Fun | Seneca Trail

What Are The Essential Pieces Of Camping Equipment

There are some pieces of camping equipment that should be included in packing no matter what terrain you plan to explore. Preparing for safety and protection from the elements are of utmost importance for the camper. The various items chosen will depend on the length of the trip and the climate. However, there are a few things every camper should take along.

Adequate food and water are certainly at the top of the list. If you do not have these your body cannot help to keep you warm or cool sufficiently. You will also need the fuel provided by the food to make the journey. Remember to take foods that are sources of energy like proteins, fruits and nuts. Junk food will not suffice.

Some sort of shelter should be included. It can be as simple as a lightweight tarp that can be hung up between a couple of trees to provide nighttime protection. Or a tent can be included. There are many different models of lightweight tents available for hikers that are easy to carry.

Protect yourself against the elements. This is especially important if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time. A sudden rain storm can be debilitating to a hiker. And you really do not want to carry around soaked equipment for the remainder of the trip. Bring along some sort of raingear that will help protect you from a soaking rain. Extra dry socks are always a good idea as well. If you are well prepared with all these things before you set out, you will enjoy the whole trip much better than you would have, if you had not taken these things along.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun Tagged With: Camp, Food, Rain

My Mommy Moment: Taking Care of Myself

As a mother of two I vowed to take care of myself. Every mother wants to be there to see their children grow up and share all those milestones with them. I made sure that I took care of myself when I was ill, went to my routine doctor’s appointments and took the recommended medications when they were prescribed. I did everything that I could for myself on the inside. However, I wasn’t taking the best care of my outward appearance.

No, I wasn’t walking around in dirty clothing, mismatched socks or disheveled hair. It wasn’t anything like that. I wasn’t taking care of my beauty routine. Sure I washed my face, put on makeup and did my hair in a quick up do, but I wasn’t taking care of my skin like I should.

One evening as I was taking off my makeup for the evening and winding down, I looked into the mirror only to realize that I had started to break out in acne. All throughout my teenage years I had never had to experience acne breakouts. However, whether it was the stress of having children, hormonal changes from pregnancies or just daily life stress, I was breaking out worse than ever.

Not having any experience with buying acne fighting products, I turned to my friends for help. They all kept recommending I try out Proactiv but with a family to keep in mind I didn’t know if I could afford the cost of the system. Luckily, I was able to do a quick Internet search on Proactiv coupons and came up with some great money saving coupons. I was so excited I used the coupons almost instantly.

While it might not be a huge deal, this experience taught me that it is very important for mommies like myself to take care of both their inner and outer self.

Filed Under: Fun, General Tagged With: Beauty, Health, Proactiv Solution, Shopping

What to Do On A Hike

: Image via Wikipedia

Hiking is an excellent sport for most of the general population. There are areas available around the country that are accessible to people of all abilities, thanks to fairly level or even paved walking surfaces. Hiking is not just about walking around in the woods and climbing up and down mountains. Of course that is the main attraction for most hikers, but while you are out there, take in some of the beauty and features of the land and the creatures living in it. Below are a few ideas to get you thinking about what to see on your next hike. Be sure to leave precious jewelry, like that Chopard watch, at home and take plenty of water and a snack with you.

Hunt for Mushrooms
First, a warning: do not ever, ever eat a mushroom that you can not positively identify. Some mushrooms can kill you after eating just one bite. If you are not a seasoned ‘shroom hunter, do not collect any mushrooms at all but rather take pictures of them. Many of the poisonous mushrooms are more interesting to photograph, anyway. Before you begin the hike, check out one of the many mushroom field guides available at the local library to discover what can be found in your area.

Become a Rockhound
Especially in the western states, rocks are abundant along the trails. While most of them are “just rocks” you may be surprised to see that some of them are quite interesting when they are really inspected. Check out a field guide from the library to find out what features to look for. Do not take rocks from the national parks unless you have been told it is not prohibited. Try to take a portion of the hike along the shoreline because rocks are much easier to identify when they are wet.

Filed Under: Fun, General Tagged With: Amanita muscaria, Chopard, Field guide, Hiking, Mushroom, Outdoors, Recreation, Wildlife

Hiking Your Way to Fitness

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Getting outside and venturing off into the great outdoors is one of the best ways to work on your mental and physical fitness. Almost anyone will tell you that staring at a treadmill is one of the most tedious and boring fitness experiences you can have. But what if you could get a better work out while experiencing natural beauty and having social time with friends?

One of the most enjoyable ways to work on your fitness is to go on a hike. The beauty of the mountains, fresh air, and solitude (or social time, depending on your preference of hiking partners) will deceive you into thinking you are just having a good time. In reality, you are enduring one of the most strenuous workouts around. Almost any hiking trail has natural gradients that make sure your muscle groups are working at all times whether you are going up or down. It is great for toning the body but also is a wonderful cardiovascular workout.

While you won’t get the same results that you would if you were cycling on triathlon bikes, several good hikes a month will definitely help you get the fitness level and physique you want. As an added benefit, hiking is also a mental workout. Exposure to vitamin D in the sun and the fact that you have to be aware of what is coming up next rather than staring aimlessly at the wall ensure that you stay mentally, as well as physically, sharp.

The added exposure to vitamin D from the sun, fresh air, and endorphins released by being in a naturally beautiful setting make it far superior to any gym workout you can think of. Even if you don’t tackle a mountain, you can enjoy the benefits of hiking.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun, Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Organizations, Outdoors, Physical exercise, Physical fitness, Recreation, Trail, United States

Don’t Miss Out On America’s National Parks

: Image by Rennett Stowe via Flickr

Americans are becoming more and more sedentary. It seems as if every activity that an American loves to do involves sitting around. Whether it is sitting around playing video games, Facebook games or even placing bets on some of the hottest sports betting sites, all of these activities require very little movement.

The unfortunate thing about all this sedentary lifestyle is that people are missing out on some of the prettiest scenic views that are right in their own backyard. America’s national parks offer some of the prettiest views of America. However, because of the sedentary lifestyle that has become so popular people have stopped going to these parks.

If you’ve been living too long on the computer or in front of a TV here is a list of some of the great assets the National Parks offer.

1. Unique Wildlife. Some of the most unique wildlife creatures live in the national parks. When you go hiking through a national park you can see bears, mountain goats, deer and a number of other wildlife that you wouldn’t normally see anywhere else.

2. Native Plant life. Just like wildlife, there are many unique plants throughout the national parks. Some of the plant life is extinct or not available anywhere else.

3. Glaciers. Some of the national parks include mountain top views. Hiking to the top of mountains are one of the only chances for people to see some of the only existing glaciers in the world. These huge chunks of ice are really a sight to be seen and can only be seen while hiking through some of America’s own national parks.

These are just some of the wonderful reasons that you should get up and enjoy hiking through the national parks. Each hike offers a different experience and allows people to see a completely different side to America.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun, General Tagged With: Facebook, Hiking, National park, National Park Service, National Parks and Monuments, Park, Travel and Tourism, United States

Finding the Outdoors Doesn’t Require Lots of Money

: Image via Wikipedia

In all of the SUV commercials, they act as if you have to have a high-powered corporate job, in order to be able to afford to get outside and do something fun and physical with your time away from work. But this is absolute silliness. You do not have to be rich, or even necessarily middle class to be able to get outside; fresh air is one of the last free things on Earth. And maybe you have to cut out a little bit of expense here and there, to be able to take a little time off for yourself. In the end, the dividends you’ll get out of it will be huge.

Some people think that you have to save like a miser or live like the Unabomber, in order to be able to take a weekend and go for a long hike or mountain bike ride. But you know that isn’t the case at all. If all else fails, seek out some discount car insurance, pack your lunch and give it a few weeks. A lot of people would be amazed at how much they can save, to say nothing about how quickly they can save it, with just a few little changes to their lifestyles. And seriously, how much does it really take to get out there, anyway?

Getting out in the fresh, clean air and taking in the outdoors is, well, dirt cheap, pardon the pun. All you need is some time, enough gas to get there and back, and everything else is according to your own tastes. If you don’t eat too much, you may only need to bring a few meals. If you don’t feel like camping out overnight, you may not even need a sleeping bag. You should never let a lack of funds prevent you from taking a trip into a park. It’s a nice, cheap vacation.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun, National Park Tagged With: Cycling, New Jersey, Recreation, Recreation and Sports, Sports, Ted Kaczynski, United Service Organizations, United States

Massachusetts Hiking Trail: Race Brook Falls Trail Will Take Your Breath Away

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Hikers looking for trails in Massachusetts will not be disappointed when they take on the Race Brook Falls trail in the Southern Berkshires. The path weaves through lush greenery, magnificent rocks, and magical waterfalls. Although it is not a complete loop, most hikers don’t mind retracing their steps back down the trail because there is always something new to see.

At the start of the Race Brook Falls trail, hikers will cross over a small brook. After crossing the brook again, the split to view the Lower Falls lies to the right. It’s only a short detour to spy these 90 foot falls and is well worth the short walk. Go ahead, roll up your True Religion jeans and dip your toes in!

After crisscrossing the brook several times, keep an eye out for the Upper Falls sitting stately behind the trees. The climb gets a bit steep as the trail goes up and opens to the left, revealing stunning views of the Housatonic Valley. Don’t be afraid to step off the trail for the best views. The brook diminishes the higher you go, so this is the perfect time to fill up on water.

Soon, tent platforms are visible on the left. This is a great spot to rest, eat lunch, or have a snack. At the intersection of the Appalachian Trail, follow the sign pointing to Mount Everett’s Summit. This is the toughest part of the hike, but is less than a mile to the summit. As the trees give way to brush, hikers will love the expansive views of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Once you’ve made it to the summit, stay awhile and enjoy the views of the Catskills Mountains to the west. On the way down, if there is enough time, stop at Mount Race on the Appalachian Trail for more gorgeous views. Cool off in the Lower falls before heading home.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun, Hiking Tagged With: Appalachian Trail, Berkshires, Catskill Mountains, Hiking, Housatonic Valley, Massachusetts, Mount Everett, Trail

Understanding Spread Betting

For anybody who wants to try sports spread betting and doesn’t know where to begin, it’s best to get down the basics of what spread betting itself is first. Unlike ordinary betting, spread betting has a math-based rule system that you must follow, and doesn’t rely on whoever you’re betting will win so much as how well they do overall.

Virtually all sports bets have players (horses, teams…) called the “favorite” and the “underdog”. The favorite is the one most likely to win, and the underdog is the one that’s least likely to win in the gambler’s estimation. In the simplest form of betting, the one we’re all familiar with, the bet is on whether the favorite will win or not; this produces an imbalanced amount of bets in favor of the favorite, with few if any people placing their money on the underdog. Naturally, in order to make a profit, there needs to be some betting on the underdog.

Spread betting balances things out. A “spread” of points (typically 4) is established, and whether the bet wins or loses is calculated with the spread number and whether the bet is on the underdog or the favorite. Betting for the underdog is called “taking the points”; the person placing the bet wins only if the favorite’s score is less than the underdog’s score with the spread added on. Betting for the favorite is called “giving the points”; the player wins if the underdog’s score is less than the favorite’s score minus the spread.

Instead of betting on whether the favorite will win or not, the question is now whether the favorite will win by more points than the established point spread. This effectively gives the underdog a handicap. Best of all, it enables the bookmaker to make a profit whether the underdog or the favorite receives more bets.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun, Hiking, National Park Tagged With: City Index Group, Gambling, PR Newswire, Recreation and Sports, Sports, Sports betting, Spread betting, Win–loss record

Rookie mistakes for first time hikers

It is easy to make many rookie mistakes if you are an inexperienced hiker. Here are some of the easy mistakes that are made constantly but people that are new to hiking.

Picking the correct clothing is vital. Do not choose denim. Wearing jeans is not a wise move, even more so if rain is present or the temperature has dropped off. Fabrics containing contain retain moisture unlike polyester and wool, which safeguards itself. After cotton gets wet, an extended amount of time is needed for it to dry. That moisture can decrease your body heat and make you shiver, in turn, making hypothermia a more likely occurrence. If the temperature is below freezing, your jeans can do the same. Avoid jeans and cotton clothing if possible.

While the discount sleeping bag may look great because of its price, you want to get reliable, premier brand name outdoor products for your trips. Your boots, rain clothing, tents, and sleeping bags should come from stores that specialize in hiking equipment.

Relying on a road map can get you in trouble. You need is a trail map that will detail small things like peaks, rivers, and ridges. Local visitor centers will often have maps and guides to trails in the area.

Don’t go overkill on your first aid kit. Don’t forget it completely but don’t fill it to the brim with items that may not even be necessary. Factor in trip length, amount of people on the trip, and your own medical knowledge. A rule to go by; if you are unfamiliar with an item in your kit, it is likely you won’t need it.

Don’t think lightning can’t strike you unless you’re near something metal. Lightning strikes objects that are tall. It could be a hiker or just a tree. Play it safe. Find a forest or the bottom of a hill.

Filed Under: Adventure, Fun Tagged With: Clothing, Hiking, Recreation

Hiking trails to experience in New England

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There are many great places in the New England area to begin a hiking or backpacking adventure. The following is a list of great destinations in New England that will provide a great hiking experience.

The first is Breakneck Pond in Connecticut. It features a lengthy, skinny pond surrounded by forests and boulders as an aesthetically appeasing destination. You can fish as well as observe the wildlife. Their big attraction is their 5.8-mile trail as well as tenting areas and fire rings.

The next destination is Race Brook Falls in Massachusetts. It offers a 3.6-mile trail along several waterfalls. Group camping areas, bear boxes, and outhouses are offered by Race Brook Falls.

Another great destination is Mount Greylock in Massachusetts. It offers gorgeous streams and forest sights. Its biggest attraction is an 11.2-mile loop around several trails. Also making this a nice destination are campgrounds and shelter sites.

Also on the list is Stratton Pond in Vermont. It allows hikers to spend a day by the shore or climbing the Stratton Pond Trail. Also, you can venture into solitary campsites by heading northwest. Stratton Pond offers tent platforms.

The next is Baker Peak and Griffith Lake in Vermont. It’s a gorgeous place to visit in the fall and the summer. Birds chirp in the summer and the scenery on the leaves is beautiful in the fall. Included is an 8.3-mile loop among the Lake, Long, and Baker Peak trails.

The Pemigewasset Wilderness in New Hampshire is a fascinating site. This location has beautiful vistas, forests, cascades and plenty of wildlife. The six different trails total 25.2 miles in adventures.

Next is Isle Au Haut in Maine. Silent beaches, calming breezes from the sea, and dramatic sunsets are just part of the experience. You can take a boat ride to the main island then prepare to hike over 15 miles on the trails.

With some of the longest hiking trails in all of the country, these are just a few places in New England to head towards if you are looking for a hiking experience.

Filed Under: Fun, Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, New England, Trail