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Archive for the ‘Trekking’ Category
The Basics!
Majestic!
One of the most leisure and pleasurable past-times or hobbies is bird watching. But, to be good at it requires a personal investment; there are resources available that will teach you how to find and identify these feathery treasures but you must commit the time and effort to do so.
Book stores, local libraries, or even the Internet can provide information on the different bird species, their natural habitat, breeding habits, and where they congregate; often this information includes complete descriptions and even pictures. It is a lot more enjoyable if you know the WHO, WHAT, WHEN and WHERE of the bird you’re looking at.
Worldwide, there are many bird watching clubs and even bird refuges. Each of these activities are excellent in providing other bird watchers or even experts who are always readily available to share information and fascinating stories. Don’t procrastinate – get your binoculars, journal, walking stick and go have fun!
Stay Cool!
Very Strenuous!
During the summer time everyone wants to “look” cool. But, sometimes looking “cool” is contradictory to what is needed and that is to do those things necessary to keep the body temperature cool at all times. Common sense would tell you to wear light clothing, preferably clothing of a light color. Strenuous outdoor activities should not be done during the heat of the day but rather early in morning, latter in the afternoon, or in the early evening.
Most important is to keep your body hydrated. You would think that this is a fairly simple task – when your thirsty, drink fluid! True, but, waiting until you’re thirsty is waiting too long; you are already dehydrated. When the temperature is very high, your body loses water at a very high rate, and dehydration can set in without you knowing it. To preclude this, carry a bottle of water around and fill it every couple hours. I would further suggest avoiding those beverages that promote dehydration. These include drinks with a high caffeine or alcohol content.
I call dehydration a “Gateway” issue; if precautions are not taken , it can/will lead to other complications causing sun/heat stroke. Keep the body’s air conditioner serviced and working, obtain a water bottle and DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!
National Psyche!
"YES-WE-CAN!
Last evening, the wife and I were watching a program on PBS titled: Health in America. The program was rather shocking and discussed statistics such as 66.6% of all Americans are over-weight or obese. It further claimed that numbers are increasing yearly at an epidemic rate.
The documentary further stipulated the situational pro’s/con’s and even eluded to the fact that if trend continues, it would effect National Security. I thought that was stretching it a bit, but do agree that the physical health of a nation is extremely important and could reflect on our long-term commitment and capabilities.
I think that most Americans would enjoy the opportunity to get involved in healthy leisure activities but are affected by situational factors beyond their control. A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand-in-hand. It is extremely difficult to get your house in order if you haven’t got a house, job or the means to put beans on the table. However, my suggestion is one of hope; I do believe in American resilience and our capability to overcome. It is time to get off the couch and get involved in physical activities commensurate with individual capabilities. There are cheap, inexpensive , and fun outdoor activities that don’t require expensive camping gear. These include hiking, trekking, and bird watching, be active and – HAVE FUN!
Common Sense Must Prevail!
Cool!
The long, bright and hot days of summer are just around the corner! It is time to make sure that you have the necessary eye-wear that will provide you a suitable sun protective tint against those UAV/UAB rays. If you wear prescription glasses, order a separate pair of sunglasses; or, popular today, is getting a pair of regular eyeglasses with a transitional lens that gets dark when outside and back to a regular lens when indoors.
As we’ve all been told, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” Taking care of your eyes is not only critical but actually pretty simple to do. Use a little common sense; see your eye doctor at least annually and follow his guidance/recommendations to the “T”. If you need a new prescription/glasses, get them sooner rather than later. Bargains can be obtained by shopping-around. I have seen as much as a 70% differentiation on like sunglasses/eye-wear in comparable retail outlets. Be Safe!
Bird Watching Do’s and Don’ts!
Where did it go?
All outdoor activities have the do’s and don’ts. These guidelines keep us good folk honest and are normally based on common sense. In this case, the over-riding consideration is safety for all participants. This of course includes the birds themselves. The four cardinal rules for all bird-watchers are:
- First: Show respect to the birds you’re watching. Be ever mindful that you are being intrusive.
- Second: Don’t invade their personal living space. Birds return each year to the same living habitat.
- Third: Respect the applicable State/Federal laws. Legal restrictions are put in place for a reason/purpose.
- Fourth: Respect the sport of Bird Watching. Become aware of the different bird species and their living environments/habitat.
Bird Watching is becoming more and more popular. Follow these simple rules and you will be assured of continuous enjoyment. Purchase a guide book to assist with bird identification and maintain a journal for posterity. Do not get discouraged; if you don’t first succeed – Try & Try Again!
“Must Have” Lighting Devices!
LED Head Lighting!
I do resist change as much as the next person. However, I’m quick to embrace it if it makes my life simpler and/or more enjoyable. The positive improvements made in the outdoor and emergency lighting industry have been unbelievable. I can remember going out on a 7-day camping trip and being really concerned about whether I had brought enough batteries/bulbs for our flashlights and lanterns.
However, today, with the development and steady improvement of Light-emitting Diode (LED) technology, that concern has been strongly minimized. Lighting devices can now be obtained that have increased battery life, a brighter light-output, and they’ll even provide more resistance against heat, shatter, and water. Considering this, today’s flashlights and lighting devices maintain a lighter-weight and are an easier-to-use design than most previous standard models.
Walking Stick, Staff or Cane?
Serves the Purpose!
The words walking stick, walking staff or walking cane are sometimes used interchangeably. However, for a hardcore trekker, there is definitely a difference. Walking sticks/staffs are used to aid people while hiking; whereas, canes are used for physical rehabilitative purposes.
Is it possible that one device can serve both purposes – I think so. The family wants to buy me a new, sophisticated walking stick. I’m dragging my feet; I keep telling them that I got one that was issued to me a good number of years ago, one that not only served a purpose then but still does today. They don’t want to hear it – it is not new, pretty and adjustable.
However, I’m going to hold on to my guns! This old VA walking stick/staff/cane not only has sentimental value but still gives me the stability, comfort and safety when out walking. It also makes a statement. – don’t just, totally chalk-off the lessons of past years for the untried/unproven technological fads of today.
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