It's that time of year when we want to be out enjoying Mother Nature as much as possible before she hits us head on with winter. At times the crisp temperatures lead to a snuggle by the fire instead of a frolic through the park. We women are more than capable of enduring a jaunt through the snow blanketed forest, just keep our fingers and toes warm!
I say give me polypro, fleece and my rain proof shell. Give me my base, middle and top layers, and I can take on the world! Of course there are always exceptions. In extreme weather, one must practice caution and common sense. When preparing to take advantage of the cooler seasons, knowledge is our greatest tool. Knowing what to expect and also remembering that a day spent by the fire isn't all bad.
Layers are very important to exercise when hiking. They allow you to stay cool or warm up as needed.
Base Layer: this should be one that wicks away moisture from the body. Sweat is moisture too. Polypro and silk work well as a base. Cotton should be avoided as it traps moisture and takes time to dry.
Middle Layer: here is where one of my favorite materials gets used, fleece! Worn for extra warmth over the base layer.
Top Layer: for the outer layer you're looking for something wind proof and water repellent. There are a variety of styles of nylon type jackets that would work perfectly for this. Nylon pants are a must for an outer layer.
Don't forget the extremities either. Gloves, socks and headgear can all be layered as well. We've got to keep those fingers and toes warm to get the most out of all the seasons!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Leave No Trace
It never hurts to have a refresher on how we should treat our environment. Here are the basic principles of the Leave No Trace concept, which should be followed by anyone who has thoughts of enjoying the outdoors. It is my wish to have the forest, deserts, wetlands, tundra, and all wild lands around for my great great grandchildren's children to experience and treasure as I do. We must all work together to conserve, preserve, and educate!
1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Don't forget to always pack it out, leaving everything more pristine than how you found it.
For more information:
www.lnt.org/main.html
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leave_No_Trace
www.girlscouts.org/for_adults/volunteering/articles/leave_no_trace.asp
1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Don't forget to always pack it out, leaving everything more pristine than how you found it.
For more information:
www.lnt.org/main.html
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leave_No_Trace
www.girlscouts.org/for_adults/volunteering/articles/leave_no_trace.asp
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Horse Slaughter is Over!
The last Horse Slaughter plant in the U.S. has finally closed. This plant was set in Illinois. They should be proud that they're no longer part of the foriegn based consumption of horses. Please read the entire article at HSUS website.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Storing your camping gear
The end of the season has finally arrived, except for those who enjoy the winter side of camping as well. Here is an informative, easy to follow article from About.com on how to sadly put away our gear for the season. Outdoorplaces.com also has some good info. I hope everyone had an adventurous summer. I know I did!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
They can't wait to kill our wolves!
A New Threat to Wolves
The Bush/Cheney Administration announced a proposal that would sanction the killing of more than 700 wolves in the Greater Yellowstone area, including wolves protecting their pups on National Forest lands and Wilderness areas! Under this proposal, these and other wolves could be killed, even if gray wolves in the Northern Rockies remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.
If this proposal is successful, it will set the stage for aerial gunning of wolves in Wyoming and Idaho and clear the way for the extermination of three out of four wolves in the Lolo area of Idaho’s Clearwater National Forest.
And, if that's not enough, just last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reversed its long term opposition to Wyoming’s wolf management plan, clearing the way for a state policy that allows wolves to be shot on sight in most of the state if they wander outside the safety of Yellowstone or Grand Tetons National Parks and nearby areas.
Once again, federal officials are bending over backwards to allow the killing of still-endangered gray wolves. And, once again, Defenders needs your help to stop them.
Please take action now.
to oppose the Bush/Cheney Administration’s plans for our wolves.
The deadline for comments is Monday, August 6th. Speak out now. Click here to tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that you strongly oppose its acceptance of Wyoming’s wolf killing plan and proposed changes to wolf management in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.
Actions taken so far: 34,198.........................Actions needed: 50,000
The Bush/Cheney Administration announced a proposal that would sanction the killing of more than 700 wolves in the Greater Yellowstone area, including wolves protecting their pups on National Forest lands and Wilderness areas! Under this proposal, these and other wolves could be killed, even if gray wolves in the Northern Rockies remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.
If this proposal is successful, it will set the stage for aerial gunning of wolves in Wyoming and Idaho and clear the way for the extermination of three out of four wolves in the Lolo area of Idaho’s Clearwater National Forest.
And, if that's not enough, just last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reversed its long term opposition to Wyoming’s wolf management plan, clearing the way for a state policy that allows wolves to be shot on sight in most of the state if they wander outside the safety of Yellowstone or Grand Tetons National Parks and nearby areas.
Once again, federal officials are bending over backwards to allow the killing of still-endangered gray wolves. And, once again, Defenders needs your help to stop them.
Please take action now.
to oppose the Bush/Cheney Administration’s plans for our wolves.
The deadline for comments is Monday, August 6th. Speak out now. Click here to tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that you strongly oppose its acceptance of Wyoming’s wolf killing plan and proposed changes to wolf management in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.
Actions taken so far: 34,198.........................Actions needed: 50,000
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Trail Recipe
When backpacking season comes around I begin to think about all of the delicious food that can be brought. I'm not big on dirtying dishes while out and about, so I take advantage of freezer bag cooking. Here's one my favorites that is easy to prepare before the trail. All you'll need to do is add boiling water, eat, and enjoy!
Pasta w/Meat Sauce
At Home
Dehydrate your favorite pasta sauce to the point it looks like leather. Be sure to put plastic wrap on your trays, or a rather large mess will be made.
Dehydrate 1/4 pound lean hamburger or turkey per person. Brown meat, rinse until as much of the grease is gone, pat dry, and your ready to dehydrate. I suggest using the plastic wrap trick here also, as the meat dries it turns into gravel and falls through the holes of the trays.
Cook pasta until aldente (use your judgement on amount, remember when it dries it looks like much less than what it will reconstitute to). I like rotini or penne pasta.
Rip sauce into smaller pieces and place in sandwhich baggie. In a gallon size freezer bag put dehydrated meat, noodles, and sauce pouch together. I also like to add a packet of parmesean cheese.
On the trail
Remove sauce pouch, add about 1/3 cup water, not boiling, mush around. Water from your bottle is fine.
Boil aproximately 1 1/2 cups water. Add boiling water and sauce mix to meat/pasta mix. Stir well, place in foil cozy and let sit for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir well again, add your parmesean and have a delightful dinner on the trail.
Pasta w/Meat Sauce
At Home
Dehydrate your favorite pasta sauce to the point it looks like leather. Be sure to put plastic wrap on your trays, or a rather large mess will be made.
Dehydrate 1/4 pound lean hamburger or turkey per person. Brown meat, rinse until as much of the grease is gone, pat dry, and your ready to dehydrate. I suggest using the plastic wrap trick here also, as the meat dries it turns into gravel and falls through the holes of the trays.
Cook pasta until aldente (use your judgement on amount, remember when it dries it looks like much less than what it will reconstitute to). I like rotini or penne pasta.
Rip sauce into smaller pieces and place in sandwhich baggie. In a gallon size freezer bag put dehydrated meat, noodles, and sauce pouch together. I also like to add a packet of parmesean cheese.
On the trail
Remove sauce pouch, add about 1/3 cup water, not boiling, mush around. Water from your bottle is fine.
Boil aproximately 1 1/2 cups water. Add boiling water and sauce mix to meat/pasta mix. Stir well, place in foil cozy and let sit for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir well again, add your parmesean and have a delightful dinner on the trail.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
