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Prepare for Getting Lost

by Issy

The time to prepare to be rescued is before you ever need to signal for help. When you travel, leave an itinerary of your trip with a responsible, trusted person at home. List the times you expect to be at points along the way. Indicate wherever you’re traveling, your path, and the time you’re anticipated.

If your itinerary changes, let your contact person know right away. Detail any imaginable adjustments to your itinerary. Arrange planned gathering places in case members of your party get split up. This will enable rescuers will know where to search if you are missing.

Other helpful information to include in your itinerary are the health and general condition of members of your party, including any medications, a list of your gear including amount of food, water, clothing and shelter materials, and emergency contact information (family members and doctors’ telephone numbers, etc.)

“I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.” Daniel Boone

Whenever you find yourself “confused” and wanting saving there is an assortment of methods by which you can alert your rescuers of your position.

To signal for help you may use a variety of items such as radio beacons, colorful cloth, fires, flashlights, smoke, whistles or mirrors. Remaining composed can make it possible for you to apply your resourcefulness and contrive a constructive means to signal likely assistance. Recognizing your alternatives can preserve your life by preventing you from arriving at a mortal mistake.

At the moment you realize you are lost, create a marker to designate your spot. Heap some stones in a pile, twist a few brambles, or create an easily identifiable mark in order that you’ll locate the place. This will become your point of origin. If you decide to try and make your way out, this is where you will return for another try if your first attempts fail. This will likewise become the location where you await rescue.

Leave a note at this location if you decide to move from it. Detail your intentions and the direction of your travel. As you travel mark the way at regular intervals with a pile of stones, a broken branch, or some other easily identifiable clue as to where you have been. These markings will help search teams determine your location.

 

Discover exactly how to signal for help and many more ideas from Survival Scoop.

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June 25, 2009   No Comments

Top Sports To Enjoy Outside

by Issy

The number of people heading outside in their leisure time has unfortunately been reducing for the last 20 years. They are instead choosing to stay indoors and watch TV or play on a computer, which is causing obesity levels to soar. Sport is one of the best ways to get outside, get moving and enjoy everything the world has to offer. Here is a look at 3 great sports that almost anyone can enjoy?

Mountain biking. They say you never forget how to ride a bike…so what is stopping you getting on one now. You can pick up good 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 after something off the terra firma then how about trying something like kayaking. Like mountain bikes there are plenty of good 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 some 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

June 23, 2009   No Comments

Surviving The Wild With Backpack Packed

by Issy

Backpacks have become a popular means of packing your luggage during short and long travel. The greatest attraction is the ease with which these can be carried by the traveler. At the same time, backpacks offer more freedom of movement to the backpacker. Often a frame called the pack frame is used to keep the backpack steady, firm. It also distributes the weight evenly across the whole of the backpack. This will ease the pressure on the shoulder and distribute the weight to the hips or legs.

Backpack comes in three types. Some backpacks have internal frame. Others have external frames while there are those that do not have any frame at all. Light weight metal tubes are used as the frames. Aluminum is the most common ones used. Titanium and scandium alloys too are sometimes used for making the frames. The least expensive of the lot is the frameless backpacks.

When you need to carry heavy loads, the external frame backpacks are the best suited for this. It is specially meant for carrying heavy loads. Camping equipments such as sleeping bags, camping tent and other items are carried with the backpack by campers. The frames in the external frame backpack are rigid making the backpack stiff. This places a restriction on the free movement of your body. However, the internal frame backpack has flexible frames. The frame itself is made of plastic and metal. You can bed the stays or flat bars according to your desired shape. When carrying the backpack, it adopts to the contours of your body. This makes your movement less rigid and easy. You feel more comfortable with this. The more common backpack is the frameless backpack. It is cheaper too than the backpack with frames. For carrying very heavy loads for outdoor activities, there are the specially designed large internal frame backpacks. Heavy padding is given to it. The design is such that it has to be attached both to the shoulders and hips.

 The Osprey Argon 85 Pack has multiple pockets, a waist belt that eases pressure on the shoulder, a hydration system that provides water and a back panel that is quite comfortable. These are specially meant for long travels. The Osprey Packs Argon 85 Backpack has also won an award for its design.

Backpacks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Depending upon your purpose, you can select the right one. They are also easily bought online.

June 21, 2009   No Comments

Fishing With Crappie Jigs A surefire way to hook a huge slab!

by Issy

Click Here To Get Your Free Fishing For Crappie E-mail Course

Crappie jigs a surefire way to hook a huge slab.

How many times when you have been out fishing have you wondered what crappie fishing jig to use? There are so many types, sizes, colors to select from it is easy to get confused. Well let me explain exactly what a crappie fishing jig is, What crappie jig type to use for different situations, and what color to use.

#1 Definiton? The Fishing for crappie jig is made of a sinker molded to a hook, with a body that can be made of a multiple items. The body can be a plastic curley tail, some type of hair or bristle for marbabou jigs, add a spoon or blade to a marabou jig and you have a rooster tail jig.

#2 Purpose? The jig for crappie is used where you want to create a vertical jerky motion to attract the attention of the fish. Do not get jigging confused with spinner baits, spinners create a horizontal motion through the whereas, jigs create a vertical motion up and down through the water.

#3 How do I Select? Well I wish I could say that it is totally cut and dry what to use for different situations but a lot of selection is trial and error. It is good to keep a log , so you know what works under different situations. This will give you a starting point for your next fishing trip. Most often the color, depth water , and water clarity can change the color of the jig in the water. Also, the weather conditions can change your selection. For example if it is a sunny or light sky day you would want to select light color jigs. If it over cast and a dark sky you would want to use dark color jigs. These selections are not set in stone. You will probably end up changing colors many times throughout the day

#4 What Types? Crappie Jigs can be divided into three types. Curly tail jigs, Marabou jigs, and Rooster tail jigs. Curly tail jigs come in a multiple of designs but the all have some type of tail and are made of plastic. Marabou jigs are made of some type of bristle or hair and also come in multiple designs and colors. Rooster tail jigs are a marabou jig with a rotating blade or spoon added.

Well good luck and good fishing!
Mark Fleagle is a serious fishing webmaster. Mark Is a dedicated fisherman with 30+ years of experience and has published numerous articles on fishing. He offers free fishing information and “how to articles at his websites. fishing crappie with jigs and get some amazing crappie fishing secrets from some good ol’ boys who survived by discovering unique and brilliant methods of catching crappie. Also visit my website oldfishinghole.com and download a free copy of his “78 fishing discoveries unleashed”

June 20, 2009   No Comments

Go river rafting in india

by Issy

River rafting is an extreme and thrilling adventure in the wild rivers. The upper Himalayas River is one of the best and well known locations for white water rafting to be experienced to the maximum. The river has the characters that create thrills, with the rocky banks, the water crashing into rocks and crevices and that would break into the rapids; these things test the braveness of the water runner. There is a place that river rafting is best experienced by both the amateurs and the professionals, in India.
If you like the water and anything extreme then this is the adventure for you. You may be able to learn the basics and even become skilled within a few hours after training. Rafting training facilities are all over India and many tourist agencies and departments already offer courses in river rafting.

Regions in India Known for River Rafting

• Ladakh - one of the most popular place for india river rafting. The best place for river rafting for a run that are guided professionally in the white water is between Spituk and Saspol and beyond this place the river becomes difficult that only skilled participants and careful organizations are allowed.
• Zanskar River –This river offers the thrill of some of the most difficult river rafting in India. This River should only be attempted by people who have organised rafting expeditions.
• The Ganges - this River has always been a mystery for explorers and with surprises for the rafters. The Ganga near Rishikesh in the place of Uttarachal is popular for white river rafting which stretch of the Ganges from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh with its 12 major rapids over 36 kms long.
• Himachal Pradesh - offers challenging sport of rafting with their snow-fed rivers. There are rivers that offer an immense white water rafting such as the Chandrabhaga in Lahaul, Ravi near Chamba, Satluj near Shimla, and the Beas near Kullu. If you want to experience ito extreme water rapids, enjoy a thrilling, tremendous and exciting river running expedition between Shamsi and Aut on the Beas which has a 20 km stretch.
• Teesta River - this is the most challenging invitation to those rafters in the Eastern Himalayan region. Teesta allows you to experience the series of white water rapids that has various intensities. In this river, you’ll have enough of the blend of the nature and adventure.

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June 16, 2009   No Comments

Going Camping? These Tips Might Save Your Life

by Issy

All outdoor enthusiats should take the time to learn wilderness survival skills.  Situations can always take a turn for the worst and knowing how to survive often depends on learning some very necessary skills and having an outdoor survival kit at your disposal.

9 Wilderness Survival Skills You Must know

1. Be able to tell direction.Being able to tell direction will enable you to find your way out.  Have a compass with you and know how to read it.

2. Once you have the basics of direction down, it is time to learn advanced navigation skills.Experienced outdoorsmen can teach you navigation skills such as learning how the natural environment can point you in the right direction.  If you are able to do these things, then you will never have to worry even if you dropped the compass.

3. Know how to find shelter in your environment.You will want to identify all possible sources of shelter.Knowing how to build a suitable shelter can be the difference between surviving and perishing.Using natural materials to build a shelter.

4. Knowing how to build a fire will save your life.  The importance of a fire cannot be emphasized enough.Fire will keep you warm, give you light and can keep foraging animals at bay.

5. Look for food and a source of water.Know which plants and berries you should stay away from.Knowing how to handle plants and fruits that you need to crack such as coconuts.Learn to fish and how to catch animals. 

6. You how to distinguish safe drinking water sources.Know how to sterilize water.

7. First aid, even basic first aid, is a must and can mean the difference between life and death.  First aid supplies should be first on your survival gear checklist.

8. Learn how to make tools and weapons out of the objects that exist in your environment - branches, leaves, vines and rocks.  They will come in handy as substitutes for a knife, club, hammer or yes, even a pillow.

9. Learn the skill of knowing what to do when you encounter a wild animal.Sometimes running away or climbing a tree can cause more harm.

Remain calm and you will be able to think straight.The wilderness is a beautiful, and dangerous place, but it is not the enemy.You must know how to work with the wilderness to survive.  Smarts and a good wilderness survival kit will keep you alive.

June 11, 2009   No Comments

How to Get Rid of Common Sickness in Camping and Backpacking Trips

by Issy

Travelers like campers and backpackers are prone to diarrhea caused by contaminated water. According to the latest report released by the World Health Organization, about eighty percent of travel diseases are causes by unsafe water. If you are camping or backpacking, the only way you can avoid s getting sick is to take extra care especially when water is involved.

The common microbes in backcountry drinking water include giardia and cryptosporidia that cause chronic diarrhea and vomiting. In the wilderness of North America, giardia has been found in 90% of these waters. The bottom line therefore is that these waters are not safe to drink. There are however available methods of treating water to avoid sickness like boiling, iodine treatment, bleaching or simply with reliable water purifier.

Although there are several ways to treat your drinking water, most campers prefer to use water purifiers as they are lightweight and easy to use. Katadyn Hiker water purifier for example can kill most drinking water microbes that cause diarrhea and other water-borne sickness. Unlike iodine and bleach, water filters do not leave unpleasant taste in your drinking water. Boiling your water is still the safest way but you have to carry the burden of bringing along boiling equipment for this purpose.

When you are on camping or backpacking adventure, it is always possible that you get dehydrated so you better bring with a bottle mineral water. Drink plenty of fluids as much as possible. Do not drink untreated water especially when you are taking medicines. Avoid drinking fruit juices with high sugar content because bacteria easily grow in them. Hot coffee and tea including beer and wine are safe to drink. Do not bathe in tropical surface water. Brush your teeth only with treated water. In case soap and water is not available to wash your hands, make sure you carry an alcohol-based hand gel.

If you plan to camp for several days, it is best that you bring canned and dried foods to avoid spoilage. If you prefer fresh produce, make sure to wash fruits and vegetables at home and then pack them in sealed clean container. Use treated water to wash cooking utensils and in washing your hands before eating. Food with meat, chicken or beef should be consumed at the first day of camping.

It is vital for campers and backpacker to prioritize safety at all times. In order to avoid getting sick, follow proper sanitation practices. It will be advantageous to bring few pieces of clean towels to dry your hands after washing. Be responsible enough to dispose your waste properly in favor of other campers and the environment.

June 11, 2009   No Comments

The unique signature style of Keen sandals - outdoor shoes restyled

by Issy

Anyone can acknowledge Keen Footwear by its toes. Keen boots uses a signature large, upturned bumper to provide the brand identity style, and comfort. Keen started in 2003 with hybrid performance shoes that change to the rocky terrain or city roads.

Amongst all of the Keen sandals, the Newport H2 has become the most popular. Made to perform in severe conditions, the Men’s Newport H2 has a razor-sipped out sole and 3mm lugs to provide superb traction. The sandal becomes a true hybrid. The synthetic uppers withstand the beatings of saltwater and grime. The sandals also give comfort and style. With the synthetic straps and siped carbon rubber out sole, makes it easy to move across land or water in style!

There are a variety of Keen Sandals. There are superb water sports sandals that can be worn to the bar or a restaurant later the same evening. All of the water sport sandals machine washable and have been mixed with antimicrobial technology to prevent odor. All of Keen Sandals provide rugged, sporty nice looks, and are extremely functional. The sandals are very fashionable, and provide more foot protection than many other sandal brands. These sandals perform and look like a shoe. Keen also has commuter bike sandals. These sandals are all-terrain and offer protection, comfort, and freedom of the feet

Keen shoes are packed of many features. They contain hand-sculpted lasts that are not found in any other sandals. They also use anatomic foot beds that are the most comfortable in a sandal. All of the leather is waterproof Another stunning feature is there is anti-odor linings and foot bed. This is great especially because the sandals can be used effortlessly in the water.

The sandals also contain super-traction soles and a patented toe cap. This covering keeps the sand out and eliminates stubbed toes They have arch support and sturdy, gripping soles. They lace with an elastic rig that fastens quickly and securely. Best of all, water goes right out of them and they dry very quickly. One can finally be at ease, without having to worry about wet footwear!

Keen Sandals are for men, women, and even children. They put on like a shoe, feel just like a shoe, but still let the cool breeze pass through from the warm weather to remind they are still a sandal!  Find mens Keen shoes styles at a local retailer, or go online for a larger selection of colors and styles.

June 10, 2009   No Comments

Merrell Shoes Can Get You Outfitted for Outdoor Activity

by Issy

Merrell brand shoes are created to help get people outfitted to enjoy the outdoor life. Unless you live in a temperate climate, you may be longing for that first 60-degree day so that you can be outdoors and return to your temperate-weather exercise program. Merrell boots doesn’t make very dressy footwear, but they do make shoes that are meant for being outdoors. They have a huge variety of options, including active sport shoes and those meant for more casual wear. Merrell makes shoes, sandals, and boots for men, women and kids.

For women and men, the options from Merrell shoes for casual shoes include slip ons, boots, lace ups and sandals. For active wear, choose from winter, running, hiking, and multi-sport sandals. Obviously, there are several other shoe brands offering active footwear, but Merrell boots has proven to be a big favorite because their footwear is both stylish and functional.

For kids, there are fewer options than for the adults, but they are very cute with many color options in both casual shoes and active shoes, just like with adults. There are even some options for infants and toddlers. You can outfit the entire family and get outdoors with comfortable footwear.

One of Merrell’s women’s multi-sport shoes is the Siren Sport GORE-TEX XCR. This style is great for people who like to work out outside, including hikers, bikers, and trail runners. It is waterproof and moisture-wicking and keeps your feet at a comfortable temperature in a wide variety of outdoor temperatures. It comes in gray, tan/orange, lead, and tan/wine. If you are one who likes to get in a little winter hiking or snowshoeing, the Merrell Winterlude Zip Waterproof is a great option. Even if you just want to walk around the neighborhood, these will keep your feet nice and warm and dry. They have a snowshoe strap ridge that makes them easy to use with snowshoes if you like. They have a fleece cuff and come in gray, black, or dusty olive.

A great option for a sport sandal from Merrell is the Waterpro Animaswhich is available in both women and men sizes. This is a water sandal that converts to a slide by taking off the two back straps. Since this is made from synthetic materials vegans will find it to be a great option.

If you’re a runner, the CT Stamina is a great running shoe option. Overpronators who run a ton of miles will enjoy this style, and it is made from environmentally friendly materials. Merrell footwear uses recycled materials and synthetics that don’t use harmful chemicals in order to produce this style. They come in a Beluga and Rust color combination. Many men can even wear some Merrell styles to work on casual Fridays. Paired with a nice pair of khakis and a button-down shirt, you’ll be fine. Merrell keeps setting the bar high with their active footwear. Get to a local Merrell retailer today, and try a pair for yourself. Then get outside and feel the comfort Merrell shoes have to offer.

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June 10, 2009   No Comments

Key Lighting Tips to Take Better Photographs

by Issy

In this age of digital cameras, you have probably thought that you can just point and shoot and out will appear a great shot.Hold on, don’t go so fast.  The truth is you can have the top of the line digital camera, but if you don’t know what you are doing, you will take lousy shots.

Well, I’d love to share with you some great advice in photography to help improve your skills.  These tips are coming from years of experience as a San Diego wedding photographer.These tips are all about the lighting and they will some of biggest reasons for you success in taking photographs.

First tip you will use in regards to lighting.  Now if you are taking shots outdoors during the day, natural sunlight provides some of the best lighting possible.  Now you are probably thinking, “that’s easy, when you are a San Diego photographer since it is always shiny there”, when in actuality really bright sunlight can cast harsh shadows.  Or it can wash out the details in faces if the sun is overhead.

Overall, what you will want to do is to have the sun behind you when you take most of the shots.This stops any harsh shadows in your photo caused by the sun.But there will be those times and instances when you want different angles to get those shadows into the shots.

Now that we have addressed the shots during the day, what about those night shots? 

The key to taking photos at night is turning off your flash.  Of course if it is pitch black you will need it, but for times when there is lighting, you want to use the lighting that is around, but you have to make sure you set your shutter speeds slower to let in enough light.Another thing, make sure you keep a steady hand when you take your shot or you can blur the photos.  Doing these couple of tricks can make a dramatic difference when taking night shots. 

The final tips to using lighting for great shots is using the golden hour.  There is something photographers call the “golden hour” or magic hour, and that time is sunrise and sunset.

These times of day you wll be able to capture great shots because you will get the more warmer and inviting colors.  You will be able to capture that golden lighting you won’t catch any other time of day.

There you go.  Probably the biggest key in taking greatshots is to make sure you take advantage of the natural lighting.  Knowing what techniques to use for different parts of the day, or just scheduling a photo shoots to capture those times of day will help you become an excellent photographer.

June 8, 2009   No Comments

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