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Get The Most From It!
Fun Time!
We can all take lessons on how to get the “Most” from your Outdoor Recreation Equipment. There is not a lot of science involved, just a whole lot of common sense. As your parents used to say “never put yourself in a corner” or “close that door”, but stay on your feet and remain in control of your mental well-being.
- Bye Quality Gear – Don’t confuse(quality) with purchase price. Ask friends/experts and research the product through appropriate consumer advocates. Look for the best quality considering what’s available and the price you can pay.
- Get What You Need – There’s a fine line between need and want. However, it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it! Put some thought into it; in most places, you’ll always want your rain gear with you but might not need it.
- Take Care of It – One of the most important considerations. If you don’t religiously take care of it , it might fail when most needed. Depending on the circumstances, this could be the difference between a good/bad experience or worse yet – life/death. Folks, it’s not a game, so don’t play around with it.
- Storage – Organize and if possible get it up off the floor. Pre-storage should include a serviceability check. Get rid of those things that can’t be fixed and/or don’t work properly.
Being able to go on a camping trip/outdoor activity knowing that you have the recreation gear needed, and that it’s in good working order will set the tone for the entire trip. It will not only give participants peace of mind, but a care-free confidence that everything is going to be fine and fun filled.
Take Care of It!
Small Family Camping!
As we have previously discussed, it is critical to maintain your camping tent. If you want it there for you, you got to take care of it. But, aside from those general care/cleaning tips, there are other tent “No/No’s” that you should be aware of:
- Don’t roll up the tent when wet – It will develop fungi/mold that will damage the material and form a lasting nauseous smell.
- Eating inside of the tent – Food crumbs will attract ants, bugs, and other creepy crawlers. Open food products might encourage a visit from the bigger four legged kind including bears.
- Do not store near a heat source – Keep it in a cool place; heat can also deteriorate its quality.
- Roll-up your tent, rather than folding it – Folding it along the same crease lines will eventually wear out the material along those lines.
- Don’t ignore defects – It won’t get better with time, only worse.
Family camping would not be complete without camping tents. Once you have obtained quality equipment, it is important that you do those things that will maximize its potential by taking care of it and using within designed requirements.
Safety On Floating Ice!
Is it safe to walk/drive on?
This year, one of the biggest concerns here in the North Country is the lack of moisture and cold weather. It has definitely cut into skiing, snow-boarding, ice fishing, and snowmobile/ATV riding.
Normally. This is the time of year when you can get out on the lake with just about anything without fear of falling through the ice. However, this year that’s not the case as is verified by depiction of a tragic accident almost every day in the daily news. I do remind everyone that safety is an individual responsibility.
One of the best resources that covers the common-sense, precautionary measures a person should follow when on a fresh water ice cover can be found at the following: LINK (US Army Engineering). This resource stipulates that there are four things that a person must focus on when planning an outing on the ice, your: physical condition, clothing, equipment, and procedures.
Family Involvement!
Outdoor Cooking!
Outdoor cooking can and should be a family activity. It makes an otherwise mundane chore something special. Eating is fun, as should be fixing the food you eat. However, to do this takes time and a-little effort; plan food preparation that will include the entire family. This activity will not only be educational but extremely rewarding.
Even cooking a hot-dog or marshmallow can be a real challenge to insure that it’s cooked just right and not burnt. Cooking, as you well know, is a learned skill; especially cooking outdoors with charcoal, wood, or a portable cook stove. This activity will require some hands-on training. Take time to talk about what you plan to cook, discuss safety, and practice fire building.
It can be fun to beat eggs, mix pan cakes, make milkshakes, or cherry cobbler providing you have the proper camping cookware, stove and/or campfire. Don’t be too ambitious, at first; but, based on the kid’s ages , do give them tasks to complete with each receiving an acknowledged task ownership. These type of experiences are character building – the memories will never fade away!
Vacation Time!
Take Vacation Time!
Whether it be during the Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter – I’m sure you can think of reasons to take time off. If not for you, think of your family. Everyone needs periodic periods away from daily stress-ors, a place where the body, mind, and soul can relax/rejuvenate.
Each year, Americans fail to take millions of authorized vacation days. Up front, these days equate to billions of dollars in hourly wages that may or may not be lost. Additionally, what the average worker doesn’t realize is that there are other possible back-end costs that could be associated with this. The following is an example of situations that might develop as-a-result of not taking encouraged/authorized time off:
- Work Stress - this could require additional trips to your family doctor or mental health specialist;
- Vitamin “D” Deprivation - This vitamin protects your bones and lowers your risk for cancer;
- Loss of Job Productivity - Statistics reflect that men and women who take time off each year have less job related issues.
In all fairness to yourself, family, and employer – dust off the camping gear list and take the encouraged/authorized vacation time.
White Water Rapids Classification!
White Water Rapids!
White-water rapids are classified by an internal grading system in six different ways. A Class One (I) white-water is the easiest to navigate; a Class VI (six) is the most difficult and virtually impossible to navigate. The following is a general guide to the six classifications for White-water Rapids:
- Class I – Water is smooth flowing with an absence of rapids;
- Class II – Water is slightly rough, though line is easy to pursue and see;
- Class III – Considered white-water but larger rafts can safely navigate. Canoeists and kayakers on these waters should possess self-rescuing and rolling skills;
- Class IV – Only for experienced kayakers, getting through might require the kayaker to maneuver through it very quickly;
- Class V – Advanced kayakers only, rapid scouting might be inevitable, hidden hazards possible, which will create the need for precise and experienced maneuvers;
- Class VI - Exploratory or impassible, safety precautions are a must and only experts in teams should attempt.
The classification of white-waters changes constantly based on weather and environmental conditions. It is important that navigators have the latest water update, as- well-as the needed sporting skill proficiency and required safety equipment/devices before attempting navigation, Be Safe!
Dress In Layers!
Be Warm!
Dressing in layers during cold-weather is a proven way to ensure comfort during the coldest of weather conditions. What’s beautiful about this simple concept: it allows you to make quick adjustments based on present body heat and increased/decreased physical activity.
- Basic Layer – This is the comfort layer, closest to the skin. It should be made of a non-absorbing synthetic fabric or Merino Wool. Thermal underwear is ideal and can be selected in different weights (heavy, medium, light) based on weather conditions and anticipated activities.
- Middle Layer – This is the insulation layer that provides warmth and must trap/retain body heat close to the body. It should be made of moisture wicking fibers to help keep you dry. This could include a polyester vest, jacket, and/or tights. Goose down products are good but must be kept dry to maintain their insulating ability.
- Outer Layer - This outer shell protects you from the wind, rain and/or snow. Ideally, it should be waterproof but breathable; this version is a little more expensive than the non-waterproof/breathable options but well worth it. It will provide the desired comfort in any type of weather. Fit is important, so consider all other cold-weather clothing to be worn.
Ice Fishing!
WOW!
Up-until last year, my fishing experience had been limited to the warm, fair weather periods of the year. However, here in the North country, anglers know and anticipate a whole-other world of fishing once the temperature drops below freezing. Ice fishing is a fantastic Winter sport and an excellent family activity.
Like all other sports, the initial investment can be expensive, so I would suggest trying it first to determine level of interest before buying the auger, hooch and etc. There are outfitters you can hire who will provide everything needed to drill the holes, bait and hook the line, and even a structure to get in out of the weather.
That way, the only thing you would need initially would be cold weather clothing, boots, gloves, and head-gear. Before venturing, make sure you understand all safety precautions. Determining that the ice is not thick enough to hold a vehicle or even your body weight, once you’re in the middle of a lake, will be extremely unforgiving. Be safe and have fun!
Necessary Deer Hunting Gear?
"Muley"
Every year, I’m reminded about the importance of having good, reliable deer hunting gear/equipment. Depending on the situation or circumstances, this could include special blinds, apparel, decoys, feeders, footwear, game calls, game cameras, shooting – chokes, sights, optics and range finders, scents and scent blockers, tree stands and accessories. This does not include weapons, ammunition, tents, bedding, food, transportation, nor hunting leases. The list of needed gear can be mind boggling!
I would suggest you develop your plan and conduct equipment inventories early. Hunting leases can be expensive and should be affirmed in-advance as-far-as possible. Deer hunting is a great sport that can offer lots of relaxation and adventure. But, as you can see, having the right hunting gear is critical. Deer hunting is a little more complicated than just getting in the ole-truck, gun/ammo in-hand, and having a realistic chance of seeing/shooting that Trophy Buck – Be Prepared!
Flash Flooding!
"WHOA"!
In several of my last few blog posts, I mentioned precautions that could/should be taken during certain adverse weather conditions. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention those for flash/river flooding. It has become the biggest weather related killer across the U.S., causing about 50 deaths annually. To help prevent becoming a Flash Flood statistic, the following safety considerations/precautions should be exercised:
- Do not camp near small streams. Rain upstream can cause a flash flood. Camp on higher ground.
- Pay attention to signs warning of areas prone to flash floods.
- Do not try to cross a flowing stream on foot if water is above your knees.
- It only takes two feet of water to make a car float. If your car does stall, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground.
- Be very cautious at night when it’s hard to see flood dangers.
- Never try to cross rushing water. If you must cross standing water, be sure you know that the water is below your floorboards. Drive slowly so-as not to make waves.
As stated by someone, common sense and good emergency gear/equipment will prevail.
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