"The accursed power which stands on Privilege (And goes with Women, and Champagne, and Bridge) Broke - and Democracy resumed her reign: (Which goes with Bridge, and Women and Champagne)."Hilaire Belloc
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5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your BackCountry Gear
Time out of doors is a precious commodity to the outdoor enthusiast - but are we getting the most out of this time. One way to ensure maximum backcountry enjoyment is to get the most possible value from the gear you acquire and use. Here are 5 ways to ...
Alabaster Antique Lamps
Alabaster antique lamps have been so attractive that people are interested to buy it from shops. Lambs are decorative as far as any building is concerned. It gives ample light in the room and it is also an item of decoration. So it can create any mood in ...
Thoughts about digital Snap Shot
What is it that makes a good picture a great picture? For a run of the mill shutter bug like me, the answer can be summed up with three words, subject, composition and color; acronym SCC. Unlike photographers of the late eighteen hundreds, todays ...
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The New Year has begun and you probably have a few New Year’s Resolutions under way. You’ll lose weight, lose a bad habit, add a good habit or even mend an old fence. But do you have any resolutions for the backcountry? Are you ready to make this year your best backcountry year? I’m ready. Here are a few of my backcountry New Year’s Resolutions; please adopt a couple of these for yourself. If you do, 2005 will be your best outdoor year yet.
First off, I resolve to spend more time in the backcountry. No matter how much time I spend hiking or camping, it never seems to be enough. So this year I will try to get my fill of the outdoors. Of course, I said this last year too but failed to get enough.
Next I resolve to upgrade my critical gear. Some things are more comfortable the longer you own them, but this isn’t good practice for critical backcountry gear. For example, it’s been a few years since I upgraded my first-aid kit or my hiking boots or my sunglasses. These items become a liability if they are not properly maintained. I’ve let that slip. I’ll also take a long look at my binoculars and my camping kitchen, especially my stove. Taking care of your gear will ensure its ability to take care of you when you need it most.
While we’re discussing gear, let’s keep going with another resolution. I resolve to learn how to use all of my gear. I’ve been carrying a magnesium stick for fire starting for about 5 years. I don’t think I know how to use it. I’m going to learn. I need to understand more about my GPS receiver (Garmin eTrex Vista). I use about five percent of its capabilities and this is only because I haven’t
taken the time to learn. That changes this year.
I also resolve to learn a new backcountry skill. I haven’t decide what skill to learn but it will be something I’ve never done before. I’ve never taken the time to learn how to rock climb. Perhaps that’s the one, or maybe kayaking. I’ve never collected water using a solar still. That sounds interesting too. Maybe you need to learn CPR or how to read a map or tie a variety of knots. This is the year to fill in the knowledge gaps.
Finally, I resolve to bring someone new into the backcountry this year. When I see the perfect sunset or a herd of antelope, the next thought I have is “I wish so-and-so was here to see this!” So this year, I’m going to share the awe of our backcountry with someone brand new to the outdoors. By sticking to these New Year’s Resolutions, I will have a great year in our backcountry. I hope to see you there!
Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!
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Outdoors Report: Signs improve as rivers shape upSeattle Post Intelligencer - 10 hours agoBy GREG JOHNSTON The Cowlitz and Quinault, two of the major rivers where fair numbers of winter-run steelhead first began showing up, remain in poor fishing ... |
Outdoors ForecastThe Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - 6 hours agoWillamette Valley/Metro: The Columbia River Gorge fishery offers the best chance at a keeper sturgeon, from bank or boat. About one keeper for every three ... |
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