Dec 07 2009

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Canada Homeless Tents Assistive Info

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Outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking, are great ways to become involved with nature.

You will find endless opportunities to enjoy nature when you visit national and state parks.

Take time to enjoy sports such as rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and cycling while you are on your camping trip.

When camping it is important to have proper apparel. Rain and wind wear are essential, as are a first aid kit and plenty of drinking water.

If you go camping in the winter you’ll need more protective gear and clothing.

You will enjoy your camping trip even more if you have information about available activities and hiking trails, which you can find on the national and state park websites.

Popular points of interest are described in travel books and park brochures.

Check with outfitters in the area near the park to learn about renting equipment and to arrange excursions.

Hiking trails in the parks are often marked by level of difficulty and vary from simple loop trails to more strenuous workouts.

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Your hike will be more pleasant, and maybe even safer, if you have items such as a daypack, water, snacks, a first aid kit, a rain/wind jacket, and good hiking boots.

On some of your camping trips you come across wildlife such as moose, bears, wolves, mountain lions, big horn sheep and deer, and it is important know how to protect yourself when coming across animals.

Hiking over long distances or over difficult terrain does require some degree of physical ability and knowledge.

Check the park regulations regarding where biking is permitted; it is usually not allowed on hiking trails.

Bike trails are established in most of the national and state parks.

Many people enjoy using the gravel roads found in many of the parks for horseback riding throughout the area.

Remote areas of some of the national parks can sometimes be seen best on one of the fabulous river rafting excursions offered there.

The many beautiful lakes found in most of the parks give you an opportunity for kayaking, with access to remote areas that might not be able to be seen otherwise.

You can add adventure to your park visit with exciting activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and cross country skiing.

Spectacular scenery and exciting adventures can be yours with a vacation to one of the national or state parks.

Lastly on a related note.

Campsites can range from a patch of dirt with a sign marking it to a level, paved pad with sewer and electricity.

Also on another related note.

Camping in the snow can be a ton of fun.

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Dec 07 2009

Enjoying The Sport Of Climbing

Some people might not think of rock climbing as a sport until they have had a chance to climb a few mountains or spend time in the great outdoors with friends who want to teach them what they love to do the most in the time they have off from work. After people have tried rock climbing in a class, they are more than ready to take on the challenges of the great outdoors.
Some rock climbing classes teach all the basic techniques that a climber will need. Others focus on more advanced skills that are strictly reserved for the more experienced climbers in the group. Some groups are divided by age group and level of expertise. A primary concern among all trainers is to make climbing a sport that is enjoyable but safe for everyone involved. No trainer will task a climber to attempt a maneuver before they are ready for it, and many novice climbers feel elated just by climbing a few feet by themselves while others climb higher and higher.
Some of these people might even have their eye on a certain mountain in the distance that they have always wanted to climb. They might not be sure where the urge to climb rocks comes from but they do know that they do enjoy the adventure that outdoor climbing offers them and they want to experience those thrills as often as possible. They might take short trips to gyms that have rock walls in them to satisfy the urge for climbing until they can go on a rock-climbing trip with friends.
Some climbers might not want to spend a lot of money on equipment until they have practiced climbing and made the decision to make it a lifetime sport. These people have found renting equipment for short weekends is the best method they can find for testing their skills without bothering friends with borrowing what they need everytime they feel the need to head for the mountains. Climbing is an affordable sport to participate in and one that families can do together.
Most people get into rock climbing because they love being tested. Rock climbing will put people to the test by testing their endurance and their thinking abilities. People realize very quickly that they are able to think on their feet when they must negotiate a sandstone cliff that towers 100 feet above them, or when they find themselves dangling from a rope over a cavern that has a small river running through it.
These life and death situations are not for the faint at heart by any means and climbers learn to work around all obstacles to get up a mountain by sundown. For those that are unable to meet that goal, they will be challenged even more. They must learn to sleep at a vertical angle with only a rope supporting them. They might bed down on a rock crevice with a safety line attached and wake to a view of a beautiful sunrise that they have never seen before.

Dec 06 2009

Lightweight & Ultralight Camping Equipment Advice

Lightweight Tents & Camping Equipment Advice
CheapTents.com specialises in selling top quality tents and camping equipment at discount prices. We have operated in this industry for almost 20 years, and 7 years of that online, so when it comes to giving outdoor gear advice, we know our stuff!
Being specialists in selling lightweight and ultralight outdoor clothing and camping equipment, here is some very helpful advice for outdoor sports people interested in backpacking, adventure racing, lightweight expeditions and a variety of other lightweight outdoor and camping activities.
Why is lightweight camping and outdoor gear so important?
Lightweight gear is amongst the most technologically advanced outdoor clothing and camping equipment available. This is because it uses the specially advanced technologies which serve the same core purposes as ‘regular weight’ outdoor gear, but at a reduced weight.
Outdoor Sports: Outdoor sports enthusiasts and athletes have come to value lightweight camping and sports equipment because of the way it enhances their performance, hence the increasingly popular manufacture of ultralight tents, clothing and equipment. Adventure runners, backpackers and mountain bikers are amongst those looking to shave every gram off their pack weight.
Lightweight Backpacking and Travel: It’s important to realise that whilst you’re traveling around the world, taking a gap year, or backpacking for a weekend in the fells, you will greatly appreciate good quality, lightweight clothing and equipment, as no one else is going to offer to carry your backpack for you!
Reduced pack weight: By reducing the weight of the gear you are carrying with you, it means that you are putting less strain on your legs, making yourself less top heavy and more than likely reducing your pack size which means you can squeeze through more crevasses!
Reduced clothing weight: Agility is helped by reduced friction against key areas of your body’s movement. By having less weight, you are reducing the gravitational pull of your gear towards the ground, when most people want to be moving forward. Importantly, lightweight and ultralight equipment often means less bulk, which too helps to reduce the friction of clothing against your body and make it easier to conquer another mountain!
Packing Your Backpack
Prioritise. When packing your backpack, like many people I bet you think of an occasion (however remote) where you might actually need the melon baller. Well, the chances are you won’t, so don’t pack it. The rule is, when your lightweight packing, is to focus on absolute need and emergency need, which includes at the very least: water, food, shelter, warmth and safety.
Ask yourself these questions when packing your rucksack:
1. Do I need it? Throw out luxury items. ‘Luxury’ means different things to different people but try and stretch yourself with removing these items, as it makes a huge difference to the way you enjoy the outdoors.
2. How many times will I use it? Just the once – is it worth it?
3. Can something else replace it? Can it double-up as something else?
4. Can I share the weight with someone else (e.g. backpackers often share the weight of a tent)
5. If I was caught-out without it, would I be in a safe and secure situation?
Note: Don’t make any cut-back where it might compromise your safety or others.
“Make sure you have the best lightweight outdoor gear”
Providing lightweight equipment to campers and outdoor sports enthusiasts is a speciality in the outdoor industry who are keen to buy top brands at discount prices. If you’re new to specialist lightweight gear, then here are a few items of very lightweight outdoor gear that you might consider investing in…
Ultralight and Lightweight Camping Equipment:Ultralight tents and lightweight tents – a very popular piece of outdoor kit, these spectacularly clever and technologically advanced lightweight tents and ultralight tents are one of CheapTents.com’s top sellers. Adventure racers and backpackers find that these tents are more than adequate and can weigh less than 1-2kg. The Terra Nova Laser Comp tent is a great example of an ultralight tent, weighing in at a mere 900g – officially regarded as the world’s lightest two-skin tent.
Bivi Bags – if you’re looking for a truly ultralight camping experience, consider a bivi bag. Simply climb into your sleeping bag and bivi bag, and sleep under the stars in a very minimalist and lightweight form of camping.Ultralight down sleeping bags – although you can get lightweight synthetic sleeping bags, the real gains are to be found in the high-loft, warm, ultralight down sleeping bags – a superb investment as getting a good night sleep is vital to enjoying the outdoors.
Lightweight camping mat – some hardcore minimalist campers may see any sort of camping mat as a luxury, whereas others see lightweight camp mats as more about getting a good night sleep to aid their recovery and performance the next day.
Lightweight rucksack / backpack – many outdoor people, regardless of whether they are fell runners or backpackers value the weight savings in having a strong yet lightweight rucksack or backpack. Your comfort, speed and agility often correlate with the style of pack that you use. Always choose a specialist, lightweight rucksack or backpack if at all possible.
Lightweight camping stoves – camping stoves have come along way with ultralight versions being available with little, if any, loss to burning and boiling time. Many ultralight camping stoves weigh less than 150-200g making eating a warm, nutritious meal on the hill easy and lightweight.
Titanium pan set – you can eat out of the bowl and the lid also doubles up as a plate. The titanium pan set is ultra lightweight, strong and versatile.
Titanium cutlery – Tired of carrying around cheap cutlery only to break it half way through your Wayfayrer meal? Try titanium cutlery – ultralight weight and incredibly strong.
Ultralight and Lightweight Clothing & Footwear:
Lightweight waterproof jackets – lightweight jackets that are waterproof have been developed by manufacturers for outdoor sports enthusiasts and for stuffing away in your backpack for those ‘just in case’ occasions. CheapTents.com has a great selection of lightweight waterproof jackets and trousers available from some of the very best outdoor brands.
Softshell jackets – for a warm layer, consider a softshell / windproof fleece. Softshell jackets provide the warmth of a fleece, water repellency, breathability and endurance with toughened wear-areas, and promote agility for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Lightweight trekking trousers – important piece of kit for those trekkers, looking to stay warm, and take advantage of lightweight hard-wearing trousers that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.
Running shorts – handy to wear whilst your washing your trousers, or simply for running or walking in warmer weather. Running shorts are a great way to save space, weight and stay comfortable in warmer conditions. Even in the rain, runners and walkers often wear them as it means they are not carrying around excess mud and water in their clothing.
Baselayers – baselayers, or base layer tops and bottoms, are quick drying, fast wicking and reduce odour. Avoid cotton t-shirts as they loose insulative properties and gain weight when wet. baselayers are a very important of anyones layering system and is highly recommended! Baselayer underwear – outdoor clothing manufacturers have even gone to effort of keeping people comfortable by designing baselayer boxers and pants.
Weight saving tips:
1. A decent cooking pan can work as a eating bowl, and, you guessed it, a cooking pan! Do you really need a plate and a bowl?
2. How many tent pegs do you need for the weather? You can now get ultralight tent pegs?
3. Many baselayers are quick drying, wicking, low odour and so can be worn again and again, and dry quickly after a quick wash.
4. Share the weight of your tent – is a two man lightweight tent lighter than two ultralight one man tents?
5. Down sleeping bags are far lighter (weight to warmth ratio is better).
6. Toiletries – shaving gel is heavy and bulky, consider shaving oil or go without. Don’t go over board and throw-away your deodorant – going lightweight isn’t worth losing your friends over! Empty your toothpaste and other liquids into smaller containers – taking just what you need. Consider taking a mini toothbrush too, and leaving the hairdryer.
7. Take a single lightweight camping stove rather than a double-hob camping stove, just cook one thing at a time and eat it as it comes off the hob
8. Stainless steel or titanium cutlery and a multi-tool pen-knife will be the only utensils and tools you’ll need
9. Food – sauce sachets help to make any meal interesting! Tins are heavy – try Wayfayrer meals as these are very popular with lightweight enthusiasts.
10. Drinks – decant drinks from glass and plastic bottles into a Platypus or Camelbak bladder.
11. Money – always spend your lose change before you break into a note.
12. First aid kit – take everything you need, or might need – don’t make any cutbacks.
Items to avoid:
1. Camping chairs and tables – just find a couple of rocks, or sit on the floor.
2. Synthetic sleeping bags (down sleeping bags are much lighter for the same comfort temperature).
3. Too many clothes – buy quick drying clothing and wash it before you go to bed.
4. Heavy-duty inflatable mattresses – ridiculously heavy!
5. Camping stoves that are bulky and require bulky gas canisters – mini lightweight stoves are available.
Importantly, use your common sense when packing your lightweight gear. It’s too easy to get carrried away with taking everything, including the kitchen sink, oven and juicer. Don’t go heavy, be a lightweight.

Dec 06 2009

Mount Kilimanjaro hiking

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBAny physically fit person can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.. No climbing experience is necessary to get you to the top of Africa’s highest mountain 5,895M (19,340FT) with its magnificent gleaming glaciers, Flora and Fauna.

Weather

Mt. Kilimanjaro can be climbed any time of the year but there are two rainy seasons – late March to mid June and November. The best months are December, January to March and July to October usually dry and minimum clouds.

8 DAYS MT. KILIMANJARO- MARANGU ROUTE

Day 1: Arrival – Arusha

Travel from Nairobi to Arusha on board a Shuttle bus or pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport – transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay  

 Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)

Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12 km’s  | Habitat: Montane forest

The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest.  The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)

Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.

Day 3: Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Moorland

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel  (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.   

Day 4: Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatisation day

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.  

Day 5: Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. 

 The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.  

There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent  | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit  

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.    

From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.  

Day 7: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km’s

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at a budget hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule/travel back to Nairobi on board a shuttle bus.    

 

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