Zappos Blogs: Outdoor

Outdoor TV Shows: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

Steve B. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:00:09 GMT

During the 1960's, Irwin Allen was the undisputed king of science fiction television, with shows such as "The Time Tunnel" and "Land of the Giants" on the major networks. One of Allen's creations that had some basis in reality was "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," a series about a submarine crew assigned to keep the world safe.

Based on the movie of the same name, most of the action takes place in and around the Seaview, a nuclear sub designed by Admiral Harriman Nelson (*Richard Basehart*). In the first episode, Admiral Nelson has to stop a tidal wave with a nuclear bomb, but there are forces in the world who want to stop his efforts.

Like the characters on "Star Trek" who wore red shirts, careers on the Seaview were painfully short for some crew members. The original Captain doesn't make it through the entire first episode, so Lee Crane (*David Hedison*) takes command of the Seaview in time to save the world from mass destruction.

In addition to the nuclear vessel, Admiral Nelson also designed the "The Flying Sub," an ultra-cool ship that could leave the Seaview and travel through the air. Some of the best sequences show the Flying Sub breaking the surface of the water and speeding into the upper atmosphere.

With the Cold War still burning hot, many "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" episodes dealt with the tensions between the United States and various Communist nations. Mysterious villains typically would capture Captain Crane and his crew, subjecting them to beatings and torture.

Because this was an Irwin Allen production, the show did feature plenty of alien invaders and recycled footage from several of Allen's other movie and television projects. No one at the network could ever accuse him of spending too much on special effects.

Despite the ingenious designs of Admiral Nelson, the Seaview did suffer damage in some episodes, sometimes causing it to linger at the bottom of the sea. At those times, the crew probably wished they had some rubber boots to navigate through the sub. They may have been on a "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," but nobody likes wet socks and shoes.

Coronado Beach: The Best Beach in San Diego

Lee S. — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:00:44 GMT

It may be possible to live in San Diego and never visit the beach, but why on earth would anyone want to? And the very best beach, at least according to residents and the Travel Channel, is on Coronado Island.

The beaches of Coronado Island (technically a peninsula; a narrow isthmus connects it to the mainland) can be reached by ferry, or a car trip across the Bay Bridge from downtown San Diego. The first thing you'll notice is the Hotel Del Coronado, known to locals as the Del. This legendary hotel, built in 1888, is a National Historic Landmark, and is the only hotel in San Diego that's truly a beachfront hotel.

When you're getting ready to go, pack a tote like this large, stylish, green plaid number from Oakley. Choose a new two piece, like this one from Hurley with a sweetheart top and a boyshort bottom, both in black with a blue trim and edging. Match them up with these jelly, and jellyfish patterned, flip-flops by Kate Spade, to keep your feet from burning on that white sand! If you're visiting Coronado, it's time for a new beach towel, so why not go all out and get this palm tree towel from Tommy Bahama?

One of the most justifiably popular strips of beach is the North, Central, and South Beach. North Beach begins at Sunset Park next to North Island, and stretches from there to the intersection of G Street and Ocean Boulevard. There it becomes Central Beach, all the way to a line of palm trees that marks South Beach, right in front of the Del. There are lifeguards on duty, and on North Beach you can bring your dog. There are plenty of opportunities for surfing, windsailing, or boating from this beautiful strip of white sand, or you can choose to just soak up the sun and listen to the waves and the seagulls.

When the sun is ready to go down, throw on a cover-up and go up to the Del to have a drink on the boardwalk and watch the sunset.

Whitewater Rafting or Kayaking: The Lower Baptism on the North Shore, Minnesota

Lee S. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:46 GMT

While the North Shore rivers of Minnesota are great places for expert paddlers, most of them can be deadly for non-experts. The lower Baptism is no exception; it's winding, steep, and twisting, with class IV and V waters.

Be prepared before you go with shoes like these from Columbia, that can handle the water or the slippery rocks when you portage. Another good choice is these convertible pants from Merrell. Wear as shorts while you're in the water, and zip on the quick-dry bottoms to save your knees from scrapes when you're out.

You'll hit action right after you reach the dells. There are two offset holes that you can avoid with little trouble, then a sweet pool at the end where the river makes a sharp left turn. Below that, another rapid leads to a boulder that splits the flow. The left side is your best bet, but if you can handle the Baptism, you'll manage the right.

There are a few sharp drops ahead, including one ledge that's about 3 feet and also shoots you off to the left. Past that, get ready to get out (river left) and scout. Downstream from you is Illgen Falls, a 35-footer. It has been run, usually with only minor problems, and you'll probably pop right up from the churning froth at the bottom. Then portage around it (also river left) to a steep trail, and it's not easy to climb down carrying your kayak, but wiser heads usually take the portage route. Below that, be ready to go ashore (river left) to avoid hitting a footbridge and going down High Falls just beyond. High Falls is the highest waterfall in Minnesota, and you'd have to be crazy to try it. Carry the kayak, take the trail, and put in below.

There's plenty more to come, but don't try this river without a good guidebook (try "Paddling Minnesota" by Greg Breining). The lower Baptism is sure to give you more than one rush!

Outdoor Playlists for Your IPod: Wet and Wild Aquatic Tunes

Steve B. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:44 GMT

Perhaps more than anything else, sport fishing requires tons of patience. While you are waiting for a trophy fish to finally tug on your line, unpack the iPod from your waterproof bag, toss back a cold refreshment and listen to these aquatic favorites:

"Under the Sea" (From "The Little Mermaid" Soundtrack)

One of the show-stopping tunes from the popular Disney film, this song talks about the joys that one can find just under the surface of the ocean. The lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken even go on to say that "it's better, down where it's wetter - take it from me."

"Louie Louie" (Sung by the Kingsmen)

Thanks to an urban legend, the lyrics to "Louie Louie" were supposed to be fairly offensive. In reality, this song is a fairly innocent "sea shanty" about a heartbroken sailor who wants nothing more than to come home and see the girl that he adores.

"Brandy" (Sung by Looking Glass)

This is a sweet, simple song about a girl who serves drinks to all the sailors who are stopping over in her harbor town. The men admire Brandy's good looks, saying that her eyes "could steal a sailor from the sea." Still, despite all this attention, Brandy adores only one man, who, unfortunately, is in love with the sea.

And in case you ignore all those small craft warnings:

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (Sung by Gordon Lightfoot)

In memory of the 29 Edmund Fitzgerald crew members who lost their lives in 1975, Gordon Lightfoot wrote and sang this haunting, yet beautiful song about how the sea truly can be a cruel mistress.

Survival of the Fittest: Survive by Eating the Right Wild Plants

Lee S. — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:06 GMT

Planning a long back-packing trip, and intend to supplement the food you carry with food you find? You'd better be certain that you know what you can eat, and what to avoid if you want to make it home.

In the mountains, the desert, or the grasslands, you can find edible plants. Some basic rules are not to choose anything with fungus or mildew, or that looks spoiled. If you've got a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid wild greens. Know the plants must be cooked before you eat them, like those containing oxalate crystals, which can damage your kidneys. Finally, avoid plants you don't recognize if their sap is milky or off-color; if they have beans, bulbs, or seeds inside pods; a bitter or soapy taste; thorns, hairs, or spikes; plants that look like foliage from dill, carrot, or parsley; if the woody parts and leaves have an almond scent; if they have pink, purple, or black spurs on grass heads; or if they have three-leaf clusters.

Many berries are edible, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries and huckleberries; others, including daphne berries, jasmine berries, lantana camara berries, yew berries, moonseed berries and mistletoe berries, are fatal. Edible root plants include agave root, cammas bulbs, squaw root, wild carrots, Indian Cucumber root, wild onion, and wild garlic. Don't confuse them with flower bulbs, or candelabra cactus root. Greens are an excellent supplement to your wild diet. Dandelion greens, chickweed, clover, lamb's quarters, milkweed, and mustard greens are all good choices as well. Avoid anything that looks like dill or parsley, because it could be nightshade or hemlock.

Some plants are prepared to improve their taste; bitter greens can be soaked, acorns leached in water, and stems, leaves and buds of other plants boiled until they no longer taste bitter. Tubers, roots, and cattails should be boiled, baked, or roasted. That removes any oxalates some roots may have. Early grains can be eaten raw; once they're hard, you can grind them into flour or boil them for soup. The sap from birches and sycamores provides a sweetener like maple syrup.

Of course to do all this, you need some gear. Start with a multi-purpose tool to cut or dig up plants. You'll need cookware to cook things in, and a stove to cook on. And of course, a big backpack to carry it all.

Be careful, and bon appetit!

(Sources: http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/poison/poison.html , http://www.wilderness-survival.net/plants-1.php, http://www.wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/food/edibleplants/ , http://www.essortment.com/all/ediblewildplan_repo.htm )

Into the Wild - Outdoor Movies: Red Dawn

Steve B. — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

In 1984, a time when the Cold War was causing some rather icy relations between the Soviet Union and the United States, a little film called Red Dawn arrived in theaters. The first movie released with the "PG-13" rating, this gritty drama showed what might happen if Russia mounted a full-scale invasion of the United States.

As the story opens, Soviet paratroopers land outside a local high school in the fictional town of Calumet, Colorado. When one teacher goes outside to investigate, he is shot in cold blood by the soldiers. During the ensuing confusion and panic, many Calumet townspeople are captured, but some students manage to escape into the mountains.

Jed Eckert (*Patrick Swayze*) leads his brother Matt (*Charlie Sheen*) and the other students on guerilla attacks against the invading army. Calling themselves "Wolverines" in honor of their high school mascot, Jed and his ragtag army actually do some real damage to the Soviet troops.

A bit unbelievable at times, the ultra-patriotic Red Dawn takes place in and around the Arapaho National Forest. Though the boys are used to camping and hunting, they really have to live off the land this time in order to survive. In one key scene, Robert (*C. Thomas Howell*) stalks and kills his first deer, drinking the blood so his spirit will bond with the spirit of the animal.

The Red Dawn cast also contains a "Who's Who" of young acting talent, many of whom went on to have stellar careers. Three years before Dirty Dancing made them household names, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey were co-stars in this outdoor adventure. Charlie Sheen, who now will forever be known for his starring role in "Two and a Half Men," is just a supporting player here.

Many scenes in Red Dawn were shot in the town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, which also was seen more recently in the Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men. It's a beautifully shot, outdoor movie that requires some suspension of disbelief, but the New Mexico scenery makes it all worthwhile.

Resources:

http://www.lasvegasnm.gov/

Television Shows with an Outdoor Setting: Gilligan's Island

Steve B. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:11 GMT

In many ways, "Gilligan's Island" was the prototype for the popular reality show "Survivor." During this now-classic 1960's sitcom, seven people from different backgrounds were stranded together on an island during a terrible storm and, like the reality show, they had to work together in order to survive.

After spending 14 years in almost total seclusion before finally making it back home, however, some things just didn't add up:

Practically every week, Gilligan messed up an opportunity for the castaways to leave the island for good. After about a dozen foul-ups, in real life, one of his shipmates would probably tied up Gilligan in his sleep so he couldn't cause more mischief.

Bob Denver, who played the title role in the series, made an appearance in the 1987 movie "Back to the Beach." In character as Gilligan, Denver lamented the fact that he spent years on an island with a guy who could make a nuclear reactor out of two coconut shells and a piece of string, but he couldn't fix a two-foot hole in a boat.

Though Skipper *Jonas Grumby*'s first love was his boat, the Minnow, Gilligan and Professor Roy Hinkley were young, single guys. How come, in 14 years, neither one of them married Ginger Grant or Mary Ann Summers?

Despite the fact that most of the Minnow's passengers overpacked for a "three-hour tour", after 14 years of salt-water washings, even the sturdiest fabrics are going to fade and fall apart. When they were finally rescued, though, Gilligan and the Skipper were wearing fresh-looking clothes.

What exactly did the castaways use for toilet paper, toothpaste and other hygiene products?

Despite the lack of logic, "Gilligan's Island" remains one of the funniest outdoor television shows ever made. Even 45 years after its debut, it still is fun to lace up a pair of deck shoes and watch one of the episodes on satellite.

Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids: Crab Soccer

Lyn Lomasi — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:05 GMT

Summer sports and outdoor activities are a great way to keep the kids busy during the summer. Crab soccer is a fun twist to a popular sport. Not only is it a great workout, but it's a versatile sport and activity. Parents may choose to use crab soccer as a tournament event between family and friends. It also can be used as a birthday party game or even a way to entertain the kids during barbecues, family reunions, or other events. Some schools use this in gyms instead of on traditional soccer fields.

Crab soccer follows all the rules of traditional soccer, but there's a few exceptions. First, the kids cannot stand. In some versions, if a player stands, that causes their team to lose a point. "How are they going to play soccer without standing" is likely your question. Crab soccer is played in the crab walking position.

For those who don't know, here's how to do the crab walk. First, lie flat on your back with palms down. Now, use both the arms and the legs to hold up the body, so that you'll be up on all fours, but with the stomach facing up. When you move around like this, you'll look similar to a crab, which is where the name came from.

Back to crab soccer, in addition to not being able to stand, there are a few more things that differentiate crab soccer from traditional soccer. The entire game must be played in the crab position by everyone except the goalies. In some versions, the goalies also are in crab position, but for safety, since kids are playing here, the crab soccer goalies probably should stand. Be sure the kids have appropriate footwear to wear during crab soccer.

Because the kids will have to move around in a different way than they're used to, they will be working muscles that they may not have worked before. This can help increase strength. But to the kids it will be fun, so they probably won't look at it as exercise, but instead as a fun summer outdoor game. For rainy days, a slightly varied version can be played in a gymnasium, using gym scooters to maneuver in the game.

Best Beach of the Week: Cape May, New Jersey

Lee S. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:40 GMT

Anyone living in New York or New Jersey will probably tell you that THE best beach is Cape May on the Jersey Cape. Visit, and you'll swear you're in beach heaven.

Cape May is on a peninsula at the southern tip of New Jersey, between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has more than just great beaches: it has an historic lighthouse, gorgeous Victorian Bed and Breakfasts (most of them on the National Register of Historic Places), an assortment of different museums, a free zoo, wildlife sanctuaries, whale-watching trips, and restaurants for every budget. So grab a tote, throw in your sunscreen, a towel, some glamorous sunglasses, water, magazines or books, and a snack, and head to the beach. Choose a swimsuit like this pineapple print one-piece halter from Tommy Bahama, and protect your toes from hot sand with flip-flops by Simple Green Toe. They look great, and with organic cotton and a piece of recycled tire for the outer edge, you're saving the environment too.

The city beaches of Cape May require a beach badge; the 2009 prices are $25 for the season, $13 for a week, $5 for a day, and $10 for a weekend, but the beach at Cape May State Park is absolutely free, so take your pick. The city beaches do have beach umbrellas and chairs to rent, if that's an issue, and both city and park beaches are wheelchair accessible.

One of the most famous landmarks of Cape May is the Cape May Point Lighthouse, inside the park. For a small fee, you can climb 199 steps to the top and see a phenomenal view of the entire peninsula and 30 miles of white beaches. If you decide to climb up, trade the flip-flops for a sturdier shoe like these darlings from Snipe, and throw on some comfy crop pants and a cool light top.

The park and the beaches close at night, so be ready to throw your gear in your bag and head for home or a B&B when the sun starts to set.

Survival of the Fittest: Surviving Insect Attacks

Lee S. — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:42 GMT

From early spring to late fall, a danger in your wilderness adventure is insects. While most insect bites aren't deadly, a mass attack, or a sting you're allergic to, could cause serious health issues.

If you're hiking in areas where there are pools of standing water or swamps, you'll encounter mosquitoes. Mosquito bites aren't just itchy; they can also give you West Nile virus. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt like this one with an SPF of 30 for sun protection, and long pants that can convert to shorts, or these that also provide sun protection, to limit the skin mosquitoes and other insects can reach. You'll also need a serious insect repellent. Health authorities in Utah recommend DEET.

Another enemy is the Africanized Honey bee, more commonly called the "killer bee." Unlike other honey bees, these are aggressive and easily provoked. Killer bees can sense you from 50 feet away and will chase you for at least a quarter mile. You'll receive at least ten times as many stings as you'd get from other bees. The stings aren't often deadly, just painful. Wasps, like bees, attack in swarms. If you're attacked, run away, and cover your face and head, as killer bees and wasps most often sting there. Don't take cover under water, because the bees will wait there for you to come up and breathe.

A third type of pest is the tick. Inhabiting both woods and grassy areas, they attach themselves to your skin. Again, the danger is less the bite than the Lyme disease it can carry. Check for ticks frequently.

If you're stung by a bee or wasp, scrape the stingers out using your nails. Use the tick remover forceps from your first aid kit to remove the entire tick; grab it as near as possible to your skin, and pull it out slowly but firmly. Make sure you get the head of the tick as well as the body. If the bites itch badly, use an anti-histamine cream or liquid. If you or someone in your group is allergic to bee stings, be sure that they carry epinephrine to use if they go into anaphylactic shock. If you start feeling flu-like symptoms or develop a rash after a tick bite, see a doctor as soon as possible, because it could be Lyme disease.

Educated and prepared, you can survive insect bites and enjoy your trek.

(Sources: http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept16498/files/182660.html, http://irreference.com/how-to-survive-if-you-hit-a-beehive/,http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tw/07-04-96/outthere.htm , http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Apis_mellifera_scutellata.htm, http://quamut.com/quamut/how_to_survive_an_animal_attack/page/how_to_avoid_ticks_and_treat_tick_bites.html )

Into the Wild: Tom Hanks Goes Native in Castaway

Steve B. — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:00:53 GMT

Some people want nothing more than to live and work in the wild, while others have the great outdoors thrust upon them. That's exactly what happens to Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), an efficiency expert who suddenly has all the time in the world in Castaway.

As an analyst for Federal Express, Chuck constantly looks for new ways to make deliveries more efficient and timely. His devotion to both the company and the clock make him such an asset to the company that they send him to overseas locations such as Russia. The clock runs his life so much that Chuck even has to book time with his girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt). The clock finally stops, however, after a FedEx plane crashes into the ocean, killing the crew and stranding Chuck on the shores of an island, thousands of miles from home.

Not the greatest outdoorsman, Chuck is forced to bring himself up to speed on the basics of hunting and fishing. He even spends several painful hours learning how to make fire the old fashioned way, wishing the entire time that he had a lighter. With no working cell phone and unforgiving ocean currents surrounding the island, Chuck's stay on his tropical paradise stretches from days to weeks to years. His only companion there is Wilson, a volleyball that Chuck personalizes with a face and hair. Throughout his ordeal, Chuck keeps up a constant conversation with Wilson, but the audience never hears exactly what the volleyball is saying.

Enhanced by an intriguing performance from Tom Hanks, Castaway shows what happens when an executive who is used to the suburbs has to fend for himself, without benefit of clocks or cars. Hunger is a great motivator, and Chuck's situation forces him to hunt for food and water on the island. He crafts crude tools out of stones and wood and, eventually, he becomes pretty good at spear fishing. Despite getting back to nature, though, Chuck wants nothing more than to return to civilization and his beloved Kelly.

Castaway, rated PG-13 for intense action sequences and some disturbing images, is available on DVD.

Television Shows with an Outdoor Setting: Bobby Diamond starts in "Fury"

Steve B. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:00:27 GMT

During the 1960's and 70's, a time when independent TV stations were hungry for programming, many classic shows from the early days of television became available in syndication. One of these was "Fury," a series from the 1950's about a wild stallion and the boy who loved him.

Years before he was listening to self-destructing tapes on "Mission Impossible," Peter Graves starred as Jim Newton, the owner of the Broken Wheel Ranch. Newton comes to the aid of orphan Joey Clark ("Bobby Diamond"), who is accused of breaking a window. The rancher helps clear Joey's name, offers to adopt the boy and takes Joey to live with him on the Broken Wheel Ranch.

Newton also has another orphan living on the property, an extremely wild stallion that received the nickname "Fury." Although the stallion will not let even the most experienced ranch hands ride him, Fury senses a kindred spirit in Joey, and the two soon become the best of friends.

Over the next few years, Joey and Fury had lots of adventures around the Broken Wheel Ranch. One notable episode featured a horse race in which Fury was the prize winner. Joey had to ride his best friend in this winner-take-all race, but he refused to use a riding crop to make Fury run faster. Since this was a TV show, Fury, of course, went back to the ranch with Joey at the end of the episode.

Other episodes revolved around conflicts with other ranchers or crooks that ended up near the Broken Wheel Ranch. Obviously smarter than some of the guest stars, Fury always managed to save the day in one way or another.

Looking back at this show from a 21st Century perspective, "Fury" shows how much technology has replaced the love of the outdoors for many kids. Joey didn't need an MP3 player or video games to be happy, just his horse and a good, sturdy pair of work boots to help him with his chores.

One of the purest outdoor TV series ever produced, "Fury" is classic television at its best.

Best Beach of the Week: Pass-a-Grille Beach

Lee S. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:01:46 GMT

You may have heard of Pass-a-Grille when reading about St. Pete's beach in Florida. But perhaps against my better judgment, I'm going to let you know more about this little-known Florida beach secret. It's truly a little piece of paradise not far from some of Florida's most popular Gulf Coast beaches.

What makes Pass-A-Grille so special? Simple. Authenticity. For starters, it's a National Historic District, not something many beach communities can claim. In Pass-A-Grille, towering beach condos are traded for cozy beach bungalows. Walk the streets of Pass-A-Grille, and no matter where you are, the Gulf and the Intercoastal are a block away. You can't help but imagine you are back in Florida's Resort boom of the '20s, and when you look across the street at the sea oats on the sand dunes, you'll be sure you've been transported to a simpler time.

A vacation, or just an afternoon, at Pass-A-Grille really is simple. With ample parking right by the sand, it's easy to grab your gear and go spend some quality time with the dolphins and the seagulls. Several restaurants and a beach café are within walking distance, so you can easily spend your whole day here.

Day turns to night rather slowly at Pass-A-Grille, but you don't want to miss a minute of the breathtaking sunset. Many beachgoers climb up the stairs of the Hurricane Restaurant to watch the sunset from the rooftop bar. Slip on some beach sandals and a cover-up that doubles as a dress and you're ready to go for beach-style nightlife.

If you're heading to St. Pete's Beach in Florida, it's not far to get to Pass-A-Grille instead and the dividing line is the historic Don Cesar Hotel. Standing like a pink castle against the white sand of the Gulf Coast, you really can't miss it. In front of the Don, don't make that right turn for St. Pete's Beach; instead, turn left and go somewhere beautiful and unique. You'll be glad you did.

Outdoor Summer Activities: Windsurfing and Kiteboarding in South Padre Island, TX

Lyn Lomasi — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:00:35 GMT

South Padre Island, Texas has a large variety of outdoor events and activities to participate in. One of the most popular is windsurfing. Kiteboarding is common as well. Located in the Gulf Coast, South Padre Island catches the perfect wind and waves for both windsurfing and kiteboarding. Perhaps you would like to (or have always wanted to) view the shoreline from the ocean, instead of the other way around. This is a unique way to do so, while also getting in some fun and exercise.

From novice to expert, windsurfing and kiteboarding events and activities can be enjoyed by all. Some locations rent equipment, but others require that you bring your own. Novices may prefer to take instructional classes on their activity of choice before braving the waves. While many can easily learn this water sport, it's wise to learn proper safety procedures and knowledge from expert windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Surfing and kiteboarding can be quite fun, but they can also be dangerous. It's easy to drift away. Just like boating and other water activities, this is not a solo activity. Safety comes in numbers. This is by no means a complete safety guide. Always be sure to abide by local rules and guidelines. Each area has a set of safety guidelines that apply, so be sure to check before heading out into the surf.

Some gear that is required for safety and use of windsurfing and kiteboarding equipment includes a wetsuit, a VHF radio to contact the Coast Guard if needed, flares, and a plastic whistle. Also essential are a towcord, uphaul, board or mast leash, properly-sized floatation device for each person, and a strobe light. These items will not only help in navigation, but some will aid in the case of an emergency.

Don't forget to also check the weather. This area of Texas stays fairly warm most of the time, but is also prone to high winds, thunderstorms, and even hurricanes. When the weather is right, you can get the chance to feel that warm Texas breeze across your face in a whole new way. The spray and smell of the ocean surf adds to the beautiful scenery and excitement.

Sources:
http://www.sfba.org/safety.html
http://www.sfba.org/kitesafety.html

Survival of the Fittest: Avoiding "Poison" Plants

Lee S. — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:00:41 GMT

From early spring to late fall, your wilderness adventure can bring you into contact with poisonous plants. Whether it's poison ivy east of the Rockies, poison oak west of the Rockies, or poison sumac in the humid wet areas of the southeast, plants across the country are just waiting to give you a rash.

The first step in prevention is learning to recognize the plants. Poison ivy is a low-growing plant, a vine, or a shrub. The leaves can be either smooth-edged or notch-edged, and they're usually in groups of three. Poison oak is nearly always a small bush, but can also be a vine. Its smooth-edged leaves can be in groups of three, five or seven. Poison sumac is either a small tree or shrub. It's pretty leaves have nine to thirteen leaflets on a red stem, and flowers that become small white fruit. All of them irritate the skin.

Since it's hard to recognize them, and since their foliage is usually combined with other concealing foliage, the second preventive step is to dress for avoidance, although this may be uncomfortable in warm temperatures. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants (these are convertibles), high-cut boots, and long socks can help protect your body, but only gloves can save your hands.

These plants produce a oil or resin called urushiol that causes an allergic reaction when it touches the skin of about half the population. The oil can stick to your clothing, your pack, and even your pets and you can get the rash from touching anything that still has the oil. When you get home, thoroughly wash everything.

If you think you touched it, wash your hands immediately, using soap. The rash usually takes between 24 to 72 hours to develop, but for the 15% of the allergic population who are severely allergic, it can start as soon as 4 to 12 hours. In this case, urgent medical care is necessary, as it can become anaphylactic shock.

If you get the rash, you can treat it with oral antihistamines, which you should carry in your first aid kit, calamine lotion, and/or an antihistamine cream or cortisone cream. A cool damp compress helps soothe the rash, which generally goes away on its own in two to three weeks. If the rash is very severe, see a doctor for a prescription steroid, and take it long enough to completely cure the rash.

(Sources: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=82545 , http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/tove.html, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/allergy_poison_ivy_oak_and_sumac/article_em.htm )