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.
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