The Forest Wonderer. Wildlife Nature Preservation and Conservation

More Information Concerning Bears

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 08:29:40 -0500

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!

Bargain Prices On Camping Gear Shopping Trips

Wed, 4 Apr 2007 08:36:53 -0500

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/

Hiking and Trekking, are they the same?

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:39:44 -0500

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

Camping advice for families that are new to the outdoors.

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 08:35:02 -0500

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.

Camping Safety Tips: Part 1 ¿ Food, Water, Ticks

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:30:11 -0500

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

Some hiking basics to make your hike more enjoyable

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:41:03 -0500

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

Safe Hiking Tips and advice in the UK

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:57:06 -0500

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

Hiking the trails of the Grand Canyon, tips and advice

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:19:39 -0500

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.

Hiking the canyons in Southern Utah and Arizona

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 09:02:54 -0500

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.

Mosquito Bites Remedy And Repellents

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:20:48 -0500

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.

About The Author: Remedy Articles at
http://www.Remedy-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful
Adsense Website Network at http://www.eWebCreator.com. Matthew
Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for
over 5 years.