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Black Beans and Rice at Camp, the Way Dana's Dad Makes Them
September 24, 2025Rafael's black beans start with a sofrito he makes at home. How we carry it, cook it on a camp stove and stretch one pot over two dinners.
Junior Ranger Badges: The Cheapest Souvenir We Collect
September 17, 2025Eleven badges between the two kids so far. How the booklets work at national and state parks, and why Nico treats the oath like a coronation.
Battery Fans, Ranked After a Summer of Sweaty Nights
September 10, 2025We ran three different battery fans in the tent this summer. Runtime, noise, prices and the one we'd buy again tomorrow.
We Cancelled Our Labor Day Keys Trip. Here's What We Got Back
September 4, 2025A tropical system in the forecast, a call to make four days out and $24.45 in fees lost. How our state park cancellation actually worked.
Camping Through Hurricane Season Without Pretending It Isn't Happening
August 27, 2025From June to November we plan around the tropics. How we watch forecasts, pick refundable bookings and decide when to stay home.
S'mores Bar for a Sixth Birthday, Indoors Because August
August 20, 2025It was 93 degrees with a storm rolling in, so Nico's campfire moved to the kitchen. Our s'mores bar setup and the combos the kids invented.
Back-to-School Week When Dad Is Going Back Too
August 12, 2025Teacher planning days, a new first grader, a fourth grader with opinions and one calendar on the fridge. Our August reset at home.
Drying Out a Mildewed Tent in a Miami Carport
August 5, 2025We packed the tent wet after O'Leno and found spots ten days later. How we cleaned it, what worked and the drying rule we follow now.
The 70 Rule: How We Decide It's Too Muggy to Tent Camp
July 30, 2025Dana's rule uses the dew point, not the temperature. Why it works for Florida tent camping and how it decides our summer plans.