Geocaching---the GPS treasure-hunt game---is a great way to introduce children to trails, navigation and hiking. Adults might seek adventurous terrain and challenging geocache hides, but keep it easy if you're out with the little ones. Involve children in all aspects of the geocache, from selecting the hidden cache online, to setting the coordinates in the G… read more
Smoke signals were used in China to send messages along the Great Wall of China. Native Americans also used them to communicate across long distances. You can create your own secret smoke signal with your fellow campers. Create a smudge fire with grass and leaves to generate more smoke. Use a blanket to send signals and master your technique to send various… read more
Knowing how to survive in the wilderness is mandatory for anyone who likes to hike or camp. Wilderness-survival training goes beyond learning how to treat bee stings with wild plants or make an impromptu fishing net out of lakeside reeds; knowing how to cope if you're lost or stranded in the wilderness can save your life or the lives of others. read more
Children and first aid go hand in hand. Whether its colds, scrapes, bruises or something a lot more serious, caregivers frequently need to minister to the pains of growing up. While sometimes a kiss or pat on the head may suffice, children may need more substantive treatments. A properly stocked first aid kit can provide the materials to quickly remedy the p… read more
Most outdoors types have had an encounter at some point with poison ivy or poison oak. The oil of these plants can get onto your skin and create an allergic reaction that causes rashes, swelling, bumps and blistering. When hiking or traveling through forest or along nature trails, it's wise to wear pants and long sleeves to prevent coming in contact with the… read more
From the beautiful beech and maple forests of the Northeast to the ponderosa pine savannas of Columbia Plateau ranges, and from the pine rocklands of southern Florida to the vast conifer tracts of the boreal forest, woodlands offer som… read more
Insect repellents are a valuable tool, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors without fear of annoying bug bites or insect-transmitted diseases like West Nile encephalitis. However, many contain strong chemicals that can be harmful. It's im… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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