Archive for the ‘Lesson's Learned’ Category
The Resident Authority!
Big Things in Small Packages!
The entire family knows that I spent many years in the military; so, by default, it seems that I’m the go-to person for all matters concerning the out-doors. Last week, I received one such call from a sibling whose young son was going out on a 2-day school trek and was looking for a light-weight/convenient way to heat water for dehydrated food and a hot drink.
I suggested two possibilities: 1. A small one burner stove, or 2. Obtaining a hand-full of heat tabs from the local Army/Navy surplus store. Because of weight and bulkiness, the later was selected. However, caution was given to use a well ventilated burning area, as-well-as a heating can/device that had numerous breathing holes in it.
The feed-back was that this, unlike other, cooking stoves worked to perfection. It was small, light-weight (didn’t require a pack mule), and not only dependable enough to cook my nephew’s food but also the food for two other campers whose stoves did not function properly, HOOAH!
Important Things!
Togetherness!
The 4th of July has always been a special time for us. This is not only a time of National celebration but one when our immediate/extended family gets together and establishes new or rekindles old family ties/relationships.
This tradition is and has been a unique opportunity, not only for the grandparents/parents but for brothers/sisters, aunt/uncles, and cousins to personalize and solidify their involvement in the grand scheme of family tradition, celebration, and togetherness.
It is a time for family fun and activities that normally include a BBQ, home-made ice-cream (banana), and fireworks. The kids have an opportunity to sleep-out in camping tents and the adults a chance to sit around the campfire and tell lies or reminisce of things in the past/possibilities for the future. Oh, ain’t it Great!
Safety First!
Eye Protection!
A good friend of mine recently had a shell malfunction when he was shooting skeet with his 12 ga., pump Shotgun. It was really unfortunate, in-that, he is probably one of the most safety conscious shooters I know. He had been wearing safety glasses prior to the incident, but he had taken them off to make a gun adjustment and failed to put them back on. Some-how, the weapon discharged prematurely, and the unprotected explosion caused facial burning and the embedment of small material flecks in his right cheek.
My friend considers himself lucky. He has been assured by doctors that only minimum damage was done to the right eye, and there is a strong possibility that sight clarity will return to 100 percent. However, his eyebrows and lashes were singed, and there will be some minor scaring on the right cheek.
Incidents like this reinforce the need to pay attention to what we’re doing. Safety must come first. These precautionary considerations should become part of our routine. My friend would be the first to say that he had no control over the weapon malfunctioning; but, good shooting glasses would have prevented most of the injuries – BE SAFE!
Don’t Get Caught Short!
State of the Art!
During my earlier shooting/hunting years, I was not a big believer in the need to wear hearing protection when firing a weapon. I carried to extreme, the notion that you shouldn’t wear it because doing so restricted your hearing and created a safety hazard. Also, you told yourself, the fog that the firing created in your head/ears would only last a couple days and then go away - so why sweat it?
Not quite, I have been diagnosed with Tinnitus and am currently being fitted with hearing aids. The Doctor said that this is a direct result of being exposed to loud firing noises for an extended or sustained period of time. There are presently sounds and tones that I’ll never be able to hear again.
Even-though I accept full responsibility for my hearing condition, there is no consolation when forced to tell someone to “say it again”, because you couldn’t hear/understand them. I do, at this point, wish that I would’ve paid more attention to the Hearing Protection advocates/literature back then, and as mama would say, son – “NOT TOO SMART”!
Ammo Accessories
Ammo/Cartridge Belt!
My father told me that the “Mark” of a good hunter is someone that’s not only flexible but instantly prepared for all situations. Of course, as a kid you learn from your mistakes. When I think about the number of times I went hunting without a place to carry extra shells, it’s a wonder I got any game – I was always look-en for ammo!
Of course, over the years, I’ve not only become a better shot, but feel my time is better spent hunting rather than looking for ammunition. There are ammo belts, but-stock holders, and/or cartridge cases that will provide you a constant/consistent reference point when ammo is needed.
The Satisfaction in Map Reading/Land-Navigation!
Be an Expert!
I’m kind-a hung up on the ability to navigate terrain using a map and compass. It’s not that I don’t trust the new technology (GPS), but rather, I don’t think it’s smart to put all your eggs in one basket. I have seen, first hand, the self-confidence that proficient map reading and compass skills give the non-professional hunter, camper, and trekker.
The ability to use a topographical map, compass, and other navigational components are learned skills that require a-lot-of hands-on practice: what are the basic map reading principles; how do you determine distance and elevation; or what is intersection and resection?
The easiest way to learn these principles and skills would be to attend a formal Map Reading, Orienteering, or Land Navigational course. These courses are held periodically in most communities through various educational programs. There are Map and Compass Self- Help guides that can be checked-out at the library. These guides are good as a refresher or to give the novice a precursory look at what-all’s entailed.
Being Seen Less Not More!
Turkey Hunter's Dream!
This last fall was my first exposure to turkey hunting. Even though my hunting group gave me a token turkey, the experience was less than satisfying. However, the group told me that most newbies don’t do well the first year, it normally takes a season just to figure-out what to wear.
Camouflage is almost a must to avoid being seen. Wild turkeys seem to have such a keen eyesight. My group was decked-out from head-to-foot in camouflage, including face-mask and gloves. A mistake that I made was not to wear dark colored socks; the orange in my pro-socks stood out like a sore thumb when sitting down.
Hunting apparel is important but regardless of how well you’re camouflaged, you are still an unnatural object in a natural wood’s setting and thus not totally invisible. Your movement is so extremely important and should be kept to a minimum. Turkeys can and will detect the slightest hunter miscue. But, I’ll be ready for-em next year!
Emergency Lighting!
A Small but Quick Fix!
It is agreed that a person’s hunting and camping gear should include flashlights for general purpose (GP) and emergency situations. However, selecting a flashlight to purchase is like putting a kid in a candy store and asking them to choose – the choices are overwhelming!
There are small ones, big ones, bright ones, and even super-bright ones. But, as with most other things, the one you select should be based on what it’s going to be used for. Bigger and brighter is not necessarily better.
I would suggest that you have a couple flashlights for camping. One flashlight (not so bright) that you can use inside the tent without waking everyone up, and a larger one (bright/super-bright) that you can use for both the heavy duty and emergency lighting requirements.
Cheapest is not Always the Best!
- Quick/Cheap Emergency Lighting
Candles are possibly the cheapest form of lighting and the easiest to find. But, they undoubtedly present the greatest risk. If left unattended, a candle can easily be knocked over accidentally or blown over by the wind and subsequently starting a fire. Candles also give-out less light than gas, solar, or battery lighting devices.
Candle usage would not be my choice for any reason. But, if you decide to take some along on your next trip for emergency purposes, be sure they are only used with adult supervision and not when it’s too breezy/windy. Candles should always be secured in a way where they can not be accidentally knocked over. As a rule, never light a candle inside a tent or leave one lit, anywhere, unattended. BE SAFE !
You Do Need Lighting!
Quality Time!
The camp site at night has always been special for the family and I. Quality time, a period when we could just sit around and enjoy each other. A time for roasting marshmallows, telling stories (being stupid), playing cards/board games and/or getting ready for the next day’s activities.
For anyone planning a camping trip, important to this activity is to insure you have the proper lighting. There are no shortages as to options available. There are candles, gas lanterns, or battery operated lanterns and flashlights, even solar lights. But, before choosing one or even several types, you should first consider the benefits and precautions that each device presents.
The price may also be a consideration, but keep in mind that item quality and safety must be the first priority. The lighting devices selected should be based on: 1. What you need them for; 2. How they’re going to be used; 3. Services they must provide; 4. Safety precautions and/or constraints presented. ENJOY!