Simply Hiking

A great summertime escape with the family is spending days at a camping site, taking pleasure from Mother Nature: the scenery, the flowers and the wildlife. While being excited for the entire trip, it is most important to brace oneself for the best, and the worst, things that nature can give us.

The ultimate camper’s check list should be categorized into the following items: Personals, camping and backpacking supplies, First Aid Kit, Clothing, kids and Baby Supplies, Sleeping, Kitchen Utensils and Equipments, camping and backpacking Fire and Before-Leaving-Home List.

1.    Personals would include grooming and hygiene kit such as shampoo, soap, insect repellant (which one cannot do without!), toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant, towels, bathroom tissue, lip balm, sunscreen, sun glasses and a trusty sewing kit.

2.    Camping and backpacking Essentials would include driver’s license, money, ID card, map, compass, flashlights and battery packs, lantern, bulbs, water, rope, clothespin, clothesline, radio, canteen, clock, camera, lots of film, binoculars, lounge chair, foldable table, tent repair gear, pocket knife and a lighter.

3.    A good First Aid Kit should have the necessary medicines for fever, headaches, flu, allergy and stomach ulcer.  Antibiotics cream, antiseptic and band aids for wound.  Tweezers should also be there to take out splinters.  Pocket tissues are advisable.

4.    Clothing should include a cozy pairs of sweat pants and shirt, sweater, thermals, gloves, jacket, pants, underwear, socks of varying thickness, pajamas, swimsuit, t-shirts, tank tops, bandannas, hats, sandals, sneakers and hiking boots.

5.    Kids and child Supplies depends on the child that will go camping and backpacking.  Babies would need lots of baby food, milk, bottles, pacifier, diapers and baby wipes, bibs, spoons, high chair, blankets, play pen, stuffed toys, stroller, tub and books,  For bigger kids, games for rainy days and for traveling, toys, pencils, crayons, paper, bucket and shovel, Frisbees, kites and magazines are essential,

6.    Sleeping gear would include the tent, poles, mallet, ground cloth, sleeping bags, mattress, pillows, blankets, air pump, rope and stakes.

7.    Kitchen Utensils and Equipments would consist of food container, insulator for frozen food, pots and pans, stove, fuel, matches or lighter, disposable plates and utensils, bowls, mugs, coffee pot, thermos, aluminum foil, dish towel, spatula, tongs, bottle and can opener, knife, dish soap, sponge, trash bags, zip lock bags, table cloth,easy camping recipies and skewers for campfire barbecuing or marshmallow toasting.

8.    Camping and backpacking Fire Checklist would include the kindling, matches, newspaper, fire extinguisher, shovel, ax, wood and the campfire permit.

9.    The Before-Leaving-Home List includes locking of all the doors and windows, turning off all the lights and appliances such as the computer, adjusting the thermostat, holding of all mails, watering of plants and making pet arrangements.

With this filled-up, the trip will surely be a good time!

The Greatest Beaches in the World

The classic conflict that arises when the family is voting on the next great vacation expedition is, “Should we go to the mountains or have a family Beach Vacations?”  Well if you review all that America has to offer, it will not get much easier because we have some of the most exciting mountains and the finest beaches in the whole world right here in the USA.

Maybe globetrotters can speak of the great beach  vacations of France or Europe but you do not have to fly over the sea to get on some of the best beaches that can be had this side of paradise.  And it stands to reason America would posses some of the most extraordinary and coveted beaches in the world.  With an ocean on three sides of the country, the shores of America’s coast are literally 1000s of miles long.  So it isn’t whether America has great beaches but which one to pick that is really a question.

Occasionally we here on the mainland forget that Hawaii is just as much America as Iowa or Massachusetts.  But Hawaii has something very special to offer and that is the finest beaches in the world for swimming, surfing or just laying on the sand soaking up the rays.  The only problem with Hawaii’s beaches is that there is so much to do on the Islands and so much beauty everywhere you look that it is hard to take the time to really enjoy those beaches for all their worth.  But they deserve a big part of your vacation schedule so make the best of these idyllic beaches which you’re enjoying your visit to the islands.

Just a short hop over the ocean to the mainland and you will be able to be on the beaches of California which rival Hawaii’s and, as a matter of fact, any beach in the US or around the world.  California has such a long coastline that you can find almost every kind of beach terrain you can think of traveling up and down California’s coast.  Not only that, the colorful and eccentric California population is always a great “people watching” experience as you relax on those beaches, especially on the well known beaches of Los Angeles like Laguna or Venice Beach.

But you don’t have to be left without beach access if you live on the east coast because the shorelines of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Cape Code and even Maine are just as scenic and picturesque as any the west coast have to offer.  Even in the middle of the hustle and bustle of city life in Boston, there are wonderful beaches nestled right in with the urban build up.  Revere Beach, which lies just north of Boston, is a hidden treasure.  With its long sandy shoreline, it is the delight for many a Massachusetts youth looking for a romantic beach or a place to just get in some good ocean fun.

So if this summer sneaks up on your family and that battle of “mountain or beach” rears it’s head, you know that you don’t have to settle for the mountains if the family has its heart set on some ocean side fun, some swimming, surfing, sailing and all the other great fun that can be had at one of America’s great beaches.  From the Midwest, you literally have all the beaches we have discussed plus hundreds more that we will leave for you to get out there and discover.  So get out those swim trunks and dust off that snorkeling mask.  America’s top beaches are calling for you.

I went on my first basic backpacking trip when I was ten. My dad was always quite an outdoorsman, and I had come along on fishing trips many times already, waking before down to drive out to the lake and catch the fish feeding on morning stillness under a soft blanket of mist, but this was to be something altogether different. You see, on those trips, although the morning lake sometimes provided moments of the illusion of solitude, the noise from the road, shattered it every few minutes. And later in the day, the motor boats destroyed it completely.

Backpacking was something else completely. We drove all the way from our home in Detroit, up into the woods of Ontario. We stayed overnight in a rustic motel and got an early start. At first, it was just like the lake – even more so, because it was early, and there was already a crowd milling about. This was only because we had chosen a popular spot to begin our journey. Before dusk, we were bathed in a stillness more profound than any I had seen on that lake, a stillness which would last for the rest of our backpacking trip.

How can I describe that first night, camping on a rise above that giant, mist-covered lake?  The loons called and called, lonely and longing, beginning below usand trailing off among the interlocking lakes branching into eternity. Night creatures scurried around about us, going from stillness to frantic motion to stillness again, as all night, the wind fell and rose and fell, and the moon ceaselessly rippled on the water’s bright skin. I can remember all of it – every sound, and wished to stay awake for the duration of the night, yet somehow, sleep overtook me quickly in the exhaustion of a full day’s hike, and I awoke fully refreshed.

And then there was the next morning, awakening to the water lapping softly below us, and the smell of a cooking fire. It’s a curious thing about cooking outdoors; the multitude of aromas – the burning wood, the pine trees, the wind from the lake – every thing adds its flavor. I remember being quite sure that the pancakes which my dad cooked that morning were the best thing that I had ever tasted.

Our first basic backpacking trip was over far too quickly. Nine days and it was over – such a paltry duration when confronted with the infinite expanse of nature. I remember on the last day, my dad showed me on a map where we had been – that little speck, the lake we first camped beside, that tiny snake, the ridge that had seemed to mighty as we climbed it, the ridge that skinned my knees twice and left my legs throbbing. It was tiny, a little patch of knowledge drowning in a massive sea of green. I didn’t know whether to despair or laugh, seeing how much there was to explore – so much that in a dozen life times, I would never see it all. Finally I chose laughter, and though I still have seen but a speck of the whole spectacular natural world, and will never see it all, I have returned many times to try.

The average temperature of the world is steadily rising. This is going to disturb the ecosystem. The ecosystem will adjust to the rising temperature by changing its characteristics. Many species will find that they no longer can survive in their changed habitat. They may either perish or try to move out in search of other areas where they can survive. When the polar ice caps melt, the polar bear will find difficulties in surviving. The salmon and trout will no longer find the wetlands and freshwater ecosystem able to feed them.

The data collected by scientists from all over the world indicate that there is indeed an ecological crisis of large magnitude. Amongst the various environmental problems that we are confronted with, climate change and global warming stand at the top. Generally three approaches have been adopted to combat these environmental problems. Protection and conservation of unique ecosystems is given the top priority. Under this approach, unique ecosystems that ought to be protected are identified across the world. These include such ecosystems as marine, forest, coastal, fresh water, wetland, desert, glaciers, ice caps and rivers. Generally development is restricted in these areas if not completely kept out. The second approach focuses on changing attitudes and behaviors of people through awareness of nature, environment and ecological crisis. The third focuses on strategies for combating ecological crisis. This includes such areas as development of green technologies, shift to renewable resources from the current dependence on non-renewable resources, and sustainable development.

Becoming conscious about environment, ecological crisis and nature is the way to change attitudes and behaviors. An effective way to develop this sensitivity is by encouraging people to visit nature preserves and to have an intense live in experience. The camper interacts with all the elements in nature with respect in order to develop a better appreciation of nature. The visitor learns to respect local cultures which are grounded in dependency and respect for nature. The experience is strong when the visitor lives in camping tents. Tents come in various sizes. Their capacities to withstand the rain, cold and the wind differ. The Kelty Mantra 7 tent, for instance, is able to withstand strong winds. Designed to accommodate seven persons, the tent is a waterproof three season tent.

The campers bring with them a set of items that are essential for a good camping experience. This includes sleeping bag, first aid, flashlight, hammer, and utensils amongst others. These are brought to the camp sites in backpacks. During their stay they observe and study nature. They keenly watch the birds, animals, insects and the plant kingdom. They see how there is a mutual dependence amongst them. They are able to understand the relationship that exists between species.

I’m going to be completely honest with you. If you have not hiked half dome at least once in your life, your life has been a waste! Too strong? Maybe. But seriously, Half dome is just one of those hikes you DO NOT want to miss out on. I can’t describe it any other way than simply saying it is one incredible hike. One that everybody should have the chance to enjoy in their lifetime.

Before I get talking about the actual hiking of half dome, let me tell you a couple things about safety, preparedness, etc. Make sure to read this if you’ve never hiked half dome. Hiking half dome is approximately a 17 mile round trip, with an approximate elevation change of 5000 Ft. Obviously that’s a pretty intense day hike. First of all, you’re going to want to be in shape for this one. People of most levels of fitness can accomplish this hike, Let’s be real though, you’re going to enjoy it a lot more if your calves aren’t on fire, your ankles don’t hurt the whole time, and you’re not constantly out of breath.  Secondly, prepare! Make sure that the night before you eat a big high carbohydrate (low fat and low protein dinner), followed by a good solid breakfast the day of. Make sure to bring a good lunch with you and plenty of snacks. I prefer to bring lots of energy bars, like cliffhanger, etc. along with other snacks. Bring lots of water. A camelback back pack with the bladder filled to the brim and two extra waterbottles should keep you going quite nicely. This could be more water than you need, but preparedness for unforseen happenings is always good. A waterfilter or iodine tablets is also something I highly recommend. Never hesitate to fill up on water when you get the chance. And very importantly, don’t skimp on your footwear. Be sure that your boots/shoes are broken in and comfortable. Obviously dress appropriately for the season in which you go: shorts and T-shirt will be good for summer, along with a hat and maybe some sunglasses and sunscreen. Make sure to pack a flashlight! My group would’ve been up the creek without a paddle had I not thought to bring a flashlight the first time I went. It gets dark quickly! Also, bring toiletpaper, although there are bathrooms on the trail, you never know when nature’s gonna call. And for everybody’s sake, bury your duty far off the trail, please ;). Lastly, there’s no substitute for common sense, so make sure you pack that too!

The trail to half dome starts out at the Happy Isles trail head. From there you will want to take the John Muir Trail east along the Merced river. It’s pretty easy to find your way from there. The hike to Half dome is filled with some gorgeous scenery, but there are a couple acceptional sights to see. Such as the waterfalls you will pass on the way. Although not super spectacular or anything, walking along the Merced river is very calming and just neat, I don’t know how else to explain it! My favorite part of the whole hike other than climbing half-dome itself are the rocky switchbacks just before half-dome. They’re part hiking part rock-climbing.   And obviously the best part is climbing half-dome itself. This will probably be the most strenous part of the hike for many as you’re going to have to use a lot of upper body strength to pull yourself up the cables. However anyone who is fairly physically fit shouldn’t have too much of a problem.

IMPORTANT: Check to make sure that the cables will be up before you go!   Park rangers take down the cables when they deem conditions too dangerous to be climbing in. The cables should be up most of the summer of 2009. Make sure to watch out for thunderstorms. There’s been a couple of deaths on half dome from lightning strikes. Im sure there can’t be a worse place to be in all of Yosemite during a thunderstorm!

Now you’re going to want to leave early in the morning to try and make it back before it gets too dark. Around 6 or so is a good time to leave. Of course you’ve got the longer days on your side in the summer months. Even so, I once left around that time and ended up getting back at 11 o’clock at night, I attributed this to my hiking with some rather inexperienced female hikers. And it probably didn’t help that we were all pretty sore from lots of bike-riding the day before. The moral of this story being, make sure you don’t do anything too strenous the day before.

For a bit more on yosemite and some other not so extreme hiking trails, check out: Hike hard- Yosemite

Urban life is fast and unrelentingly monotonous. There is hardly any time to think about nature and be one with nature. Nevertheless, so much has gone into making urban life what it is. Technologies have transformed nature in vast parts of the earth with human imagination knowing no bounds. The earth is heating up. The green house gases as carbon dioxide is one of the main causes. The harmful radiation from the sun is penetrating through the holes in the ozone layer that has all along been protecting us. There are now heated discussions on how to combat climate change. Draughts, floods, tsunamis, forest fires, cyclones, the receding of the polar ice caps and the rise of sea levels are taking its toll.

With increased knowledge and awareness about the environment and environmental crisis, there is increased involvement of people to protect and conserve nature. There is a passionate determination to defend the areas rich in nature and not yet modified significantly by man. More and more people are planning their trips to such areas. These could be the forests, mountains or the wild life sanctuaries. It does not matter that these areas do not have the facilities that we are used to. In fact, many prefer to visit areas that do not have these facilities so that they can really live it out.

Camping sites are identified and set up in many of these areas. There are also places where such facilities are not there. Visitors are allowed to enter some areas during particular seasons only. Taking along with you some essential things for survival is a good idea when you are visiting areas where there are no facilities. You could pack them up and bring it along in your backpack. The things that you are likely to need are available in the camping equipment stores. Camping tent is one such essential item. They come in different sizes and models. There are camping tents for one to even ten persons. The Kelty Green River 6 review is for instance all about a two season tent designed used for car camping. They are large and are also make a useful base camp tent. It has a door and no windows. It is meant for a family of six.

The tent should be able to hold against and protect you from the chill winds and the rains. It should not be difficult to set up without any harm to the surroundings. Many websites offer you tents which you can check out and buy.

We have been using nature in a perilous manner for our progress. Plenty of data has now been gathered by environment scientists to indicate that there is a looming ecological crisis ahead of us. The air, water and land have been polluted beyond its ability to recover. We now are left with no choice but to head for zero level pollution.

Most of our energy needs are supplied by fossil fuel such as coal and petroleum. We depend on minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, aluminum and a host of other metals which are all non-renewable. These are polluting. They are also depleting fast. These raw materials come under the category of non-renewable energy source. What then is required is a steady reduction of the consumption of these non-renewable resources. Instead we need to work out ways to substitute these non-renewable resources with renewable resources. There are the renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels. Scarce natural resources such as water, air and land are to conserved and used in a sustainable manner.

In order to appreciate the nature in its full glory, camping in locations rich in nature is to be encouraged and welcomed. Visitors are to bring with them all that they would need for their basic survival in their rucksack. Primary amongst them would be sleeping bag and camping tent. There are various kinds of camping tents available from the camping equipment stores. There is the one season tent to the four season or all season tents. There are tents which can accommodate one person to as much as ten people. The North Face VE 25 tent is a light four-season, dual door, dual vestibule, waterproof tent with a bucket floor design. These tents can also be purchased online as are many of the camping equipments that you may need.

It is necessary to protect and preserve untouched and unique ecosystems. We need to protect the endangered and threatened species. Biospheres and nature reserves are to be established for the preservation of biodiversity. We should begin moving away from the highly consumerist lifestyle to a simple living. This will be a fulfilling experience.

If you plan on getting more serious with bow hunting, you need to find the right equipment for the sport. Searching for top-quality bow, arrow, and accessories like gloves should be given due priority. There is an extensive availability of Bow Hunting Equipment sold in land-based shops and over the web nowadays. There are carbon or aluminum arrows available, although aluminum is the more popular option. As for archery bows, there are many styles you can choose from such as longbows and crossbows. Youth bows are perfect for younger ones. Choosing the bow you are most comfortable using is highly essential in bow hunting.

The newest gadgets, ultralight backpacking gear, and other camping necessities are now showcased on the different forms of media. New camp destinations are also featured on magazines and television programs. These “new and improved” products and newly discovered “haven for campers” are a bait to both professional and amateur campers. They also encourage non-camping people to try the activity whether for the purpose of hobby, leisure or sports.

But before joining the circle of campers, a beginner must keep in mind the basics of backpacking. Unlike professionals and non-beginners, first-time backpackers need to familiarize themselves more with the fundamentals.

Here are the things a beginner must remember when going to a camping/backpacking activity:

1.    Choose the right pair of boots
-    Boots are considered the most important gear in camping or backpacking. Aside from protecting the feet, boots help the camper navigate at ease. One has to choose the pair that fits perfectly to his feet.

2.    Choose the right backpack
-    Backpack comes in different sizes and styles. But not because the bag looks big, it is the best to buy. Choose a bag that can contain more but is not too bulky to carry. ultralight backpacking gear Is always a good bet

3.    Choose the right tent
-    A big sized tent is the best for camping. A spacious tent will not only allow the camper to outstretch his body while sleeping, but will also allow air to circulate freely. Buy the tent with a good ventilation system.

4.    Travel light
-    Don’t bring everything. Eliminate the stuff that is not necessary for the camping.

The following are a must:

a.    Water (at least 1 litre for short hikes)
b.    Compass or Map
c.    Extra light clothes
d.    Matches
e.    Swiss Knife
f.    First aid kit
g.    Rain gear
h.    Food
i.    Flashlight
j.    Personals (toothbrush, soap, shampoo etc.)
k.    Cooking equipment (stove, pan, dipper )

5.    Bring the right food
-    Do not bring foods that are easily spoiled. Canned foods are ideal. Avoid foods with sauces and broth that might spill onto other stuff in your bag. Do not bring fruits. Foods rich in carbohydrates like noodles, rice and cheese are essential. However, food is no big deal. Juts make sure it won’t spill or get spoiled.

These basic reminders should not keep a beginner restricted or burdened with when hiking or camping. He is free to do, to eat and to wear anything he wants, making sure it will not compromise his safety and comfort.

Whether a beginner or a professional, either for leisure or for sports, the most important thing is that the camper enjoys themselves.

It’s a sad fact but people are enjoying the outside less and less these days. TV and computers have taken over a lot of people lives and this is having dramatic medical implications all across the country. One of the most effective ways of getting to enjoy the outdoors again and understanding how good it can make you feel, is sport. Here is a look at 3 great sports that almost anyone can enjoy?

Biking. Cycling is one of those things that you learn as a child and never forget. You can pick up great second hand bikes nowadays for next to nothing and you can look up good cycle routes on the internet very easily. Further more, cycling is great for anyone who has been out of exercise for a long time or has lost all their confidence as you can ride as vigorously or as gentle as you want to

Kayaking. If you’re a little more adventurous and like being on the open water then kayaking is the sport for you. Like mountain bikes there are plenty of water-tight used kayaks around and all you need other than that is an oar and a life jacket. Make sure you get some training first so that you know what to do in the event of an accident, but after that you can go exploring to your heart content.

Surfing. If you’ve managed to stay dry in the kayak and fancy getting your hair wet then why not find some friends, grab a number of surfboards and hit the beach. If you begin by just trying to surf on your tummy you’ll pick it up quite quickly, after which time you can progress onto standing. Remember to take your car keys out of your pocket first however, as it could be a long walk home otherwise