Contrary to popular opinion, when it comes to outdoor clothing the most important factor is functionality over fashion. Of course these days you can usually get both. When I first started exploring the mountains around my childhood home, there were no outdoor clothing and equipment outlets in or near my home town. There were two sporting goods stores in my town. One was dedicated primarily to hunting and fising and the other, luckily for us was in part an Army surplus store. The first few years of backpacking were done with WWII and Korea era field packs, sleeping bags and mess kits. When I was 15, I purchased my first down sleeping bag and a large, very modern for the time, internal framed backpack from the first true mountain supply store that opened up on the main drag. Each item was manufactured by Wilderness Experience and I still have and occasionally use both.
I'm skipping ahead so let me step back for a minute and cover the topic at hand. Now when I was growing up, we were hardly allowed out of the house without a coat and hat. I still follow that practice and recommend that you do the same.
Hats, for warmer and hot weather I favor a light hat, sometimes a wider brim and will sometimes spray the hat with water repellant to make them resistant to rainfall while maintaining the ability to breath.
Bandannas are another versitile and light piece of clothing accessory. I always carry at least one with me at all times. I will sometimes add to this list a pair of light gloves as they are valuable not only for keeping your hands warm when the temperature drops but also for keeping your hands safe when collecting firewood or picking your way through rocky and/or brush-filled terrain.
Sunscreen is also important especially in higher altitudes. It may not seem warm enough to cause sunburn but sunburn has less to do with heat and more to do with ultraviolet radiation. A small tube of lip balm with sun protection will keep your lips from cracking due to sun and wind.
Insect repellant should contain DEET and you should always, as with any chemical product used on or in your body carefully read the directions especially when using products containing DEET.
Sunglasses are very important especially in the winter time. You want to avoid snow blindness. Snow blindness occurs from over exposure of bright light to your eyes. Snow blindness can be dangerous especially if it really does render you temporarily blinded in the field. Snow blindness is very painful and feels much like having a handful of sand thrown in your eyes. Time will eventually heal snow blindness but if time is of the essence as it usually is in a survival or emergency situation, you don't want nature to run its course until you can see again. I suggest carrying an extra pair on long or extended trips just incase your glasses are lost or damaged.
For colder weather, a heavier hat is necessary. Even in the summer in the Rockies it is advisable that you carry a stocking cap with you and wear it when you sleep. Like momma used to say, if you're cold, put on a hat. Momma may have not known that a large amount of your body's warmth is lost through your head, but this was sound advice nonetheless.
PS: I was made aware of an important clothing item that I will cover in greater detail whan I talk about clothes but still warrants mentioning now and that is the color of your clothing. While hunting most people will wear darker or even camo clothing. This choice has its advantages of course but during the spring and summer, I tend to lean more towards lighter clothing. One advantage is that lighter clothing will not absorb the heat of the day as readily and during tick season allows you to see these little critters crawling on you hopefully long before they dig into your skin and begin to feed. I will cover ticks and their removal in the First Aid Kit segment. What I will say is that you need to have pants that you can tuck into your socks, gaiters or tie off at the cuffs as an additional precaution against biting and burrowing insects. Always avoid bright colors and floral patterns as these typically attract more insects to you. Along with that is to avoid wearing colonge and perfume as this also attracts insects. During hunting season of course colonge and perfume just make you more detectable to your prey. Now some of you may favor using animal scents and attractants to mask the human smell, I do not. I will cover scents on later postings as we get closer to big game hunting seasons.
Essential Item Two – The Map & Compass (See “The Ten Essentials)
A map is a most valuable tool when you have the knowledge to use it. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can also help you find water sources, shelter, civilization and dangerous terrain to avoid. Before going into a new area, I will spend several hours studying maps and planning a trip long before I ever set foot in the area. Using a compass with the map, even before you ever go to your desired hunting, fishing, hiking area will help you plot a course and keep you oriented in unfamiliar territory.
There are countless resources available on how to use a map and compass. You may also find social groups and clubs in your area dedicated to the pursuit of land-based navigation. A favorite resource for the beginner and novice user is Map and Compass – Basic Essentials by Cliff Jacobson. This is a widely distributed publication and can be found nearly everywhere. I highly recommend this book and refer to it often when teaching youth groups and adults in orienteering and land-based navigation. I could dedicate volumes of information to the use of maps and since there are so many other great resources, I’ll leave this to the experts.
With maps, size does matter and road maps, while valuable for a road trip have very little value when in the field. When navigating myself cross-country, which is my preferred method of travel I usually stick to the 7.5 minute USGS maps. This size of map reveals considerably more detail. For general use, trail hiking and scouting out new hunting areas I will use a 1:24,000 map like the one shown in the attached picture. I recommend that you always waterproof your maps. If I am only going to use a small portion of the map for a specific purpose I will sometimes cut off the margins of the map and paste the most useful information back onto the map before laminating to make the map a little smaller and easier to quickly reference information. There’s probably no real benefit in that practice and I’m the only person I know who does that.
The compass. I use a simple compass shown in the picture. I will sometimes pin a small compass onto the shoulder strap of my pack just for quick reference.
A word on GPS (Global Positioning System) tools. I have one, a simple unit I picked up several years ago. I use it to help mark areas of interest on my map, an elk watering hole, a favorite fishing spot, to mark the area of a kill to make it easier to get back to it and in the event of an emergency to relay information to rescuers. The GPS supplements my map and compass in navigating but I still don’t use it as a primary navigation tool. Maybe I’ll change my mind on it but there have been a few times where my GPS has been less than accurate and it has always made me distrust the technology. Now, that doesn't in any way mean that there is a fault in the technology. Being fiercely old school in many ways the problem is likely the user interface, me. I do some limited Geocaching and still use a map and compass especially when going to a new area. I use the tips that are sometimes given on a local Geocaching web page, match as best I can the features called out then with my trusty GPS in hand I head out to find another treasure. Since I'm just getting into Geocaching I don't have much to say yet other than I always go prepared and that is what this blog is dedicated to, being prepared.
Essential Item One – The Knife (See "The Ten Essentials")
I don’t watch too much TV but when I do, one program I enjoy is “Modern Marvels”. Knives were featured on a recent episode and being a knife collector out of necessity I was very interested in this featured topic. ‘Necessity’ may not be the right word, I mean I need another knife like I need another hole in the head but I still seem to convince myself often of the “need” for another knife. Back to the Modern Marvel episode. One comment made by a true expert in this area was something to the effect that the real technology of the knife was in its edge. All other features of the knife, essentially the shape and size support this basic edged tool technology. I can’t really explain it but I understood the spirit of what he was saying. A word on the knife edge, it must be kept sharp! To keep the edge razor sharp, especially when big game hunting I carry honing steel.
The choice of knives you carry is mostly a matter of personal opinion, what you like, and for me to a stronger degree, experience. When in the field I usually carry at least one multi-tool in my pocket. Two of my favorites are shown in the picture provided. Both are Victorinox products. An upgrade to the tooth pick of my Swiss Army Knife was to trim the tip off the tooth pick and add a straight pin by heating the pin and melting it into the plastic of the tooth pick tool. A straight pin to me is more useful than a tooth pick, especially for digging out splinters.
When hunting small game I add another favorite, my Case brand two bladed Trapper knife. When hunting large game I add to these two knives an 8 inch fixed and curved bladed hunting knife shown on the bottom of the picture.
I like to hunt in more remote areas and since I am usually alone, I cannot carry a whole 700lb elk out by myself so I completely de-bone and carry the meat out in 50-80lb intervals. I take all the meat and I do mean all. You don’t eat the skin, fat, head or bones so why carry them out. Antlers of course are the exception to that rule. The workhorse for this daunting task is my Case Trapper knife. The larger hunting knife, while useful in making some cuts like separating the back strap from the back bone is, for me, largely ceremonial because it was my Grandfather’s hunting knife that I refitted with an elk horn handle. I hope to have a pictorial documentary this fall of how I field dress and de-bone and elk or deer in the field and carry it out. I don’t know anyone who does the job quite like my dad has taught me and hope to share what I know and perhaps combine it with your methods and thoughts on the subject.
My best advice to you in choosing a knife is to consider the tasks you will perform with your knife. Choose a knife that is well made and sturdy. Never abuse your knife and keep it sharp. If you routinely need a digging or chopping tool, then carry one. Fixed and locking blades provide an extra degree of safety and remember that bigger is not always better.
The choice of knives you carry is mostly a matter of personal opinion, what you like, and for me to a stronger degree, experience. When in the field I usually carry at least one multi-tool in my pocket. Two of my favorites are shown in the picture provided. Both are Victorinox products. An upgrade to the tooth pick of my Swiss Army Knife was to trim the tip off the tooth pick and add a straight pin by heating the pin and melting it into the plastic of the tooth pick tool. A straight pin to me is more useful than a tooth pick, especially for digging out splinters.
When hunting small game I add another favorite, my Case brand two bladed Trapper knife. When hunting large game I add to these two knives an 8 inch fixed and curved bladed hunting knife shown on the bottom of the picture.
I like to hunt in more remote areas and since I am usually alone, I cannot carry a whole 700lb elk out by myself so I completely de-bone and carry the meat out in 50-80lb intervals. I take all the meat and I do mean all. You don’t eat the skin, fat, head or bones so why carry them out. Antlers of course are the exception to that rule. The workhorse for this daunting task is my Case Trapper knife. The larger hunting knife, while useful in making some cuts like separating the back strap from the back bone is, for me, largely ceremonial because it was my Grandfather’s hunting knife that I refitted with an elk horn handle. I hope to have a pictorial documentary this fall of how I field dress and de-bone and elk or deer in the field and carry it out. I don’t know anyone who does the job quite like my dad has taught me and hope to share what I know and perhaps combine it with your methods and thoughts on the subject.
My best advice to you in choosing a knife is to consider the tasks you will perform with your knife. Choose a knife that is well made and sturdy. Never abuse your knife and keep it sharp. If you routinely need a digging or chopping tool, then carry one. Fixed and locking blades provide an extra degree of safety and remember that bigger is not always better.
Introduction
Why should you listen to me? No reason. I’ve never climbed Mt. Everest, survived the savage jungle or narrowly escaped death by shear will, determination and a really big knife. Hell, I’ve never even been a Boy Scout. I don’t proclaim to know everything and would not consider myself an expert. I have several key favorite resources and will list and refer to these tools often. So, what can I offer that you can’t find in a number of really great web sites and countless numbers of books and other well researched resources? I don’t know. Why am I doing this? To share the knowledge I have and my experiences with others who share similar interests. This information is dedicated to those who find themselves in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Region as this is where I have spent my life.
The Ten Essentials
We will start with the basics because I believe that in sports, business, life, etc. you have to begin with and many times return to the basics! The first and MOST IMPORTANT tool you need is your mind. KNOWLEDGE and CONFIDENCE really are the best tools you can ever have in a desperate situation. From knowledge comes confidence and even if you feel yourself getting a bit panicked when your lost or you’ve traveled too far out to return to the trailhead before dark, or you’re tracking that elusive buck trying to angle in for that perfect shot and you’ve lost track of the time and where you are; your knowledge or lack there of will in many cases determine whether you spend a comfortable night in the woods and return with an exciting story or you become part of the “Great Circle of Life”. Coyotes got to eat to you know.
The Ten Essentials are considered the basic tools that you should consider carrying with you whenever in the woods and for the most part these essential items should fit into your pockets and/or a small pack. Now, when I say in “the woods”, I also mean when you’re on a boat, a snowmobile, fishing, hunting or on an easy walk along a well groomed trail. When you’re out and about, these are the recommended MINIMUM resources necessary to increase your level of comfort and when necessary your survival in the field.
There are several variations to the Ten Essentials list. I of course have my own opinions and experiences to add otherwise I would just hyperlink you to about 5 different websites for the cookie-cutter version. My list of essentials begins with the most accepted and suggested 10 plus several of my own. For example, why toilet paper is not one of the Ten Essentials I’ll never know. We’ll discuss the many merits of toilet paper later on.
The “Standard” List:
1. Map
2. Compass
3. Sunglasses & Sunscreen
4. Extra Food & Water
5. Extra Clothes
6. Flashlight
7. First Aid Kit
8. Fire Starter
9. Matches
10. Knife
My List of Essentials: This list can vary depending on the climate, activity involved in and time of year. I will break each item down in subsequent postings and discuss the use, need and benefits for each.
1. Knife (Actually KNIVES, plural)
· I carry two knives at a minimum. If you remember the now famous movie line from Crocodile Dundee, “Knife, that’s not a knife, this is a knife!” and Dundee proceeds to pull out a huge knife, that’s not what I’m talking about. With knives size does matter but bigger is not always better. I typically carry a multi-tooled knife and favor what Victorinox has provided over the years. I also carry a larger heavier bladed, either folding or fixed bladed knife. Over the years I have amassed a variety of fixed and folding knives and enjoy discussing the merits of each.
2. Map & Compass
· As standalones each has a function but together they are best. As important as these two items is the KNOWLEDGE TO USE THEM. Too many times I’ve been in the field and have run across individuals that do not know how to use either. If you don’t know how to use a map and compass the compass is a shiny thing around your neck, like jewelry and the map is good for wiping your bum or for use as a fire starter. You should never combine those last two functions however.
3. Hat, Bandanna, Sunglasses & Combination Sunscreen/Insect Repellant, Lip Balm
· I like functionality when it comes to my outdoor gear and favor light duty hats with ear flaps, chin straps, loops to hold my glasses or other items. I have been known to take out the sewing machine and rivet set to install these things myself. Heavier hats made of wool or polypropylene of course are appropriate when the weather is colder. Bandannas: I can spend a solid hour in discussing the benefits and functionality of a simple bandanna. Bandannas can be draped across the back of your hat to keep the sun off your neck, they can be used as bandages, a basket for carrying delicious mushrooms found along the trail, I’ve even fashioned one into a makeshift kite one time just to see if it would work and it did!
4. Matches (in a waterproof container), a Lighter & a Candle
· Strike anywhere matches are in my opinion by far the best. I still have not found commercially made water or windproof matches that really live up to their advertisement. If you do use these types of matches make sure you take the striker pad from the package along with you. I have also had mixed results with dipping my matches in wax or nail polish to make them more “durable” in the field. What I have found that works great are Grandma’s Diamond brand strike anywhere kitchen matches in a good waterproof container. The old school of thought is that lighters are unreliable and fail in the field. This is why I also carry matches. With that having been said, a lighter is a great accent and quick access fire maker and is great for quickly trimming nylon cord, burning the ends of a tear in a nylon poncho to keep it from unraveling to lighting up your cancer sticks (non-smoker here). A candle can sustain a fire for a long period of time as you well know and is great for helping start damp kindling or for comfort lighting so you don’t use up the batteries in your flashlight that we’ll discuss later.
5. Nylon Parachute Cord
· Too many uses to go into, I’m hoping the merits of this item will be self explanatory. I do favor the type of nylon cord that has individual strands of twisted nylon string inside of the over braid because you can separate each component to multiply the amount of string you can have.
6. Headlamp (or flashlight), Extra Batteries & Bulb
· A word of advice before discussing powered equipment. Make sure that whatever you choose to carry with you that all your accessories use the same size batteries. All my gear use AA batteries. This allows me to borrow from one for the other. For example, what is more important when making your way back home in the dark (which you should almost never do especially in unfamiliar territory), powering your digital camera or your headlamp?
7. Plastic Bags (Various Sizes)
· If I am only carrying the standard Ten Essentials I will always add at least one 30 gallon trash bag and a couple one gallon zip-locks. These can be folded and placed in a hip pocket without taking any extra room. The larger bags can be used for emergency shelter, rain gear and of course for carrying whatever you need to. I have many times handed out all my larger bags to hikers who were caught unprepared by a fast moving and very typical afternoon thunderstorm. Taking no more room, you can add a couple more 30-50 gallon trash bags, grocery sacks and other smaller bags.
8. Poncho
· As I stated before, I like equipment with versatility and function. There are many good and bad ponchos out there. Coated nylon will give you the strength you need in extreme conditions and can be folded and rolled down to a very small package and carried in a pack or tied to the back of your belt. If your poncho does not have grommets around its edge, at leas 8, you should install or have them installed for you. A poncho can be used for shelter, for carrying large loads like firewood, a ground cloth, and when worn will make you highly visible over distances. I never leave home without one.
9. Extra Clothing
· First of all you should be dressed like an onion, dressed in layers. There are many great sources that discuss dressing for conditions when in the field so I won’t go into great detail here. I will say that you don’t have to spend much money to dress smart in the field. Any local second hand clothing outlet will give you many choices at very reasonable prices. I will add that all of the clothes I use in the field have lots of pockets and I look for versatility in design. Pants that convert to shorts by zipping off the lower leg sections, a thin coat/windbreaker with a hood that folds into the collar, a fleece vest, long sleeved shirt and/or tee shirt (easier to roll up your sleeves than try to find the means to protect your arms from the sun, bugs and brush. In cooler and wet conditions stay away from cotton in favor poly/synthetics and wool. Your feet are important and I can’t stress that enough. If you damage your feet, you severely limit your mobility; take care of them. For most purposes I like to use the green wool, padded sole military socks. They breath, they wick moisture away from your feet, they dry easily even in low temps and they can be rolled tightly and tucked away in your pack or rolled up in your poncho. On long hikes I will many times change my socks for a fresh pair, especially if I start to develop ‘hot spots’ on my feet. Hot spots are blisters that have not formed yet and need to be attended to right away. A piece of Mole Skin (adhesive felt material found at any drug store) on hot spots and blisters can be a real life saver. Of course, the cooler the weather, the more clothing you must carry. Your clothes should be stored in plastic bags during wet weather or wet activities.
10. First Aid Kit
· I have taught Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness Preparedness and the question of what to carry in a first aid kit is always a topic of great discussion. Actually it is more like first aid kits, plural. Again, here is a topic that has many good and probably better sources of information like the American Red Cross so I will not go into great detail here. Think of it this way, rather than trying to make a single kit that fits every scenario, I try to customize several different kits taking into account what environment or activity I will be involved with. The first aid kit I would take on the boat differs in some areas from the kit I would take on an extended backpacking trip or for a larger hunting camp. Key considerations are if you or someone in your party takes prescription medication, has any special physical needs, the time of year, the number of personnel, etc. We will explore more on this topic later.
11. Extra Food
· Eating wild foods found along the trail can be fun way to add to your menu, but honestly many ‘edible’ plants are sometimes barely palatable so don’t depend on ‘living off the land’. You should always carry extra food with you in the event that you have to stay out over night. Staying warm on a cold night, walking out of the forest or through arid country, climbing, all consume large quantities calories and require high energy foods; those high in carbohydrates, fat, sugar and protein are important. A pound of jerky can last for several days if rationed and chocolate is not only an instant energy provider but is also a great comfort food. Sausages, cheese, ‘granola’ bars, candy, nuts are all great sources of food that will typically not spoil or require additional preparation and can be eaten while on the go. When we were young, my good friend and I used to take little ‘survival’ trips in the local mountains, living off of what we hunted and gathered. I will spend more time on the topic of hunting and gathering in subsequent postings.
12. Water Bottle & Water Gathering Gear
· For carrying water I favor at least one quart-sized, wide-mouthed water bottle with a cap attached by a lanyard. The wider mouthed bottle is easier to fill from shallow water sources, for stuffing snow or foodstuffs into, fishing out ‘floaties’ and the attached cap keeps you from losing the top in the most inconvenient moments. I grew up drinking water from a shallow well and the irrigation ditch that ran out back and I believe that as a result my natural immunities are stronger than someone who has been raised on bottled or tap water alone. While this may or may not be true, I am not in favor of picking up a parasite by drinking untreated water and do carry a variety of water purifying devices with me from filters to iodine tablets. Boiling water is a great alternative but takes time and energy that you may not be able to spare. There are many commercially available water treatment systems on the market and in later postings we will explore not only where to find water, which is the most important topic but how to purify it enough for drinking. The last thing you want to do in a survival situation is complicate things by getting sick or injured.
13. Repair Kit
· If I could only take one repair item with me into the backcountry it would probably have to be white cloth athletic tape. While I’m not arguing against the many merits of grey duct tape and some may argue that it is basically the same thing, I have found athletic tape to be more versatile in different weather conditions and when making small repairs athletic tape stronger and easier to use than duct tape. Other important items would be, wire, wood screws, 5-minute epoxy various sizes of nails and staples, superglue, electrical tape, an adjustable wrench or multi-tool, etc. When putting together a repair kit, think plural, to save weight and increase the versatility you’ll need more than one. The kit I carry in my fishing vest while floating down the Colorado River is different from the repair kit I might carry while backcountry skiing where I might have to reattach or repair a binding in order to get back to the trailhead.
14. Whistle & Signaling Device(s)
· Anything that will reflect light can be used as a signaling device. A signal mirror of course, the shiny top of a lip salve bottle, the lens from your glasses or camera, the back of your watch are all types of signaling devices. A whistle, like those carried by your old gym teacher, is a valuable signal device. You cannot yell louder than a whistle can sound especially if you are thirsty or horse from having spent a night out in the cold. I recommend a plastic whistle as it is less prone to freezing and clogging in cold temperatures. Bright colored surveyors tape is great for marking your trail, marking your bivouac, writing messages that can be seen over long distances and adds another means of binding things together like branches for a makeshift shelter to protect yourself from the elements. Pocket aerial flares can also be added to your signaling kit.
15. Sierra Cup
· For years I used to carry a US Army canteen cup. I still have my old dented and stained cup but it has been retired for a smaller and more versatile folding handled stainless steel Sierra Cup. I have made a small leather carrying case for my cup that fits on my belt and carries various items in it like a wing stove and fuel, instant coffee, tea, instant soup and the like. I’ve eaten many a trail meal from this cup and is another item I usually never leave home without.
16. Toilet Paper
· I always carry mine in a strong zip-lock bag and since toilet paper is not heavy I never skimp on the amount I carry even on a half-day trip. Toilet paper is a fairly good fire starter, it can be layered in between a folded bandanna and used as a water filtering device (not for biological contaminants but for sediment), a bandage, trail marker, mixed with epoxy to fill a hole in your skis, etc. As stated earlier, I don’t know why toilet paper is not considered one of the Ten Essentials. The first time you wipe your bum with something provided by nature, you’ll never leave home without it again. In an emergency you can cut off the tops of your socks or even your shirt tails. Have fun explaining that one.
17. Insulating Material
· I have two closed cell foam pads cut to fit inside my pack. They take up very little room and are great for sitting on and when I lay out the two pads plus the padded back of my backpack, make a nice insulated pallet to sleep on or to insulate an injured person to protect them from shock and hypothermia. I add to this a Mylar ‘space blanket’, my extra clothing and the poncho and you have as comfortable a bed as you’re going to have for spending a night out in the field in relative comfort. Okay so it won’t be like your bed at home but nothing else is.
18. Backpack
· This is really a matter of personal choice. Versatility, form and function should be the features you should look for in any and all outdoor gear especially a pack. For most circumstances whether skiing, hunting, climbing or hiking I favor my small internal framed backpack with lots of pockets, loops and straps. From this pack I can carry skis, crampons, ice axe, tent, bivouac sack, gear slings, rifle and when necessary the kitchen sink. I have humped out hundreds of pounds of meat in this pack and would have a very hard time finding its equal anywhere. For half-day trips I use a variety of butt/waist packs, knap sacks or a shoulder bag. My dad calls the shoulder bag my ‘man purse’ while others like myself prefer to call it my ‘European Carry-all”. Some of you may catch the reference.
Next I will break down each of the items listed here, elaborate on the individual items and show you many illustrations.
Under Construction
I haven't been very attentive to my blog as of late and I feel guilty about it. I thought I would post mindless musings of my life and realized that my life is really not that exciting. Couple that with the fact that I'm really a very closed person and not willing to share my most intimate thoughts and feelings and you get the so-so postings that make up my blog. So, I'm going to retool the page and dedicate it to an interest of mine.
I recently hired a consultant to help me out with a few projects at work. A client of hers was asking her to put together some 'survival' material together for a very remote worksite. I ended up providing her with many of the materials and instruction she needed to supply that need and I realized that I have a wide range of experience in this area and will dedicate my blog to outdoor interests and pursuits. The focus will be on the Rocky Mountains and will include things like edible and medicinal plants, dressing out game, what to do in the event you're lost or separated from civilization due to circumstances beyond your control. I will speak to hunters, geocachers, hikers, backbackers, climbers and anyone who loves the Colorado High Life. Knowledge is power, especially when faced with extraordinary circumstances in the few wilderness areas we have left. So, if you are somewhat of a 'regular' to my site I hope that future postings may be of interest to you. If not, well I so appreciate your dedication over the months.
More to come.
I recently hired a consultant to help me out with a few projects at work. A client of hers was asking her to put together some 'survival' material together for a very remote worksite. I ended up providing her with many of the materials and instruction she needed to supply that need and I realized that I have a wide range of experience in this area and will dedicate my blog to outdoor interests and pursuits. The focus will be on the Rocky Mountains and will include things like edible and medicinal plants, dressing out game, what to do in the event you're lost or separated from civilization due to circumstances beyond your control. I will speak to hunters, geocachers, hikers, backbackers, climbers and anyone who loves the Colorado High Life. Knowledge is power, especially when faced with extraordinary circumstances in the few wilderness areas we have left. So, if you are somewhat of a 'regular' to my site I hope that future postings may be of interest to you. If not, well I so appreciate your dedication over the months.
More to come.
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