23ac Outdoor Life

July 21, 2008

Why Backpacking?

by Joseph Then

Let me ask you a simple question. Have you ever thought of backpacking? Well, if you have been thinking of the adventure and fun you will have while backpacking, then you are at the right place. This article will offer tell you why you should backpack.

Backpacking is a low cost travel. Backpackers often travel to a lot of places and they budget their amount of money used for travel. So, if you think you are up for it go ahead and start packing for your trip.

You do not want to travel because no one wants to follow you? Well, don’t worry. You can go on your own. Let me tell you why.

One thing for sure; you won’t be alone for long. When you travel alone it does not mean it has to be a lonely trip. Here is the first tip on making friends while traveling.

The best tips I can offer you; the easiest way to make friends is to get involved in activities. Join a group of people to scuba dive. I am sure you’ll make friends there. Alternatively, simply strike up a conversation in the hostel. Make sure you do it with a smile. You can say something simple like ‘Hey guys I am on my own. Mind if I join you?’ Sounds very simple, right?

Another reason to go backpacking is because you need to cut loose from your life. Traveling on your own lets you literally leave everything behind - work, family and friends.

Well, if you have a serious relationship and you think that you need a break, you should take a time out and go backpacking. Another alternative is to set ground rules before setting off.

Backpacking alone is a great step for first timers to take. If you don’t want to get lost I think that you should know what you are doing.

You should do some read ups and research before going on your journey. Having a limited amount of money can be difficult but if you learn how to manage your money well, you should be fine.

Dealing with different environments can be difficult but I assure you that while backpacking it may be hard for the first week but you will get the hang of it. Taking care of yourself and also learn from the new environment can be surprisingly easy.

It always helps to carry a guide book around so that you can figure your way around. Well, if you are thinking that ou will get home sick trust me, the first week will be difficult but after that, you’ll be enjoying your adventure.

The last reason why you should go backpacking is because you will be able to bring a new perspective with you when you get home.

How? You should try to participate in as much activities as you can while you are in another country. And the last tip I can give you is that you should learn as much as you can about the culture of the people in the country.

Now that you are armed with this knowledge, I am sure you will be confident enough to set off into this learning experience on your own.

About the Author:
July 20, 2008

Camper Van Extras

by John Douglas

Recreational vehicles often come with just the basic facilities to serve your needs. If you want to purchase or hire a motorhome or camper van, you may wish to consider what optional extras could help you enjoy a more comfortable journey. Many first timers are often swayed by the external looks of a camper, that they forget about what facilities they actually require and end up paying a lot extra later on. Optional extras are often cheaper when taken at the time of a new van purchase.

When choosing a RV to rent or buy, its a good idea to consider the size of the camper or motorhome with regards to the size of your family. Young children take up a lot less space than a few teenagers. Size is just one of several factors to take into account as well as whether you wish to hire or purchase a relatively new or used vehicle.

Consider some of the available optional extras in the next few paragraphs and deciding whether these are an absolute must for you now, could save you money in the long term. New or used, buying or renting choosing the right mix of extras can make all the difference to a long road trip.

Most camper vans usually have up to eight seats, but only four beds. There is usually one large double bed together with two or three single ones for children. However, before buying any camper van, take a careful look at all the available designs and see which ones are large enough for your needs. Also try to strike an even balance between quality and price. You do get what you pay for, but there are many bargains to be found in both the new and the second hand market.

After the sleeping arrangments, the next thing you should check is the living area and kitchen. Among the best facilities, some of which are only optional, we could include air conditioners, microwaves, water heaters, furnaces, not to mention TV and sound systems. Solar panels are one other great additional element, that meets both ecological and comfort purposes. Moreover, if you want to personalize your camper van, there are many companies that offer customizing services. Thus, you can decide for yourself the colour of the upholstery, whether its leather or fabric and even down to what floor covering is used.

A comfortable drivers seat is a must for those long journeys and many prefer the feel of a quality leather seat. Storage is at a premium on most campers and that is why you will find many extra storage options. Some of the larger ones even have a cooler for drinks with drain holes in case of spillage. Some vans offer small compartments in the floor that are ideal for smaller item storage.

Quite often simple looking designs, with as little decorations as possible not only make the camper van interior look roomy, but can also be very stylish and elegant. Some more facilities you may want to include are electric flush toilets and even a built in shower. However, as always remember the guiding principles for all such improvements is to keep it space efficient, comfortable and functional. The last thing you want to do is to fill up your camper van with so many extras, that there’s little room left for comfort.

About the Author:
July 19, 2008

Discover the Charm of the Lake Hubbard Fishing Resort

by Jon Clouse

There are many reasons why people love Lake Hubbard fishing resort. Those reasons include the different fishing trips, the professional guides, the different places to fish, and more.

The Lake Hubbard fishing resort offers the ideal getaway if you are planning on a fishing trip. You may well find yourself thinking of it as the best idea you’ve ever had, at least as far as fishing trips go. You can’t do it all in one trip since there is simply so much there- but of course, you can always come back. It’s always a great fishing trip at the Lake Hubbard fishing resort.

There are a ton of different fish when you go to Lake Hubbard fishing resort. These fish include freshwater fish like salmon and rainbow trout. You can also find saltwater fish like the blue marlin and sailfish. You will be amazed at the different types of fish you will catch on this fishing trip.

There are many different fishing trips for you to take here at the Lake Hubbard fishing resort, from afternoon trips to weekend trips. These are all arranged by our expert guides who can make sure that you get exactly what you want out of your fishing trip. You can hone your skills while having a great time fishing.

The Lake Hibbard fishing resort is known as one of the world’s best places for every kind of fishing. Whether you want to go on freshwater lakes or rivers, saltwater or deep sea settings, Lake Hubbard has it all.

You can also go out in the salt water and oceans if you are looking for the big fish. You will catch some of the largest and most outstanding fish you have ever seen. Isn’t it time that you caught your trophy fish?

The Lake Hubbard fishing resort also has professional guides who can come along on your fishing trips. You can rent boats and bring along one of our expert guides to show you all the best spots for that prize winning catch. These experts know the best baits to use and can guide you through the enormous fishing grounds offered at Lake Hubbard - our guides know the area inside and out and can make your fishing trips easier. It’s always a good idea to have a professional along and our guides know everything you need to know to make the most of your experience at the Lake Hubbard fishing resort.

The Lake Hubbard fishing resort is the perfect spot for your next fishing trip. With lakes, rivers and the ocean to choose from, every trip is an entirely different adventure. You can catch that perfect trophy fish, but even if you run across “the one that got away” one thing is certain: you’ll have great stories to tell and great memories which will last a lifetime. Best of all, you can go back anytime - the Lake Hubbard fishing resort is well known to fishers all over the world as the perfect place to go to have an ideal fishing trip.

About the Author:
July 19, 2008

A Splendid Variety of Bass Fishing Lures Await the Avid Fisherman

by Craig Petersen

From the east coast of the United States to the west coast, sport fishing for bass is one of the most enjoyed summertime sporting events. Professionals and amateurs enter tournaments as well as simply having a bass fishing weekend or go on daily trips to a favorite lake.

Bass fishing is an art as well as a significant sporting event. For success, it is critical to be able to select the correct bass fishing baits based on the fish’s seasonal movements, behavior, water conditions and temperature.

There are plenty of freshwater bass fishing lures that are customarily used in places where bass are known to concentrate. The many kinds of bass include small and large-mouthed bass, peacock, spotted, stripped and white bass. Each one of these types is approached by using a different size and style of lure. Bass fishing lures often include the following:

Swimbaits - these bass fishing lures are sectioned and streamlined in order to closely approximate the movement of a minnow when swimming. Usually, they possess coloration such as the fish used for bait in the area; and, for most bass fishing, the shad colors are very often appreciated. The swimbait offers options. It can have a single hook, a treble hook or a series of hooks.

Crankbait - these bass fishing lures may be used at any water depth including deep, mid-level, or very close to the surface. Crankbaits may possess a lip or can be lipless, depending on the depth at which they are used and the action that the fisherman desires to get from it. Crankbaits are usually shaped like thick minnows and they cause the fish to become attracted when they move through the water while the lure is being “cranked” or reeled in.

Crankbait - these bass fishing lures may be used at any water depth including deep, mid-level, or very close to the top. Crankbaits come with or without a lip, which is dependent on the depth at which they are used and the action that the fisherman desires to get from them. Crankbaits are most often shaped to resemble thick minnows and they attract fish when they move through the water while the lure is being reeled in.

Jerkbaits - these are also shaped like minnows, but they are usually heavier than swimbaits. However, the jerkbait is not designed for smooth retrieval as the other lures are. Instead, they move irregularly and act as an injured bait fish would when swimming.

Additionally, bass fishing baits may include live bait fish, worms, and trolling baits. More often than not, the bass fishing lures will be brightly colored for fishing in the deeper waters and bright conditions and more naturally colored when fishing in the shallow and cloudier water found close to shore.

About the Author:
July 18, 2008

The truth about natural insect repellent

by Joseph Symond

Bug season is upon us once again, and I felt it timely to comment on the growing number of supposedly ‘natural’ insect repelling products that seem to be popping up everywhere we look.

As a consumer, you will see many advertisements for natural repellents, and must be aware that there are many “marketing” companies looking for any way via which to squeeze your valuable dollar from you. They have no business being in the world of insect repellents, but due to the value of the market (approximately $1 billion in the USA alone), they cannot resist expanding their core business (which is usually consumer products, air fresheners or cleaning supplies) to now include repellents in an attempt to swindle a share of this valuable market.

US VS. THEM

GERANIOL: In 1999, the University of Florida (Gainesville) developed a “naturally derived” formula for repelling mosquitoes called “Geraniol”. It is a derivative of the Geranium flower and, when applied to the skin in its liquid form (exactly like DEET), was proven to repel mosquitoes for up to 4 hours. Geraniol is manufactured synthetically in a laboratory to avoid the high cost of extracting the 100% natural ingredient from the flower itself and to ensure that it is perfectly replicated each time. This eventually leads to “immunity” built up by mosquitoes as they commonly become immune to “man-made” repellents and pesticides in 3 to 4 life cycles.

Geraniol also has a terrible smell associated with it and, as a result of growing complaints from consumers, additional ingredients such as mint or citronella are often added to Geraniol products to mask the pungent Geraniol scent.

Today, as more and more consumers seek out natural products to protect themselves, their families and their pets from the threat of disease carrying insects, a number of “marketing” companies have entered into agreements with the University of Florida to use Geraniol as the foundation of their range of “natural”insect repellents.

Despite the fact that Geraniol has only been tested to work in liquid form for up to 4 hours, these companies are selling 120 hour wristbands, patches, candles, tablecloths and more using Geraniol (with mint or citronella to mask the odor) and claiming that these products work to repel mosquitoes and other insects. You will see these products heavily marketed on television and elsewhere, but never in mainstream retail stores (i.e. Wal-Mart) where the guarantee of high returns from unsatisfied customers is too risky.

Don’t be misled.

BUG BAM: Personally developed by Joseph M. Symond first in 1998 and then reformulated in 2005, the Bug Bam formula is truly 100% natural, using only 100% natural essential oils. Joseph personally worked with perfumers, scientists and others to develop the perfect combination of efficacy and appealing scent. As a result,the Bug Bam formula has been scientifically proven time and again (by the top laboratories in both Australia and the USA) to work in both liquid AND solid forms, making it THE most effective natural repellent available on the market today. Not only does it work, but it is safe for all ages, lasts for up to 100 hours and smells GREAT by comparison to anything else on the market.

Playing on the fact that masking our scent from flying, biting insects keeps them away, Bug Bam’s formula in liquid OR solid form releases a (pleasant) scent that is strong enough to hide the user from mosquitoes and other flying, biting insects. And because the Bug Bam formula actually does come from “live” plants and not a lab, every batch we make has a slight difference to the last due to soil, air, water and climate changes before harvesting. This makes it very hard if not impossible for mosquitoes to adapt to.

Bug Bam is THE ONLY company in the world that can boast a scientifically tested and proven range of 100% natural indoor and outdoor repellent products that are safe, effective and do not require sprays, batteries, smoke, flames, butane or a power source of any kind.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Play it smart. Protect yourself from more than just bugs and ask for evidence supporting a products efficacy. If a company is selling a repellent wristband, candle, fan, patch, tablecloth or other item, ask them for testing data that supports their formula working in THAT product. And ask if this is their core business. If all they can provide you with is an outdated lab report or data showing that (someone else) formula works in a liquid or spray form only, and they are asking you to buy their product using that formula in a solid form (such as a wristband), TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE and purchase something that has actually been proven to work!

We pride ourselves on the fact that BUGS ARE OUR BUSINESS 24/7. Bug Bam is all we do and it is not a side business for us. Because of companies offering inferior products, Bug Bam has been forced to prove itself time and time again and, despite the great expense of doing so, our products come through with flying colors.

It is important for us to be honest and factual to you, the consumer, if we expect to gain your business and, most importantly your trust. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family, and you want to use something TRULY natural and effective, try BUG BAM!. Because Mosquitoes Suck

About the Author: