THE OPEN ROAD

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 54, 26 November 1937, Page 9

THE OPEN ROAD

Preparations for a Motoring Holiday EQUIPMENT NEEDED Thoee -who refer to their motor ' experiences as "roughing ' it" have only themselvse to blame, for, with the modern facilitiei that now go with a complete oamping outfit, there it S6 iea«on 2or anyone to suffer inconvenience in norntal circumstances. A marked increase in nlotor camping in the IHmiinion eommenced during the depreasion yeais, peiifaps hecause of the economy of a cahipihg holiday* So popular did the butdoor life prove that it has remained the fatourit® way of Bpending a vacation, even whon normal times retuxned. Inspect Equipment. In contemplating a motor camping tour the first thing to consider, be* sides the mechanical condition of the car, is your tent and equipment. I'f the tent has beeii used previously it should be taken from storage, erected on the lawn or some such suitable place are carefully exaliiined for tears, worn patches and perished parts. Eepair any tear by sewing another piece under the tear so as to make a strong and satisfactory job. It is also wise to " look over the eyelets and replace any that has come out. In a tent that has seen several years' service, it is possible that the waterprcofing hds perishOd, and it may be advisable to apply a fresh dressing. | Poles, xopes and pegs are important items. See that all poles are acoounted for .and tighten any loose pole joint. Frayed or badly worn ropes should be replaced. To mahe a neat job, whip.tho ends of all ropes with fine twine. Manilla rdpe is generally accepted as the m6st suitable for guy ropes. Wheh you afe satisfiefl that the tem is in satisfactory condition, attentioi ] should be given to the cooking utensils. j camping tables, stoels and stretehefs and any weak unit replaced. Billies, frying ' pans, etc., should be thoroughly cleinec and tested for rust holes. Some camperi i prefer a saucepan' to a billy. Both, of course, hre useful units. The womenfolk of the party usually have their own ideas aboiit cooking utensils, but it is recognised generally that camp StoveS . are desirable, particularly if tSey are of a portable variety. A frying pan, a grid-iron and a long-handled fork should also be . placed on the list of necessities. % Don't overlook the camp lighting. In most casSs au oil lamp of some tjpo is used, although some motorists prefer to run a lead from the battery to a s'pot light in the centre of the tent. ■V (?ive some tkbhg|»$ -to -the most conve.Uieh? Tyay bf-fkciung the gear. These

days the llght trailer has solved the problem to a very great extent, but in cases where the car itself is carrying the main load oue should be careful to see that the weight is evdnly distributed, so as not to place undue strain on Bprings. If you have a long day ahead of you, don't pack the foodstuff, etc., required for lunch at the bottom. Place it in a convenient position on the top of the baggage. If luggage is to be carried on the running boards, remember that an overhang of six inches only is allowod on the driver's left hand Bide, while on the driver's right the loading •must not project beyond the extreme outer portion of the vehicle. It is wise - to carry all foodstuffs in containers, a separate container for each item for preference. Tins and screw top jars are generally used, but in the outfits of some of the "old hattds" you will see some- ingenioua compartment tucker boxes, which make the carrying of food and ' the access thereto a eomparatively simplb inatter. Usually an old case or wooden box can be convdrted into a tucker box and j divided into compaftinents With threeply or very stout cardboard. Por Ctomfort. If you have a haminock, don't forgefc to find a corner for it, as during hot summer days a hammock hung in a suitable position under a tree is far more restful than being inside the tent. Invaluable also is mosquito netting, for protection against insects at night and for a cover- for foodstuffs against flies. A flrst-aid kit is indispensable. A canvas luggage ca'rrier will prove valuable in protecting the gear from dust, besides presenting a neater appearance. If this "gear is carried at the rear of the car, it should be remember'ed that the number plate must not bo obscured. When packing luggage in the • car, see that as much leg room as possible is left for the passengers, as sitting '"i a cramped position on a long drivo is ..:ost tiring and uncomfortable. The car, of course, should be in good' mechanical condition, tyres in good oirder, and a reasonably . comprehem sive set of spare parts catried. Examine the spare tyre if it has not been in uso for. some time. Attention should also bt | given to the springs, as the car is usuali ly asked to carry heavier loads wheti , oA a camping trip. A tow rope does nol take up much spaSe, but it may help ' you out oi a difeeulty. [ i Don't arrive at your first camping r 'place after dark. It is better to make a short stage for the first day so that the tent can be pitched and the camp propefly laid out in day light. Person&l opinion largely govefns the • selection of tho camping site, but thcre are a f ew points worth noting. When- - ever possible make camp on , high ground, not near water or swampy areas, so as to avoid the possibility of being plagued by mosquitoes and sand flies. Proximity to dense timber or dead trees is not advised, partieularly in dry areas, .owing to the risk of bush fires Gare should be taken to avoid pitching camp under 6r near tall timber, as $ strong wind may spring up during thi

night, and a weighty bough may fall It is always advisable to dig a V trench around the camp, the apex being on the high side. This will carry off surface water in a heavy shower. Choosing the Ground. To get the maximum pleasure out of motor camping long distances should not be attempted. It is better to select three or four places to visit. If those places appeal u stay of a day or two, or perhaps longer, may be made so that you can enjoy your camp life in comfort. Packing and unpacking, erecting and taking down of. the tent every day beeome tiresome duties after a week or so, and consequently if an attraetive site is selected for a stay of several days, in many instances the whole holiday is spent there. During the summer months eoastal camps naturally appeal to most mctorists, owing to the facilities for surfing, swimming, boating and fishing,