Archive for the ‘General Outdoors’ Category
How to Stay Safe in a Thunderstorm
Lightning storms are most common in the spring and summer but can occur at any time of the year
Summer in North America is storm season. Thunderstorms bring lightning, strong winds, heavy rain and of course thunder. Memories of summer storms range from watching the lightning flash across the sky on a hot humid night to children (and even some adults and their pets) hiding under their beds waiting for the storm to pass. There are many different explanations for thunderstorms, like the man in the moon is bowling or the Gods are angry about something, but what really causes a thunderstorm and what can be done to stay safe? Read the rest of this entry »
Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson
How to Sleep Outdoors
By Terri Paajanen
When it comes to spending the night outdoors, there are many options to ensure a comfortable nights rest. While the image of curling up under the stars with nothing but a blanket is a nice one, there are more pleasant ways to sleep.
The Sleeping Bag
The outer cloth should be breathable as well as wind and water resistant.
It’s hard to beat this tried and tested method of sleeping outside. The traditional sleeping bag has gone through many technological changes over the years. Stuffing inside has evolved from cotton to goose down to polyester fillings which all help keep you warm. Sleeping bags should be chosen based on the temperatures where you will be sleeping. Less expensive bags are made in a simple rectangle shape with a light filling. This bag is designed for sleeping outside in warm temperatures or a sleepover at a friend’s place. This style of bag is great for the summer months when the temperature at night is around 10°C (50°F) but not a good choice for the fall or winter. Read the rest of this entry »
Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson
Dressing for Cold Weather
Fabrics such as cotton retain moisture and can cause the body to cool off faster because they stay damp and clammy. Start with a base layer such as Under Armour, polypropylene or other polyester based fabric.
Winter is quickly on its way but the cold temperatures don’t mean you have to stay inside. Dressing for the cold is easy and even fashionable. With the right articles of clothing you can stay warm outdoors on even the coldest days.
Layering your clothing is the best way to ensure you will be warm enough. Start by wearing a base (inner) layer against your skin such as Under Armour or another synthetic microfiber or polyester fabric. A t-shirt and long under wear pants inner layer will move perspiration into the next (middle) layer helping your skin to stay dry. Fabrics such as cotton retain moisture and get cold and clammy very quickly. Since the body cools itself by perspiring, wearing a damp shirt will only make you colder. Read the rest of this entry »
Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson
An Introduction to GPS Units
Handheld GPS units are one of the best items to purchase if you plan on hiking or travelling in the woods
There are many useful gadgets that have been invented to help you in the outdoors. Everything from pocket thermometers to digital watches with compasses on them, have been invented to make the great outdoors even greater. By far the most useful of all the gadgets is the GPS unit. Read the rest of this entry »
Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson
Poison Ivy
This mid-summer poison ivy has rare serrated edges on the leaves and usually grows in large patches
Walking along a trail or through the woods is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. There are so many different things to see-a nice blue sky overhead, birds singing, and flowers to pick. Unfortunately, one of Mother Nature’s common and poisonous plants is probably growing right along the side of the very trail you are walking on. The next time you are picking flowers while hiking along a woodland trail take a moment and look around.
Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson
