10 | THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN | WWW.KANSAN.COM | News | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2008
Weekend Project: Camping offers chance to 'rough it' outdoors
A weekend filled with green grass, campfires, clear night skies and friendship is a great way to take a break from any stress you may have in work or school. But before you pitch a tent and rough it, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, decide how tough you plan to be. Considering most students don't own RVs, luxury camping is out of the question. But, if you're not into hardcore camping, there are ways to make it more lavish. Bringing a cot or air mattress to
put under your sleeping bag, grilling steak to be served with a nice bottle of wine and scouting out the campsite to locate the nearby showers and rest rooms, are ways to keep from roughing it too hard. Or, if you feel like taking a walk on the wild side, sleep in a hammock, pee in the woods and become one with nature while you cook your own food in a dutch oven.
Before you go, make sure you pack the right things. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, backpack,
means to light a fire and utensils to cook food. Make sure you pack old clothes and tennis shoes because you will most likely get dirty. Other basics are water, rain gear, first aid kit, army knife, bug spray and sun screen. If you plan on drinking any cold beverages, be sure to bring a cooler with plenty of ice. Before you leave, check to see if firewood is provided. If not, be sure to bring some with you for a campfire.
When you arrive at the campsite, find the optimal place for your tent
(avoid rocks or else you're in for a bumpy night). It will be a group effort to get all the poles in place. Once your tent it set up, it's time to light the fire and start enjoying the night. During the day, explore the surrounding areas with a hike; just be sure to bring either a map or a compass. The more sophisticated camper might also bring a hand-held GPS device.
Whether your camping trip is for one night or for a whole week, come prepared with plenty of clothes and
plenty of food. Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but be ready for any bumps in the night.
"Camping is such a good time to just hang out with friends away from all the drama," Jared Clark, Topeka senior, said. Clark also suggested to bring some alternative means of entertainment, such as liquor, mixers and smoke of choice.
— Rebekah Scaperlanda
LAWRENCE BRIEFS Repaving obstructs downtown, sidewalks still open
A repaving project at the 600 block of Massachusetts Street began June 4.
Two-block sections of the street
Construction should be completed on Massachusetts between Sixth and Seventh streets by June 13.
will be closed to traffic during the construction. Adjustments were made to the schedule because of heavy rain.
Beginning June 16, Massachusetts Street will be closed from Tenth to North Park streets.
Eighth to Tenth streets will be closed from June 23 to June 27.
During the Massachusetts Street construction, the sidewalk will remain accessible to the public.
Once construction on Massachusetts Street is completed, contractors will move on to Seventh
ing free rides to people, he hoped to encourage those who normally use their cars to give the T a try.
Street from Vermont to New York streets and Kentucky from Sixth to 12th streets.
Public buses waive fee for 'Dump the Pump'
"We welcome new riders and thank our regular riders by offering a free ridership day," Galante said.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, who sponsors "Dump the Pump" day,the event encourages the public to use public transportation to help the environment and conserve gasoline. By using public transportation instead of using a car,a household budget can save $6,251 annually.
As gas prices climb to record levels, the Lawrence public transit system is offering free public transportation as a part of the third annual National Dump the Pump Day Thursday. Lawrence Public Transit System will waive the fee for all T fixed routes Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as a way to increase awareness about the benefits of public transportation. In a release, Cliff Galante, public transit administrator, said by offer-
— Kristin Hoppa
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