Care of the Car
Many campers are inclined to neglect the care of their cars, as is very evident by the unkempt and [[139]]dusty appearance that so many of them present. They are likely, too, to be equally careless and disorderly in securely adjusting the tent and in keeping everything in the way of tools in an appointed place so as to be always findable, until after waking in the night a time or two in a wind and rain storm to find the sleeping tent ballooning because of a loosened stake, and then being carried away while the rain comes down, soaking everybody, because the ax has been mislaid and there is nothing to use as a means of pounding down the stakes that hold the tent except bare fists. After one or two such experiences the importance of order and its advantages over disorder are likely to be quite clearly realized.
Aside from the exercise afforded by the effort employed in regularly tightening up any parts of the car and its gear that may have been loosened by travel, the gathering of food for the fire and other chores involved in camp life, the camper will often go hunting or fishing when in a region where hunting and fishing may be had.
In the evening, after the meal and the chores are done up, if the campers are not all too old and stiffened, there will be exercise in the way of playing ball, tossing quoits and other games for which the camper should provide in advance by including the necessary bats, balls, quoits, etc., along with the other supplies taken for the trip. [[140]]
CHAPTER X
SLEEPING QUARTERS
(See also Chapters [IV], [V], [VI])
Importance of Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements—Methods of Sleeping in the Car—Sleeping on the Ground—Beds of Boughs or Browse—Autumn Leaves—Folding Cots—Air Beds—Sleeping Bags—Combination Bags and Beds—Home-made Mattresses—Sleeping in Hammocks—Night-caps—The Touring and Sleeping Outfit of a Tourist Veteran of Ten Years’ Experience—Driving Out the Sleep Disturbers, Flies and Mosquitoes.