Wild Trip

Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety

January 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Image via Wikipedia

Thunderstorms and lightening can be very damaging and frightening when you are in the middle of enjoying some outdoor activities, like camping or hiking. Following some advice for taking precautions and learning things to do to protect yourself can save your life during a thunderstorm.

You should always bring some decent rain gear because there is commonly a chance of getting caught in rain while camping. The unexpected weather is where you will need to have a few pieces of information for your safety. If there is a tornado warning while you are camping, the park rangers will arrange for your safety inside a shelter house or basement of the management office. Thunderstorms and lightening are the worst conditions for being outside and not getting into shelter fast enough. It is advised, however, to get inside of buildings or a hard top car until the weather is better and lightening clears the area.

If you happen to be caught outside during lightening, it is important that you follow a few simple rules. First of all, most people think that crowding together would be advantageous. It is actually the worst thing you could do. On the contrary, spread out far away from each other so that it lessens the chance of being hit by the lightening strikes. Crouch down as close to the ground as possible without loosing balance and having to put your hands to the ground. Wrap your arms around your legs and lock them together. Keep a solid footing with both feet on the ground at the same time, otherwise you risk letting the electricity enter one foot and exit the other while passing into your entire body. Standing on your ropes or even grass can serve as insulation. You should never lie flat on the ground, so be sure that you are crouched properly.

Filed Under: Wild Trip Tagged With: Thunderstorm

Mount Shasta: Scale a Dormant-Active Volcano

December 3, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Classically cone-shaped, majestic Mount Shasta is not only nearly 10,000 feet tall, home to seven glaciers and numerous myths and legends. It’s also a dormant, yet active, volcano. Dormant because it has a history of only erupting once every 600 to 800 years; active because the fumaroles–small vents in the ground that let out steam and air from volcanic chambers beneath–on the mountain tell us that it’s still very much full of hot magma underneath.

Mount Shasta’s last eruption is speculated to have happened around 200 years ago; the speculation is based upon an account by French Navy explorer La Pérouse in his journal after observing the volcano erupting offshore of California from his ship in 1786. If this was indeed an eruption of Mount Shasta (for no other large volcanoes are anywhere near where La Pérouse observed the eruption), and if the pattern holds true, then the volcano will erupt again in around 400 years’ time. Not anything to cancel your vacation over!

Mount Shasta is notorious for having steep climbing trails; inexperienced climbers frequently must be rescued after taking on a climb more dangerous than they can handle, so if you are planning on attempting to reach the summit, be aware that it’s not a beginner-level kind of climb. Most popular (and involving over 6,000 feet of vertical gain) to climb is Avalanche Gulch, also known as the John Muir route. Obstacles in your path if you take this route include danger of rockfall (hence the name “Avalanche Gulch”), numerous snowfields and moraines, and a bergschrund.

To avoid the avalanches and other pitfalls of the John Muir route, Casaval Ridge and Sargents Ridge are your best options, especially during the winter months. There are hiking trails around the base of the mountain, too, if the summit isn’t your goal and you’d rather enjoy the atmosphere without as much of the risk. Thanks to its snowy, steep peaks, Mount Shasta is also a popular destination for back country skiing. Experienced skiers may choose the steep upper slopes, while the less-daring can still enjoy the mountain with less-angled slopes further down.

Filed Under: Adventure, Places, Wild Trip Tagged With: Active Volcano, Avalanche Gulch, California, Casaval Ridge, Earth Sciences, John Muir, John Muir route, Mount Shasta, Mount Shasta's, Mountain, MountShasta, Natural Disasters and Hazards, Sargents Ridge, Volcano

Mount Rainier: A Hiking Intorduction to One of the US’s Most Dangerous Mountains

November 30, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Mount Rainier is one of the largest mountains in the North American region. It stands at close to 14,400 ft above sea level and is located southeast of the Seattle area. Any mountain climber that has ever had a desire to climb one of the fiercest and most dangerous mountains should consider hiking somewhere on Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier has over 300 miles of set trails all along the mountain that hikers can enjoy. Since the mountain is located in the northwest of the United States the majority of the hiking trails are open from late May to early September.

You’ll never know what to expect when hiking in this area. There is a wide range of weather and outdoor scenery that can be experienced when hiking along Mount Rainier trails. For example, if you are hiking along the trails in late May you are likely to get beautiful views of the glaciers and snow. If you head to the trails in September, you’re likely to encounter low areas of fog, rain and the beautiful leaves changing colors.

A special trail known as the Wonderland trail, allows hikers the unique opportunity to hike all around Mount Rainier. This hike takes anywhere from 10 to 14 days but allows hikers the unique opportunity to experience every part of Mount Rainier, as each side of this mountain has a different landscape, views and scenery.

Hiking along the designated trails on Mount Rainier does not require any special types of permits. However, if you are a hiker that enjoys going off the beaten path, then a permit is required from the National Parks Service. This is to prevent too many people from hiking in what is known as the back country of Mount Rainier and it allows the environmental impact of these hikers to be reduced.

If you’re looking for a challenge, consider taking a hike along one of the United State’s most dangerous mountains, Mount Rainier.

Filed Under: Adventure, Hiking, Wild Trip Tagged With: Hiking, Mount Rainier, National Park Service, United States

Why Sunscreen is Important on a Mountain Hike

November 19, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

You’re getting ready for your big mountain hiking event and you get your list of essential items. Some of the items seem as if they would be required such as walking stick, canteen, boots, long pants. Then you come to the item that stumps you: the sunscreen.

Why would you need sunscreen when you are going on a mountain hike? When you look at mountains they have snow, clouds and rain so why would sunscreen be an essential hiking tool.

Sunscreen is an essential item because of the amount of sun that is present on the mountain. Although you might not be able to see it, there are intense UV rays that are beating down on the body. The UV rays are actually more intense the higher up you go on a mountain because of the higher altitude.

To prevent any type of burning or sun related problems sunscreen is recommended. Simply put the sunscreen on as if you were going outside on a sunny day. This means putting the sunscreen on a good 30 minutes before you plan on going out. It also means that you should be reapplying the sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours as directed on the bottle of the sunscreen.

Should you not put sunscreen on before your mountain hike you could face a number of issues. The main problem with no sunscreen is that of sunburns. Sunburns can be very painful and often take days to heal. By just putting a bit of sunscreen on you can prevent this. Other more serious issues from not wearing sunscreen include that of skin cancer. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the UV rays could lead to skin cancer and other more serious issues.

Before you head out on that hiking trip consider packing extra sunscreen. You can prevent a lot of pain if you just lather up before hand.

Filed Under: Hiking, Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Hiking, Sunburn, Sunscreen, Ultraviolet

Experience the Great Hiking Trails of Camelback Mountain

November 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Camelback Mountain is a huge red rock based mountain located in Phoenix, Arizona. This mountain is a major part of the Phoenix skyline and resembled one of the largest red rock mountain type of mountain.

The sheer rock surface, unique red rocks and wonderful surrounding area makes Camelback Mountain one of the most visited hiking trails in the area.

If you are thinking of hiking up Camelback Mountain here is a quick guide filled with many tips and sights that you can see if you were to hike up the mountain.

Hiking Trails. There are two distinctive hiking trails on Camelback Mountain. The first one ascends over 1,200 ft above sea level and goes up the side of the mountain. It is known as Echo Mountain Trail. The other trail is that of Cholla Mountain Trail and is very similar to the first trail.

Activity Level. Each trail is considered very strenuous when it comes to the type of activity that is required for the mountain hike. There are various boulders, rocks, climbing and unsteady land that make this trail a tough climb.

Time Involved. The time involved with each hike is about 1.5 hours to 4 hours round trip. Depending upon how long you want to look at the various views and wildlife that is around the area it could take you longer.

Rock Climbing. There are various areas located on Camelback Mountain that are perfect for rock climbing. The Praying Monk is the most popular rock climbing area on Camelback Mountain that allows people to climb the various rock surfaces. There are several areas to attack the ropes that rock climbers need.

Temperature. The temperature on Camelback Mountain can sometimes reach well over 100 degrees. It is best if you are going to go hiking on this mountain trail that you consider packing sunscreen, dress lightly and prepare with plenty of water.

Filed Under: Hiking, Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Camelback Mountain, Climbing, Hiking, Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park: A Hiking Trail Guide

November 7, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

If you are looking for a great hiking range within the Colorodo area then the Rocky Mountain National Park is just the place to go to. It offers hikers the oppertunity to see many great mountain vies, wonderful woodland creatures and a chance to have one of the most memorable mountain hikes of your life.

Here are some of the great things that Rocky Mountain National Park offers mountain hikers.

Hiking Trails. There are over 355 miles of charted hiking trails available through the Rocky Mountain National Park. These trails can range from very easy straight paths through the woods to more vigorous hikes up mountain ranges and climbing over objects.

Altitude Problems. The Rocky Mountain National Park sits on an elivation that ranges from 7500 ft to 12000 feet above sea water. That means that if you are from a lower flatter area you might experience problems with the hike. Even experienced hikers who have done this multiple times have problems with the change in the elevation that they have to go through.

Winter Hikes. Some national parks do not allow hikes through the winter. However, with Rocky Mountain National Park there is the option to do winter hikes during the winter months. Occassionally the park may be closed but as long as you have the necessary supplies winter hikes are allowed in the park.

Consider Park Ranger Led Hikes. There are plenty of park ranger led hikes that will take visitors through the park and allow them to see the sites and sounds without having to do it alone. This is a great choice for those with young children or those just starting out. It’s also a great way to learn about the various objects and items surrounding you in Rocky Mountain National Park as park rangers will walk you through it and point out areas of interest as you are on the walk.

Filed Under: Camping, Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Colorado, Mountain, national Park, Rocky Mountain National Park

Building Family Bonds with Mountain Climbing

November 1, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Mountain climbing can be a fun sport to do alone or with a buddy, but it is also a great family activity, as well. Mountain climbing activities have been known to build family bonds and even make a family stronger then ever!

Here are some tips if you want to get the whole family involved.

1. Invest in the proper equipment for each family member.

Don’t skimp on equipment. Make sure that every family member has the proper shoes, clothing and other gear. Also make certain that every family member has a helmet that fits properly and is also appropriate for mountain climbing. For children, periodically check to make sure that their helmets still fit properly. Don’t have a younger child use an older sibling’s hand-me-down helmet unless it is in good condition and it fits properly.

2. Stress safety

Before going on a climb, go over the safety rules and guidelines. Go over what to do in case of an emergency. If you are climbing with children, make certain that each child knows what to do in an emergency – including an emergency that means Mom or Dad is unconscious. Have older children and teens responsible for younger ones. Instill the importance of the younger children following the instructions of the adults.

3. Make it a positive experience for everyone in the family

When on a climb, involve all of the family members with duties and responsibilities, with plenty of praise for a job well done. Make sure that you notice any improvement in the efforts of the children and/or spouse and draw positive attention to it.

Mountain climbing is a wonderful outdoor activity, and it is a healthy one that can bring your family closer together. Fresh air, exercise, and a positive environment that encourages learning new skills and helping other family members will make this an enjoyable pastime for the entire family for many years.

Filed Under: Camping, Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Climb, Family, Mountaineering, Recreation

Must Have Supplies Necessary For Any Hiking Trip

October 25, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Never Stop Climbing via Flickr

Whether you are planning a one day hiking trip or a ten day excursion, taking the right supplies with you is essential. Always bring more than you think you need just to be on the safe side.

Any time that you go hiking the weather can change within minutes and you could find yourself in the middle of a rain storm. It is important to bring a rain coat or poncho along with a large backpack for all the supplies that you need to carry along.

Always pack food with you. You might choose to take a sandwich for your lunch along with dry snacks. Fresh fruit is easy to pack and carry along with granola bars, potato chips, trail mix and mixed nuts to keep you energized. You also need to keep your body hydrated so bring several bottles of water or fruit juices.

Wear comfortable clothing along with special hiking boots and a spare clothing in case you want or need to change your clothes. Pack things like a fully stocked first aid kit. Make sure you inventory the supplies that are in the kit and replace what you need.

It is nice to have a map of the hiking trails that you want to visit as well as a compass to follow in case you need it. If it starts to get dark have a flashlight on hand. You may have to purchase a hiking stick and knife, both of those items will come in handy on every hiking trip you take.

Some of the less obvious things you might need would be garbage bags, duct tape and string. Bring along some paper and pens so if you are in the mood to journal your trip you can. Perhaps a book or two is needed to read while you are resting. Do not forget and prescription medication that you take on a daily basis. All that is left to do is have a great trip.

Filed Under: Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Hiking, Potato chip, Recreation, Trail mix

Fun Camping Activities for Parents and Kids

October 22, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

Keeping children busy on the camping grounds is really easy if you have a little bit of creativity. Here are several ideas for parents to do with the kids on your next camping trip. Sometimes the parent needs to let lose and join in on the games and the kids will enjoy it as well.

Take the kids along the nature trail and do some bird watching. You might want to bring along a pair of binoculars so they can see what the birds look like high up in the tree tops. Have the children use indoor voices, meaning to be quite so the birds will come and not be scared by loud noises.

If there is a lake close by teach your child how to use a fishing pole. Show them how to hook the bait and be patient while waiting for the fish to bite. The first fish that the child catches by themselves will be the proudest moment in their life. The child will be so excited that they will be talking about that for months to come.

Before going on your camping trip make a stop at the local library and pick up a book of stories to tell around the campfire. You do not want it to scare the children so be conscience of that when choosing the book. Gather everyone around the camp fire, grab the marshmallows and skewers and read the stories out loud. The kids will be mesmerized by the fun story telling time.

Encourage each child to start a collection of natural things that they can find along the trails. Leaf and rock collecting is great for the younger children. Dry and place each leaf in a scrapbook. For the rock collectors give the child a special box for the rocks. Point out the different shapes and sizes of the rocks they keep, this is not only fun but educational as well.

Filed Under: Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Camps, Child, Family, Parent, Trail

Smelly Camps Attract Bears

August 5, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

When camping in the Sierra area, proper food storage is essential to a safe and enjoyable camping experience. Bears have learned to recognize camps and hikers’ packs as potential food sources, and if you leave your kids backpack unattended for even a moment, they will take the opportunity to forage in it!

Even if they don’t see you, bears can smell you. With a sense of smell 700 times better than a blood hound’s, these animals can catch a whiff of food right through your pack from over 20 miles away, and that isn’t even when you’re actively cooking it! Bearing this in mind, steer clear of cooking smelly foods like fish while in the wilderness–regular food may smell the same as other campers’ food and therefore blend in somewhat, but if your cooking has a stronger smell, the bear will likely come to find out what that particularly delicious-smelling food is.

Bears will investigate anything that has a strong odor, and have been known to shred backpacks containing laundry detergent, scented towelettes, bug spray, used diapers, toothpaste, water bottles and more. Canned food still has a scent. Clothes you wore while preparing food can smell enough to attract them. To avoid any bear troubles during your camping trip, use one of the two most common methods of concealing your food: bearbagging and packing.

Bearbagging is the casual name for the practice of packing up all odorous items–food, sunscreen, used feminine items, used toilet paper in bags, garbage, cosmetics and so on–in one pack and hanging it from a tree or pole overnight. Even easier is to hoist your whole pack, avoiding the trouble of repacking items into a separate bag to hang. Many campsites are equipped with a pole to hang items from, and using a tree is a simple process as well.

Packing simply means to conceal all odorous items in a bear-proof metal container. Some campsites provide these containers with your permit, but if you plan to use this method you may want to bring your own just in case. Hung or packed items should be located at least 100 yards from your camp.

Filed Under: General, Outdoors, Wild Trip Tagged With: Backpack, Camping, Food storage