Outdoors Articles
Hammocks Relax In A Hammock Bed Chair Or Swing
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 404)
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This article deals with the most common use of the word hammock. A hammock is a sling for sleeping or resting in. Particularly in the southern US, a hammock can also mean a piece of thickly wooded land, usually covered with bushes and vines.
The hammock is a device used to sleep or rest in and consists of cloth or a network of twine or thin rope which is stretched between two firm points to create the perfect hammock.
The Garden Hammock was developed in South America or the Caribbean. Hammocks are standard items in almost all yards and homes in the Yucatan. Hammocks were said to have arrived in Yucatan from the Caribbean less than two centuries before the Spanish Conquest. Hammocks are made of various materials. The quality depends greatly on the thread and the number of threads used to create them. Hammocks are made in villages surrounding the capital city Merida and are sold throughout the world as well as locally. Hammocks hold such a strong place in the hearts of the Yucatecans, that even the most humble of homes have hammock hooks in the walls. Mayan hammocks are made on a loom and are hand woven by men, women and children.
Currently, there are a wide variety of hammocks available. There are hammocks that are designed specifically for backpacking and include mosquito netting along with pockets for nighttime storage. There are hammocks made out of thin and lightweight material which makes them ideal for taking on trips such as camping. Other hammocks include self-standing metal or wood structures that support the hammock. Although many people today purchase their hammock pre-made, it is also possible to make your own specialty hammock.
Hammocks have also traditionally been used by sailors on ships and by astronauts in space. During the Apollo program, the Lunar Module was equipped with hammocks for the commander and pilot to sleep between moonwalks. Hammocks are also handy on a ship. Since a hammock moves in concert with the motion of the ship, the sleeper is not at a risk of being thrown onto the floor. Some people worry that it is easy to fall out of a hammock during sleep, but this is rarely true. The sides of a traditional hammock wraps around the sleeper like a cocoon which makes a fall from the hammock virtually impossible.
Log Cabin Homes Internalize The Outdoors Beauty
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 277)
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Those of us who work in large cities often wish to get away from the maddening crowd and spend some time in a peaceful location (those of you who have never felt like this...should stop reading this article and get back to work!) where you can feel the arms of nature. This wish has been converted to log cabin home weekends for many city dwellers. These weekends spent at log cabins can really help rejuvenate people and give them space and peace of mind as well as energy to face few more hectic weeks in their regular lives.
You can spend the weekend at log cabin homes, either on your own or take down a group with you who are also looking for a relaxed weekend. Most log cabins are in secluded hilly area and you can be sure of excellent weather except when it is snowing. A bit of preparedness when going to the log cabins goes a long way in letting you have fun. Be sure to carry all necessities and lots of food and drink when heading towards the log cabin. Since you are going to be a long way from any convenience store it is always advisable to be well prepared.
Some log cabin homes are built near small water bodies which are quite clean and preserved naturally. These small lakes (and sometimes there are big lakes as well) are good for fishing and even having a dip. Usually you can find some or the other type of activity to entertain you while you are on your relaxing weekend stay at the log cabin.
Tips To Make Your Next Hiking Adventure A Safe One
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 705)
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Are you, your family, your friends, or your romantic partner planning to take a hiking adventure soon? As you likely already know, hiking can be fun and exciting, but it can be dangerous at the same time. Of course, there are a number of different steps that you can take to protect yourself on your next hiking adventure and a few of those steps are outlined below.
If you have yet to choose your hiking trail, you will want to do so soon. The sooner that you choose your hiking trail, the easier it will be to familiarize yourself with where you will be hiking. When choosing a hiking trail, it is advised that you take the difficulty level into consideration. For instance, you can find hiking trails in the United States that are designed for beginners, as well as those that have advanced hiking experience.
Once you have decided which hiking trial you would like to hike on, you will want to take the time to fully familiarize yourself with the trail. If you are able to acquire a map of the hiking trial in question, you will want to closely examine it. You will want to know exactly where you are at all times, as well as how to get out of the area, in the event of an emergency. If you do acquire a map of the hiking trial that you plan on hiking, you will want to make sure that you bring a copy of the map with you. This will also assist you in the event of an emergency.
You will want to think about familiarizing yourself with the security of the hiking trial or park in question; get their contact information so you can contact them in the event of an emergency. Speaking of contacting security guards, you will want to make sure that you bring a cell phone with you. A cell phone will allow you to call for help if you or someone in your hiking party has an accident or wanders off the trail. If you do not own a cell phone, you may want to think about buying a cheap prepaid one or borrowing the cell phone of someone that you know.
Although it is important that you bring a cell phone with you on your next hiking adventure, a cell phone is not all that you will want to bring. Even if you are only planning on hiking for a day or two, you will want to make sure that you have enough food and drinks, just incase something went wrong. Many hikers are urged to prepare for the worst, just incase. For that reason, you may want to think about packing a number of extra snacks and drinks.
Another great way that you can stay safe on your next hiking adventure is by making sure that you have all of the right hiking equipment or hiking supplies. In this aspect, you will want to make sure that you are dressed for the hike. Hiking should involve sneakers at the least, but you may want to think about buying a set of hiking boots. You will also want to review the weather before leaving. Even if it will be bright and sunny, you may still want to think about bringing a light coat with you, incase of rain or incase you become stranded on the hiking trail overnight.
Perhaps, the best way that you can go about staying safe on your next hiking adventure is by letting your friends and family members know where you are going, when you will be leaving, and when you will return. Should you not return on time, those that you know should be able to find you, or at least have a generalized idea of where you are. You may also want to think about writing down the same information and leaving it at a safe place at home.
The above outlined hiking safety tips are just a few of the many that you may want to think about practicing. As a reminder, hiking can be fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous as well.
Winter Backpacking Tips
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 513)
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Winter backpacking can mean your footprints are the only ones out there. That adds to the beauty of the experience, but also to the danger. Alone and in a cold enviroment, it's important to know what to do in an emergency. Learning a few basic cold weather survival skills can save your life.
Fire Making
Imagine slipping into a stream and soaking everything with you, when you are more than a day from the nearest road and it's below freezing out. What would you do? Start a fire, of course, but can you?
Always carry waterproof matches, and practice starting a fire in the cold BEFORE you go winter backpacking. Learn which tinders work even when wet. Birch bark, for example, will burn when wet, and so will sap from pines and spruces. You may have only minutes before your fingers get too cold to function, so speed is of the essence.
Winter Backpacking - Survival Shelters
You'll probably have a tent with you, but you still may want to learn shelter building using snow blocks. Sometimes you can stomp out blocks without tools, using your feet, and then liff them from beneath. Just play around in your backyard until you get the hang of it. In an emergency, or if the weather turns extremely cold, you may want to put your tent behind a wall of snow blocks, to stop the wind.
If it isn't raining, a quick survival shelter for warmth is a pile of dry leaves, grass, braken ferns or other plants. I once collected enough dried grass from a frozen swamp in thirty minutes to make a pile several feet thick. I slept warmly in the middle of it (half the insulating grass above, half below) with just a jacket, despite below freezing temperatures.
Staying Dry
You can be wet and warm when it far below freezing, as long as you are active. The moment you stop moving, however, you start to lose your body heat. Once you get chilled through, it is difficult to get warm again. Hypothermia (a lowered body temperature) kills many people every year.
If you get wet, try to get dry before you go to sleep. Put dry clothes on if you have them, and use a fire to dry any wet clothes. Earlier in the day, you may be able to hang damp clothes on your pack to dry in the sun. Often when it is coldest, the air is dryer.
Try not to sweat. Adjust your layers, removing and adding shirts, sweaters and jackets as necessary to keep from getting too hot or too cold. Sweat, and clothes damp with sweat, will cause you to lose body heat fast once you stop moving. Stay dry to stay warm.
There are many other cold weather survival skills that you may want to learn. (You can generate heat by eating fatty foods, for example.) You don't need to know hundreds of skills and techniques, but why not learn a few basics, like the ones above, before your next winter backpacking trip?
Fall Foliage Scenic Drive In New Hampshire
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 845)
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Fall foliage scenic drives in New Hampshire are bountiful covering Lake Winnipesaukee, Connecticut River and a bunch of trips throughout the White Mountain region. But the perennial favorite among locals and visitors alike remains the 34 miles between Lincoln and Conway on Route 112.
You can drive it in just about an hour. But you'd miss experiencing one of the most colorful scenic drives in the entire northeast - and some would say the U.S. for fall foliage.
Route 112, or as its better known the Kancamagus Highway, is the only road that runs directly east and west through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This is a dramatic road that shows off the magnificence of one of New Hampshire's best-loved scenic spots. From this road your vistas include wilderness and the highest peaks in the presidential range.
During the summer and fall foliage months you're likely to have plenty of company on your drive. But if the weather is clear who cares if the going is a little slow - this isn't a drive to rush anyway.
You'll find plenty of pull-offs to admire the views and take a bunch of photos if the weather cooperates. Be warned though... the White Mountains are notorious for generating their own weather, especially in the Presidential Range, where many of the peaks are above timberline. Mount Washington is cloaked with cloud cover 53% of its days.
So what will you see?
At the western end of this drive where Interstate 93 meets Route 112, lies Lincoln. The Lincoln, and close-by Cannon Mountain, areas abound in gift and specialty shops, including Clark's Trading Post. A side trip takes you to The Flume a gorge carved during the glacial ages with a covered bridge and walking trails as well.
Lincoln is your starting point on this fall foliage scenic drive, and as you head east towards the Kancamagus Pass you'll be climbing to 2,860 feet in the first 10 miles.
Just east of Lincoln you'll find Loon Mountain, a ski resort by winter and a playground in the summer and fall foliage months. Loon is another side trip to ride the Gondola to the summit for breathtaking views, and exploring the Glacial Caves, and the summit observation tower. A favorite spot for hikes - Loon will bring out the pioneering spirit in you.
Continuing east on the two-lane highway you'll enter the Pemigewasset wilderness region of the drive. Close to Hancock Campground is the parking lot entrance to the Lincoln Woods Trail. This popular and easy trail leads into the wilderness area and makes a great excursion to view the Pemigewasset River, and the wildlife that inhabits the area.
As you head out to the Sandwich Range Wilderness Area the road offers interesting turns and views through the Kancamagus Pass. You'll find plenty of scenic overlooks to admire the mountain ranges, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season.
Another side excursion along this stretch of the road is the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area. Located about one mile from the highway and about 9 miles east of Lincoln this is a beautiful place to have a picnic lunch, and view the two ponds and towering cliffs.
Continuing east you'll enter the Swift River valley region. This area abounds in scenic stops, and hikes through the forest offering stunning views of the valley and mountains. The hike offering the best views is the MT. Potash hike but at 4 miles requires an unrushed few hours to appreciate fully.
For a shorter and easier hike drive to the Rocky Gorge Scenic area and take The Lovequist Loop Trail. This is about an hours walk around Falls Pond and offers fishing and a marvelous window into the beauty of the natural plants and vegetation of the region. You'll cross the gorge formed by the Swift River over a rustic footbridge.
Back in the car you'll drive a short distance east to the Covered Bridge and the trailhead to the Boulder Loop Trail. If you've been saving your energy for only one hike then this is it. At about 3 miles round trip it can take you anywhere from 2-4 hours but you'll get outstanding photo opportunities of MT. Chocorua and the Swift River Valley. The hike itself is mostly a gradual climb with some step pitches. This is one of the more popular hikes during fall foliage season, and my recommended one.
The last piece of the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage scenic drive takes you to the eastern end of the drive where Route 112 meets Route 16 in Conway and then on to North Conway. If time allows cruise around North Conway where you'll find outlet centers and the North Conway Scenic railroad.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a major destination for vacationers because they offer stunning scenery, great hiking trails, and they're accessible. In the fall foliage season just mix in wonderful vibrant color and you've got some of the best scenic drives in New England.
Making Clothes For Backpacking
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 477)
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Making clothes? If you enjoy backpacking AND sewing, go for it. As for myself, I started buying gear again after the first hundred tedious hours of sewing . Then I discovered that there are some backpacking clothes you can make cheaply and quickly.
Making Hand Warmers
Stick your hands inside a pair of socks and mark where your fingertips and thumb-tip are, using a pen or marker. Then cut holes where the marks are. You now have hand warmers that leave your fingers free. Mine weigh about an ounce, but this depends on the socks that you use. You can use these under other gloves or mittens in colder weather, and when you remove your mittens to tie your shoes, you won't totally expose your hands.
Instant Insulated Vest
Buy 1/2? poly batting at any fabric store. I bought mine at Walmart. This is the stuff that is used to make pillows, stuffed animals and quilts. It comes as a big sheet, rolled up in a bag, usually for less than ten dollars.
Open it up it and cut a piece out, roughly two by four feet. Cut a hole in this for your head, and wear it like a tunic, but under your jacket. Making clothes doesn't get any easier than this, and the vest will be among the lightest backpacking clothes you own. My own weighs just four ounces.
My vest, along with my homemade balaclava, kept me warm as I went over glaciers, to the top of 20,600-foot Chimborazo, in Ecuador. It also went to the top of Mount Shasta in California, and on other trips. Originally, I made it as a disposable vest, but it's held together for years now. Wear two for extra warmth (always under a wind-breaking layer) and you'll have more insulation than a sweater would give you, for half the weight.
Making A Ski Mask From Old Clothes
Use any old thermal underwear top or bottom, preferably made of polypropylene. Just cut off a leg or a sleeve, then pull it over your head. Mark where your eyes and mouth are with a pen or marker, cut the holes and cut off the extra length. You just made a balaclava.
I used a sleeve from a very stretchy polypropylene top for mine. It weighs less than an ounce, lighter than anything I can buy. You can sew the top shut, as I did, or just pin it shut with a safety pin. Making backpacking clothes doesn't get much simpler than this.
I collect ideas for backpacking clothes or equipment that can be made at home, but if it can't be explained in a paragraph, it's probably too complex and time consuming for me. I prefer backpacking to sewing. When it's as easy as the three items here, though, even I will start making clothes.
Sea Kayak Sales
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 279)
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As more and more people become aware of sea kayaking, we see sea kayak sales climbing. The great thing about this type of outdoor activity is that the entire family can enjoy it. In addition, sea kayaking is something that can be done by the elderly or young without experience as a peaceful activity or it can be done by thrill-seekers that look for the challenge, something hard and invigorating. Because sea kayaking is so diverse, it takes different styles of kayaks to keep up.
Some of the more popular types of sea kayaks include the flatwater kayak, touring kayak, sea kayak, sit-on-top kayak, surf kayak, canoe, and then of course, you have your kayak accessories. In this article, we wanted to touch on the sea kayak specifically so you can see the differences in this category alone. With this, you can determine the right type of kayak for you and have a better understanding why sea kayaks have become such a hot commodity.
Most people who start out kayaking will go with a recreational or flatwater kayak. Once the basic strokes have been mastered, they will generally progress to the sea kayak. With this, you would find you have more confidence on the water, having the ability to explore the ocean waters in a new and exciting way. However, to enjoy sea kayaking, you do not have to be a professional, although you could be. You will find everything from in-store sea kayaks that are your entry level choice to the expedition models, which are generally used for the more seasoned kayaker, to the adventure kayaks, those used by people who love pushing the envelop.
Informative Weather Information Read This Article And Become Informed About The Weather And Ways The Affects Our Everyday Lives
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 255)
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Weather is not the same as climate. Climate is the average condition of the weather, such as average temperatures, amounts of rain or snow, averages of sunshine, wind, and humidity, and the number of days when certain weather conditions may be expected in a month or year.
Everybody is affected in mind and body by climate and changes in the weather. A long period of the same kind of weather may be depressing or irritating. The constant heat of the tropics is depressing, but an occasional hot day is not. Unless changes of weather are too severe, they are stimulating to mind and body. Human comfort depends largely on temperature, but also on air movement and moisture in the air. In general, more air movement makes the temperature seem lower.
An in-between climate with frequent but mild changes in the weather is usually considered the best kind. Most of the vigorous and progressive peoples are found in fairly cold climates with large seasonal changes of weather. It is well known that the climate is important in the treatment of disease. The choice of climate depends on the kind of disease and the physical condition of the patient. Climate is also the direct source of certain ills such as sunstroke, snow blindness, and frostbite. Many diseases occur mostly at certain seasons, such as infantile paralysis in late summer and the common cold in the winter.
What To Consider When Choosing A Campground
(category: Outdoors, Word count: 681)
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Are you interested in taking a camping trip? Whether you are interested in going camping alone, with your family, with your romantic partner, or with a group of your friends, you will need to find a campground to camp at. While many individuals just choose to go camping at the nearest campground, you may want to think about not doing the same. In the United States and probably even close to your home, you should have a number of different campgrounds to choose from. So, why not just take the time to make sure that you choose the best one for you and your needs.
If you are interested in taking the time to find the "perfect," campground you may be wondering exactly how you can go about doing so. In all honesty, it will depend on your own wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of the rest of your camping party. Although not everyone wants to get the same thing out of their camping trips, there are a number of important factors that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at.
One of the many things that you will want to take into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at, is the cost of doing so. In the United States, you will find that most campgrounds require the payment of an admission fee or a camping fee and occasionally even both. The cost of the admission fee or camping fee will all depend on the campground in question. For instance, many smaller campgrounds charge smaller fees. Also, you will likely find larger fees for campgrounds that have more onsite activities.
Speaking of onsite activities, activities are something else that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. When it comes to the onsite activities of a campground, you may want to take a look at the scenery. If a campground has on onsite lake or pond then there is a good chance that swimming, boating, and fishing are activities that you may be able to enjoy. Campgrounds are also often home to hiking trails, biking trails, playgrounds for children, and much more.
How reservations are taken is another factor that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. For instance, there are some campgrounds in the United States that randomly assign you a camping spot. On the other hand, there are campgrounds that allow you to handpick your camping spot out of all available locations. Many campers prefer choosing their own camping spots, as it tends to give them some freedom over their camping trip and how much fun they have. If you are picky about where you would like to camp, you may want to find a campground that allows you to choose your own camping spot.
Although it is nice to know what you should look for in a campground, it is also important that you know how to find them. If you are interested in camping locally, you may already know of a number of local campgrounds. If not, you should be able to use your local phone book or ask those that you know for recommendations. As for campgrounds that are located a ways away from your home, you may want to think about using the internet. A large number of popular campground parks have online websites and a standard internet search should them you find those websites, which could be used to learn more about the campground in question.
As a reminder, you may want to think about taking the time to research a number of different campground parks. It is important that you remember that no two campground parks are the same. To ensure that your next camping adventure is as memorable as possible, you may want to make sure that your intended destination is perfect for you and the rest of your camping party.
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