Getting Cell Phone Coverage

zeus — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:00:00 +0000

You will probably get cell phone coverage for much of the way biking into camp. Once in camp, cell phone coverage is difficult and rare. Some are able to get reception on the dock at the lake. Cell phone coverage is excellent at the top of Mt. Constitution and available at East Sound, if you are willing to do the ride.

Traveling with Small Children

zeus — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:32:38 +0000

Here are a few guidlines and ideas from the experience of families traveling with small children:

Biking Suggestions:

Children under 4 enjoy the comforts of a bike trailer. (There are lots of competing brands). It’s protected from the weather and can provide easy access to snacks and toys and a comfortable sleeping area.
Children 4-7+ usually do well on a buddy bike or trailing bike. (There are lots of competing brands). Trailing bikes are like half a bike that can be hitched onto the back of a full sized bike and allow the rear rider to pedal but not steer or brake. This makes it nicer on the parent too who doesn’t have to pull them as dead weight. Another cool bike option is the trail-gator which turns a young child’s bike into a trailing bike. In camp, just disconnect the bar and the bike is free
Kids as young as 8+ years old typically ride in their own bike (though they could also buddy bike it for many years to come.) In considering whether a child is ready to make the trip, they need to have a well geared bike that also fits their body size. They need to know how and when to change the gears. They need to have good control over the bike. They need to be able to ride along a line and follow your commands to stop or be careful. They need to be comfortable having traffic pass them from behind without losing control. (There are a few places on the road where the shoulder is narrow, cars are passing or when we are in the roadway as a part of travel.)

If you are riding in for the first time with small children, consider taking lots practice rides to get your family ready. Like adults, kids need to be conditioned into biking as well. Little kids need to get used to riding in the trailer, learning to enjoy the experience and not fight things they don’t like about it. Older kids do better with some practice both to increase their phyiscal endurance, but more imporantly to build their understanding of what they are really capable of. If you go on your first family bike ride and everyone loves it, you are off to a wonderful start. If you go on your first bike ride and your kids are miserable, its very possible they will adjust with a few more attempts, some incentives and a little more time to learn to really love it.

Bring lots of snacks expecially for bike trailer riders. Treats and snacks can be a great incentive for older kids too.

Craig’s list is a great resource for collecting low cost bike gear, but start as early as possible.

Camp Suggestions:

You can bring a clip-on high chair, porta crib, baby backpack or whatever baby stuff you need in camp. Just put it on the truck with the rest of your stuff.

Walkie talkies can be handy for keeping tabs on older kids.

What to Bring to Camp

zeus — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:32:05 +0000

Choosing what to bring to camp is a personal choice but here a few suggestions with some additional tips. The cabins, bathrooms and lodge are all have heat and electricity.

Packaging your Stuff for Travel:

Your gear is going to be loaded into a large cargo truck and transported to camp. It will get mixed up and squished. For that reason, make every effort to mark all of your bags and boxes. The quickest solution may be to tie a unique strip of fabric to everything. Put your pillows in clean garbage bags to keep them clean. Package things you don’t want crushed, like food or delicate stuff in very sturdy containers. Consider duct taping the lids on if they come off easily.

Suggested Packing List:

Sleeping gear: (sleeping bag or blankets & sheets for a twin bed, pillow, earplugs, etc…)

Camp clothes: Bring the clothes you need based on the weather. Walking around camp it is sometimes hard to avoid the grass which can be wet. Unless the weather looks perfect consider, consider extra socks or water resistant shoes. If you want to go swimming in the lake, don’t forget your swimsuit.

Personal care items: soap, shampoo, meds, etc…

Food: Food for your lunches in a cooler or sturdy container. If you have special dietary needs contact the trip organizer for how to manage your needs in camp.

Favorite outdoor toys: Fishing gear, sports equiptment, lawn games, board or party games, favorite book

Optional Camp gear: flashlights, favorite camp chair, walkie talkies

Gearing Up for the Ride

zeus — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:27:44 +0000

Every rider has their own style on what they like to bring on the ride but for those looking for some ideas, here are a few suggestions. The ride itself is about 2+/- hours of biking for a person of average fitness (including many families with kids).

Bike Gear:
Every rider must have a good bike helmet and a bike. Orcas is hilly and would be difficult to ride without gears (though it has been done). Beyond that you do not need any super special equiptment. Mountain bikes, road bikes, cross over bikes will work fine. The main route is all on the shoulder of the road. There is an alternative route, for the adventurous, that is off the beaten path and includes some dirt roads.

Clothes:
Like hiking, it is wise to dress in layers when biking. That way you can stay warm when you need to and cool off when you want. Orcas is in a bit of a rain shadow and often the air can be cool on that weekend (about 65) and partly sunny. This is actually ideal biking weather. Virtually every trip, our family typically wears shorts and a t-shirt with a thin nylon pants and a medium weight jacket/wind breaker. If you are easily cold, you might include a sweatshirt, warmer coat or warmer pants. If it is expected to be really wet, you may consider rain gear but that is rarely the case. If it is going to be sunny and especially sunny and over 70, bring less clothes and more water. Other things you may consider bringing according to personal preference: sun glasses, sunscreen, chapstick, gloves, hat. You may consider a backpack or some place to put all your clothes and stuff when not in use.

Lunch, Snacks and Water:
You will probably leave rather early on Saturday morning to get to Anacortes on time. Around 9 or 10, once on the Ferry, you will probably be hungry. Muffins and juice are served to the group, but if you want other snacks then or later, you can either bring them or buy them on the ferry. You will also want either bring a lunch or plan to buy one at the Bite of Orcas in East Sound or at the grocery store also at East Sound. You will also need to bring your own water or drink. Remember if it going to be hot and sunny bring lots of water. The grocery store is also a great restocking spot for drink, if you need it.