Welcome to the month of May and whatever weather it brings. One thing I have been receiving warnings on is about the insects that are coming out in abundance in this coming month. Some are already out so what can we expect according to the experts:
Ticks, all sizes, all shapes so be sure and check yourself during and after hikes and even at home as they are abundant this year. Use Deet bug spray to prevent them and or put pants legs into socks so they cannot get under the clothes.
Mosquitoes, lovely little things that bug us to death, Bug spray is a must on a lot of hikes now and also a sheet of Bounce put in your pocket is supposed to help, not sure but worth a try.
Chiggers: could not find a picture but are very minute, red and bite. They are found in high grass and like to roost around and under tight objects such as socks and under wear bands. They itch, oh yeah and the only thing that will kill them is soap and hot water. Chiggers do not like humans and are only on one by mistake. Also if you have bites do not scratch as that makes it worse.
The reason the bite itches so intensely and for such a long time is that the chigger injects saliva into its victim after attaching to the skin. This saliva contains a powerful digestive enzyme that literally dissolves the skin cells it contacts. It is this liquefied tissue, never blood that the chigger ingests and uses for food. Ugh they are also first cousins to ticks.
So the moral of the story is use bug spray at all times in the warmer months with a high % of Deet. A must (bug spray) in the pack for short or long hikes.
Caroline has added some interesting events going on around town on the calendar. These are not official events just some things of interest you may want to check out on your own or with some friends.
Caroline has also posted some new and interesting hikes around town during the evening hours; check them out as they sound very interesting. The one with the movie at FallsPark is a great movie and interesting walk.
Thursday hikes will start again on June 21st whether the remodel is complete or not, I need to get back outdoors. Really miss those hikes.
Recipes:
Shepherd's Pie
Packet One:
- 1 1/3 cups dried ground beef
- ½ cup dried onion
- ½ cup dried carrots
- And/or other type of dried vegetables such as corn, peas or mushrooms
Packet Two:
- 1 1/3 cups dehydrated potato flakes
- 2 tablespoons dry milk
- 1 tablespoon butter buds, optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: put all ingredients’ except mashed potatoes in one bag, in camp add enough water to cover an inch above the dried ingredients, put in cozy, wait 5 minutes until rehydrated and then add mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes will soak up remaining water. This serves 4 people or 3 hungry ones.
Business Issues:
Please make sure you chip in and pay the driver of the vehicle gas money. Gas is coming down but still very expensive.
Backpacking is such a great way to see the back country and I have included a list to help those interested in getting started. This is just a basic list and you can add or take away as you do it more often and find out what you like.
What to take backpacking.
You really do not need as much as you think.
These are basic items only and you need to adjust to your needs,
Shelter:
Three season tent with rainfly and footprint, poles and stakes.
Three-season down or synthetic sleeping bag or in the hotter months a fleece blanket
Foam or inflatable sleeping pad, watch weight
Kitchen gear: you can use some ones else’s stove until you get one of your own (just make sure you ask so they can bring enough fuel or you can bring a can of fuel).
Backpacking stove with fuel
Cook kit (one pot/pan with lid)
Mess kit (spoon for fork, knife, plate if you do not want to eat out of the pot.)
Water bottle and hydration bladder
Mug
Butane lighter and waterproof matches
Water filter or chemical treatment (you can borrow on until you get one of your own)
Food
Snacks
Clothing:
Hiking boots or trail shoes
Camp shoes or sandals (optional)
Wool or synthetic socks (one pair to wear, one clean pair and one dry pair)
Synthetic underwear one to wear, one dry one
Synthetic shorts or trekking pants (one to wear, one dry one)
Synthetic t-shirt (one to wear, one dry one)
Rain jacket or windproof shell
Insulating fleece or long sleeve top
Bandana
Sunglasses
Rain pant (optional)
Wool or fleece hat (depends on where camping and temps)’
Fleece or wool sweater (depends on where camping and temps)
Camp gear:
Multitool or knife
Headlamp with extra batteries
Whistle
Signal mirror
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Microfiber pack towel
Duct tape (wrapped around water bottle)
Bear-bagging rope and stuff sack
Toilet paper and plastic trowel
Trekking poles (optional)
First Aid Kit:
Adhesive bandages” butterfly and rectangular (just a few)
Sterile gauze pads, a couple
Wound closure strips
Adhesive tape, small roll
Painkillers (Advil, Aleve or Motrin)
Benadryl (at least 6)
Antidiarrhea medicine a couple
Moleskin or 2nd skin
Antibiotic ointment
Baby wipes
Epi pen (optional) if allergic to bees or fire ants it is not an option, must bring.
Any daily medication one takes plus an extra day’s worth.