Make your Hardwood floor Dazzle

Make your Hardwood floor Dazzle

So you have my last article on how to buy the best hardwood floor article and bought the best hardwood floor. You have installed it and it looks beautiful. Does’nt it? I love the hardwood floor look and I am sure so do you. Now you got a new job at hand, how to keep your hardwood floors clean. Well I will take it a little further and give you tips on how to make it dazzle.

First remember that you have invested a lot and hardwood floors are a lifetime investment. If you want to keep it for a long time then its very important that you keep it clean and scratch free.

1– Place Protector pads on ALL furniture legs on wood floor

2– Place walk off mats on areas, which are in constant use.

3–Sweeping, mopping is very useful and so is vacuum cleaning to remove that dirty dirt.

Periodic cleaning and following maintenance tips provided by the hardwood floor manufacturer is very helpful. Now-a-days we get a full instruction manual on how to clean the hardwood floors and maintain it so for a long time.

Also keep the hardwood floor scratch free. Scratches from cats nails are not so easily preventable.

Use of wood cleaners will help you a long way in keeping you floors shiny.

Floors should be swept regularly, and dust mops are recommended for dust.

Use of water is not recommended if the finish is already damaged

Hardwood floors need regular and careful cleaning with suggested wood cleaners to enhance their life and beauty.It will serve you a long way.

About the Author

Visit our site www.deluxehardwoodfloors.com for more information

October 16th, 2007 | 1 Comment »

Having Fun Making Arrows and Practice Archery While Camping

Next time when you go out camping, try to play with archery. It is fun-filled activity and can give you great way for entertainment and sense of accomplishment.

Read further to find intructions on how to prepare the target, making arrows and archery techniques.

The Target -

A target can be made of a burlap sack, or oil cloth, about five feet square. Stuff this with hay or straw.

It may be flattened by a few quilting stitches put right through with a long packing needle. On this the target is painted.

In scoring, the centre is 9, the next circle 7, the next 5, the next 3 and the last circle 1. The shortest match range for the target is forty yards.

Making Arrows -

Arrows are divided into three parts: the head, sometimes called the pile, the shaft and the feathers.

For target, practice a wire nail driven into the end of the pile with the head of the nail filed off and pointed, makes an excellent head.

The shaft is generally made of hickory, ash, elm or pine, and its length is dependent upon that of the bow. For a five-foot bow, make the length two feet and the width and thickness about one-half inch.

Feathering is the next operation. Turkey and goose feathers are generally used.

Strip off the broader side of the vane of three feathers and glue them to the shaft one inch and a quarter from the notch, spacing them equally from each other.

One feather should be placed at right angles to the notch. This is known as the cock feather and should always point away from the bow when the arrow is shot.

Archery -

The archery rules for the five essential points are these:

1. Standing:

In taking position to draw the bow, the heels must be seven to eight inches apart, feet firm on the ground, yet easy and springy, not rigid.

2. Nocking:

This is manipulating the bow string. Hold the string with two fingers and the arrow between the first and second fingers. Grip firmly, but not so as to give awkwardness to any finger.

3. Drawing:

In drawing stand with the left shoulder toward the target, turning the head only from the neck and looking over the left shoulder.

Then raise the bow with the left hand, keeping the upper end inclined one or two degrees from the body. With the right hand draw the arrow to chin-level and below the ear.

4. Holding:

Steady the aim a moment and keep the point of aim directly in view, looking along the whole length of the arrow.

5. Loosing:

In letting the arrow go, do not jerk, but loose smoothly, and be certain your bow arm does not move when loosing. To get a clean, sharp loose is more than half way to hitting the target.

Happy camping!

 

Welcome to allcampings.com ( http://www.allcampings.com ), the Best Outdoor Action Guide about camping. Information on trip planning, clothing, travel, other camping skills, and much more…

October 15th, 2007 | No Comments »

Affordable Camping Gear - Secrets to Having Fun While Saving

Going camping is an enjoyable event that creates memories for a lifetime. Being able to find affordable, quality camping gear makes taking that camping trip that much easier. Camping is known to be one of the most economical vacation and now with more affordable camping gear being a lot easier to obtain camping is really a great alternative to those expensive vacations.

Going camping should be all about the fun of spending time with your best buds in the outdoors, not worrying about if after the trip you will have enough money to pay next months rent.

By doing a few searches online you can find many great deals on tents, backpacks and other camping gear. Having slightly used items usually isn’t that bad and can save significant amounts of money.

Some of the first places I check for affordable camping gear is the local used sporting good stores, pawn shops and garage sales.

After that I go to Ebay.com and do a few searches for people placing their camping gear up for auction. You can find many affordable items via Ebay alone.

I recommend that you purchase any clothing goods new. While this can drive up costs a little their is something weird about wearing someone else’s pants, shoes or hats. This is more of a personal preference kind of thing.

What should you research when buying a slightly used piece of camping gear?

Look over the gear and look for any wear marks, rips, cuts or scrapes. Anything that might make the item unsafe or unusable. If you do see such potential quality blemishes it is best to avoid buying the item or ask for a substantially reduced price.

If you are buying off the internet make sure the seller has a guarantee on quality, if they do not list such a guarantee then ask the seller before buying or bidding.

Following these simple few steps can help you save money and headache when buying affordable camping gear.

 

Camping Gear

http://www.onlycamping.com

October 15th, 2007 | No Comments »

Camping on the Beach: Where to Go and How Not to Get Caught

Alas, ye old hippy … endless sand, driftwood shacks and long nights passed in a ganga haze are getting harder and harder to source. Once the defining notion of a life without strings, setting up camp on a beach is no longer a simple matter… it requires planning and effort, and even then, the man may have arrived first. Said old hippy will recall the days when Long Beach on Vancouver Island was awash in tie-dye, macrame and a come-what-may vibe. Modern day libertarians are faced with a different tune. Long Beach has long been closed to camping, and those beaches that are still open require a kayak or backpack to get to, and a willingness to play by the rules. Here’s a quote from the BC Parks Service admonishing those who plunk themselves down without proper regard for authority … random campers will be asked to move to one of the designated campsites. Camping in areas other than designated campsites is a violation under various Acts, which are rigidly enforced … Ouch; and they want money to boot. Likewise, in the US the National Park Service makes it clear that, while camping may be still be allowed in some of their parks, its not going to be much fun: Open fires are prohibited; use a backcountry stove for cooking. Campsites must be north of the primary dune, not in sight of the beach, in a sandy area with no vegetation, and at least one mile inside the wilderness boundary. There are limited dune crossings from the wilderness to the beach. Dogs and other pets are not allowed during plover nesting season: March 1 - Labor Day; at other times they are permitted but must be on a 6′ leash at all times. So much for bringing the dog. And, lest the old hippy begins to think such restrictions are a North American phenomena, the same officious government meddlers have applied rules and regulations to beaches in Thailand, Costa Rica, Australia, South Africa and just about anywhere else intrepid freedom lovers may choose to gather. Restrictions, of course, make sense; peripatetic wanderers have colonized the globe to the degree that there is no place truly untouched. The idea that an individual can "leave no trace" has been largely discounted, and even those who make the attempt must still admit, that as their numbers increase, the ideal becomes only that; an ideal and not a practical reality. No matter what we may wish, or say, or do, our passing leaves an imprint on the environment, and this is particularly true of the pristine environments nature lovers most covet. Every mountaineer knows the disappointment of having attained a summit only to find bootprints left by the previous party. Likewise, every sailor, kayaker and canoer can relate stories of running into long lost classmates 7 days from put-in. Unbelievably, Mount Rainier National Park plays host to more than 2 million visitors a year. With that in mind, old gray beard shouldn’t be surprised that he’s been caught in the corral. So what’s he to do? "Work harder, go further, don’t get caught." Such is the advice offered by those who pursue those pristine beaches with a passion. Isla Espiritu Santo, just off La Paz on the Baja Peninsula proves the point. Designated a global conservation priority by The Nature Conservancy, it has all the qualities a adventure traveler may wish. It, and the surrounding islands are chock-a-block with picturesque beaches, mangrove lagoons, rock formations and sea life. They are also chock-a-block with eco-tour groups, charter boats, and an assortment of independent travelers intent on getting their fix of mother nature. And therein lies the challenge … while its possible to find a deserted beach one must be prepared to make more effort than the almost anybody else to get there. In the Sea of Cortez, what this means is finding an Island with no water supply, and just that much further off the beaten path, than the organized tours companies are prepared to push their guests. Likewise, Playa Naranjo in Costa Rica, a beautiful, kilometers-long, pale gray sand beach that is legendary in surfing lore for its steep, powerful tubular waves and for Witches Rock rising like a sentinel out of the water is on the map … it is every bit worth the effort, but be forewarned, others have been there before. Off season may just be the best time to go … Getting Away With It … So that said, it’s Thursday afternoon and you’ve got a deep longing to hop in a woody, drive less than two hours, and set up camp in the sand. To get away with it you’re going to need some luck and some planning. Here’s what you do — - arrive after dark - go solo or in pairs - small groups attract less attention - keep a low profile - a low tent behind a dune is much less visible than a 6 person department store special - no fires - damn! - no light - have you ever seen tent lit from within? - no noise - the stereo stays at home - clean up after yourself - no trash, no trail, no evidence In short, act like that old hippy should have acted 20 years; respect the beach and respect those that follow.

October 14th, 2007 | No Comments »

Camping and Outdoor Activities

Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to get ourselves involved with nature. National Parks can provide an excellent backdrop for some of your outdoor activities.
Activities such as hiking, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, white water rafting and kayaking, skiing, rock climbing and mountaineering are just a few of the sports you might want to include on your camping adventure.

It?s important when traveling to bring along the proper clothing. Always include some rain and windwear, a fleece jacket is also a good idea. A first aid kit and plenty of drinking water should always be available. Of course if you are planning on doing any outdoor activities in the winter you will need more clothing etc. Bring along your bicycles and hiking boots if you have them. Usually equipment rentals will be available for activities you don?t usually do.

Whatever outdoor activity you decide on pursuing, it?s always a
great idea to do a little research. Most of the National Parks
you will be visiting have excellent web sites that you can look
into and see what sort of hiking trails and activities are
available. Information such as popular points of interest in the
parks will also be available in travel books and park brochures.
Depending on where you will be staying you can also research the
area you will be visiting for information on bicycle rentals,
kayak rentals and lessons, and boating. There will be different
outfitters available in the area that may offer excursions and
rentals through the park you are visiting.

One of the most convenient and popular camping activities is
hiking trails. For some people a hike can consist of a simple
walk around the park, while others prefer a much lengthier hike.
Regardless of what sort of hike you will be taking, a little
preparation will go a long way in ensuring a comfortable
journey. Hiking trails offer highly scenic and incredible
views of nature. Hiking is a wonderful way to view nature at
its finest, as the parks really are preserving special pieces
of our wilderness. Depending on what park you will be hiking,
the trails will offer different ranges of difficulty levels.
Many trails will lead to scenic vistas as easy hikes, while
other hikes may be significantly more challenging and too steep
for some.

Always be prepared for the weather when hiking, carry a daypack
with some water, a rain/wind jacket, a fleece/wool jacket or
sweater, a first aid kit and some food. Good hiking boots are
essential. On some of your hikes it is quite likely you will
come across wildlife such as moose, black bears and grizzly
bears, big horn sheep and deer. It is a good idea to know what
you should and should not do when coming across animals, parks
often will have signs up if animals have been sighted in the
campground.

Fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy the sport and see beautiful
streams, ocean, lakes and rivers all over the United States.
National Parks offer both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Check with the state fishing regulations for exact dates and
detailed fishing information, including proper license
requirements. Some fishing opportunities will require overnight
backcountry use permits. It is always important to respect the
park you are fishing in to maintain the quality waters that
protect the natural fish populations and food sources for bald
eagles, ospreys and otters among others.

Cycling is an excellent and convenient way to explore the
national park or area where you are staying. Bringing along
bicycles allows you to just get up and go wherever you are. It
is important to check beforehand as to where cycling is allowed.
Most National Parks only allow biking on the paved and
backcountry dirt roads throughout the parks. Most hiking trails
do not allow bicycles. Most of your cycling through the parks
will be done on the same roads used for cars, for this reason
special caution should be used; stay alert and be visible using
both head and tail lights along with reflective clothing. Look
into the area you will be camping in, there may be trails
available specifically for cycling.

Horseback riding might be a fun and exciting option while
visiting a national park. Several parks offer gravel roads for
horseback riding, certain parks also have horse rentals and
guided excursions available. A list of stables and outfitters
can be obtained at visitor centers, or checked through travel
guides and brochures.

Whitewater rafting is one of the most unique and invigorating
ways to visit a parks backcountry. Some of the most incredible
National Parks may have river rafting excursions that travel
through the park, the river rafting is usually offered by
various companies and outfitters. If whitewater rafting sounds
a bit too dangerous, perhaps a kayaking excursion through one of
the splendid rivers would seem wiser. Imagine kayaking through
one of the popular National Parks past geysers, hot spring and
mud pots. Kayaking is a wonderful way to explore areas that are
untouched by vehicle or foot traffic.

Cross country skiing is another popular way for the whole family
to visit and see beautiful winter landscapes. Many parks have
several excellent trails available for cross country skiing.
Several National Parks will offer novice, intermediate and
advanced trails for skiing. Cross country skiing is a wonderful
way to experience the parks wilderness during the winter season.
Snowshoeing trails may also be available in parks.

The U.S. National Parks offer some of the most incredible rock
climbing and mountaineering pursuits in the world. Rock climbing
and mountaineering are usually sports reserved for people with
a bit of experience. Rock climbing and mountaineering can offer
wonderful and different perspectives of the landscapes. Both
sports demand having the proper equipment and knowledge for
safety reasons. Many National Parks offer established climbing
routes that will have a wide range of difficulty levels; usually
no permits are needed, unless an overnight stay in backcountry is
involved. It is important to check weather conditions beforehand
and use caution, never climb alone.

What better way to experience some of the most beautiful scenery
in the world than with some fun outdoor activities. The options
for outdoor activities are endless. Whether you decide to visit
any of the amazing National Parks or choose to go camping in a
favorite spot the list is limitless. Many of the activities you
might be interested in will be available in the towns near the
parks. Various outfitters and companies outside some of the
popular National Parks will offer excursions that go into the
parks. Whatever activity you decide to enjoy, it is always wise
to do a little research to know ahead of time what to expect,
always check what the weather conditions will be to avoid any
dangerous situations.
About the author:

Best Camping Supplies is a resources site owned and operated by
Valerie Giles. It features tents, campers, fishing gear, boats,
kayaks and outerwear, making your camping experience enjoyable.
Everything for camping enthusiasts at reasonable prices!
http://www.best-camping-supplies.com

October 14th, 2007 | No Comments »

Conversion Van Camping Tips

Conversion van camping doesn’t give you the luxury of life in an RV, nor the discomfort of sleeping in a tent. It can be tough to safely heat a van at night, but it’s cheap compared to an RV, and you can go places they cannot. We spent more than 25 nights sleeping in our conversion van last year.

Life In A Conversion Van

Make your van into something that’s useable for you, especially if it’s going to be your residence for days or weeks at a time. For my wife and I, this meant having space to move around. We took out the two middle seats which, I convinced Ana, would be good armchairs for the living room. Then we had enough space for dressing or cooking. The bench-seat in back folds out into a comfortable bed, so we were all set for camping.

When traveling, you need a system of organization to keep your space inside the van livable. After our first long trip, we noticed the many things we never used. We got more efficient after that. We’re also able to keep the space open, despite carrying many things, by using plastic storage tubs you can buy almost anywhere. They stack well, and if you need more room at night, you can put them on the roof. They’re rainproof with the lids snapped on.

Heating A Conversion Van

Camping in a van can be cold at times, as it was for us in the deserts of Arizona last winter. We started the van and cranked up the heater once in a while, but only for brief periods. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is just too great to leave the car running while you are sleeping.

We also cooked to heat up the van. Our propane camp stove burned very clean. Any time it was cold, it was time to cook dinner, breakfast, or tea. This heated up the van nicely. Again, because of carbon monoxide, I wouldn’t recommend ever sleeping with a propane burner going. Still, sometimes a quick warm-up is all you need before you crawl under the blankets for the night.

The secret to heating a conversion van when camping is to give up. Enjoy meal time warm-ups, but unless you have electric power, I don’t know of a safe way to heat a van all night. Instead, you can heat yourselves. Wear warm clothing. Bring more blankets than you think you’ll need. Prepare a thermos bottle full of hot coffee each night, so it will be waitng for you in the morning. You get to warm the van when you make it, and warm up yourselves drinking it for breakfast.

Advantages Of Conversion Van Camping

Traveling and camping in a conversion van costs less than in an RV. The initial cost is a lot less if you buy used, as we did, and the cost of driving it is substantialy less. We averaged 18 miles per gallon on our last cross-country trip. Most recreational vehicles are lucky to get half of that, and they’re very expensive to maintain.

Compared with tent camping, a van is much more comfortable. Even if you backpack, you are probably going to drive some kind of car to wherever you go. With a van, you can come inside if it starts to rain. If you’re backpacking a long way from home, you can save on motels on the drive to and from the trailhead.

Camping can be more comfortable in an RV, but not in all ways. It’s nice, for example, to park anywhere. We’ve taken naps in parking lots, and nobody was the wiser, thanks to tinted windows, curtains, and the inconspicuousness of a van. At a free campground in Florida we got the best spot, on a bank overlooking Lake Talquin, because our van was small enough to fit there, unlike most of the RVs.

It’s great to be able to drive anywhere. In the conversion van, camping wherever we are when it gets dark is no problem. Finally, some larger RVs drag a car around because the big rig just isn’t practical for daily driving. Our coversion van is a second home AND our primary vehicle for shopping or going to work. That’s flexibilty.

 

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

October 13th, 2007 | No Comments »

Sports and Camping Tents to Keep Warm and Dry

If you’re planning on a trip to a colder climate to do some camping you’re going to want to buy a tent for your cold camping nights that will keep you warm and dry. When you camp in colder climates you’ll need to have tents that can withstand the harsher climate of the north. When you’re choosing what type of a tent to buy there are certain criteria that you’ll need to base your decision on. Some of the things that you’ll need to consider are how many people will be using the tent, will you be using the tent just for sleeping or for sleeping and cooking, what time of the year that you’re going to be traveling, and how long you’ll be staying on your camping trip. Once you have the answers to these questions you can narrow down your search for the right tent for you. There are two different types of tents that you can choose from: tents that supported by poles and tents that are considered to be free standing. Tents that are supported by poles will also need to have ropes on the outside of the tent that harness the tent to the pegs set into the ground to help support the poles. If you’re traveling to the Arctic to do some camping you might want to choose a pole tent such as the Labrador tents, which are durable and reliable in the northern climate. Tents that are considered to be free standing have a frame that is sturdier than pole tents. Even though these tents are completely free standing you might find that winds in a northern climate cause it to shake and bend. One thing that you should keep in mind when you’re camping in colder climates is that there may often not be ground available to drive the stakes of the tent into, since there will be a lot of rock, or frozen ground. If you have to pitch your tent on rock try to find a surface that is relatively level and near some smaller rocks. This way you can tie tent lines to the rocks and still have a sturdy tent.

October 13th, 2007 | No Comments »

A Tent Heater will keep you warm and cozy when camping

Are you ready to go camping with your new tent heater and camping equipment. Ok so you’ve been camping for a while now and you want to venture into unchartered territory. You’ve always camped in the spring and summer but now your ready to try fall and winter camping. There can be very cold nights depending on what campground you choose so what could be the best thing to avoid a chill? Why a heater of course. The military have been using gas catalytic tent heaters for ages now and campers have jumped on the bandwagon.

Tent heaters are lightweight and portable, designed for use indoors or out. Wall Tent camping heaters are usually propane gas and some can heat up to 200 sq ft or a 6-man tent. Features include quick and safe spark-to-light ignition and automatic low-oxygen shutoff.

Coleman Black Cat Portable Heater (OGTHOOOO1004) with electronic ignition has an advanced platinum catalytic combustion system that converts propane into heat energy at 850 degrees F just below ignition point of most flammable materials. Features include an electronic ignition, adjustable high/low temperature setting, compact legs for easy storage, easy to grip handle. Aprox. 3lbs and runs for 7 hours on a single propane cylinder.

Other popular heaters for tents include Masterglo, Mr. Heater MH24T double heat and Streamlight 33202 ProPolymer with LED flashlight. Other items to keep you warm on your camping trip at night include an air mattress or foam sleeping pad, a mummy sleeping bag and bag liner, dome tent, extra blankets and of course hot chocolate
About the Author

Fatima Medeiros is a successful author and publisher of http://www.discount-camping-gear.org. Get information on camping gear, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, furniture, and cookware.

October 12th, 2007 | No Comments »

How to Pick Warm Comfortable Sleeping Bags For Camping.

Should sleeping bags be made of down or synthetic? What sleeping bag is best for camping, hiking or backpacking? A guide to make your decision easier.

First off it should at least be rated for the lowest possible temperature you’ll encounter. You may want to even go a little lower just to be on the safe side.

Obviously the main purpose is to hold your body heat in to insulate you from the cooler air. So the better the insulation holds your body heat in the warmer and more comfortable you’re going to be.

Insulation

Down-the filamentous and fluffy layer underneath the feathers. Positives: All being equal down is warmer, lighter, more comfortable, compresses smaller, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Goose down is the standard others are compared to. The more it lofts the better it insulates. This is known as fill-power, the higher the number the better it retains heat.

Negatives: Down looses most all of it’s insulating properties when wet, takes a long time to dry outdoors, is more expensive short-term, and may require professional cleaning.

Synthetic- These are usually hollow plastic threads that serve to trap warm air. Positives: Synthetic sleeping bags retain heat better when wet, costs less short-term when compared to the same temperature rating as down, dries quicker than down, and is hypo-allergenic. It’s usually well-suited for recreational use, but consider your own individual needs.

Negatives: They’re bulkier, heavier, less conforming, and can lose their insulating properties after a few seasons of hard use because of breakdown. More expensive long-term.

Shapes/Styles

Child’s/Kid sleeping bags- A kid has a harder time staying warm than an adult, so keep this in mind when you’re getting them a sleeping bag. A cool summer night can chill a child quickly so consider a mummy bag like the Tigger by North Face to keep them warm and cozy.

Mummy- Provides more warmth for cold conditions and is more compact/lighter when packed. The narrow cut and insulated hood means less air for your body to heat. This bag is wide at the shoulders and narrows down to the feet. The drawback is it restricts movement. That said the Marmot Sawtooth sleeping bag is a good light 3-season 15 Degree down sleeping bag ideal for backpacking.

Rectangular- These sleeping bags are ideal for campground camping because they give you more room to move around in. They’re not suited for the winter due to the larger area you have to heat and the open top design. This is the best design for double sleeping bags, usually you can just zip two of the same kind together. Not for weight conscious backpacking and hiking gear enthusiasts.

Semi-Rectangular- A combination of the mummy and rectangular sleeping bags this hybrid splits the middle between room to move and warmth.

Comfort Ratings- The "comfort rating" is the minimum temperature that a sleeping bag is designed for. Of course this is just an approximation as people tolerate temperature differently. If in doubt go…

If you’d like more information on sleeping bags click here for the rest of the article. You may also want to take a look at this related article on how to pick a great camping tent.

About the Author

Marc learned about quality gear when his tent flooded forcing him to sleep in his tiny 2-seat Honda CRX. His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable info. FREE! ? Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

October 12th, 2007 | No Comments »

Camping and Trekking in the National Parks-Your Heritage

National parks and reserves, although blessed with all the beauty and exciting locations for great memorable adventures, can be very rugged places as well ,with no consideration for man kind.Conditions may change from good to bad in a short time If you intend to visit these locations it is important to be prepared and also to act in a responsible manner to sustain this great ecosystem for your own well being and generations to come. .Some ideas would be; ? have an experienced person/guide as part of the party and possibly no less than three people so one can stay and one can go for help if one of the party gets into trouble. ? don’t plan activities beyond the physical capacity of the "weakest link" with activities such as hiking/mountain biking/,canoeing/climbing etc ? if available ,contact the park office regarding the condition of tracks and roads , the levels of the rivers,fire bans,landslides etc [ if there is a fire ban you may need to take a small gas stove or carry pre cooked foods ] ? allow sufficient time to do every thing you set out to do so you can get back before nightfall; [some days are longer than others at different times of the year] ? before departure , make sure somebody not going with you knows where / when , you plan to return and where you are going in case things go wrong ; and don’t forget to tell them all is good upon your safe return. ? Carry extra food / water in case the excursion takes longer than expected. ? Carry at least; torches plenty lightweight food plastic bags for rubbish water plus warmweather for the worst weather possible rain coats/ poncho’s first aid / insect repellent / sunscreen space blanket compass/ map / gps matches / lighter The weather may change dramatically in a short time especially in the alpine areas, so carry warm clothes even if it is nice and sunny when you start off. Should you choose to carry your mobile check to see if your provider has coverage in the area otherwise this would be a waste of time. Supervise children closely for loose rocks,cliffs,dangerous animals/plants,slippery rocks etc Any fires should be completely extinguished to prevent a fire outbreak that you or anybody else may not outrun……severe penalties apply . Keep to established tracks and respect fences and handrails Don’t encourage the local wildlife especially the bears;- in case they make a late night gourmet rendezvous through your tent ; don’t bury the food scraps as they will only dig them up again. If you decide to go swimming , never dive straight in , and check for submerged rocks and logs and keep an eye out for broken glass because if somebody cuts their foot open that will be the end of your adventure So there you have a rough guideline for a successful day trip; so off you go and enjoy the great land that has been preserved for you and generations to come !

October 11th, 2007 | No Comments »