Hey Guys,
Here's a map that I have created using Google Maps, it is a quick and easy way to point out destinations that you find interest in! These are stores, parks, trails and rec centers that are bound to bring our your inner wild! Hope you enjoy!
View Finding the Wild in Athens and the Surrounding Area! in a larger map
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Food for Thought
Naturally, extensive physical activity of any sort requires you to replenish your body's nutrients. For example, it is recommended that marathon runners consume at least twenty fluid ounces of replenishing fluid (such as Gatorade or Powerade), along with a Gel Pack.
The same goes for backpackers. Even though you are not going nearly the speed of any type of runner, because of the extensive amount of weight that you are carrying, it is essential that you refuel your body. This can be done in a variety of fashions.
Keep in mind the bladder that I showed you both in the photo slideshow, and also my video exclusive. Keeping hydrated is number one priority. Dehydration is one of the nastiest things to deal with, especially if alone.
It is recommended that you consume 100 fluid ounces of water in a single day. Here are some more stats for you in regards to liquid consumption and how to pick your own bladder out!
Remember, there are no vending machines or water fountains in the forest, so using your natural resources is your only alternative. Invest in a water purification system or tablets. For both, I would recommend purchasing at a professional store such as REI.
Also, while liquid consumption is essential, so is food. As stated in my video blog post, trail mix and granola might get you through the night, but not more than a couple of days comfortably.
Freeze-dried food is the next best thing on the menu, and here is my piece of advice: DO NOT BUY FROM CAMPING STORES.
For the love of god, if you listen to any advice I give you let it be now. Wal-Mart, Target and even K-Mart sell the stuff for a third of the price that you would buy at a professional retailer. The stuff is easy to prepare. Most often it involves you boiling a cup or two of water and shaking it up in the bag provided.
Those were just a few easy tips on how to keep your body happy when on the trail, snacking on trail mix and granola while hiking is a good way to curb hunger as well. Hope you all are staying adventurous!
Best Travels,
Matthew
The same goes for backpackers. Even though you are not going nearly the speed of any type of runner, because of the extensive amount of weight that you are carrying, it is essential that you refuel your body. This can be done in a variety of fashions.
Keep in mind the bladder that I showed you both in the photo slideshow, and also my video exclusive. Keeping hydrated is number one priority. Dehydration is one of the nastiest things to deal with, especially if alone.
It is recommended that you consume 100 fluid ounces of water in a single day. Here are some more stats for you in regards to liquid consumption and how to pick your own bladder out!
Remember, there are no vending machines or water fountains in the forest, so using your natural resources is your only alternative. Invest in a water purification system or tablets. For both, I would recommend purchasing at a professional store such as REI.
Also, while liquid consumption is essential, so is food. As stated in my video blog post, trail mix and granola might get you through the night, but not more than a couple of days comfortably.
Freeze-dried food is the next best thing on the menu, and here is my piece of advice: DO NOT BUY FROM CAMPING STORES.
For the love of god, if you listen to any advice I give you let it be now. Wal-Mart, Target and even K-Mart sell the stuff for a third of the price that you would buy at a professional retailer. The stuff is easy to prepare. Most often it involves you boiling a cup or two of water and shaking it up in the bag provided.
Those were just a few easy tips on how to keep your body happy when on the trail, snacking on trail mix and granola while hiking is a good way to curb hunger as well. Hope you all are staying adventurous!
Best Travels,
Matthew
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Video Blog Exclusive!
Hello Fellow Travelers,
I had a perfect video exclusive for you guys to view this weekend, but the MPEG files went haywire when trying to import the footage. The document followed me prepping for a trip and hiking out to the Hocking to set up my campground. Hopefully later I will find the necessities to allow the file to load! Sorry for the inconvenience travelers, hope that all is well!
Best Travels,
Matthew
I had a perfect video exclusive for you guys to view this weekend, but the MPEG files went haywire when trying to import the footage. The document followed me prepping for a trip and hiking out to the Hocking to set up my campground. Hopefully later I will find the necessities to allow the file to load! Sorry for the inconvenience travelers, hope that all is well!
Best Travels,
Matthew
Friday, February 19, 2010
Battling Jack Frost
As of late, eastern America has been inundated with snow storms up and down the coast. Keeping this in mind, one must be reasonably prepared for foul weather if you plan on doing any outdoor activity, whether this be overnight or not.
The first step to keep warm overnight is to find your prey. Usually a grizzly bear or large moose will do the job. A single bullet to the spine or temple will usually take care of it, and once it is dead cut its stomach open, climb in and close yourself in to use as a sleeping bag.
How many people believed me?
On a more serious note, keeping warm in outdoor cold weather really is important when exploring the wilderness. Here are some helpful hints and products to consider when browsing merchandise.
Chiff is an extremely useful website that gives tips and strategies to keeping warm overnight. The most useful tip that I can offer is to not automatically resort to fire.
Most state parks do not allow self made fires, especially in un-designated areas. By simply making sure that your body is not exposed to wind, you can dramatically increase your body temperature.
Some campers will make the mistake of leaving their tents unzipped to get that 'fresh-air' experience. Bad idea.
One, bears will smell both your body odor, as well as your food. Second, by the time you fall asleep, the temperature outside will most likely drop far below what it was when you dozed off, allowing for sickness to creep in unnoticed.
I would also recommend Greatland's self-inflating floor mat, which adds an extra ten degrees fareinheit to your body when you sleep on it. Greatland is a great brand, and has awesome prices on all of its equipment.
One last piece of advice that I would recommend would be to invest in not only the obvious extra layers, but light ones. Micro-Fiber, such as Under-Armour apparel will be light as a feather, but will also keep you extremely warm. Something to consider when you run into unexpected weather. The clothes are extremely compactable, so they are easy to store if you feel you are too warm.
That's all for now fellow travelers, hope your travels are not only enjoyable and safe now, but also warm!
Best Travels,
Matthew
The first step to keep warm overnight is to find your prey. Usually a grizzly bear or large moose will do the job. A single bullet to the spine or temple will usually take care of it, and once it is dead cut its stomach open, climb in and close yourself in to use as a sleeping bag.
How many people believed me?
On a more serious note, keeping warm in outdoor cold weather really is important when exploring the wilderness. Here are some helpful hints and products to consider when browsing merchandise.
Chiff is an extremely useful website that gives tips and strategies to keeping warm overnight. The most useful tip that I can offer is to not automatically resort to fire.
Most state parks do not allow self made fires, especially in un-designated areas. By simply making sure that your body is not exposed to wind, you can dramatically increase your body temperature.
Some campers will make the mistake of leaving their tents unzipped to get that 'fresh-air' experience. Bad idea.
One, bears will smell both your body odor, as well as your food. Second, by the time you fall asleep, the temperature outside will most likely drop far below what it was when you dozed off, allowing for sickness to creep in unnoticed.
I would also recommend Greatland's self-inflating floor mat, which adds an extra ten degrees fareinheit to your body when you sleep on it. Greatland is a great brand, and has awesome prices on all of its equipment.
One last piece of advice that I would recommend would be to invest in not only the obvious extra layers, but light ones. Micro-Fiber, such as Under-Armour apparel will be light as a feather, but will also keep you extremely warm. Something to consider when you run into unexpected weather. The clothes are extremely compactable, so they are easy to store if you feel you are too warm.
That's all for now fellow travelers, hope your travels are not only enjoyable and safe now, but also warm!
Best Travels,
Matthew
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Lesson Learned
Here is a little bit of helpful advice for today. If you want to try and immitate those Discovery Channel 'survivor-men" like Bear Grylls and the "Survivor Man"...think again, because the idea is terrible.
I woke up bright and early at 8 a.m. to go for yet another training expedition for my backpacking trip this Spring Break on the Appalachian Trail. Today's exercise was twenty 'suicide' sprints up the moutain across the street from the Ohio University Golf Course.
The inclement weather makes it an especially good exercise, because the patches of snow and loose rubble that you have to avoid makes a great shock to your muscles, which is exactly what your body needs to develop and strengthen muscle.
Anyway, I set up my $400 Canon Powershot camera that I got for Christmas just last year on a tripod at the base of the hill. I got a short intro and started my exercises, but today, I was not the only one looking to do suicides.
As I was trotting down to start my fifth set, I notice out of the corner of my eye what I believe to be a small animal flipping down the snow. Was it a small animal? No, of course not. IT WAS MY CAMERA!
I chased after the equipment, only to find it cracked and wet at the very bottom of the hill.
I couldn't do anything much but stand their in disbelief. How could I have been so stupid? Not only had my teacher suggested that we take a partner with us to film, but my girlfriend had made that very offer before I left!
"Oh, no," I said. That would have been too safe!
Overall the workout turned out to be a failed attempt. I was too sick to my stomach after the incident and decided to call it quits for the day. I've been looking on ebay for a new camera to potentially hide the event from my parents, but we'll see how that turns out!
So to all of you bloggers out their that wish to use multimedia like I wanted to this week, here's a piece of advice.
Don't take an expensive camera out into the forest, set it up on a tripod...on an incline...that is wet...piled with unstable rubble...and icy, leave it there by itself and expect it to be okay. Give it a second or two of thought...unlike me.
Best Travels,
Matthew
I woke up bright and early at 8 a.m. to go for yet another training expedition for my backpacking trip this Spring Break on the Appalachian Trail. Today's exercise was twenty 'suicide' sprints up the moutain across the street from the Ohio University Golf Course.
The inclement weather makes it an especially good exercise, because the patches of snow and loose rubble that you have to avoid makes a great shock to your muscles, which is exactly what your body needs to develop and strengthen muscle.
Anyway, I set up my $400 Canon Powershot camera that I got for Christmas just last year on a tripod at the base of the hill. I got a short intro and started my exercises, but today, I was not the only one looking to do suicides.
As I was trotting down to start my fifth set, I notice out of the corner of my eye what I believe to be a small animal flipping down the snow. Was it a small animal? No, of course not. IT WAS MY CAMERA!
I chased after the equipment, only to find it cracked and wet at the very bottom of the hill.
I couldn't do anything much but stand their in disbelief. How could I have been so stupid? Not only had my teacher suggested that we take a partner with us to film, but my girlfriend had made that very offer before I left!
"Oh, no," I said. That would have been too safe!
Overall the workout turned out to be a failed attempt. I was too sick to my stomach after the incident and decided to call it quits for the day. I've been looking on ebay for a new camera to potentially hide the event from my parents, but we'll see how that turns out!
So to all of you bloggers out their that wish to use multimedia like I wanted to this week, here's a piece of advice.
Don't take an expensive camera out into the forest, set it up on a tripod...on an incline...that is wet...piled with unstable rubble...and icy, leave it there by itself and expect it to be okay. Give it a second or two of thought...unlike me.
Best Travels,
Matthew
Friday, February 12, 2010
Using Your Resources!
I've decided to use this blog to inform all of you in cyberland, particularly those who go to Ohio University, about how to use your area to immerse yourself in the world of the great outdoors.
Here at Ohio University, one of the greatest resources that we have as outdoor fanatics is Outdoor Pursuits.
Outdoor Pursuits hosts anything from lessons on how to climb a rock wall, to attaining your scuba diving certification. The main attribute that Outdoor Pursuits highlights in their department is their "Challenge Course."
The program allows you to bring yourself and a group of friends, team or organization to partake in a 'team building' exercice of sorts. I have personally taken part in this challenge course with a service fraternity, and I can say that the experience is definitely worth while.
As a group you have to get sweaty, dirty and plunge into the wild and complete this obstacle course as a team, and it definitely brings you together. The climbing segment of the course offers the following as part of its program:
Scouts Climbing Workshop Outline
-Climbing Basics
Ropes/knots/equipment
Climbing commands
Belaying
-Climbing techniques/skills
-Practice climbing skills
-Practice belay skills
-Rappel Basics
Knots/equipment
Safety equipment
Technique
-Practice rappel skills
Another way for Athens residents to get in touch with a more 'nature-filled' side of life, would be to visit any of the camping grounds in the area. Strouds Run State Park, Lake Snowden and Lake Hope State Park are three beautful areas for community members to take advantage of.
Old Man's Cave is also a relatively close drive away, and sports gorgeous camping trails and glimpes of nature.
I hope that all of this information comes to use for you, and be ready for an upcoming video post that will give you a glimpse deeper into the world of the outdoorsman.
Best Travels,
Matthew
Here at Ohio University, one of the greatest resources that we have as outdoor fanatics is Outdoor Pursuits.
Outdoor Pursuits hosts anything from lessons on how to climb a rock wall, to attaining your scuba diving certification. The main attribute that Outdoor Pursuits highlights in their department is their "Challenge Course."
The program allows you to bring yourself and a group of friends, team or organization to partake in a 'team building' exercice of sorts. I have personally taken part in this challenge course with a service fraternity, and I can say that the experience is definitely worth while.
As a group you have to get sweaty, dirty and plunge into the wild and complete this obstacle course as a team, and it definitely brings you together. The climbing segment of the course offers the following as part of its program:
Scouts Climbing Workshop Outline
-Climbing Basics
Ropes/knots/equipment
Climbing commands
Belaying
-Climbing techniques/skills
-Practice climbing skills
-Practice belay skills
-Rappel Basics
Knots/equipment
Safety equipment
Technique
-Practice rappel skills
Another way for Athens residents to get in touch with a more 'nature-filled' side of life, would be to visit any of the camping grounds in the area. Strouds Run State Park, Lake Snowden and Lake Hope State Park are three beautful areas for community members to take advantage of.
Old Man's Cave is also a relatively close drive away, and sports gorgeous camping trails and glimpes of nature.
I hope that all of this information comes to use for you, and be ready for an upcoming video post that will give you a glimpse deeper into the world of the outdoorsman.
Best Travels,
Matthew
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Being Polite for...the Birds?
When setting out to explore the unknown, one might think that it wouldn't necessarily be essential for you as a hiker to be polite.
Little do most people know, but trail etiquette is one of the most important criteria to pay attention to.
One website that provides readers with the majority of trail etiquette rules at clubtread website. Here are a few examples that the website provides just to highlight some of the main points.
•Try to create as little waste as possible.
•As a general rule, pack out ALL garbage.
•Try not to expand or create new trails around problems areas such as mud. This tends to create a wide area which is damaged.
•Where there are multiple options consider which one results in the least environmental impact.
•When off trail, try to minimize the damage to vegetation (including moss and lichens).
•Don't depend on a fire for cooking. Backpacking stoves are small, light and efficient - far better than fires for cooking.
•Never build fires in fragile areas, especially alpine areas.
•Never take food into your tent.
•Keep the campsite clean - avoid food spills & spreading food smells.
One of the main reasons that backpacking is such an incredible experience is the fact that you get to experience our world as it is naturally intended. It would be unfair to other hikers just because you are too lazy to pick up your food wrappers or other disposable supplies.
We have to remember that as a species, we were not the first to inhabit this land. I watched a documentary on the History Channel that simmered our planet's existence down to a mere 24 hours. Our attendance as humans on this planet...one minute.
To think of the time that we have actually been here, in relation to how much time it has taken for our planet to develop, only two words can describe the job that we have done taking care of earth: pretty crappy.
Hopefully everyone keeps this in mind when setting out on the trails of America, and respsects the land we tread while it still is treadable.
Best Travels,
Matthew
Little do most people know, but trail etiquette is one of the most important criteria to pay attention to.
One website that provides readers with the majority of trail etiquette rules at clubtread website. Here are a few examples that the website provides just to highlight some of the main points.
•Try to create as little waste as possible.
•As a general rule, pack out ALL garbage.
•Try not to expand or create new trails around problems areas such as mud. This tends to create a wide area which is damaged.
•Where there are multiple options consider which one results in the least environmental impact.
•When off trail, try to minimize the damage to vegetation (including moss and lichens).
•Don't depend on a fire for cooking. Backpacking stoves are small, light and efficient - far better than fires for cooking.
•Never build fires in fragile areas, especially alpine areas.
•Never take food into your tent.
•Keep the campsite clean - avoid food spills & spreading food smells.
One of the main reasons that backpacking is such an incredible experience is the fact that you get to experience our world as it is naturally intended. It would be unfair to other hikers just because you are too lazy to pick up your food wrappers or other disposable supplies.
We have to remember that as a species, we were not the first to inhabit this land. I watched a documentary on the History Channel that simmered our planet's existence down to a mere 24 hours. Our attendance as humans on this planet...one minute.
To think of the time that we have actually been here, in relation to how much time it has taken for our planet to develop, only two words can describe the job that we have done taking care of earth: pretty crappy.
Hopefully everyone keeps this in mind when setting out on the trails of America, and respsects the land we tread while it still is treadable.
Best Travels,
Matthew
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