Odd But Useful Outdoor Products

Sleeping bag-check.

Backpack-check.

Swedish FireSteel?

In this gadget-crazy world, it's not much of a stretch to find gizmos for your camping trip. They're mostly only available on the internet, but some of them might become available in high-end stores like REI or novelty shops. Since trees and sand dunes don't usually have power outlets, most of these are battery-powered.

I laughed out loud when I saw this one. It's a tent that hangs from a tree.  

http://blog.ziggytek.com/2011/11/20/10-weird-but-useful-gadgets/

What you do is spread it out, anchor it onto a tree and sleep in the bottom. I'm not sure how many people it sleeps or how comfortable it is, but a tent that isn't sitting on the ground doesn't attract all the bugs and snakes a 'regular' tent can. Plus, you don't have to worry about roots poking you in the back at night. Sounds good to me!

Are you a Star Wars or Blade Runner fan? I'm not, but I'd still get some use out of this umbrella.

http://www.networkworld.com/slideshows/2010/030410-gadgets-gizmos.html#slide6

The shaft of this umbrella glows like a 'light saber', giving you light to walk by. It's also a good way to keep track of people like me who tend to wander off when they see something cool in the window of a store.

Have you ever had trouble starting a campfire? Thanks to the Swedes, that doesn't have to be a problem anymore.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/754d/#tabs

This is the Swedish FireSteel. It was originally made for military use, but our friends at ThinkGeek have found a way for 'civilians' start a fire with even the wettest of wood. It works by running the metal blade across a flint at the end of a cable. The spark it creates is hot enough to start a fire and bright enough to be used as an emergency signal. It's about 3.75” long and weighs less than 2 ounces, so you won't have a problem fitting it into your bag. Cool, huh?

I grew up on the beach, so I've seen (and worn) a lot of bikinis. However, I've never seen anything quite like this.

http://www.networkworld.com/slideshows/2010/030410-gadgets-gizmos.html#slide8

The mini-strips this bikini is made of soak up solar power for your iPod Shuffle. Granted, it's not a bikini you can actually swim in. I've also seen velvet or sequined bikinis, though, so that won't be a problem for some people. At least this one doesn't look like dental floss. There's supposed to be a male version coming out that cools beer. Fun.

The OCD among us will appreciate this portable disinfection scanner. 

http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=203075755&c

It's about the size of a cell phone and uses UV light to disinfect up to 99.9% of germs. It's a great way to kill the dust mites that have been gathering in your sleeping bag all winter. If you're staying in a hotel, it does a great job of killing any cold and flu viruses a previous guest may have left behind. It uses AAA batteries and is small enough to fit in your pocket. Neat!

The internet has a funny way of making you want things you didn't even know you wanted! For even more weird but useful gadgets for your vacation, check out ThinkGeek.com

 and NetworkWorld.com. Have fun!

My Scottish Vacation

A view of Edinburgh and the North Sea from the top of Arthur's seat

In 2001, I accompanied a couple of friends on a weeklong trip to the UK. Most of our time was spent in London but, about four days in, we took a short flight to Edinburgh, Scotland, I'd never been there before-I haven't been much of anywhere-, but I'm always willing to try something new. Here, I'm glad I did. We only stayed a couple of days so we didn't get to do everything we wanted, but here are a few suggestions.

-Visit one of the many castles. There are seven different castles in the Edinburgh area, each with its own unique history. We only got to go to Edinburgh Castle, but that was more than enough because this castle is where a lot of the Scottish kings and queens lived. We got to see the Stone of Destiny (http://www.visitscotland.com/about/arts-culture/uniquely-scottish/stone-destiny), where many Scottish kings and queens were crowned. I strongly suggest following one of the itineraries or guided tours to make the most of your time.

-Exploration! Like a lot of historic towns, Edinburgh is very 'compact'-there is a lot to do and see in a relatively small amount of space. There are guided bus tours, but you can still get a lot out of exploring the city on your own. You can drive, but half the fun is walking around and visiting the little shops and cafes. Since they don't have the 'urban sprawl' problems we see here, there is still plenty of room in the area for open spaces. The picture above was taken from the top of Arthur's Seat, a hill (mountain?) that even the least 'fit' of us can conquer. There are 'easier' trails to the top for people who don't want to climb, but we went straight up to the top, As you can see, the view from the top is awesome! The fact that I had to wear a sweater in August was a very welcome change from the 90°F + days here.

-Shopping! I would be remiss if I didn't mention the shopping. Since I couldn't do it justice, here is a complete guide to what is probably my favorite pastime. http://www.edinburgh.org/see-do/shopping/

-Street Festivals! We arrived at the beginning of the annual Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. It takes place in August of each year and features goods and performances from groups all over the world. We got to hear an a cappella group from Togo (west Africa), watch acrobatics involving a unicycle from a man from Japan and listen to some good-natured heckling from an Australian. I just wish we'd gotten to stay longer because this is the sort of thing I don't get to experience very often outside Atlanta.

And, finally, for what was a rather unique experience-

-Find Your Tartan! According to my aunt (a genealogist by hobby), my family name can be traced back to Scotland. It didn't surprise me since we seem to have a little bit of everything in our line, but it got me interested in finding our tartan. The Royal Mile was definitely one of the best places I could have gone for that because there were quite a few authentic souvenir shops.

Our story is a rather complicated one, but learning those details is half the fun. If you're curious about your family, check out

Scots Connection (http://www.scotsconnection.com/default.asp?) and Tartans of Scotland (http://www.tartans.scotland.net/tartan_info.cfm@tartan_id=1189.htm). The one shown here is (one of) ours.

Like I said before, I couldn't possibly do Edinburgh justice in this one article. Check out http://www.edinburgh.org/ to plan your vacation! 

Tips For Outdoor Activities In The Summer

Summer's coming! I know that calendars don't usually mark summer until mid-June and it's only April, but calendars don't mean the same thing in some parts of the world. Here in the southern US, it's not uncommon to see 70- or 80-degree temperatures in the spring and fall...and we won't even talk about how hot it gets in the summer! For this reason, it's particularly important to know what to wear and do if you plan on spending much time outside. Here are a few suggestions on what to wear if you are going on a daytime hike.

Pants or capris. Shorts are okay for simple walking or climbing a rock wall, but it's better to have your legs covered when hiking uphill because of the scrapes you can get if you slip and slide down. If you've ever lost your step and skidded over rock and dirt, you know what I mean.

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. There are fabrics such as 'dri-fit' that pull sweat from your body, but other clothing should be made of cotton or some other 'breathable' fabric. Shirts may be sleeveless, but wearing a bikini top while climbing (yes, I've seen hikers doing this) is not recommended for the same reason I warned against shorts. The sun exposure can damage your skin, and...well, let's just say the men on your trip will appreciate what could happen if you fall more than the women will. :) Not all bikini tops are like this, but it's just not a good idea.

Shoes with skid-resistant soles. The summer may be 'sandal weather', but it is best for shoes to be closed-toe.

Other Do's

Do make sure you bring plenty of water. Keeping hydrated is very important, even if you don't find your activity to be particularly strenuous.

Do wear sunglasses.

Do make sure you eat. You might not feel hungry, but you still need to eat the same as you would any other time of the year. If you're worried about losing your cookies in the heat, 5-6 small meals a day and including lots of fruit can be a big help.

Do try to avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. It's usually the hours between 11am-3pm, but it could be shorter or longer depending on where you are.

Do listen to your body's signals. Our friend Danielle http://www.womensoutdoorlife.com/2012/05/summer-series-how-to-avoid-heat-related.html

wrote a couple of posts about the dangers of 'over-heating'. Rest when you need to, drink when you need to and eat when you need to. Don't worry about slowing anyone else down.

And, for one of the most important 'dos'-

Wear sunscreen! I know you probably hear this every five minutes, but it's really important. Aside from skin cancers, the sun can dry out your skin and make you more prone to wrinkles. Remember that lady you saw at the company picnic whose arms looked like a Naugahyde sofa? That's what excess exposure to the sun can do to your skin over time. Even if your skin is naturally darker and less prone to burning than your redheaded counterparts, you should still wear sunscreen because the extra melanin your skin has doesn't make you immune to skin cancer.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind during the summer months. Taking the proper precautions when doing outdoor activities is a good way to make sure a good time is had by all. Have fun!

Navigate Your Hikes and Outdoor Trips With Garmin Maps

The large paper maps and the hours spent mapping out long distance trips are a thing of the past thanks to the introduction of the GPS, or global positioning systems. In the last few years, these electronic systems have made traveling a less stressful and significantly simpler task. Through using electronic maps, such as the ones developed by the Garmin GPS, people are now able to easily track specific destinations and the amount of time that it will take to get there. As roads are continuously changing and detours are common, one of the distinctive capabilities of the Garmin GPS are the unique features of Garmin maps. The user now has the ability to download updated maps or build a map to keep directions as up to date and as accurate as possible.

As new roads are created and new construction is completed, the maps that are currently on your Garmin GPS may need updated from time to time. Instead of having to purchase a new map as you would have in the past, you can now simply download an update to the Garmin GPS that you presently own. To do this, you need to go to a Garmin website and register your individual Garmin. The Garmin GPS comes with a USB cord that will connect it to a computer and it will need to be connected to update the Garmin maps. From here, updating the maps is a simple process that involves following a series of steps to launch, download, and save the Garmin map updates. Most Garmin update websites will immediately prompt you with what map updates are necessary when the Garmin is connected to the computer and a Garmin GPS website is accessed.

Another feature of the Garmin GPS is the ability to build your own map for a specific trip or a precise route that is not necessarily the shortest route. These maps are usually able to be created with the software that comes with the Garmin and this software is called Garmin Trip and Waypoint Manager. If you are looking to construct a different kind of map such as on water or on a trail, then other types of software can be purchased. To begin building a Garmin map, simply connect the Garmin GPS to the computer and open the software. You will be able to identify specific points of interest, known as waypoints, by flagging these destinations on the map. To save the map that you create, you save the route using the selected waypoints as a Garmin GPS database file when given the prompt to save and title it whatever you would like to. You then select transfer to send the newly created map to the Garmin GPS and your personalized map is ready to use.

Whether you are using a Garmin GPS for a long vacation or to get around town, having access to an electronic map has numerous benefits. The ability to keep up to date with changes in roads and locations and having the capability to construct a route that is unique to you are some of the great features of the Garmin GPS and Garmin maps.

The Benefits of Practicing Meditation

In this day and age nearly everyone, young and old needs to take a few minutes each day to slow things down a bit. Jam packed schedules on a daily basis can run the body and the mind down very quickly, which can also lead to having a high amount of stress. Along with high stress, follows high blood pressure and several other health ailments such as chronic fatigue and headaches as well. All of these can be avoided by maintaining your stress levels by participating in meditation.

Meditation can be achieved in the comfort of your own home. It only requires but a small window of time during your busy day and a quiet space to relax in. You can begin the practice meditation on a mat or carpeted area on the floor and sit with your legs crossed as you would when you were a child. Begin by breathing in and out slowly and start to relax the muscles in your body. Instantly, you will feel the difference when you diffuse the tension that you contain on a regular basis in the shoulders and neck areas.

You can purchase in any local department store various meditation techniques and practices to have a more broad spectrum of exercises to utilize. Online you can also find numerous resources for meditation all for no cost at all as well. Several websites will be ones that are specific just for meditation and many others you can locate through yoga and Pilates websites also. Buying a mat can also greatly help your routine by giving you a comfortable place to sit on. Comfort is a must when practicing these breathing techniques to gain the full effect of them. Wear lose or soft clothing pieces that do not bode many zippers, buttons or tight fitting material to allow you to reach your fullest inner peace.

Some that meditate do so on a daily basis, they feel it empowers them and releases those good feelings in their minds and throughout their bodies that brings them to a center of tranquility to get through their day. Others use the breathing a few times per week and that is plenty for them, it is best to practice it when you know you will have a set time each day when it will work best for you. Meditation is a form of exercise, and it can bring many benefits to the body by engaging in it on a regular basis. Lower levels of stress, improved heart rate, better clarity to think precisely during the day and many find they lose weight as well. Meditation can also help your sleeping habits, it is a calming remedy that can be performed during the day or just before bed if you prefer. Chanting or humming while practicing meditation can be an added boost, but it is not necessary to reap all the benefits. It is a good idea to start off with a short meditation session first on a day when you can enjoy the results and truly see how your body reacts to it. From there, make a schedule and commit to practicing your meditation exercises as often as you like!

Best Hiking Spots In San Francisco

Land’s End in San Francisco

This is a small piece of land with about 45 minutes worth of hiking on cliffs right along the Pacific Ocean.  The hike is not difficult as the name may suggest, but it is one of the more scenic hikes in View of the Bridge from Trail arguably all of California.  From the trail, visitors can see the Golden Gate Bridge and far into the depths of the ocean.  On clear days, travelers can see many sail boats in the bay and the gigantic freighter ships coming into San Francisco and Oakland ports.

Lake Merced in San Francisco

For a more relaxing hike inside San Francisco, Lake Merced on the southern part of the city offers a nice and quiet walk around an lake right inside the city.  It is nice for families or people who just want to take things easy.

S.F Downtown Walks

San Francisco downtown isn’t really a hiking destination for obvious reasons.  Yet there are some pleasant walking opportunities along the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf, which is a popular destination among San Francisco visitors.  The walk is full of vistas of the bay, and the Bay Bridge (San Francisco’s other bridge) which connects Oakland and San Francisco.

Muir Woods in Marin

Unfortunately, the legendary gigantic redwoods do not grow inside the city of San Francisco.  To see redwood forests, travelers must head outside the city.  The redwoods grow in a number of parks and land preserves in the Bay Area, one of the most popular of which is the Muir Woods National Forest. The historic forest was almost wiped out a hundred years ago after the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.  Needing wood to rebuild the many homes that were lost during the earthquake, San Franciscans wanted to cut down the redwoods in order to use the wood to rebuild their homes.  Fortunately, the government prevented the mass cutting down of the sometimes thousand year old trees and they remain in the forest to this day.  Here is a more in depth view of some great   Muir Woods Forest Hiking

Napa Area

Further north of Muir Woods is the famous Napa and Sonoma wine country.  There are more redwoods hiking opportunities in land preserves around those areas.   Plus a little wine to unwind after the hike is never a bad thing.

Hiking South of San Francisco

Travelers staying in San Francisco who want to experience the great Bay Area outdoors, but are not into wine or would like to avoid the $6 Golden Gate bridge toll, can find plenty to do just south of San Francisco in Pacifica or Half-Moon Bay.  These are also popular among surfers, as the ocean winds can create pretty large waves.  Pacifica and Half-Moon Bay have the best of both worlds.  They are located right along the Pacific Ocean, have many great beaches, breathtaking views, and many popular hiking spots for all ages and abilities.

Bike Riding For A Cause

 

We all have our own reasons for bicycle riding. It's great exercise and a good opportunity to get outside and clear our heads from the stress of our lives. Sometimes it's the only time we can get to ourselves! If you're going to go biking, why not do it for a good cause? Here are some charity events where you can do just that.

• Bike to the Beach. This 100-mile annual event starts in Washington, DC and takes riders to the Delaware beaches, NYC and ends in the Hamptons. B2B is partnered with Autism Speaks, the world's largest charity group devoted to the study and treatment of autism and autism-spectrum disorders. It's usually in late July-early August, so be prepared for the heat. You can learn more at http://www.biketothebeach.org/.
• Pedal For The House. This event takes place at Tollefson Park in Madison, Wisconsin. There are several different trails to choose from-20, 40, 60-mile routes for the advanced cyclists, a 5-mile route for families and younger cyclists, and a quarter-mile 'fun loop' around the park for walkers and strollers. Various local sponsors donate the proceeds of the event to Ronald McDonald House Charities, a group that gives families a place to stay while their children undergo medical treatment away from home. You can learn more and register for future events at http://pedalforthehouse.org/index.html.
• The New England Parkinson's Ride. This event takes place in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. To cater to riders of various levels, the trails it offers are 10, 30, 50 and 100 miles long. The proceeds of the ride go to benefit the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's Disease treatment and research. You can learn more and register for future events at http://www.neparkinsonsride.com/welcome.html. Be sure to check out the 'Who We Are' page for an interesting back-story for the event.
• Positive Spin For ALS. The fees for this Wayland, MA event go to benefit the ALS Association, the only national organization focused specifically on finding a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. The event features 10-, 25-, 50- and 70-mile rides. The website for this annual event is http://webma.alsa.org/site/TR?fr_id=7470&pg=entry, with the stories behind each of the races on the 'About The Ride' page.
  
• Friends For Life Bike Rally. This six-day, 400 km event takes riders on a journey from Toronto to Montreal to raise money for groups that provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS. You can learn more or register at http://www.bikerally.org/.
  

Here are some sites you can visit to find out about various charity bike rides in your area:

• New England- http://charitybicycleride.com/index.htm.
• California- http://cyclecalifornia.com/centuries.html
• South (NC, SC, VA)- http://www.weeklyrides.com/
• Various parts of the US- http://nashvillecyclist.com/events/charity-rides, http://www.bikeride.com/

These events (among many others) are done on an annual basis, although many communities also run 'one-time' charity races. In the end it doesn't matter whether you ride every year or just once; the point is to raise money for a good cause. Have fun, and know you're making a difference.