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Archive for April, 2012

How to Avoid Dehydration on the Trail

Filed Under : Safety & Survival Tips by SummitBlog
Apr.29,2012

Guest Author: Lynny Young

Best Laid Plans
When planning for a hiking or exploration trip, I recommend implementing a hydration plan as part of your trip preparations. While most people can rely on thirst to trigger the need to replenish their bodies with water, thirst is a indicator of dehydration. Plan to carry a hydration pack, canteen, water bottle(s), or sport drink(s) for continual hydration. Proper hydration starts before you embark on your trip.

Temperatures Rising
Why is water so important for safety on the trail?

When you exert yourself physically through exercise or sport, your circulation system quickens the pace to speed up the delivery of fluids and oxygen to your organs and muscles. This increase in exertion causes and increase in your body’s core temperature. Yes, in that moment, we are all hotties! If your royal hotness is properly hydrated, the quickest way to expel the heat is through good ol’ sweat which cools the tissues beneath your skin.

Okay, I will admit it! I dislike being sweaty. In fact, my lack of love for sweat is part of the reason I gravitate towards swimming, kayaking, and water zumba. However, my marbles are all firmly intact, and I am well aware no one ever looks sexy lying on a stretcher experiencing heat stroke.  There is zero chance, zip, that Dr. Dreamy will be administering my IV. Did I just hear all them men scowl with disgust? Okay, Okay! Insert image of your favorite nightingale. 🙂

How much water do you need?
Back to basics. Depending on your body’s unique needs, you may need to drink 8-10 ounces of water or sport drinks every 15 minutes when crushing it outdoors! Drinks that include small amounts of sodium, chloride, and potassium improve the quick absorption of water by the intestines. This is key in speeding the replacement of water in your blood. There’s a reason we’ve been watching football gladiators guzzle down Gatorade for years: Pro athletes’ bodies take a beating and they must hydrate to cool down fast!

Symptoms of Dehydration
So, aside from major thirst, how will you know if you or your trail mates are exhibiting symptoms of dehydration?
Look for signs of:
– Fatigue
– Loss of Appetite
– Flush Skin
– Heat Intolerance
– Dry Cough
– Dark Urine

Urine? Yes, the color of your urine is one of the fastest ways to determine if you are dehydrated. Clear, wheat color, or light yellow urine indicates safe hydration levels. Darker or brown urine indicates your body’s water levels are depleted.

Be a good trail buddy!
If you or a trail mate exhibit any of the above symptoms, find shade, cool your body in a lake or a stream, and drink water and/or sport drinks to regain water loss. Seek medical attention immediately for yourself or others if warranted.

Proper hydration is a very simple holistic approach to ensuring you will be ready for your next adventure as quickly as possible.

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Gatorade $1.19/Pouch Hiker Pro Microfilter $79.95 Micropur Tablets $9.95

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Campfire Southern Mex Taco Recipe

Filed Under : Cooking Outdoors by SummitBlog
Apr.28,2012

When I was at the Conclave this passed weekend, I was invited to join a friend’s campfire dinner. Chicken, Black Bean & Rice Tacos were on the menu. The recipe was simple and packed with delicious flavor.

Campfire Southern Mex Tacos
(Serves  3-4 person)
Ingredients:
2 – 2 cups white or brown rice
(Boil in the bag rice works best when camping)
1-15oz. can of cooked black beans
1 can if chicken meat
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp salt
2 tsp olive oil
2 corn tortillas per person

Suggested Toppings:
Fresh chopped cilantro
Shredded cheese
Sour Cream

Options:
Substitute tuna or ham for chicken
Substitute jalapeno for bell pepper
Add carrots, celery and garlic if desired

Cooking directions:
Cook rice, following package directions.
Dice onion and red pepper. Pour olive oil into 2 quart pot. Over medium heat, sauté the onions and pepper until they are soft. While cooking add salt to taste.

Drain liquid from canned beans and chicken. Pour in cans of black beans and chicken. Bring to boil. Add rice and stir all ingredients together. Heat soft corn tortillas in a pan and stuff with rice and beans mixture.

Top with shredded cheese, sour creme and chopped cilantro if desired.

Depending on your palate, don’t be afraid to kick the heat up with some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Do you have a delicious campfire recipe you would like to share?

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Dry in My Hennessy Hammock: SR-7B Conclave 2012 Went On Despite the Rain

Filed Under : Camping by SummitBlog
Apr.24,2012

Let’s Go Camping!
Last weekend, I and over 1300 other members of the Southern Region – Order of the Arrow Section B trekked to upstate North Carolina for the SR-7B Conclave 2012 located at the Cherokee Scout Reservation in Yanceyville.

As the weatherman predicted; the weather took center stage! Many scouts ran for cover as the the rain pelted camp on Saturday evening.

SR-7B Conclave at Camp Cherokee

SR-7B Conclave at Camp Cherokee


Even though the rain caused the cancelation of some of the Conclave activities, the scouts were troupers and made the best of the wet circumstances and found shelter from the rain.

The Wise Grasshopper Stays Dry!
Since I was expecting rain, I had packed my lightweight Explorer Deluxe A-Sym Zip camping hammock and Hex Rainfly from Hennessy Hammocks. I love the roomy features of this particular hammock. What you may not know about me is that I am 6′ 7″ tall. The Explorer Deluxe model is perfect for me as it is designed to accommodate campers who are tall and are in need of more room to stretch out. The support of the hammock cradles my back perfectly, and I find that I have fewer back issues when sleeping in the Hammock verses sleeping on a pad in a tent.

Quick Hammock Setup
As I set up my hammock on Friday night before the rain, it wasn’t long before several curious scouts gathered around to watch me set up the my Explorer Deluxe with it’s tree hugger support straps. As you can see from my photo below, I also set up my Hennessy Hex Rainfly to shield my hammock from the rainfall. Had the weather forecast expected sunny skies, I would have spread the Hex Fly open and used it as a shade canopy.

Hennessy Hammock - Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip and Hex Fly

My Hennessy Hammock - Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip and Hex Fly


Sleep Like A Baby
For some, the thought of sleeping outdoors means sleeping on thin sleeping pads and waking up with the aches and pains caused from sleeping on the ground. Others who have mobility issues or arthritis may decide to forgo camping entirely as getting up and down from the ground is cumbersome for them. I can recommend Hennessy Hammocks as a solution. I slept very comfortably. I had no need to worry about waking up in a soggy tent or a damp sleeping bag. There was no mud or mess as the proper placement of my Hex Fly kept my shelter grounds dry.

Simple Pack Up
As we broke camp on Sunday morning, the surrounding woods were still wet from the storm. The scouts shook water off their tents and packed them up while they were still wet. When they reached their homes, they would be saddled with the chore of setting their tents back up to air dry to avoid mildew damage. My shelter pack up was simple. I packed my dry hammock in my backpack and put the damp Hex Rainfly into the hammock’s stuff sack. When I arrived home, it took me just a minute to hang up the Hex Fly to dry.

Ready for your own Hennessy Hammock?
Subscribe to my email list (see side bar) and receive a special discount code for FREE shipping within the USA for your Hennessy Hammock order. Hurry, as this offer expires on April 30th, 2012.

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Earth Day 2012: 23 Simple Ways You Can Improve the Environment

Filed Under : Earth Day 2012 by SummitBlog
Apr.22,2012

Guest Author: Lynny Young

Is it already too late?
Some scientists warn that global warming may be close to being irreversible.
Have we waited too long to start making changes to lower our carbon footprints?
What sort of legacy are we leaving for our children?
If you are a parent, you may have had a few sleepless nights pondering those questions.

You Can Make A Difference!
In honor of Earth Day 2012, here’s a list of 23 simple actions you can take to reduce use of fossil fuels, conserve water, recycle, and save money while improving your local environment.

Use Less Paper Goods

  • Download applet readers from iTunes for your favorite magazines and ask them to stop delivering the printed magazine.
  • Call your creditors and utility companies and request that your monthly statements be sent via email.  If you are worried about overlooking an email set a reminder on your digital calendar of your billing due dates.  Need more help? Get reminders from a free bill organization website like Manilla.com.
  • Switch to Cloth Napkins.  Not only do they feel nicer, but your table looks more welcoming. Most of us wash linen each week, just incorporate the napkins. I suggest folding the napkins right when the dryer turns off. This will lessen wrinkle issues. Ironing the napkins would just waste energy. It’s okay to move beyond the need for perfection.
  • Bring a thermal mug to your favorite coffee shop and eliminate disposable coffee cups.

Conserve Water

  • Wash dishes by hand. Be sure that you turn the water off after rinsing.
  • If you are remodeling, choose efficient toilet basins that require less water to flush.
  • Consolidate the number of laundry loads you run each week.
  • Redesign your landscape to include subtropical plants and shrubs that require less watering.  If your family never uses the lawn, cut down on the water needed to keep the grass green. Reduce the area covered by lawn, and add some rock areas.  Trees can provide shade to help cool your home naturally.

Conserve Fuel

  • If you must commute to work, consider sharing a ride. Most metropolitan cities have ride share programs. Not only will you cut your gas prices, you will lower the wear on your vehicle and save money at toll bridges.  More than two in the car? Great! You will get to your destination quicker using the carpool lane.
    Helpful links: E-Rideshare.com, Ridester.com
  • Talk to your friends and carpool to shop and complete weekend errands.  Chances are you are going the same direction, and it is a terrific way to keep your friendships strong.
  • Talk to parents in your neighborhood and set up a schedule to rotate who picks up and who delivers the children to school each week.
  • Walk to events and shops that are nearby and get in some good exercise.
  • Consider switching to an electric car or buying a hybrid vehicle that gets better miles per gallon.

Cut Down on Plastic Use

  • Purchase reusable grocery bags or sew your own bags.
  • Stop drinking bottled water and instead purchase several metal bottles that can accommodate hot and cold drinks.
  • Reduce the times a week you and your family get take out or fast foods; thus, reducing styrofoam container waste.
  • Avoid wrapping all of your vegetables and fruit in plastic at the grocery store. Put them in your fabric bags and have the clerk scan and repack the bags. Keeping fruits and vegetables loose in your refrigerator or stored in reuseable containers will help the food stay fresh longer. Plastic bags emit gases which quicken the deterioration process.

Lessen Your Use of Toxic Chemicals

  • Switch to Eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
  • Research natural ways to combat insects and weeds beyond the use of chemicals which can be dangerous to pets and leech into your drain gutters.

Shop Locally

  • Buy seasonal groceries to reduce the dependency on produce and vegetables that are flown in from other countries.
  • Buy organic from local farmers.
    Helpful Links: LocalHarvest.org, EatWellGuide.org
  • Join a farm cooperative. This will save you money, reduce shipping fuel, and provide both exercise and increase community connections.
  • Shop at thrift and secondhand stores to find low cost clothing and household items that can be repurposed. You benefit by saving money and reducing the demand for manufacturing plants to produce more disposable goods.

Get rewarded with freebies on Earth Day 2012 by several major brands:

1.  Starbucks is offering a free hot or cold coffee drink to customers who bring in a reusable drink container or mug on April 22nd.

2.  Target is  giving a free reuseable bag to each person who visits a store on April 22nd.  See the Guest Service area of your local store.

3. Peet’s Coffee & Tea is offering a free medium coffee or drink to customers who purchase reusable drink containers or mugs at their stores on April 22nd.

4.  Numerous  National Parks will waive entry fees during the period of April 21-29 in honor of Earth Day.  Find a park near you.

If you like these ideas, please share with your friends. Thanks!

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One Man’s Will to Survive: Medical Emergency on MT Everest

Filed Under : Adventure Movies by SummitBlog
Apr.18,2012

Base Camp 3 (29,029FT Above Sea Level): the Doctor is IN
One of the worst medical emergencies in the history of Mount Everest occurs in 2009, and Dr. Ken Kamler a microsurgeon who specializes in hand reconstruction and finger reattachment was the only doctor on the mountain.

An exert from Dr. Kamler’s talk shared at a TEDMED conference, touches on the mystery of the human brain and one man’s moment of triumph over tragedy:

“The [Everest] climbers passed him by, and Beck lay there for a day, a night and another day, in the snow. Then he said to himself, ‘I don’t want to die. I have a family to come back to.’ The thoughts of his family, his kids and his wife, generated enough energy, enough motivation in him, so that he actually got up.” (Ken Kamler)

Watch video [14:00]:

Thanks TED!
Our sincere thanks to TED.com for continuing to showcase insightful and unique people who birth ideas worth sharing! Learn more about TED.com.

Inspire someone, today!
Pass along this miracle: share the story with friends and family.

Guest Author: Lynny Young

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Yogi Bear & Boo Boo Too!

Filed Under : Camping by admin
Apr.9,2012

When I lived in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the warm days of summer would creep in, black berry bushes sprouted their fruit, and I would know to start keeping an eye open for fruit loving bears.

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The bears on the mountain were not particularly paparazzi seeking critters. In the five years I lived in the forest, I saw a total of three black bears. Both sitings were at the black berry bushes. They would hear the sound of my car’s engine and dart across the road. They weren’t sticking around! I took to calling them jelly jigglers as their coats and muscles would jiggle as they ran for cover. I always felt honored to see the bears since the opportunities were so few.

Fun Bear Fact 1: Bears can run up to 40mph.

If you are heading out into the forest and are not a seasoned outdoors person, this article posted on the Pocket Ranger blog gives specific guidance on how to navigate encounters with different types of bears.

If you bring food into the woods, know that the bears most likely would enjoy your pic-a-nic basket just as much as Yogi Bear and Boo Boo. Please lock up your camp food in bear proof canisters and do not leave food or water in your car or tent. Here’s some helpful food storage tips.

Fun Bear Fact 2: Did you know that the rangers at Yellowstone National Park must re-engineer the latches on garbage bins every two years because the bears adapt and figure out how to open the latches?

Guest author: Lynny Young

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Camping Without the Chaos!

Filed Under : Camping by admin
Apr.1,2012

It’s out there. . . I can feel it.
The next big summer dream!
I can’t quite make it out, but it is popping into the corners of my conscious mind.
It’s a sign.
It’s the wilderness saying, “Pick me!”

Last year, I took a spur of the moment camping trip with a co-worker and her two kids. She and I were so consumed by work that we put off planning and reserving a camp site. You can guess how that turned out: we got the last camp space open. You know the one: small, sloped, rocky, cement sleeping pad, and huge boulder smack dab in the middle of the camp. We raced the sunset to set up base camp and get on with meals and campfire fun.

The overnight camping trip was great fun; however, advance planning would have relieved a mountain of last minute stress. Here’s a list of helpful tips for planning your next camping vacation:

  • Plan your trips ahead, especially if you will be traveling with other people. Pick an agreeable date. Will you be bringing along the fur friends? If not, find a potential pet or house sitter and accommodate their calendar in your early planning process.
  • Utilize the Internet to research State and National Parks. Many sites provide maps of the campsites, and some include photographs so you can avoid the beastly slopes!

    • Recreation.gov Explore America
    Find and reserve a KOA site
    Review National Parks

  • Pick a desirable camp site and register online. If traveling with older campers or campers with mobility issues, consider a site that allows you to drive to your camping space. Do not choose one that requires grandma to hike two miles to get to your idea of the pristine cliffside spot. Consider your campsite’s distance from running water and bathroom facilities (or the lack thereof). Does the park allow pets? Lastly, try to choose a camping site that will be near activities your group will enjoy (e.g., fishing, biking, hiking trails, etc.).

  • Research permits. Will you be allowed to make a fire at your site? Will you need a fire permit? Find out where to purchase those and take care of it in advance.

  • Will you be fishing? Purchase or renew your fishing license(s).

    • Take RFID ing.org – Renew fishing licenses

  • Plan your food menu. Divide up the food shopping and cooking responsibilities before the trip. The advance preparation will make food more affordable for each camper and reduce campsite stress.

  • Make a checklist of camping equipment, entertainment items (e.g., frisbee, deck of cards, guitar, etc.), and pet supplies to pack. Plan to have non-perishable items packed up in advance.

  • Prepare your vehicle for the trip. Clean out your vehicle, examine the tread on your spare tire, make sure you have tools to change a flat tire, and consider having the oil changed if you will be traveling any distance.

  • Will you be gone for more than a few days? Call the post office and your local newspaper and have vacation holds placed on your account(s).

    • USPS – Process mail hold online

    You know the next step: have fun!

    Guest author: Lynny Young
    Visit the Summit Outdoors Gear store

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