A Safe Camping
Adventure
No matter what the
season, camping can be a wondrous experience and a welcome
relief from the cramped confines of city life. With the proper
preparation and camping gear, hikes and overnight stays in the
outdoors can rejuvenate the mind and body. Unfortunately, poor
planning can result in accidents, exposure, and injuries. To
get the most out of your camping experience, follow these
simple guidelines:
* Expect the unexpected. Before you depart, give some thought
to worst-case scenarios and how you would deal with those
emergencies. For example, discuss with your traveling
companions the options for an encounter with a bear, or what to
do if one of you gets lost.
* Communicate. Email copies of your itinerary to family members
and post on one your refrigerator. Be sure to sign in and out
when using a campground, and sign in and out with a ranger
prior to starting a wilderness hike. Should something go amiss,
your movements can more easily be tracked.
If someone does get lost, they'll have a way to
communicate. * Bring the right camping gear. Don't let
sudden weather changes catch you off-guard. Waterproof
backpacks and tents, as well as cold weather sleeping bags,
will minimize your exposure and ensure a pleasant camping
experience.
* Pack the right clothes. The right camping
gear includes the right clothing. Layer clothes for optimum
comfort, so you can add or remove layers as the temperature
changes. Be sure to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket and
pants.
* Know where you're going. Getting lost in the wilderness is
frightening and potentially deadly. Make sure you have detailed
maps of the area, including a topographical map, and consider
taking along a GPS system and two-way radios. Also pack a
whistle, so you can signal if necessary.
* Beware of the critters. Insect bites and stings can ruin a
great trip. Use DEET-based insect repellent, and re-apply as
needed. At the end of each day, check for ticks - especially
behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin area - as
they are carriers of Lyme disease. When selecting a site to
stow your camping gear, stay away from the berry bushes, a
prime foraging area for bears.
* Practice fire safety. Fire is always a potential hazard. Keep
your campfire as small as is feasible. If possible, utilize a
fire pit that others have previously used. Make sure the pit
has a ring of rocks around it, and never build a fire pit where
there are overhanging branches. Keep a bucket of water near the
fire, and have someone station near a burning fire at all times
to keep watch over it.
With the right camping gear and preparation, your getaway is
sure to be a success!
Chris Robertson is an author
of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular
internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this
Recreation Website and Majon's Recreation directory.
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