tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63715531875121469682024-03-12T21:08:05.509-07:00Walks 'n TreesStephen Hawtree is an outdoor enthusiast and educator.
Here you'll learn about places he's been, how he got there, stuff he's done, where he's going, and the things he needs to make it happen.Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-6561491873949875632021-03-14T08:30:00.000-07:002021-03-20T13:24:54.075-07:00Springtime Hiking Hazards<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring is just around the corner!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The snow level is receding, the creeks are starting to bubble and roll and the days are getting longer. Many hikers look forward to the return of spring and have a new found hope for more glorious days of warmer weather hiking ahead. It can be a fantastic time of year for hiking, but it can also be a time that hosts more hazards and potential dangers than any other time of year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fitness</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I keep up my hiking activities throughout the year, snowshoeing in the winter, and hiking the rest of the 3 seasons. But, for those that prefer to hunker down for the winter months, the return of spring can bring about a return to exercise.You may be a little out of practice, so start out slow, and ease into serious hiking again. Yes, the weather is cool, but remember to hydrate and hydrate often</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. You'll be working a little harder if you took it easy during the winter. Keep this in mind for your first few hikes. Easy does it, and don't overdue it. Take your time, and make your first few outings shorter to give you time to acclimatize to strenuous effort. Stretch once you are warmed up a little, or at the end of your hike. Your joints, ligaments and tendons will be all the more limber the next time you're out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mud</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the snow thaws, trails get wet, and what is a perfectly passable trail in the summer, can be a muddy, mucky mess. Nows the time for waterproof, higher ankled boots, with large traction lugs. Gaiters are pretty handy as well. Do your part for the environment, stay on the trail, even it if's muddy. If everyone side-stepped the muddy trail in the spring, many trails would be miles wide and look like one big mud bog the next year. As all good hikers do, minimize your impact on the land and leave as little trace of your presence as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, your dog will likely be muddy and wet after a good spring hike. I use a car seat cover</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to keep my vehicle's back seats dry and clean. And, of course, you'll want to bath your dog when you get home, even if it's just a paw wash with the hose before they get in the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ice and Snow</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What may begin as a dry trail at the bottom, can turn to a muddy trail and then a snowy or icy trail in valley bottoms or higher up. Here's where traction aids like trekking poles or ice cleats shine through. They help you get your grip in slippery conditions. Ice cleats or crampons</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> are ideal when you're trying to keep from slipping and sliding on the trail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blowdowns</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winter storms and those of early spring tend to wreak havoc in our forested areas. Soft, wet soil, combined with the stronger winds can lead to blown down trees. Trail maintenance has not usually been performed during the winter months, and it can take a while for crews and volunteers to get out there. You will likely encounter more debris or obstacles across the trail. Again, try to stay on the trail as much as possible to minimize impact to the ecosystem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The freeze/thaw cycle causes rocks with cracks in them to become a dangerous problem. The freezing and thawing works those rocks loose and they may begin to fall, sometimes causing landslides and covering trails. Even larger boulders can work loose, especially as the soil is more wet and a lot softer in the spring. Watch out! Be aware of what you grab and where you put your feet. If there's a trails below you, shout out if you disrupt some rock or soil so that others can be prepared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Streams and creeks are always more full in the spring. Snow melt and frequent rains often swell them to their largest proportions. Be prepared for stream crossings with good boots, poles and gaitors. Be wary of sudden water surges. Small streams can become large creeks in mere minutes if it's raining hard up top or as the afternoon progresses and warms up substancially. Keep an eye on weather conditions. Realize that what was a passable trickle on the way up could be a raging torrent on the way down. Water can also completely wash out trails and even roads. Be prepared in case you have to stay put until help arrives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unpredictable Weather</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring is one of those times of year when the weather can change drastically and at a moment's notice. Keep up to date with weather reports. Dress in layers and prepare for all extremese of weather, hot and dry to cold and wet. Spring can host all of the weather conditions we might encounter during the year in a single day. Don't take chances, be prepared and postpone your trip if the conditions look unfavourable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Avalanches</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The early months of the year are a time of drastic weather changes affecting existing snow accumulations. It can be a dangerous time for avalanches. Snowpack information becomes more scarce and it is difficult to accurately predict the risk of avalanche in many areas. If you are hiking the backcountry, be vigilant and observe conditions around you that may result in an avalanche scenario. Learn about avalanche safety. If you are at risk, hike in groups, were transponders and avalanche packs and carry recovery gear. Know before you go... in Canada, you can now use the Mountain Information Network for crowdsources avalanche information and condition observations at https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network. In the US, refer to http://www.fsavalanche.org/ for up to date information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nasty Roads</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What affects the trails, affects the roads too. Often springtime road conditions are the worse during the year. In any one drive you may encounter mud, potholes, ice and snow. Keep your winter tires on as long as necessary if you hit the high country in the spring. Remember, four wheel drive and all wheel drive can help you gain traction on the way up, but won't do very much for you on the way down or when you have to turn and stop. Use your gears, slow down and drive for the conditions. Have the tools and the knowledge for self-recovery, or better yet, travel with another vehicle. At the very least, always carry a shovel I carry a shovel, pickaxe, and Hi-Lift jack (that can lift and winch) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and appropriately rated tow ropes and chains. Keep to the main roads and those that are maintained unless you have the gear and the ability to get yourself unstuck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ticks</span></h3>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uVLm1Wczvmo/VtOTJNlxdvI/AAAAAAAAOaQ/hnH-hQnMNz4/s1600/20160227_174558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uVLm1Wczvmo/VtOTJNlxdvI/AAAAAAAAOaQ/hnH-hQnMNz4/s200/20160227_174558.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the joys of early spring hiking is the lack of bugs. Don't let this lack of flying insects fool you though. Spring is tick season. Ticks are most often found in tall grass and wooded areas. They wait for you or your dog to pass by and brush against some bush and then they climb on, looking to feed on you as part of their lifecycle. Here's a good article that talks about <a href="http://www.castanet.net/news/BC/135329/Tick-season-arrives-early" target="_blank">Tick Season</a>. This is a good time to restart you dog's anti-tick regime, if you stopped when winter set in. Use an outdoor insect repellent with Deet on your clothing, particularly pant legs, to help deter unwanted insect guests. Remember to always check yourself and your children (furry or otherwise) for ticks whenever you return from a hike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bears</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Springtime brings back the bears, and as they have been sleeping all winter, they're usually pretty hungry when they emerge from their long winter's nap. Take care, be aware, travel in groups, make lots of noise. There is no single approach to dealing with bears. Your strategy will depend on what the bear wants from you. Their motivation can be one of curiosity, defense or hunger. Each of these situations will require a different response. If a bear is curious, they will easily be deterred, and will likely wander off after their curiosity has been satisfied. If a bear is defensive, as in a mother with cubs, don't threaten the cubs, keep your distance. If a bear is hungry and decides you are a source of food, you will need to use your bear deterrent effectively and you may be in for the fight of your life. Here's an article I wrote about how to </span><a href="http://walksntrees.blogspot.ca/2013/04/safety-in-bear-country.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Safety in Bear Country</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I have had many encounters with bears, all of them concluded without incident. Bears are beautiful creatures but like all wildlife, they must be respected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cougars, wolves and coyotes</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most predators are coming out of the leanest time of the year. Winter is often the time when food sources are more scarce for animals that rely on other animals for food. They are hungry and may take chances to get the sustenance they need. As in the winter, predators are still found lower in elevation as they follow their food sources. Encounters do tend to be more frequent in the early spring for this reason. For the most part, these predators are going to leave you alone. All predators measure the risk of an encounter. With wild dogs and cats, you have to make sure that the cost of the encounter will be too high for the animals involved. Pick up your children or your smaller dogs. Make yourself big and make lots of noise. Get your group to spread out, show the predator that you have the advantage. Intimidate the animal, if it does attack, fight back and mean it. I have encountered almost all of the cats and dogs of the wild kingdom, and I have never had an issue. Seeing some of these creatures in the wild is a reward in, and of, itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring is one of my favorite times of year. Waterfalls, the greening of the forest and the return of birds are things we look forward to in winter. The promise of new life and warmer days starts me thinking about those big hikes I want to accomplish. Be aware of the potential dangers, but most of all, enjoy the beauty and the warmer days of spring! Have fun and stay safe!</span><br />
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Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-31148619313297997822017-07-23T12:25:00.000-07:002017-07-23T12:45:06.891-07:00Hiking in the Summer: How to Beat the Heat<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the recent heat wave and record breaking temperatures in the Okanagan and abroad, I've been thinking about how I've learned to enjoy hiking in the outdoors, even in the middle of summer. Below are some factors to consider and tips that I hope help you get out and beat the heat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weather</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check <a href="https://weather.com/weather/today/l/49.89,-119.50?temp=c" target="_blank">the weather forecast</a>, it's not always blisteringly hot in the summer, there are cool days and breezy days. Hiking in the summer rain can be quite refreshing! Plan your trips for days that are going to be more enjoyable. The weatherman doesn't always get it right, but having an idea of trending weather patterns is very helpful in avoiding the heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time of Day</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/CAXX0216:1:CA" target="_blank">time of day</a> makes a huge difference as to how warm it gets. Early morning hikes are certainly cooler, but head out in the heat of the afternoon and you'll be exerting yourself in the hottest part of the day. Of course, it usually tends to cool down towards evening most days. Consider late afternoon departures and returns after dark. Some of my best hiking experiences have been enjoyed via headlamp in the cool night air.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Elevation</span></h4>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yotO7oABqHY/WXT1gKGp7mI/AAAAAAAAOzc/5sv6VTv9smMgLguFY9bxyIw6m-HrGh_CgCLcBGAs/s1600/me_hiking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yotO7oABqHY/WXT1gKGp7mI/AAAAAAAAOzc/5sv6VTv9smMgLguFY9bxyIw6m-HrGh_CgCLcBGAs/s320/me_hiking.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As experienced hikers know, it's always cooler in the mountains. The higher the elevation, the less dense the air is, and the less heat capacity it has. That is, it's cooler the higher up you go. The caveat here is that sometimes the sun's rays can be stronger as the atmosphere thins. So keep up with the sunscreen and keep covered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plan Your Destination</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you know it's going to be warm, choose a trail that is densely covered with shade. Hiking along a cool shady path in the middle of a hot day is the epitome of beating the heat! Foliage can have a big impact on the ambient temperature as well. Hiking along a stream or near a lake can also help keep you cool as the presence of water has a moderating effect on temps. Another favorite trick is to head out where the shadows are long from a local mountain and avoid the sun for hours at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A base layer is the clothing that you put directly against your skin, either as the only layer or as an underpinning for you outer clothes. It's critical that this layer is a wicking material, that is, it pulls moisture away from your skin. Choose materials that are designed to keep you cool and dry, like Merino wool or a good synthetic. Whatever you choose, you want the moisture from your body's exertion to be pulled away from your skin to evaporate so that you are cooled as you sweat. Don't wear cotton next to your skin because it gets wet and stays wet, making you feel hot and sweaty. You are also much more likely to chaff and blister wearing wet cotton.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The lighter the color of your clothing, the cooler you'll stay. Lighter colors reflect the sun's rays, darker colors absorb them. Also, keeping covered can help keep you cool! This seems counter intuitive, but if you look at the clothes people wear in extremely hot areas of the world, it's all about coverage and a loose fit. You're much less likely to burn as well, if you are more covered. You want your outer layers to be of a lightweight, breathable fabric that has a good SPF (sun protection factor). Wear a hat, and keep the sun off your head, wide brims are better protection than a ball-cap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Listen to Your Body</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Studies have proven that your body is very self regulating, to the point that it will slow you down, and even stop you from exerting yourself if it gets too hot. Have you ever noticed how you feel slow and lethargic on the hottest of days? That's your body telling you it's probably too warm to start getting physical. Even starting out a hike in warmer weather, your will likely feel more sluggish as your body anticipates getting warmer due to muscle exertion. Take more frequent breaks and listen to your body telling you it's starting to get too warm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heat Adaptation</span></h4>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3JprssWa-0/WXT3aAeniKI/AAAAAAAAOzs/zEg_8BCG9mQDhPt1-36LbieQyRlisV1_QCKgBGAs/s1600/20150807_134932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3JprssWa-0/WXT3aAeniKI/AAAAAAAAOzs/zEg_8BCG9mQDhPt1-36LbieQyRlisV1_QCKgBGAs/s320/20150807_134932.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scientific evidence shows that if you exercise in the heat, your body will begin to adapt and you'll become more efficient within about 5 days. It actually takes about 2 week to fully adapt, but the rate of heat adaption is significantly more rapid in the first 5 days of exposure to warmer temperatures. Give yourself a chance to adapt to the heat before really pushing yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hydration, Hydration, Hydration</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you exercise in the heat, you sweat, a lot! Water is the lubrication that keeps your human machine running efficiently. You need to keep your body hydrated, that is, you need to drink water to replace the water that is evaporating off of you as your body attempts to cool itself. <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/water-for-exercise-fitness" target="_blank">It's recommended</a> to drink at least a litre (16oz) over the couple hours before you hit the trail, and then a cup (250ml) of water, at least, for every 15 minutes of exertion during your hike. If you're sweating, you're not just using up your body's water reserves, you are also consuming the salts that help balance your body's internal blood pressure and nervous system. These salts are called electrolytes and you need to replenish them as you hydrate too. Have a good snack on the trail or even add a small amount of Gatorade powder to your water bottle to keep your body happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tip: Dip Your Feet!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is almost nothing better in this world than, after, a long hot hike, finding a stream or lake, taking off your boots and socks and dipping your feet and ankles in the cold refreshing water. You have to try it if you haven't ever. There is nothing like it, and it is my absolute favorite way to beat the heat while hiking in the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-32141506839916663622016-09-16T09:05:00.002-07:002016-09-16T10:07:06.233-07:00We're Back!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a summer sabbatical, Walks 'n Trees is back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've even got a new logo! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please stay tuned!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There'll be gear reviews for...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WoolX</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Teton Sports</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ultimate Survival Technologies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Light My Fire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mountain Equipment Coop</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and more</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There'll be articles about my favorite hikes both local and remote.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll even be doing a feature on my new Electric Fatbike from Surface 604 and Kelowna E Ride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's going to be awesome!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check back in a week for some great new content!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-58641288729095192082016-06-12T12:01:00.000-07:002016-06-14T12:38:31.648-07:00Quick Hike: Magic Estates to Knox Mountain Pagoda <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vus6t7jmrXg/V12lv_aAOrI/AAAAAAAAOi0/U_LhTNMvOdE/s1600/20160611_202651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vus6t7jmrXg/V12lv_aAOrI/AAAAAAAAOi0/U_LhTNMvOdE/s400/20160611_202651.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Length: 2.5km (round trip)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Time: 30 minutes (round trip)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Difficulty: Easy to Moderate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favourite short hikes is along the ridge above Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, BC from Magic Estates to the Pagoda at the top of Knox Mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are spectacular long range views of the lake, almost reaching north to Vernon and facing south you can see Mount Boucherie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As there are many trails in this area, and you never have to pick the exact same route twice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The main trail is quite wide, with some rolling hill climbs, and it can make you feel a bit uncomfortable if you have issues with heights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like most of the hiking trails within the city limits, dogs on leash are permitted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have limited time and would like to see some spectacular scenery, this trail is for you!</span></div>
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Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com1Camelot Ct, Kelowna, BC V1V 1N2, Canada49.9205796 -119.4753279999999949.919301600000004 -119.47784949999999 49.9218576 -119.47280649999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-29610690549086781882016-05-27T12:28:00.001-07:002016-05-27T12:50:26.843-07:00Outdoor Memories<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember when I was young, and my parents would entertain. Company would come over for dinner, and after supper the slide show would begin. Everyone would head to the front room, Dad would turn out the lights, the projector would whir into action and he'd enthrall the audience with the captured images of places he'd been and things he'd done.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P44HlvV9dY/V0iVnApRmbI/AAAAAAAAOh0/nlMUtyKYC8QkBJ5SnuPjO_CHw01PPP7JACLcB/s1600/img006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P44HlvV9dY/V0iVnApRmbI/AAAAAAAAOh0/nlMUtyKYC8QkBJ5SnuPjO_CHw01PPP7JACLcB/s200/img006.jpg" width="127" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P44HlvV9dY/V0iVnApRmbI/AAAAAAAAOh0/nlMUtyKYC8QkBJ5SnuPjO_CHw01PPP7JACLcB/s1600/img006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, I've been going through those old slides. Dad was a prolific photographer! I had no idea he had taken so many great pictures in his many years with his 35mm SLR Pentax. I still have years of scanning ahead of me, but it's going to be a labour of love, and I task I am really looking forward to completing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7jsgCHEu3w/V0iVqHtlLpI/AAAAAAAAOiU/DNj7DAgyJOcdX56yZqMZgnAYLUlWdp5OwCLcB/s1600/img634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7jsgCHEu3w/V0iVqHtlLpI/AAAAAAAAOiU/DNj7DAgyJOcdX56yZqMZgnAYLUlWdp5OwCLcB/s320/img634.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I began to scan the first few slides, I started to see pictures of myself in his collection. Memories started to flood back, I found myself thinking, "Oh, I remember that hiking trip", and "that's when we went winter camping at Sunset Lake" and so on.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQwZRZ4GRXE/V0iVrTNmR1I/AAAAAAAAOic/s3mvrb8QQtQtMA6tyBfrsmYWR1GjbfQVwCLcB/s1600/img637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQwZRZ4GRXE/V0iVrTNmR1I/AAAAAAAAOic/s3mvrb8QQtQtMA6tyBfrsmYWR1GjbfQVwCLcB/s200/img637.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I guess I'd been there for a lot of his life too, I'd been adventuring in the wilderness since I was just a little guy. Dad used to joke, that I was an outdoorsman even before I was born, as he would go off with my Mom (who was pregnant with me) to explore the hills, right up until a few weeks before I was born. I'd always just taken it for granted, I grew up in the woods, it is part of me, but seeing these pictures, really put it into perspective.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVVmcvm7Tfo/V0iVo79u87I/AAAAAAAAOig/GgYRlLMtsCoMPJvflc6EZRQ0r3wMBYjnwCKgB/s1600/img533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVVmcvm7Tfo/V0iVo79u87I/AAAAAAAAOig/GgYRlLMtsCoMPJvflc6EZRQ0r3wMBYjnwCKgB/s200/img533.jpg" width="134" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always been so comfortable in the outdoors, even more comfortable than in my own home town, and so much more comfortable than in the city. It's not surprising now, looking back, I've been experiencing nature</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for so long, it's part of who I am. Living in the Okanagan Valley, in BC, so close to the wilderness, every spare evening, every weekend, my father would take me out and show me the things he loved about the mountains and the lakes, the backroads and the bush. I have the greatest appreciation, now, for all that he did for me then.</span><br />
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Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-84124199589058472912016-05-18T11:38:00.000-07:002016-05-19T14:05:42.392-07:00Video: Mule Deer Bucks Sparring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Apj75lWhAY/Vz4qhvScFYI/AAAAAAAAOhg/h8KKAqostx8HjiS9SMzU9eF-CXzJPPyDwCLcB/s1600/BucksSparring2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Apj75lWhAY/Vz4qhvScFYI/AAAAAAAAOhg/h8KKAqostx8HjiS9SMzU9eF-CXzJPPyDwCLcB/s200/BucksSparring2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few years ago now, just after Christmas, the kids were feeling like they needed a good hike. We headed over to Knox Mountain in Kelowna, to do some Geocaching and stretch our legs. It hadn't snowed that year, so there was easy access to the more remote sections of the park. We were fortunate and spotted some deer and then these two young bucks started having a sparring match.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They start out a little slow, then they really get into it, and finally one of the bucks takes off. It's a little unusual, as typically, bucks fight during the rut in the fall, not the winter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was great for the kids to see, and a neat treat for a walk in the park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Enjoy!</span><br />
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Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-38961253730168639692016-05-15T10:11:00.002-07:002016-05-15T10:47:21.228-07:00The Joy of the Micro-Adventure<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGcgd2TZK4k/VziyrzGfXpI/AAAAAAAAOgE/o91pygTUIQcj8InCgrs6eiVlG-7zNDbPgCLcB/s1600/img221b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I grew up in the outdoors. My Dad used to say that I was an outdoor adventurer before I was born, as he and my Mom were out enjoying the woods, hiking, camping and fishing while she was pregnant with me. They didn't waste much time after I was born either, they would take me with them every time they would head out into the wilderness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Dad's style of getting out was pretty fanatical. He'd pack up the night before, hit the road before the sun was up, and then spend all day doing what he loved in the woods. I grew up thinking that to enjoy the outdoors, it had to be an "all-in" experience. The whole day or "no way".</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGcgd2TZK4k/VziyrzGfXpI/AAAAAAAAOgE/o91pygTUIQcj8InCgrs6eiVlG-7zNDbPgCLcB/s1600/img221b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGcgd2TZK4k/VziyrzGfXpI/AAAAAAAAOgE/o91pygTUIQcj8InCgrs6eiVlG-7zNDbPgCLcB/s320/img221b.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I matured, and started having kids of my own, I tried to emulate those days with my Dad and Mom, full day outings, all the time. It became challenging. The kids weren't always up for spending a whole day in the woods, sometimes they'd get tired, or cranky. Sometimes, they would have homework to do, or other plans. My wife, Gen, wasn't always thrilled about being away from home either, when there were important things needing doing at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I began to wonder, is there a better way? Am I doing it wrong? Why are these full day excursions becoming a problem? I started to get out less and less. My wife took me aside one day while I was lamenting my fate, while I was feeling grumpy that I couldn't be out enjoying nature as I wished to do. She said something to me that I didn't quite understand at the time, but I have learned to comprehend and even embrace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She said "you don't always have to go our for the whole day, you know, you could go out for the morning, or the afternoon, or even just a couple of hours." This was crazy talk! I was incredulous, she was mad, out of her mind! Who did she think she was!? If I couldn't be out for the whole day, I just wasn't going to do it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Months passed, years passed, my struggle to get out for the whole day, resulting in less and less contact with the mountains and the lakes that I love. Contact I needed to recharge my batteries and clear my mind. One Sunday afternoon in August, I was again feeling upset that I was sitting at home when there were beautiful lakes and stunning vistas to explore. Gen came to me and said those words again "you don't always have to go our for the whole day, you know, you could go out for the morning, or the afternoon, or even just a couple of hours. In fact, why don't we just throw a picnic lunch together, grab the fishing rods, and see what we can find out there."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I gave in, "Sure, fine, whatever, you'll see, we'll get out there and everyone will be on the lakes, forest roads will be crowded, we won't have any fun, because we won't be out there long enough." Gen just smiled and said "let's try it, this once, maybe it'll work out OK." I gave in, we packed up quickly, I was sure we were missing all the things we needed, but we went anyways.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVWDJ1zITZw/Vzi1wGsarSI/AAAAAAAAOgQ/UZ9AS4l965E8Eiy2PpBd10EXPr_Gji_ygCLcB/s1600/2008-08%2BSummer%2B004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FVWDJ1zITZw/Vzi1wGsarSI/AAAAAAAAOgQ/UZ9AS4l965E8Eiy2PpBd10EXPr_Gji_ygCLcB/s320/2008-08%2BSummer%2B004.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because our time was limited, I picked a quick route up into the mountains, via the highway, and an easy access point to the forest. Because we were so close to town, I was sure the woods would be littered with people, and we weren't going to be able to have any space to ourselves. We took an off shoot road, and another turn, pretty well driving at random, but I was starting to relax. I'd been here briefly before, I was sure there was a lake around here somewhere. In a few more minutes, we'd found a clear stretch of shore, where we could cast out into a pretty little lake, and have a campfire for some hotdogs.</span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaDdT_N5VeA/VziwR07XGbI/AAAAAAAAOfs/p7nQbtcJTxw5Uq4pmdMMSEZQMFOwb_B8wCLcB/s1600/2008-08%2BSummer%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaDdT_N5VeA/VziwR07XGbI/AAAAAAAAOfs/p7nQbtcJTxw5Uq4pmdMMSEZQMFOwb_B8wCLcB/s320/2008-08%2BSummer%2B001.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Well, I'll be..." I though to myself, Is it true, was Gen right? Is it possible, that we could just go out for the afternoon and still have fun? I made a little fire for roasting the hotdogs, and while Gen and my little guy, Kyle, started to make supper, I tied on a fly and made a quick cast. Kaboom! I was so surprised by the big fish that hit my fly so quickly, in the still water, I missed setting the hook, and he got away. Kyle say something surface 8' to the right "Daddy, there he is, get him!", and sure enough, with a quick 2nd cast, I had a beautiful 1 1/2 pound rainbow trout! Gen grabbed the camera and took a picture, we put the fish in the cooler, and ate our hotdogs as the stars began to poke out of the clear sky and the sun set over the lake.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhXAYtR9aFU/VzivD_dvGXI/AAAAAAAAOfg/-Xqqlu28zm0PDz5DboTJs9aw76c55SVigCLcB/s1600/2008-08%2BSummer%2B006b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhXAYtR9aFU/VzivD_dvGXI/AAAAAAAAOfg/-Xqqlu28zm0PDz5DboTJs9aw76c55SVigCLcB/s320/2008-08%2BSummer%2B006b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhXAYtR9aFU/VzivD_dvGXI/AAAAAAAAOfg/-Xqqlu28zm0PDz5DboTJs9aw76c55SVigCLcB/s1600/2008-08%2BSummer%2B006b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon we were on our way home again, having been out for only a few hours, but having had a wonderful time, enjoying some nature and each other's company. Feeling content and satisfied, and a little surprised that such a thing as a quick adventure, was actually possible we were carrying along the dirt road heading back to the hightway. There was still a surprise in store for us. All of a sudden, a cow moose lept out of the bushes ont he side of the road and started running directly ahead of the truck. She was beautiful, but completely oblivious to the 2 tonnes of metal bearing down on her. I slammed on the brakes, we skidded for 60 or 70 feet as she carried on loping ahead. We grabbed the camera, but it was so dark the flash only highlighted our windshield, and we never did get a picture of that wondrous creature. It was the first time Gen and Kyle had even seen a moose, and they couldn't stop talking about it the whole way home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I look back now, and realize, that was a changing point in our lives. I fully acknowledge and accept now, what I could not before. Any adventure, whether it is grand excursion of multiple days hiking in the mountains, or a micro adventure, a quick afternoon jaunt in the woods, is a good adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please comment and share, what was your greatest micro-adventure?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-246779270999514612016-05-10T11:50:00.000-07:002016-05-18T13:14:58.634-07:00Emergency Preparedness: The Grab 'n Go Kit
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XK8az2dIn_s/VzJfY41WWoI/AAAAAAAAOfQ/DOVe-B1NRPYjnJx0_SxIL4hMymhPnu2vwCLcB/s1600/redcross.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XK8az2dIn_s/VzJfY41WWoI/AAAAAAAAOfQ/DOVe-B1NRPYjnJx0_SxIL4hMymhPnu2vwCLcB/s200/redcross.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having lived through the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Okanagan_Mountain_Park_Fire"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2003 Kelowna Firestorm</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and now, with the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Fort_McMurray_wildfire"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">recent forest fire</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> devastating the Alberta community of Fort McMurray, I thought it might be prudent to remind myself and others about an important emergency preparedness item, the Grab 'n Go kit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In emergency situations, you will more than likely need some basic supplies. You may have to get by without electricity, running water or the things you need on a daily basis. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours if an emergency occurs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You probably already have some of these items on hand, such as food, water and a flashlight. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. For instance, would you be able to find your flashlight if the lights went out? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your kit should be portable and easy to carry. Everyone in your household should know where it is kept, and this spot would ideally be near the main entrance of your home, perhaps in a closet by the door. Use a duffle bag, wheeled suitcase, a backpack or even a strong plastic tote. Depending on the number of people in your home, your emergency kit might become unwieldy. Ideally, each person would have their own personalized emergency kit in their own separate backpack, with a shared kit for those resources that everyone uses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following list of items is based on recommendation from the Red Cross, with some additional suggestions from my experience, but the contents may vary with your particular needs and comfort level.</span><br />
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Basic emergency kit </span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Water – at least 2 litres (1/2 gallon) of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Water filtering system and/or purification technology</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Food that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A means to heat food, boil water, ie. fire starter, alcohol stove, white gas stove etc.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A utility knife / multi-tool w. knife, screw driver bits, can opener, scissors etc.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries) </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crank, battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or Weatheradio </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First aid kit (your requirements will vary with your skillset/experience)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Extra keys to your car and house </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and change for payphones </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A copy of your emergency plan and contact information </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Important papers and ID, birth certificates, passports etc.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize according to your needs) </span></li>
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Recommended additional items </span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smartphone chargers, 120V (wall plug) and 12V (cigarette lighter)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in deep, sturdy containers and do not burn unattended) </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Change of clothing and footwear for each household member </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Toiletries </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hand sanitizer </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Utensils </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Garbage bags </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Toilet paper </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Basic tools (hammer, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask) </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A whistle (in case you need to attract attention) </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Duct tape (to tape up windows, doors, air vents, etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wire and electrical tape for repairs</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You should review your kit every year, replacing all food, water and batteries, and checking on the working condition of all items. Replace/repair as necessary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a disaster or regional emergency, always check with your municipal authorities before drinking tap water. If there is any doubt, do not drink it, without filtration or purification. (This can be a complex topic and I will go into further detail in another blog post later.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do not rely on debit or credit cards. Keep some cash on hand in small bills, as bank machines may not work during an emergency.</span><br />
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Pre-packaged kits</h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pre-packaged kits are available from the Red Cross in </span><a href="https://products.redcross.ca/category/86/kits-and-components"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Canada</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and the </span><a href="http://www.redcrossstore.org/category/id/112"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">US</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I have not seen these kits in person, but they do appear to be of decent quality and reasonably priced. All proceeds go to help those in need at the times when they need help the most.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other kits are available online or in store, but many of the reviews speak of poor quality contents and the contents not necessarily matching the product marketing material. I have purchased a few kits in the past and echo these concerns. I know this is not true of all vendors. I will be researching this topic more thoroughly in the near future. Stay tuned!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have heard good things about the quality of products in </span><a href="https://www.ustbrands.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">UST</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> survival gear. I hope to be able to review some of their products soon.</span>Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-32235623093551122382016-05-08T12:02:00.002-07:002016-05-09T22:21:45.805-07:00Quick Gear Review: Teton Sports Mountain Adventurer 4000 Backpack<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1hy8t5NAIE/Vy-EyZLfsfI/AAAAAAAAOeg/_PyWyDLhI7gZIYR3QGhGebzBpiMVCWUcgCLcB/s1600/TetonSportsMA4000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1hy8t5NAIE/Vy-EyZLfsfI/AAAAAAAAOeg/_PyWyDLhI7gZIYR3QGhGebzBpiMVCWUcgCLcB/s400/TetonSportsMA4000.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Snowshoes & poles easily attach</span></td></tr>
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<h3>
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<span class="a-letter-space"></span></span></span></span></span><a class="a-link-normal a-text-normal a-color-base" href="https://www.amazon.ca/review/R3HU0J8T19RABK/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B016ZXEDCQ&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=2242989011&store=sports"><span class="a-size-base a-text-bold"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fantastic pack for a great price!</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
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<span class="a-size-mini a-color-state a-text-bold"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span class="a-size-mini a-color-state a-text-bold"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm very impressed with this pack and I love using it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a modern, innovative, well designed and lightweight backpack made with extremely durable material and strong zippers. It's comfortable for short and long trips and fits me very well as a stocky shorter man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is easy access to the interior from either the back, top or side. It has enough straps and length of webbing to allow attachment of larger gear, like snowshoes, to the outside, The neoprene gear pouches are quite handy.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcdZ9DFlqt0/Vy-IXpqVz-I/AAAAAAAAOes/LStFTh7ASkoEb-lOvBwzaoRtRrmE4kSGACKgB/s1600/TetonSports_MA4000_poncho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcdZ9DFlqt0/Vy-IXpqVz-I/AAAAAAAAOes/LStFTh7ASkoEb-lOvBwzaoRtRrmE4kSGACKgB/s200/TetonSports_MA4000_poncho.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td><td><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The included poncho is a great idea, and can even be used as emergency shelter or to keep you and your pack dry in bad weather.</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Poncho / Tarp included</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The sleeping bag compartment is designed for lightweight bags, and is a little too small for a normal (say 4lb) bag. Some of the outside straps could be a little longer or perhaps extension straps could be included or an accessory add-on</span>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm quite happy with this purchase. It's a very good value!
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can buy the this pack on Amazon...
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016ZXEDCQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B016ZXEDCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=wantr-20&linkId=YWRGLQTRAKBH5HST">TETON Sports Mountain Adventurer 4000 Backpack</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wantr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B016ZXEDCQ" height="1" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKBapDXVAdA/Vy-RKK_8dLI/AAAAAAAAOe8/jj6Kwc1dc7Qmo-gdYsnyyzjbu2218bDxwCLcB/s1600/TS_MountainAdventurer4000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKBapDXVAdA/Vy-RKK_8dLI/AAAAAAAAOe8/jj6Kwc1dc7Qmo-gdYsnyyzjbu2218bDxwCLcB/s320/TS_MountainAdventurer4000.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay tuned for an in-depth long term review...</span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></b><br />Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-55279214509726930812016-03-07T13:01:00.001-08:002016-03-07T16:34:16.168-08:00Haystack Mountain Hike<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay tuned! I'll be blogging about last summer's adventure to Haystack Mountain, near the Cathedral Park in BC, before the end of the March! 4 boys, 4 days, 75km and every type of whether imaginable!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zohdcxICBs0/Vt3pwEhkhCI/AAAAAAAAObA/cqp8OZ_JDOw/s1600/HaystackLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zohdcxICBs0/Vt3pwEhkhCI/AAAAAAAAObA/cqp8OZ_JDOw/s320/HaystackLake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-4461291992862298562016-02-22T18:13:00.000-08:002016-02-22T18:13:33.445-08:00Stay tuned for gear reviews, hiking trips and informative articles coming soon!<br />
-Stephen<br />
<br />Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-18455058133842655972013-12-23T09:10:00.004-08:002016-02-22T18:17:01.910-08:00Winter Safety in the Outdoors <h2>
</h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A re-posting of the article <a href="http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-105255-33-.htm#105255" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Life Saving Tips for BC's Backwoods</a> posted today at <a href="http://castanet.net/">castanet.net</a>. Tips 8 and 9 are regional in nature, the details may be different in your local area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cosar.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Central Okanagan Search and Rescue</a> would like to remind you to stay safe while exploring the backwoods this holiday season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are some tips to remember before heading out with your skis, snowshoes or snowmobile.</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tell someone responsible when you expect to return, where you are
going and stick to that plan. If appropriate, once you are there, leave a
note on your vehicle telling us what direction you took.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t go alone.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure you have a basic understanding of the new equipment you will be using in the backcountry.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the shorter daylight hours, it’s extra important to start and finish early.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure you are carrying the basics that will help you survive
at least 24 hrs in the woods: tools to build a fire, extra food, extra
clothes and a container to melt water.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t drink alcohol or use illegal drugs while in the backcountry.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are travelling in an area with cell coverage, start with a
full battery and leave your cell on. We can use your cell phone to
“ping” your location and get to you sooner.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Call 911 for help. Do not call friends and family to come and get you as they may get lost or stuck just like you.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MOST IMPORTANT: Do not wait 24 hrs to report anyone missing or
overdue. If your loved one has not returned at the time they mentioned
and it is unusual for them to be late, call the RCMP {or your local police} and report them
missing. The RCMP will contact Search and Rescue. The sooner we start
searching, the better the chances for a positive outcome.</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also remember Central Okanagan Search and Rescue are available at any time, and will come to get you free of charge. {may not be the case in the area in which you live}</span>Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371553187512146968.post-23824690159315291772013-04-04T17:46:00.001-07:002017-07-26T22:53:19.815-07:00Safety in Bear Country<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a lot of information on how to be safe in the woods when there are bears about. In fact, most people probably have some incorrect assumptions about what actually constitutes bear</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> safety and awareness. There are many misconceptions and some misinformation out there.</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj2Os_S1OZc/WXl-rNlgvmI/AAAAAAAAO0A/A5l_8lBcyJYcxwXapg61M1QiytWu62gdgCLcBGAs/s1600/img499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1047" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj2Os_S1OZc/WXl-rNlgvmI/AAAAAAAAO0A/A5l_8lBcyJYcxwXapg61M1QiytWu62gdgCLcBGAs/s320/img499.jpg" width="209" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In looking to find a one-stop shop for the latest research on how to deal with bears while enjoying the outdoors, I found a video of Tom Smith, PhD. presenting <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PExlT-5VU-Y" target="_blank">Safety in Bear Country</a> at the 2012 <a href="http://www.nols.edu/" target="_blank">NOLS</a> (National Outdoor Leadership School) Faculty Summit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a long presentation, about 1 1/4 hours, but it's filled with new data and the results of years of research, mostly accumulated from Tom's time spent in Alaska, working for the US Geological Survey. It's also got some good, light-hearted humor. I highly recommend that you watch the whole thing, or at least until they start doing the field testing of bear spray, although that is pretty interesting as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of what I suggest you take away from this presentation:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Always take a deterrent (bear spray, noisemaker or a legally carried firearm) with you when travelling in bear habitat (each member of a group should have a deterrent)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bear spray is actually a more effective deterrent than a firearm for most people</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Know how to use your chosen deterrent, before you are in a situation where you have to use it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have spares of your chosen deterrent available on hand (cans of spray, noisemaker consumables or ammunition)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't use bear spray as a repellent, ie. don't spray it on anything, other than at a bear... like many strong smelling substances, bears will be attracted to the scent</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't wear strong scents that could attract bears to you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bright colored tents can actually attract bears, and pique their curiousity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bears are not risk takers, they will most likely avoid a confrontation if it's not in their best interest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The more people in a group, the less chance of a negative encounter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are in a group, stay together. If you encounter a bear, present your group standing side by side to show the bear that there are more of you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Close encounters in thick brush tend to be more dangerous, and things can happen very quickly in denser bush</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You will not be able to outrun a bear, any bear, don't run away or you'll be chased</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't back away from a bear, it is a submissive gesture and may encourage a chase</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bears are very curious, sometimes allowing them to satisfy their curiosity is all that is needed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yelling at a bear may actually provoke a bear into an attack, make noise appropriately</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bear bells are not effective</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more reading, here are a few good articles that summarize the Spray vs Firearm debate:</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Shoot-or-Spray.html?page=all" target="_blank">"Shoot or Spray? The Best Way to Stop a Charging Bear"</a></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://news.byu.edu/archive12-mar-bearsandguns.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">"BYU Study: Using a gun in bear encounters doesn’t make you safer"</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://hodgemansoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2012/03/killing-bearsmy-thoughts-on-tom-smith.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Killing Bears...My Thoughts on the Tom Smith Study."</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bears are predators, they can be unpredictable and dangerous. They are also one of nature's most beautiful creatures. Respect them. Learn to be safe around them and you too can enjoy the wilderness in bear country.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephen Hawtreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16371975336294974210noreply@blogger.com0