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The Forest Wonderer. Wildlife Nature Preservation and Conservation
Thursday, 5 April 2007
More Information Concerning Bears
Topic: wildlife
Brown bears are technically carnivores, but in practice most of their diet consists of plant matter such as sedges, grasses, bulbs, seeds, berries, and roots. They will also eat insects, fish, and small mammals. Some of these bears have even developed predatory practices on large animals, including moose, caribou, and elk. The polar bear is a mighty hunter of seals. The most carnivorous of the bears, it is also the most patient. They will sit near a seal blow-hole for hours, waiting, until the animal surfaces. When it does, it is all over for the seal. One powerful blow from a forepaw brings a swift meal for the bear and a swifter death for the seal. The conditions of the polar north are harsh, with temperatures well below freezing almost constantly. In order to survive, the polar bear has to be an expert survivalist, able to cope with the grueling conditions of his environment. Like a giant solar panel, the skin of the bear is black to draw every bit of possible heat from the sunlight. The hairs if the pelt appear to be white, but are actually transluscent and transmit the light down to the skin. Below these hairs are "underhairs" of orange or yellow. Like those of other bears, the ears of the polar bear are round. They are, however, smaller and closer to the head. This, along with the overall shape of the animal help to make it a formidable swimmer. The paws are large, and slightly webbed, which also contribute to the bear's abilities as a swimmer. There is a great degree of sexual dimorphism among the bears as well. The males are huge, the heaviest of them weighing as much as 1300 pounds. The females are smaller, the largest of them being only about 600 pounds. The boars do not generally hibernate, but remain active for most of the year. The pregnant females are the exception to this, however. They go through a denning and hibernation period, just like that of the black, brown, and other bears. Polar bears are more agressive than other bears. Even in captivity. The asiatic black bear has many similarities to its American cousin. Both are medium sized, and black. The ears of the asiatic bear are large and seem inappropriately sized to the rest of its head and those of other bears. These bears have a white patch of fur on their chest, which is often shaped like a V, with some varying amount of white on their chin as well. Occasionally, they can be found in a brown color phase. The asiatic black bears are not as widely studied as the other bears, so very little information is available about their relative size and other statistics. Generally, they have been found to be 50-75 inches in length. The males usually weigh from 220-440 pounds, and the females from 110-275 pounds. These bears can be found throughout Southern Asia. They are known in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sikkim, Northern India, Bhutan, and into Burma. They can also be found in Northeast China, and Southeast Russia, Taiwan, and the Japaneese islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Mostly, these bears live in forested areas, especially hilly and mountainous places. The preferred elevations change seasonally. In summer, asiatic black bears have been spotted at over 9,900 feet--moving to lower elevations as the cold of winter comes on. In the northern parts of their range, they den for winter. Current thinking is that the bears in the southern reaches do not hibernate. The diet of the asiatic black bear is quite diverse. They eat carrion, bee's nests, insects, invertibrates, small vertibrates, and fruit. They have been known to kill domestic livestock, but to what degree they exhibit this predation is not known. They are also known to make daybeds and feeding platforms in nut-bearing trees Keith Londrie II is the and publisher of http://bears.about-animals.info A website that specializes in providing information on bears that you can research on the internet. Please Visit http://bears.about-animals.info now!
Posted by forestwonderer
at 9:29 AM EDT
Wednesday, 4 April 2007
Bargain Prices On Camping Gear Shopping Trips
Topic: camping
It is always possible to find bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips if you know how to search for them. They can be found in hot deals on Internet websites, where prices are slashed, sometimes as much as 60 percent to 80 percent on all of the camping gear items that are listed in their inventories. Some of these bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips, will be so drastically priced, because they are items that did not sell well in regular storefronts. Nothing is wrong with the camping gear items. The camping gear items did not sell well enough because the residential and commercial areas that had them in their stores were saturated with the product. For some reason, people automatically know that they should go to the overstocked outlets on the Internet to find these over-saturated sale items. The bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips are always there, and people know that those prices are far below what anybody would have had to pay for them when they were sitting in the bricked-in shops, unsold. That Internet retailer's website could very well represent several of the stores in your town! That idea is quite possible because there are retailers around the world who choose to have an online retail presence of some sort. There are also little retailers that need a little help in selling their items, and choose to let someone else sell those items for them. That is when you can find true bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips. The Internet does not hold the market on bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips but it is a good resource to use, and one you can check several times a week if you like. It could very well be, that the little shop down the street from you, in your own hometown, could be the one shop that you find that truly has the best bargain prices on camping gear. Bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips can be found in any location where there are too many items in somebody's inventory. If they do not sell them, then these retailers will have to absorb the loss and that money may very well be their livelihood. A camping gear dealer would rather sell their non-moving inventories to anyone that will buy them, including those that plan to resale them at reduced prices. Some of these distressed dealers will go to swap meets and flea markets just to sell part of their stock. People readily buy these items too, because they know bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips when they see them. Another way to find bargain prices on camping gear shopping trips, is to visit yard sales throughout the year. People tend to start spring cleaning early and do not stop until all of the items are sold. What does not sell at a yard sale, has only one other place to go, where the seller can still reap some financial benefit and that is the charity resale store, right up the street from you. About The Author: Leon Groom writes about http://www.campinggearsonsale.com/
Posted by forestwonderer
at 9:36 AM EDT
Friday, 30 March 2007
Hiking and Trekking, are they the same?
Topic: Hiking
Take A Hike Written by Dorothy Williams Bust out your backpack. Become a trekker. Take a hike. There are all kinds of ways to get out there and enjoy a day on the trails. Backpacking, trekking, and hiking are three great outdoor activities, and while they may seem the same, there are subtle differences to each.
As far as outdoor adventurers are concerned, hiking and trekking are basically the same. The differences lie in the origin of the words. The term "hike" is derived from the Middle English word "hytchen" which became the English word "hitch". The word "trekking" is borrowed from the African term for ox-cart transport. Those taking part in a hiking adventure through the Himalayas could safely use the term "trekking" without literary repercussions.
The term "backpacking" is much less exotic. You'll use this term when you walk to a nearby place, over a day or two. Generally "backpacking" involves hauling some gear in a package on your back. If you do want to walk on the wild side, but you're not quite ready for the Himalayas, backpacking through somewhere like the Grand Canyon can fit the bill.
When telling people you're about to take a hike, they will likely imagine you traversing miles of trail. Your audience will picture you traversing miles of trails, winding through forests, scaling mountains, and stopping only to admire the scenic vistas waiting you encounter along the way. It's no wonder that hundreds of hikers spend their vacations on trips like these. From leisurely self-guided winery tours, to rugged backcountry travels through pristine wilderness, outdoor itineraries are limited only by the traveler's imagination.
Itinerant hikers have tons of options available. You may have dreamed of standing at the foot of Mount Everest and reliving the moments when the first climbers reached its peak. Perhaps you'd like to witness sunrise over Africa from atop Mount Kilimanjaro. Those adventures are available to you. One of the most exciting aspects of planning and taking a hiking trip is that you can visit places that are otherwise remote and isolated from civilization.
Most guided hiking trips are basically the same, but the location and the level of strenuousness can vary. There is also a bit of variety in the styles of treks, all having affect on the difficulty or degree of adventure that your trip will hold.
A traditional hiking trip is often expedition-style, which means that it involves a crew including guides, porters, and cooks. This support team will prepare meals, set up or take down camp and even carry your gear.
If you want fewer people along for the journey, consider taking a lodge-to-lodge hiking trip. Take this style of hike and you'll stay in alpine huts or rustic mountain lodges, with no cook or porter. A limited number of support staff may accompany you on your expedition, but the group will be substantially smaller than in the traditional style of hiking. Lodge-to-lodge hiking usually costs a bit less than fully catered alternatives, but they can be inconvenient. Many hikers would rather focus all their energy on completing the hike, rather than worrying about their next meal.
Hard-core adventurers also have a hiking style just for them. Mountain climbing treks and the exploratory hiking trips, while offered by only a few adventure travel companies, are trips on routes not previously offered by that company. These trips offer genuine adventure, since even the guides aren't sure what to expect around the next bend.
Hiking, trekking or backpacking. Choose your adventure and get ready to experience the pure beauty of nature. When your friends ask where you've booked your next vacation, tell them you're just going to take a hike.
About The Author: Dorothy Williams writes articles for several web sites, such as http://nulaf.com and http://new-recreation.com
Posted by forestwonderer
at 9:39 AM EDT
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Camping advice for families that are new to the outdoors.
Topic: camping
Camping Tips For Families written by Nicole Munoz Camping outdoors is a great way for families to spend quality time together, but it can sometimes get stressful for parents, especially those with small children. Planning and preparation are the keys to success in any event, so take a little time before your outing to plan some fun camping activities for the kids as well as the whole family.
To make things easier on you and your children, pack each day’s clothing in a separate plastic bag. At night, your little ones can return their dirty clothes to the bag and keep their clean items separate from the dirty laundry. Allow each child to choose a toy or two to bring along, but encourage them to keep it simple. Books, stuffed animals, or puzzle magazines are good choices.
Provide each child with their own flashlight for the camping trip. A personal light is not only fun for kids, it can make them feel more comfortable in the dark night air. Flashlights or personal lanterns allow children to read before bed, make shadow puppets in their tent, and make it safely to the bathroom at night. You may consider giving each child a Coleman for kids Illumistick when the sun goes down. Once activated the cool glow stick will provide light for up to twelve hours, long enough to make it until sunrise.
Enlist each child’s help in preparation, meal time, and planning activities. Let young children help make trail mix for the trip and older children can pack their own suitcases. Plan one major activity each day, like hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking, and allow your children to explore the outdoors in their own way the rest of the time. Allow older children to help prepare meals and assign everyone a meal time duty, like setting the table or cleaning up.
Review your family camping rules before leaving for your trip and again when you set up camp. Remind your young children to stay within your view and older children to never go out of earshot. If your school age children are sleeping in their own tent, pitch the tent next to yours and provide them with a whistle in case they get lost or hurt while playing. Review the rules of nature etiquette with your children as well. Remind them to keep their voices down and to never pick the flowers or disturb the animals. Tell your children to stay on the marked trails while hiking and to always throw away their trash.
When you are camping with children, safety is usually a primary concern. Always carry a first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream, pain reliever, and any allergy medications. Remind your children that they can only play near fire or water if an adult is supervising the activity and make them avoid areas with ledges or steep drops while alone. Keep children in the middle if you go hiking or horseback riding to protect them from falls, snakes, and becoming lost and remember to check everyone for ticks each night.
About The Author: For more tips and information about Camping Tips for Families, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com.
Posted by forestwonderer
at 9:35 AM EDT
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
Camping Safety Tips: Part 1 ? Food, Water, Ticks
Topic: Hiking
Camping out in the woods can be one of the most gratifying experiences available for those who stress over the hustle and bustle of daily life in or near a city. The dangers of contemporary lifestyles and environments can themselves drive people to the slow pace of the woods. Crime, careless drivers, pollution, identify theft. Who needs it! While seeking a safe haven from the pitfalls of "civilization", the camper must also bear in mind that the great outdoors is fraught with its own set of dangers. Let's consider a few and how you can counter the risks. In part 1 of this two-part series, we'll look at food safety, ensuring you have clean water to drink, and avoiding ticks. FOOD SAFETY Bacteria can invade many types of food, especially those high in protein and moisture, such as milk, milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, cream pies, custards and potato salad. After preparation, these foods must be kept either hot (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Between the two temperature ranges lurks the danger. A camper who does not have the means of sustaining food that can easily spoil outside of those thermometer readings should not bring them on the trip at all. It would be much safer to bring canned food and garden goodies. Exposed food should be prepared prior to the trip and protected in plastic prior to icing them since ice can trap harmful bacteria. For example, though ice pulled from a frozen stream in winter can help to keep food cold, it should never be permitted to touch the food itself. And whether eating meals from a picnic table or sitting on the ground, always cover the eating area with something clean, like a plastic table cloth. Any food that you suspect may be spoiled should be disposed of rather than eaten. The risk is just too high. CLEAN DRINKING WATER When you are thirsty, there is nothing like a cold, clear glass of water to satisfy. At home, our tap water is normally relatively safe, though many people opt to filter it through one means or another to improve the odds of safe drinking. Aside from water that is purified for us, however, it has been estimated that the vast majority of surface water in the US fails to meet government standards for intake safety. When you are camping without your own water (or a sufficient supply) and are not at a camp ground that has purified running water available, you will need to take additional measures to protect yourself from water contaminated by bacteria and viruses. There are fundamentally four options for accomplishing this. The first you can do at the camp site. The other three require preparation prior to heading out to the camp site. * Boil the water - Heat suspect water to a boil, and let it continue to do so for several minutes. After cooling off, it should be consumable. * Iodine liquid or tablets - Instructions that come with the iodine will explain how many drops to use for a specific amount of water, and for what time period. * Filtering - Most microorganisms can be filtered out depending upon the materials used in the filter and the filtering design of the unit. When purchased, be sure the instructions clearly state what will and will not be filtered out. * Purification - Purifying will remove or kill all dangerous water-born bacteria. Using this method, the water should be run through the purifier at least a couple of times to ensure drinking safety. AVOIDING TICKS Ticks look innocuous on the surface. But tiny as they are, they still have the potency to make a person very ill with Lyme Disease. They can dig their way into a person's skin very easily without notice when he rests up against a tree or walks in brush. Once on the skin, ticks will burrow their way in and are not easily removed. Before you head into the woods, you will need to minimize opportunities that these blood suckers have to find their way to your skin through an opening in your clothing. Tuck in whatever clothing you can: shirt into pants, pant legs into socks, shirt sleeve over top of gloves (if the weather is cool enough for gloves). Additionally, spray on your clothing a good insect repellent that has a high percentage of. The repellent can be located at any sporting goods store and most general retail outlets. Upon return to your camp site or turning into your tent for the night, check your body visually and with your hands looking for any small bumps that may be indicative of a tick that has landed on or embedded itself into your skin. Have someone else look carefully through your hair (running their fingers through it) and scan anywhere else that you cannot easily see, such as your back. If you find that a tick has dug itself into your skin, immediately (but very carefully) remove it with tweezers. Grab it as close to its legs as possible, making sure to extract its entire body. If you are unable to do so, it would be better to leave the camp site for a time to visit a doctor than to risk infection. In part 2 of this brief series, we will continue our consideration of camping safety tips, focusing specifically on camp fires, wild animals, and dangerous activities in the woods. About The Author: GreatWay Plus, LLC. Owner: Mike Foster. Check us out at http://www.GreatWayPlus.com
Posted by forestwonderer
at 10:01 AM EDT
Updated: Wednesday, 28 March 2007 11:30 AM EDT
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Some hiking basics to make your hike more enjoyable
Topic: Hiking
Hiking Basics Written by Nancy Jackson Gear up for an exhilarating day in the great outdoors. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran hiker, being prepared and following a few hiking basics can help make your adventure as safe as it is sensational.
You don't have to be a professional hiker to fully enjoy a hiking adventure. Hiking basics begin with a good sense of the outdoors and a willingness to get connected with the wilderness. The right equipment and supplies can help ensure a successful outdoor adventure.
Hiking Boots
Can you safely say, "These boots are made for hiking"? If not, it's time to go shopping. Hiking basics start from the ground up, so make sure you've got a good foundation. There are all sorts of different styles of hiking boots to choose from. Choose your boots and wear them for a few days before your hiking trip. If your boots are nicely broken in, blisters and sore feet won't spoil your hike. Remember, your feet will be your only source of transportation on the trail, so you've got to keep them comfortable.
Clothes and Accessories
There are no fashion runways in the forest, but it's still important to choose the right clothing and accessories. You want to be comfortable, but you need protection. Layering your clothes is always best. Start with a light shirt or tank, and then wear flannel or fleece over top. If the hike heats up, you can tie the top shirt around your waist; if the air gets chilly, you've got an extra layer of warmth available. Zip-off and roll-up cargo pants are also great for offering flexibility and comfort. Remember to bring a hat and sunglasses, just in case your hike takes you to a sunny spot.
Food and Water
It's important to keep your energy and hydration levels on track while you're on the trail, so pack plenty of snacks and fresh water. It's great to pack light, but more important to have enough water and food when you get hungry or need an energy boost. Fruit, trail mix and protein bars are all easy to pack, and packed with energy. Just be sure to take any food wrappings with you. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that give you an initial boost, and then cause you to crash. Sugar doesn't replenish energy, so leave it at home. Drink lots of water along the trail to keep from being dehydrated, particularly on hot summer hikes.
Survival Supplies
Don't underestimate nature, or overestimate your navigational skills. Accidents can happen and you may become lost, so be prepared for anything. Pack a first aid kit for unexpected cuts and mishaps, and bring anything you might need in the event you get stuck or lost. Chances are, you'll never need your survival kit, but in this case, it's better to bring what you don't need, than it is to need what you don't have.
Respect Nature
Leave nothing behind, and take only your memories. These are important hiking basics for all adventurers. Nature is a gift that must be respected as well as enjoyed. Take a break every now and again to appreciate your gorgeous surroundings. Bring a camera to capture your memories. Smell the flowers and breathe in the fresh air. A few quiet moments can create memories that last a lifetime.
A few hiking basics are all you need to hit the trail for a great day outdoors. If you have kids that can safely hike the trails, bring them along to let them experience natural wonders they don't get to see everyday. You'll all see the world in a whole new way.
About The Author: Nancy Jackson writes articles for several popular web sites, including http://zigug.com and http://yogey.com
Posted by forestwonderer
at 10:56 AM EDT
Updated: Wednesday, 28 March 2007 11:41 AM EDT
Monday, 26 March 2007
Safe Hiking Tips and advice in the UK
Hiking And Rambling - Make Sure You're Safe Out There! Written by Steve Dempster Even if you're only out for a short day hike, it's a good idea to think of your personal safety. It just takes a little thought and planning . . .
Here's a cautionary tale. The countryside in my part of the UK can't, by any stretch of the imagination, be called wild. Most of this part of the World is like a big park. Yet you can still get into trouble. Here's how I nearly did just that.
Some years ago I was out walking alone on a hill not ten miles from where I live. It was a nice day, good weather and pleasantly warm. The walk was about 12 miles and I'd set out a bit late, so the finish would be around 8 p.m. - not yet dark in the UK in May. As I climbed a stile (a kind of small gate in a hedge) I missed my footing and fell.
I was lucky - my dignity (and backside) were about the only thing hurt. As I picked myself up a thought hit me - what if I'd fallen badly? Broken my ankle? It struck me then that, although I was only a couple of miles from the nearest habitation, I hadn't seen anyone for about two hours. At this time of day most hikers would be heading home. Ever tried to walk two miles with a broken ankle?
I was lucky. Had I sustained an injury, the evening was warm and, even if I did have to spend a night in the open, it would have been uncomfortable rather than life-threatening - and someone would have come along eventually.
The point is this: say instead I'd been in the remote Highlands of Scotland, or the Sierra Nevada, or any real wilderness area? I'd have been in real trouble. What I'd done on my little local hill was stupid but not dangerous. If I'd been in a remote area it would have been dangerously stupid.
So - some basic points for exploring the great outdoors. They're easy to remember and I do not exeggarate whe I say they might, one day, save your life.
1. Never go hiking alone. In wilderness areas this is simply begging for trouble.
2. Always let someone know where you're going and, more importantly, when you expect to be back.
3. If for any reason you have to change your plans, let your 'anchor' person - the one you told your original plans to - know what's going on. It's common courtesy and could save a lot of people a lot of trouble.
4. If venturing into remote areas - especially for a few days - make sure you have the correct clothing, sufficient food and water - and a survival bag. These are, simply, large, robust plastic bagss you can crawl inside to protect you from the elements. They are usually a virulent shade of orange so they can be seen easily. They fold up to next to nothing but, if you're hurt and outdoors in the Grampian Mountains in January, they could mean everything. Always carry one.
5. Don't go into wilderness areas alone. I know I said this already but it's rather important.
Don't get me wrong. I'm the last person who would want to dissuade anyone from exploring and enjoying the great outdoors. It's a fantastic place. I would only ask you to take simple precautions such as the ones above. Just remember that nature might be gentle - but she takes no prisoners!
Steve Dempster has been running his walking website since 1998 and welcomes your visit at http://www.countrywalkers.co.uk
Posted by forestwonderer
at 1:57 PM EDT
Hiking the trails of the Grand Canyon, tips and advice
Written by Alison Stevens To truly experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, hiking from the rim to the river can be a rewarding and life-changing adventure.
The hike from the canyon rim to the floor of the valley and back up again can be tackled by most relatively fit people – even the novice hiker. Make no mistake, it is a tough hike but you don’t need to be an athlete to complete it successfully.
It is possible for an experienced hiker to trek to the bottom and back up the other side in one day, however, if you have the time available try to plan your hike over three or more days to make the most of this experience.
During the planning process for your trek you might want to read some of the many books available on Grand Canyon hiking. There are also videos/DVDs available and any of these resources will start to give you an idea of the trail you might prefer to take from the rim to the canyon floor and back up again.
It is a popular idea with hikers to begin their descent from one rim, hike to the floor of the canyon and then hike out on the opposite side.
This particular hike poses the problem of where to leave your car; or more importantly, how to get back to your car it you exit the canyon on, say, the south rim, and your car is parked on the north rim. The distance from the south rim to the north rim is only about ten miles as the crow flies but it is a 220 mile car trip! Some hikers arrange to swap car keys with a group hiking in the opposite direction. If this option isn’t available to you, there is a shuttle that runs between the two rims.
You can choose a guided Grand Canyon hike or a self-guided hike. If you choose a self-guided hike you must start out with a good map. There are many different maps available and you’ll want to ensure that your map covers the trails you wish to hike plus the campgrounds.
When To Hike
Let’s start with when not to go Grand Canyon hiking! June, July and August are scorchingly hot and should be avoided. The north rim and all its facilities are closed from mid November to mid May. The most pleasant time of year to attempt a Grand Canyon hike is mid May to early June and late September to mid November. An advantage of trekking in the spring is the presence of many beautiful wildflowers on the canyon floor.
Which Track?
From the north rim the only track to the canyon floor is the North Kaibab Trail. It is approximately 13 miles from the north rim to Bright Angel Campground and the trail descends 5400 feet. There is reliable water available. From the south rim there is a choice of the South Kaibab Trail which is 5.6 miles and descends 4500 feet, or Bright Angel Trail which is 9.7 miles in length and descends 4260 feet. There is reliable water on Bright Angel Trail but there is no water available on South Kaibab.
Because of the lack of water and the steepness of the gradient, South Kaibab is recommended as a descent track rather than a climbing track.
For hikers who choose to hike from the south rim to the canyon floor before returning to the south rim, descending via the South Kaibab Trail and climbing out via the Bright Angel Trail is a good option.
Serious backpackers who are prepared to carry a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment and food along with their drinking water, extra clothing and toiletries can stay in any of the campsites. For those hikers who’d like a little more comfort at the end of the day, Phantom Ranch, a historic National Park lodge built in the 1920s stands alongside Bright Angel Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River. They serve simple but hearty meals and this is a great place to relax before the climb back to the rim and the conclusion of your Grand Canyon hike.
About The Author: Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains the Hiking And Camping Website http://www.hikingandcampingsite.com/blog/ to assist hikers, campers and backpackers to choose the right equipment.
Posted by forestwonderer
at 12:19 PM EDT
Friday, 23 March 2007
Hiking the canyons in Southern Utah and Arizona
Written by Paula Radmall Slot canyons are one of the most beautiful of nature’s handiworks. They are magnificent works of art caused by water rushing through a narrow crevasse, over a long period of time, carving and smoothing the canyon walls into bright, beautiful sculptures. What so unusual about that? Well, some of the slot canyons in Southern Utah and Arizona are hundreds of feet deep, while others are only a few feet, or even inches wide. Their vertical walls glimmer, changing hues as the sun moves across the sky. It is the mix of light streaming in and shadows that make these canyons remarkably memorable and gorgeous. It’s the beauty of these canyons, and deep oranges and reds of their walls, that bring people from all over the world hiking, backpacking, and camping so they can have the breathtaking view for themselves!
“It’s like the Grand Canyon turned inside out!” At least, that’s the way my daughter described the slot canyons we explored! You’ll understand her wonder when you step inside for yourself.
Until recent years, most slot canyon locations were very well kept secrets. In fact, no one really knows how many exist in the desert of the southwest because you can walk right by one without even knowing it! A natural reverence exists inside these deep, beautiful slot canyons and some of those who have visited them have felt a strong desire to protect them from being marred by too much traffic as their locations have become more widely known. But, as the information has become more available, more people have had the joy of experiencing the canyons beauty firsthand.
The Antelope Canyons
The well known, and well photographed Antelope Canyon slot canyons, lay mostly on Navajo land. If you have seen pictures of slot canyons, they were probably taken here.
The Antelope Canyon slot canyons are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. They are also the best known and the most heavily visited. And in recent years, the Navajo people have felt the need to protect the canyons from abuse and misuse. They have instituted procedures and guideline for visiting the Upper Antelope Canyon entrance site. We have locations and visiting guidelines to many of the slot canyons on this website.
Slot canyon exploring is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and to appreciate the true wonders of nature. The many years of wind and water wearing on the land have left a playground for those who are willing to do a bit of preparation, and a little bit of hiking—or a lot, whichever you prefer. Come explore with us!
About The Author: Paula Radmall is the author of this article as well as an editor for the website http://www.slotcanyonexploring.com which explores what slot canyons are, how they are formed, and various locations of slot canyons in the American Southwest.
Posted by forestwonderer
at 10:02 AM EDT
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Mosquito Bites Remedy And Repellents
Written by Matt Hick It's a nice summer day and you're relaxing in your yard. Suddenly, you feel something bite you. You may begin to itch, when another bite takes place, and then another. It's those pesky mosquitoes again. Why do these insects annoy us and what can we do about it?
Mosquitoes have been around for millions of years. These insects have many sensors on their tiny bodies, which enable them to seek out humans for their attacks. Mosquitoes hatch from eggs, which need water to develop. When they complete the stages of their life cycle leading them into adulthood, they leave the water. Interestingly enough, it is only the female mosquito that bites, because she depends on blood for protein for her eggs. The male mosquito feeds on plant nectar.
The first line of defense against these pesky creatures is avoidance. Since mosquitos are attracted to smells, you should avoid wearing perfumes and strong hairsprays in the summer. Insect repellents such as DEET are also very effective. Wearing long sleeves and pants when possible and limiting your outdoor activities between dusk and dawn helps as well. The time between dusk and dawn is the peak time for mosquitoes. It is also wise to drain standing water on your property, as mosquitoes need the water for their life cycles. Also, repair or install screens in your home's windows and doors. Some recommend taking one tablet of vitamin B-1 twice a day as a use to repel these nasty creatures.
If you do fall victim to mosquitoes, there are a number of remedies you can use to help with the discomfort of their stings. Instead of scratching, try hitting the bite. It is the scratching that will cause swelling. You can also apply an ice pack to deal with the symptoms or use cool compresses. Calamine lotion or anti-itching lotions such as a 1% hydrocortisone cream will help to relieve the itching. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines can control your symptoms as well.
Among the remedies found in your home, mint toothpaste is probably the best known. By applying this to the infected area, the itching and swelling will be relieved. Putting rubbing alcohol or vinegar on the area is also effective. Mixing meat tenderizer with water or vinegar to form a paste, and spreading it over the swelling is something else you can try. Some claim a deodorant or antiperspirant rolled over the area will do the trick. Visine or plain old lemon juices are also some remedies. If all else fails, you can always try an oatmeal bath.
Another remedy is to try rubbing a wet bar of soap over the bite until a paste forms. Sometimes wetting the bite and putting salt on it will work. Dabbing witch hazel on the bite will also help the itch. Some suggest painting the bite with clear nail polish to relieve your symptoms. If you happen to be at work, try putting a piece of scotch tape over the bite for a while.
The main reason for these remedies, beside relief, is to control the itching so it doesn't lead to bleeding, scabbing, or possible secondary infections. Just keep in mind that although we might view mosquitoes as pesky creatures, in rare instance they can be dangerous. They can transmit fatal diseases such as mosquito borne encephalitis, malaria, and West Nile virus. Protection goes a long way.
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Posted by forestwonderer
at 5:20 PM EDT
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