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The Mayan civilization has been credited with having the first written language in the pre-Columbian American continent. Aside from that, Maya civilization developed sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems at par with European civilization. Remnants of its art and architecture remain until today, so people of today can view the magnificent Mayan buildings and paintings.

The Maya civilization was one of the greatest Mesoamerican civilizations, but at some point in time, they simply disappeared. What happened to them?

Theories of the Classic Maya Collapse

The Classic Maya Collapse, as the collapse of the Maya civilization is dubbed among experts, has not been fully explained; and so several theories are being put forth by experts to try and explain the reason why the great Maya civilization shattered from prominence.

Social Theories

Social theories being put forth by experts include foreign invasion, but this is widely disputed as the process was so complex that it is impossible for a single military defeat to cause the collapse of a civilization. This theory is fueled by the amount of Teotihuacan influences in the Maya region, but opponents of this theory argue that the two civilizations had been in contact since at the Early Classic Period.

Another social theory being put forth is a revolution among the lower classes. Proponents of this theory hypothesized that, at the peak of the civilization, the lower class may have been overloaded with work and revolted. Evidences of temple burning and throne destruction are used as support for this theory. However, people not subscribing to this line of thought point to several flaws, like no revolts were ever documented by the Maya. They also argue that throughout its existence, the Mayas had a stable government, and so, one political problem could not have brought the downfall of the civilization.

Environmental Theories

There are several environmental theories that relate to the collapse of the Maya civilization. These include catastrophic events such as natural disasters. Mayanists dispute this theory, as there have been no evidence of a past volcanic eruption being discovered in the archaeological records left behind by the Mayas. According to Dr. Richardson Gill, volcanic eruptions may have been a way of cooling the climate in the Mayan region after a drought since droughts have been accurately documented by the Spanish in the Mayan region. However, no archaeological evidence existed to support the volcanic eruption theory.

Some experts also point to epidemic diseases as a possible cause of the decline in the Maya civilization. According to proponents of this theory, the Maya civilization may have decreased during the collapse because of some epidemic that spread across the land. Although this theory is not well accepted, it is also plausible because disease may have arisen from drought and famine. It is generally thought that disease merely contributed to the decline, but it is not a major factor in the collapse.

The Remnants of the Maya Civilization

The Maya people never truly disappeared. Most of them have survived until today, and are designated post-colonial Mayas to differentiate them from the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization.

Maya influence remains to this day. Mayan cuisine is still available in an island called Isla Mujeres in Mexico. Some companies have even taken to naming themselves after the Mayas, most notably the Grupo Mayan firm.

You feel like a walking icicle. Even with your camping gear on, your cheeks are flush, your toes are numb, and your breath seems to freeze like a science experiment–as soon as it hits the winter air. Wondering how much longer you can survive the brutal weather, you light your Coleman lantern, to guide you along the trail. Just when you feel as though you will be stranded in the wilderness forever…you spot the entrance to the campground. After using one of your Badge Holders to flash you ID to the guard, you head towards your RV, wishing that you had a Coleman propane heater inside.

Propane is a colorless gas that is located in both natural gas and petroleum. It has become a popular fuel for various types of camping gear, including camping lanterns, camping stoves, and camping heaters. But while petroleum products are instrumental in the modern world, they have actually been used for over 5,000 years. Ancient people in Mesopotamia first used petroleum compounds for products such as adhesives and caulking.

While propane is as practical as Clear Vinyl Badge Holders, it should be handled properly like other fuels. Here are some guidelines that will keep propane a safe, effective fuel for your camping gear:

1. Cylinder safety. Never use or move propane containers that have become damaged, are leaking, have corrosion, or have been in contact with fire. Also, never use or store liquid fuels or propane cylinders in your RV’s living or passenger sections.

2. The ins and outs of air. When using a propane stove, open a window or vent. This will take out particles of combustion and moisture that could have carbon monoxide in them.

3 Reminders for refueling. When you stop the RV for refueling, verify that all ignition sources have been turned off or put out. That includes engines and pilot lights. In addition, everyone in the RV should exit and stay outdoors, until the refueling is complete.

4 Read the signs of monoxide poisoning. Several medical signs of monoxide poisoning exist, such as nausea, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, headaches, etc. When such signs appear, order everyone to exit the RV, and seek immediate medical treatment.

5 Inspector Gadget. A certified technician should inspect your propane camping gear a minimum of once every two years. This will ensure that your equipment is safe and in working order.

6. Never sacrifice safety for savings. If you purchase a used RV, verify that a certified technician has inspected all of the propane camping gear .

7. Cooking up trouble. You should never cook while your RV is in motion. Also, never use the oven or stove burners for the purpose of space heating.

8. Be alarmed. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you have propane gear in your RV, a carbon monoxide alarm and propane gas alarm are outstanding investments.

9. Rotten equipment. If you pick up a scent like rotten eggs in your RV, turn off the supply valve and have everyone exit the vehicle immediately.

10. “Portable” may mean “outdoors.” Some portable equipment, such as camping stoves, should always be used outdoors. Unlike Proximity

Badge Holders, they were not designed to be used indoors, in locations such as RVs.

While propane equipment can make your RV camping trip more enjoyable, it should always be used safety, to protect you and your fellow campers. When used properly, such equipment can provide hours upon hours of light, cooking, and warmth. Camping in an RV can be loads of fun, and propane equipment, when used correctly, can safely add to that enjoyment. Propane can make your RV camping trip a gas!

If you would like to try somewhere different this year, why not consider taking your next camping trip in Florida. Rated as one of the best states for its camping sites, tent camping in Florida will probably leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

From swamps to huge forests and from peaceful lakes to glorious endless beaches the state of Florida has something for everyone. One thing is sure. Your tent camping in Florida is guaranteed to be jammed packed with totally new experiences for all to enjoy.

Tent Camping In State Parks

There are various State Parks that are open to the general camping public and each showcases a different outdoor setting from the other. If you are looking for glorious unspoiled beaches, then Grayton Beach State Park might be just what you have been looking for. This beautiful camping ground also offers furnished cabins together with running water and electric hook-ups.

Suwannee River State Park will give you a camping experience of days gone by. With a river setting, your camping experience can relaxing or fun filled with various water activities like canoeing. Pets are also no problem, and all the usual modern facilities like hook-ups for water and electricity are also available.

If pearly white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water are important to you, then head on straight to Cayo Costa. Rated as one of the best camping venues in Florida, Cayo Costa has camping sites for both cabin and tent camping.

Camping in Florida is a lot of fun if you find yourself at Bahia Honda State Park. Crystal blue waters with pearly white sandy beaches and lots of shady palm trees will greet you at every turn.

Florida National Parks

The Everglades National Park is classed as the premier destination of many campers. With a wide variety of wild life, countless swamp areas and mangrove forests, this camping destination offers something for everyone. It is nearly impossible to describe the beauty and diversity that awaits you there and this is a case where seeing is believing. This natural sanctuary offers several campsites both inland and along its glorious sandy beaches.

If you like fresh springs and exceptional campsites, maybe Ocala National Forest could be the place for you. With various recreation areas, tent camping in Florida will keep you occupied during most of the day.

For a family atmosphere, you cannot really go past Salt Springs. It offers wonderful picnic spots and various activities like canoeing, hiking and swimming that will keep the kids busy. The main reason for its popularity is the swimming hole where the underground springs keeps the water at a very nice 72 degrees nearly all year long. Juniper Springs is another campsite that offers the above activities with the added bonus of snorkeling.

If you have a passion for wildlife, then tent camping in Florida has a few nice treats waiting for you. Alligators, egrets, armadillos and several species of wild birds are all basically at your doorstep.

Isn’t it time that you tried something new?