"The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed."Jiddu Krishnamurti
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Choosing Project Wood
GeneralLumber is available in 2 main categories, hardwood and softwood. Quite simply, hardwood is harvested from any deciduous (leaf bearing) tree. While softwood is from coniferous or needle producing trees. However a wood worker also needs to decide if ...
Get The Most Out Of Your Hike
Hiking is one of life’s great joys. Fresh air, nature, exercise and good friends. It’s difficult to imagine anything better - if you’re prepared. When you’re not prepared properly, it’s difficult to imagine anything worse. If you hike a few hundred yards ...
The Journal of a Gardener in Tuscany - June 2004
The Journal of a Gardener in TuscanyJune 23rd 2004The wild flowers are dying back already, just days after their fantastic display peaked. The grass is yellowing and in a week, maybe less, all the green lush flowers will be a distant memory. But ...
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Much of your hiking gear is only used when hiking or backpacking. And for many people, once you get home, it gets tossed into the closet until the next trip.
Prepare For Your Trip
If this is you, you have to be certain that all of your gear is in working shape before you leave on your next adventure. Even if this isn’t you, you still need to check everything out before you leave home. This should be done a few days before, just in case you need to do some cleaning or replace parts. There's little worse than having something vital, like your stove, break down on the first night or, even worse 20 miles into the backcountry.
Prepare For Weather
Having the proper equipment for inclement weather is absolutely necessary when backpacking. You need to be prepared for rain, cold temperatures, and even the sun.
In wet conditions, you’re going to need raingear. The best option is a waterproof breathable jacket. Rainpants are great, especially when the weather is cool or in higher winds. In warmer conditions, they may not be needed if you have hiking pants made of a quick dry material. Even with the best gear, you shouldn’t expect to stay completely dry, if you are hiking all day in the rain. Purchasing clothing made from synthetic, quick-dry materials, helps because when you do get wet, it'll dry faster. A raincover for your pack is also a necessity. A lightweight alternative to carrying a jacket and pack cover is to carry a hooded poncho to cover yourself and your pack all at
once.
No matter what weather you are expecting on trip, you need to plan for the worst and always have the following: raingear, hat, gloves, extra dry clothes, extra pair of socks, and waterproof boots. Even if you’re planning on staying in trail shelters, you should always carry your own shelter. You should also be prepared by packing two fire sources. Obviously, this is just a quick, basic list; backpacking in extreme conditions requires extra equipment.
After You Return
When you get back home, remember to clean everything thoroughly. Vacuum the zippers of your pack, sleeping bag, and outerwear to minimize wear caused by dirt. Make sure your boots are clean and, if needed, (re)waterproofed for your next hiking trip. Clean your stove to prevent buildup. Spend a little time doing the proper maintenance and the life of your gear will be extended and help to make sure that your gear will be ready when you need it.
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Bob McNally's Outdoors OutlookFlorida Times-UnionBy Bob McNally Largemouth bass fishing is outstanding now in several places of Northeast Florida, most notably Rodman Reservoir near Interlachen. The big reservoir is undergoing a state-planned drawdown to control weeds, and all bass caught from the ...and more » |
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OUTDOORS CALENDAR: February 9-15Palm Beach PostFLW Tour on Lake Okeechobee (through Sunday). Take-offs are 7:30 am on Thursday and Friday at Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina, 920 E. Del Monte Ave., Clewiston. Weigh-ins on Thursday and Friday are 3 pm at the marina. Take-offs on Saturday and Sunday ...and more » |
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