• Subscribe to this RSS feed
  • Receive updates as soon as they are posted.

Understand The Hazards Of Mountain Climbing

July 4th , 2009 | | In: General


Mountains are a perennial favorite for group hikes and picnics because nowhere else can you be treated with spectacular views and exciting adventures. But with all their stunning beauty and potential for fun and enjoyment, mountains also pose hazards and dangers, many of which are hidden from view. To keep yourself safe and informed, here are some of them:

Mountain terrain Unless you’re a seasoned climber or are an experienced mountaineer, mountain terrain can be very confusing. For the untrained eye, it can be extremely difficult to find your way in or out especially if there is nothing out of the ordinary to use as a landmark. For somebody who’s unfamiliar with mountain terrain, every tree, fallen branch, log, tree stump, patch of grass or shrub will look exactly the same, making it easy for you to lose your way.

By itself, mountain terrain can be very hazardous. Rocks, caves and shrubs can hide dangerous wildlife and crevices can pose a danger to both life and limb.

Avalanche and rock falls In some mountain areas, avalanches are controlled by mountain patrols so there’s little risk of starting an avalanche or being caught in one. However, if you stray too far from area boundaries, you could encounter an avalanche and be swept away. While avalanches can occur at any time of the year, they are more common during winter and spring, when the ice begins to melt.

Rockfalls often occur when parts of the mountain are loosened during climbing. It can also occur after the melting of snow or an earthquake. Rockfalls are also common in rock mountains because of erosion.

Sudden weather changes Weather conditions in the mountains can be very hazardous to hikers and campers because they can change rapidly. A bright, sunny day when you start out can turn dark and nasty in the middle of your hike or climb. Summits and mountain tops are especially prone to storms because these areas attract clouds.

Sudden weather changes can also make hiking and moving more difficult and rain can cause mud patches and rocks to become slippery. During a snowstorm, whiteouts can make it extremely difficult for climbers to retrace their route. Without a compass, there is a danger of them getting lost.

Lightning Lightning is a mountain hazard especially during summer thunderstorms. Lightning is attracted to the highest point on the ground and climbers near or at the top of the mountain have a high risk of getting struck.

Sunburn This would probably be less of a problem if you are walking under a canopy of trees, but the risk of sunburn becomes real once you’ve reached higher elevations. Areas in the mountains with sparse trees and forest covering can expose you to ultraviolet light.

Bodies of water Streams and rivers may look safe, but they can be deeper than they seem. They can also be very cold, even during the summer months. In case you fall into them, you might expose yourself to the risk of hypothermia.

Streams and rivers may also flow swifter than you think. If you’re trying to cross and the water level reaches above your knees, there is a danger that you could get swept away. The depth and speed of the flow can also change quickly. After a rain storm or once the snow above the area begins to melt, a small stream can turn into a strong torrent of frigid water.

Falling There is always a danger of a climber falling due to a faulty handhold or foothold. A wrong estimate of the rock’s stability or firmness can cause a fall, so it’s important to know whether a particular area can carry the climber’s weight to avoid accidents.

Altitude Some climbers may develop altitude sickness, which usually happens when they ascend the mountain too fast. At higher points, there is less oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure, causing unpleasant sensations. Climbers who complain of nausea, lethargy, severe headache and body ache may be suffering from altitude sickness and need attention immediately.

At heights above 1,500 meters, climbers usually experience acclimatization, which is why climbers who scale mountain heights of higher elevations pack bottled oxygen to help them cope. If not, problems like HACE (high altitude cerebral edema), HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) and AMS (acute mountain sickness) can occur and these can be life threatening.

Mountain climbing is a very enjoyable sport or recreation, so it’s necessary to be aware of hazards that one may encounter during a mountain climbing trip. Be prepared, take safe routes and use common sense during a climb and never underestimate a mountain, no matter how familiar it has become to you.


Going Camping With Friends Or Family?

July 2nd , 2009 | | In: Camping


Welcome to www.gearfresh.com .Your online Shopping Guide for Outdoor camping gear , Rock climbing gear and many more. We advocate concession Values on Camping, Hiking, and Skiing Gear.

We focus on providing guidance in the hunt for excellence. We know how Great the Outdoor Experiences and Memories can be from a satisfactorily prepared and designed Camping Trip for Youths, Adults, and Families. We offer aid with cheap camping equipment to craft your Individual boondocks voyage or Family holiday booming and amusing.

We have all sort of Outdoor camping gear you may require for your Outdoor gratification. Take a gaze at our Camping Gear, Tents, Sleeping Bags, Backpacks, and Much more.

Our inimitable jumble of Discount Camping and Discount hiking gear provides you with grand reserves. Pick your desired Rock climbing gear and discount camping equipment from our huge range. Our collection includes equipment like Discount ski gear, Discount snowboard gear from Brand Names you know and trust.

We have all types of Discount hiking gear and outdoor camping gear to convince your requirements. We are devoted to providing our patrons with eminence commodities and safe Online Ordering.

We desire to commence ourselves as a Camping, & outdoor camping gear providing Company. Following years of occurrence in dealing with complete range of Camping, Trekking & Outdoor equipment, we started a company called Gear Fresh.

We have all sort of Discount hiking gear you may require for your Outdoor gratification. Take a gaze at our hiking gear, Camping Gear, Tents, Sleeping Bags, Backpacks, and Much more.

Our inimitable jumble of Discount Camping and Outdoor camping gear provides you with grand reserves. Pick your desired Rock climbing gear and , Discount hiking gear from our huge range. Our collection includes equipment like Discount ski gear, Discount snowboard gear from Brand Names you know and trust.


The Natural Wonders of Oman

July 2nd , 2009 | | In: General


Oman’s High Peaks

When on an Oman luxury holiday you may decide to hike up its highest peaks, a beautiful walk and an opportunity to see some of Oman’s natural scenery. Jabal Harim and Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar offer exceptional views from the top, and are in beautiful locations.

Jabal Harim is 2,087m, making it the highest peak in Musandam. Below the mountain, the local Omani people cultivate their crops, using the fertile soil in this lush region to make their livelihood. Views from the top are exceptional, with the foothills being covered in small settlements, and mountain dwellers growing their crops. In the springtime, the mountain becomes covered in wild flowers, and gladioli and irises line the mountainside. After a day out in nature you can return fulfilled to your luxury Oman hotel, having seen the sites from this high peak.

The highest peak in the Eastern Hajar mountains is the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, translated as the Green Mountain. As its name suggests, this area is rich in vegetation, with fruit trees, and flowers dotted in a continuous carpet of green shrubs. This is a particularly beautiful area to visit when on an Oman luxury holiday, and is well worth the hike to the top.

Farmers grow delicious fruit on its slopes, with peaches, apricots, pomegranates and cherries growing healthily on the steep inclines. In the springtime, roses are grown in abundance, their scents used to make rose water that is sold to fragrance houses. It’s also used in the brewing of Omani coffee, creating a delicious aroma, and making for some interesting coffee tasting on an Oman holiday.

Juniper trees also grow in the forest areas of the mountain. Elements of these trees can be used for headache and muscular pain. As you wander through the forest areas, you will also come across ancient settlements, and you can visit the stone hamlets of Dhan Al-Bisateen while on your Oman luxury holiday.

Escaping to the Island of Al Sawadi

Two kilometres off the coast of Barka sits Al Sawadi Island, a beautiful place to visit when on an Oman holiday. The island’s resort offers a range of water activities for you to engage in when on an Oman luxury holiday. You can spend your days diving in the tropical ocean waters, or view the marine life from above the water on a cruise. Alternatively you can get your adrenaline going and have a morning of water-skiing. The choice of activity is all yours, and after a day outdoors you will have the comfort of your luxury Oman hotel to return to.

The Turtle Nature Reserves

One of the most fascinating sights to behold on an Oman holiday is the gigantic sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on Oman’s beaches. The Turtle Nature Reserves are located in the Niyabat Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz, in the eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. These magnificent animals make their way to the beaches of Sur to lay their eggs. You can watch the turtles, and their young scuttling behind them, laying their eggs at night and returning to the beach in the morning. It is a phenomenal occurrence to behold, and would be incredible to include on any Oman holiday.



Imagine that you are asleep one night and begin to have a dream. In this dream you are visited by two of the animals listed below. One of these animals brings you good news that predicts a future life of happiness and prosperity, while the other animal brings you news that forecasts a future of poverty and misery.



Dog

Lion

Monkey

Cat

Snake

Which of the animals listed above brings you the message of happiness and prosperity?

Which of the other animals listed brings you the message of poverty and misery?

Which of these messages do you open first?

Please take a moment and answer all three of these questions before proceeding. . .

Since ancient times, animals have often been seen as messengers of the gods. In many traditional shamanic cultures, animals were sent to an individual in dreams or visions to deliver messages of encouragement or warning. Even today, many people see these animals as symbolic messengers of our subconscious mind. Regardless of how we receive these messages, we are often wise to heed their advice and warnings.

These animals and their unique symbolism is a subject that I discuss throughout my Mind Doodles course. As a result of our cultural conditioning and individual preferences, each of the animals listed above (as well as many more not found here) have been found to have direct psychological associations. This means that we automatically associate certain animals with certain personality traits. In other words, we all tend to see snakes as sneaky, monkeys as playful, dogs as loyal, etc…

In this particular exercise, you were asked to pick one animal from the list that brought you promises of “good news”, and one animal that brought you “bad news”. You were then asked to describe which animal brought you which message, and which of these two messages you opened first.

The message you chose to open first is said to represent your current outlook on romantic relationships. This means is that if you opened up the message predicting a life full of happiness and prosperity first, you have probably had better luck than most lately when it comes to dating and relationships. On the other hand, if you chose to open up the message predicting a future life of poverty and misery first, then you have probably been discouraged or disappointed recently when it comes to intimate relationships.

The animal that you have chosen from the above list to deliver the “good news” is said to represent the qualities of your ideal mate. In other words, the qualities that we typically associate with that particular animal is what you are (or should be) looking for in a potential mate.

On the other hand, the animal that you have subconsciously chosen to deliver the “bad news” is said to represent the type of person who would make your life completely miserable should you choose to have a long-term relationship with this person.

Now let’s take a closer look at these five different animals and see what kind of insight they might be able to give us:

Dog

Above all, the dog is known for its extreme loyalty and unconditional love. If you have chosen the dog to deliver your message of happiness and prosperity, you have probably been burned by a past infidelity or a complete lack of honesty in a previous relationship. You are tired of “playing the game” and you simply want someone whom you can trust and count on to be there for you when you need them most.

If you have chosen the dog as your messenger of poverty and misery, then you probably are looking for someone with a strong, independent personality who doesn’t need you to constantly praise or shower them with affection. You are looking for someone who is strong enough to stand on their own two feet and someone who does not rely solely upon you for their sense of identity and happiness.

Lion

The lion is a symbol of power and ambition. If you have chosen the lion as your messenger of happiness and prosperity, you are probably looking for a partner who is highly confident and sure of their abilities. You tend to be a competitive person by nature and you require someone with a great deal of ambition and drive in order to keep up with you. You need to find someone who isn’t afraid to put themselves out there and risk failure in order to get what they want.

If you have chosen the lion as your messenger of poverty and misery, than you realize that a true relationship is much larger than the individuals involved. You have dated far too many aggressive self-obsessed “lions” in the past and are tired of one-sided relationships where one person is forced to carry the load. You are looking for someone who is willing to share their life and all of its little decisions equally.

Monkey

The symbolic image of the monkey is known for its playfulness and fun loving nature. If you have chosen the monkey to deliver your message of happiness and prosperity, you are probably searching for someone who doesn’t take themselves or life too seriously. Someone who isn’t afraid to act spontaneously and make a “fool” out of themselves once in awhile in order to have a good time. You need someone who is willing to face life head-on instead of sitting around thinking about everything that could possibly go wrong. You hate to get bogged down by all the petty details and would much rather let life surprise you as it comes.

If you have chosen the monkey as your messenger of poverty and misery, then you are probably looking for someone who has gotten their act together and is no longer interested in playing childish mind games. You are looking for someone who is willing to get serious and be a true partner in your life. You do not like surprises or playing games where you don’t know all the rules. You value consistency and are happiest when a relationship has developed comfortable roles and routine where you know exactly what to expect from your partner.

Cat

The cat is well known for its independence and strong sense of self-reliance. If you have chosen the cat to deliver your message of happiness and prosperity, you are probably searching for someone who has already established their own identity and does not need you to define what they stand for. You need someone who doesn’t require constant attention and “hand-holding” in order to feel loved. You don’t like to be micro-managed by others and would rather see the big picture rather than get bogged down with all of the meaningless details.

If you have chosen the cat as your messenger of poverty and misery, then you are probably looking for someone who is willing to share themselves and their true feelings with you. You have had your fill of cold and emotionally unavailable people in your life. You despise having to constantly guess what’s on their mind. More than anything, however, you are looking for a companion who will provide you with a comforting shoulder to cry on and a warm open heart to share your life with.

Snake

The snake is a well-known religious symbol of deceit in the biblical Garden of Eden, however, it is also an ancient symbol of wisdom and change that is still revered in many cultures. If you have chosen the snake to deliver your message of happiness and prosperity, you are probably looking to expand your horizons both mentally and emotionally. You understand now that the way you have been thinking about yourself and your relationships hasn’t been working. More than anything, you are looking for someone who is completely different from those you have been in relationships with in the past. Just as a snake sheds its old skin as it grows, it appears that you may finally be ready to take the next step in your growth process and find true love.

If you have chosen the snake as your messenger of poverty and misery, than you probably see the snake as a symbol of deceit and false promises. You have been fooled too many times by ignoring the warning signs in the past or have been tricked by those who have simply told you what you wanted to hear. You are looking for someone who is straightforward and honest above all. Actions speak louder than words for you and the right person will have to be willing and able to prove themselves before you let your emotional guard down again.

After completing this exercise, please feel free share it with someone else you think might appreciate its simple yet powerful insight into the subconscious mind. I wish you all the best.



Once you have set eyes on the spectacular beauty of Plettenberg Bay, you will certainly never forget it. The breathtaking beauty is nothing short of astonishing, set against a majestic backdrop of spectacular mountains that span from one horizon to the next. The actual town is nestled against one side of the bay, against deep rich forests and separated from the indigo blue of the Indian Ocean by never ending stretches of sandy white beaches. You may just feel as though you have stepped into a postcard.

Plettenberg Bay is truly a paradise for tourists with weather that is continually warm and pleasant. In the waters of the bay you will be able to discover a rich marine life. As the warm and cold waters of the currents of the Indian Ocean blend, a biodiversity that is unparalleled is created. The Bay is home to a wide array of common dolphins, which happen to be quite playful, as well as the endangered Bottle-nosed dolphins and even some rather shy Humpback dolphins as well. In addition, local residents include Byrde’s whales and Orca whales. Southern Right whales can also be found splashing in the bay as well. In fact, the biodiversity of the bay is so rich that it is literally the only place in the entire world where the rare Tropical Beaked whale has been witnessed.

There are a number of elevated lookout points that offer fabulous whale watching opportunities as well as many marine safaris and boat whale watching tours. For an even more personal encounter with these gentle giants, consider enjoying the opportunity for fabulous scuba diving or taking a guided snorkeling trail.

You will also find there are many different natural wonders here as well, including more than a doze public and private nature reserves. The spectacular flora and fauna which stretches through the reserves are like no other anywhere in the world and are just waiting to be explored. The Robberg Nature reserve somewhat dominates the bay, offering panoramic views, fabulous birding, excellent dolphin and whale watching and three great hiking routes. The Nelson Bay Cave is also located nearby. It is in this archeological site that evidence of human residence dates back more than 120,000 years has been discovered.

If you are after big adventure, you may wish to join a guided hike or drive that will take you through the Buffalo Hills Private Game Reserve where you just may have the opportunity to spot wildebeest, buffalo, white rhino, giraffe and many other animals in addition to a wide array of different species of birds.

At the Touch a Monkey’s Heart Foundation, you can learn more about incredible lemurs, gibbons, monkeys and other primates. You can also view and learn more about the African elephant at the Knysna Elephant Park, a controlled and free range environment that is home to rescued African elephants.

The unspoiled forests, lagoons, sand dunes, wetlands and sun drenched beaches make Plettenberg Bay the perfect vacation destination if you are interested in relaxing and enjoying world famous natural beauty.


The Basics of Mountaineering and Climbing

June 9th , 2009 | | In: General


Mountaineering is the sport of hiking and / or climbing to the top of mountains. In America the terms used are usually mountaineering or mountain climbing, while in Europe the term alpinism is also commonly used. While vertical rock climbing and vertical ice climbing may be required to reach the top of a mountain, not all mountains require the same kind of climbing techniques to get to the summit. However, mountain climbing takes advantage of some of the safety techniques that are used for vertical rock climbing and ice climbing, most notably rope harness systems with multiple connection points for holding the weight of the climber in case there is a situation where the ground gives way (or if one of the harness points fails).

There are three basic divisions of the craft of mountain climbing, depending on whether the climber is traveling over rock, snow or ice. Different equipment is used for each of these environments and special techniques have to be used to ensure the safety of the climber and the group. When walking over rock, conditions are usually the safest, although one must be careful of the hazards of falling rocks (caused by the gradual process of erosion of the mountains and the recent weather conditions) and loose rocks or rotten rocks which may give way if the climber is not careful. To survive while climbing over rock, the climber must pay close attention to the condition of any of his / her handholds and footholds, and make sure to transfer weight from one outcropping of stone to another gradually while maintaining multiple connection points.

To walk or climb over parts of a mountain which are covered in ice and snow requires more special equipment than standard rock climbing, most notably crampons: ten or twelve point spikes which are attached to one’s boots for increased traction, or snowshoes for gentle snowy slopes. The kind of crampons which are used to walk over icy surfaces are different from those that are used for climbing a sheer vertical surface of ice, as vertical crampons will have spikes on the toes pointing forwards. The ice axe is also used in the process of ascending a snowy / icy area of the peak ‘ in the beginning stages of climbing a mountain the ice axe can be used as a staff or walking stick, as you move upwards the point of the pick can be used as a dagger or the ice axe can be swung over the head to dig into ice above the user, making it easier to ascend.

It is often safer to climb a mountain as a team. When you climb as a team your entire group can be attached to each other by a single rope line. If one member of the group falls or has an accident the others can come to that person’s aid and perform a rescue operation. This is particularly important when climbing on glacial deposits which often contain hidden crevasses. If proper safety precautions are studied, mountain climbing is one of the most exhilarating sports that one can enjoy.


Archives