Archive for April 2008
Archery Women Hunting
30. April 2008 by admin.
If you are just starting out as a bowhunter, I have a few tips that may help you purchase your hunting equipment. One of the most important and costly item is your bow. Before deciding on the particular bow to purchase, you should always try one out. It should be comfortable to hold, easy and smooth to pullback to your anchor point. I will make one recommendation only because I have tried one out personally and I love it. My selection of a new bow today would the Mathews Switchback XT. Itā??s short in length for maneuverability, light in weight, smooth to draw back and very fast and forgiving. But what ever youā??re comfortable with after trying it out is up to you.
Arrows may be your next items to purchase and is very critical to how you choose. The stiffness of the shaft or your arrow size is all decided after you know a few things about your bow and bow speed and what weight your broadhead will be. The length of the arrow is also critical. For instance; my draw weight is 70# pull with medium action cam, a bow speed of 240 to 250 feet per second. My arrow length is 29 inches and my broadhead weight is 100 grains. The arrow I have chose and works very well for me is; Easton A/C/C (aluminum and carbon) 3-49/390. That is the stiffness of the arrow. A good chart you may want to look at if you are purchasing over the internet is found at Bass Pro.com. Iā??ve used this and it is pretty accurate. I am also very lucky for the fact that my nephew owns an archery shop nearby and I try out my arrows first.
Hunting out of a tree stand can bother some people because of being afraid of heights. If this is a problem for you I suggest using a ladder stand. They vary in heights from 10 feet to about 16 feet tall. They are very stable and comfortable and usually give you the sense of being safe up that high. If not, try using them at home with someone around to watch you while you climb. This practice can give you the confidence to be able to use one out in the field while hunting alone. If this does not help and you canā??t get off the ground then you simply use a ground blind. We had to use ground blinds for years and they worked quite well when properly placed in a strategic spot.
Hunting clothes depends an awful lot on the weather and temperature you will be hunting in. The camouflage that I prefer is usually a light weight coat and pants and a decision of what I wear underneath it comes with the weather. My favorite brand or style which I think blends into the terrain almost anywhere is Sticks n Limbs, bibs and jacket. Only in severe cold do I wear my thick insulated bib overalls and insulated jacket with a full face stocking hat. Good fitting insulated rubber boots is a must. The heaviness of the insulation depends on how cold the temperature is. I have three different styles of boots I wear depending on the weather.
I like to carry a fanny pack or backpack with me while hunting. Iā??ve found that Iā??ve run out of pockets for all my gear. I almost always carry a grunt call, knife, binoculars (8 power), small saw, toilet paper, range finder and scent eliminator. A flashlight is not only handy but a big safety factor while going and coming to your stand in the dark. Now that I am older, I also carry a walky talky for safety reasons, so I can call my hunting partner or call home in case of an emergency.
These are just a few suggestions for a archery women hunting trip. Shoot Straight and be Safe!!!
My name is Ted Lake and I’m building a website in memory of my dad Deuaine Lake. This site is all about Archery and Archery Hunting. My dad started me when I was 5 years old (1956) and I’ve continued to teach both my boys the same respect for the sport of archery. Please feel welcome to visit my free website at http://www.complete-archery-information.com
Treasure Hunting Safety
29. April 2008 by admin.
While you are treasure hunting on dry land, it is important to use proper safety equipment to protect yourself from injury.
When you are searching in dusty areas, or may be sifting through dirt, it’s a good idea to wear safety glasses. Even sunglasses or reading glasses can protect your eyes from dust or dirt particles.
Gloves are always a good idea when you are doing any digging or sifting. If there is broken glass or sharp metal in the ground, you could seriously cut Yourself if you aren’t wearing gloves. This is especially important when you are using sharp digging tools.
Long pants are a good idea if you will be walking through brush or standing in the sun. Shirts with sleeves are great too to protect your arms from sunburn or scratches. Dressing appropriately will make your treasure hunt a more enjoyable experience.
Proper shoes or boots are very important. If you will be working in a muddy or wet area, rubber or waterproof boots would be a good idea. Shoes with strong soles or even steel toes will protect your feet from injury should you step on something sharp or have something fall on your foot.
Be very careful about where you search for your treasure. Construction sites, escarpment areas, forest, and abandoned mines may seem like a great place to search. However, these places present very real dangers to inexperienced treasure hunters.
Never enter an unknown area without permission and the proper safety equipment. Finding a great treasure isn’t worth your personal health and safety.
ļ»æHow to Buy Down Jackets
28. April 2008 by admin.
You know when you want to buy a Down Jacket; and when it is time to buy one, you are clear that you can compromise on none of the goodies you would want to have from it. Look at the men’s Down Jacket market; you would sure agree that it is hard to tell the fake one from a genuine Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero?
All jackets, whether it is The North Face Nuptse Down Jacket or Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero in Men’s Down Jackets category or Patagonia and Arcteryx in Women’s Down Jackets collection, are made from genuine soft feathers of geese or eider ducks filled in layers for efficient warmth even at subzero temperatures. The fabric itself is water resistant and in dual tone color.
Now, how can you tell a genuine down jacket? For one, quality shows allover the product and not in bits and pieces. The finish is with ripstop polyester with DelugeĀ®. Its low weight-warmth character uses 700-fill-power goose clusters and the loft retention is superior. Check the quilted body panels, drawcord hem, and the concealed zipper hand warmer & interior pockets complete with non-snag zipper flaps. The inner lining is supple for maximum skin comfort and don’t forget to check the polyester knitted neck lining.
Take a trial; wear it to see whether it feels comfortable, before you buy. Zip-up till neck; see how the neck fits; the zipper must sound like a sword when pulled out of its holster. The hand warmer pockets must not show bulk in the front even with your hands in. Cuff closures have elastic Velcro and Centaur Elastic option.
Is this all? No, your selection trial ends only after you have checked two more things.
How Do I Shelter When Mountaineering Or Climbing?
25. April 2008 by admin.
While climbing to the summit of a mountain, the weather conditions can become very difficult, posing as much of a challenge to the climber as the rocky and icy surfaces themselves. For the bigger mountain ascents, climbers may have to sleep on top of the mountain for several nights in a row. Finding some kind of suitable shelter from the elements is vital for climbers to be able to have the strength to make it to the top. In this article we will look at some of the kinds of shelter that mountain climbers take advantage of to survive in the upper reaches of the world.
On some mountains which are frequently climbed, a popular form of shelter is the hut sizeable huts are built with a central dining room and bunks (or even individual rooms, in some cases) for the climbers to sleep in, and can be paid for by credit cards in most cases. A staffed hut in the summer can be contacted, usually by phone, so that they know who is coming and can be sure to have enough space for you. If you are not going to be able to make it to a mountain hut you should let them know that you are canceling your reservation because the records kept my mountain huts are used to keep track of climbers and determine when a rescue search attempt must be made in the surrounding area. Mountain huts are most frequently staffed during the summer, and even during the winter the huts may remain open but without staff so that you can take advantage of the shelter that they provide (the winter huts may be free in these cases, and left open as a safety refuge for winter climbers). Some huts may offer a surprisingly wide selection of foods, from bottled water (which is usually flown in by helicopter) and sugary snacks to meals in the evening that are rich in carbohydrates. Staffed huts are most common in the alpine regions of Europe, and are known as cabanes in Switzerland and refuges in France.
When there is no hut to take advantage of, climbers may sleep in a tent. The standard four season tent is the most popular form of shelter that climbers make use of when they are staying out in the open above the tree line of a mountain. This helps to shield the sleeping climber from the wind, rain, snow and the outdoor temperatures. Another kind of shelter that climbers may use is the sleeping bag with bivouac ‘ an extra layer of insulation which can increase the internal temperature of the bag by five to ten degrees. Finally, in extreme situations the climber may construct a snow cave, hollowing out an area of snow to sleep in for the night. Surprisingly, this may be warmer and quieter than sleeping in a tent, although care has to be used in the construction to make sure that it is stable and safe. All of these techniques can be used to make for a safe climb to the top of the mountain.
Chris Haycock is an information publisher, one of whose many hobbies is climbing. With recurring knee problems, including one replacement, making it no longer possible to physically climb, he spends a lot of time researching resources to help other climbers. For details of one amazing resource, go to http://www.climbingknowledge.com
Climbing Mountains of Success
13. April 2008 by admin.
For many years of my life, I was very active in the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years of my Scouting experience, I have had the opportunity to go on many outdoor activities, such as campouts, hikes, river rafting trips, and others. One a few occasions, we actually climbed some of the mountains in the Pacific Northwest. During these trips, I learned a great deal about myself and others. Most importantly, I learned something about accomplishment ā?” it is no small task to climb a mountain. As I look back on those experiences later in life, I see that those lessons learned while climbing mountains are the lessons we all need to learn to reach our dreams and to overcome our personal challenges.
Begin with a Plan
The simple fact is that no one climbs a mountain on accident. It is always, under every circumstance, a conscious choice. Likewise, no significant accomplishment in life is reached without the decision to achieve. Like hills and mountains, some accomplishments are great and others small, but the important thing is that we choose to climb them.
Once we set out to climb a mountain, the wise climber makes a plan. Some approaches will be easier than others. Some will be more difficult, even impossible for many. Itā??s always wise to choose a route that you can complete. With any goal, determine before hand what needs to be done. If some steps must occur in sequence, you should know what order they should be done in and you should have a plan to accomplish them in the necessary manner and time.
Prepare for the Journey
Climbing a mountain is a serious undertaking. Whether a large hill or a mountain of Himalayan proportions, each climb has its own unique challenges. What will you wear? What will you eat? How will you stay hydrated? How will you stay on your predetermined course? Do you have the necessary equipment to climb? Are you prepared for an injury or other accident? No serious climber ignores these questions, nor do they fail to equip themselves properly for the climb. Unfortunately, many people, when faced with their own goals or challenges, fail to ask any of the important questions. People will often set off to conquer their personal Kilimanjaro, but donā??t take the right equipment. They fail to get the necessary education or training for the job they really want. Maybe they decide to work out more, but never get around to buying shoes for such an activity. Sometimes people forget about the need to sustain themselves, and donā??t give a second thought to financial or medical necessities. Proper preparation is essential to any real accomplishment. In order to prepare you must take the time to consider the many factors that go into such an undertaking. Well worded is the old adage, ā?A failure to prepare is preparation for failureā??.
Begin Where You Are
When standing at the base of a mountain, it is easy to wish you were already well on your way or to feel overwhelmed. This is just as true of any other challenge. Many times, people look at something they truly desire and allow themselves to be discouraged by the enormity of the mountain before them. They tell themselves, ā?If only I had more education, more money, more free time, less stress, fewer pounds, fewer debts, better coworkers, or a nicer boss.ā?? As they list the things standing between them and their goals, they give up. They quit before they even start. They look at the mountain and decide that, because they arenā??t half way up it already, itā??s too far to climb. But what mountain climber really lets the mountain discourage them from the climb? Instead, they look at the mountain and welcome the challenge. If there is a midpoint that they wish they were at, they decide to climb there, and then to go on as they wanted to.
In our own lives, we need to realize that there are no obstacles, there is merely more mountain to climb. Your own challenges should never prevent you from reaching your goals. Instead of seeing a problem and giving up, set for yourself an intermediate goal, a midway point on your journey up the mountain. If you lack the necessary education for a job, make it an intermediate goal to finish your degree. Like the mountain climber, once that intermediate goal is accomplished, then you will find yourself halfway up the mountain. No matter what your circumstances are and what your goals may be, you cannot hope to begin anywhere but where you are.
Never Climb Alone
For beginning and experienced climbers alike, there is one simple rule. Never climb alone. A climbing partner provides you with all sorts of support ā?” they help carry your gear, dividing the load between you. They help you to keep on the path. They are there to help you if you are hurt. They can help you when you are tired or hungry or sore, keeping you motivated over the more difficult parts of the climb. Itā??s a fool that climbs a mountain alone.
This same practice is easily applied to the accomplishment of any other task or goal. If your goal is to be in better shape, a partner helps you to remember to work out and helps you stick to your plan. During those times when your own desire wanes, it isnā??t uncommon to keep working and progressing if only to please your partner. A partner keeps you accountable for your progress. They help to share the stress or the worry. They give input and offer suggestions. They encourage and support, motivate and reward. It is never a bad idea to have your own ā?climbing partnerā??, even if itā??s just someone who knows what your goal is. Donā??t keep your goals a complete secret! Find others to help you and motivate you and you will find that the goal is more easily accomplished.
Difficulty and Changing Terrain
One of the unique aspects of a mountain is that it might have many different types of terrain and different climates. As you climb, some areas are steeper than others, some areas colder, some hotter. Changes in weather can make a simple stretch of path into a serious difficulty. Between the base of the mountain and the summit, there is a variety of change and challenge.
As we work towards our goals, we also find that the terrain changes, becomes more difficult. Sometimes our growth comes slower than we had hoped, requires more work, more time, more energy. Sometimes, events around us create a climate of stress, making even pleasant activities a nearly unbearable burden. Sometimes we experience set backs we had not anticipated, find difficulties we had not foreseen. At these times, it is easy to want to give up. Sometimes, we start to think that one muddy stretch of path is the whole mountain, or that our present challenge wonā??t ever go away. Itā??s important to remember that this is not the case. Just as unexpectedly as these challenges arose, they may disappear. A few more steps may lead you from rough rock to a smoother path. Even if it doesnā??t, you may quickly learn to navigate through these difficult stretches with more ease, strengthened by the challenges you have already faced.
One Step at a Time
Between base and summit, regardless of what problems you encounter or what advantages you have, a mountain is climbed by putting one foot in front of the other. Even on flat ground, progress requires action, and if you donā??t take step after step, again and again, you wonā??t ever get anywhere. Though a mountain may look daunting, it is still overcome one step at a time. When it is wet and cold and muddy, you simply move forward, step after step. No matter how steep or rough the path, your progress comes the same way, by moving forward one little bit after another.
Other goals are no different. Once a working plan is made, itā??s simply a matter of moving from point A to point B. If your goal is a college degree, then you must go to class every day, one at a time, one after the other. If you wish to play the piano, it must be practiced, known skills mastered and new skills learned. If you wish to build your muscles, it is done one repetition at a time. This is important for two major reasons. The first has to do with the long run ā?” moving from the base to the summit. You must realize that you have to take steps. No amount of planning, preparation or determination will amount to anything if you never take the next step. You will instead spend day after day, standing at the base of the mountain. The long term is made up of countless steps, and you must take them.
The second reason it is so important to understand the step by step process is found in the moment. At any given moment in your climb, you may look up at the rest of the mountain and tell yourself that itā??s too much, that you canā??t do it. Maybe you think it is simply too difficult to lose weight, or to quit smoking. If taken all at once, it probably is. You cannot summit a mountain in one step ā?” itā??s too far, itā??s too steep. You can, however, take the next step. You can choose to eat something healthy for your next meal. You can choose to go another hour without a cigarette. You can always take one more step even if you donā??t think you could do another after that. Knowing this, you can look not at the entire mountain, but at the ground immediately in front of you. Conquer that single piece of ground and you will surely conquer the mountain in time.
Reaching the Summit
When all is said and done, you will reach to peak of your mountain. Step after step, you will finally reach that goal you have longed for, the thing you have worked for. There is something magical about standing on top of a mountain, looking out over the world below. There is a powerful sense of accomplishment as you look back down at the path you have taken, knowing that you are done. There is a sense of profound reverence as you gaze out at the view, knowing that the only people to see it have climbed the very mountain you stand on. Your own goals will feel the same way ā?” the fact that you have worked for them gives them deeper meaning, makes them worth the effort. Remember than anyone who sees the view from atop a mountain has earned that view, and nature has paid them in full for that work.
Go out and find your own summits. Reach the heights you have only dreamed of reaching. Step by step, you can reach any height you dare to climb to. Good luck and good climbing.
Brian Westover is an author specializing in personal motivation and growth. He is the director of Project Superhero, an ongoing exploration of human growth and potential. To learn more about Brian, visit http://projectsuperhero.onesite.com/.
Road Trip Camping in South Africa
13. April 2008 by admin.
Recently my friend and I went on a trip up the West Coast and around the Cederberg Mountain Range. We travelled in his old Mercedes and stopped off to camp at strategic spots along the route. Our trip lasted four days, and inspired us to try a similar trip over a further distance in the future.
The great thing about taking a road trip in South Africa is that there are so many great spots to visit. We especially enjoy the small communities of rural towns, where we make sure to stop off and have a drink in the main street hotel or bar. The characters you come across there are amazingā?¦
The camping spots are also great, ranging from seaside views to mountain top scenery; a South African road trip has no excuse to become monotonous.
In this article I am going to share with you the lesson of preparation. You see, when we set off in the old Mercedes with two spare wheels strapped onto the roof for visual effect, we packed pretty well. Nevertheless we did realise some silly mistakes had been made when packing. It is probably a good idea to compile a good checklist, and for this purpose the list that follows below has been compiled.
Keep in mind that this list is aimed at the rugged adventurer. We have not catered for many creature comforts or for the fairer sex; this could cause you some serious domestic strife if you do not make appropriate adjustments or additions when taking the wife or girlfriend along! Just make sure that the special lady packs in her own necessitiesā?¦
Firstly, letā??s take care of the sleeping arrangements
1. Tent
2. Ground covering or tarp
3. Sleeping bags
4. Extra blanket
5. Pillows
6. Compact mattress
Now you are going to want to feed yourself, and prepare meals with relative ease. Food can be bought along the route, but make sure to plan your supplies carefully.
1. Five litre water container
2. Cooler box with ice bricks
3. Gas Stove with full gas tank
4. Matches
5. Firewood
6. Fire starters
7. Grill for Braai
8. Tongs
9. Plates and bowls
10. Knives, Forks and Spoons
11. Cups
12. Can opener
13. Bottle opener
14. Aluminium foil [Tinfoil]
15. Plastic bag for rubbish
16. Dish washing liquid
17. Folding table
18. Folding chairs
19. Cutting board
20. Scrubbing brush or sponge
Take with enough clothing, we men are prone to skimping in this departmentā?¦
1. Shoes - good for walking
2. Jeans
3. Shorts
4. T-shirts
5. Socks
6. Hat
7. Warm jacket
8. Underwear
9. Tracksuit
Some personal stuff helps to keep things hygienic. Not showering, shaving or brushing your teeth for a week does give you an interesting look when you return thoughā?¦
1. Towel
2. Soap
3. Toothbrush and toothpaste
4. Deodorant
5. Razor
6. Toilet Paper
Useful Stuff you might forget
1. sunblock
2. mosquito repellant
3. Camera with extra battery
4. maps
5. Some tools
6. backpack
7. CDs for the car
8. sunglasses
9. first aid kit
10. axe
11. marshmallows
12. pocket knife
13. binoculars
14. rope
15. coffee
16. small spade
17. watch
Now get out there and explore!
MensLifestyle is a site for men who are looking to live a lifestyle of health, wealth and adventure. The idea is to bring together the tips, tools and products that will help you make more money, live healthier and enjoy your life that much more.
Bird Watching - Sighting Night Birds
12. April 2008 by admin.
If you think that the birding world really comes alive first thing in the morning, you may be surprised to know that many birds wake up after the sun has gone down. Some birds are real night owl’s (and yes, they come out at night too), so get ready for some late night birding.
Before you head out to any night time spot, make sure that you know the area particularly well. It is not advisable to head to a trail that you have never set foot on, or walk into a public park that is not well lighted during the evening hours. However, if you feel secure enough to wandering around your favorite birding spot at night, the many sights and sounds will astound you.
Before you head out, make sure that you are equipped with a large flashlight. In fact, a flashlight that is covered with a piece of red plastic wrap, or any piece of plastic cut to fit the lens of the light, will allow you to see night time birds with ease. While many birds will be scared away by a bright, yellow, flashlight beam, subdued red colors do not seem to bother them. This way, you will be able to see all that is around you, without actually scaring away the birds you have come to view.
If you happen to have a body of water near your home, you may want to head towards a river or a lake to see the best night time show. Often, creatures tend to hang out near the water’s edge during the evening hours, so go ahead and walk around with your red light near the shore. Along with birds, you may also come across some very interesting nocturnal creatures, so keep your eyes open and your ears alert.
Once you have ventured out during the evening hours on a few occasions, the sounds that the world makes during the night time will become more familiar to you. While a coyote’s yelp may startle you the first time around, you will soon become used to the sounds of the animals and birds that enjoy the night time world. While wandering around during the evening will allow you to see various creatures, the best way to spot a night time bird is to stay in one spot.
Try to remain still, and watch for those birds that swoop and dip right in front of you. Most birders never see feathers fly when the evening sky has encased the world, but for those that do, a night time birding trip is something quite unforgettable.
Rick Chapo writes for NomadJournals.com - makers of rugged and fine bird watching journals for life list.
