Hiking trails in the United States offer an abundance of edible berries that are great for raw snacking. They add fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants to your trail diet. Blueberries, blackberries, huckleberries, mulberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are just a few examples of the delicious and nutritious berries you may encounter. If you’d like to try foraging wild berries, here’s what you need to know about identifying them, when they typically ripen, and where you’ll most likely find them. Blackberries Blackberries are easy to spot because the fruit is aggregated, meaning […]
Survival
13 posts
No matter where you live, disaster and severe weather can strike, resulting in blackouts and contaminated drinking water. After hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and floods, hygiene needs are a primary concern. Blackouts can be a real annoyance, but hopefully, a few days without electricity is all you’ll have to deal with. Here are a few things to make it easier to manage during a disaster at home–without generators and other expensive equipment. Equipment for Disasters and Power Outages First, if you have an electric stove at home, have an alternative option […]
Although lightning is a common and spectacular weather phenomenon – the power is extraordinary. I was reminded of its awesome power when a storm suddenly formed while hiking the summit of the Mount Mitchell mountain range. Luckily, I quickly descended to lower ground and took cover before the cloudburst was released. Within a few minutes of descending, the jagged bolts rapidly lit up the sky. We later learned that a nearby backpacker was struck and killed that same day. The following week, a 20’ tree branch collapsed in a strike […]
Many hikers rely on GPS equipment for navigation in the wilderness rather than a compass and physical map. If something goes wrong with your device, it is prudent to know how to apply the necessary navigational skills. Using the sun is the most fundamental lesson in navigation. Roughly speaking, the sun rises in the east, sets in the west, and reaches its highest point in the sky at noon. Using the Sun for Navigation The sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. The earth spins towards the […]
Remember this helpful tip if you are ever lost during the dark when the moon is visible in the sky: mentally draw a line that connects the endpoints of the crescent moon and then extend this line to the horizon. This point where it touches the horizon indicates South.