CAMPERS and HIKERS BEWARE!! DRINKING WATER can be DANGEROUS.

As spring approaches and we are getting ready to get outside and have fun, it is important that we remain vigilant in the awareness that although water is an absolute necessity and is a huge part of our lives, what lives in the water can be very dangerous to our health.

We have had a great winter with a lot of snow and rain, therefore the entire planet has shed its impurities into the water due to natural “run off”. The simple truth is that as we go out and have fun, elated that spring is here, we could lose the awareness of all that has happened over the past several months.

Conditions have changed a bit and since we have endured mud slides, floods, earth quakes, live stock lost and wild life geographically relocated, we should be aware of what has leeched into the water table.

Experienced outdoorsman know the rules and sometimes are the greatest “rule breakers”, the novice simply does not know the rules and need to have resources to help.

Back to the basics for all: DRINKING WATER

1) If it is clear, cold and smells good: still dangerous.

2) Boil it, chemically treat it, or most of all filter it.

3) You can’t fix everything, i.e. chemicals, industrial waste, you just need to be aware of where you are and evaluate the risk.

4) If you can boil, GREAT approach but most likely you will not have the time.

5) If you can wait for a few hours use the chemicals, they work fine but leave a taste.

6) Since these (protozoa) resist chlorination, FILTRATION IS THE KEY.

7) Giardia and Cryptosporidium partum are the heavy hitters that make us sick and destroy the times we schedule for fun.

A SIMPLE WATER FILTRATION DEVICE CAN OVERT ALL, THEY ARE LIGHT AND TAKE LITTLE TIME TO REFILL A HYDRATION PACK, MAKE BASE CAMPS SAFE, AND ENSURE THAT THE WATER YOU DRINK WILL NOT PUT YOU IN HARMS WAY.

CAMPERS AND HIKERS, BEWARE!! DRINKING WATER can be dangerous.

As spring approaches and we are getting ready to get outside and have fun it is important that we remain vigilant in the awareness that although water is an absolute necessity and is a huge part of our lives, what lives in the water can be very dangerous to our health.

We have had a great winter with allot of snow and rain, therefore the entire planet has shed its impurities into the water due to natural “run off”. The simple truth is that as we go out and have fun, elated that spring is here, we could lose the awareness of all that has happened over the past several months.

Conditions have changed a bit and since we have endured mud slides, floods, earth quakes, live stock lost and wild life geographically relocated, we should be aware of what has leeched into the water table.

Experienced outdoorsman know the rules and sometimes are the greatest “rule breakers”, the novice simply does not know the rules and need to have resources to help.

Back to the basics for all: DRINKING WATER

1) If it is clear, cold and smells good: still dangerous.

2) Boil it, chemically treat it, or most of all filter it.

3) You can’t fix everything, i.e. chemicals, industrial waste, you just need to be aware of where you are and evaluate the risk.

4) If you can boil, GREAT approach but most likely you will not have the time

5) If you can wait for a few hours use the chemicals, they work fine but leave a taste.

6) Since these (protozoa) resist chlorination, FILTRATION IS THE KEY.

7) Giardia and Cryptosporidium partum are the heavy hitters that make us sick and destroy the times we schedule for fun.

A SIMPLE WATER FILTRATION DEVICE CAN OVERT ALL, THEY ARE LIGHT AND TAKE LITTLE TIME TO RE FILL A HYDRATION PACK, MAKE BASE CAMPS SAFE, AND ENSURE THAT THE WATER YOU DRINK WILL NOT PUT YOU IN HARMS WAY.

OFF TO THE MOUNTAINS UPDATE !

We arrived at the base of the mountain at 7:30 am and were surprised at the level of snow...20" !!! In all the years I have been going to the valley I had never seen snow like that and found out later it was a record snowfall in the area.

The access road to the mountain was blocked by snow "pile up" and there was no way (even in 4 wheel drive) to get to the lower gate. We parked as good as possible and began getting "geared up" for the climb. We ensured our backpacks were well and lightly stocked with essentials and agreed that we were not doubling up on things that would cause too much fatigue due to weight.

The important items of coarse were, water transport, emergency tarp which could serve as a 2 person tent, compass, map, radio, first aid kit, dry socks and shirt, Caribbeans, walking sticks, rope, fire starter and a lighter, food for the trail and appropriate dress.

The most important thing however is communication and a plan for the best and the worst of conditions

We knew that with the depth of the snow and the extra distance we would have to hike that the summit would most probably not be achieved but were both excited about the hike and the shear beauty...we were not disappointed.

We navigated through the snow and rested as needed while enjoying seeing the deer and looking at all of the tracks left in virgin snow. It did not take long to heat up and start taking some clothes off or open them up to keep the sweat level down.

We navigated the high banks and stream crossings and sometimes were lucky enough to have the wind blown areas get to ankle depth for easier walking.

Ultimately however we did the quick math and decided that it had taken about 51/4 hours to trek 5 3/4 miles and we needed to leave enough time to get off of the mountain before it got dark. We knew an ice storm was coming in the morning so we turned around before making it all the way to the top...missed it by about 3/4 of a mile.

This was truly the most beautiful experience I have had hiking in a while...mother nature was at her best and once we got to the truck and dug it out, we had time to reflect upon all the beauty we had seen.

Enjoy the pic's and keep on enjoying the outdoor experience.

BIRD TRACKS IN THE SNOW...SQUARE DANCING MAYBE ?

HAPPY HIKER !
RESTING MOMENT


DIGGING OUT :)

Another great moment in the outdoor world come visit us at http://www.campingtentscentral.com/

OFF TO THE MOUNTAINS

The holidays are here and we have a little time off. Wer'e off to hike to the top of Shenendoah Mountain... getting the back pack's put together and off to Wallace peak. Christmas Eve will be cold and clear but weather moving in on Christmas Day...Excited to go.... clean and beautiful. Hope to harvest a great deer..we will see. more to come............... Taking a camping tent if needed but really do not think so. Camping tents are a home or shelter no matter where we are. Happy Holidays and we will be in touch.

First trip to Walker Mountain Virginia 93

As long as you let a Camping tent air dry well and keep a good foot print / tarp underneath, you will enjoy years of enjoyment no matter what the weather...this one made it 8 years.

My family has enjoyed the thrill of the outdoor experience in a camping tent all over the US and abroad. It has been such a wonder helping inner city youth enjoy the outdoor life whether they were in a simple camping tent in the back yard or a wilderness get away learning how to use a water purifier, setting up their camping tents or just enjoying the stars that you can’t see from anywhere other than the mountains. I hope to share all that I know about the outdoor life and camping tents and learn as much as I can as well, welcome to the family………