The History of St George Island State Park

One of the most interesting places in Florida to visit is St. George Island State Park. The history of this island is a long one, although it is relatively new when it comes to a place for the public. Since 1980, when a causeway was constructed to get to the island, it has been a place for those who are seeking to take advantage of the Florida weather but not endure the crowds that converge on much of Florida will find that the peaceful island of St. George Island ideal.

St. George has been around for thousands of yeas. It was once the inhabitants of the Creek Indians who made this island their home. When Europeans settled onto the area in the late 1700s, the Creek Indians gave a large part of the island to John Forbes. It was soon after when the history of lighthouses began to emerge on the island as well as the smaller islands that surrounded the area. Storms took their tolls on the lighthouses and many were destroyed in storms. Despite numerous attempts to rebuild lighthouses, especially the Cape St. George Lighthouse, the lighthouse was destroyed permanently in 2005.

In addition to lighthouses that were manned to warn off ships from the coast, the island also held a significant place in history when it came to the war. During WWII, St. George Island was a military base. It was used for military purposes until 1965. In 1980, the area was designated as a state park because it is so environmentally friendly. As the public began its way to the park, residential housing was built on the island as well as a motel for those who wanted to stay and enjoy the beauty. The island does not allow any high rise buildings and is a wildlife sanctuary.

There are only about 1000 residents on the island that encompasses nearly 1700 acres. People who visit the island. There are restrictions in place to make sure that the natural beauty of the island remains preserved. People can enjoy the white sand beaches on this island as well as the fishing and wildlife sanctuary. Even during the summer months, this island is not crowded and is idea for those who want to enjoy a simple way of living. Today, St. George Island is an out of the way vacation place where people go to swim, fish, look for seashells and enjoy the wildlife, including the bird life that flocks to the island. St. George Island has come a long way in the past years, although it still remains an unspoiled part of Florida.

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Survival in the Wilderness

If you are planning on a life in the woods hiding out from civilization, then survival in the wilderness is something that requires a lot of training. But survival for those lost backpacking or hunting or in a plane crash is something else. Here is a look at the basics of getting out alive.

To begin with, food is not a big priority when you are lost and awaiting rescue. In fact, it is very rare that anyone dies from starvation when lost in the wilderness. There are too many other ways to die long before hunger gets you, and in any case most rescues happen long before the passing of the month or so that you could live without food.

If you have any injuries or immediate threats (like aggressive bears) you have to deal with those. As soon as the immediate threats are gone, shelter will normally be your top priority. If you have never build a wilderness survival shelter, you might want to try it sometime for practice. Just remember that your goal is to keep out wind and rain, as well as to provide a space small enough for your body to heat if you are facing cold nights.

The most common survival shelter is the basic lean-to. A pole or stick is attached horizontally between two trees, and then others are laid against it, sloping down to the ground. More sticks are piled against this "roof" and then it is covered with evergreen boughs, leaves or tree bark, starting from the bottom so the last layer of roofing acts like shingles to shed the rain.

In an emergency you can also just pile up dry leaves or grass and crawl into the center of the pile. This provides a quick and warm shelter. It can even keep you dry if the rain or snow is light. The "dead air" space that is created is what insulates you and keeps you warm. Keep this in mind. You might also use dry vegetation as a mattress and blanket inside any other type of shelter.

Water is the next important survival priority. Streams and lakes are the obvious sources, but in dry areas you might have to work a little harder at locating water. Look for low shaded spots where it may have pooled during the last rain, and not yet evaporated. You might also be able to collect dew in the mornings by running a piece of cloth through the wet grass and wringing the moisture out into a container or directly into your mouth.

If you do not have a means to purify water, and more than a day has gone by without a drink, use whatever you find unless it is clearly poisoned (indications include a lack of any plant life around the water). Generally you are more likely to die from dehydration than from contaminated water. In fact, many organisms, like giardia, can take a week or more before you have symptoms, and hopefully you will be rescued by then.

Finally, you need to be able to help the searchers find you. A fire is a good idea for this. have green leafy branches or something else that will create a lot of smoke ready in case you hear a plane or helicopter coming. If you can't make a fire, find an open place and lay out whatever you have that is colorful and/or large, so it can be spotted from the air. If you have a whistle, blow it in sets of three occasionally.

At least in emergencies, survival in the wilderness is not about how to build a cabin or make bread from cattail roots. It's usually about protecting your core body temperature and keeping hydrated while you wait for help to arrive. Food can help, and is a comfort, but it is last on this list of priorities.

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The Great Outdoors

Being outdoors is good for everyone. The belief that everyone needs fresh air is very true. Indoors can be fun and entertaining, but people aren't made to spend all day inside! We didn't even have computers until the eighties, so obviously it isn't natural to be on one all day long. Everyone needs to spend a little time outside. You don't need to take a run, or a day-long trip to the mountains, but just getting outdoors is very important. If you are an adventurous person, doing things like Little Miami River Canoeing and kayaking is a lot of fun. Little Miami River Kayaking can be a great way to mix up a humdrum routine of office work during the week and gardening on the weekends. It can be a fun, and somewhat nerve racking experience if it is your first time. It is an awesome way to bring families together in an exiting environment as well.

If you are going to spend a day on the water, you have to be prepared however. If you don't prepare yourself in the right way, you may be stuck in the middle of a stream hungry, wet, and sun burnt. Always bring a lunch or snacks. Water activities burn a good amount of calories and you will be hungry come lunch time. Don't over estimate the fact that you are sitting down either. Your face and arms and part of your legs will all be exposed to the sun. If you don't apply and reapply sunscreen, you will be very pink.

Also, you will want to pack all of your things in a water proof container. A gallon sized plastic bag would work or you could go the extra mile and buy a water-proof bag.

If you don't feel like you would be comfortable in the water, there are other fun outdoor sports to get involved in. Hiking may sound extreme, but in reality everyone can do it. All you need is a place to hike, and some minor equipment. I suggest getting hiking shoes but sneakers would also work fine, Depending on what type of hiking you are planning on doing and how serious you are about it, you may want to invest in a hiking pack. If you are going to be hiking all day long, you will want a place to store plenty of water, snack and sunscreen. Also, always take a cell phone and back up phone with you on major hiking excursions. Some people may also advise you to take a GPS or compass, but that is only relevant if you aren't taking a preset trail.

Everyone can find a niche outside. Whether it is walking, running, hiking, or being in the water; there is an activity for everyone. You may enjoy the exercise aspect of it, or the peacefulness of being in nature. Birdwatchers and extreme mountain climbers are all alike in the sense that they love the outdoors.

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Navigation - Which Path Should I Take?

There is an extremely high standard of mapping available in this country and we are extremely lucky to be able to use highly detailed Ordinance Survey maps wherever we go. With practice these maps can tell us everything we need to know to get ourselves from A to B safely. However one area that often seems to cause confusion is the different ways paths are marked on Ordinance Survey maps; a better knowledge of when each symbol is used will soon improve your ability to find your way across the hills.

On a 1:25,000 Ordinance Survey map public rights of way in England and Wales are marked with green dashes (short dashes for footpaths and long for bridleways) but it is very important to remember that this means only that there is an ancient common law right to pass along this route at all times. It does not mean that you will necessarily be able to see the path to follow it. Definitive maps of the rights of way were drawn up by county councils in the 1950s and many are now long since disused and overgrown and, even in good visibility, can be difficult or impossible to find.

Other paths which are not designated rights of way are marked on the Ordinance Survey maps as short black dashes. If these paths are within the newly designated access land you are perfectly within your rights to walk along them. These paths are marked on the map because at the time of the aerial survey used to create this map they were visible on the ground; they have usually been made by thousands of feet walking along the same line. They are often the most direct route from summit to summit or from the summit to the valley because they have been created by humans going where they want to go.

For hill walkers the problem with this system is that the green dashes of the public highways stand out clearly on the map and often give the impression that these paths are more important or bigger than the black dashed paths, however often the opposite is true. You should never assume that a path is going to be easy or even possible to find but this is particularly true for the public rights of way. A black dashed line on the other hand tells you that particular path was visible on the ground at the time of making the map and chances are it still is.

When following any path you should continually compare the map to the ground you are covering to make sure the path really is going the same way as the dashes on the map. Paths change over time and could have changed since your map was last updated. Do not rely on paths and always be prepared to use a compass if the path you are following disappears or goes off in the wrong direction.


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When's the Best Time to Go Out on Picnics?

During times of stress and worry families tend to focus on their financial troubles rather than spending quality time together. Picnics are a great inexpensive way to have a time out and really appreciate the great things life has to offer.

It has been proven that we are often at our most receptive and positive when we are relaxed and surrounded by the people we love. The summer months offer an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your family and get outside for a delicious picnic. But even when the weather's a little cloudy finding the perfect spot for your picnic will ensure memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Being spontaneous is always the best way to prepare for your picnic. But a little planning is always a good thing.

First, think about a good location that may offer shelter if the weather does take a turn for the worst. During sunny days try to take something that will provide shade for the picnickers. Try not to choose a spot that is too far away; remember this is supposed to be a relaxing experience for all involved.

Make a list of snacks that are cheap and easy to prepare. Finger or fork food is the way forward and is rarely eaten hot at picnics. Rice, salad, pasta and quiches are a sure success; always try to check if any of your guests have food allergies. Most foods need to be eaten within an hour of being taken out of the fridge so try not to take too much food. Try to take something to cover the food to keep it protected from the heat and any insects like an insulated picnic bag. It's always recommended to throw items that have not been kept cool on your return home.

Follow this by writing down the articles you may need to take with you. Be sure to take clothes and napkins, coolers, plastic cups and plates as well as forks and spoons. Take folding chairs for people who are unable to get up from the ground easily and umbrellas for shade and shelter. Take a large plastic bag where you can put your garbage and make sure that you dispose of it responsibly. Make sure you bring sun block and insect repellent as well as an antibacterial gel for your hands and remember your camera!

Get the kids involved and think about what you might need to make your picnic more enjoyable. Ask your kids would they would like to do and however crazy it might be give it a go. Take some games with you that both children and adults can play, adventure trails and team games are always fun.

Remember to dress appropriately to ensure that you and your fellow picnickers are able to relax and join in the fun. Once your all set up and ready for your picnic, make sure you haven't forgotten once last thing- relax.

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When's the Best Time to Go Out on Picnics?

During times of stress and worry families tend to focus on their financial troubles rather than spending quality time together. Picnics are a great inexpensive way to have a time out and really appreciate the great things life has to offer.

It has been proven that we are often at our most receptive and positive when we are relaxed and surrounded by the people we love. The summer months offer an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your family and get outside for a delicious picnic. But even when the weather's a little cloudy finding the perfect spot for your picnic will ensure memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Being spontaneous is always the best way to prepare for your picnic. But a little planning is always a good thing.

First, think about a good location that may offer shelter if the weather does take a turn for the worst. During sunny days try to take something that will provide shade for the picnickers. Try not to choose a spot that is too far away; remember this is supposed to be a relaxing experience for all involved.

Make a list of snacks that are cheap and easy to prepare. Finger or fork food is the way forward and is rarely eaten hot at picnics. Rice, salad, pasta and quiches are a sure success; always try to check if any of your guests have food allergies. Most foods need to be eaten within an hour of being taken out of the fridge so try not to take too much food. Try to take something to cover the food to keep it protected from the heat and any insects like an insulated picnic bag. It's always recommended to throw items that have not been kept cool on your return home.

Follow this by writing down the articles you may need to take with you. Be sure to take clothes and napkins, coolers, plastic cups and plates as well as forks and spoons. Take folding chairs for people who are unable to get up from the ground easily and umbrellas for shade and shelter. Take a large plastic bag where you can put your garbage and make sure that you dispose of it responsibly. Make sure you bring sun block and insect repellent as well as an antibacterial gel for your hands and remember your camera!

Get the kids involved and think about what you might need to make your picnic more enjoyable. Ask your kids would they would like to do and however crazy it might be give it a go. Take some games with you that both children and adults can play, adventure trails and team games are always fun.

Remember to dress appropriately to ensure that you and your fellow picnickers are able to relax and join in the fun. Once your all set up and ready for your picnic, make sure you haven't forgotten once last thing- relax.

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Outdoor Equipment Has Come a Long Way

If you plan on enjoying the great outdoors, you will be taking part in a tradition that stretches back into antiquity. Mankind lived outdoors before we invented- or at least borrowed from caves; the idea of indoors. The first attempts at creating shelter were tents, and conveniently enough tents are still used in camping, hiking, and backpacking today. In fact, tents represent just one of a number of pieces of outdoor equipment that most enthusiasts own.

Back in the age where the full time occupation of humanity was the hunter gatherer lifestyle, we followed a nomadic lifestyle. This wandering took us into climates that were not always friendly to our sensibilities. The simplest and most effective way to deal with that was to take shelter during the night, as well as in inclement weather. Tents were an effective form of shelter because the tribe could bring tents with them wherever they went. They could fold up and easily transport over rough terrain.

The first tents were made of animal skins, with wood making up the frame of the tent. The process of tanning turned the skins into highly durable leather, rather than mere animal skins that would decompose quickly. The tanned hides could be rolled around the wooden frame to protect it while in transport.

But how do you carry a tent around? Opposable thumbs are great and all, but they don't seem to be much use for heavy lifting. (Seriously; try supporting a large amount of weight with your thumb sometime and tell me how that goes for you) Well, ancient men also had the foresight to invent several other things, one of which was the pack. Today there's an entire outdoor activity named after the pack; backpacking.

Modern backpacks, tents, and other outdoor equipment bear little resemblance to their ancient predecessors. For one, instead of being used in daily life, and meant to hold up to the wear and tear of use over the years, modern outdoor equipment is built for minimalists. It is all about the lightest weight materials providing the most impact per ounce. Whether it's your backpack, your tent, or your clothes, everything is min/maxed to the extreme.

That maxim holds true for almost all outdoor activities as well. Mountain bikes, kayaking, snow sports, climbing; they all attempt to give you the lightest weight equipment that will perform the job. This leads to interesting marriages of technology and the ruggedness of nature. Carbon fiber tent poles combine with space age fabrics... and sit on dirt and rocks. The irony inherent in the mating of two such divergent worlds should not be lost on any outdoorsman.

A Guide to Outdoor Camping Equipment

The first thing you need before heading out on a camping trip is a tent. There are a multitude of selections available and you should have no trouble finding one that is right for you and your family or friends. They make them with multiple rooms, vestibules and various sizes that make it easy to find the one you need. Make sure to check out the reviews on each product to help you determine whether it is what you are looking for.

The next thing you will need is a cook stove. Many people do want to depend on a campfire to cook their food. Many things can go wrong including rain and cooking in the rain is not fun. There are various styles and models of cook stoves that you can purchase, from free standing to ones you sit on a table and use. Most are propane but there are a small selection of stoves that still use fuel or unleaded gas. You can choose from a single large burner to a double burner stove that would allow you to make breakfast and coffee at the same time.

Another important part of camping is your chairs. Many people are choosing to carry stadium chairs with them camping but these can be cumbersome to carry and some are rather heavy. You need a chair that you can sleep in as well as sit and relax in. The camping chairs that are on the market today allow you to sit upright or lounge in them as well as sleep in them. These are made of very lightweight aluminum so they are not heavy to carry or pack. These can also be used at sporting events, fishing or when you are out in the woods hunting.

Sleeping bags can be another difficult purchase. With the enormous selection of styles and designs, it is difficult to know what you actually need. One thing to consider when choosing a sleeping bag is if it will be used only in warm weather. Today they make sleeping bags that will keep you warm down to -20�. This would be great for ice fishing or winter mountain climbing but for summer or fall camping you only need one that will keep you warm if the temperature drops below about fifty degrees. Many of the new ones are filled with goose down.

One final necessity is a lantern. Again, there are a great number of lanterns today are propane. Many are designed like the retro or vintage lanterns like you parents used. There are some manufacturers that make emergency lanterns and battery operated lanterns. The thing to remember is to get one that gives you enough light to maneuver around either in your tent or around your campsite at night.

Each of these necessities can be purchased at a local retailer or online. If you shop online don't forget to look at the reviews of each item to see what others think about the products and to get a good idea of how it functions.

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What to Pack For a Short Hike

Many people spend their entire lives in the city. They never experience the great outdoors. Taking a shot hike is a good way to get out and experience nature. You do need to be prepared, though, even for a short hike. Taking a few simple steps to ensure your own safety and comfort will make your excursion much more enjoyable.

You should always bring a map of the area where you will be hiking and make sure that your read the map before you get going. It is important that you are familiar with the area and any potentially dangerous terrain. You will also need to bring water to drink and a survival knife is also a good idea.

You should bring just enough food to eat for the time that you will be gone and make sure that it is in air tight containers. Also bring something to discard your trash in until you get back from you hike. It is a bad idea to throw trash on the ground, not only because it is littering but because it attracts animals.

You should also bring a compass and a flashlight. You may not plan on being out after dark, but you do not want to be stuck without one in case you get behind schedule. A compass is a good idea in case you get turned around and this coupled with the map could save your life. There are places even in developed countries where you can get lost and not be found in time. Make sure you know the area you are going into, never go alone and tell someone where you are going and when you should be back.

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