"Love is the beauty of the soul."Saint Augustine
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Jet Ski - try out the thrill of jet skiing Jet Ski - try out the thrill of jet skiing The idea of sitting (or standing) on a craft that is designed to provide the rider with the thrill and fun of riding a snowmobile, only on the open water, is either: a) nerve-wracking, b) old hat, or c) something ...
New Technologies in Camping Outdoor Clothing Enhance the Camping Experience Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the outdoors. The weather neednt be an obstacle to what sorts of climates and places you might trek to. Outdoor clothing has become incredibly innovative in its designs and features, allowing the ...
Top Tips for Successful BackCountry Navigation As an outdoor enthusiast you will at some point make a decision to learn how to navigate in the backcountry. Whether you use a map, compass, GPS receiver or all three, there are several things you should know about successful navigation. Your safety and ...
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Have you thought about helping to protect wildlife or wild flowers, but you dont know how? Or maybe you want to protect your favorite camping site or that cool little stream nobody else knows about? Making a difference in the backcountry is easy for anyone - you dont have to be Ted Turner. Not every one can fly to the Amazon delta to move bird nests or trek off to the Aleutian Islands to remove crude oil from a pristine beach. But everyone can help right where they are. Follow these 3 easy steps, and youll be on your way to giving back to your backcountry and youll have a ball doing it.
First step is to take inventory of your backcountry interests. What is your favorite outdoor activity? Is it fishing, rock climbing, bird watching, hiking, camping, canoeing, hunting, skiing, classifying plants, kayaking, horseback riding or something else? Take a few minutes to really understand what excites you about being off the pavement and in the backcountry. Once you have pictured yourself engaging in your favorite outdoor recreation, youre ready for step two.
The second step towards becoming a backcountry hero is to do a little research. If you love to hike, perhaps spending some time researching the American Hiking Society and some of its projects make sense to you. If bird watching is your thing, BirdLife International may be worth looking into. The easiest way for many to do research is on the internet. But dont forget about book stores, libraries or sport specific organizations like the ones just mentioned. A more comprehensive list can be found on-line in our Education Center at www.backcountrytoys.com.
As you do your research, keep your eyes open for projects in your area. Youll be amazed at how you will be able to make a difference right where you live. Only one step to go.
Up to this point youve identified a subject, youve research it and now its time to get moving and this is most critical step. I doesnt take much time or effort to take action. In fact, there are organizations all around the world looking for you to volunteer and they all have active lists of projects that could use your talents. If you have a hiking vacation planned, why not incorporate a small project into your trip? Maybe a letter needs to be written to your legislator or perhaps you could pick up trash along a local lake shore. Theres lots to be done.
Spending time in the backcountry doing the things you love to do is made sweeter when you help to protect, conserve and enhance your activity. We have great trail systems and great river and lake systems and all because of people like us, who take the time to improve those things we love so much. With just a little action, you will be an outdoor hero. Use this information and youll Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!
About the Author Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free e-newsletter "FreshAir or call (800) 316-9055
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Keselowski climbing ladder in Sprint CupElizabethton Star“This sport's all I've ever known and I want to climb to the top of the mountain of what I enjoy, and this sport is what I enjoy. That's where my head's at. I think you have to be successful to earn that respect and that's what my primary focus is on.and more » |
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