Dogs offer boundless affection, loyalty, and companionship. Their playful antics instantly brighten our hikes—whether chasing a fly, rolling on the ground over something funky, zoomies in puddles, or ordinary canine glee, their ability to add excitement to our day is unmatched. So, it’s no surprise our furry companion is eager to paw on new terrains when they hear we’ve got a hike planned. However, when cows freely roam in the same space, stay alert and proceed cautiously! While free-roaming cattle are often docile, they can become dangerous when you have a dog, especially when calves are present. It’s common for […]
Survival
14 posts
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 each berry contains a cluster of tiny round berries. Blackberries […]
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 for cooking. If you have a gas-operated stove, remember you […]
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 and missed my head by a few seconds. Storms can […]
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 east, which means all the planets, the sun, moon, and […]