OzTent USA Road Trip - Overland Expo 2013

On the road again, seems to be the way of life these days for OzTent USA, it's been a great time of traveling and camping in various parts of the country! Our road trip to Overland Expo 13 began on Mother's Day, we took a new route through Iowa & Kansas, then south to New Mexico. This turned out to be a lot of tumbleweeds, cow pastures and NO internet service, but we did find a great oasis for an overnight at Meade State Lake and park Campground in Meade, KS. (Be sure to fill your gas tank before heading out there). The joke throughout the trip was that if there was a capital of nowhere, this had to be it, LOL! (we will stick to the main routes from now on). We really enjoy the OVEXPO's new location in Mormon Lake, this was our 3rd year exhibiting. What a difference 295 miles north makes from our first year in Amado, no dirt devils or lack of shade in 115 degree temps. The new location has resulted in 6,000+ in attendance, with over 150 new & repeat vendors, packing out overland classes and open areas filled with campers ranging from roof top tents, Jet Tents and 30 Second OzTent's to big rig overland vehicles displayed and driven for training purposes. We also want to give a big THANK YOU to Roseanne, her team & sponsors for making this event such a huge success! We are looking forward to OVEXPO 2014, hope to see you all there!

Below are photo's of the event and travel destinations along the way, enjoy!

Find the 30 Second OzTent and more! www.FamilyTentCamping.com

"Beat the Heat" While Tent Camping

Camping is a great time for family and friends to gather around the campfire and share stories and enjoy delicious campfire desserts next to a nice warm fire on those cool crisp nights... Well, we can look forward to those times in further months ahead. Just as we prepare for the cooler months ahead we also need to be ready when the temps bring unfavorable conditions, such as triple digit HEAT! Here are a few tips for Tent Camping in the heat.

1) Location, Location, Location: Look for shady areas to pitch your tent. Then make use use of your compass to strategically pitch your tent towards the east. Also, try to find spots where there is trees, a hill, or any other sun blockade that can give you shade while you are sleeping or during the hottest part of the day.

2)Consider the direction of the wind as well: Find out which way the wind blows. Pitch your tent in a way that the wind blows directly into the mesh windows. Switch the location or position of the tent if you notice that the wind direction alters. This is very important if your tent only has a little mesh on it. But if it is purely made of mesh, don't worry about the positioning. For a back up plan pack a battery operated fan, just in case...

3) Open and air out your tent: In the early morning when temps outside are still cool open your windows and doors to expose the screens. This will keep your tent from becoming stuffy and uncomfortable. Some tents have roof vents built in for ventilation which is a nice feature. Throughout the day close the tent in any area the sun is directly beating on and open the sides facing shaded areas. By keeping this process going until sundown, your tent will keep much cooler temperatures during extreme heat conditions.

4) Have a good quality, Screen Tent: In triple digit heat there can be lots of bugs, so a screen room is a wonderful item to have. A Screen Tent will allow you to sit outside with plenty of fresh air without the bugs! A Screen Tent with no-see-um mesh is a good feature to look for so the smallest bugs can't get through. The Turbo Screen Machine is quick and can be easily set up over a picnic table, or our newest Malamoo MOZ Screen Tent is perfect for 1 person, can be used on the ground or fastened to the King Goanna Stretcher

5)Did you know if you wear lighter colored clothing keeps you cooler: light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays.

Aebleskiver Holiday Campfire Recipe

Family Holiday traditions are made,from a particular destination to a favorite meal shared by the family for special occasions or holidays. We discovered these tasty eats in Solvang,California and has been part of our family tradition since 1978. Has since been passed on to our kids to carry on the tradition. This recipe can be prepared over a traditional home stove or over an open campfire, for tips on cooking over a campfire.

AEBLESKIVER (PANCAKE BALL)RECIPE:
These are delicious for breakfast,lunch, or Sunday night supper. A special pan, called an Aebleskiver pan, Monk's pan or Danish cake pan is needed for frying them.
Items needed: (for approx 2+ dozens)
2 Cups buttermilk
2 Cups flour
2 Eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp sugar
4 Tbsp melted butter
Mixing directions:
Seperate the eggs and beat the whites stiff. Mix all the other ingredients together at one time and beat until smooth. Fold in the egg whites last (lightly- do not over mix). Put about a Tablespoon full of vegetable oil or shortening in the bottom of each Aebleskiver pan cup and have hot (ready for batter). Pour in about 2 Tablespoons full of batter into each cup. As soon as they get bubbly around the edges 1/4 turn onto its side quickly, using an ice pick or wooden skewer or if your Danish you can use a long knitting needle. Continue cooking turning the ball in 1/4 turns until completely enclosed and the the needle or skewer comes out clean.
Serve hot with warm syrup, warm jam (any flavor)or powdered sugar.
These also reheat great in a toaster oven for a late night dessert.
For additional Camping Tips join our Monthly Newsletter.

Tips for Fall Camping in your OzTent

Camping in the Fall is a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors without the crowds and pesky flying insects, especially the Mosquitoes! Although the OzTent is easy to set up and pack away, here are a few tips to consider after your OzTent is set up and "Ready" for camping, if you normally enjoy sleeping on the ground, here is a way to minimize the damp cool ground from radiating through the floor, you can use a sleeping pad, or a large matted moving blanket to create a barrier of protection between you and the ground. If your like me, sleeping on the ground days are over, or for the comfort you choose to sleep on a camp cot it really makes a difference! The moving blanket when spread out on the floor not only provides additional padding when used with the sleeping pad but also to provide floor protection from the cot feet when resting on the blanket. Utilizing the rain fly prevents condensation build up inside the walls of the tent when the outside temps drop lower than the temperature inside the sleeping area. Keeping all the windows and front door zipped closed will help to retain the warmth inside, with the exception of the upper windows above the door which should be rolled up for controlled ventilation. Most importantly when choosing a sleeping bag that is rated properly for the outside temperatures. If you have discovered additional ways to camp comfortably inside your OzTent make sure to drop us a line to share with other OzTent lovers!

JOIN OZ-CLUB "TRY IT, BEFORE YOU BUY IT"!

Membership has it's perks! Once you become a member, we will send you quarterly vouchers in the newsletter to try out new OzTent accessories and products (including furniture) at discounted prices and free shipping. These are the simple steps to become an OZ-Club member. If you have friends or family members that are not currently OzTent RV owners, see our valuable coupon below to for huge savings!
1. Contact us by email or call to let us know you would like to become an OZ-Club member. Include your name, address, and phone number. Also, if you haven't already you will need to "LIKE" our facebook page. Family Tent Camping/OzTent USA
2. In order to participate in the OZ-Club "TRY IT, BEFORE YOU BUY IT" program, you will need to provide a valid credit card for us to keep on file. (This will only be used if you choose to keep the item after the 30 day trial period)!
3. When you call to provide your credit card information, a OZ-Club ID member number will be given to you. Call Kim toll free at 866-917-4083.
4. TO GET A PRODUCT- Keep an eye on our monthly newsletter for featured OZ-Club products. If it is an item you would like to try, simply reply to the newsletter email requesting that item and provide your OZ-Club ID#. We will ship the item to you at no charge. Try the product and see how you like it.
5. A week before the 30 day trial is over and reminder email will be sent out. Simply respond to the email "I would like to keep the item" or " Please arrange a pick up". If you decide to keep the item, your credit card will be charged the discounted member price of the item only (no shipping charges) and a receipt will be emailed to you. If you decide to have the item picked up there will be no charges to you. **Please be sure to keep the original box that the item came in and make sure all original contents are put back in the box.
All featured items will be available on a first respond first serve basis, based upon product availability. We also, reserve the right to stop this promotion at any time. This promotion excludes, Hawaii, Alaska & Canada, (unless customer is willing to pay shipping fees) Family & Friends Offer! As an OZ Club member this coupon entitles your friends & family members to take $100 Off any size OzTent or Jet Tent, and also receive Free ground shipping! (or you may want to purchase another OzTent for yourself!). Just call with your OZ Club member # and Coupon Code FTC12 for this exclusive discount! Please note this offer is not part of the "Try it, before you Buy It" program. *Offer not to be combined with any other show or discount offers Visit our Store at www.OzTent.us or www.FamilyTentCamping.com

OzTent USA journey to NC Rally

With the Vermont Overland Rally behind us, it was off to South East Rally in Murphy, North Carolina for yet another Rally! The drive through the smokey mountains of NC was quite the treat, we traveled through areas of white water rafting outfitter locations then we arrived at the Nolichucky Gorge campgrounds and cabins, nestled by the river in the national forest. Arriving to our campsite near dusk we were in no rush to set up beings we were just looking for a one night stay to begin our travel the next morning, pulling out our campstove, coffee pot and the quick set up 30 Second OzTent we were set up in no time, as we prepared our meal and enjoyed the star filled night resting comfortably in our OzTent camp chairs with a cup of coffee freshly perked on the stove. We woke up to an awesome morning sunrise and a quick breakfast to get us on the road again. Before leaving we checked out the "wood turning" products displayed in a cabin, the pieces were turned on a lathe, bowls,plates, vases and lamp stands were turned on a wood turners lathe from trees & stumps that had growth developed irregular formations from disease. With 4 hours of travel remaining to the Rally, we ventured on taking in the beautiful scenery around us. As we tried to program Crawfords Campground in our Ford navigation it was apparent that we were in for an adventure, since it did not take the # 80 address we decided to enter 100 and wah laa we were synced for travel. The road lead us through ups and downhill roads with twists and turns that left us wondering if we were heading in the right direction, finally a sign pointing to the campground brought a sigh of relief. Entering the campground we were greeted by the event organizer, Michael Boehm which greeted us with a smile and his whitty humor brought a very welcome and relaxed presence! Since he was not notified of our arrival he made sure we were taken care of spite the miscommunication... After looking over the vendor site layout we were able to get our OzTent products displayed with all the comforts of home, the kitchen area was set up in the OzTent deluxe 3/4 screen room, the RV-4 housed 2 king goanna stretchers, the deluxe front and peaked side panels were attached to the 6'6" awning giving us an area for privacy and shelter during the rainy periods. The Foxwing awning worked out great as instant cover,providing 270 degree coverage that is attached to our vehicle with the rhino roof rack system, simply fan out, pitch the telescopic poles and guy ropes and your set! The Jet tent, 3 second Malamoo, and Jet Tent Bunker tent cot were also set up for viewing... There were classes set up for training from basic 4x4 operation to first aid skills that brought training and participation. We also conducted a drawing for the standard Goanna chair, the outcome was good and was able to present it to the winner along with other prizes donated from other Overland sponsors that were given out at the Bar B Q dinner,the meal and conversation was great! Shortly following the dinner, there was a short video journey of 4 guy's and a girl. A slide presentation by Al displaying the Camel Trophy event footage that he and his partner finished 4th of over 300 participants. It was time to breakdown on Sunday but there was one more activity to do, the 4x4 rodeo which tested the offroad skills and knowledge of the participants, from a barrel wrap to an obstacle course that took you from the mud hole to the rock garden. Overall the event was enjoyable and quite entertaining! After leaving the event we decided to continue traveling the back roads,setting our course we headed for "John Browns" Hwy which was very scenic through the mountain roads that consisted of climbs, twists & turns, the GPS showed rte 75 30 miles away, if we were traveling after dark could have been interesting beings we had never been on this road before. Finally we traveled through the Tennessee nat'l forest, coming out into a small town called Tellico Plains, not more than 20 miles we arrived at the "Lodge of Tellico" for the night. I would recommend this place to anyone that travels by motorcycle or travelers passing through, the place was amazing, it had the views,the food and rooms were exceptional including an underground motorcycle garage and a "Mans" cave! This concludes our travel beings we stayed 2 nights at the Tellico Lodge before heading home! Make sure to stay tuned for the next OzTent journey!

How to make Campfire Cupcakes

A GREAT CAMPFIRE DESSERT TO SHARE AROUND THE CAMPFIRE!

INGREDIENTS: * 6-10 large naval oranges. * 1 box of spice-cake mix. * Eggs and oil,(if required for cake mix recipe) UTENSILS TO PACK: Spoon,tongs,knife,container for mixing. NOTE:Eggs can be cracked into a wide mouth bottle for easy transporting. STEPS FOR MAKING CAMPFIRE CUPCAKES: 1) While the campfire is burning, cut off and set aside the naval end of each orange. Hollow out the oranges, as you would a carving pumpkin, reserving the juice and pulp. 2) In a seperate container, prepare the spice-cake batter per the box's instructions, substituting the oranges juice for any liquids, Stir in the chopped pulp. 3) Fill each orange 1/3 full with cake batter and replace the orange "lid." 4) Snuggle the oranges close to the hot coals but away from the open flame and rotate them every 3-5 minutes with the tongs. The rind will singe black. 5) The cupcakes are ready when the expanding cake lifts the oranges lids 9about 10 minutes). Not very often do you find a campfire dessert that taste's good and is good for you! Best enjoyed with family and friends.. For more great recipes,camping resources and gear for your next camping trip, visit us on Facebook or our website www.FamilyTentCamping.com Recipe shared from Dave Bybee of Sierra magazine