the bottom length of trunk for your next year's <a href="http://amzn.to/1Q83ABw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yule Log</a>. This piece would start the Christmas fire for the 12 days of Christmas as tradition states. You could also drill holes in it and use it as a decorative candle holder. Accent the log with trimmings taking care not to allow flame to touch the decor. </div>
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Reclaim that tree and send it back to the earth in flame. Rekindle that tree's memory in a flickering fire and continue to enjoy it. When the fire dies down and the coals have all cooled the ashes may be placed back in the garden area as potash. </div>
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Please, please, be cautious always when working around open fire. </div>
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<a href="http://www.mariaburgess.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">M Burgess</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.survival-recovery.com/"><b><i>www.survival-recovery.com</i></b></a></div>
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-41947559604846463072015-10-13T16:53:00.000-07:002015-10-13T16:53:08.009-07:00Raising Backyard Chickens - Exactly How to Use All Those Fresh Eggs<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0jKvRkdOnDXxmhV0ZTjFqisTmGJDPzv4XpA144gJPEoRFS6BgU4K17kVVUBM-JqbRKkjBCEJ9wL0xChRRCRJ4CQrxzVWVLel6j52rNeyh2D5uUe8K8DdGJx4Rzugy6DoZVJf1fs4Ifhj/s1600/IMAG3055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="black chicken roosting on the edge of a chicken pen" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0jKvRkdOnDXxmhV0ZTjFqisTmGJDPzv4XpA144gJPEoRFS6BgU4K17kVVUBM-JqbRKkjBCEJ9wL0xChRRCRJ4CQrxzVWVLel6j52rNeyh2D5uUe8K8DdGJx4Rzugy6DoZVJf1fs4Ifhj/s400/IMAG3055.jpg" title="Raquel - Backyard Chicken Roosting" width="222" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Fresh eggs can pile up quickly with a set of chickens in your backyard. How will you consume them? </span>Exactly how do I store eggs? How Do I know the egg is fresh? <span style="text-align: justify;">What can I do with the shells? </span></h2>
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Collecting eggs each day from hens that are actively laying creates a pleasant dilemma. The pile of eggs grows unless they are consumed within a few days or weeks or given away. Do you wash them when they are brought into the home for storage? </h3>
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Eggs are already coated with a substance created by the chicken called a bloom. It is a sealer the hen's body makes. It covers the egg shell when the egg is dropped into the nesting area. There is nothing else to do but set it aside for later. Washing the egg would make it vulnerable to spoiling quickly. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Egg Dispensers</b></span></div>
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Friends from outside the US tell me that eggs are stored on the counter in other countries such as Europe and the Islands. Here, they are placed in handy containers meant to distribute the eggs in a first in first out pattern. Placing the freshest eggs in the back insures that the eggs are rotated properly. Egg dispensers are handy items and a great conversation piece. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/backyard-chicken-supply-catalog-20/detail/B00XDKVBJS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Egg Dispenser</a></td></tr>
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I, personally, keep my eggs in the refrigerator. I saved and collected egg cartons previous to the hens laying performance to keep up with the growing pile of hard shelled gems. The cartons are rotated in the cooler so that I can maintain fresh stock and quickly give a dozen to family or friends when the occasion arises. </div>
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Try to gather at least four dozen egg cartons so that storing the eggs is easy.</div>
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I keep a plastic egg container handy to pack eggs for camping trips. There is nothing like a fresh fried or scrambled egg cooked over an open fire in a cast iron dutch oven or frying pan. It is simply something that must be done when rising in the morning on a nature outing. Knowing that these were collected in my own yard makes them even more tasty!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wN5aStNcL._SL210_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wN5aStNcL._SL210_.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/backyard-chicken-supply-catalog-20/detail/B000ECQ8B4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Egg Holder</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How To Tell If An Egg Is Fresh</b></span></div>
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I mark my eggs with a permanent ink marker so that I can track its freshness. The eggs I give away are alway less than ten days old. </div>
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Drop an egg into a deep bowl of water and if it floats it is to be discarded. Eggs build up a space of oxygen as they age. A fresh egg will sink right to the bottom of the container. Dry the shell before cracking so as not to drop the exterior matter into your cooking project. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Should You Sell The Extra Eggs? </b></span></div>
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That question is explored in this very entertaining video. There are quite a few things to know about fresh farm eggs. The condition of the yolk is generally brighter than store bought eggs. The shells are slightly different and of course, there may be details present in a fresh egg that are not found in eggs produced in high quantity farms. </div>
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People that are used to the bleached white shells and light-yellow yolks may not be comfortable with a fresh, grass fed chicken egg. </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cvRR5mMHBnE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cvRR5mMHBnE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Egg Recipes</b></span></div>
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Eggs are fairly easy to prepare, A list of ways to use up your egg stock is a great way to rotated the gathered goods and keep the menu fresh, too. This might read like the shrimp list from Bubba's dialog in the movie Forest Gump. If you find there is something left out of the list, be sure to add it in the comments area below.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Fried </li>
<li>Scrambled </li>
<li>Boiled </li>
<li>Poached </li>
<li>Egg Sandwiches</li>
<li>Breakfast Burritos</li>
<li>Omelets</li>
<li>Quiche</li>
<li>Stir Fry</li>
<li>Egg Pancakes</li>
<li>French Toast</li>
<li>Baked Goods</li>
<li>Egg Drop Soup</li>
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While I am sure there are more recipes for eggs, this is a hefty list and should help with the egg rotation. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What To Do With All Those Egg Shells</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_j8oof_KnWvJ6wqHgmDR90U4QWjWs9zcnjAP8F2RjmbXTn4C3tMn1e5FvVBend7LGaHQDWI7u12OgmeN9ARoijH0ICHg5REKeuZ6xfSW1ZU3ALdV7jZ-s98yUOaVe92Ov5ALBREOVpF_/s1600/IMAG3873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_j8oof_KnWvJ6wqHgmDR90U4QWjWs9zcnjAP8F2RjmbXTn4C3tMn1e5FvVBend7LGaHQDWI7u12OgmeN9ARoijH0ICHg5REKeuZ6xfSW1ZU3ALdV7jZ-s98yUOaVe92Ov5ALBREOVpF_/s320/IMAG3873.jpg" width="177" /></a>Egg shells are high in calcium and are easily ground into a meal that can be placed in the backyard garden area for soil additive. The shells can be processed through a grinder or hand crushed for easy distribution. It is a great way to add this vital mineral when planting new tomatoes or peppers and various other plants. Just add a few sprinklings of the shells when setting the roots. </div>
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Word has it that they can also be given back to the chickens for assistance in their egg production. I have been told this by several chicken farmers. Simply sprinkle the small pieces around their scratch area. While I do not care for this use, I can see the reasoning. To me it is like eating one's own fingernails. Its kinda gross, but some things about keeping chickens are a bit distasteful.</div>
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Set the shells aside so that they may dry completely. I do not rinse them out. When they are set, I bag them up and wait for a day when I have the time to do the crushing and then add them to a glass jar to keep them for later use. </div>
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<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-45972570039129648352015-10-05T16:48:00.001-07:002015-10-05T17:13:36.929-07:00Echo Canyon - Camping with a Dog and A Dutch Oven - Part Three<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOpjfjhDHQdOBKifE1ICQ_0DHcC4RP5Zt6BtEfs06ASedPfZ1zBXN-basDRv-ra3jTDHKutYvzDPbA3YTrXFothfs8J9UuAL-2z6dH6arfDw_hJuNHu2EuqLJQISvTwVS1vIvaDO8cxyd/s1600/IMAG3657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sky, clouds, tent, and trees with a view of the water in Echo Canyon Nevada" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOpjfjhDHQdOBKifE1ICQ_0DHcC4RP5Zt6BtEfs06ASedPfZ1zBXN-basDRv-ra3jTDHKutYvzDPbA3YTrXFothfs8J9UuAL-2z6dH6arfDw_hJuNHu2EuqLJQISvTwVS1vIvaDO8cxyd/s640/IMAG3657.jpg" title="Campsite View Echo Canyon, Nevada" width="359" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Campsite View Echo Canyon, Nevada</span></i></td></tr>
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Echo Canyon sneaks up on you in the lovely Spring Valley Recreation Area. Unless you know exactly where it is, you might drive right by the tiny sign that says Echo and not even give it a second glance. </h2>
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<i>While the camping is excellent and the views fabulous, the lake is better for bird watching not fishing at this late in the season. I enjoyed a weekend here on my fourth trip in as many weeks camping out in areas around Southern Nevada.</i></h3>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The Echo Canyon Campground is under 200 miles from the city of Las Vegas along the North 93 highway on the 322. It is on the Scenic Route Tours of Nevada and it does not disappoint. The scenery is amazing in this area sandwiched between the desert floor and mountain terrain. Scenes of cattle and horses grazing along the roadside in pastures and alfalfa fields intermix with the beautiful hills, trees, brush and flowers.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Echo Canyon Landscapes</b></div>
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The stark hills offer polka dot markings along the surface with small trees and shrubs. All along the trails and roads are beautiful yellow-gold flowers and touches of deep red on occasion. The rock formations change up every twenty miles or so and there are marshes in sections and farmlands in others. It is really a dreamy kind of adventure. It is a photographer's paradise.</div>
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There were thick, puffy clouds over the tiny reservoir of Echo Canyon the day I pulled into the campground. The scene was surreal, like something out of a movie or a dream. I said to my friend that this must be what heaven was like. Perfect views. Just beautiful. They made your heart ache to see such loveliness. I did not want to come home, but duty calls. I had to be to work at six Sunday evening. These small excursions have been a peaceful time out to an otherwise hectic schedule.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7335qvunoemPlrmMF09_vuAi7SYvkggYX-_0_CqXCIvaIU6wkezylr5F_nh6JNMyCyXtC5hXryWm3If5M5Edw3-yRXbAolVUI_5ySmAY-colxLTmxVpjloDoBV6mvhfHnms-2sc3E1Uvo/s1600/IMAG3631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="yellow flowery shrubs, tree dotted hills, and pasture lands around the Echo Canyon and Pioche, Nevada " border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7335qvunoemPlrmMF09_vuAi7SYvkggYX-_0_CqXCIvaIU6wkezylr5F_nh6JNMyCyXtC5hXryWm3If5M5Edw3-yRXbAolVUI_5ySmAY-colxLTmxVpjloDoBV6mvhfHnms-2sc3E1Uvo/s640/IMAG3631.jpg" title="Hillside and pasture views around Pioche, Nevada and Echo Canyon Recreational Area" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Hills, fields, with cattle grazing, and flowery brush around Pioche, Nevada</span></i></td></tr>
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The odd shaped rocks and hills made for a dazzling day of sightseeing. My friend Sharon led me to the campground then showed me a back road that wound through a tiny community of pastures and hilly areas. The view was breathtaking in every corner and turn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYS_eUHjM0BDVi_XGRoY0DPoq0_1c34hAehY57PrmMmjoPYZ8AvvkzYFpbJmrss1k3mrhT2AEhsB9Ve1w65kF-2br_qnJsr78E2v_x2uEzb6gyuXEL3km6j-6zZOw8-5bPJRuzG2QoTAw/s1600/IMAG3641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Odd shaped rock formations and yellow flowery shrubs in Echo Canyon / eagle Valley, Pioche, Nevada" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYS_eUHjM0BDVi_XGRoY0DPoq0_1c34hAehY57PrmMmjoPYZ8AvvkzYFpbJmrss1k3mrhT2AEhsB9Ve1w65kF-2br_qnJsr78E2v_x2uEzb6gyuXEL3km6j-6zZOw8-5bPJRuzG2QoTAw/s640/IMAG3641.jpg" title="These jagged rock formations Eagle Valley / Echo Canyon recreational area" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">These jagged rock formations add to the already stunning landscape <br />in the Eagle Valley / Echo Canyon area</span></i></td></tr>
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There were horses and old cottages, fields, and light forests. The area is also alive with deer and other hunting game. We saw quail and rabbits, and even a doe grazing along the roadway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92EkmKG5aMgeY2caNSXTcGeMrMMyOmvNcke6rBtf9Q_aFaoNKUoLGaOIRluumoA4zzDQxlpPWopP8RGenKTyQynrWI7VdAbcJszRhFKZ3qHy1HcutxIg6lQYQod-o3vMbAW9mAWCREdyK/s1600/IMAG3620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mule deer doe" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92EkmKG5aMgeY2caNSXTcGeMrMMyOmvNcke6rBtf9Q_aFaoNKUoLGaOIRluumoA4zzDQxlpPWopP8RGenKTyQynrWI7VdAbcJszRhFKZ3qHy1HcutxIg6lQYQod-o3vMbAW9mAWCREdyK/s640/IMAG3620.jpg" title="Mule deer doe " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Mule deer doe grazing along roadside</span></i> </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Recovery of Mind, Body, and Spirit</span></b><br />
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How often do we add a great time out to our lives? Stress from constant activity can wear on the body, spirit, and the mind. By allowing a day or so of rest and relaxation, the body allows itself to settle and heal, the spirit is refreshed, the mind calms, the blood pressure and body aches diminish.<br />
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Camping can be a little bit of work in the beginning, but the results are worth the efforts. If planned correctly, the expense is minimal. The campground is generally under $20 a night and the basic costs are food and fuel for traveling. Once the fishing license and gear are purchased, the yearly cost is small compared to a four star vacation destination with airfare and hotel accommodations. A great dinner at a fancy restaurant can cost as much as a camping trip in one sitting! Create your own gourmet meal outdoors over an open fire.<br />
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Taking a couple of days to relax in an area like this refreshes my senses. The scenery is amazing at every turn and vista. The fresh air revitalizes a weary mind and heart and aligns my spirit with more important things like just enjoying life. Traveling has never been on my schedule unless it was for work, but visiting this area changed all of that. I intend to move here eventually, when my life turns to retirement age. Life in a bustling city has me craving a simpler lifestyle, one I can indulge in here in a valley of this nature. It is important to me that I unplug from modern culture and technology at times to realign my true priorities. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34QWE8nWOFo72Sz9QjWS0awngIgEN-XAMdJh0rhIeV6KWtXcjO_nA-3lHob72uksvhIrFFv6cmD7aZmDxd0HKbU6YX_htW_coWKC_Fw83dHj96t-MseqXcY0xpS4E3low7tE2wGlS0uzK/s1600/IMAG3618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="rustic building scene with brush, grasses, and trees near Pioche, Nevada" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34QWE8nWOFo72Sz9QjWS0awngIgEN-XAMdJh0rhIeV6KWtXcjO_nA-3lHob72uksvhIrFFv6cmD7aZmDxd0HKbU6YX_htW_coWKC_Fw83dHj96t-MseqXcY0xpS4E3low7tE2wGlS0uzK/s640/IMAG3618.jpg" title="Rustic building scene with brush, grasses and trees in Pioche, Echo Canyon, Nevada" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Rustic building - Pioche, Echo Canyon, Nevada</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Qo3_CV6t_QHZU-Qh0v5Wlp5pK9a-EeNAhSzeMo0MCW2L4xQnfNWFDcZjmFDGWXNz3s3SNwkILEd7-Exlo_mR8dlsW0L32rRcPmkUwV7db9XZYzmfzw0w-eIP6rUO14EWnmgnqXZBgs5E/s1600/IMAG3656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tent, charcoal grill and water area, dutch oven, and coffee pot" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Qo3_CV6t_QHZU-Qh0v5Wlp5pK9a-EeNAhSzeMo0MCW2L4xQnfNWFDcZjmFDGWXNz3s3SNwkILEd7-Exlo_mR8dlsW0L32rRcPmkUwV7db9XZYzmfzw0w-eIP6rUO14EWnmgnqXZBgs5E/s640/IMAG3656.jpg" title="Echo Canyon Campground with tent, charcoal grill and water area, dutch oven, and coffee pot" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Basic camping necessities: Water, charcoal grill, <br />Dutch Oven, Water spigot, and a tent</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">The Campsite Set Up</b><br />
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The basic set up in each camp includes a water spigot, a fire ring, a covered table area, and a fire pit ring with a grill. Cooking over an open fire helps keep outdoor skills sharp. One must know how to prepare meals on other sources and the firepit and charcoal grill offer a splendid opportunity to create a nice menu.<br />
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I caught no fish when I want to the side of the water area, but no worries, I did bring enough food for a week as I usually do when leaving home. I do not like to be without on any outing. It is for the purpose of cooking in the wild that I pack my ice chest. I am creating a Dutch Oven Cookbook that I will release, eventually. Should the occasion arise where I had caught fish, I had packed an onion, garlic, a lemon, and a few herbs in my cooler for use in the outdoor kitchen set up.<br />
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The fire pit ring is not shown here, but there is a grill at each site and a water pump connected to a well. A dutch oven serves many purposes in over the fire cooking and can be used as a skillet, a small oven to bake in, and a stew pot if necessary. The coffee pot I use for hot water only and it is set on the corner of my firepit grill so I may have water ready for washing or an occasional cup of tea or hot cocoa.<br />
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Be aware that there are no showers here at the campsite. There are bathrooms only, so you will have to bathe in warm water and a washcloth. One may travel to the <a href="http://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2015/09/camping-with-dog-and-dutch-oven-part-two.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Horsethief Gulch Campground</a> to shower if necessary.<br />
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<i>Look for the recipe page to be added soon! </i><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Take Time Out</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjkPX71T2OTJAUPwTR4dxlb7OpWaQCMw2bSEvulDl76OupXGm50lmMxU6ji_B2FSuEcjP18IRAUHbsy4hu79TemZTHNMs7xRv2NDtm6mXHbK5yfrW4tkZvT3mheU2tT7ln1MfWyjNhTW1kRMHy3Va3PpUX-TIAwNz596Sar65k1p1b33674gordnWdCHQ8=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjkPX71T2OTJAUPwTR4dxlb7OpWaQCMw2bSEvulDl76OupXGm50lmMxU6ji_B2FSuEcjP18IRAUHbsy4hu79TemZTHNMs7xRv2NDtm6mXHbK5yfrW4tkZvT3mheU2tT7ln1MfWyjNhTW1kRMHy3Va3PpUX-TIAwNz596Sar65k1p1b33674gordnWdCHQ8=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a>If you do not live in the Nevada area, I challenge you to explore the areas within 200 miles of your home. Seek the solace of the wilderness if only for a weekend or a single evening. Explore the world around you. Test out your camping equipment. Learn how to cook using several different heat sources. The time you spend enjoying the fresh air and scenery will be triple the cost of a therapist, I guarantee it.<br />
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There is so much hustle and bustle going on in our modern world that we often forget to look at the skies, breathe, and thank the universe we are alive. Survival Recovery is based on the concept that you can get through disasters with your spirit and mind in tact IF you take the time to heal, recover, and rebuild your life a bit at a time after a crisis by adding certain healthy activities to your lifestyle <i>before</i> disaster.<br />
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<a href="http://www.survival-recovery.com/">www.survival-recovery.com</a><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>Recommended products</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1MbJL7W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Road Atlas</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1MbJZvG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dutch Oven</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1MbKaHE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coleman 5 person Tent</a></td></tr>
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<h2>
Spring Valley National Park is a little over three hours north of Las Vegas. It contains the Eagle Valley Reservoir which is stocked with three varieties of trout. </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqsw3lhv4i7w5-9IbhjRfCRdxTKtODr2Pv2yQiM7bVFY8CxnMhZlNgCeaQebhyphenhyphenk6AnBYs68icMkzXYLC8A-efgc37V1Y0HFtos1AxwM4xf9r_kNsnzCwZEP3YIOmXDyk8OfmcO_VCAbzt/s1600/IMAG3470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lake view and hills with brush in the Spring Valley State Park" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqsw3lhv4i7w5-9IbhjRfCRdxTKtODr2Pv2yQiM7bVFY8CxnMhZlNgCeaQebhyphenhyphenk6AnBYs68icMkzXYLC8A-efgc37V1Y0HFtos1AxwM4xf9r_kNsnzCwZEP3YIOmXDyk8OfmcO_VCAbzt/s400/IMAG3470.jpg" title="View of the Eagle Valley Reservoir in The Spring Valley State Park" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>Campsite View of the Eagle Valley Reservoi</i>r</span></td></tr>
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<i>This is a new destination for my camping itinerary and I was not disappointed with my find. My dog and I had a wonderful time in the wild here. I'd like to thank my long-time, dear friend for the suggestion.</i></div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;"><i>I am experiencing the call of the wild, but </i></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><i>I must be crazy. I wait until the very end weeks of summer and early fall to start this adventuring thing. I guess it was time. It is better than baking in the summer heat, I guess. Something got under my skin this month about getting out of town and camping seemed to be the most economical trip I could plan and afford. </i><i>The largest expense I had was fuel. It took a little over a tank and a quarter to round trip this excursion. </i></i><i></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy0AyMUXjheKhaYfCqP3fs-5fY4bdNLdlDATwBwzjnHNDj3OMP2dY72AK7NdN7a3I77zfbtRIHvJZF6o5NXwEXuVI4xVsLBqxL5LS8UjcnI_PwuuUMftpNAct_v0qNtn4ti5F9z5o_YnS/s1600/IMAG3475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Horsethief Campground Sign with entrance road view" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy0AyMUXjheKhaYfCqP3fs-5fY4bdNLdlDATwBwzjnHNDj3OMP2dY72AK7NdN7a3I77zfbtRIHvJZF6o5NXwEXuVI4xVsLBqxL5LS8UjcnI_PwuuUMftpNAct_v0qNtn4ti5F9z5o_YnS/s400/IMAG3475.jpg" title="State Park sign for Horsethief Gulch Campground, Eagle Valley Reservoir, Spring Valley State Park " width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Horsethief Gulch the campground, at</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Eagle Valley Reservoir</span></i></td></tr>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Horsethief Gulch Campground</span></b></b></div>
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The campsite at the Eagle Valley Reservoir is Horsethief Gulch Campground. The fees are only $17 for the night. It covers parking, park entry, and the camping site itself. Check the entrance postings at the park for specific fees.<br />
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The firewood was donation only, so I generously gave when I took a small pile of the cut timber for my campfire. I had enough to last me the two nights I would stay. Other campsites I have visited charge $5 to $7 dollars for firewood. Let this be a guide for donations. These funds help support our nature preserves and parks,<br />
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The camp site has a shade cover over its picnic table, a fire ring for campfire, and is conveniently located near a bank of bathrooms complete with shower rooms. Unlike Mt. Charleston, the showers are free and are operating at this time. Bring shower shoes. Those tile floors are frigid!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1M2tORx" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cedar Ridge Granite Falls 4-Person Tent - orange and white tent" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81k4%2BDbcNjL._SX522_.jpg" height="140" title="Cedar Ridge Granite Falls 4-Person Tent - Image Amazon" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 26px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>Cedar Ridge Granite Falls <br />4-Person Tent</i></span></span></td></tr>
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Plan for a cool night's stay. The temperatures can dip quickly after sundown. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and pack accordingly. A tarp folded in quarters and set under the <a href="http://amzn.to/1M2tzFU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tent</a> where I planned my sleeping area helped insulate me from the cold ground. I did have a foam pad and several blankets in addition to my sleeping bag.<br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Horsethief+Gulch+Campground/@38.0241768,-114.2045009,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x80b67e4596b329b1:0xb23afc97909cdc91" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Directions To Horsethief Gulch Campground</span></a></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tips on Staying Warm Overnight </span></b><br />
Double up on socks and wear a set of thermal underwear when the evening temperatures are going to dip below 60 degrees. Toss a few blankets on top of your sleeping bag and try to stay covered. It is a good idea to keep a warm coat or sweater close by in case the frigid night air seeps through the bed coverings.<br />
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My family camped out one year and overnight we decided to try heated rocks to keep us warm. We dropped several in the firepit and then wrapped them in towels. What happened next could have resulted in disaster. The rocks were so hot they melted and burned the material the towels were made of. Do not do this. Also, do not use propane or gas heated space heaters in a tent. The noxious fumes are deadly and the heat source is an extremely risky fire hazard. My best advice for staying warm is to bundle up and stay cuddled under the covers.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Note About Air Mattresses</span></b><br />
I, personally, do not care for air mattresses. They tend to cool down over the evening hours and create more havoc than comfort. As the air cools down, they contract, leaving the sleepers to have to wake and refill or repair a flattening mattress. Save yourself the expense, trouble, and energy. Foam insulates comfortably and retains body heat where an air mattress dissipates it and leaves you cold.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Dutch Oven Cooking</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The minute I get to camp I set up my fire and proceed to heat the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/preparednessk-20/detail/B004Z0ZF06" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dutch oven</a> up for some bacon and breakfast items. I arrived shortly after noon and was a bit hungry. Thankfully, the coal starter makes the process of getting coals up to heat easy and quick. About 20 minutes after lighting the coals I was ready to cook my meal. </span></div>
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For this breakfast meal, I started with bacon to grease the pan, I removed most of this while allowing several slices to brown. The others will be reserved for later cooking. I then added ham slices. When the ham was almost ready and slightly brown on both sides I added eggs to the bacon grease in the bottom of the dutch oven. The pan was set on a grate that was sloped so the grease gathered at the side nicely for cooking the eggs. </div>
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<i>The only thing I was missing for this excellent breakfast was orange juice, grits, and toast!</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wildlife In The Park</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81k4%2BDbcNjL._SX522_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBH0LDbH_i4M-ouYzmOBBvCC5YCzgs4C8svmK1WWg5j7_nCtFqi78QUdgCesHgvkz69V43VNPYe8pHg4jBrCU7p7atPOxoJkdm7locSL1fbCO-vv__t71GKNHxYYbwZ2QdkAT7zEScdJq/s1600/IMAG3407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lakeside view" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBH0LDbH_i4M-ouYzmOBBvCC5YCzgs4C8svmK1WWg5j7_nCtFqi78QUdgCesHgvkz69V43VNPYe8pHg4jBrCU7p7atPOxoJkdm7locSL1fbCO-vv__t71GKNHxYYbwZ2QdkAT7zEScdJq/s640/IMAG3407.jpg" title="Dock view of the Eagle Valley Reservoir and shoreline" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">Dockside view of the Eagle Valley Reservoir</span></i></td></tr>
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The first wildlife I saw were a trio of Mule Deer on the road into the park and a curious wasp. The deer were grazing on grasses outside a fenced area near the road. That was a really neat site. I love spotting animals on my travels. They tend to leave a good memory.<br />
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The wasp was interested in my dinner, a piece of chicken I had tenderly prepared in the dutch oven. As I was sitting down to eat, it flew in, hovered, then flew away once again. When said wasp returned, the insect landed on my dinner item and proceeded to cut a wasp sized piece out of the meat. I did not disturb the creature as I thought it might get aggressive and the last thing I want to deal with is is an insect bite of that caliber. I cut several very tiny pieces of chicken and set them aside on the table for the critter's return. It did come back and I was able to finish my meal undisturbed.<br />
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Rumor has it that there are skunks in the area as well as rattle snakes. I neither smelled, nor sighted either animal. Thankfully, the only really wild thing I had encountered happened to be a feral, domestic cat that crept in in the middle of the night to ransack my garbage bag. I was not careful disposing of my trash so the refuse was fair game. The next night, I had prepared and set aside a small piece of butter to lather up my sweet potato baking in the fire pit. I turned my back for a few minutes and it had disappeared. When I turned around, there was a small black spector near the front of my campsite. Growling and menacing cat noises mixed with the cricket and frog croaking during the night. They spooked my poor dog enough he did not want to sleep without me in the tent.<br />
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My second day brought a surprising set of visitors over the lake. I spotted a couple of eagles swooping and grazing the air stream over the canyon. It was breathtaking to watch their flight.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fishing the Shore and Boating Dock</span></b><br />
Fishing from the dock seemed to be the easiest way to pass the day after camp was set up. Why refuse an invitation from that beautiful water!? Drag up a camp chair and get cozy or wander the shore line and drop in a hook. There were many families in the camp area and the echoes of their catch and lost fish repeated around the small valley. It was refreshing to sit and cast a line and drink in the scenery. Kids, adults, and dogs alike splashed through the water, although it is not a great swimming area. Just so you are aware of <a href="http://amzn.to/1j6od5M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">State Park</a> regulations, dogs are required to be on a 6 foot leash.<br />
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Supervise youngsters closely while around the dock area. A young man about seven years old proceeded to drop not one, but two fishing rods over the side of the railing, lost forever in the algae green waters. In the following hour, he personally stepped off the dock area and drenched himself and his mother in the water as she reached in to pull him back out. Children are not required to be leashed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUaICaVo9ZVd1Tkp1KZ1gjtJi1oh5lI0w00f5J_QoHJXsxrisnld-unECWiPjeIMkqUO1HGV_AYotFj8Voh8dFEdLZzqqWN7i8D-16S-4lqZpILcDSbkckHu_LPdIsJdRWO-k78gZRyfu/s1600/IMAG3449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="boating dock, hills, and trees" border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUaICaVo9ZVd1Tkp1KZ1gjtJi1oh5lI0w00f5J_QoHJXsxrisnld-unECWiPjeIMkqUO1HGV_AYotFj8Voh8dFEdLZzqqWN7i8D-16S-4lqZpILcDSbkckHu_LPdIsJdRWO-k78gZRyfu/s640/IMAG3449.jpg" title="Boating dock Eagle Valley Reservoir" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>The boating dock at the Eagle Valley Reservoir facing the campground. <span style="text-align: justify;">Boat rentals are available just a few miles from the campground, however, there is ample room on the dock facing the lake to fish.</span></i></span></td></tr>
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The supplies that are needed are a few fishing basics. A light tackle pole, a few hooks, a pair of needle nose pliers, weights, bobbers, and a stringer line will get a fishing enthusiast through the afternoon. The fish are small and require very little than a hook removal and water storage. Of course, there is the cost of a Nevada fishing license if you plan on fishing here. This may be purchased ahead of time at any sporting goods store counter. Be sure to add a trout stamp as that is most likely the fish on the hook. There are several types of trout in the water - Rainbow, Brown, and Tiger are among the water residents here.<br />
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The predominant bait used here is <a href="http://amzn.to/1PodIom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Power Bait</a>. I used bright green, but the popular flavor is yellow or tan. I did see folks using worms and lures, as well. One woman came up next to me with a long leader, bobber, and a fly like lure and on her first cast caught a decent sized rainbow trout. Take the time to let the bait drop and remember where the bites are. Cast back into that area and you may be successful.<br />
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After a few fish are caught, take advantage of the cleaning station available near the dock area. It boasts a nice, deep double sink area with running water and a garbage disposal for fish heads and guts. This makes for easy clean up of that catch of the day. The fish are quickly cleaned and prepped for cooking.<br />
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<i>I understand that there are crawfish in the water here as well. It would have been fun to rig a line with a chicken bone and reel a few in for supper, but I did not have a pot big enough to boil them in. I only brought my dutch oven for cooking. </i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Camping is an Emergency Drill</span></b></div>
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Be sure to take the time to plan for emergency drills. One's like this camping trip do not have to come with gloomy descriptions and elements of disaster. Camping is what happens when the power and lights go out and off and the family has to break out the tent and rough it for a few days or weeks after a catastrophe. Make it a family outing ahead of time so that an emergency does not have to be a crisis, too. You and your family will quickly adapt and face your situation in a more comfortable manner. Readiness pays in calm dividends. <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/preparednessk-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Camping and emergency supplies</a> </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.survival-recovery.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.survival-recovery.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;">Images on this site are property of M Burgess unless otherwise indicated. Please do not copy. Copyright 2015</span><br />
<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0Eagle Valley, NV 89043, USA37.9803782 -114.2182453000000437.9303057 -114.29892630000003 38.030450699999996 -114.13756430000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-82813367784741065742015-09-13T13:27:00.000-07:002015-09-29T14:04:12.979-07:00Camping on Mt. Charleston with a Dog and a Dutch Oven<h2>
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Mt. Charleston, Nevada is about 40 miles from my front door and my favorite way to get away for a bit. The pleasant temperatures contrast greatly from those in the Las Vegas Valley during late Summer and early Fall. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOmBYir9XdihKShBDzVsIX7KqrVw18WPaJG1AzDljEKcoObyEvvIFGaTxu4AcLhubj7kW1mBS500vPMZ604EZUJaBNj6orR9QUtt-fsld-bfkf-9bFTunVkqZNDlW7bniDEjbmbpofdQ2/s1600/IMAG3385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mt Charleston Peak " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOmBYir9XdihKShBDzVsIX7KqrVw18WPaJG1AzDljEKcoObyEvvIFGaTxu4AcLhubj7kW1mBS500vPMZ604EZUJaBNj6orR9QUtt-fsld-bfkf-9bFTunVkqZNDlW7bniDEjbmbpofdQ2/s640/IMAG3385.jpg" title="Mount Charleston Peak" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Charleston Peak</td></tr>
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<i style="font-weight: normal;">Camping in this mountain range is my idea of a vacation!</i></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;">The campsite that was left to us had a great view of the valley floor below. It happened to be one that I have used before and I thought it was convenient to find open, again. I could quickly set up camp as I had done in previous years. </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Open fire cooking is a must when camping in this area and is permitted in the campground. Our menu was predominantly dutch oven fare.</span></span></h2>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Driving Directions</b></span><br />
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The road is steep up to the <a href="http://amzn.to/1YN3sfQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">camp</a>, but is a manageable drive. It is important to do the speed limits and stay alert of deer or horses that may cross the roadway. My preferred campsite is at Hill Top Campground which is actually in the Lee Canyon area. Take the first road to your right as you travel the Mt. Charleston road where you see the first intersection sign. This is the Deer Creek Road. Drive about 5 - 6 miles up and look for a brown sign past Robber's Roost (great hike!) that reads "Campground 1/4 Mile" that is your marker. Slow down and turn right into that forked road. The fork to the left is the one you want. It circles around and up to the camp entrance. Pick up a pay envelope here and continue up to find an open spot. The camp has reserved and open sites. Stop and check in with the Rangers and say hi!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Camping Costs</span></b><br />
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The camping costs $21 a night and check out time is 1:00 pm. Firewood is available on the mountain for $6 a bundle. That is all that is available here. Bring your own ice, water, and food. You will not find any markets at this altitude. There are two restaurants in the area, one at the Lodge up the Mount Charleston Road at the top and one at the Resort near the entrance to the recreation area. This is the only food available unless you bring your own!</div>
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Please, be aware that at this time there is <u>NO WATER</u> on the mountain. Snowfall and rain have been minimal, so be sure to pack in your own potable and wash water. Also, there are latrines, not bathrooms, so be ready to truly rough it. It might be a good idea to include toilet paper, sanitizing wipes and liquid in your camp gear. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Canine Camp Companion</span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnlBCaD-grcFkrU_KHbKMCImtP-Zf5T6-XS6iAS_sgeP1WoPUU-QXY-1L8fXfPCKC2BNGmDRYuFYp4LRCBZ-hZQ3Rkb-zENE0fkxSns_gQdwDgnAGHn6NiMirbGARrX_mexro8CuVTHfp/s1600/IMAG3396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="small dog in camp site with turquoise sweater and leash" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnlBCaD-grcFkrU_KHbKMCImtP-Zf5T6-XS6iAS_sgeP1WoPUU-QXY-1L8fXfPCKC2BNGmDRYuFYp4LRCBZ-hZQ3Rkb-zENE0fkxSns_gQdwDgnAGHn6NiMirbGARrX_mexro8CuVTHfp/s400/IMAG3396.jpg" title="Small dog in camp site" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilbur standing his ground</td></tr>
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Dogs at the campground must be on a leash at all times. Make sure that they have access to fresh water at all times and a soft place to sit. I folded two small blankets up for Wilbur a safe distance from the fire and used this for his sitting place and bed roll. My little guy even has his own bug out kit with supplies.</div>
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My neighbor at the campsite commented that her daughter thought it was really brave of me to camp out here, alone. I thought nonsense, but responded, "I drive cab in town, not much scares me." (Wink!) I really needed a getaway. This place is fairly public as there are many campers here with me. I did not travel completely alone, however. My camp companion was my little dog, Wilbur. He is an older dog, but I thought it would be nice to give him a run of fresh air and small walks along short trails. </div>
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Wilbur did quite well, but was a bit of a rascal when it came time for me to set up and tear down camp. He wanted to wander and rightly so. There were so many new smells for him to investigate. This image is after I took the tent down. I think he wanted to stay!<br />
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I was concerned about him walking on the sharp rocks and rugged trails, but tried to find smoother paths to travel for his restroom breaks. He tried to sniff and smell everything and wander when he had a chance. Thankfully, I caught him on those occasions.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Journal Entry</b></span></div>
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When night fell, we stayed near the fire for about an hour then retired to our tent. The sky was amazing and I wrote a small piece about it in my journal. I so wish I could have gotten a picture of it!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuZjoWa7RChQ0HDG7dScbUa1x7xGMVUJQpTBL6HOHfwZ9hjcjeWVGlnFdmq8vlzn4BLnE1Mn0UDQ2iylkyXzSH6k5Z2mh6SrGqFh_XtRdLQbYF9OTQCAr6L_wYpFfI4yHc8TMvBFCUVRR/s1600/IMAG3338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img alt="Fire in a steel drum from a campground" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuZjoWa7RChQ0HDG7dScbUa1x7xGMVUJQpTBL6HOHfwZ9hjcjeWVGlnFdmq8vlzn4BLnE1Mn0UDQ2iylkyXzSH6k5Z2mh6SrGqFh_XtRdLQbYF9OTQCAr6L_wYpFfI4yHc8TMvBFCUVRR/s400/IMAG3338.jpg" title="Fire pit on campout" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campfire bliss</td></tr>
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The campfire smoke drifts skyward into the Milky Way. Starshine punctures the tar, black fabric of the night. I sit under this canvas and alternate admiring sky and campfire. I stare into flames of gold and admire the blue base of the fire. This is my campout, my reason to be still. The precious away time I so desperately yearn for. </div>
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I dearly wish I could share a photograph of my view of this sky with you, this quiet evening. I left the sun cover off of my tent so as to stargaze before I drive off to sleep. The display of constellations is mesmerizing. I scan the night scene for moving blips and shooting stars. I have only seen one fall tonight.</div>
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It has been two years since a devastating fire tore through our beloved mountain. From my campsite I see subtle signs of the disaster. Skeleton tree trunks scorched from the fire tower like markers of that sad day. U was heartbroken when it started. The fire covered nearly 65,000 acres of woods, brush, and timber land. It threatened homes and the livelihood of many who live on the hills northwest of Las Vegas</div>
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I am grateful my beloved Hilltop Camp was spared. It is a miracle that it is untouched. I understand fire is nature's way of nurturing soil, but does it have to be so devastating?! (See<a href="http://mburgess.hubpages.com/hub/mt-charleston-memories" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Mt. Charleston Memories</a> for more about that fire)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tips For Dutch Ovens or </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dutch Oven Cooking for One</span></b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWwyD5oj5pjx3sh36w9LBbottes0jeVDBFrR5RLnt2GjcUf2VS_nyeuPs7xc56SkTGBjyOuWVTohnL39s1KwtEhbt-HH3Qb2aD_9j_0lTvMb4KWmhdoKLcMBqlO83XThr2i0kc5nZKvHO/s1600/IMAG3366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dutch Oven, Barbeque grill, and coal starter units" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWwyD5oj5pjx3sh36w9LBbottes0jeVDBFrR5RLnt2GjcUf2VS_nyeuPs7xc56SkTGBjyOuWVTohnL39s1KwtEhbt-HH3Qb2aD_9j_0lTvMb4KWmhdoKLcMBqlO83XThr2i0kc5nZKvHO/s640/IMAG3366.jpg" title="Dutch Oven, Barbeque grill, and coal starter units" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I bought a 10" <a href="http://amzn.to/1KgRlwW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dutch oven</a> some time ago and was eager to try it out on this trip. The cooking is quick and easy in one of these handy pots. It does get sooty, but it is manageable if there are the right supplies with you. The important thing about any cast iron cooking gear is keeping it oiled. Use no water in cleaning and oil it down after use. If you have to use water in it, dry it on heat for a minute, then season once again with oil. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I had, also, purchased a <a href="http://amzn.to/1iouqtw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coal starter</a>, but had not used it yet. My dad suggested this great tip that worked wonders for lighting the chimney. Place two or three sheets of news paper wadded up under the coal starter and fill the chute with charcoal. Light the paper and in about 20 mins, the coals will be ready. This method worked like a charm and I had no trouble with coal starting whatsoever. </span>The first thing I made was O'brien Potatoes. This is a small mix of potatoes, onions, and green pepper.<br />
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I had cleared some items out of my freezer to bring with me so I did not have to spend a lot of money on groceries when I hit the mountain. One of the things I brought were chicken breasts, which I got a little creative with. The result was the following recipe:<br />
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<li>1/4 C barbeque sauce</li>
<li>1/3 C Orange Gatorade</li>
<li>Salt and Pepper</li>
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Set dutch oven on coals and quickly add olive oil. Saute onions and peppers and add the chicken when onions are clear. Coat the chicken in the veggie juice then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to coat. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes covered. Add the barbeque sauce and coat the chicken pieces. Pour the gatorade into the dutch oven and cover with the lid. Add about 8 coals to the top of the dutch oven. Simmer for about 25 minutes. Remove dutch oven from coals and take lid off carefully. Set coals from lid aside in barbeque grill or fire pit. Stir in about 1/2 cup of water when chicken is ready to loosen the sauce from the bottom for a good au jus. Serves 1-3 </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Go Camping!</span></b></div>
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My wish is that you might get a chance to enjoy a trip to the great outdoors, someday soon. It is a great way to escape summer heat and blahs. If you are not in the Southern Nevada area, check the camping locations near you using the <a href="http://recreation.gov/">Recreation.Gov</a> site!<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images on this site are property of M Burgess unless otherwise indicated. Please do not copy. Copyright 2015</span></span><br />
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0Lee Canyon Rd, Las Vegas, NV, USA36.399472 -115.578189236.194963 -115.90091269999999 36.603981000000005 -115.2554657tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-9540736399607662302013-10-14T14:49:00.001-07:002013-10-26T02:55:41.285-07:00We Love Our Animals - Funny Animal Videos<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE-mPfvWPpVIsHOANYuxKznCknhjMSo1s9kTaAQzHK0RMjDwN0OEp0syHFWYeFxYURy3CQhbN8U068U7W1X5_35xX6DMZuxrmafhLjtwg2MNi9-WDkINjbLvbnT6dkVqPX_xKr5ct6F0F/s1600/Ms+Sunny+In+Cage+with+Timothy+Hay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE-mPfvWPpVIsHOANYuxKznCknhjMSo1s9kTaAQzHK0RMjDwN0OEp0syHFWYeFxYURy3CQhbN8U068U7W1X5_35xX6DMZuxrmafhLjtwg2MNi9-WDkINjbLvbnT6dkVqPX_xKr5ct6F0F/s200/Ms+Sunny+In+Cage+with+Timothy+Hay.jpg" width="200" /></a>I love my animals, two tiny guinea pigs at the moment. They are tiny next to your dog and cat. They are the reasons I love coming home at night and why I am responsible. They cannot take care of themselves without help, unlike humans. </div>
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If you get time, read up on <a href="http://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2013/02/preparedness-for-your-pets-continued.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>Preparedness And Your Pets - Continued.</i></b></a> </div>
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We need always take care of these innocent creatures, large and small. If you have anything you would like to contribute to the prepping plans, share in the comments box.<br />
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I will get back to preparedness discussion soon. I am moving to a new location which will net me some rich topics! I am so excited! My container garden will be getting a much needed transfer to a back yard with a lot of area. I may still operate in a container style planting, but I will be able to also do in ground growing. Look forward to these posts at the end of January. For now, I am winter prepping my plants. I want to make sure each of them have a covering or if needs be can be brought indoors.<br />
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The Cherry Tomato that I thought died off, came back and I am proud to say it is now blossoming and soon will be producing tomatoes. I am bringing this one indoors and placing it under a light during the colder months. My banana pepper plant is thriving and giving me both flowers and a few peppers.</div>
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As for the rest of my month, I am organizing for a move from a 2 bedroom apartment to a 3 bedroom house. I just started college online and I have also moved to being a vapor user instead of a cigarette smoker! <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/kick-the-habit-with-a-vapor-cigarette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>E-Cigarettes </b></a>have become my lifestyle. So all seriousness aside, I think it is time for some fun stuff!<br />
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I love watching the funny things animals do in some situations. </div>
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While I am not posting serious stuff today, I wanted to highlight some of my very favorite critter videos from YouTube I have run across recently. </div>
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Wet Dog </h4>
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Dogs and cats can be planned for just like planning for our children and the means to do so are provided for you in the link above. What other animals can you think of that people might own as pets? There are reptiles, arachnids, rodents, and birds. These are the most common of exotic pets in the household. </div>
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All in all we need to make sure these creatures are on our preparedness planning list. If you have an exotic animal be it a snake, spider, or some other creepy crawly, how are you going to care for it in emergencies? </div>
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Snakes can go into a cloth bag for transport. What do you need to feed it? Can you bring a jar along with goldfish or are you planning to capture small rodents or insects to feed it when it is time? I know they only eat every few weeks or so. They are probably the easiest pets to care for. They don't bark, need water, or food every day.</div>
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This spider and any arachnid would need a carrying case or container to be evacuated safely. Their food source would have to be considered, too. Keep in mind that a high stress environment may kill that pet. </div>
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Consider the risk of bringing them with you. Is it worth the effort?</div>
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Are you one of the creepy creature fans?</h4>
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The Spider Who Couldn't Hide</h3>
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Have a safe and wonderful <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-do-halloween-art-for-window-painting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Halloween</b> </a>Everyone!</h4>
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<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-10179169290895350652013-09-27T01:36:00.000-07:002013-09-27T01:36:35.277-07:00Wintering A Container Garden<h2>
Wintering A Container Garden</h2>
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Preparing A Patio Garden For Winter.</h3>
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My struggling herbs just came in the house. This is a temporary spot for them until I rearrange some things outside. I had to make a mess of my kitchen for a minute but I am looking at ways I can winter certain garden plants that are hardy enough to live on past a season. Herbs, tomatoes, and my peppers to be specific. </div>
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Technically this way of growing plants is Bonzai. Confining them to small containers but still letting them grow big enough to produce edible items. </div>
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My little patio does not get enough lighting to create large plants so I get to play in this <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/my-miniature-vegetable-garden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">miniature garden</a> of mine. I want to secure and protect these little friends. Yes, they are my friends. I do talk to them when I have a few moments to admire them for staying with me. I'm considering using some of these in different methods but for now they can sit in my living room as house plants. That Basil plant smells really good!</div>
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Winter temperatures here in Las Vegas can get into the 20's so I need to get them ready to face cold weather. Last year I lost several pepper plants that were around 4 years old because I left them outdoors and unprotected. This year I learned my lesson. They will get blanketed over night in temperatures above freezing and brought into my home if we are having a spell of frost. </div>
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In areas that are not as fortunate as we are with the weather, fields and garden plots have been tilled over and had straw added to them for wintering. The plant material left in the dirt will decompose and become nutrients for the next planting. In the meantime they will sit dormant.</div>
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A strawberry plant from last year that is still growing and enduring through my neglecting it. You can see it only has 4 leaves on it at the moment. It is now in a violet pot that is self watering. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj31QfImxn7SbuuOtLc7Udd_5OiUPPALcxero1RmfFDD5JQYZcuLHxVrkdcklW-H0qXPb7Yq4jm0AjhOy9gxFqrV3vwPkujBcKWwgnvf9xa9VNNMMeiHw7oEV8kwf700O16Gk1ti76eDSd/s1600/Banana+Pepper+19+September+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj31QfImxn7SbuuOtLc7Udd_5OiUPPALcxero1RmfFDD5JQYZcuLHxVrkdcklW-H0qXPb7Yq4jm0AjhOy9gxFqrV3vwPkujBcKWwgnvf9xa9VNNMMeiHw7oEV8kwf700O16Gk1ti76eDSd/s320/Banana+Pepper+19+September+2013.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Pepper - Sept 19th 2013</td></tr>
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My schedule gets hectic or I get distracted and this poor garden is wondering what the heck! I am so guilty of being garden lazy sometimes. If you are like most people that get that garden bug, we get jazzed about it for the first 2 weeks and then let the fascination fade away. No matter what these plants need to be tended to and watered regularly to survive, whether you are enthused or not, and even after they are not producing. Thankfully most of my plants are at least living so I didn't do too bad. I am getting better. Most of the things I grow are pretty tough. This marks the 4th year of my patio gardening in Las Vegas.</div>
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A small lavender is still with me and I think I am going to use it as a Bonsai tree. It looks the right texture and height. I have a tiny set of starters I planted from seed - a parsley, an oregano, and a set of 4 almost microscopic chive onions still clinging on to life so I want to give them a chance to live. It was time to bust them out of their peat pots, since they are still trying to stay with me. I scrubbed down the containers and ever so carefully removed them from their soil and starter pots, and set them into root starter. I am hoping the mixture will give them a good boost and help them return to a healthier state. </div>
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I moved my larger oregano and basil to the corner of the living room after giving them a little spruce up. These are just the small plants I have. I have several other large pots I will discuss in a later post. If this looks a little odd, bare with me. There is a plan unfolding.</div>
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For lighting I have a lamp with an incandescent bulb that I will set over these plants to give them something until I secure a vita-light system. I have torn down my <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/drip-system-irrigation-for-container-gardens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">drip irrigation system</a> because I am looking at ways to recapture the water used for the plants. The new neighbors gave me the eye of death when they were moving in a few months ago and the over flow from the plant containers was running down the deck dripping onto their patio. (Oops --Sorry!) I hope they don't blame me with the rain water dripping down...</div>
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Winter will give me time to remedy this issue and I am either going to move or alert my apartment manager to the issue and have them fix the deck and seal and water proof it. Now, this idea is still on the drawing board. I have a few plans drawn out, I just need to set the pieces up and see what works best. My system has been about 4 years in development and when I get all the information I need to make it work the way I want it to, I will let you know what is successful. </div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YX6kdOthL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YX6kdOthL._SX258_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="160" /></a><br />
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I am also looking into <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Aquaponic-Gardening-Guides/dp/1615642358/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aquaponic gardening</a> when I get the opportunity to secure the materials I need. This is still on my list of things to do at the moment.</div>
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The way I have arranged my garden is similar to what I would use in survival mode in a secure location after a bug out. Bringing seeds with me in my bug out bag will enable me to start this process as soon as I know the last frost is over where ever I settle. I would need to water them a bit every few days to keep them growing. </div>
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The idea would be to keep a tomato, a pepper, and a small container of onions on hand. If needs be these can be taken with me if I keep them small enough. This is the next phase of my garden come Spring 2014... </div>
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MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-83936255078642402262013-07-20T04:41:00.003-07:002013-07-20T04:41:31.677-07:00Severe Thunderstorms In Vegas Lands Furnished Projectiles<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Las Vegas Cab Driver Takes A Seat At The Rio!</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrtjhFyOqriYAwZV5Cv93e0NQIHu9AzzpKM0uArdqAWMs_P8U00f3jb0OM-708DSXZ4xl5Egv7AkH3ZAyQEh97N8aEVcmac9Q0_1QVqoE9G7deLBgdSDmDJbP4N1vC8OHb63K1vsNfY8z/s1600/Rio+-+Sign+-+Penn+and+Teller+Ad+Damaged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrtjhFyOqriYAwZV5Cv93e0NQIHu9AzzpKM0uArdqAWMs_P8U00f3jb0OM-708DSXZ4xl5Egv7AkH3ZAyQEh97N8aEVcmac9Q0_1QVqoE9G7deLBgdSDmDJbP4N1vC8OHb63K1vsNfY8z/s200/Rio+-+Sign+-+Penn+and+Teller+Ad+Damaged.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
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In the high winds, rain, and hail tonight, Las Vegas found itself faced with severe storm damage across the valley. </h3>
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Power was knocked out in areas south of the Rio resulting in traffic light disruption. The roadways filled with water causing some areas to be a river of rain water. </div>
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Wind carried items with speeds up to 71 mph according to the <a href="http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/massive-thunderstorm-slams-las-vegas-leaving-damaged-homes-power-outages-and-uprooted" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Review Journal</a>. Trees were downed and the area around the city prone to flooding did cause some major traffic delays.</div>
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<b>Cabbie - Take A Seat!</b></h3>
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A taxi driver was in for a huge surprise as she exited the driveway heading south on Rio Drive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCP_MLxbofcoFd61S6RG9L2D7gtebaAkMwfxn65KnzsAiCEnTZUiiIwDNwsPodk4NtUJxCevTdZ8v0TTIJJHjGkSe9JAha9z3O7Tczbq-QcXk56hf8Hxa4IwUADK5QMOckLBLmD33PMjT/s1600/Rio+-+Storm+Damage+-+Couch+Story+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCP_MLxbofcoFd61S6RG9L2D7gtebaAkMwfxn65KnzsAiCEnTZUiiIwDNwsPodk4NtUJxCevTdZ8v0TTIJJHjGkSe9JAha9z3O7Tczbq-QcXk56hf8Hxa4IwUADK5QMOckLBLmD33PMjT/s400/Rio+-+Storm+Damage+-+Couch+Story+(9).JPG" width="400" /></a>A white, leather couch planted itself in front of her cab barely missing the hood. </div>
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She did collide with the item and knocked the bumper loose. "I am lucky I wasn't killed!" replied taxi driver, Ms. Sarah. A foot or two closer to the windshield and she might have been. </div>
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There were 4 couch benches total ripped off of the top of the Rio's Voodoo Lounge. This club is 50 stories atop the Rio Hotel. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTodj4aMB8mUiIR0rExDl-LKA0XVFaOv10HCKSmS4X_71zOpWYqBnL8rB-NUHk9n-Fnmz2ihoS04Jldv7LossLhJCXJ6nNukXYIfCtFAYvCgF2FRt3QOGEFtHU2G6NZ0vTcJ0wxTXsDFA7/s1600/Rio+-+Storm+Damage+-+Couch+Story+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTodj4aMB8mUiIR0rExDl-LKA0XVFaOv10HCKSmS4X_71zOpWYqBnL8rB-NUHk9n-Fnmz2ihoS04Jldv7LossLhJCXJ6nNukXYIfCtFAYvCgF2FRt3QOGEFtHU2G6NZ0vTcJ0wxTXsDFA7/s400/Rio+-+Storm+Damage+-+Couch+Story+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: start;">Two of the couches landed in the front of the hotel. I saw this one on my way in tonight. It was in the median entering the hotel.I was wondering where it came from when I met Ms. Sarah. </span></div>
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She's lucky all that happened was a dislocated bumper.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Storm damages</span></h4>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">In related news, pieces of the strip are without their fancy neon lighting as various objects were tossed around the city's resort corridor. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Damages all over can be seen tonight. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Lights on the outside of the Luxor are missing. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Various properties including</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> the Rio are facing repairs to their Marquee signs and lighting displays. New York New York's Sign has been reworded with sideways V's.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04DS_bJadQvuBLYOR5G6-PnyAk6h3UjkFRFgtHsEq_r-GjzaGQ5W8Oa7yowAcdCzP5H7l-tPMgO_bam4rKMrwzPhk_C7dmh81o5668vNF-4-CHHlZEgv3W_KbXcmmLaMi_hfUCBwTXq2L/s1600/The+Hotel+-+Neon+Damage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04DS_bJadQvuBLYOR5G6-PnyAk6h3UjkFRFgtHsEq_r-GjzaGQ5W8Oa7yowAcdCzP5H7l-tPMgO_bam4rKMrwzPhk_C7dmh81o5668vNF-4-CHHlZEgv3W_KbXcmmLaMi_hfUCBwTXq2L/s200/The+Hotel+-+Neon+Damage.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Hotel is partially striped with it's gold neon. </span></span></td></tr>
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The rains will continue through the week. </div>
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This storm system is not over by a long shot!</div>
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<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-6863610789093897262013-07-09T04:17:00.000-07:002013-07-09T18:00:40.925-07:00Wildfires Near Las Vegas In Kyle Canyon Nevada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzBeMgU-Erb04m2Ty8ruviNhcIxkdnpyVdqkyoQ1YKjqdAPJuQGF1eamd-80Ywg8bB6nvCZ1-gkUPhgqi8IvszHZLEL7W_wSM7FNXDCt7-Km6ComfSydePS0zyEseLPiL6ORk0pbtWxXY/s1600/DSCN2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Las Vegas Wildfire Smoke Mt Charleston Kyle Canyon Fires" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzBeMgU-Erb04m2Ty8ruviNhcIxkdnpyVdqkyoQ1YKjqdAPJuQGF1eamd-80Ywg8bB6nvCZ1-gkUPhgqi8IvszHZLEL7W_wSM7FNXDCt7-Km6ComfSydePS0zyEseLPiL6ORk0pbtWxXY/s320/DSCN2727.JPG" title="Las Vegas Wildfire Smoke Mt Charleston Kyle Canyon Fires" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Las Vegas Skyline With Smoke From Wildfire Looming Overhead</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The wildfire north of Las Vegas has moved to the Kyle Canyon Area.</span> </h2>
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It started apparently Monday. I thought it started on the 1st, Tuesday when we were going up on a retreat. The smoke was visible for miles over our city today and a huge dark cloud of it is spreading throughout the evening. </div>
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This is the largest fire in my memory and it is frightening that it is this close.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEk_S7DlJqc/UdSxo1Y9LmI/AAAAAAAABWw/MIJxX1Nq_wE/s1600/Carpenter+Canyon+Fire+From+Mt+Charleston+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="wild fire carpenter canyon july 1 2013" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEk_S7DlJqc/UdSxo1Y9LmI/AAAAAAAABWw/MIJxX1Nq_wE/s320/Carpenter+Canyon+Fire+From+Mt+Charleston+View.jpg" title="mt charleston wild fire july 1st 2013" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;">Images from Tuesday evening July 1st, 2013. From the Mt. Charleston Resort.</span></td></tr>
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In my cousin's words, our beloved mountain is on fire. It is heartbreaking to watch and even more devastating to those that have had to evacuate. In the event of an emergency of this scale, your life is the most important thing you bring with you. No matter what you have in your home that is of any importance it can be replaced. You and your family cannot. You must leave, don't look back. It is like trying to out run a ticked off dragon.<br />
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Over the week I have watched at a distance as this scene painfully becomes darker and more frightening. The images tonight are positively prehistoric. They look like something from the top of a volcano!<br />
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This area is so rugged a terrain that they are having difficulty getting to the area and trying to shut off the fuel supply for this fire. There are craggy drops throughout these mountain areas and they are only accessible through a hiking trails. I think all they can do is let it burn to the cliff face and try to prevent it from coming down to the small town atop Mt. Charleston.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzLtbbP_3i1eZ-JyFjGz9gbHLSKoVKJxHGJVqZUOHsqxjtxdSGLAddW404EcKHG8EP6BrMfCioIai76B-pWG4PBTMezZXz1LqD55CLX9brmfgMdwDatxgYWtsbw7BZHR-dIdGLpIpT9g-/s1600/Mt+Charleston+Fire+July+8+2013+before+5+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzLtbbP_3i1eZ-JyFjGz9gbHLSKoVKJxHGJVqZUOHsqxjtxdSGLAddW404EcKHG8EP6BrMfCioIai76B-pWG4PBTMezZXz1LqD55CLX9brmfgMdwDatxgYWtsbw7BZHR-dIdGLpIpT9g-/s640/Mt+Charleston+Fire+July+8+2013+before+5+pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images from around 4:30 pm shot near the Airport<br /><br /><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><b>Video of the Mt. Charleston Fire</b> smoke covering the valley this afternoon. Tonight it is even thicker than this! People with breathing problems are urged to stay indoors as this fire continues to spread an the air is tinged with the ashes, smoke, and dust.</span></span></span></div>
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Video time lapse video </div>
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About all they can do at this point is dump flame retardant and water from airplanes. Its not like you can just drive a fire truck up 12,000 feet of mountain. It is really making things difficult for firefighters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF2OPUBzxGUfnpgWhoyJFTw3d5QyWZDG0p1dbjC4_2LCsyCcajYhyphenhyphencUmaJj94dQRM0USG5X1bzSFtvAnLTvb9CU5hcE865XkeHflfWrwcgixyF8WLbl0S3v4HXwKSSMUT5y6rj8vkU07i/s1600/Mt+Charleston+Fire+Images+-+July+8+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="mt charleston fire images july 8 2013" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF2OPUBzxGUfnpgWhoyJFTw3d5QyWZDG0p1dbjC4_2LCsyCcajYhyphenhyphencUmaJj94dQRM0USG5X1bzSFtvAnLTvb9CU5hcE865XkeHflfWrwcgixyF8WLbl0S3v4HXwKSSMUT5y6rj8vkU07i/s640/Mt+Charleston+Fire+Images+-+July+8+2013.jpg" title="mt charleston fire images july 8 2013" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">These images were from sunset this evening July 8, 2013 - All images:</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> M Burgess</span></td></tr>
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What do you do to prepare for a wild fire crisis? </h3>
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Hope you have a good vehicle to run like the dickens! Keep your gas tank at least at 3/4 full, keep a change of clothes or two for each member of your family in a bag ready to go. If we are still in a functioning society you can get somewhere to shelter and be fed so emergency and survival items aren't as pressing, unless you are suspecting your vehicle to break down on the way out.<br />
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Tend to a bag for each of you and the animals you can take with you. Water for all. If your home is in the wake of something of this magnitude, there isn't much you can do. We see people in California showering their roof down and trying to stand up to the fires. Fire doesn't give. It consumes. If you are careless enough to think putting your life on the line for stuff and things you will probably suffer serious and even fatal injuries. Another thing to have prepared is a dust mask and a bandanna or a cloth you can put over your face to breath through if you are close to the smoke. If you have to, moisten it down a little.<br />
<br />
In the safety of our families, I am asking for prayers for those that have had to leave and those who cannot. Please, pray for rain and the protection of the animals still trapped on these hills! There are wild horses, burros, ground squirrels and chipmunks, lizards, birds and many beautiful things on this once pristine area.<br />
<br />
Mt. Charleston our hearts and tears are with you tonight!<br />
<br />
Related news stories:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/22780010/mt-charleston-fire-containment-estimated-for-july-19">http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/22780010/mt-charleston-fire-containment-estimated-for-july-19</a><br />
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/mt-charleston-memories" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/mt-charleston-memories" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mt. Charleston Memories</a><br />
<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-28772872386231694042013-07-03T16:58:00.005-07:002013-07-03T17:08:35.458-07:00Wildfires, Ducks, And Firetrucks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-xgTzjEXaS9Fqknc2djlienzQQgaZalfusLSs_3DZ_pHJcS1DnN0e00CH49MUBEzQiiWHxYI08oEDHfWLiRKSZuyhqYOC_Y7LYoSXDB5tHz1b9q0dlF1JVhQlyo-1uNRMix41vO40USq/s1600/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-xgTzjEXaS9Fqknc2djlienzQQgaZalfusLSs_3DZ_pHJcS1DnN0e00CH49MUBEzQiiWHxYI08oEDHfWLiRKSZuyhqYOC_Y7LYoSXDB5tHz1b9q0dlF1JVhQlyo-1uNRMix41vO40USq/s400/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(6).JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Once a year we take a much needed time out to Mt. Charleston, Nevada from our home in Las Vegas.</span> </h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">This year brought a close to home event of a wildfire being seen over the mountain edge from Carpenter Canyon. </span></h2>
<br />
The fire did not reach us but the smoke sure did. I spent the evening with a slight cough from the hazy air and caught these images drifting into the area.<br />
<br />
This event reminds me how very important it is to keep on hand a ready made go kit. A bug out bag that is more of an overnight kit so to speak.<br />
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This emergency kit would be different from your Bushcraft kit. It would not require survival gear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kiJXKvtp_UAvsnIXq5OfxE8JSZEy8q9x_kFHqNyBkhcxiMw4TjPIYJYuvw314C_-hyCIyYnEv6BuRNy94PNNUvDh4CTlvNmfv_LofhV6GjLzwGtH40ncmMkLnDnmlW1exgeJvq3kWIKU/s1600/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kiJXKvtp_UAvsnIXq5OfxE8JSZEy8q9x_kFHqNyBkhcxiMw4TjPIYJYuvw314C_-hyCIyYnEv6BuRNy94PNNUvDh4CTlvNmfv_LofhV6GjLzwGtH40ncmMkLnDnmlW1exgeJvq3kWIKU/s400/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(9).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If an area you are in is prone to wildfires, leaving in a moments notice is necessary. You will not have time to pack your essentials. Having a bug out bag stored and already assembled with personal items is a necessity.<br />
<br />
This bag does not need to contain your 3 day rations or a ton of survival articles if you are evacuated to a nearby city or family or friend's home. You will only need a change of clothing or two, your hygiene items like a toothbrush and comb. Just the essentials.<br />
<br />
Keeping copies of important records in this pack would be a good idea, too. Insurance papers and anything you would need in the event your home and property were severely damaged, God forbid. Keep a gallon of water near this emergency bag for each member of the family and lift and go if a situation calls for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwe4P1JZqzMAYdXgSJ9Smcep5zBWEE30vDhvguGZOpkRqd0p1oLS_hVDecrwvg12eKG8JJzrAqH8-l-0HPamLvRvLAK9bxQCgB2qFZSXwtViII0CqewXSaqw40zdDqpMnNvhmkwkSDefS/s1600/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwe4P1JZqzMAYdXgSJ9Smcep5zBWEE30vDhvguGZOpkRqd0p1oLS_hVDecrwvg12eKG8JJzrAqH8-l-0HPamLvRvLAK9bxQCgB2qFZSXwtViII0CqewXSaqw40zdDqpMnNvhmkwkSDefS/s400/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Another thing to consider is what each member of the family would need to get through a day or two away from the home. Does Jr. need his asthma meds? Does Dad have the equipment and medication needed for his Diabetes? Will your family need allergy pills or anything to get them through just 2 to 3 days of and away from home when having to bug out to a civilized area?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9HoLfd0enCjH8pXg9OjiofJlgQBxAxDMxYWseqTU9t5LyYr7BfiGEqJfIhLvKJnfzC2z2jSuz-kqmaCcBc008iygY0YtTPCQY5VqLkaBUjuHQ9ILobmiZhfGP1FilfceTFKuEq2Orun2/s1600/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9HoLfd0enCjH8pXg9OjiofJlgQBxAxDMxYWseqTU9t5LyYr7BfiGEqJfIhLvKJnfzC2z2jSuz-kqmaCcBc008iygY0YtTPCQY5VqLkaBUjuHQ9ILobmiZhfGP1FilfceTFKuEq2Orun2/s640/Carpenter+Canyon+Wildfire+View+From+Mt+Charleston+(4).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Plan for emergencies like this accordingly and you won't have to think about what you need to bring with you if this does happen close to your home. Grab that bag and go!</span></div>
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Related Articles: </div>
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<a href="http://preparedness123.blogspot.com/2012/10/bushcraft-kits-extreme-survival-gear.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bushcraft Kits </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.survival-recovery.com/emergency-kit-supplies.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emergency Supplies - www.survival-recovery.com</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The rest of the retreat was a nice time out:</span></div>
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<br />Duck Pond And Images From The Mount Charleston Resort and hiking areas:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What is your favorite time out?</b></span></div>
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<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-48360077213046358282013-06-23T02:13:00.000-07:002013-06-23T02:13:22.039-07:00The Zombie Apocalypse Is Already Here<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61xGSVMl6XL._SY450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61xGSVMl6XL._SY450_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mayan-Calendar-Stick-Decal-Wallmonkeys/dp/B007K3VBGM/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mayan Calendar - Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">They were anxiously waiting the countdown on December 21, 2013. </span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
The Mayan Calendar came to an end. It sure did. But what most people fail to realize is that the Zombie Apocalypse is here and it has been for decades.</h3>
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<h4>
The <b>Zombie Apocalypse</b> is not in the form of a T Virus or some deadly plague - or is it? </h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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It is here among us in the form of drug dependent people who have let their use of chemicals over ride anything in their lives other than the pursuit of more. Look around you. Have you seen the way a Meth addict staggers? To me they walk like a worm wiggles. Slithering back and forth. This way and that. Just amblin along. The hardcore lost ones do this. Its sad but funny. They can't hide it. It shows in the way they talk. Their eyes all bugged out of their heads. Skeleton skinny and usually a conversation with them is impossible. Its a shame, too. Many of these folks are very intelligent or were before they got into trouble. These are our Zombies today. The only difference is they are not mumblin' "Brains!!!" or dragging broken body parts with </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
them.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is a sad state of our world and one that will get worse as out economy and political climate darken. </span></h3>
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These folks are already desperate for anything they can use to get more dope. They rob and steal. Some can work but I doubt they can keep a job long. The drug holds too strong an influence over their minds and will.<br />
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fa0kXVm8L._SY450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fa0kXVm8L._SY450_.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Professionally-Framed-Walking-Attack-Poster/dp/B005ZHQBA6/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walking Dead Attack TV Poster Print</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I bring this up because it is a minor tone of what will be happening when the SHTF for real. I am approached on a daily basis sometimes many times through my day and asked for money. I see them on the street corners and in the parking lots of large warehouse chain stores. My answer is NO - to them most of the time. I cannot help you until you choose to help yourself, is my reply. I do contribute occasionally to someone who is in need because my heart will tell me that person needs it. The rest of them can go put that in a pipe and smoke it!</div>
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Now, before you jump off the deep end and say I am bashing helpless people and I don't know what I am talking about, I want you to know that as of this moment I have been clean and sober for over 8 years now. I very well know what I am talking about. I have seen it. I have lived it. I survived my stint on the streets and that is what I am driven by today. </div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I Am A Survivor!</span></b></h4>
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I want to share with you this because while you are reading my posts, I want you to remember this. While most of them seem like Pollyanna - Aunt Bea from Mayberry light conversation, at the core of all of these writings is a woman who faced her demons, the streets, and survived a few years among people like I have described above. I am not an couch potato - PC nerd who hasn't ever left home.</div>
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I survived 25 years of off and on the streets and I know what it is like to go through a time span of hunger, what it means to be homeless, and how frightening it is to be so very alone with only the clothes on my back and a few things in my pockets to help me survive. Today I have a life worth fighting for and I will not let anything take it away from me. I prepare because I care. I share what I have learned and the things I stumble across in my searches so that you and I may meet on the road somewhere and be apart of the circle that is the core of the American Heart. Our patriots and preppers....</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Read more preparedness at:<br />
<a href="http://survival-recovery.com/">Survival-Recovery.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2269811608466926749.post-84902026392704324022013-06-11T13:28:00.004-07:002016-07-10T02:14:13.252-07:00Starter Survival Food Storage<h2>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Starting a food storage inventory for survival is not a difficult task. </span></h2>
<span style="color: white;">*</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnOjSmxK9QRu0RiyDsQFMS8pSkUc9C3UsX6-Mi7H5EOEJWEZZw2tH2RJHivrwNxfyIOU9hpZxqsECLK5ofS2uMCEUpRLYcfrzgE12E-Qxs7DHJepoIXU8cTKTVN1vc9W4jv0GSTkREFtf/s1600/Survival+Food+Storage+Staples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnOjSmxK9QRu0RiyDsQFMS8pSkUc9C3UsX6-Mi7H5EOEJWEZZw2tH2RJHivrwNxfyIOU9hpZxqsECLK5ofS2uMCEUpRLYcfrzgE12E-Qxs7DHJepoIXU8cTKTVN1vc9W4jv0GSTkREFtf/s320/Survival+Food+Storage+Staples.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staple foods for your survival food storage pantry.</td></tr>
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Tonight I stopped by the market and added to my reserves.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
When I looked at the goods I selected I thought this would be a great starter list for anyone who has yet to begin with planning food storage.</h3>
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This list are your basic staples. With these simple items you have a base to build on and a few things that will be used for baking bread and other essentials. </div>
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Yes, there are rice and beans here, but they are a great source of protein and carbohydrates. This can be a good way to begin stocking up and for about $75 at your local Walmart. I chose the most economically priced items for the dollar. You can add to this list week by week at about $25 dollars per pass at the grocers and have what you need for a month or more in just a few weeks time. Let me share some ideas with you. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Basic List for Storage - Dry Goods</b></span><br />
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<li>1 - 25 pound bag of flour</li>
<li>1 - 10 pound bag of sugar</li>
<li>1 - 20 pound bag of pinto beans</li>
<li>1 - 20 pound bag of rice</li>
<li>5 - pounds of elbow macaroni</li>
<li>2 - Boxes w/ 10 packets of Instant Oatmeal</li>
<li>2 - 1 pound bag of lentils</li>
<li>3 - pounds of rotini </li>
<li>3 - pounds of egg noodles</li>
<li>3 - small honey containers</li>
<li>2 - peanut butter</li>
<li>2 - Packets of Yeast</li>
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<i><b>Carbohydrates are important energy sources</b></i></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI5mk_H8Yd8yEtBJ5Q6X4fwscNvEVr3QfoHZPLSw128rCXG_TH3E-WTpZ64jaOr4a48iOwYhT59ZS0MZyCgeow4r7M0F_FBza8IF_jPKkGQ2VqlkmAN5QOvYss4WbRKyzGaeZ2ZnZMEdd/s1600/pasta-in-jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI5mk_H8Yd8yEtBJ5Q6X4fwscNvEVr3QfoHZPLSw128rCXG_TH3E-WTpZ64jaOr4a48iOwYhT59ZS0MZyCgeow4r7M0F_FBza8IF_jPKkGQ2VqlkmAN5QOvYss4WbRKyzGaeZ2ZnZMEdd/s1600/pasta-in-jars.jpg" /></a></div>
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The reason I bought the pasta is I needed to add more goods to my grain group as I have depleted my stash and on a good week I supplement some of the categories I need to replenish. I use this food in my cooking weekly so it can stay rotated. I do not store anything I will not eat. </div>
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These pasta items can be made into pasta salad with just oil and vinegar and dehydrated veggies in them or made into a goulash. They can be added to soups or mixed with a powdered cheese sauce and complimented with canned ham or chicken. There is a variety of meals you can make from these items. They can be prepared over a sterno can burner or a wood fire if needs me. </div>
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Once prepared they can keep for several days if kept cool.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Flour And Sugar In Bulk</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS2pgO1Rt15qhI3y6SeKegWrDNiben-c9elP4xx7b7DpmxfPgnzLJBz2WuLpkWRIF6sCXrzwNvuSqG5YIi2L3m8-nCS6YtVE_8Hv5FvYyma1-NXCmI6lFJd_a9UE1P2XricQ_P0obWEBB/s1600/Storing+Food+-+Sugar+Bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS2pgO1Rt15qhI3y6SeKegWrDNiben-c9elP4xx7b7DpmxfPgnzLJBz2WuLpkWRIF6sCXrzwNvuSqG5YIi2L3m8-nCS6YtVE_8Hv5FvYyma1-NXCmI6lFJd_a9UE1P2XricQ_P0obWEBB/s200/Storing+Food+-+Sugar+Bucket.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The flour and sugar are a must have. These items will constitute a bulk of your staple items. The flour is for baking bread and tortillas and other bread like items like banana bread! It can be used for gravy and biscuits.</div>
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Sugar is a main ingredient in most baking or treat recipes so I like to have a lot of it on hand. I generally don't use it a lot for drink mixes but it helps make that sweet tea we all love. Kept in bulk and in stock we always have a source of quick energy.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beans and Lentils</b></span><br />
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The lentils I add to my bean soups. With the beans and lentils alone, and about 4 tablespoons of onion flakes all I need is water and slow cooking for a great tasting soup. A batch of that gets picked at for a day or two then turned into chili. You wouldn't believe there isn't any meat in it! The lentils add almost a beefy flavor to the mix. Served over rice you have a filling meal item. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What Other Foods Can I Store?</span></b><br />
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I would recommend adding<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=powdered%20milk&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apowdered%20milk&sprefix=powdered%20milk%2Caps%2C505&tag=preparednessk-20&url=search-alias%3Daps" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> powdered milk</a>, gallons upon <a href="http://hubpages.com/health/h20-just-good-water" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gallons of water</a>, and a few cases of tomato sauce and canned veggies, fruits, and meats to the above list. Building the menu comes next. What meals can yo make quickly and easily from these food items? Add a few tidbits for flavoring -- your favorite herbs, spices, and condiments that will keep on the shelf well while sealed.</div>
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There is so much more I could tell you about food storage and I have a few articles published about it. If you would like to know more about how to store these foods when you get them home, read more here </div>
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<a href="http://hubpages.com/health/how-to-properly-store-survival-foods" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Survival Food Storage</a> and: <a href="http://hubpages.com/food/survival-foods-requirements" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Survival Food Requirements</a> </div>
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<i>For more about the food groups and recipes, tips, and other facts see the site:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.survival-recovery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Survival Recovery.com</a></div>
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If you look at what is happening in the news, the potential for disasters or crisis is always close at hand. Insure your family has a decent supply of food available if something does happen. Emergency food storage planning covers your family's nutritional needs in a crisis. It is also a way to keep the food budget in check. Oh, and hey, it also is a way to have everything you need on hand to make the family's favorite baked items!</div>
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Stock, rotate, use, enjoy!</div>
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What item would you add to a beginner food storage list?<br />
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<br />MBurgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872379376208384833noreply@blogger.com0