Keeping Cool in the Heat

When it is hot outside, the library is welcome reprieve from the heat because it has air conditioning. But it isn't open 24/7.

When the library closes early and it is hot out, we dally on our way to camp. Camp is in open area that gets a lot of sunlight. Three bodies in a small tent really generates a lot of heat, which we count on to stay warm in winter with minimal bedding. But it gets problematic on hot days.

So, if we can avoid it, we don't want to all three of us to be there baking in the sun for several hours before sun down. We hand out in shady areas in the park and walk slow on the way home. I tend to dally even more than my sons and go home after them. If I have money to spare, I may also go to Panda Express and/or Starbuck's and get home more than an hour after my sons.

The last couple of nights, we have left the rain fly off the tent in early evening. Last night, we left it off all night.

The tent was initially set up in the shade of a tree. After nightfall, we decided to move it to the other side of the tree so that we would be in the shade of the tree at sun up. With today being Sunday, we wanted to try to sleep in a bit, if possible. Come morning, we were really glad we had moved the tent.

We slept okay last night, but tonight is supposed to be even hotter. Then nighttime temps are supposed to start coming down some.

We plan to repeat the same tricks we used last night to keep things as bearable as possible tonight. We may also buy extra drinks, including Gatorade. Staying hydrated is important. That involves more than just getting enough fluids. You also need to stay on top of your electrolytes when sweating more than usual.