Walking on the Mountains - Check the Weather!

by Pat Ransom

Many people planning to holiday in Snowdonia, the Highlands of Scotland or the Lake District this summer will be considering a walk on the hills or mountains. If you are planning one of the high walks, apart from your fitness and how sore your feet will get, one of your main considerations will be the WEATHER.

Before you start on your walk you will be getting together your hiking shoes, filling your backpack with provisions but please don't forget to CHECK THE WEATHER! The Met Office has forecasts for the Lake District, Snowdonia and Scotland. Even if it looks like it is going to be a nice day you can never be certain what is going to sweep in across the hills. If you are walking Ben Nevis or Snowdon you can be on the hills for most of the day - plenty of time for the weather to change! Knowing and being prepared for the weather conditions will add to your enjoyment of your day, and will keep you safe.

Weather on the mountains is very unpredictable - almost unbelievably so at times. It is very possible that you will choose a lovely clear day for your climb, and will start the day in a tee shirt with the sun beating down on your back.

As you start to climb higher you may find that cloud begins to form, and the summit will be hidden from view! You will be safe if you keep to the well trodden paths, but it is really not advisable to go too far from the track. The cloud and mist can form very quickly and become very thick and it is very easy to quickly become disorientated and lose your way.

Another thing you will notice as you climb the mountain is that the temperature will drop. It will certainly be much colder at the top than at the bottom - particularly in low cloud. The average temperature on the summit of Ben Nevis is -1 degree centigrade. You will need to take a jumper even if you start off on a warm summer's day, and will also need a waterproof in case of low cloud or mist - this can be very wet, and if you are not suitably prepared, your clothes will get sodden.

Visit http://www.mountainwalk.co.uk/weather.html to see examples of weather changes on walks up Snowdon and Ben Nevis. The photographs on this page were all taken on the same walk on an early August day up the Watkins Path of Mount Snowdon. The day started off without a cloud in the sky - three hours later we were scrambling through thick cloud and near gale force winds, getting very wet. Once the summit of Snowdon was reached there were no photo opportunities - apart from being able to see nothing through the cloud, there was also the strong wind that threatened to blow walkers off the top of the cairn!

Snowdon does have the benefit of its summit cafe although it can get very crowded. When you walk up Snowdon you can feel that you have achieved something, even if mist spoils the view.
And just to show mountains have the same typical weather, the same web page shows a walk up Ben Nevis. Again the start of the walk up has the sun shining, but the summit shrouded in mist!
The lesson is be prepared - and especially so on in late spring or early autumn where you could finding yourself scrabbling through snow on the higher peaks and hills.

And if you are a novice walker it is best to avoid the worst weather of the winter months entirely, unless you go with an experienced guide.

About the Author
Pat Ransom has walked both Snowden and Ben Nevis and encourages others to do the same on the website http://www.mountainwalk.co.uk/. Being a keen photographer the site is full of photos of both mountains and the surrounding areas.

A Camping Life

by S. Bennett

What is it that makes us want to sleep out under the stars or cook over an open flame? What is it that makes us want to be out enjoying God's great creation? Is it something encoded in our DNA? Whatever it is, it makes life interesting doesn't it?!

A person that lives a camping life spends most of the time thinking about the next camping trip. When they are packing up at the end of a trip, they are already planning the next one. They will plan a vacation based on the location's campgrounds or backpacking permits. Does this sound like you? I know that describes me to a T!

A person that lives a camping life usually thinks in a unique way. A three day weekend? "Let's go camping!" Vacation time? "Let's go camping!" A nice quiet weekend? "Let's go camping!" The "perfect" getaway? Spent in a tent, with a camp fire, surrounded by what God has provided: trees, creeks and plenty of hiking trails, preferably on the shores of a lake, so can get a little fishing in too!

A camping life is not for everyone. You have to enjoy the outdoors. You have to have an appreciation and a respect for nature. If this appeals to you then you either already are or are ready to live "A Camping Life".

However you live your camping life, whether you are camping just to be camping or if you are camping as part of a hunting, fishing or hiking trip, there is certain equipment that you will need.
Basic requirements would be a tent and a sleeping bag. Depending on your idea of a camping life and your level of comfort the list of camping equipment could get quite long. You may need all, some or none of this equipment, just choose what fits into your camping life.

For comfort, you may need an air mattress. If your like me, getting a little older, sleeping on the ground in just a sleeping bag does not fit into my camping life. Just make sure you buy a quality one, if not it won't be much better than sleeping on the ground. Of course you don't want to blow this up yourself, so you will need an air pump, same here with buying quality, you don't want to end up spending an hour fighting with the pump just to get your mattress aired up.

Now that we have covered comfort, it is time to look to the practical. It is time to set up your camp. Your idea of the camping life may include cooking over an open flame or you may want the convenience of a camp stove. Either way you will need cookware. Make sure when you buy your cookware, if you are cooking over a camp fire, you get the kind that is made for this type of cooking. Now that you have your camp set up, you don't want to be tripping all over this camping equipment, so don't forget to get a lantern to light your way.

Now let's talk about the extras for your camping trip. If you are camping as part of a hiking trip through the back country you will need a backpack, make sure it is a hiking backpack, not one like kids carry to school. This can make a huge difference in the way your load carries. While you are hiking you may want to do a little bird or wildlife watching so you may want to invest in a good pair of binoculars. You will definitely want to pack a camera for all the beautiful scenery you will be seeing. A good waterproof one would probably be the best, as these are usually more rugged than the average camera. One last extra a lot of people don't think of is walkie talkies. If you are in a large group these can serve several purposes. One purpose could be smaller groups can hike in different directions and still stay in touch with each other. Or even if you are not in a large group, if someone is lost there is a means of communication.

Whatever your idea of the perfect camping life is: I hope your next camping trip will be the best camping life you can live.

About the Author
S. Bennett enjoys all of the outdoors, but camping in particular. For more information on camping, visit http://acampinglife.com/ .

Tips to Sun Safety

by kalpana pochareddy

The sun is at its strongest generally between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. If you can plan your outdoor activities before or after these peak hours between 10 and 3, all the better. There are many "Rules" about sun exposure that people used to believe, such as brunette women or dark complexioned women don't burn and that only "fair" people need to watch out. Despite the coloring of, or level of melatonin in one's body, everyone has to be careful so all races and nationalities need to apply protection.

Children Sun Safety Tips: Babies under 6 months: Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.

For Young Children: Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15.

For Older Children: The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave. Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

All Sunscreen Products

Sun Safety Tips to Health: Burns and skin damage generally occur during the summer months, but keep sun safety in mind all year round. Snow reflects sun just like water does, and you can get quite a raw burn from the combination of wind and sun. The sun at Noosa Heads is intense and caution should be taken when spending long periods of time outdoors. Any sun injury enough to cause tanning will increase your risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. If you are taking medication it is important that you consult your Doctor concerning the chances of photosensitization occurring. Photosensitization is an increased sensitivity to sun exposure, it is a possible side effect of certain medications, including certain kinds of antibiotics, heart and blood pressure medicines, antihistamines and antidepressants. Things you can do to minimise your chances of getting over.

Exposed to the sun include: Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Wear a hat and a long sleeved shirt (remember that if you can see through the clothing the sun will also get through). Take extra precautions between 10am and 3pm when the sun's rays are most damaging. Apply sun-screen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15+ or more and don't forget to reapply sunscreen every few hours, or more frequently if you are swimming, sweating or toweling off.

Sunscreen Tips:Start with sunscreen or sun block, which is different than sun tan oil or plain cocoa butter. Look for the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on the label of the product you are using. SPF ranges from 8 to 15 to 30 and above. These are important to use even if you have a "base tan". Number 8 SPF will provide minimum protection with numbers going upward in the protection factor, the higher the number the better the protection. Make sure that children are completely covered with a high SPF, and look for products made especially for skin that is in and out of the water. Don't think that a child (or adult) cannot get burned while in the water. Apply often as directed on the label, especially if swimming and sweating, which is what people usually do at the beach and during other outdoor activities. Don't forget lips and scalp. There are special balms made with sunscreen that children and adults should wear outdoors. You should protect your head with a hat, the wider the brim the better, and don't forget sun glasses with sun protection (again, read the label, not all sun glasses protect from the suns' rays, look for 100% UV (ultraviolet) protection.

Sunless Tanning & Bronzers products

General Tips: Last, know when enough is enough Be sure to scope out shady shelter during all outdoor activities and drink plenty of water. Be sure to make children take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors to "cool down" and rest while drinking cool fluids slowly. Water and sports drinks, which replenish electrolytes, are much better than soda for this purpose. This will avoid heat stroke, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Conclusion:The key to enjoying fun in the sun is to plan ahead and enjoy in moderation.

About the Author
We are from Darisimall.com for your Health & Beauty Store.Shop this store for your Health and beauty products. Specializes in Hair care, Skin care and Baby products. Buy Beauty products for Eyes, Skin and Lips. We offer variety of Bath and Body care products like Lotions, Cleansers, Body Scrubs, foot Scrubs, Shampoos, Conditioners and fragrances. Having more than 19,000 products to meet your daily needs. http://www.darisimall.com/

Things to Be Aware of when Hiking

by Sue Taylor

Hiking is an outdoor activity, consisting of walking around and exploring the nature in areas of unspoiled wilderness, generally on trails. Hiking that takes place off trails is usually called cross country hiking, bushhacking or bushwalking.

Hiking & Other Touring

There are many other outdoor activities based on hiking. Hiking is often the only way to get to explore some wonderful places and possibly the best way to know nature. It is better than a tour in a car because you are not intruded upon by engine noise, windows or dust and you really get to see what's around you.

On the other hand, it also requires a proper physical training and knowledge, especially when done over difficult terrain or on long distances. You also need a backpack for food, water and equipment. Hikers are often caught in unsuitable weather and suffer mishaps. In some countries, they are required to pay in case they need a rescue.

Hiking & the Environment

Hikers often look for beautiful untouched environments to explore. These places are often very fragile and can accidentally be destroyed. Although one individual alone usually doesn't do much harm, the mass effect of a larger number of people is sometimes very harmful. For example, when a group of hikers gather wood to start a fire, they don't do much harm to the forest. However, when this happens for years and years, the area is stripped of important nutrients. Protected areas usually have specific rules to protect the environment. If these rules are followed, the impact of hiking on the environment is significantly reduced. Such rules include forbidding camping outside especially designated areas, wood fires and imposing a certain number of hikers each day. Some hikers share the philosophy of leaving no trace. This refers to hiking in such a way that future hikers won't even notice the presence of previous humans. Those who believe in this obey certain rules even when they are not imposed by a legal authority.

Human waste is an important source of negative impact on the environment. They can contaminate watersheds and harm other hikers who pass by. You can prevent bacterial contamination by digging catholes 4 to 10 inches deep into the ground and covering them after use. To minimize the risk, you have to dig them at least 200 feet away from trails and water sources. Rare or endangered species are also an attraction for hikers. However, some of them are very sensitive to human presence, especially around or during mating season. Hikers should be aware of these habits to reduce the risk of harming endangered species.

One of the greatest risks associated with hiking is that of unintentionally starting a fire. This can be caused by an individual hiker as well and sometimes ends up by destroying large areas of woods. Following certain rules and setting up cooking devices can significantly reduce this risk.

Every outdoor activity includes certain risks, even if you're not doing anything to hurt yourself or the environment. Risks such as bodily injury, metabolic disturbances or just getting lost are always there. However, with proper precautions, hiking and other outdoor activities are a safe and enjoyable experience.

About the Author
Sue Taylor and her family are keen hikers and well aware of the environmental concerns associated with walking through unspoilt areas. For more information about hiking refer to http://www.hikingsiteonline.info

How To Stay Warm In Bed

A sleeping bag on the cold, hard ground isn't as snug as your bed at home, but it can be. Here's how.

• Fluff your sleeping bag well before bedtime.
• Use a good ground insulator beneath your sleeping bag. Closed-cell foam works best.
• Put on fresh, dry clothes before crawling into your bag.
• Keep your sleeping bag dry. Dry you bag before stuffing it. If it's cloudy in the morning but sunny in the afternoon, spread your bag to dry at lunch or during a rest stop. Be sure to use a waterproof stuff sack.
• Wear a hat or knit cap to bed.

Outdoor Navigation Tips

Author: George

Finding direction without a compass.

Hiking, and in particular hiking in remote areas, is a great experience if approached with due regard for fitness, safety and skill. One of the major skill categories, is the ability to navigate with or without compass and map. Ideally, no one should head off the beaten track without map or compass, but what if you find yourself in that situation, or you lose or damage your compass?Here are a few basic -skills- that could one day be of use.

Finding direction by using your watch...

If you have a watch that is working correctly, you can always quickly determine the points of the compass as long as the position of the sun is visible.The method used varies depending upon which hemisphere (northern or southern) that you happen to be living in. The following methods are described using an analog watch, (that-s a watch with an hour and a minute hand) but they can be applied just as well if you own a digital watch - just use your imagination to superimpose the 12 hourly numerals and the relevant position of the -hour hand- on the face of your digital watch.

Northern Hemisphere

Holding your watch horizontally, point the -hour hand- of your watch at the sun.Note the direction that lies exactly midway between the -hour hand- and the numeral twelve on your watch. This will be South. Once you have established this, it will be easy to determine the other points of the compass.

Southern Hemisphere

Holding your watch horizontally, point the numeral twelve on your watch at the sun.Note the direction that lies exactly midway between the twelve and the -hour hand-.This will be North.These methods will give you a good approximation of compass direction.If your watch happens to be adjusted for daylight saving at the time, then -remove- the daylight saving for greater accuracy.

Another method of determining compass points can be used if you do not have a watch. This method takes longer and also requires enough sunlight to cast a shadow...

To find North without a watch

Before noon, on level terrain, position a stick of about 3ft upright into the ground.Mark the tip of its shadow with a peg or stone.Using the tip of the shadow as a radius, draw an arc around the stick.The shadow will shorten as it approaches noon, pulling back from the arc. It will then lengthen again - where the afternoon shadow once again touches the arc, place another peg or stone.Now draw a straight line between the two pegs/stones - this will be an East/West line, with the first peg being in the westerly direction.You can now draw a North/South line at right angles to the East/West line.

The following (less accurate) method can also be used at any time of the day without drawing an arc...Peg the tip of the first shadow, then about 20min later peg the tip of the moved shadow. Draw a straight line between the two pegs, and this will be an approximately East/West line, with the first peg again being the westerly one.

A typical error when lost, is a tendency to wander off what you may think is a straight line bearing, sometimes even slowly circling back on yourself.To prevent this, note an object (tree, rock, terrain feature) that lies directly ahead of you in the direction you wish to travel, then aim for it. When you reach it, take another bearing on the direction you wish to head, sight another object directly ahead of you and repeat the process.In areas of restricted distance visibility, you may have to repeat this quite often over short -legs- to ensure that you are remaining on course.

Keeping a course by the clouds...

What if it-s a cloudy day with no sun visible to get a bearing on, or the bush canopy prevents you getting a clear "shot" at the sun? Well, if you-re lucky, it may be windy with the clouds moving in a constant direction - note the directional flow of the clouds, and adjust your course relevant to their direction.e.g., If the clouds are moving from your front from right to left over your shoulders, keep them there, at the same time, sight an object straight ahead of you and head for it.To retrace your steps in the same general direction, just do an about turn, then keep the clouds moving from behind and now left to right over your shoulders, and repeat the process.

As another example of -cloud navigation-, once, when moving inland through dense bush away from a coastal beach, I eventually decided to retrace my steps to where I-d left my kayak. Surrounded by dense undergrowth and trees, I realized that I didn-t have any idea in which direction the coast lay.Before entering the treeline, I-d noted that the clouds were moving in a direct line from the trees to the coastline - it was just a simple matter then of looking up and following the direction of the clouds to enable myself to head in the correct general direction and once again access the beach.

Being aware of your surroundings will often pay off, so try to cultivate that habit.

George Spearing is author of, "Dances With Marmots - A Pacific Crest Trail Adventure"http://www.danceswithmarmots.com

About Author
George Spearing was born and educated in the UK. He spent two years as a cadet at the naval training school HMS Conway before going to sea at age sixteen, six years later emigrating to New Zealand where he joined the NZ Fire Service.The paperback, "Dances With Marmots - A Pacific Crest Trail Adventure" ISBN:1411656180, is an account of his solo hike from Mexico to Canada through the wilderness areas of California, Oregon and Washington. He has had several ‘outdoor’ articles published plus a fictional short story published in Air New Zealand’s flight magazine. Website at http://www.danceswithmarmots.com

Pocket Bike Parts

By Ken Marlborough

Maintenance is an important factor in keeping your bike running smoothly, whether it is a normal bike or a pocket bike. So frequently changing worn out parts with new parts is a way to re-power your pocket bike and to make sure that it continues to operate efficiently.

There are many different parts that constitute a pocket bike, and all the parts are offered under different categories and serial numbers. However, many parts are exchangeable. The vital body parts of a pocket bike are tires, wheels, axles, gas tanks, chains, engines, pistons, carburetors, throttle units, brake parts, and cylinders. High-velocity chrome stack and high-performance air filters are also essential ingredients to boost the power of pocket bikes. Chrome racing pipes, mufflers, and other accessories are available in the market; these accessories all add a custom touch your pocket bike.

Pocket bikes offer both convenience and fun. These bikes can be easily carried in your arms, and they are able to offer fast speeds. Gas-powered engines power up pocket bikes. Disc brakes in the front and rear, racing tires, fairings, light-weight aluminum alloy cast perimeter frames and swing arms, etc., are the features that can be added to a pocket bike. Different parts of a pocket bike have their own functions; for example, the gas tank stores gasoline and the carburetor pumps air in from the environment.

Each of the different pocket bike parts have an essential role to play in the proper functioning of the pocket bike and each part needs to be properly maintained in order to maximize the life and the power of your pocket bike.

Pocket Bikes provides detailed information on Pocket Bikes, Mini Pocket Bikes, Cheap Pocketbike, Pocket Bike Parts and more. Pocket Bikes is affiliated with Mountain Bike Parts.