others to read. Start a campground recycle box for clean reading material. All it takes is a box labeled something like “Free Library. Take Some, Leave Some.”

• Use a rubber scraper on dishes, not a hot water pre-rinse.

• Wash and dry fruits and vegetables at home and wrap in paper toweling to keep items dry and separated. You won’t have to wash them again in camp. Unwrap, then use the clean paper towels for another purpose.

•When you need a clean work surface, cover a spot with waxed paper. After it’s used, burn it. It's a good fire starter. Campground picnic tables are usually rough and grotty. Carry a flannel-back, plastic tablecloth. It can go into your washing machine when you get home and used over and over.

•Save wax candle stubs to use in camp as fire starters.

•Before leaving home, program the thermostat for the least possible heating or cooling. Turn off the water heater. Unplug TVs and all electrical transformers. (If it’s warm, it draws power. You’ll find transformers throughout the house, powering the shredder, perhaps the computer or peripherals, battery chargers , some radios, et al.)

•Don't turn into an eco-extremist. There are times when paper plates are the best choice. Relax, enjoy the camp-out, and set a good example without judging others.

Since caveman days, campfire storytelling has been the stuff that legends are made of. Combine a campfire with snuggling, storytelling and roasted marshmallows and it’s a sure bet you can your partner, whether you’ve been together 50 days or 50 years, will find conversational treasures to remember forever.

Janet Groene hosts http://www.CampAndRVcook.blogspot.com. Her newest book is "A Solo Woman’s Guide to RV’s" (duffiebooks.com)