Jetboil announced a recall for its Personal and Group Cooking System camp stoves that utilize the “B-style” fuel valve. According to the company some users have reported valve failures that caused fuel to leak and, in some cases, ignite. Read the full release below or check out Jetboil.com to find out how to identify if your stove is affected by the recall.

I once had a similar problem with a Coleman Peak 1 stove. The Peak 1 has an integrated fuel tank for white gas and a hand pump for pressurizing the fuel. After owning the stove for many years I took it on a trip and began pressurizing the tank to cook some soup. Just as I was adding the last few strokes (with the stove already pre-lit) I heard a violent hissing sound and noticed fuel shooting out the bottom. I quickly put out the flame and prayed the fuel leaking out the bottom wouldn’t ignite (fortunately it didn’t). Needless to say I had to throw the stove away after that incident.

I’m not sure what the problem was with my Peak 1 but it seemed to have something to do with rust and/or corrosion of the fuel tank. Just goes to show you should always inspect your camp stove before using it on a trip!

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Jetboil has announced a voluntary recall of certain Jetboil Personal and Group Cooking Systems (click here for joint U.S. CPSC and Jetboil, Inc. press release)

Jetboil has utilized three different gas valves (the “A”, “B” and “C” style valves) in the production of its Personal Cooking System (PCS) and Group Cooking System (GCS). PCS and GCS units utilizing the B style valve were shipped to US retailers between July 10 and September 9, 2008, and sold through retail since July 10, 2008.

Jetboil is undertaking a consumer recall of all PCS and GCS systems utilizing this B style valve, working in cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov).

We have determined independently to undertake this process after receiving reports and returned units from a very limited number of end users who have experienced leaking gas and subsequent ignition of the gas leak. No injuries or property damage have been reported by these users.

PCS and GCS systems utilizing the A and C style valves continue to be fully safe and functional. No Helios systems are affected by the recall.

Ever wonder what exactly a camp host does? If you’ve been camping before you’ve probably seen a camp host at your campground - you know, they’re the ones with the campsite that looks like it’s been set up all season long for permanent residence. That’s because it has - and camp hosting is a real job with a paycheck. With many Americans between jobs right now it’s the perfect chance to give camp hosting a try for a fun way to make a little cash.

Camp hosting basically works like this: individuals or couples are hired to live and work at a particular campground for the season - generally May through October - and in return are given a free campsite plus wages. Camp hosting tasks generally include greeting campers, collecting fees, and cleaning and light maintenance. Some camp hosting jobs may even entail managing camp stores, restaurants, or other on-site facilities.

Obviously one of the best parts of camp hosting is the opportunity to spend months living in a scenic corner of the great outdoors. I’ve never been a camp host myself and I imagine there are good days and bad days - like cleaning the showers and toilets after a rain storm - but in the end it’s probably an experience many people would kill to have. Camp hosts are needed across the country so check your local, state, and federal organizations to find out about opportunities or check out CampHost.org to view open positions.

Here’s a fun video to start off your Monday:

Apparently some folks in Japan created this two-story camping truck with traditional Japanese sleeping quarters, a high end bath tub with a view, and cooking space for whipping up bento boxes and stir fry. The camper appears to use a standard box truck body which means passenger space is limited to the front cab.

No word on how the cost of this conversion compares to the cost of a regular RV but I would imagine this project was not cheap. In the end I’m sure it was a labor of love and it’s a pretty amazing concept for camping - though I think I’ll stick to a tent myself

I just read a laughable article from the Edmonton Sun titled “Camping Green Is Easy To Do.” Judging by the title you’d think it would be a helpful primer on limiting your environmental impact when camping but instead the main tip is: don’t drive your RV too far - that wastes gasoline. Yep, if that’s the jist of green camping then I suppose it is easy to do… But what about the chemical toilets in RVs - are those eco-friendly?

Fortunately for tent-campers camping green isn’t difficult and there are ways you can decrease your environmental impact. For starters, practice “leave no trace” camping whenever possible - if you’re not sure what that means, read our tips for low impact camping we posted back in October. Leave no trace camping addresses everything from where to place your tent to how you interact with plant and animal life.

At first glance camping may appear to have a tiny carbon footprint but there is always room for improvement. Wood-burning campfires produce about 2.8 pounds of greenhouse gasses for every 1 pound of wood burned (don’t ask me how that works) which is a good endorsement for putting out the campfire during the day at the very least. Campfires also put particulate matter (soot) into the air and anyone who has accidentally inhaled smoke from a fire knows it doesn’t feel good in the lungs. Instead of cooking over a fire, consider using a gas stove which produces fewer emissions (though the production side of “white gas” is a whole other story…).

If you want to be completely carbon neutral in your camp cooking, consider eating raw (I’ll skip this one myself) OR use a solar powered stove to heat your meals. That’s right, solar power is alive and well at the campground and you can read this article to find out how to get started.

If you’re using a portable generator on your camping trip, consider this: the gasoline engines that power portable generators can produce up to 50 times as much CO2 as an automobile running for the same amount of time. Clearly generators aren’t compatible with green camping for both emissions and noise reasons - leave them at home.

Finally, the Edmonton article did get one thing right about green camping: driving to and from the campground can be be the largest greenhouse gas contributor of an entire trip. Carpool with your friends and limit vehicle use once you’re at your destination. Good planning will ensure that you’re not constantly jumping in the car to pick up ice, paper plates, etc. because you forgot them.

If you’re like me you enjoy camping because it’s a chance to connect with natural, wild environments and we can all agree that these places deserve to be protected. Consider how you can green your next camping trip!

I read on the Panama Travels blog about beach camping at Isla Iguana and I gotta say the idea of camping on the beach never sounded better (though the fact that it’s late January and raining outside might have something to do with the feeling ). The author laments the fact there is no running water for showers or drinking and an outhouse is the only restroom - but that seems like a small price to pay for such amazing beauty and tranquility.

I’ve only camped on (near) the beach once in my life but it was an amazing experience to say the least. Our group stayed at Edisto Beach State Park on Edisto Island, SC. As I recall it rained at least one night we were out but it really didn’t matter - the warm salt breeze and sound of rustling palmettos seemed to take me away to another place entirely. The beach was nearly deserted except for our fellow campers and the natural beauty of the place was unlike any that of any beach vacation spot I had been to.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation to escape the winter blues try a search on tripleblaze.com for beach campgrounds where you’ll find spots from Virginia to Florida to the coast of California. Just don’t forget to clean the sand out of your tent when you get back!

The LA Times published a good article about the non-profit group Wilderness Volunteers that organizes inexpensive outdoor vacation adventures for travelers who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Wilderness Volunteers has been organizing work trips to US public lands (National Parks, National Forests, etc.) since 1997 and past projects have included trail maintenance, painting, and building fences.

The cost of the 5-7 day trips is $259 per person which includes food and commissary equipment. Volunteers need to provide their own camping equipment and transportation to and from the trailhead but other than that everything is taken care of! Opportunities are available from Hawaii to Oregon to Utah - check the Wilderness Volunteers website for more details.

This kind of vacation is really right up my alley. I’m not a big fan of beach-type vacations where the main activity is sitting in a chair - I need to be more active than that which is why I love hiking and backpacking I suppose. I also get a real sense of pride from accomplishing something like an epic hike or even finishing a big home improvement project - an outdoor volunteer vacation could kill two birds with one stone! Plus it’s inexpensive… not a bad thing in this economy.

For all the purists out there, you’ll be happy to know the venerable campfire story is still alive and well in 2009, but these days tall tales are getting a little help from the internet. Websites like AmericanFolklore.net make it easy to find an print the perfect campfire story before your next camping trip so you’ll sound like a pro. Of course reading a printout around the campfire isn’t nearly as powerful as retelling a story from memory so you’ll want to prepare before you head out.

I remember a couple campfire stories from my childhood that have stuck with me through the years. The first story I remember was about “The Vandiver Man” and it was told by the camp director at the Athens YMCA Camp in Tallulah Falls, GA. The story was a long one that was part Hatfield and McCoy, part Bigfoot and after hearing it my friends and I swore we saw or heard the Vandiver Man around every corner of the camp the rest of the week. Wonder of wonders, the story is still alive on the internet - you can read it here!

The second story was a comedic monologue my grandfather memorized and would recount for annual “family talent shows,” though sadly I can’t remember the title. As a child I didn’t really appreciate much of the humor or the fact that the entire monologue had been memorized and timed to perfection. Looking back at home videos of the performance I have a much higher appreciation for the art of storytelling.

In a time of iPods and portable DVD players it’s important for older generations to keep the tradition of campfire storytelling alive. It’s a part of our American heritage and a campfire is the perfect stage for presenting well-crafted tall tales. Make it a part of your New Year’s resolutions – keep campfire stories alive in 2009!

Many residents of the northeastern US are camping out in their own homes due to winter ice storms that knocked out power to thousands of homes in the region. Tim Jones of the Republican-American writes about using his camping equipment to survive in style inside his Connecticut home. With only a small generator to power his heating system, Tim and his wife have been using mummy sleeping bags to sleep warmly at night as outdoor temperatures dip into the teens and indoor temperatures struggle to break 50 degrees.

Tim’s article almost reads like a survival manual for post apocalypse living in the face of a crippling power outage that has been going on for days. Camping lanterns provide a decent light source for dressing and reading and a single burner camping stove (used outdoors of course) is a means for heating warm meals. Warm technical clothing and outdoor jackets are keeping the couple warm and a camping headlamp provides another source of light during the long winter nights.

Sure, living without power in the midst of a winter ice storm doesn’t sound like a picnic but having the right outdoor gear and equipment seems to be making things a bit more bearable for this Connecticut couple. Most of us haven’t considered using camping equipment for emergencies since we usually leave it packed away for summer recreation. But consider these scenarios: Water quality problems with your local municipal system? Why not break out your portable backpacking water filter. Spending the night at a friend’s house without a guest room? Pack your camping air mattress and you’ll sleep like a pea in a pod! Who knew camping gear could be so versatile?

Set your alarm clock: campsite reservations for Custer State Park in South Dakota open January 2 at 6am for the upcoming summer camping season. Of course you can make your reservation the old fashioned way over the phone during business hours OR you can make your camping reservation online at CampSD.com 24 hours a day.

Many other states offer the convenience of online campground reservations but check this out: the South Dakota Department of Natural Resources also offers gift cards that can be used to pay for park fees, merchandise, and services. The gift cards are available for purchase online or at most state parks starting January 1, though there’s no word on whether the cards can be used for payment online (though I would guess they can).

It’s pretty incredible how technology is changing the way we find, book, and pay for campgrounds these days. Heck, many private campgrounds even offer wi-fi connections these days so you can share photos of your trip with friends before you even come home! What tech will 2009 hold for camping? I can’t wait to see!

The Ozark Society’s Highlands chapter will lead an organized Christmas Day hike at the Lake Wilson trail in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The hike will be an easy one, just 2.5 miles, perfect for the whole family plus it starts at 1:30pm which means plenty of time to open presents beforehand. This seems like a great tradition and it’s the perfect opportunity to test out all the new hiking gadgets you get from Santa

Speaking of Santa, the big guy himself was spotted outside San Luis Obispo doing a little rock climbing last week. We even spotted him out on the mountain bike trail as well, who knew Santa was such an extreme sports nut?

Tribune photo by Joe Johnston (SanLuisObispo.com)

Finally, for those in the Fayetteville, AR area, the Ozark Society will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve campout, another great excuse to get outdoors and use your new camping gear during the holidays!

A new website just launched that has the potential to open up millions of new campsites in the United States and the world. It’s called Single Spot Camping and the idea is that landowners can advertise a portion of their homestead for campers looking for places to pitch a tent or park an RV. Now my own yard is pretty small but I reckon I could fit at least 4-5 tent campsites in if I really tried - I’d just need to pick up all the dog poop

Seriously though, this is an interesting idea but there are certainly some barriers to making this work. First of all, many municipalities don’t allow camping within city limits so you’d need to check with officials before opening your own backyard campground. Ditto for outdoor burn permits - what’s camping without a campfire anyway? Finally, campground hosts would have to consider the fact that the “campers” will want to use your showers and bathrooms, particularly if they get muddy while camping in the rain.

The article I read points out that this is a good alternative to “couch surfing” in that camping gives both the campers and the hosts more privacy than if they were sharing indoor quarters. Still, I don’t think I’d like to have anyone other than my own kids camping out in the backyard - just seems a little weird.

Via Springwise.

Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as you think: fees for single campsites in California’s Sequoia and Giant Sequoia National Forests will be rising $1 a night in 2009. Current rates range from $17-$19 so at worst we’re looking at a 6% increase - hey, what hasn’t gotten 6% more expensive in the last year? Cabins and group campsite rates will be increasing by about the same percentage.

Camping is still a bargain vacation and it’s pretty incredible that a family can spend a weekend immersed in some of the world’s most spectacular scenery for 40-bucks or less (not including food or gas, of course ). Get out and explore in 2009 - you’ll be amazed at the value you can still get in our National Parks and Forests!

According to an article in the Washington Post, camping along the Presidential inauguration parade route and in the National Mall will not be permitted. The Park Service says the National Mall is *technically* open 24/7 but security operations will be in effect to keep folks from setting up tents or otherwise occupying spots the night before the festivities.

Some observers expect 3-5 million people to jam Washington for the inauguration which could potentially overwhelm the city’s public transportation system. So why not let people come out a day or two early to beat the crowd (and ease the transportation crunch on inauguration day)? If Best Buy can handle shoppers camping out for Black Friday deals, shouldn’t our National Park service be able to accommodate camping in our nation’s capitol for such a historic event? Oh well, at least MetroRail trains will start running at 4am - set your alarm clock

The Salt Lake Tribune published a great article on winter camping in Utah that’s got me all fired up for a little winter camping of my own. The article points out that most prime camping areas in Utah (including Arches and Bryce Canyon National Parks) are practically deserted in winter and offer some of the best solitude and natural beauty you can imagine (if you’re into that kind of stuff). A light dusting of snow adds a whole new dimension to the stark desert scenery and clear, starry nights in winter are your reward for gritting through the cooler temperatures.

From the article it sounds like all five of the state’s National Parks have at least one camping area open which is pretty rare (just look at winter campground closures in Colorado). In the southwestern portion of the state around St. George, temperatures are more moderate and winter might just be the perfect time of year to experience the desert.

Of course you need to be prepared if you decide to go camping in winter and choosing a warm sleeping bag is a good place to start. Tent camping in winter is always a possibility but you can almost guarantee your comfort in an RV - check around to find great winter rates on RV rentals in your area.

Yep, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your camping season has to end. Gear up or head for warmer climates to get your outdoor fix in the middle of winter - you might just have the great outdoors all to yourself!

Via WinterCampers.com.

Choosing the right sleeping bag can be challenging, especially with all the choices available today. Fortunately, we’re here to help with our guide to choosing the best sleeping bag:

Shape matters

The first major distinction you’ll notice when looking at sleeping bags is the available shapes: rectangular or mummy. Rectangular shaped bags are not as common these days and you’ll generally find this shape used in childrens’ and lower-priced sleeping bags. Mummy bags, on the other hand, are designed for maximum heat trapping ability and literally cover you from head to toe. Rectangular sleeping bags need to be rolled for storage while mummy bags are generally stuffed into a sack. Because mummy bags are tapered at the top and bottom they are often lighter weight and more compact than their rectangular cousins.

Fill material

Choosing the best sleeping bag ultimately comes down to a choice of fill material and this is where you’ll notice the biggest differences in terms of cost and performance. Most mid-range sleeping bags utilize a lightweight, synthetic fill material that will keep its insulating value even when it’s wet. Higher end bags contain down which is lighter-weight and more compressible, meaning a down sleeping bag takes up less space in your pack. Because down loses much of its insulating value when it becomes damp, most down sleeping bags are wrapped in a water resistant fabric. Older sleeping bags may contain cotton or wool but those materials are becoming rare these days.

Temperature ratings

When shopping for a new sleeping bag you may be tempted to base your comparisons on temperature ratings, and while this is a good thing to consider, it isn’t as helpful as you might imagine. There are basically four different temperature ratings used for sleeping bags and it’s important to understand which ones each manufacturer uses so you’re comparing apples to apples. Most sleeping bags are marketed using the “comfort rating” which is the outside temperature at which an adult woman can comfortably sleep. The “extreme rating,” on the other hand, is the temperature at which an adult woman can survive a night’s sleep - definitely not something you’d want to attempt yourself

Lower temperature ratings are typically better but if you’re planning to use your sleeping bag in summer AND winter you’ll want to stay away from the most extreme rated bags. I live in the southeast and for me, a 15-degree bag works pretty well year round (though I usually don’t get all the way inside during summer trips).

Accessories

Most sleeping bags come with a stuff sack but if you’re planning to take your bag backpacking you may want to invest in an even smaller compression sack to get maximum space savings. Also consider a sleeping bag liner - these are typically made of cotton and give the inside of your bag more of a bed sheet feel for those who aren’t fond of nylon. Liners can also elevate the temperature rating of your sleeping bag so keep that in mind as well.

Choosing the best sleeping bag is pretty straightforward once you understand the basics. The only hard part is choosing your favorite color!

Still need help deciding? Read our sleeping bag reviews.

If you’re looking for deals on camping and hiking gear this holiday season, head over to Overstock.com through December 8 (just 3 days!). All camping and hiking items are 10% off in addition to the normal Overstock discounts. Just browsing the site I found a 4-person dome tent for $60, a refurbished Garmin eTrex Legend with color screen and turn-by-turn directions for $175, and a -15 degree (!) sleeping bag for $60. Sweet.

According to the National Forest Service and the Associated Press, visits to US National Forests declined 13% between the periods 2000-2003 and 2003-2007. This decline comes despite the fact that the overall population in the US grew between 2000 and 2007 making the drop in visits even more precipitous.

It sounds like the National Forest Service and informed observers aren’t exactly sure about the reasons for the decline but there are a few guesses out there. Younger generations are spending more and more time in front of the computer and video games and even some adults find the idea of going somewhere without internet or Blackberry access a little old-fashioned. And as the US population becomes more diverse and clustered around urban centers, National Forest areas are increasingly seen as distant and inaccessible.

It also doesn’t help that investment in National Forest recreation areas like campgrounds and hiking trails has steadily declined over the years despite a booming population. Other observers point to the fees charged at some National Forest recreation areas as a deterrent to visitors but I don’t buy that argument - most people can afford a $3 parking fee to go hiking or $15 for a campground. Nope, since much of the US population is centered around urban city centers the biggest cost to visiting a National Forest is gas!

Still others argue that visits to National Forests are down due to a small group of obnoxious recreational users riding noisy off-road vehicles. Clearly this could be a deterrent to some visitors and I can say from experience that I often avoid National Forest areas where I know ATVs are in use or where gun enthusiasts like to take target practice. In some places like Yellowstone there have been limits placed on noisy snowmobiles and it certainly wasn’t a popular decision with everyone involved. It would be interesting to see how those limits have affected overall park visitation…

One of the biggest concerns with this drop in National Forest visits is that if fewer people visit our forests, fewer people will value them. This could one day open the door for more drilling, logging, mining, etc. and could diminish our hiking, camping, boating, and biking opportunities even further.

So, if you haven’t made a visit to a National Forest lately, show America you care and that you still value the recreational opportunities our forests afford. If we don’t start using our National Forests for recreation more they just might not be around for future generations to enjoy!

The Camping Blogger posted a good article on staying clean on while camping and shared some tips about using wet wipes and hand sanitizer. I have to say, hand sanitizer is great stuff - where was this product just a few years ago?

Anyway, one of my own minor annoyances about camping is coming home with smoky clothes and jackets. Smoky clothes I can deal with - just throw them into the washing machine and they’re fine. But jackets and other items like sleeping bags, chairs, etc. are another story. I know, I know, many campers (myself included) enjoy the smell of a campfire but it’s less endearing when I’m back at home wearing my jacket to the mall. Anyone have tips for removing campfire smoke smells from delicate fabrics without resorting to the dry cleaners?

Another area where campers need to avoid dirt and germs is dishwashing. It’s never convenient to wash dishes outdoors because you generally don’t have a source of warm running water with a sanitary drain nearby. Instead we’re often left to soaping pots and pans and giving them a good wipe with a paper towel before using them for cooking and eating again. As a Boy Scout we cleaned dishes using two pots - one filled with hot, soapy water and a second with boiling water for rinsing. Steel wool did a great job getting caked food off plates and cookware and the boiling water pretty much ensured our stuff was safe and clean.

Of course we still always ran pots and pans through the dishwasher at home upon our return from the great outdoors and that’s probably a good idea just to be safe. It seems like every serious backpacker has at least one story about contracting a food-borne illness and dirty cookware can often be the culprit. Staying clean in the campground or on the trail isn’t just a matter of propriety - it can keep you from getting sick as well!

Just in time for cyber-Monday holiday shopping: The tripleblaze camping gift guide. Find the perfect gift for the camper on your shopping list or just drool over high tech camping gear for yourself. We know we’d love to see any one of these camping gifts under our tree this year - hopefully you’ve been more well behaved than we have

From the cheapskate (camping gifts under $30)

Petzl Tikka Headlamp ($27)

Flashlights are so 2007. Fortunately you can upgrade your camping light source for just 27 bucks with the Tikka headlamp from Petzl. Hands-free operation means you can set up your tent, cook dinner, and read a book without having to resort to the flashlight-barrel-in-mouth hack! Believe it or not this baby gives you up to 120 hours of burn time and with all 3 LEDs pumping you’ll think it’s daytime in the middle of the night.

Snow Peak Titanium Spork ($8)

Backpackers are always looking to minimize two things: space and weight. The Snow Peak Titanium Spork accomplishes both as elegantly as any product we’ve seen combining a fork and spoon into a single space-saving package. But that’s not all - titanium is super lightweight and durable meaning this two-in-one is about a quarter the weight of a stainless steel fork and spoon combo. They say backpacking gear can be cheap, durable, or lightweight but it can only be two of these things at a time. We argue at just 8 bucks the Snow Peak Titanium Spork might just be the exception to the rule.

Gifts for good camping buddies (under $100)

The Travel Hammock Single ($45 from Backcountry.com)

This is another great product for the camper and backpacker alike. Sure a hammock is a great thing to bring on your next camping trip for relaxing after lunch but it’s also a lightweight sleeping solution for backpacking. See, this hammock weighs just 1 pound and takes the place of an air mattress and, with the addition of a lightweight tarp, your tent! Now that sounds relaxing.

Snow Peak Titanium Cafe Press ($52)

Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to skip your morning coffee. The Snow Peak Titanium Cafe Press is the perfect gift for the camper who has it all and likes to do things in style. Lightweight and durable, this French coffee press is perfect for the coffee lover who enjoys a decent cup of joe in the great outdoors.

Big Agnes Giant Sleeping Pad ($60)

Uncomfortable outdoor sleepers and princesses will appreciate this: a memory foam camp sleeping pad. If you’ve ever priced memory foam mattresses for your bed you know these puppies are expensive and even memory foam pillows will often set you back $100 or more. For just 60 bucks you can get this luxurious memory foam sleeping pad and sleep more comfortably while camping than you do at home!

High rollers (camping gifts over $100)

Mountain Hardware Piute ($209)

There’s nothing quite like a comfy down sleeping bag on a cool night and the Mountain Hardware Piute is a great choice for all but the most extreme cold-weather campers. This sleeping bag is rated to 20 degrees and is mummy-shaped to keep the cold air and wind out. I like my down sleeping bag so much I sometimes use it as a comforter on my bed at home - toasty!

Patagonia Down Jacket ($200)

Can’t bring yourself to get out of that down sleeping bag on cold mornings? Why not slip on a down jacket from Patagonia to take the warmth with you? This jacket weighs just over a pound but it’s sure to keep you feeling radiant in camp, on the trail, or on the slopes. Plus you’ll look stylish too

Check out these products and others in our outdoor equipment guide. Remember to shop early to get the best online deals - happy holidays from tripleblaze.com!

Here’s a bit of camping news to get you in the holiday spirit: urban camping ahead of Black Friday. Apparently some folks in Brownsville, TX are already lining up for the day-after-Thanksgiving deals at the local Best Buy and the local news station was out to see what it was all about. With tents, camping chairs, and sleeping bags the campers set up in the parking lot and it seems the store manager doesn’t really mind.

The campers are just as interested in hanging out and having a good time ahead of the sales as they are in getting good deals on electronics. Of course this certainly isn’t the only example of urban line-camping we’ve seen. Folks routinely line up days ahead of time for movie, concert, and sports tickets and we’ve even heard of couples lining up to reserve hot wedding spots a year in advance of their nuptials.

Of course some municipalities have rules against camping in public areas but if your local codes allow it, why not pitch a tent outside your local mega-mart. I just hope none of these guys start craving turkey and football tomorrow - I’d hate for them to lose their places in line!