It’s so much fun to see God’s critters in action. Whether it be backyard bird watching or watching frogs in a pond, both can bring an inner peace to the soul and furnish a way to connect to Mother Nature.

By introducing one or two of the essentials listed below, you’re likely to tempt a few more “friends” to your neck of the woods. Soon you’ll find yourself wandering about the flower bed looking for familiar faces and you’ll be so excited about your repeat visitors! You’ll recognize your new friends as individuals and you’ll look forward to their visits.

Not all of the suggestions need to be followed to tempt new friends. But, the more attractive the flower bed, the more visitors you’ll receive.

1) Plant A Butterfly Flower Bed
The best way to determine which butterfly tempting plants will do best in your flower bed is to visit your local nursery. Of course, you can do the search online, but it’s always nice to go on a “field trip” to your local nursery so you can actually see, smell and feel the plants in person.

To tempt the greatest number of butterflies to your flower bed, according to the National Wildlife Federation website, you’ll need to plant several types of plants for your butterfly friends. They will need plants to lay eggs, food plants for the larva (caterpillar), a place to form a chrysalis, and nectar sources for the adult. You may also consider adding a butterfly feeder to furnish a much needed drinking oasis.

2) Hang Hummingbird Feeders
A great way to draw in hummingbirds to your garden is simply to hang feeders for humming birds. As long as you’ll be looking at the hummingbird feeder as well, hang one that is not only eye catching to the hummingbirds, but one that makes you smile too.

Watch for a feeder that has a red (or pink) flower - NO YELLOW! Red is the hummingbird’s preferred color. Yellow draw ins bees and wasps which will right away take over the feeder and send your feathered friends packing.

As long as bees are of help to your garden, you might think about hanging a feeder for them as well. The least expensive way to provide humming bird nectar is to make your own. Why not whip up a 2:1 ratio of nectar for the bees and fill up a feeder especially for them as well? They’ll find it much more attractive and savory then the 4:1 ratio that the hummingbirds prefer and they’re more likely to leave the little hummies’ feeder alone.

To make the hummingbird nectar yourself, simply use one part ordinary white cane sugar to four parts water. You can use a canning jar to mix (just shake ’til disolved), then store, the leftover nectar. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

3) Add A Bird Bath or Bird Fountain to Your Flower Bed
All critters need water to keep alive. Birds not only need water to stay hydrated, but it also helps them to keep their feathers clean and their natural oils distributed which helps insulate their bodies from the brisk weather.

To draw in the most birds, it’s probably best to include a bird fountain to your garden as birds are attracted to moving water. If it’s not possible to include a fountain, then a simple bird bath will suffice.

4) Include A Bird Feeder or Spread Bird Seed
Buying bird seed is probably the easiest way to draw in birds to your backyard. It’s readily within reach at most home improvement stores, pet shops, and even certain grocery stores. You can also order it on the internet! To determine which bird seed is best for tempting your native birds, you can search on the internet simply by typing the words “bird seed” into your search engine.

5) Install a Pond
Maybe not so easy, but quite rewarding. By installing a backyard lagoon, your opening a door to a whole new world of wildlife into your backyard. You can host frogs, turtles, fish, dragonflies, … The list is nearly limitless!

6) Buy A Bird Box or Bat House
In today’s world, nesting sites can be at a premium. By adding a bird box or bat house, you’re not only welcoming your new friends to stop by, but you’re inviting them to make your home their home.

And you may ask, “Why would I welcome bats to share my home?” Did you hear that 70% of the world’s bats feast on insects? One bat can gulp down up to 3,000 insects in a night. Think of all the pesky mosquitoes that are eradicated in one evening by our bat friends!

And lastly, ..

7) Do Not Use Pesticides
Please do not use pesticides. This cannot be emphasized enough! Their use should be avoided whenever possible. By using pesticides to curtail one offensive vermin species, the chemical can have damaging effects on many other friendly ones. If you must curtail an unwanted pest, try to do it by organic or holistic means.

Attracting wildlife to your garden is a satisfying way to give back to your wildlife community. And, concurrently, you’ll be giving yourself the opportunity to make new (wildlife) friends!

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Caribbean Costa Rica - Puerto Viejo Alive!

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica stretches 212 km from its border north with Nicaragua south to Panama, and is home to some of the most magnificent national parks in the country. Cahuita National Park is located between Cahuita and Puerto Vargas, Tortuguero National Park in the Northern Caribbean, and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is located between the towns of Manzanillo and Gandoca. The area offers something for everyone - be it nature, adventure, hikingor just the laid-back living of the Caribbean towns and the beaches.

Downtown Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo , located just south of Cahuita, boasts a rich, Afro-Caribbean influence. The vibrant town is home to people from all over the globe, and has an excellent choice of both local and international cuisine, art galleries, nightclubs and gift shops. The majority of people opt for bicycles as their main form of transportation. As the sun sets, the sound of reggae, calypso and reggeaton can be heard as the locals gather in small groups to enjoy a drink, conversation or even a game of dominoes outside of one of the liquor stores or bars.

The beaches to the south of Puerto Viejo are some of the best in the country, with Playa Cocles offering the only lifeguard tower on the coast - marking the safe areas to swim with green flags. The beach is also known as Beach Break, and has a good, consistent surf - perfect for surf lessons. A few kilometers down from Cocles is Playa Chiquita, which has many natural pools on secluded beaches protecting you from the currents. It is ideal for families and is home to a sizable expat community. Punta Uva is arguably the most gorgeous beach on the coast, if not the country, and has become very popular with the scuba diving world and with snorkelers exploring the various species of coral and fish found on the reef. The town at the end of the road is Manzanillo - a small Caribbean fishing village which lies at the entrance of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Adventure on the Caribbean

White water rafting on the Río Pacuare is an adventurer’s dream, with its class II-IV rapids and picturesque setting, surrounded by the thick, primary forest. The Río Pacuare is located half way between San Jose and Puerto Viejo in a town called Siquirres, and makes a great stop on your way to the Caribbean coast. The raft company offers transportation to and from the South Caribbean, San Jose and La Fortuna (Arenal).

The Canopy Tour is located just outside of Puerto Viejo in Bribri, stretching over 2560 meters of cable and is made up of 9 aerial platforms and 14 land platforms - with the most spectacular cable stretching 285 mts at a 80 mts altitude.

For sightseeing, you can enjoy a quad tour through the forested mountains of Talamanca as you maneuver over the natural terrain of the area towards the Río Carbón, where you can relax in the natural pools before making our way to the indigenous reserve.

Rio la Estrella Kayaking and Sloth Sanctuary is a combination of adventure and learning as you kayak through the class I rapids, surrounded by rain forest before visiting the Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Sanctuary to learn about the recovery project and interact with the sloths.

Puerto Viejo

Nature in the Caribbean

The lagoons of Tortuguero, mangroves of Gandoca, the mountains of Talamanca, waterfalls and the hundreds of species of marine and wildlife make this area of Cost Rica a paradise for nature lovers.

Overnight trips to Tortuguero leave daily from San Jose, La Fortuna and the South Caribbean and is the best area in Costa Rica to encounter wildlife due to its remote location the rain forest has been left untouched.
white faced capuchin

It is necessary to use a guide to snorkel in the Cahuita National Park. The law was enforced to stop people from eroding the reef and to protect the fragile coral. The reef is the largest on the Caribbean coast and marine life is plentiful. The park is full of wildlife along the well manicured trails. Some of the most visible are the white faced capuchins and the howler monkeys. A great way to see both sections of the park is to take the Snorkel and Hike Tour which involves a twenty minute boat ride to the reef, one hour of snorkeling and a hike from the point of Cahuita to the town of Cahuita.

The hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a little more adventurous. The trail has been well kept and flows up and down the terrain between the lookout points, then down to secluded beaches and then into the deep jungle as the trail follows the coast down towards Gandoca. The Bushmaster, our local Bronze Badge guide, leads a guided hike daily, explaining the flora and fauna you pass along the trail, and educating you on the various forms of wildlife and their habitat.

To get to the lagoon and the only mangrove on the coast, you can take a boat down to the Gandoca Lagoon from Manzanillo, where we take out the kayaks and paddle through the lagoon and its estuaries, observing nature and its most wild eco-system.
Puerto Viejo Buses

Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo Buses
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Salt Water Angling can be one of the activities that can help bring your family together. Salt Water Angling has no age limits and everyone will love it! It can be a way to bring together the generation gap in the family and a way to teach the kids about water safety, conservation and the environment.

One needs to have a boat to go angling. But it’s not mandatory to own a boat to go angling. There are angling trips called Charter trips and these trips usually provide you with all the equipment you need to go angling and so you don’t need to worry even if your little boy/girl does not have fishing gear of his/her own. These charter boats also have cabins, so those who don’t enjoy fishing can sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of the sea. You can either bring a packed lunch or you can cook your fish!

Make sure to teach the kids about the importance of being safe while fishing. Although there are chances that you get poked by a hook, salt water angling means you have to be far away from the shore, so make sure that everyone wears a lifejacket on board. Wearing whistles is also a good idea, just in case you happen to fall overboard. Before setting sail teach the kids basics of water safety so that everyone is safe while fishing.

Another thing that you should teach your children is the importance of protecting the environment. While angling, Be cautious as to where you put your garbage to keep it from blowing into the water. Make arrangements to dispose of your garbage accordingly when you get to the shore. Do not throw the garbage into the ocean. You could also teach your little ones about the breathing system of the fish by showing them the gills.

Fishing is fun whether you catch something or not. Make sure to buy your bait and tackle before leaving the shore. Bait will help you catch the fish of your choice. Bait consists of a leader, weight, swivel, bait and a hook. There are many kinds of bait and tackle that are available and you should choose the correct one for the type of fishing you wish to do.

Family togetherness is an important thing. Sometimes you may be too old to listen to certain music and sometimes you may be too young to play adult games but catching a fish is something that everyone can enjoy. Consider catching a fish as an option the next time you plan an outing with your family.

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There are three video game base available today that proclaim optimum play for each of their respective brands. The Nintendo Wii has been voted the best family-friendly video gaming base. The Microsoft Xbox 360 has been voted the best high-end gaming base, and the Sony Playstation 3 has been voted the best multimedia video game console. If you’re looking for a new video game base, you are probably thinking about which one will be the best option for you.

online video game rentals

Video Gaming Bliss

The Wii: The Nintendo Wii’s greatest accomplishment is its exclusive motion-sensitive remote controller. Designed to imitate a Television remote control to make it familiar to non-gamers, the Wiimote sports a “sensor bar” to link to the base. Acceleration Devices inside the Wiimote sense how you are grasping the device and how it is being handled. Gameplay is considered a physical activity since you’re using the Wiimote just like the article your entity is holding in a game. With video gaming favorites like MarioKart, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and more, the Wii is just right for a family or group.

The Xbox 360: There is an extraoridary figure of popular videos available to play on the Xbox 360, including many that are only meant for this particular game. The details are very well done on this base, improving gameplay. There have been a few hardware problems with this particular model, but Microsoft has been working tirelessly to restore them. The Xbox 360 is being sold in three varieties: The Xbox 360 Arcade is the least expensive and does not come with a hard drive. The Xbox 360 60 GB has a good sized hard drive as well as some preloaded games and demonstrations. The Xbox 360 Elite 120 GB increases the hard drive you receive with the middle version, but the price tag is rather high.

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The PS3: The Playstation 3 debuted a year after the Xbox 360, with few games to its credit. Currently, there are many gamess to choose from, the most remarkable exclusive titles being…Metal Gear, MLB 08: The Show and Resistance 2. The graphics are right up there with the Xbox 360, plus the PS3 boasts a Blu-Ray player.

Online Bliss

The Wii: On the World Wide Web, the Wii features Nintendo’s Wii Channels. Old video game faves can be downloaded for your pleasure. The Mii Channel lets you create your own Mii. Some new games, like MarioKart and Super Smash Brothers, let you to play on the internet versus other people throughout the the globe.

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The Xbox 360: The Xbox 360 uses “Xbox Live”, but now it is included into the dashboard. There is an annual fee if you want to participate in multiplayer games, which is identical to what it was for the old Xbox. The Live Arcade games are appropriately designed for your most ideal sized screen and you can select between older classic graphics or the more newly updated versions on many of them. The base can also be used to view movie rentals and TV programs.

The PS3: The Playstation Network has launched, giving PS3 players a complimentary source for downloadable videos games and multiplayer choices. Solid online play is available for titles like Warhawk, Call of Duty 4 and Unreal Tournament 3. Many new videos offer complimentary trials on the PSN so gamers can try them prior to buying the full game.

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Making use of compost has been described as the single most important process for a well maintained garden as it is a process that naturally returns all the good nutrients back into the soil. Quality compost can be made in the home entirely from natural ingredients from the garden and kitchen. Great ingredients for quality compost include bacteria, earthworms, crass cuttings, and fungi. Making your compost at home is environmentally friendly, reduces waste and overall produces an excellent organic and natural soil improver. If you compost at home then you will be delighted to know that 40% of actual household waste is from the kitchen and garden. Better than throwing this waste away to fill a landfill you can actually develop good compost for use in the garden.

By composting at home you don’t need to actually have to use fertilisers or soil improvers. Compost made at home is just as nutritious for the soil as readymade compost products. Composting at home can be created in a specially made compost bin or as a compost pile at the bottom of the garden. Whichever method is used it is essential that air is able to circulate as this is very important when developing your particularly in summer when it is warmer and dryer, always manipulate the compost just to allow air to circulate. A healthy should always have a wet look and if it seems dry you can add a little water to keep the developing compost moist.

Check online for all the latest helpful advice and techniques as well as information on the latest gardening products. There is plenty of garden information available on home composting, lawn maintenance and pruning. Whatever your garden problem, the solution is available through many websites. Whether you are an amateur gardener or a green fingered expert there is always something new to learn about the garden.

A well maintained garden is very dependant on how you maintain it. The best gardening support any gardening expert can offer to maintain a healthy garden is the use of well developed compost. Good quality composts help and nourish the soil to develop its condition ensuring all your plants grow healthy. But green fingered experts will also advice that home developed compost is even better to feed your garden as almost 40% of composting materials come from garden and kitchen waste.

Composting is a natural process of the breakdown of organic materials such as grass cuttings, twigs and kitchen waste including peelings, egg shells and tea leaves. Making our own compost involves a slow decomposition of these materials into a dark, rich and crumbly soil. The final product is a substance that will offer nutrition for your soil and plant growth as it replenishes nutrients and reduces erosion as well as feeding your plants and discouraging disease to set in. Once your compost is ready then you can use it to use in the garden, by placing a layer of compost around the base of all your plants you will introduce nutrients deep into the roots. As well as using compost in the soil it can also be mixed with untreated soil as a mixture that can be used in potting plants.

High quality composts are available in many different types and blends and if obtaining your compost from a shop always check for compost material that is of a dark and crumbly texture and a mild earth aroma. Although home compost will look different to compost bought from a garden centre it will do the same job.

If buying compost then it is advisable to seek advice from your local outlets before buying composts and fertilisers. Always follow guidelines when using any chemical based product in the garden.

For the heirloom organic seeds information - please visit this blog.

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Different methods for Hydroponics.
Comparing Hydroponics Techniques

Hydroponics
Growing using hydroponics indoors is rapidly becoming the popular choice of beginners and advanced gardeners alike. Hydroponics are so popular because any plant grown using the technique grows faster than its identical counterpart in normal soil.

That roots are supplied with a pre-mixed nutrient solution and to grow hydroponically means only to grow in a soil less medium. The gardener’s preference is the deciding factor between the passive hydropnics, flood and drain, drip or springs, deep water culture, or nutriet film methods of hydroponics. Every system has different benefits and drawbacks. By studying the different systems and techniques, you can customize your hydroponics system to fit your needs and resources available.

Growing hydroponically is easiest with passive hydroponics. The receptive plan of cultivation of plants by placing the roots in a medium is with a “self-watering” pot.
“Self-watering” pots do not actually water themselves. Capillary action is the magic behind this new plant pot which takes nutrients from a pre-mixed solution and puts them down into soil where the plant needs them most. Passive hydroponics may be grown in any environment and in any soil. Using soil is technically not hydroponics but rather terraponics.
Hydroponics
There are great advantages to using passive hydroponics to grow your plants. Growing in “self-watering” pots is the simplest way of growing hydroponically. These pots do no have any moving parts. That means you won’t have to be worried about it breaking down or getting stopped up. Whenever the growing medium dries out,the gardener only must refill the reservoir or top-water the plant. This method is becoming a favourite with orchid growers as it mimics the conditions orchid roots prefer in nature.

There is however, a downside to growing using passive hydroponics. Even in hydroponics, plants can suffer from being root-bound, stunting the plants growth. The main benefit if growing hydroponically is the unlimited root space available. To passive hydroponics,this benefit does not apply. This is why passive hydroponics is the least productive hydroponic method for growing.
The deep-water culture technique is next on the production scale of hydroponics. A growing tray containing plants fitted on top of a reservoir,this technique involves. The top tray is full of rockwool in baskets that is mixed into a coarser medium to help grow the plant. The reservoir is used so the roots of the plants can grow down into them. Stop watering the plant when the water in the reservoir hits the bottom of the baskets holding your plants. This will force roots into the water in the soil to look for its necessary nutrients. The water needs to aerated by using air-stones.
Hydroponic Nutrients

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There are several important factors that come into play while you decide about buying the perfect hiking gear for your specific needs. You need to consider whether it’ll be a short duration hiking trip or a longer, well-organized hiking trip involving sleeping and outdoor eating, already taken care of by the organizers. Your purchase of the hiking gear will greatly depend on such factors and in case the trip is not organized by an external organization, you might have plenty of work on your hand.

To start with the process of identifying all the items that you’ll require for the hiking trip, it is important that you get your hiking partner (if any) involved in the planning process. No matter what distance you may be planning to go, if planned wisely and the load divided well, it can be a very smooth experience. It is also important that you keep your baggage as minimum as possible since you’ll be hiking along with it.

The primary object that deserves deliberation is the pack itself. You’ll find many stores and even a few military surplus stores where you can lay your hands on some inexpensive used hiking gear in excellent condition. An ideal hiking pack will be around four thousand cubic inches, not taking into account any extra baggage such as photography equipments, hunting or fishing equipments etc. Before settling down on your final choice of hiking gear, give considerable thought to its functionality, efficiency and weight as well.

If your hiking trail would involve stopovers at night, you might be required to carry a tent along, unless you fancy sleeping in the open, under star-lit skies. You’ll have to determine whether it’ll be two people in one tent or two people in two tents. Tents are normally available four to five pounds in weight and are the ideal choice for cold and rainy terrains.

Sleeping bag is the other thing in your hiking gear whose purchase will need some brainstorming. The ideal choice of a sleeping bag is dependent on the climatic conditions of the place that you plan to go on hiking. Generally, sleeping bags are available in weights of two ounces to one pound, packable into a size of a softball. You may either go with a very light weight sleeping bag for warmer climates or some sophisticated variety of cold-resistant sleeping bags that are capable to keep you warm even in minus thirty degree temperatures.

Coming to the eats, it’s best to carry ready to eat meals similar to the army that can be easily heated with the help of a small can of Sterno. In case you plan to go fishing, hunting or foraging during your hiking expedition, it is best to carry along hiking specific lightweight utensils for cooking.

Last but not the least, the clothing like your tent and sleeping bags will largely depend on the climatic conditions of the hiking terrain. For summers it is ideal to pack in a lot of socks (since wet socks very often result in blisters), comfortable boots, outerwear and other accessories. For cold conditions, especially the ones involving high altitude, you’ll require light nylon shorts, warm gloves, long underwear, fleece jackets, hats, lightweight rainproof layer and other specific accessories for your personal needs.

Other important accessories that can be carried along as well are tools/knives, compass, headlamp, sunscreen, first-aid kit and sunscreen.

Healthy recreation is a great boost to your organism, but this is not the ultimate one - read about boosting immune system on this blog.

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So you want to go on a hike in the woods but your not sure how to keep from injuring yourself, or worse, keep from being from eaten alive by those pesky ticks and mosquitoes. Well, considering the time of year, there are just some things you are just going to have to deal with, but don’t let those issues keep you from enjoying your hike. Here are some helpful tips to prepare you for your next journey through the woods of Southern Indiana.

(Insect Repellent) - No surprise here.

Mosquitoes, ever heard of them? Around here, they are big, they are mean, and they are plentiful. Not to mention, they are stealthy, stubborn and annoying. Everyone hates that ever familiar sound of a mosquito buzzing around your head, It conjures up feelings of anxiety and, in some cases, sheer terror. I have actually fled an area before, just to avoid being their lunch. Most wooded areas stay moist during the warm months, making them the perfect habitat to breed mosquitoes. The first thing you will need to do is find a repellent that is right for you. There are many varieties of Repellent on the market, the most popular and most effective one contains a chemical called DEET, but there are other types of natural ingredient based repellents also. One common misconception about bug spray is that it is being absorbed into your blood stream, and poisoning your body. Trust me; everything you touch on a daily basis has the potential to make you deadly ill. There are probably more bacteria in your kitchen sink that are more likely to cause you harm, then any bug spray will. When used as directed, bug spray is no more harmful than any other product we apply to our skin on any given day. You just have to use your head, read the instructions thoroughly, and take into consideration things like, the length of time you are going to be outdoors, the time of year, etc. My repellent of choice is Deep Woods Off, I tend to stay out longer and sometimes hike into the evening hours, when mosquitoes are at their worst. Other considerations to keep in mind are as follows:

* Apply repellent lightly, heavy coverage does not provide you any more protection.
* Wash your hands before eating
* Do not spray the product on your face, spray it on your hands and wipe it on your face, keeping it away from your eyes and mouth.
* Check recommended usage for children. Do not let them apply it to themselves; children have a tendency to stick their hands in their mouths.
* Do not exceed the recommended usage.
* Try to keep from applying repellent to areas of broken skin or areas that have a rash.

(Footwear) - These boots are made for walking.

In most cases, there are wide varieties of situations that will dictate what types of footwear you will need on your hike. If you are just going on small nature trail that has primarily smooth or flat trails, then wear what is comfortable for you. If you plan on hiking on rough, rocky or elevated trails, you might want to consider boots.

What type of boots you purchase is totally up to you, just make sure they fit before you get out on the trail and find out the hard way. One reason I prefer boots is the uneven terrain that I have come across over the years. They give me the support and traction I need when I am coming down a hillside, or hiking on a rocky trail. If you have ever hiked in the fall, then you know that the leaves can cover some of the rocks and mud, making conditions perfect for a sprained or broken ankle.

(Rain gear) - Predict the unpredictable

Weather in Southern Indiana can change faster than you can lace you boots. It is the most helpless feeling being out in the woods when a storm pops up, especially if your miles from anywhere. One thing I have with me at all times is a poncho. They sell small ones that will fit right in your pocket. You can usually pick up a pack of two for about a dollar. Trust me; it could very well be the best investment you make in this area. Some people do not like ponchos and prefer to use an umbrella. To each their own, if you wish use an umbrella, then go right ahead. A poncho can be very uncomfortable for some people and they are very hot if you have to wear them for long periods of time. Just make sure you have something with you just in case the weather turns on you. Never underestimate Mother Nature in the Midwest, it can be sunny one minute and hell on earth the next. It does not hurt to be prepared.

(Camera) - Look at the view from up here.

A camera is something I never go hiking without, it is the one tool I have with me at all times. Besides, you are going on a hike to enjoy the natural beauty of the wilderness, aren’t you?

One of my favorite times to hike is in mid April, when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the under story greenery is enjoying the sun before the canopy fills in. Second, only to spring is fall, you just cannot beat the burning colors in Brown County. Whether you enjoy the winter, spring, summer or fall, Southern Indiana provides some of the most majestic backdrops for even the amateur photographer.

(Water) - cool, crisp, refreshing.

It really does not matter how long your hike is when water is concerned. You just cannot survive without it. One thing that I have realized is, no trail is an easy walk. If your not used to hiking, you will be surprised how fast you can become dehydrated. Sometimes the stimulus in the woods can distract you. The natural beauty of things can keep your mind occupied for hours. One thing people do not realize is how far they can walk when they are not thinking about walking. That is why it is a good idea to have water handy, preferably in a refillable bottle. As soon as your mind catches up with your feet, you are going to enjoy that bottle of water as if it is the last one on earth.

(G.O.R.P) - Good old raisins and peanuts

If you are planning on going on a longer hike, you may want to consider taking some kind of snack. It does not have to be raisins and peanuts, if you like chocolate, take some with you. I recommend M&M’s because they do not melt all over the place. You can also take Beef Jerky, granola bars, energy bars or dried fruit.

The sky is the limit. Just remember, it is not for lunch, these types of snacks are designed to be high in protein, carbohydrates and sugar. Their main purpose is to sustain your energy level as you are hiking. I like to call it “hiking fuel”. The options are endless, you can make your own trail mixes at home, if you prefer, or you can usually pick up some ready-made treats at any grocery store. If you like dried fruits or beef jerky, then you may want to invest in a food dehydrator. I recently received one as a gift, and it is worth it weight in gold.

(Hiking Stick) - Staying grounded

Hiking sticks or hiking poles, what ever you want to call them, are one of greatest assets to have on a hike. They have proven themselves worthy many times over for me. One of the best things about them is they are plentiful. As your walking along the trail, you are sure to find a limb lying around that will serve as a nice hiking stick. Have an old broom or mop? They make great hiking sticks as well. Hiking sticks can be made from just about anything you can think of. If money is no object, you may want to pick up a real set at your local outdoors shop, which is fine as well. One advantage to store bought poles is there adjustability to any person’s height; they are collapsible and are extremely lightweight. Many people use them for many different tasks on the trail, they help keep you balanced when you are crossing a stream, or crossing uneven terrain. They also reduce the muscular impact on your legs, back and feet. They help me to keep low-lying branches out of my face, and if it is an early morning, I will use it to clear the spider webs that cover the trail. I even have an attachment for my camera so I can use my hiking pole as a tripod. No matter how you use them, they are a necessary tool on any hike, should you choose to use one or two poles is totally up to you. Some people hate to use two poles, other live by it.

Well, there you have it; you are now ready to enjoy yourself on your next hiking trip. I could go on forever, but I have to get out there and enjoy nature for myself.

Southern Indiana Trails

Tim Tanguay is a local trail enthusiast, who loves the outdoors. He runs a website called Southern Indiana Trails which is devoted to educating people about wildlife Conservation.

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Brazil is one of the richest countries in the world. What helps fuel its economy, however, is this one other tiny thing. That they have been using Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee), a small berry fruit that’s mightier than blueberries, grapes, and apples has been Brazilians best kept secret that’s unknown to many. It’s in the wild river banks of the Great Amazon’s northern part that this super anti-oxidant fruit has been growing for centuries now. These native tribes survived all the ills brought about by civilization while all the rest of the indigenous tribes had vanished to eternity. What you should know is that they use acai in their traditional meals and mix it up with some organic seeds. This they said has a caffeine-like effect. It perks them up and gives them a sharp mind. In the same way, acai was found out by the world’s famous food experts and scientists to boost the system’s energy levels. That’s why acai health supplements and health drinks are now hot items among professional athletes and even body building enthusiasts.

Açaí, besides being a good source of carbohydrates and amino acids that help to shape up muscles and increase physical strength and endurance, is deemed the world’s super food for its unsurpassed high content of anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants are the bodies’ heroes that flush down harmful toxins and control radical cells from regenerating. Premature aging and cancers of any kind are caused by radical cells. Its regular users get an over-all effect from the tiny acai. Your skin will be supple and clean as an after-effect of having a toxin-free system when you take acai. Another part of the deal is your sexual health. Acai has all the essential vitamins K, E, D and A that taking it will increase libido and allows you a powerful performance. A heightened sense of being is also something acai can give. Preventing eye diseases as glaucoma and helping to maintain vision acuity are acai’s tasks.

Acai benefits are many to tell. First off, if the French prided themselves of having red wine as a good heart ailment buster, wait till they use acai. Having between 10 to 30 more anti-oxidant anthocyanin counts, it’s known to be better than red wine. Its protein content is known to be rich. Vegetable protein, which only nurtures good cholesterol and blocks off bad cholesterol from building up, is found in it.

Having all these qualities might keep you asking what this native berry tastes like as health drink. A chocolate-and-berry concoction that’s what it is like. You might just drink it with a lick.

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Are you interested in going on a fun filled hiking adventure? If you are, you are definitely not alone. In the United States, a large number of individuals enjoy hiking, often whenever they get the chance to do so.

Although there is a good chance that you may have gone hiking before, there is also a chance that this hiking adventure may be your first one. If that is the case, you may be wondering what you should bring along with you. If you are, you will want to continue reading on, as some common hiking gear pieces and hiking supplies are outlined below for your convenience.

Before examining some of the common pieces of hiking gear that you should bring with you on your hiking adventure, as well as other hiking supplies, it is important that you take the length of your adventure into consideration. If you are planning on camping overnight on a hiking trail or in a hiking park, you will need to have some additional supplies, like a camping tent, sleeping bag, and so forth. The above mentioned items can serve as a great starting point for you, but you may also want to think about creating your own hiking adventure checklist.

When it comes to hiking gear, one of the most important pieces of gear that you will come across are hiking boots or hiking shoes. Many individuals do not know that they should actually go hiking in boots or shoes that are designed for hiking. Unfortunately, many individuals set out on a hike in traditional sneakers or even sandals. Hiking shoes are not only comfortable, as they are designed for hiking trail terrain, but they can also be used as a safety tool. With strong support for your feet and your ankles, hiking shoes and boots can help reduce your risk of injury in the event of a slip or a small fall.

A hiking stick is another piece of hiking gear that you may want to think about buying or brining along with you. Hiking sticks can be purchased from sport stores, but hiking sticks can also be found by scavenging through your backyard. Hiking sticks are not only nice because they look neat, but they can also help you keep your balance. Also, in the event that you fall or have a hiking accident, your hiking stick can be used to bang against rocks or something else to help get the attention of rescue workers or passerby’s.

As for the clothing that you will want to wear on your next hiking adventure, it will depend where you are going hiking, for how long, and what the weather will be like. You are advised to thoroughly examine the weather forecast before leaving for your hiking trip. Even if the weather is expected to be nice, you may still want to bring a few warm clothes with you, as you should also be prepared for the unexpected. An extra change of clothes is also advised. If you are concerned with space, you may want to think about look into buying some of those space saving bags, which are perfect for hiking.

You will also want to make sure that you bring a selection of food, snacks, and drinks with you on your next hiking adventure. As for drinks, you will find that water is the best. As for the snacks, you will want to make sure that you bring snacks that are easy to eat, like small bags of trail mix, pretzels, or other easy to eat and transport snacks. If you will be hiking and camping at the same time, you want to make sure that you bring more than just snacks; you will also want to bring real food. You may want to think about making yourself a few sandwiches, as well as bringing along a few pieces of fruit.

Additional items that you will want to bring along with you on your next hiking adventure include a map of the hiking park or hiking trail in question, a compass, a cell phone, and a first aid kit. Of course, these items, in most cases, are optional, but they are items may make your next hiking adventure enjoyable, as well as safe.

Southern Indiana Trails.

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