Photo Friday: Pics From Beals Point Campground

Today I would like to share a few of the photos that didn't make the review post of Beals Point Campground.
If you missed that review, you can check it out here.

This is an overview of part of the campground. It was taken from our campsite, overlooking a couple other campsites. It gives you a great idea of the terrain and vegetation that you should expect when camping at Beals Point.

We visited Beals Point Campground in Spring of 2017. This was following a very rainy winter. One of the results of all of the rain was fallen trees. There were a few scattered throughout the campground. This photo shows that not even large, well-rooted trees were immune to the forces of nature.

This, my friends, is poison oak. You will find a lot of it at Beals Point. The staff has been pretty good about keeping this poisonous plant out of the campsites themselves, but it can certainly be found alongside the hiking trails. There are signs warning of poison oak in the campground. Stick to the trails, and you will be ok.

We spent a lot of time watching this bird take care of the baby birds in the nest inside this tree. Here, you can see a tasty grub that will be a meal for one of the little hatchlings. This bird was careful to not lead predators to the hungry little birds inside. If a threat was detected, the bird would fly away, morsel in beak, then come back when it was safe. Another quick look around, and it would disappear into the tree.

And here we have those hungry little hatchlings, nestled deep inside the tree. This poor little bird was expecting a meal, but got a bit of camera flash instead. I felt bad about that, but what a great shot!

       I hope you enjoyed these photos as much as I do.

Nature never ceases to amaze me- full of strength and fragility all at the same time. The mighty tree can be toppled, but new life finds its way to carry on. It is all about flexibility and adaptability. Both of which are some of the things that we deal with every day in our adventure. We always look forward to what tomorrow will bring our way, and we hope to be sharing some of those adventures with you.
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How to Catch a Bunch of Crawdads

       Let's start this article with a couple of questions.

1. Do you call them crawdads or crayfish?
2. What do you do with them?

       I grew up calling them crawdads, and crawdads were bait. Simple as that.
Oh, how things change. Now these little creepy, crawly, snappy, creatures are a delicacy called fresh water lobster. I will pass, thank you very much, but I hear that they are quite tasty cooked up with some butter and garlic, and thrown over a nice pasta.

       Well, whatever you call them, and whatever you want to do with them, first you have to catch them. This is not always an easy thing to do. Until now. I've seen those little wire traps that you stick in the water and leave, only to come back to an empty little wire trap. Easy, but boring and kinda frustrating. Leave those wire traps at home. I have a much more fun way to catch them, and it is super easy! So easy, that the kids can help!

       Nomad Dad came up with this plan to catch the crawdads when he was cleaning the grill, getting ready to bbq some chicken for dinner. Scrubbie in one hand and chicken on deck, coupled with the Nomad Kids asking (20 billion times that day) to go fishing, and it just came to him. After dinner he took the kids to the creek to try out his plan, and it was a success! The next day, they went out and caught a bunch more.

       We shared our success with a few camping neighbors, who undoubtedly wondered what it was that we were doing. They were quite impressed. One even took pics of Nomad Dad's "rig" and texted them to her friend who had been using those little wire traps with no luck.

       One of our camping neighbors taught the Nomad Kids how to hold those creepy little creatures without getting pinched.  From what I gather, you have to get behind the crawdad and grab it as close to the "shoulders" as possible. This way, it can't reach back and pinch you. The kids were brave. Nomad Mom (me)... not so much. The closest I got to handling one, was to pick it up with a couple of sticks and quickly drop it into the old water bottle that we had cut the top off of. That is plenty close for me!

       I am sure that, by now, you want the details. Without further ado, here they are.

How to Catch a Bunch of Crawdads

What You Need:

• stainless steel scrubbie
• fishing pole or a stick with some string
• a net (optional)
• a bucket or vessel with water to put the crawdads in (we cut the top off of an old gallon water bottle)
• bait- they seem to love chicken!

Instructions:

1. Loosen the scrubbie coils by just pulling them apart a bit.
2. Attach the scrubbie firmly and securely to the end of your fishing line or string.
3. Bait the scrubbie. How? Simply stick some small pieces of chicken into the webbing of the coils so that they are good and stuck in there.
4. Have your net and bucket ready.
5. Find a nice muddy spot in the creek or river or wherever you are seeing the crawdads. Throw in your scrubbie line to rustle up the dirt and see if a crawdad is near. They will usually dart out from under the mud or a rock, if disturbed. Once you spot one, get that chicken-filled scrubbie close to the crawdad and wait for it to pinch on. 
6. Once a crawdad pinches on to your scrubbie, pull it up and secure it in the net before it lets go.
7. Now just drop it in your bucket of water.
8. Repeat until you have caught yourself a mess of crawdads.

Please let us know if you try this method of catching crawdads. We would love to hear how it worked out for you. Leave a comment below, and share a pic of your rig and your catch on our facebook page.

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Beals Point SRA (Campground Review)

       Today we will share our thoughts on Beals Point Campground. The campground ranks up there as one of the nicer campgrounds, and we recommend you check it out if you are planning to camp in the area.
       For more pics, come check out the "outtakes" on this Photo Friday post!

You will find nicely sized, shaded campsites at Beals Point SRA Campground

Overview:

       Beals Point is a California State Recreation Area that is located at Folsom Lake in Granite Bay, CA, just outside the capitol city of Sacramento. Folsom Lake has a few different day use areas, boat launch sites, and campgrounds. The Peninsula Campground is a remote campground on the eastern side of the lake. Negro Bar, to the south of the lake, offers group camping, and Beals Point, the more popular campground on Folsom Lake, is on the western side of the lake.

              Beals Point sports a bustling day use area of the Folsom Lake. The campground is nestled in a natural setting just a short walk to and from the lake. While most tent sites have room enough to accommodate an RV or trailer, there are no hook-ups in the main camping area. There is a small RV camping section; however, near the main gate.

Beals Point, located at Folsom Lake, has a large day use swim and beach area.

       Enjoy the day use beach at Beals Point with a large swim area,  and ample BBQ and picnic spots. There are restrooms and seasonal concessions and small boat (paddle boats, etc) rentals. There are a few good hiking trails throughout the campground and a widely used bike trail. There is not a boat launch at Beals point, but Granite Bay (which features its own day use beach) is only about a 10 minute drive away, and has ample boat launching ramps.

Camping:

       While there are no lake views from the campground, camping at Beals Point has its own charm. Just beware of the "squirrel mafia". Yes. I said it. The squirrels will waste no time moving in on your campsite and claiming the territory as their own. This means that they will chew through your belongings and steal your food, leaving your campsite looking like .... well... like a gang of squirrels tore through there! So, especially if you plan to enjoy some time away from your site for the day, keep your belongings picked up and your food packed safely away. Oh, and make sure you zip your tent!

       Now, what was I saying? Oh yeah... the campground. The camp sites each have a picnic table and fire ring with a cooking grate. Water is nearby, and so are garbage bins. The bathrooms are better than many campgrounds. There are both private restrooms and private (pay) showers. Restrooms are cleaned every morning. You may get a visitor or two, though. We have seen frogs and various bugs and spiders in and near the restrooms, so don't let them surprise you.

This little frog was waiting to greet us at the restroom door!

       As with any natural area, there are some some things you need to be cautious about. Park staff is pretty good about keeping poison oak out of the campsites, but it does grow near the hiking trails, so be on the lookout. There is also an occasional siting of rattlesnakes. If you see one, DO NOT try to catch it. Call the park rangers, and they will re-locate them. You may also see skunks and other little critters roaming around. Aside from the squirrels, though, I would have to say that the mosquitoes are the most prominent pests. I swear that they use the aroma of citronella oil as a beacon to tell them where the "food" is, so a repellent containing DEET may be your best bet.

This hiking trail leads to a group meeting area near, what we affectionately refer to as "the giant pine cone tree".

       Evenings are usually pretty mellow, and most of the time, campers abide by the quiet time hours. If you experience particularly annoying camping neighbors, don't hesitate to call the rangers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• close to stores and shopping
• lots of shade
• most tent sites have flat areas for the tent placement
• clean, private restrooms
• hot, private, pay showers
• good-sized tent sites
• nice day use beach
• lots of recreational options

Cons:

• occasional rattlesnake sightings
• pesky mosquitoes
• militant squirrels

BEALS POINT AT A GLANCE
  Beals Point Granite Bay, CA 95746 38°43'09.3"N 121°10'30.2"W

FEATURES	Y/N	COST	NOTES
Day Use	Y	$12
Tent Camping	Y	$33	$33 peak; $28 non-peak
RV Camping	Y	$58	$58 peak; $48 non-peak
Extra Vehicle	Y	$12	Campers allowed an extra vehicle at Day Use fee.
Check in/out Time	Noon/2p
Electric Hookups	Y		17 hookup sites are dedicated exclusively for RV use
Sewer Hookups	call
Water	Y		Shared water faucets are available throughout the park
Dump Station	Y	Free*	*$12 for non-registered campers
Restrooms	Y		Private restrooms
Showers	Y	25¢	Private quarter pay showers with hot water
# of Campsites	62		17 RV/trailer only; 26 standard; 19 tent only
Store	N		Shopping nearby; seasonal concessions in day use area
Lodge	N
Recreation	Y		Hiking, Biking, Boating, Swimming, BBQ/picnic, fishing
Wildlife	Y		squirrels, skunks, and other critters; birds, hawks, snakes
Setting			Wooded campground, a short walk from lake and beach
Use Limits	Y		30 camping days per year

While in the area:

While in the area, there may be a few things you would like to check out. Here is a short list of some of the many sites to see:

• Folsom Dam
• Downtown Sutter Street (Downtown Folsom)
• Folsom Zoo Sanctuary
• Nimbus Fish Hatchery
• Folsom Premium Outlets
• Rafting on the American River 

Have you been to Beals Point Campground? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts about it! Please share in a comment, below!

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How I Learned About Activated Charcoal

       Some things are learned the easy way. You see something in a book or online, it sparks an interest, so you look into it a little deeper, and voila'. Knowledge.
       Other things... well... not so easy. This way usually includes some degree of pain.

       Sure, I have heard of activated charcoal before. You probably have too. Unfortunately, in my case, it just didn't really spark enough interest in me to actually research it and find out what was so great about it. You know, like one of those "in one ear, out the other" type of things. Hopefully you don't make the same mistake I did! I mean, if you don't want to thoroughly study it and learn why it is awesome, etc., fine. Just do yourself a favor. Buy a little, stick it in your first aid kit, and just remember it is there when you need it.

     Now, on to my story.
Imagine that you are going along your merry way, just enjoying your evening at your campsite, perhaps relaxing next to your campfire, when you suddenly hear your camping neighbor freaking out and jumping around. You can't help but overhear words like, "It bit me!" and  "I don't know what it is!" and "It is IN MY PANTS!!!!"
Yeah... that was me!

       I went into the tent to investigate what was causing this pain, and what on earth it was that I had caught in my pant leg! My husband asked if it was an ant. I told him it was way too big to be an ant.
Tent zipped, pant leg inside out, and there it fell... right onto the tent floor!

I know, right?
I don't just have a dislike of wasps. I have a healthy fear of wasps! This sucker bit me or stung me or something THREE times! Whatever it was, it hurt!

       As I am recovering from my shock, but still in a great deal of pain, our camping neighbor made her way to our campsite and offered me some activated charcoal to put on my wounds. She told me to just make a little slurry with water, and put it right on there. I did. To my surprise, it took away the stinging and itching almost immediately.  After about 5 minutes, the pain was pretty much completely gone! So, yeah, this is something I definitely had to pass along.

       Of course, after this little traumatic incident, I wanted to learn more about this magical, black, powdery substance, and what it can be used for. I had already learned that it can be mixed with a bit of water, but it can also be mixed with other things before applying, as well. You can mix it with coconut (or other) oil, or mix it with a store bought or homemade salve. Once mixed, apply a dab to your bite, sting, itchy rash (think poison oak or poison ivy), and cover with a bandage or clean cloth. The stuff will stain, so covering it is good for protecting your clothing.
Pretty easy and straightforward.

What do you use activated charcoal for?
What do you do for bites, stings, and other itchy situations when you don't have activated charcoal on hand?
We are always looking to learn new helpful tidbits. Please leave a comment, and share your thoughts.

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Local Libraries and Summer Reading Programs (Homeschooling)

       One of our favorite summer time homeschool activities is to join summer reading programs. The best place to do this is at your local library!
One of the advantages of visiting different towns, is that we get to visit different libraries.

       To be honest with you, lately, we have been using the library as a fun way to escape the heat. When it is over 100 degrees, it is best to ditch the campground during the hottest hours, and enjoy some free A/C! What better place to do this, than the library? When we hang out at the library, we like to read books about the area. We learn the history of the town and learn about the local wildlife. Ask the librarian to point you in the right direction, and for recommendations. Many times the librarian will give you interesting tidbits of information about the local area, and even suggest some fun things to do while you are in town!

       We also take time for the kids to play and to free read. Most libraries have a "kids area" filled with educational toys, building supplies, games, etc. Some libraries have just a basic children's play corner, while others have a huge play area with things to keep the kids busy for hours. If your kids are anything like my kids, there is just not enough time to complete everything they wanted to explore at the library!  

       Most libraries have a summer reading program. We keep a summer reading log for each of the Nomad Kids. This comes in handy when we visit a new library. We check off the books that the kids were already rewarded for, and add their latest read books to the program of the library (or library group) we are visiting. This encourages the kids to read more, and the rewards (usually a new book to keep) are great motivation!

Click HERE for a free Summer Reading Log printable

      We would love to hear from you! Do you visit libraries while you are out of town? Please leave a comment and share your favorite library activities and your favorite ways to beat the summer heat!

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25 Things You Didn't Know You Need to Bring Camping (Camping Tip)

       Whether you are a first time camper, or a seasoned outdoor dweller, you have inevitably sat down and made "the list." You know the one... The list of everything you need to bring camping.

• Tent
• Sleeping bags
• Ice chest
• Folding chairs
• Paper plates
• toothbrush
• ... you get the idea...

This list is full of all of the obvious camping necessities. 

Well, forget that list. That list is boring. That list is obvious. I mean, of course you will remember to bring the tent, and your toothbrush, and the ice chest, etc. That list is full of no-brainers.

What you need is the good checklist. 

The secret checklist.

Let's start over, shall we?

       Whether you are a first time camper, or a seasoned outdoor dweller, you have inevitably sat down and made "the list", but find out later... like, say... when you are already camping, that you really could have used a few extra things. 

We have compiled a checklist of many of those more commonly forgotten items. 

You can find a printable version HERE.

25 Things You Didn't Know You Need to Bring Camping

1. Baby Wipes- These are great for quick cleanups. (Those of you who have kids, already know this.) Use them to: wash up after eating bbq; wipe off little toes before getting into the tent; wash off your makeup, so that you don't have to make (yet another) trek to the restrooms, wipe the dirt off of the sippy cup, or whatever else your toddler dropped, and is presently screaming about because now it is ruined forever and the world is going to end; you get the idea.
2. Gallon Sized Zipper Bags- You know, the food storage bags. You need these. Use them to: store leftover bbq and other leftover food; store the gutted/filleted fish you caught; store the small bottle of dish soap in, so that it doesn't spill out on everything else; store your shampoo and conditioner (for the same reason); give one to each person to store their own toothbrush, deodorant, razor, etc.; store small wet clothing items until they can be washed; store the plastic forks/knives/spoons because the little packages they come in always spill; store your dry cereal so that you don't have to take up more room with the boxes; etc.
3. Old Newspaper- Trust me. It is much easier to get the fire started if you have some bunched up newspaper under and around the logs. Really. It is. It is also needed if you choose to use charcoal, and have one of those cool chimney starters. 
4. Aluminum Foil- We all know the various uses for foil. Just don't forget to take a roll. 
5. Paracord or other rope- You never know when you are going to need rope. You can use this for a clothes line, a rope swing, to hang lanterns, or just to tie things down. Always good to have a bit of rope.
6. Quarters- Some campgrounds have vending machines, some have quarter pay-showers, some have laundry facilities. 
7. Extra lighters- because, who doesn't always lose the lighter?
8. Extra batteries- Batteries like to die at very inconvenient times. It is just what they do. 
9. Garbage bags- Self explanatory. Cleanup is way easier when you have a garbage bag at your campsite. They can also be used to store your dirty laundry.
10. Huge construction garbage bags- You should always try to have a few of these around. They are great to quickly throw your belongings in if a freak rainstorm comes and catches you off guard. They are also good to throw those few extra things in that you have no idea how you packed and made fit on your trip there. 
11. Ear plugs- Seriously, nature can be loud. Sadly, inconsiderate campers can be even louder.
12. Sleep mask- The sun rises pretty early outdoors, and most tents are not much match for it.
13. Hat/Beanie- It gets cold at night and in the wee hours of the morning. A nice beanie can keep you cozy while you sleep.
14. Rake- Huh? a rake? Really? Yes! Especially if you are tent camping. Raking the area where you will put your tent is a must, if you want to avoid sleeping on twigs and rocks. It is also nice to be able to rake around your picnic table and fire pit to keep the area free of debris that you will probably trip on in the dark. 
15. Hatchet- This is good for double-duty. You can use the flat side to help drive the tent stakes into firm ground. Use the hatchet side to split your firewood.
16. Bandannas- Bandannas can be used for a lot of different things: cleanup; washcloth; sling; "pirate" hat (when wet, really cools you off!); headband/scarf; etc.
17. Carabiner Clips- Carabiner clips are handy for hanging things like lanterns or clotheslines or hammocks, etc. They are also great for clipping the tent zippers closed.
18. Picnic tablecloth- This seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people forget to pack a tablecloth. Tip: buy a few of the cheap plastic ones from the dollar store. This is helpful if one rips, gets very dirty, or flies away. Oh, and, make sure you buy the right size.
19. Baby Powder- Yes. That's right. Baby powder. This is good for easily removing dirt and wet sand from your feet.
20. Bucket- A good 5 gallon bucket (or three) can be your best friend when camping. There are a ton of uses. Use one: to wash your dishes in; to carry smaller items; to hold water; as an emergency potty; to hold the fish you catch; and many other uses that may come up unexpectedly.
21. Tote box with lid- This is good if you are camping where there are critters. You can use one to store food, and another to store your shoes when you go to bed. Waking up to your breakfast strewn around your campsite by militant squirrels is not any more fun than sticking your foot into your shoe, only to find that someone else is already in there!
22. First aid kit- This may be on your regular ol' camping list, but lots of people forget them. Be sure to include some hydrogen peroxide, "upset tummy medicine", aloe (for sunburns), and a bite and sting kit with activated charcoal (see my story here).
23. A large pot- a large pot can be used for boiling water, or it can do double duty as a large mixing or salad bowl. 
24. Tarp- Or a couple. I like to use one under the tent, and another as a "front porch".
25. Gallon Jug(s) of water- It is always good to have fresh drinking water on hand, but did you know that the jugs can do double duty? If the campground doesn't have showers, or if the showers wind up not working (yes, it happens), you may have to improvise. Filling the jugs with warm water and dumping them over your head doesn't seem like the most desirable way to get clean, but when left with no other alternative, it is quite a welcoming option.

       There you have it! 

Did I miss anything? I would love for you to leave a comment, telling us what your favorite not-so-obvious camping supplies are.

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