How To Survive A Hurricane

Nature can wreak havoc to a community in the form of an earthquake, a tornado, a wildfire or even a hurricane. There is nothing anyone can do to stop this from happening. The best thing to do is to prepare for the worst and get ready to evacuate to higher ground if necessary.

When a disturbance is first detected on the radar screen, the weather forecaster will announce the possible areas where the hurricane might hit. This can change in a matter of hours so stay tuned to the news using your television or radio. Those who are frequently hit by hurricanes annually usually know what to do when a warning is issued.

The people will stock up on emergency supplies such as food and water as well as batteries for the flashlight and the radio.If the power is likely to be knocked out, another thing to get is a generator. This means buying enough gas to keep it running until electricity has been restored. If the stores are closed, or if there is no food on the shelves, it is time to improvise. The bathtub must be cleaned and filled with water so that the people can simply boil it later on to have water to drink .Also fill up the other containers in the house since it may take days before water will come on again. The hurricane may pack winds up to 100+miles per hour that can cause cars, pieces of metal or wood to crash into the home.

Damage can be avoided by securing the house with permanent storm shutters or boarding up the windows with five-eighth inch plywood that can easily be installed then removed and stored in the home for future use. If it becomes a category 4 or 5 hurricane, residents are advised to evacuate the home. Some clothes, food and water must be packed immediately making it possible to drive to safer ground.

The hurricane may pass within a few hours and it is only after it has gone that a person can come out and assess how much damage it has left behind. If no one is hurt, that is the best news; because a home can be repaired but the loss of a loved one can never be replaced

Tips On How To Survive When Lost In The Wilderness

Despite the invention of machines such as cellular phones and the global positioning system or GPS, people are still getting lost in the wilderness. This proves that modern technology can’t always help in some sticky situations.

Here are some tips for those who get lost and have no idea how to get home.

1. Stay put and wait for help to arrive. Friends and family will most likely notice something is wrong when the person has not made it back after some time. This is when a search and rescue mission is initiated by others.

2. If the area where the individual is located is not visible due to the rough terrain, try to move into a clearer area. A person can use his/her clothes, a mirror or some rocks as markers, making it easier for rescuers to find the location from the air or when using a pair of binoculars.

3. Try to stay dry because the weather could get cold and anyone who is wet is at risk of developing hypothermia.

4. A person can also suffer from dehydration if the body does not absorb any water. If there is a nearby stream a person can replenish the lost liquids and maintain normal blood pressure.

5. The weather changes rapidly in the wilderness. Find shelter in a cave or under a tree. Breaking some branches or gathering some old wood can be used to make a makeshift shelter.

6. If the person is injured, it is best to apply first aid. A handkerchief, belt and a stick can be made into a sling or a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

7. The challenging part of surviving the wilderness without any supplies is looking for food to eat. If there are some bushes and trees in the area, a person can check if it is bearing fruits or berries. Some insects such as crickets may also be consumed since studies have shown these creatures have nutrients that are good for the body.

It is hard to appreciate nature when the individual has to survive under such extreme circumstances. If these happen, adapt and improvise because this is the only way to survive.

How To Survive The Wilderness With Very Few Supplies

More than ten years ago, Scott Grady, an American Air Force Pilot was shot down behind enemy lines. This happened somewhere over Bosnia when the United States started flying missions to stop the genocide that was happening in that part of the world. Equipped with a small packet of water, some biscuits, a radio, map and gun, he was able to evade enemy soldiers until US marines were able to extract the pilot him from the hot zone. This is one story where a person is able to survive in the wilderness under extreme conditions without the proper equipment and minimum of supplies. Not everyone will be able to experience what this individual went through but something similar may happen if a camper does not have the adequate gear needed to go camping. A group of hikers who plan to go up a mountain and come down may get lost on the way back.

This might also occur if the time it took to go up was longer than planned making it impossible to return before dark. When this happens, there is only one thing to do; assess the situation rather than panic since this doesn’t do any good. Most hikers carry only a canteen and some food. This means there won’t be adequate shelter such as a tent. They should improvise by looking for an old cabin or finding a cave. I

f they are not that lucky, then the group should find a clearing close to a river or stream to be able to replenish the water supply: or if necessary make some makeshift fishing rods or spears to obtain food to eat.

The hikers must start a fire. This is to keep everyone warm and in order to cook dinner. Gathering some old leaves and sticks and placing these together will make it easy to light using a match or with a lighter. The ground will not be as soft as the bed a person may have at home. The backpack will have to be used as a pillow and the jacket as a blanket until the sun comes up the following day so that they can go home. Surviving the wilderness with few supplies will be challenging for those who did not plan on spending the night in the forest.

People must use the resources available to stay safe and warm until dawn breaks to see the trail going down the mountain.

How To Survive When Lost In Another Country

Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But especially for trips to another country, where everything is new and strange, traveling can be quite a drag. And if worse comes to worst, being lost in another country could be the most horrible nightmare of your life. That is when learning the skills to survive when lost in another country helps.Here are some tips to help you endure the consequences of being lost in a strange place and live through the means of survival until you can go back to your homeland.

1. Presence of mindBeing lost in another country is one thing, but not having presence of mind is another and could be the worst thing that could happen to you.It is still understandable that you might get lost in another country because the place is totally strange to you. The only way to survive being lost in another country is to have presence of mind so you can think of ways to get a ride back home.Or if luck permits it, you can possibly discover your way to your exact destination without having to spend more than what you can afford.

2. Stay where you areIf you think you are lost, without the slightest idea where you are, or if you do not have any clue how to head back to where you have come from, stay where you are. Attempting to move further or trying to discover ways to go back will only make matters worse.Besides being a complete waste of energy, according to statistical reports, nearly 70% of people who are lost cannot find a way to return to where they came from.

3. Learn to provide your basic needsIf you really cannot think of a way to find your way back home, maintain your basic needs by carrying an ample food and water supply as well as clothing before you leave your place.You never know what will happen next once you have arrived in another country.

So it is best to carry your basic needs with you in case something goes wrong, such as getting lost.Keep in mind that traveling to another country is not all play. You have to keep your senses with you and your mind clear to anticipate the necessary things that you have to do in case something occurs, such as being lost in another country.

Tips On How To Survive When Caught In A Landslide

An avalanche or landslide natural catastrophes that man has to learn how to deal with. Even though, the chances of experiencing landslides is small, it is still important to know what you should do if in case you are caught in one. Statistical reports show that 75% of landslide victims are “backcountry recreationalists” or those who are more than willing to try dangerous escapades, such as snowmobilers, backcountry skiers, mountain climbers, etc.

Today, with the growing attraction for mountain-related activities, it is imperative to learn how to survive when caught in a landslide.

Here’s how:

1. Always stay at the sides of the trackOne landslide usually triggers another occurrence, so it is best to protect yourself from another landslide. To do this, you must always stay at the sides of the track. Experts say that an avalanche or landslide always gushes down the center of the track so staying on the sides will most likely keep you away from harm.

2. Call for helpThe best way to survive when caught in a landslide is to immediately call for help and let your travel companions know what happened to you if possible. By doing this, they will immediately be alerted and will start looking for you.

3. Spring at the sides of the trailIn case you are caught in a landslide, get to the sides of the trail at once. As mentioned, landslides flow down the middle of the trail; so instantly spring tp the sides of the track to avoid further harm.

4. Swim upOnce caught in a landslide, immediately "swim" yourself up and try to reach the surface as far as you can or at least near it. If you cannot reach the top, poke anything to the surface, such as your hand, a ski pole, etc. In this way, other people can discover your location.

5. Do not panicThe key to survival when caught in a landslide is to preserve energy and keep breathing as normal as possible. Experts say that nearly 90% of deaths in landslides are caused by suffocation. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to your breathing.Panic can only worsen your breathing state and will cause you to consume more air. Since landslides curb the air from the outside, it is best to conserve the air space you have until somebody finds you

3 Secrets To Survive In The Wilderness Without Bringing Any Food

If you are trapped in the wilderness without any food, your chance for survival is still high. Contrary to what most people believe, anybody can survive in the wilderness even without food: that is because scientifically speaking, the human body can survive life for more than a few weeks without food.Then again, the effects of having to prolong existence in the wilderness without food can bring about psychological problems and may worsen one’s physical condition.No food intake for several weeks may cause a person to become defenseless against viruses or other diseases, bad temper, inability to think clearly, exhaustion, and may destabilize the immune system. If prolonged, the body may develop diseases, which can even cause death.So it is important to find some ways to sustain the body’s need for food.

Here are some tips on how to survive the wilderness without any food.

1. Be sure to equip yourself with skillsIn order to survive in the wilderness, it is imperative that you know the basic skills of fishing, hunting, and catching animals in order to survive. In fact, experts say that survival in the wilderness is not actually a question of survival since nature can provide man with his basic needs.The only important thing is that the individual must know how to look for food and how to identify the edible ones.

2. Learn how to start a fire even without a matchIf you know how to do this, cooking food in the wilderness will never be a problem. With fire, you can cook almost all of the edible things that you can find. You do not even have to depend on canned foods because you have nature’s “grilled” foods.Besides, maintaining a fire will protect you from nature’s harmful bacteria that can be found in foods. So just to be on the safe side, it is best to cook whatever edible things you can find in the wilderness before you eat them.

3. Prioritize waterAs mentioned, food is not so important in order to survive in the wilderness. What matters most is to have plenty of potable water. If you are not sure of the water that you can get from the stream or river, you can always boil it before drinking.Surveys show that almost 90% of deaths in the wilderness are caused by dehydration.

Tips On How To Survive In The Wilderness

At 24,000 feet above sea level, with winds blasting at extreme velocity, the temperature plummets to 25 degrees Celsius or the wind blasts up to 40mph, no water, no food; totally left in an area where there is no one to ask for help, surviving in the wilderness is the most important and the only thing you can think about.

Here are some practical tips on how to survive in the wilderness:

1. Temperature checkOne of the most important aspects of surviving in the wilderness is to maintain your body temperature. Statistical reports show that almost 80% of deaths in the wilderness are brought about by temperature deviations. These people suffer from either hyperthermia (extreme heat), or hypothermia (extreme cold).So it is best to maintain body temperature at or close to 37 degrees Celsius. Start by looking for a temporary shelter. This will protect you from extreme cold or heat brought about the wilderness weather conditions.

2. Do not panicThe main point here is to preserve whatever energy you have left. Keep in mind that you do not have any food with you, so the only best or only way to survive is to allow your body to consume the available energy that you have in your body.Panicking will only consume more energy so it is best to think before exhausting that energy. This will enable you to save energy before your body gets exhausted with no food available to replenish it.

3. Lots of water If you are in a camping activity, always carry lots of water with you. You never know what could happen next while you are out in the wilderness.Most people are not aware of this but the body can survive for quite some time without food, but it can never survive without water.If you are running out of water, retain the water in your body by curbing extreme sweating. Try to breath through your nose as much as possible just to help retain the water in your body.If your body really needs water, do not hesitate to drink from any stream or river. Purified water is the last thing you can think about if you really want to survive in the wilderness. As long as the water is clear, you can drink it. It is better to keep your body fully hydrated than to suffer the consequences because all you can think of is using only purified water.Keep in mind that the key to survival in the wilderness depends on how you can maintain the basic aspects of your body.

How To Survive Cold Weather

The untold instinct of man to survive his everyday life pervades the ultimate reality of existence. When threatened with an unpredicted event, it is almost second nature for man to find ways to prolong his life.Even with the onslaught of modern technology, it is imperative that man learns survival basics and alleviate himself from the bondage of innovation and technological advancement.The key is to survive life’s challenges without the tools.Beating cold weather, for instance, is one of the most basic survival skills that man has to learn.

You never know when extreme cold will hit you unless you are magically powerful.If you want to know how to survive cold weather without resorting to innovative devices such as heaters, here are some pointers:

1. Choose windows wiselyThe key to cold weather survival is to find products that will stimulate heat within the area. Getting a double-glazed window, for example, will trap the heat inside your home.Consequently, you do not have to depend on your heater most of the time just to survive the cold weather. With double-glazed windows in your home, there will be very little heat that will escape your home.

2. Be wary when choosing clothesIt is not practical that you just wear layers of clothes to trap heat from your body. The key is to wear clothes especially designed to trap body heat. These clothes have special fabrics that can lock in heat so that it helps keep you warm.Do not rely totally on materials that may seem to protect you from extreme cold weather. Many clothing manufacturers are now trying to cut back the cost of producing cold weather materials by replacing them with fake ones. Take “fur coats” as an example. Most fake fur coats cannot effectively function in the same way as true fur coats.

3. Trap the heat from the topWhat most people do not know is that body heat is usually emitted from the top—the head. So it makes sense to stop the heat from escaping from your body by covering your head with a good winter hat. Keep in mind that it will be totally useless to wear winter clothes if your head is not protected from cold weather.These are just the basic ways to trap body heat and survive cold weather.

By following this advice, you need not depend on heaters or other technological devices that require additional energy consumption

How To Start A Fire Without Matches

Summer is usually the time when your kids or teenagers start going on camping trips. This is the time when they can practice their independence and gain knowledge of the basic survival skills.One of the basic skills being taught for every camping activity is to learn how to start fire without matches. Of course, many people would be smart enough to take extra matches and fuel just to be sure that they can start cooking whenever, wherever.One can never be too sure whether having a match can always guarantee a nice lit bonfire beside the shore or a fire for cooking.So the best way to ensure the presence of fire is to learn how to start it even without matches. Generally, there are two ways to start a fire without a match. First, you have the stick method.

The other method is known as the stone method.To know more about how to use these two methods of starting fire without a match, here are easy steps to follow:

1. Find a good locationOne of the main reasons some people find it difficult to start fire without a match is wrong location. What more can you expect in a place where there are the elements of nature? Water and the wind are two of the greatest enemies of fire so it is best to try in a place away from these elements.

2. Collect your materialsLearning how to start a fire without a match is possible, but not without the other essentials such as dry leaves, twigs and dry wood.Collecting these things is the very first crucial step in learning the skill.

3. Choose your meansAs mentioned earlier, there are two methods of starting a fire without a match. Either way, you can readily start fire because both the stick and the stone methods use the same principle of friction.

Briskly rubbing these two materials (either the sticks or the stones) will produce heat and after a series of rubbing motions, fire will be developed.With stones, you need to rub them near your twigs or dry leaves. It is important that when a spark is created, the leaves are readily available to catch the flame.It is easy to start a fire without a match. Just remember not to play with fire as this may cause serious accidents.

How to Find Your Way Anywhere When There's No One to Ask for Directions

Being lost is one thing that really gets nerve-racking, especially if there is no one near to ask directions. But just as all problems have a solution, there are things you can do to make your ordeal easier and find your right way.

Technology
With mobile phones, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices and portable Internet devices you can always determine where you are and find the way you are supposed to go. The mobile phone is the easiest way, just call your friends or someone who has access to a map or the Internet and ask them for directions. GPS on the other hand is free across the country and can easily locate road maps and famous landmarks and destinations. If you have devices that could access the Internet thru Wi-Fi then it's time to log on and search for directions with online map resources.
The Old Way
If in case you are not a "technophile" and prefer the old way of doing things, there are still ways to get out of your situation. Like for instance a compass would be handy. Just look at where you are and start heading the direction you are supposed to go. If a compass is not available, just remember the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Road signs are also important; every highway or town has signs with arrows or directions on them. Just follow one sign until you find someone you can ask for directions. Buying a map also does the trick before going to an unfamiliar place and familiarize yourself with the main highways and avenues. Also look for famous landmarks, stores, and malls and search for them when you get lost. The Internet is also a good way to do your research.Foreign LandIf you are lost in a place where people doesn’t speak English, then make sure have an English-Native Language translation dictionary or book. Learn the words that are associated with directions like right, left, straight ahead, I’m lost, etc. If the book is not available make sure you research and learn the place you are going before you go. The best way really to find your way in any place is to ask people for directions; if there is no one around and you are really lost, then you will have to try to find anyone you can to ask so that you can reach your destination more easily

Vacation Values

The family vacation is a tradition intended to bring families closer together and one that many of us would just not think of giving up. Quality time for the family reinforces the importance of family values. It's sort of a "time out" from the day to day routine of living and growing. A chance to focus on getting to know better those that are most important to us, our family. Of course, how much importance you place on this event depends on your past experiences.In today's fast paced society a vacation just isn't a vacation unless its costing you a small fortune to get to, and stay at, some exotic venue that usually offers no excitement without dishing out more money.

I suggest we put on the brakes and get back to basics. You surely won't have a better opportunity to do so than on the family vacation.Let's not forget that the "family" extends beyond our home life. Most of us have family that we rarely get to spend time with either because of distance or time issues. But, one should always make time for family. Right? I knew you would agree! Not trying to make you feel guilty here but, we do have a way of letting life rush us through the years. I call it "non-intentional neglect" and most of us are guilty of it at some point in our lives. So, let's re-invent the family vacation to include some real quality time that reinforces the value of our families.Would you consider a visit to grandparents, distant uncles, or a friend's home a vacation? When I was growing up, the family vacation usually meant visiting family members who lived some distance away. Coming from a family of limited finances, this tradition was budget friendly yet, was sufficient to satisfy our need to escape the norms of home life.Of course, as the teen age years approached, it became harder and harder for my mom to convince us that "we would have a good time" visiting the relatives. Some of which we had already spent several vacations visiting and had, I guess, lost their uniqueness to us as teenagers. That said, if any of you can figure out what makes a teenager happy, except socializing with their own peers, then congrats! Let me know your secret. All kidding aside, I believe that they still enjoy the family outings but have a strong resistance to acknowledging that they are actually having fun. In other words, they are having fun and just refuse to admit it!

I was a single parent for many years and just didn't have the money for family vacations requiring hotel stays and admission fees. I guess I followed in my mother's footsteps in hoping that a visit out of town would suffice. And it did. For many years, the family vacation consisted of a visit to a dear friend or family member's home who was willing to put up with four kids for a week. These are truly "beloved friends and family!"I am fortunate to have a good friend for life who has two children within the same age group as my kids. Since we didn't get to visit often throughout the year, these visits were exciting for both my kids and hers who had become good friends.So, by all means plan to visit a family member's, or friend's, home for a week. Young children especially enjoy these trips. They make new friends and the family ties are strengthened. This is an excellent way to reinforce family values and the importance of keeping in touch with family members that may live some distance from your home.Do a little research before you go. Find out if there are any museums, historical sites, low cost attractions, or state parks within driving distance from where you'll be staying and plan to visit. Remember to ask the family member or friend you are visiting if they have any suggestions. Since they live in the area, they will most likely be aware of popular spots. Ask about bowling, roller skating, or special movie nights in the area and plan accordingly. You can even plan some game or craft activities to keep everyone busy and having fun.For those of you who have worn out your welcome or simply don't have family within a reasonable distance, finding vacation spots that will provide a memorable experience for everyone in the family can be a challenge. Especially on a tight budget. Don't be discouraged, it is not impossible. Plan for your vacation and include it in your budget. This is the easiest way to prepare for a vacation expense and take the stress out of planning.Since the goal here is to get the most fun for your money, let's talk about some low cost vacation ideas that could be right for your family.

Camping is a great low cost option for families that enjoy the outdoors. Don't worry, you don't have to sleep in a tent. There are lots of state parks that rent cabins for a very reasonable fee. As an added bonus, when you are registered at a state park, you gain free entrance into all state parks. I can highly recommend the Finger Lakes area of New York if it's a convenient distance for you. About a five hour drive for us, it turned out to be one of our most memorable vacations.

The park sports an amazing gorge trail with thundering waterfalls, scheduled nature learning activities, and a large play ground. The activity I think the kids enjoyed the most was the natural swimming area, with diving boards, at the bottom of a beautiful waterfall.

If you want to beach it, be sure to check out all your options for lodging. Sometimes a large family can do better by renting a condo or home for the week rather than staying at a hotel. Remember, you can save a tremendous amount of money if you can prepare your own meals while on vacation. A good portion of a families vacation budget can be literally "eaten up"! Even a little kitchenette in a suite can save you big bucks. If you're campers, you can almost always find a campground near popular beach areas and get maximum savings on lodging.Don't forget your best resources, friends and family. Ask around to see if anyone has visited an area you plan to go. You may get lucky and have a "friend that has a friend" who maybe has a vacation spot they wouldn't mind renting to you for a lesser fee. Sometimes people won't rent out their vacation spots for various reasons, but don't mind doing so if the tenant is a trusted acquaintance of a friend or family member.

When travel and lodging are cost prohibitive, you can still have a vacation right at home. Yes, in your own backyard. Many of us live within reasonable distance to museums, campgrounds, historic sites, and beautiful state parks. You might be surprised at what you find in your own local area.Do some research in your area to find free or low cost activities and sites to visit. Schedule something for each day of the week, even if it's just a park visit for a picnic. Some areas have local public beaches. Plan an outing at a local public beach. Visit historical sites. Many of these are free, educational, and fun for parents and kids.You can even plan activities at home just as if you were at an exotic vacation spot. Have a different theme for each day. For example:
A beach day (sun tanning, volley ball, make some fancy icy drinks to sip on in the sun, have a picnic)

A camp day (stay in a tent or sleeping bags under the stars, build a little fire if allowed in your area, roast marshmallows, make smores, sing campfire songs)
Have a backyard fair (create booths with games like ring toss or balloon popping to win little prizes)

A colonial day (dress, and live in another era!). This is great fun. I thought of this one purely by accident when the electricity went out one day. The kids expressed how "neat' it was to live like they did in the "old days." No lighting except candles and lanterns, no T.V. or radio, no video games or computer. Sounds boring, but believe it or not, they had fun coming up with ideas to keep occupied. A good teaching tool too! Shhhhhhhh….. don't tell the kids.These "theme days" at home will take some imagination and a little work, but will be loads of fun for everyone. Half the fun will be in the creation, so let everyone pitch in. You may even have more fun than actually being there!Whatever you decide to do, if you're traveling a great distance be sure to check all your travel options. With today's soaring gas prices it's not unlikely that you may be able to get there faster, and cheaper, in the air. Hey, maybe there's a conspiracy here?If all this just doesn't fall into your category of "fun", and you just have to have that exotic resort vacation, then at least be sensible about it. There are many great deals on vacation packages and off season rentals. And oodles of travel agencies just waiting to tell you about them. This is one area where do-it-yourself isn't the most practical advice. Travel agencies are privy to a lot of travel information, especially seasonal discounts, that you and I don't have knowledge of. Do Your Research at least for goodness sake. You won't be kicking yourself later when you come across that great deal you missed out on!Check out your local travel agencies, as well as some of the many online agencies. Don't forget, if you're an AAA member you’re eligible for travel discounts. Before finalizing any plans, be sure to know your rights. What happens if you have to cancel? What is the deadline to cancel? Will you loose your deposit or is it refundable? Know your options.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, don't lose sight of the value of a family vacation. Be sure to schedule quality time together no matter what your destination. Be safe and enjoy!
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt management, personal budgeting, frugal living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips for groceries, clothing, home decorating, and family vacation and travel.

10 Stupid Mistakes in Camping

What a great thing it is to be man, master of all we survey.

With the new camping season upon us today is just taking some time to reflect on some of the stupidest camping mistakes we have made and which we have heard about. If you would like to share some of your stories for our next book please email us from the web link below.

Remember, these are all actual things we have either done or seen done, they are not urban myths, which just goes to show how even the simple things in life like camping can be eye opening...

1. It is raining or windy outside so let's start the fire inside the tent.

2. Pitching the tent or swag in a "dry" creek/river/gully bed with a storm coming.

3. Setting up camp below the high water mark on an ocean tidal riverbank. (That actually was pretty funny to wake up with waves washing through the swag).

4. Testing the pan toffee (liquid molten hot boiling sugar in a pan over an open fire, usually eaten

AFTER it cools down and hardens) with a finger (I still can't believe he did that) and the very next day putting an unopened can of baked beans in the fire to warm them up... Mental Note never go camping with this guy ever again.

5. Driving away from the campsite to get some supplies with the tent still set up and roped to the car.

6. Watching with no concern the kids go swimming at dusk, with dogs, in an ocean inlet next to where fishermen are cleaning fish and where signs are posted saying "beware shark infested waters" (When we told the local Police they just shook their head at the stupidity).

7. Leaving dinner meat out to defrost inside a tent in bear/crocodile country and expecting the animal to not tear the tent to pieces trying to get at the meat. At least it was in a plastic bag so the flies wouldn't get at it.

8. Camping near the edge of a cliff, getting up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet, tripping over the tent rope and over the edge of the cliff.

9. Doing the dinner washing up in crocodile infested waters. Have these people no idea how fast those things are? They can drag grown horses into the water. Oh yeah and then that night going swimming in the same river. They must have had some serious angels watching over them.

10. Using petrol or gasoline to get that stubborn fire moving along nicely in wet weather. I knew it was stupid but thought I would be able to step back quick enough, gee that fireball moves fast!
I know we said 10 but can't go past these last two...

11. trying to hand feed (take your pick we have heard them all) that cute looking possum, baby bear, fox, fruit bat. The claws people, what do you think the claws are for?

12. Too tired at the end of the camping birthday party to clean up the leftover food and woke up in the middle of the night to find every possum within about 30 miles having a fight over the leftover chocolate birthday cake. But wait here is the good bit, when I went outside (in my undies) with a broom to chase them away they ran at me, actually ran at me and tried to bite/attack/slash me!

I had gone from a warm cosy bed to being attacked by possums in my undies in the middle of the night, all to save some chocolate birthday cake.
On that note hope you had a good laugh and hope none of these things ever happen to you.
Another time we will post an article on some of the fishing misadventures we have had and seen and heard about. Please let us know your favourite stories for the new book...
About the Author
Swags Half Price... Quality Handmade Australian Swag Bed Rolls and Tents for Camping and Fishing Since 1972, Half Price Swags Direct To You

Camping Gear Checklist

With camping season right around the corner, you are sure to be planning the best camping trip ever with your family. In order to make it a great camping trip, you need to be sure that you have the gear you need for camping. We have created this great checklist for you to use, to be sure that you do not forget any camping essentials.

Cooking Essentials For Camping
• Camp Grill • Water • Can Opener • Food • Pots and Pans • Ice Chest • Charcoal • Matches • Paper Plates • Plastic Eating Utensils • Spices • Salt and Pepper • Garbage Bags • Drinks

Don't Forget About Clean Up After Cooking
• Dish Soap • Dish Towel • Large Tub For Washing Up Cookware
Be sure that you plan meals that are easy. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches are some of the easiest low maintenance camping meals that you will find.

Sleeping Essentials For Camping
• Tent • Sleeping Bags • Pillows • Extra Blankets If Needed

Personal Hygiene and Shower Essentials
• Toothbrush • Toothpaste • Towels • Wash Cloths • Soap • Shampoo and Conditioner • Hair Brush and Hair Accessories • Razor and Shaving Cream • Toilet Paper • Small Mirror • Deodorant

Clothing Essentials
• T- Shirts • Shorts • Jeans • Jacket • Raincoat • Socks • Underwear • Boots • Tennis Shoes • Swimsuit

Miscellaneous Essentials
• Bug Spray • Binoculars • First Aid Kit • Fishing Gear • Hunting Gear • Oil Lamps • Flash Lights • Deck of Cards • Screen Room • Knife • Extra Batteries • Cell Phone • Battery Powered Fan
Camping is a lot of fun, and the more prepared you are, the better your trip will be. Be sure and print this list out so that you will not forget anything important for your camping trip.
About the Author
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Top Hiking Tips

Pack and Equipment

There are two basic pack types, internal and external frame.The internal frame pack has largely superseded the external frame as the most popular type, though both have their pros and cons. One of the advantages of the internal frame is if you are hiking through heavily vegetated areas it is less prone to 'snagging'. It will also tend to sit more comfortably on your back as it is more form fitting than the external frame type and will make for better balance. Being closer fitting, this of course will trap more body heat, which often is not a bad thing.The external frame packs are wider and therefore easier to load gear into and then to access it. They will also sit 'cooler' on your back.
1. Don't haul unnecessary gear. Go through each piece of your equipment and clothing before you start and determine whether it is really necessary or whether another item you are carrying can double for both tasks. e.g., one pot, cup, and a spoon should cover all your culinary utensil needs. Clothing can double as a pillow etc. Consider the use of dehydrated type foods as they will save a lot of weight. Bear in mind though, that they will require a water source to prepare them.
2. Lining your pack with a large plastic rubbish bin bag is a cheap and efficient way to help keep the contents dry. Pack covers have limited success in heavy rainfall, none in river crossings, and are an extra piece of gear that you have to haul.
3. As a general rule, load your pack with the heaviest items towards the top and close to your back. This will lift the weight higher on your back and make for an easier load to balance and carry. Make sure that any items that may be needed in a hurry (heavy weather clothing, gloves, medical kit, etc.) are easily accessible and not buried in your pack.
4. The weight from a heavily loaded pack can sometimes cause the adjustment of the shoulder straps to continuously 'slip', dropping the pack down your back - consider adding small strips of 'hook & loop' (velcro) tape to the ends of the straps and to a fixed non moving part of your pack, (e.g., waist belt or standing part of the strap) so that the ends of the straps can be easily 'locked' down holding them in the desired position. 5. Plastic soft drink bottles (Coke etc.) make excellent water bottles. They are cheap, extremely strong and almost weightless. When empty they can be flattened to take up less pack space - blowing into them will return them to normal shape. An accessible way to carry a full 2 litre bottle is to loop a cord noose around its neck, attaching the other end of the cord to one side of the pack and running it across the top of the pack with the bottle hanging on the opposite side. The bottle is then secured from 'swinging' by a collar of 'hook & loop' (velcro) tape that is attached to the pack and secured around the lower part of the bottle.

Fire Lighting

It's good practice to carry an easy means of cooking, such as a light camping stove along with fuel and a source of ignition. This way you are not dependent on weather conditions and availability of natural fuel. However, there may be times when you have to build a fire from available material. There are several methods and means of starting fire, amongst them friction methods, but they all require time, a degree of skill and correct materials. However, here are a few easy 'sure fire' methods of getting results...
1. Carry a few rubber bands cut from old bicycle inner tubes. These can act as 'fire lighters' if kindling is scarce or is wet. They will burn for some time and can also double as 'elastic bands' if required.
2. Cotton balls impregnated with petroleum jelly make good fire starters.
3. Carry matches, along with a strip of abrasive in a waterproof tubular plastic film canister.
4. Carry a candle stub - this will save matches and will burn for longer.
5. A small magnifying glass can be used for igniting tinder on sunny days.
6. Waterproof matches can be bought, or you can make your own by sealing conventional matches in layers of wax, in effect making miniature candles that will be waterproofed and also burn longer.
7. Small gas lighters are convenient and the spark from them may be of use even when empty of gas.
8. Always strike your match in cupped hands, facing into the wind and with the head of the match in a downward position.
9. Light your kindling on the windward side so that the flame is blown into the material.
10. Before starting your fire, make sure you have gathered and prepared enough fuel to keep it going.
11. If there is no small kindling available, kindling can be made by shaving a larger piece of timber or stick. i.e., use your knife to slice a series of small thin 'wings' on the surface of a larger stick. The thinner 'wings' will ignite easier and in turn ignite the larger body of the stick. This can be helpful if the available wood is a bit damp or too large for using as kindling.
12. Make sure your fire gets sufficient oxygen by not building it too densely.One method is to build a small platform of twigs an inch or so above the ground, supported at the edges. Load the platform with tinder material (pine needles, smaller twigs, dry moss) then build a pyramid or tepee of kindling sticks over and around this. Once the fire is established, larger fuel can be added.

Clothing
1. Lightweight 'layers' that can be removed or added to is the best method - along with a good wind/rain outer garment shell, preferably of breathable material.
2. Avoid cotton clothing. It will dry slowly and will be cold and heavier if worn when wet - use synthetic materials such as polyprop' or its equivalent. These are light, warm when wet and dry out rapidly. The only cotton you may want to carry is maybe a light long sleeved shirt for sun protection. This applies to jeans material as well, there are better alternatives. (wear long pants made from quick drying material or hiking shorts)
3. Headgear. This is necessary for sun protection and also for insulation in cold weather - the majority of body heat is lost through the head and neck areas. Carry separate headgear for differing conditions - a brimmed hat for sun protection and watch cap/balaclava for cold weather insulation.
FootwearMake or type will vary with individuals preferences and intentions.For extended trips carrying a heavy pack consider a leather boot such as produced by Asolo, Garmont etc. These will give the desired support and will also stand the rigours of being submerged in river crossings, or the attachment of crampons if ever needed.Care should be taken to get the correct fit. Unfortunately, the only foolproof method of knowing your boots are the correct fit is to hike in them! However, the following points may help in selecting and using your footwear...When selecting your boot, always wear the socks that you will be hiking in. Tap your foot forward in the unlaced boot and you should be able to easily get a finger down between the back of your foot and the boot. This will indicate the space you will have between the end of your toes and the front of the boot.Take out the boot's insert, place the insert on the floor and stand on it - this will give you a good visual on how your foot fits inside the boot. Remember, your foot will spread and expand when you are hiking and carrying any weight, so it's a good idea to shop for your boots towards the end of the day when your foot is at its maximum 'spread'.Lace the boots up and walk around in them - some stores have an inclined area to see how the boots feel.There should be no undue movement around the heel area but the boot should also not feel as if it is cramping the foot anywhere, particularly in the toe area. Take into account that there will be a certain amount of 'give' in leather.As a general rule, you will want your boots at least one size bigger than your normal 'town' shoes.Always take care of your boots with a good application of protectant before and after a hike. When they get wet, let them dry out naturally and they should last you for many miles.Many prefer to wear two pairs of socks. A thin inner pair of synthetic material that will wick moisture away from the foot and an outer thick hiking sock. This double sock method will help in preventing blisters, as any foot slide will be more protected.Light shoes such as 'Crocs' make good camp footwear but can be expensive, so also consider flipflops - they are cheap, extremely light and will allow your feet to air at the end of a day.
Navigation
It is always a good idea to carry a compass and a map of the area you are entering and also to learn how to use them.A GPS is an excellent aid to navigation especially if going off trail, but it should be looked upon as an aid - equipment that relies on electricity is always open to battery or component failure and in the case of a GPS, also an inability to receive a signal due to terrain features or overhead tree canopy.If you lose or damage your compass, you can use your watch to get a good approximation of direction. This method is not intended to replace the accuracy of a compass and will be less accurate the closer to the equator you are.If in the Northern hemisphere, point the hour hand of your watch at the sun and exactly halfway between the hour hand and the numeral twelve on your watch will be South. (Use your imagination to superimpose the numerals on the face of your watch if you are using a digital watch) If in the Southern hemisphere, point the numeral twelve of your watch at the sun and exactly halfway between the twelve and the hour hand will be North.To travel in a straight line, sight an object on the bearing you wish to travel (tree, rock, terrain feature) and then head towards it. When you reach it, repeat the process on another object. This will prevent you tending to circle off course.Lastly, whether hiking in company or hiking solo, always advise someone who cares, of what your intended movements are and when you intend to be back out.The more you hike the more you will find out what works for you and what modifications can be made.Hopefully the above tips will be of some help to enjoying the outdoors.
About the Author
George Spearing is the author of "Dances With Marmots - A Pacific Crest Trail Adventure" ISBN:1411656180 Outdoor experience includes through hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, (Mexico to Canada) Great Britain (south to north) and the North Island of New Zealand. Authors Website: http://www.danceswithmarmots.com