(by 5 people)
Most outdoor trips have a successful outcome. However, there's no guarantee that's the case, and Mother Nature can be very unforgiving if you aren't properly prepared and equipped. This lens provides some links to lots of useful information to help you have a safe and enjoyable trip on your next outdoor adventure.
During my 30 years as a national park ranger, I encountered literally thousands of visitors - some of them in pretty bizarre situations! I hope you'll take the time to ensure that you're properly prepared and informed before your next outdoor trip, so you don't find yourself the unwelcome subject of a story on the evening news - or in my next book!
If you want some good examples of the lighter side of outdoor miscues, you'll find them in the two books described in the lens Hey Ranger!
(Drawing courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park)
Here are some links with practical outdoor safety tips.
You don't want your outdoor trip to end up like the photo below, so check out the following information. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard.)
- Outdoor safety tips
- Links to a number of National Park Service sites with tips for safe enjoyment of a wide range of activities.
- Wildlife safety
Lions and bears - but no tigers! Links to several sites with suggestions about how to handle an encounter with a bear or a mountain lion in the wild.
- Essential Information for children
"Lost and Found-Safe and Sound" is designed to show children, ages 4-12, what to do if they become lost in remote areas such as parks or forests. Produced by the non-profit Association of National Park Rangers, this award-winning program is available at a very reasonable cost in DVD, VHS or CD-ROM format.
- U. S. Forest Service tips
A number of excellent safety tips for activities in the Great Outdoors from the
U. S. Forest Service.- Colorado Mountain Club
Some great safety tips from the Colorado Mountain Club.
- Boating Safety
U. S. Coast Guard site with lots of tips for safe boating.
- National Weather Service
Many people get into difficulty on an outdoor excursion simply because they were unprepared for the weather. This link will let you check the official National Weather Service forecast for any part of the U.S.
- Learn About Bears
A great lens on Squidoo with lots of information about bears.
- Lightning Safety
Lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service.
- Be Bear Aware, Grizzly Bears, Black and Brown Bears, Polar Bears
A link with outstanding information about bears, from the non-profit group Center for Wildlife Information.
The following books are available on Amazon.com
Hey Ranger!: True Tales of Humor & Misadventure from America's National Parks
Includes practical safety tips as well as plenty of fun, real-life examples of what not to do in the Great Outdoors.
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills
One of the classics in outdoor lore for those interested in mountaineering.
Some suggested items for any outdoor trip from Amazon.com
Here are examples of some of the "ten essentials" you should take along on any outdoor activity.
Streamlight 61101 Clipmate 3-LED Ultra Bright Headlamp
Compact light comes with head strap and neck lanyard. Weighs 2.4 ounces with three AAA alkaline batteries. Don't forget extra batteries.
Amazon Price: $19.16 (as of 10/13/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Heatsheets Survival Blanket
This is a very lightweight item - easy to carry but not extremely durable. It can help keep you warm and dry if you're stranded and waiting for help.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
Safe Signal Mirror (1 mirror)
Batteries not included - because none are needed! Good way to attract attention if you need help.
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 10/13/2008)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter
Those crystal clear streams in the wilderness aren't usually safe to drink. If you're stranded, safe water is much more critical than food for your survival.
Amazon Price: $74.95 (as of 10/13/2008)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Here are some additional lenses that may be of interest.
The National Parks and Monuments lens was selected as the "Lens of the Day" on January 31, 2007, and was voted the "#1 best content lens in the "People's Choice By Invitation Only contest" for February 2007. Thanks, Squidoo!-
National Parks and Monuments
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This lens provides links to detailed information about national park service sites to help you plan a trip, learn more about these special areas, and keep you informed about what you can do to help ensure that they will continue to be protected for f...
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Car Camping
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Hi there! I'm glad to see you want to have a camping adventure. When traveling with the car fully loaded in more ways than one, having a good attitude and reasonable expectations is a great way to hit the campgrounds. This is your time...
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Park Ranger Books
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Almost everyone who enjoys the out-of-doors has probably wished at one time or another that he or she could be a park ranger. It is a great career, but I can verify from personal experience that like any other, it does have its moments! Read abo...
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Bear Attacks! Tips to Help You Avoid or Survive One
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Some of the best spots in North America for outdoor recreation are also home to bears, and the chance to safely see a bear in the wild can be an incredible experience. These large animals can be dangerous and certainly deserve caution and respect, bu...
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Alaska in a week - or two!
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Hold your fire, Alaskans! Yep, I know it's not possible see even a fraction of all Alaska has to offer in a lifetime, much less in a week or two. Unfortunately, many people's schedules and budgets only allow for a short visit, so this lens will offer...
Here are a few photos of great spots for outdoor adventures. Just enjoy them safely!
To see a larger version on any of the photos, just click on the "thumbnail" image below.
S 1503 Bear grass fl...
Grand Canyon sunset
Two medicine lake Gl...
Grand Canyon winter
N 1500c Glacier Lil...
Willow Beach sunset,...
Canyon de Chelly
View between Palmer...
griz and cub Denali...
Mountain goat Glacie...
Prudent legal disclaimer
- OK, I guess these days I have to say it. This lens provides links to some sites with suggestions about how to have a safer trip to the Great Outdoors, and some useful books on the subject. However, none of this information will guarantee you a risk-free trip or activity, and the above lists are far from comprehensive. Just keep in mind that reading a book, watching a video or surfing the web is no substitute for the right gear, experience and know-how and good judgment. Since I won't be along on your trip, I'll have to disclaim any legal responsibility for the outcome. So, go have fun out there, but do so safely!
What do you think? Sign my guestbook or make a comment.
I'd enjoy hearing your comments about outdoor safety or this lens.
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catchquests
i just started squidoo yesterday and im here to get word out for the up and coming site, catchquest.com - u can check out my lens for more info ;) thanks in advance and hope to see you there. ;) Posted February 09, 2008 |
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flicker
Nice lens! I like the photos. If you'd like, come visit my lens about Black Bears. Posted November 08, 2007 |
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MyrthaChang
Hi Jim, Posted May 04, 2007 |
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heipet
Hi JimB, great summer lens! I have started a new group: SUMMER! Come and submit your lens. It will be an asset to the group! http://www.squidoo.com/groups/summer Posted April 29, 2007 |
