Outdoor Adventures

Carter here! I’m really excited about this post because I get the chance to share what could be the most fun I have ever had on Christmas Eve. Everyone knows, by now, how Poppy is into “anything” GPS related. Well here is another interesting tid-bit from his little bag of goodies. Santa on Radar… Neat or what? This year, I won’t have to go to bed quite as early so that I am asleep by the time Santa gets to Alabama. Instead, I can watch as Santa flies around the World delivering presents to all the good kids and cruising by all the bullies’ homes, he-he! I know of a few that he’ll be zooming past…

Here is the story, according to Poppy. Back in ancient times, around 1955, a Sears store in Colorado Springs, Colorado decided to have some fun and catch calls for Santa from kids wanting to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. A type-O in the phone number led to one kid calling “CONAD” which stands for Continental Air Defense where a Colonel Harry Shoup took the call. At first, he didn’t find it very funny, but after several calls came in and he had the chance to talk to one of the parents, he realized what had happened. He instructed all the other operators on the shift to answer the calls and inform the kids on Santa’s location according to their radar system. Since then, CONAD has changed over to “NORAD” the North American Aerospace Defense Command and has continued the tradition. With new, high tech GPS tracking and radar systems, NORAD can actually catch Santa leaving the North Pole and keep sight of him throughout his journey right to the point that he heads back to Mrs. Claus. And the best part is that we can watch all of it on a computer.They use four separate systems in order to keep track of him so you never have to worry about losing sight of Santa or his Reindeer. They use radar, satellites, Santa Cams and Jet Fighter Aircraft to track his every move and you can see it all from the comfort of your home.

Another great opportunity, according to Poppy, is using Google Earth in combination with NORAD to track Santa in 3-D. This tracking gives us the ability to follow Santa over 3-D mountains, valleys and buildings across the entire earth… Coolness! But to be able to do that, you have to go here to download Google Earth (it’s Free). If you do it ahead of time, all you will have to do is follow the instructions for Christmas Eve and get started without missing a thing. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully so you’ll be set for Christmas Eve. Then all you have to do is go to NORAD Tracks Santa 2008 or you can go to Poppy’s website and click on the NORAD Tracks Santa icon on the top right corner of his home page and start tracking.

So, you head out to the local ski shop now that you decided enough with playing Hockey, breaking collar bones, tearing ligaments, breaking noses and buying replacement teeth… Sorry, got a little personal there. Anyhow, your Christmas present from “Santa” is brand new skiing equipment. You have plenty of plastic to spend and lots of friends to impress.

You find the Rossignol skis, the Hot Dogger ski boots, the Obermeyer jacket and pants, the Solomon poles and there you have it, right? I don’t think so Jean Claude! Oops, Billy the Kid for you younger readers. There’s just one thing missing to complete your ensemble… GoGGleS! You know, those huge-framed plastic, multi-colored, face-hiding, fog-developing eye covers. Please don’t do it! Step back and take a deep breath… How can you possibly remove all the “Cool” from that brand new “Hot” ski gear by accessorizing it with a pair of eye clod-hoppers? Hopefully, your friends will check you out by starting at your feet. Maybe, by the time they reach your face, they’ll be so impressed that your GoGGles won’t affect them. Or perhaps you’ll have the sense to remove the GoGGles before they even reach your face!

Good thing for you Uncle Jim is on top of this one! You may not know how to ski just yet, but you can at least look like you do. Check out the new line of specs from SOS Eye Wear. They have GOGGLES that don’t look like GoGGles. Sporty, high performance eye wear that can be transformed for use as sunglasses or goggles for skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking, 4-wheeling or any other outdoor activity where eye protection is necessary. Take the SOS Military Commander II series for example: they come with a removable strap and nose cushion and three pairs of high quality UV lenses. Now THAT’S Cool, I don’t care who you are! SOS Eye Wear is an up-and-coming company that is already in direct competition with Oakley and Wiley-X yet offers eye wear at half the price.

I personally own eye wear from SOS and can attest to their quality. They are much more comfortable than Oakley, they don’t stick out nearly as far to the side, the nose piece is more comfortable and I feel that the quality of the lenses is equal or better than Oakley. But that’s just me, and everyone knows, “I’m Cool”! Sinseriously though, you owe it to yourself to try these and see. I promise that you will swear that they are way under priced for their quality. But don’t be sending them emails telling them that, we’ll keep it as our secret…

Now you’re COMPLETE! Happy Trails…

It’s nice to know that direction-finding devices are useful not only to drivers and those with automobiles.  There are hand-held versions now that also fulfill the needs of outdoorsmen who travel on foot and engage in hunting, fishing, camping, and running. 
 
Lowrance GPS devices are one of the best navigation systems available in the market today.  They are light, rugged, versatile and waterproof, with features that will substantially improve outings and make them more enjoyable.  Lowrance’s outstanding iFinder line has a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter that displays direction and altitude, plus a unique “scout mode” for marking perimeters and creating borders.  Its impressive internal memory can store up to a hundred different routes, along with thousands of waypoints and event markers.  In addition, this gadget can be used as an MP3 player.  An internal microphone also enables voice recording.  Indeed, you’ll get a great deal more excitement and satisfaction from your backwoods adventures with a GPS device.  Consider too brands like Garmin and Magellan when buying high quality navigation systems.

Camping, hiking and fishing are all fun activities.  Doing them however, would mean being in the woods or in the mountains, and facing nature’s inherent perils.  Steep cliffs, wild animals, raging rivers, and forest fires are a few of these hazards.  Each can cause serious damage and injury.  A hiker or a camper might get lost in the wilds too, bringing on more difficulties to himself and his group.
 
Don’t venture into rough country unprepared.  Always have an emergency survival kit on hand to be better equipped in times of accidents and other adverse incidents.  There are also survival kits for youngsters and junior adventurers to bring on the trail.  Included in the usual survival packs for children are water, food bars, water purification tablets, a radio, a flashlight, a whistle, a sleeping bag, a poncho, a dust mask, wipes, tissue packs, coloring books with crayons, and a first-aid kit.

After a couple weeks of reading articles posted by geocaching enthusiasts, I noticed an alarming trend. “Full Contact Geocaching” seems to be the craze or should I say a poor sense of judgement. Geocaching is supposed to be a fun and family oriented activity designed to get people outdoors with a purpose. It appears that, like most activities, some have found it necessary to make it an “extreme” sport. That is fine as long as the people who choose to do so are capable, both physically and mentally, to handle the conditions involved. But, much like the “Jack-ass” series, several incidents have occurred where novice or beginner outdoor enthusiasts have ventured out to caches planted by extremists and have injured themselves, in some cases, critically. You have to wonder why someone would try to scale a rock ledge without climbing experience or equipment to find a cache. Or even worse, why someone would place a cache in such a location without disclosing the extremity of the find. Common sense would dictate that the if the originator had to use repelling techniques to place the cache, he or she should include that information on the description of the cache. One particular incident occurred in the Ozarks in Arkansas, where a rookie geocacher followed the coordinates to the edge of a cliff. He thought that he saw a ledge at the end of a short drop that appeared to be the location of a cache. He ended up sliding down the drop because the leaves were covering the rock surface of the drop. Once on the ledge, he noticed that to get to the bottom would require a rope which he did not have and for which he lacked experience. One hour later, with the help of a friend, he was able to scale back up the slope.

Another story describes a newbie at geocaching who ended up getting lost in the woods because he didn’t know how to use his newly acquired GPS unit. Virtually new to the outdoors, he was fascinated at the prospects of having an activity that he could pursue on the weekends to break the boredom of sitting at home watching TV. He had located the Geocaching website, noticed the various caches in his area, purchased a GPS device and set out thinking he could easily find the caches using the compass feature on his GPS. Four hours later, he found his way to a road and waved a passerby down for help. Luckily, both situations ended up ok, but you can imagine the possibilities. In both scenarios, numerous key issues were ignored, not only for geocaching, but for outdoor adventuring as well.

The following is a list of important details to address before getting involved in your first geocache in the outdoors. I would concentrate on urban caches until you become confident with the use of your GPS device.

• Practice using your GPS device, if it is your first, play the installed games in the unit, they are designed to familiarize you with the various features of the unit. If looking to purchase a new GPS unit specifically for geocaching, select one that has a geocaching program already installed such as the eTrex Vista or Legend.
• Always read the entire cache description. Pay close attention to the log, this will help you decide if the cache fits with your capabilities. Often times, the log entries will explain the details of the conditions of the trails leading to the cache and the difficulties encountered.
• Never venture in the outdoors “alone”! Too many variables can cause critical issues while in the woods. Without someone else available for help, you leave yourself totally vulnerable to all kinds of disaster situations.
• Always have a means of communication, cell phone, two way radio, etc. Let someone know where you plan to go and when you plan to return.
• When arriving at a starting point for your cache, mark your location prior to entering the woods. Know how to use the “trackback” feature and constantly check the trail as you venture towards the cache to assure the unit is functioning properly. You may think the unit is functioning while the batteries have been dead for the last 300 to 500 yards of travel.
• Always carry an extra set of fresh batteries for your GPS device.
• Always use a stick or pole when searching for caches in crevices. Carry a trekking pole or find a stick at the location to poke in the whole before reaching in. Also carry gloves to prevent bites, stings or cuts. Most caches will be clear of danger, but you never know when a critter may decide to make the crevice their home, so just always be careful.
• If a hill is too steep, a drop is too straight or a creek is too deep, forget it or try to find an alternate trail to the cache.
• Last, but definitely most important, remember that Geocaching is supposed to be a “FUN” activity, not an “Extreme Sport”.

If you consider all the outdoor activities available today that have received a bad “rap” because of irresponsible acts by just a few like 4 wheeling, hunting, skateboarding, etc., it would be a shame for geocaching to fall among that list as well. So, do your part and be responsible! Please?

Happy… Safe Geocaching!

It sure has been a long time since I visited my post. Sorry everyone, but I’ve been really busy in pre-school these days. The homework is nuts! Well I had a chance to visit with Poppy and he shared his version of “Twas The Night Before Christmas” so I figured I would share it with you. Enjoy! Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving! 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the tent                         
Not a cell phone was ringing, not a penny was spent.
The backpacks were hung by the fire with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their cots,
With visions of deer entering their food plots.
And mamma in her flannels, and I in my cap,
Had just smothered our campfire for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the grounds there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my cot to see what was the matter.
Away to the door I flew like a flash,
Tore open the flap and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the brush! to the top of the trees!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away please!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the mountains the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of gear, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the Hickory St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in camo, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of gear he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a hiker, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the backpacks, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the hickory he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

A question that we all, no doubt, have at this time of year! The answer is not as mysterious as the chicken versus the egg. Of course the turkey came first. However, not at Thanksgiving! The fact is that there is no mention of turkey when the fist Thanksgiving took place in 1621. The first Thanksgiving actually occurred in October of that year and consisted of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, but nothing about poultry. Thanks to “Squanto”, an Abnaki Indian, the Pilgrims learned how to mound dirt to place the corn seeds in along with fish. The fish would decay and fertilize the seeds. Sounds to me like Squanto was pretty handy. The next time you go fishing and catch a fish you don’t care to eat, bring it home and stick it in your corn-rows!

Another interesting tid-bit of information on Thanksgiving is exactly when it was an official holiday.  In 1624, the Pilgrim Governor,William Bradford declared November 29th as a day of Thanksgiving following a devastating drought, broken by a day of fasting and prayer, which soon brought much needed rain. That was believed to be the first true Thanksgiving day. Wait, we’re not quite there yet.

During the Revolutionary War, Continental Congress suggested a National Day of Thanksgiving in the late 1770’s. Much like today’s Congress, they drug their feet for a number of years until 1863, when President Lincoln finally said “enough is enough, we, the people, need a Thanksgiving Day”. Thus, the fourth Thursday of November was proclaimed as a National Day of Thanksgiving and carried on by every President since. And yet, never a mention of the Turkey! So now you know.

Here’s my question, “had the Pilgrims and Abnaki Indians been able to access the Internet and obtain the outdoor gear necessary to conceal themselves adequately while hunting for the elusive Turkey, would we have had the opportunity to view the results on “You Tube”? Humm…

Want to see the reason for this History lesson? Read the rest of this entry »

With the popularity of the carabiner in today’s world, chances are that you have one for some use and don’t realize what it is called. If you do, then you realize just how incredibly “handy” they are. Personally, I know that I have at least a dozen around the house and use them for just about anything that requires a clip or keyring. I have actually manipulated outdoor gear, clothing and gadgets that I carry into the outdoors just to have a place to clip the carabiner. I know… that’s kind of getting carried away, but, trust me, if you’re into hands free adventuring, it won’t be long before you too, will be cutting clothing, sewing loops and drilling holes in your gear as well!

Hold on! I have a gadget along those same lines, that even Maxwell Smart, Q and Inspector Gadget will be impressed with! The Kershaw Carabiner Tool is the ultimate in convenience, dependability and innovation. Not only is it manufactured by Kershaw, who happens to be one of the elite knife manufacturers, but includes the perfect tools for life’s everyday minor adjustments and impositions. The best part is that you can use it for a keyring and always have it with you. The perfect stocking stuffer!

The illustrated Kershaw Knife is the Black Kershaw Carabiner Tool that features a 3 1/4″ part serrated sheep-foot blade made of AUS6A stainless steel. The blade of this Kershaw knife has an oval hole for ambidextrous one hand opening. The black aluminum carabiner frame handle, 4 1/8″ closed, has a liner lock, an integral bottle opener, flat screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver and screw type locking latch. The Kershaw Carabiner Tool has an overall open length of 7 3/8″ and weighs 2.7 ounces. It comes in black, blue, red and silver so you can customize your uses.

Use the silver for your silver Jeep, the red for your red pick-up and the black for the black Porsche in your garage. Not to mention your camping gear, backpack, GPS device and 4 wheeler keys. Sorry mountain climbers, you’ll still need your professional carabiners since the Kershaw Carabiner Tool is not a load bearing device.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here is another perfect gift for the holidays. Whether the gift recipient has everything, is hard to shop for or just starting out in the outdoors, here is an item that has its own place in anyone’s outdoor gear. With the Winter months upon us, along comes the potential for stranded travelers, lost hikers or hunters and injuries relating to the elements. Don’t get caught in one of these situations without a Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife. This knife is not one of the bulky, overly weighted, gaudy tools for your vehicle that resemble a hammer and take up the entire passenger floorboard. The Hinderer is a compact multi-tool that comes with its own sheath and easily fits in a glovebox, backpack or coat pocket, yet most carry it on their belt. It includes a set of bits and a wrench that also store into the sheath making it very handy when ever needed.

Designed as a rescue knife, Gerber set out to fulfill three major requirements for performance to accomodate firefighters, rescue workers and various emergency personnel.

1. It must be able to cut through a variety of materials including; wire, rope, webbing, seatbelts, etc.
2. It must be sturdy enough to be used as a prybar. Specifically, it needs to be usable to “pop” simple door locks, as well as any other light prying needed to do… preferably without damaging the knife!
3. It must be able to be opened and closed one handed with gloves on.

And, they did exactly what they set out to do!

The knife features a 3.5″ blade that is serrated except for the tip. The knife also features a window punch and a hook cutter for clothing. A small 9 piece tool kit and pouch are included. One of its most innovative features is a very simple cutout designed to be used as an oxygen tank wrench (and it works exactly as designed). Not that your everyday outdoor enthusiast would ever need one, but remember, this knife was designed for emergency workers.

The Hinderer also has a side clip like most folders with a thumb studs making a true one-handed operation knife. I would highly recommend the Hinderer for a safety knife to keep in your vehicle and / or backpack.

I would rather have it and never need it than to need it and not have it! What would you use to cut yourself or worse, your child from their seatbelts if you had to right now?

The perfect “postal” camera! Shoots through rain, sleet or snow! Actually, under water too!

You probably wonder why an outdoor adventure blog would include a post on a digital camera the size of your palm. I believe you will understand before much longer. Along with my numerous outdoor adventures is photography. I particularly enjoy digital cameras because of the flexibility of producing the final product. With a little help from Santa, I’ll soon be giving you MY review of the new Olympus Stylus 1030 SW Digital Camera.

Through intensive research into the various aspects of the Stylus, I found it to be the absolute perfect camera to include with my outdoor adventure gear.

The Stylus 1030SW is the latest in Olympus’s lineup of rough-and-tumble waterproof cameras. With features like a 10-mega-pixel (3648 x 2736) CCD and a large, 2.7” LCD monitor, it is the the camera that redefines tough. The Shockproof, Waterproof, Freeze-proof and Dust-proof design gives active people the confidence to take this camera anywhere and shoot in nearly any condition. Plus, the wide-angle lens lets users capture more of what they see. Great for divers, surfers, rafters, hikers, campers, skiers and anyone with an active lifestyle.

Built like a Bradley! This camera withstands temperatures down to 14 degrees F° (that’s -10° C) and stands up to a 220 lb. crush test, heck, I can’t do that! And that it will survive a fall from a height of six feet (two meters), well all I can say is: I don’t believe I would ever try it, kind of like driving a Hummer through a mud rally. But it nice to know it can and so-called “Impact Damage” is the number one killer of cameras. By virtually eliminating this risk factor, Olympus has improved it’s customer satisfaction to the nth degree. Read the rest of this entry »