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Activity for orangejewelweed‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Answer A: What is the most effective way to flee from an alligator?
Just run. Alligators (and crocodiles) are cold blooded and as a result don't have a lot of stamina. Warm blooded animals can maintain high energy output for longer periods. If you want to aim for something other than 'away from the alligator', go for high ground. That will lessen your chance of endi...
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over 9 years ago
Answer A: Using anti-perspirant in extreme cold climate
When I was in central Alaska, courtesy of Uncle Sam, we wore vapor barrier boots. They are great for extremely low temperatures, but of you are heavily exerting in milder weather (down to -23C/-10F range), your socks would get downright soggy. Some soldiers did put anti-perspirant on their feet to he...
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almost 10 years ago
Answer A: 1000 names for snow
Sleet As snow descends through the atmosphere and the air warms it melts and turns back to liquid (rain). If rain or partially-melted snow falls through a layer of sub-freezing air, sleet forms as small pellets of ice. So while not all sleet is still snow, some it may only be partially melted to the...
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almost 10 years ago
Answer A: Thru-hiking the Long Trail (Vermont) in late January
Here are some pointers and questions: Gloves: Layers are good. Have spares, as well as a set of mittens. Wool pants: How water resistant are they? The greatest potential for problems would be from precipitation in temperature ranges from 32F down to +10F. You don't want frozen stuff melting into yo...
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almost 10 years ago
Question Can a compass needle become de-magnetized over time?
My compass has become increasingly untrustworthy. Over the past couple years I had noticed that it often pointed pretty close to magnetic South, but it corrected after a light tap. In two recent trips to the woods this compass has been wildly inaccurate. This compass is stored by hanging from my re...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: How do I balance the muscle usage and strength of my body when long-distance hiking?
Four possible ways to work upper body muscles harder Pack heavily Walking, even a casual stroll, is work for core torso muscles. More weight and more strenuous walking will make these muscles work harder. When in doubt, pack it. Carry extra water, extra food, extra clothes. Instead of energy bars,...
(more)
about 10 years ago
Answer A: 4x4 vs AWD off road
I have driven my F(ront)WD Hyundai Santa Fe on plenty of logging roads in northern New Hampshire. It is quite possible to get around safely. I even know someone who owns an off-road Toyota Corolla. If you are looking at roads that get graded on a somewhat regular basis, you should be able to drive o...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: How to understand contour map and plan a possible trekking route using one such contour map?
In places where the contour lines are closer together, the slope is steeper. Where the lines are further apart, the slope is gentler. In a spot where you see several lines merge together, that is a sheer drop-off. Avoid those, obviously. Look for nesting Vs on the map. These are ridges, or possibly ...
(more)
about 10 years ago
Answer A: Setting up a shelter
You can improvise a tent-like shelter with a sturdy rain poncho and some cord. Tie one corner to a tree a 18" (1/2 meter) off the ground, then spread the poncho in a diamond shape. Pull the corner opposite the tree somewhat taut and tie it to a peg or stick. Spread the other two corners and secure ...
(more)
about 10 years ago
Answer A: How can I maximise my chances of seeing a wild wombat?
I know nothing about wombats, but I do stalk a particular wild animal here in my part of the world. Here is some general advice. Scat is a good start. Are there areas where it is more concentrated? Get well away from human activity. Wild animals avoid us, some more so than others. I gather that wom...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: How can I take duct tape with me backpacking?
Duct tape wraps around items fairly and can be stored by wrapping on your gear. Nalgene (or similar) water bottles have a good shape for keeping the tape flat. I have wrapped tape around spare batteries, but the tape was wider than the batteries were long. Even so, to the tape was usable. The water...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Using a "tarp" over the entrance of a snow cave
You want to leave enough room at the entrance for airflow. If the entrance is totally blocked you could possibly suffocate on the CO2 you breathe out. In addition to the entrance, keep an eye on the air exit at the top so it doesn't get blocked. You can heat the inside significantly with just a can...
(more)
over 10 years ago
Answer A: What sleeping gear should I use in a lean-to?
That lean-to in the link looks like it would shelter from all but the most wind driven rain. If you pack a cheap vinyl poncho that should take care of most situations. They are light enough that you can pack a second. What is the temperature rating on your sleeping bag? 15F/-10C will probably be mor...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Two day hike recommendations in New England area
One possible route to see waterfalls in White Mountain National Forest: Hike in from the end of Zealand Road to Zealand Falls, then take the Ethan Pond Trail down to Thoreau Falls. Hike out the Ethan Pond Trail and you can get picked up by the AMC shuttle. http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodging-shu...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Compare running fitness to hiking
I think it is difficult to give an exact correlation between running time and hiking endurance, but distance running as a fitness regimen is excellent training. It sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you are in for so I would advise that if you run a couple days during the week and hike w...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Reacting to tornado warnings while camping with no buildings nearby
The tent and the canoe are both objects that can catch wind. Tornadoes can generate winds in excess of 200 MPH and can throw cars. You would want to avoid being in either. Securing as much gear as possible is good common sense, but think about your safety and the safety of your party first.
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Practical uses for urine
Urine is quite effective for removing tree sap from human skin. It is best to have a bit of water handy for step 2, rinsing.
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Makeshift Stretchers
You can use a heavy duty rain poncho wrapped over tree branches. This site gives a good illustration of how to make one. I've seen this method recommended by outdoor organizations and the US Army. If you have the misfortune to need to use this technique, better to have four litter carriers than tw...
(more)
over 10 years ago