Free GPS Guidance
Archive for August, 2009
Get Back into the Joy of Discovering the Outdoors
It is easy to get back into the joy of discovering the outdoors on a bike, even if you are over 50. Finding the right bike for your body, the way you want to be riding (trails or roadways) and in your price range is an important place to start. A stop at your local bike shop where there are trained folks to help you get the right bike for your situation is a great idea and will save you lots of time and frustration. Having the right gear and being prepared are also very important.
We all know that when we ride a bike it is a good idea to wear a good bike helmet, no matter how old we are – safety first! Getting hurt in an accident is never fun, but you sure don’t want to chance a traumatic brain injury. If you are looking for adventure, or just trying to break up the boredom, one of the handheld GPS systems is a handy addition for your biking pleasure, and there are several GPS bicycle mounts to choose from for hands free convenience. Now get out there and have some fun!
I would like to share the joy of Geocaching with you. I have been enjoying this hobby for a few years now. Each and every cache I have found has been unique in it’s own way. Everything from a quick find in a parking lot to a long hike in the woods. The adventure never gets old. This hobby is for the young and old alike. For those who haven’t heard of Geocaching it basically is Modern day treasure hunting. One person or group hide a cache then others go find it using the Coordinates of the cache on a handheld GPS unit. Additional information about this hobby can be found at Geocaching.com . Geocaching is a world wide hobby. Go to Geocaching.com type in your zip code and you may just be surprised at just how many you’ll find. As with all outdoor activities please respect the areas you visit, and if you carry it in please carry it out. Happy caching.
Roadragetrx (geocaching name)
JR Akins
I love walking when I am on vacation, exploring new places and seeing new sites. I also love that I am incorporating a workout into my day without having to work out, but there is the fear of getting turned around in a new place and getting lost. My husband teased me for being such a sissy, but I was looking for a hand held GPS device to take with me on vacation. Well, I discovered the Garmin Forerunner. I found that I can just strap on my Garmin Forerunner like a watch before I hit the road or the trail and have better than hand held GPS, I can have hands free GPS, and I can’t get lost as I check out new places so I don’t have to worry.
Well, we hit the trail last time we went on vacation, and guess who almost got turned around on the trail, but I was able to get us back to our car in one piece. I was also pleased with the fact that when I got back to my cabin I was able to check and see how many calories I burned while I was out enjoying myself. That was a real bonus. Wow, am I glad I found this. It is just like a watch, inexpensive and lots of fun! My husband isn’t laughing at me now.
Whether you’re going camping, backpacking, or hiking, there are a few essential pieces of equipment necessary to ensure safety and an enjoyable wilderness experience for all involved. The most important item to have is a first aid kit; it’s essential just in case of injury, snakebites, or infection. It’s also important to have a compass and map, or if you want to go modern, a handheld GPS unit. When venturing into the wilderness apparel like warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, and hiking boots can help you to stay dry and warm if you happen to become cold. Hypothermia can be a real danger in the outdoors, even in warmer locations where you wouldn’t think it.
It’s also important to notify a close family member or friend where you are going and when you intend to come back. If you are lost or injured in the wilderness and no one knows about it, you run the risk of not being found until its too late.
My wife and I recently moved from a townhouse in the city to a rustic cabin in the woods. A few of our friends were skeptical about this “downgrade” because our new home lacks the square-footage and desirable urban location of our old one. But they fail to consider the huge swath of property that came along with the new residence. I’m already doing some amateur surveying in preparation for some ambitious additions.
The first few times I surveyed the land, I almost got lost. It’s tough to find distinctive landmarks in a densely wooded forest. Luckily, my wife got me a handheld GPS unit to take with me in case I lose my way. It also comes in handy for informal mapping. I can easily tell where the property begins and ends, which has expedited the surveying process tremendously.