Love The Outdoors

How To Avoid Wildlife Habitat When Finding Campsites

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:29:48 +0000

One of the main tenets of environmentally friendly camping is to avoid disturbing local wildlife. While the occasional sighting is certainly cool and not often a problem, displacing native animals is considered irresponsible by most outdoor enthusiasts. To be fair, most don’t intend to interrupt the life patterns of animals when they camp. But by ignoring signs of their presence and moving in on them, they unintentionally scare animals out of their natural homes. Before setting up camp, there are a few signs you should look for to ensure you’re not encroaching on their territory.
1. Natural paths. Though natural paths and clearings are often ideal for setting up camp, they often happen to be spots where wildlife congregates. If a path looks like it’s been created by animals and not humans, it’s best to move on to the next potential campsite. Evidence of animal created paths includes hoof or foot tracks, mangled brush, and chewed-on material along the trail.
2. Bedding areas. Like humans, wildlife such as deer, raccoons, foxes, and other mammals prefer to have some sort of shelter from the elements. In much of the country, this includes areas with low lying tree branches overhanging natural clearings. These trees serve to block precipitation and protect animals from harsh winds. Softwood trees like pines and cedars often provide this kind of coverage, so it is recommended that you scan more closely for evidence of habitation before setting up camp under them.
3. Burrows. Smaller mammals typically dig out burrows in soil or organic material such as tree trunks. They’re usually pretty easy to spot, as an entrance hole is often clearly visible. If you’re setting up camp next to any large trees or dead logs, be sure to check for these entry and exit points. Not only might you disturb a den of animals, you might also be putting your own camping items at risk. Den-digging animals such as foxes and raccoons have no qualms about digging into your camp’s food while you’re fast asleep.
4. Watering holes. If you plan on camping next to a creek or river, keep an eye out for animal tracks and droppings. Blocking access to watering holes that wildlife frequents isn’t exactly healthy for the local environment. There is typically a wealth of other good camping spots to find in natural bank-side clearings as a result of past flooding.
Campers are one of the most environmentally conscious groups there are. In order to fulfill that reputation and do your part, avoiding spots where wildlife congregates is vital. Using the common signs above, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors without ruining its pristine state.

Outdoor Tips: Beginning Mountain Biking

LoveTheOutdoors — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:33:49 +0000

Mountain biking, once considered a “fringe” or “extreme” sport, has taken hold as a popular and exciting outdoor activity in recent years. Its inherently challenging and physically demanding nature makes mountain biking more than just a hobby for many of those who participate. For the beginner, figuring out mountain biking techniques can be a pretty daunting task. Because navigating outdoor terrain is so different from just riding down the street, you essentially have to re-learn the basics of biking in order to become proficient on the trail. Use this quick and basic guide to help flatten out that learning curve and get the wheels spinning with your newfound mountain-biking hobby.
1. Get the necessary mountain biking equipment. To start off with, you’ll probably want to invest in the bare essentials of mountain biking. This includes a mountain bike (preferably one with manual gears), a helmet, and mountain biking shoes. Other strongly recommended items are a few tough water bottles, heavy-duty biking gloves to prevent mangled hands after nasty spills, and a spare inner tube in case of a blowout on the trail. If it’s your first time looking at bicycling equipment, it might be a good idea to head to a specialty shop as opposed to a chain discount store. Knowledgeable sales staff in smaller stores will be able to help find the right gear to suit your mountain biking needs.
2. Learn basic maneuvering and techniques. The most basic difference between mountain biking and road biking is the use of gears. When climbing hills, you’ll want to keep your gear setting low, which lowers the number of wheel repetitions per pedal motion – making it much easier to maintain forward momentum. Experienced mountain bikers call this hill-conquering technique “spinning”. When taking turns, brakes are just as important as steering. To prevent loss of grip through the turn, mountain bikers learn to brake before the actual curve, and take advantage of centrifugal force when making the turn. Also called “constant cornering”, it is based on the idea that accelerating through a curve prevents your bike’s tires from skidding off the trail. The final basic technique unique to mountain biking is forward and backward balance. In most riding situations, you’ll need to have your weight shifted towards the back of the bike. This will give your back tire much more traction and accelerating power.
3. Follow mountain biking rules and etiquette. Just as there are rules of the road, there are also certain rules of the trail that every mountain biker should follow. When passing hikers, you should either slow down or walk your bike past them to maintain a safe overall environment. Similarly, use your mountain bike’s bell to warn other bikers and hikers when you’re merging onto a new trail. From an environmental perspective, it’s also important to preserve the trails you ride on. This means no powering through large mud patches (this causes lots of erosion), or venturing into blocked off areas.

With the right equipment, techniques, and etiquette in place, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient mountain biker in no time. This intense sport, though not exactly for the timid, is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors in a somewhat unconventional way.

Outdoor Safety: Dealing With Dehydration

LoveTheOutdoors — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:21:28 +0000

In the summer particularly, dehydration poses a risk to everyone outdoors – especially hikers and campers. Because they’re outside for long periods of time with limited resources, outdoor adventurers must take extra care to avoid dehydration and its unpleasant, potentially serious effects.
Dehydration’s Hallmarks
The medical definition of dehydration is a condition in which one’s body is lacking the fluids it needs for normal operations. It happens when the body loses more fluid than it’s taking in – a common occurrence in the outdoors – for extended periods of time. When a person gets dehydrated, they lose more than just water. Electrolytes such as potassium and sodium also flow out of the body faster than they’re replenished.
Dehydration has several distinct symptoms, the most obvious being thirst. This doesn’t happen to everyone who’s dehydrated though, so it’s important to watch out for more indirect signs for the condition. If you’re feeling especially weak, dizzy, or are experiencing a dry skin feeling, you might be dehydrated.
What to Do When Dehydration Occurs
If recognized early enough, mild dehydration isn’t all that difficult to take care of. Just give the person fluids, preferably a sports drink or other solution with electrolytes, and have them rest for awhile. If it’s mild to moderate, they’ll recover fully after a short rest and increased fluid intake.
In severe cases of dehydration – which has symptoms including disorientation, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate – it is usually necessary to call a doctor. Though dehydration seems to be easily curable, it can be very dangerous if left untreated for too long. In the worst cases, a person suffering from the condition can even go into shock. Thus, if severe symptoms are present, get medical assistance and have the dehydrated person rest with fluids while you wait for help to arrive. Even in the worst examples of dehydration, medical professionals can treat it effectively using intravenous fluids.
A few groups are particularly susceptible to dehydration, including the elderly, children, and infants. Since infants and children often don’t voice a dehydrated condition quite so well, make an effort to keep them well hydrated on especially hot days. In addition, watch out for less frequent urination, dry mouth, and weakness. As serious as dehydration can sometimes be, it is almost always preventable. By drinking plenty of fluids and being able to recognize the condition’s signs, you and your family can have some fun in the sun without worrying about dehydration.

Keeping Your Things Safe at the Campsite

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:08:40 +0000

In camping, as in the everyday world, a few bad apples can ruin the whole experience. And at campsites that attract many visitors, this adage holds very true. Though it doesn’t happen often, instances of theft have occurred on campgrounds in the past. It makes sense when you think about it. Camping parties go on extensive hikes or engage in other activities, often leaving their things behind – and sometimes vulnerable.
Complicating this problem is the fact that the items left behind are often personal and valuable in nature. A camper might, for instance, leave their wallet in an unprotected tent when going on a hike simply because they don’t need it. Even camping equipment itself – from tents to cooking equipment – is often quite expensive and unprotected.
Simple Security Measures
While the threat of campsite theft certainly exists, it’s not exactly practical to set up a full-on security system – complete with barbed wire fencing and warning lights – around your tent. Fortunately, all it takes is some common sense and a little extra care in order to protect your belongings from would-be theft or damage.
When you first arrive at a busy campsite, it can be a good idea to introduce yourself and the rest of your group to your immediate neighbors. Not only will you get a sense of their trustworthiness, but they’ll be around to let you know if something fishy – namely an unfamiliar person – is making their way onto your campsite without notice.
Once camp is all set up, the last thing you’ll want to do is put things back in the car. But when the whole group is venturing off the campsite for some fun, it’s wise to do just that. Valuable and personal items should all go into the car if no one will be around to watch the area. You can make it a little easier on yourself by setting up a “value spot” where the group can keep the items they don’t want to lose or carry with them. Then, when the time comes to lock them up, they’ll be ready and accessible. Similarly, having a checklist to refer to when you arrive and leave will ensure that nothing of value is lost permanently.
As unfortunate as it might be, theft on campgrounds is not exceedingly rare. And while it’s impossible to make a busy campground 100% safe, these measures are quite effective for good overall campsite security. In most cases, all you need to do to prevent opportunistic crimes like campsite theft is to diminish the easy opportunity itself.

Outdoor Adventures: Exotic Fish Species in North America

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:09:08 +0000

As a destination for exotic fishing opportunities, North America is a bit of an afterthought for many. After all, most areas for fishing on this continent don’t have the sense of wonder and unfamiliarity that other areas of the world do. Nonetheless, there are plenty of rare and exotic fish species that outdoor lovers and experienced anglers can target right here in the Western Hemisphere. Below are a few of the coolest species to target, and where to find them.
Lake Sturgeon

The lake sturgeon, a fish species dating back literally millions of years, was once commonly found in the Great Lakes. Due to overharvesting for its caviar, oil, and confectionary qualities, it has since become a true rarity. It is a very large bottom feeder, growing in some cases to over 300 pounds. Its life span is equally impressive, living over100 years in some cases. Due to the species’ protected status in most areas, there are only a few spots left for sturgeon fishing – most of which have strict limits. Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods, for example, allows anglers a limit of five sturgeon per year.
Alligator Gar
Colloquially known as the “Gator Gar” in areas where it is found, the alligator gar is a sight to behold. In its long, snout-like jaw, rows of sharp teen lay ready to snatch up unsuspecting prey. Its immense, too, with adults typically growing to over 200 pounds. Anglers use many methods to catch them, including snagging, netting, and even bow fishing. These freshwater monsters are found across much of the Southern United States, most prominently in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Peacock Bass
Though they’re better known for inhabiting the Amazon River, peacock bass have also been introduced in the United States. Known for their immense size and vibrant, distinct colorations, these bass are infamous fighters. In fact, they’re legendary among anglers for their ability to mangle even the sturdiest fishing tackle. In the contiguous U.S., the only state where you can expect to find them is Florida, where they’ve been stocked in freshwater bodies near Miami.
Muskellunge
Though they’re not “exotic” in the traditional sense of the word, muskellunge are rare enough to earn their place on this list. Known by those who go after it as the “fish of 10,000 casts”, muskie are found in the frigid fresh waters of the Northern U.S. and Canada. The species grows up to thirty pounds, and is well-respected among anglers for its hard-striking and vicious fighting qualities – if you somehow manage to actually hook one, that is.

Outdoor Safety Tips: Dealing With Wildfires

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:43:34 +0000

For those who live or travel to the western portion of the United States, wildfires are a fact of life. Before humans roamed the Earth, natural events such as lightning strikes and volcano eruptions caused wildfires to rage across wooded areas and grasslands. Today, human caused wildfires only add to the number of burns each year. Though not entirely bad – they can help to regenerate and revitalize certain habitats – wildfires certainly pose a risk to human health. If you’ll be camping or staying in an area prone to wildfires soon, use these safety tips to handle the event safely and practically.
1. The most harmful aspect of wildfires for humans isn’t the fire itself. Much like fires that occur in more densely populated areas, it is the smoke that does the most damage to human health. Wildfires consume a ton of dense, rich vegetative fuel as they burn – putting off plume after plume of thick, heavy smoke. Obviously, this doesn’t bode well for the respiratory system if inhaled. The California government recommends to its citizens that they stay inside if a wildfire is burning close enough to pollute their air, but not close enough to threaten their homes. This advice is applicable to campers and outdoor adventurers as well. Though it is certainly a downer, staying indoors is the best way to ensure your safety.
2. If you’re at a campsite without access to emergency alerts, smoke should be your cue to evacuate. In areas where wildfires burn, they sometimes become so prevalent that the ones burning away from residential areas aren’t kept track of. Western states often have several different wildfires burning at once. Therefore, it’s important that you err on the side of caution when camping in areas prone to them. If you see or smell abnormal amounts of smoke – no matter how distant on the horizon – it’s wise to leave as soon as possible. As mentioned before, even limited exposure to smoke can be surprisingly harmful to your health.
3. If possible, find a way to access information. Whether it means turning on the radio in your car or talking to other campers nearby, your closest ally in a wildfire situation is information. Because of rapidly changing wind and weather conditions, wildfires can change size and direction very quickly. By keeping up to date with the latest information, you’ll be able to respond to the evolving situation nimbly.
Though they’re often completely natural occurrences, wildfires sure can throw a wrench in the lives of homeowners and campers alike. But with the right strategies and responses, you’ll be able to preserve what’s truly important – the safety of your family, your friends, and yourself.

Tips For Keeping Your Campsite Clean

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:17:26 +0000

When you’re able to keep your campsite clean, all parties benefit. Besides helping you to camp more comfortably, you’re also making the lives of fellow campers easier and keeping the local environment preserved for future generations of outdoor lovers. But, much like housework, cleaning at the campsite is often seen as a tedious chore – especially since you’re supposed to be “getting away” – which inevitably leads to messes everywhere. But by setting up and following a few simple, easy-to-do guidelines, your camping party will be able to keep it clean without too much trouble.
1. When you get to camp, set up trash and recycling bags first. As your camping party unpacks, things will inevitably be thrown away immediately. Whether it be snack wrappers eaten on the car ride to the campsite or empty water bottles drank on the walk there, make sure to set up trash bags first thing so that all the junk has a place to go. Doing so will help prevent you from falling behind on cleaning tasks early, and prevent some of the cleanup stress later.
2. Bring tarps and rugs. In addition to keeping the outdoor environment clean, you’ll want to keep your tent environment tidy as well. The best way to do so is to prevent it from getting very dirty in the first place. Many experienced campers like to lay down an old tarp which they can set up their tent on. Then, when the tent’s up, they’ll lay another, newer tarp as a buffer between dirty feet and the tent’s floor. The other trick – which you’ve seen on countless doorsteps before – is to place a woven rug outside your tent flap. Any visitors will instinctively wipe their feet before entering, keeping dirt and mud off the spots where you’ll be sleeping.
3. Set up a “dishwashing station” daily. For those who like to camp as a family, one of the biggest campsite cleaning struggles is dish maintenance. If you don’t want to go the paper-plate route or need real dishes to hold up to certain meals you’ve planned, consider bringing along three tubs and some dish soap. Every morning, set them up, fill them with water (a single one with water and dish soap), and allow those in your camping party to clean dishes as they go.
4. When you clean up for the last time, follow campers’ etiquette. Generally speaking, outdoor enthusiasts try to go out of their way to leave a campsite like they found it. This means scattering rocks you used to make campfire rings, covering any latrines that have been dug out, and picking up pet droppings that may have been missed. Though it’s a little extra work, you’ll be able to leave the campsite with a clear conscience and a definite sense of accomplishment, having conquered the outdoors’ often inherent dirtiness.

An Intro to Off-Trail Hiking

LoveTheOutdoors — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:28:34 +0000

A quality common among almost all hikers is the strong desire to explore and discover. The sense of wonder and peace you get when making your way through snaking wooded paths and natural terrain is tough to beat. For some experienced hikers, the best of that feeling comes when exploring truly untouched areas – the ones that you can’t find on a well-traveled trail.
Called “off-trail hiking” by its practitioners, going off marked paths and into the uncharted forest can add an element of excitement to your hiking trip. The distinction might not seem huge at face value, but many hikers believe that pioneering your own path makes all the difference in having a rewarding outdoor experience. Those who are trying to catch a glimpse of native wildlife, too, commonly venture into less traveled areas. After all, you wouldn’t really expect to see an avid bird watcher or wildlife photographer walking on a path crawling with hikers.
In addition to adding a level of excitement to an outdoor adventure, off-trail hiking allows you to hone your skills. For instance, someone might wander off and then attempt to make their way back to the trail using a map and compass. Another might walk the woods to look for signs of wildlife, sharpening their tracking skills. Whatever the specific reason might be, there’s little doubt that experience off the trail will help you work towards becoming a better overall outdoor enthusiast.
Special Considerations for Off-Trail Hiking
Of course, it would be unwise to talk about the merits of off-trail hiking without mentioning safety precautions. Because you’ll likely pass through places you’re not exactly familiar with, you should always make sure someone knows the general area you plan on exploring before setting out. If it’s somewhere you’ve never been, be sure to bring a GPS or map and compass, and know how to use them effectively. Those with less hiking experience might find it better to hike with a buddy or group – they’ll be able to teach you a thing or two, and can make the whole experience much more fun.
Because off-trail terrain is often more rugged than the trails themselves, be sure to wear a good pair of socks and boots. Aching feet have a way of making hikes miserable in a hurry. If you’re leaving for an undefined length of time, pack enough water and food to keep full and hydrated. With a few simple safety measures, the right equipment, and a positive mindset, you just might find off-trail hiking to be a new personal favorite outdoor activity.

Tips for Making Your Hikes More Enjoyable

LoveTheOutdoors — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 18:38:06 +0000

Whether you hike for exercise or sheer enjoyment of nature, the whole point of hitting the tail instead of hitting the sidewalk is to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, factors from pain, to fatigue, and even boredom can put a damper on what you would normally savor. If you’ve been stuck in that oft-feared “hiking rut” and a change of scenery or new trails to hike aren’t helping, try testing out some of the following outdoor gear. It may just reinvigorate you, providing the zest for the outdoors that seems to have been lacking.
1. Hiking Boots. The number one concern for avid hikers should always be based pragmatically. That is, you’ve got to be comfortable to enjoy walking through trails. If you’re wearing an old pair of tennis shoes or boots that don’t fit quite right, all you’ll end up with is sore feet and a desire to never set foot in the woods again. See a knowledgeable representative at an outdoor apparel store for help on finding boots that fit correctly. They should be snug, have as little slippage as possible, and have tread specialized for the type of terrain you typically hike.
2. Trekking poles. Much like an endurance athlete, avid hikers often get an uncomfortable buildup of lactic acid in their leg muscles – especially when navigating hilly terrain. To help alleviate this pain and restore some of your lost energy for hiking, consider using a trekking pole as your own personal “hiking assistant”. Modern poles are quite convenient, in that they often telescope for easy transport when not in use. Be sure to use the right size trekking pole on your hikes – most agree that one which comes up to eye level is best.
3. Binoculars. If it’s not pain that’s making your hikes less fun, then it’s most likely boredom. People who hike the same or similar trails day after day often end up getting burned out on familiar scenery. But by bringing binoculars, you can pick up on the hidden beauty of oft-treaded trails that you were never able to appreciate before. Scouting for birds, looking for larger game, and using them to view breathtaking landscapes can easily restore your wide-eyed awe for the outdoors.
4. A fishing pole. So it’s not pain, and it’s not scenery – maybe what your hikes lack is a goal. After all, many feel like their hikes should have a point, and not be walking for walking’s sake. If there’s a body of water near the trails you hike, try punctuating your mini-excursion with a little fishing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bubbling creek or raging river – giving your hike a purpose can help you from feeling listless or aimless on the trail.
From time to time, just about everyone gets a little burned out on things they normally love to do. But if your hikes have lost their sense of fun and it simply refuses to come back, it’s certainly worth making an attempt to switch things up a bit. By mixing in some new nuances to old standbys, you might just find something that turns hiking from the chore it may have become into an activity to look forward to again.

How to Practice Proper Campsite Etiquette

LoveTheOutdoors — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:37:26 +0000

As socially responsible members of the outdoor community, it’s important that campers cultivate a sense mutual respect towards one another. When you’re actually at the campsite, this means learning to share certain communal spaces with other campers. Many campgrounds, both public and private, are busy year round – so you can expect to be cohabitating with other camping parties on at least some trips. Below are a few ground rules for making sure that you’re using proper camping etiquette on those trips.
Don’t be a litterbug.
One of the biggest annoyances for many campers is the failure of others at the campsite to pick up their trash. Scattered paper plates, plastic cups, and food wrappers aren’t just disrespectful to your fellow campers, they’re a detriment to the site’s microenvironment. While it’s understandable that, say, a younger child might leave a few things lying around, try and make sure they get cleaned up before bedtime.
If you’re fishing, fillet your catch away from the campground.
While it might be easier to take your fishing haul back to the campsite for cleaning, the pungent smell and significant waste produced when cutting up your catch might not be appreciated by other groups at your campsite. In most public fishing areas, there are pre-set stations made for fish cleaning. Take advantage of them if at all possible, and be sure not to leave unusable portions behind.
Use precautions regarding pets.
Bringing your pet along on a camping trip is always great fun. Their natural energy can really liven up and add to the experience of a camping trip. At most campgrounds, pets are allowed and even encouraged to tag along. You should make an effort conscientious with Fido or Spike, though. Make sure that he’s either leashed or being watched at all times, in order to avoid the disturbance of other groups. Take him on walks away from the campground for bathroom breaks – if he or she decides to take care of business at the campsite, try to pick it up as quickly as possible.
If you’re unsure about something, look at the campgrounds rules and regulations for guidance.
Typically, popular sites will have rules posted for all habitants to follow. They usually include set nightly quiet hours, rules concerning pets, guidelines for campfires, and other general considerations for good camping etiquette. By following these posted rules, you can help to ensure that you’re respecting the rights of other campers.

Love The Outdoors

How To Avoid Wildlife Habitat When Finding Campsites

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An Intro to Off-Trail Hiking

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