-
FOOD… is Fuel
An average person can survive up to 3 Weeks without Food Our body and brain require a steady supply of food and nutrients: without the body’s many systems will begin to deteriorate. The effects may include you feeling tired, weak, cognitive changes and ultimately organ failure. When on an Adventure – I recommend freeze dried meals for your health, enjoyment and survival. I have eaten freeze dried meals on many adventures including trekking to the North Pole , climbing Mountains and rowing the Atlantic; they are quick and easy to prepare, high in energy, carbohydrates, protein and other essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Adventure Nutrition has the largest choice of High Energy freeze dried, lightweight and compact,’ tasty’…
-
Footwear is the most important item on your kit list… Socks
The essential but often ignored Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so comfortable, durable and cool; they feel like I’m walking on a luxurious, deep pile carpet. Importantly they really help to protect my feet and prevent blisters so I truly enjoy my days on the trail. My, not so secret, few basic Tips, for Healthy Feet · Check your feet regularly · Wash your feet every day, and…
-
Adventure Starts Here…Finding your way – always carry a Compass and a Map as a backup
It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness. My favourite is the navigation Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass, and a great sighting compass for global mountaineers; insensitive to water pressure, handy for sailor and adventurous kayakers. It is accurate, durable and able to handle the difficult conditions encountered in our changing world…. Fast globally balanced needle with jewel bearing 20 degrees tilt margin for easier readings Adjustable declination correction Liquid filled capsule for stable operation Mirror for…
-
“If you get lost”
My, not so secret, simple but basic advice Firstly – get your head in the right place Face your fears: challenge your fears Do not panic, stay calm S.T.O.P. (Stop- Think – Observe – Plan) Stay put. … Don’t wander!!! Take a good look around, pinpoint your location, identify landmarks Shout, blow your Acme survival whistle Flash your mirror to attract attention Look and listen for signs of people Your 3 immediate Priorities for survival are Shelter, Water and Fire. Find and /or build Shelter (shade or insulated) Find clean water Build a Fire Tips on Shade Shelter …. Protection from Heat • Dig or rake the surface too uncovered cooler ground and build a…
-
My hidden secret – Why do I put up with discomfort – or good pain!
If I stopped, playing a sport or working out at the first sign of discomfort I’d probably never do any exercise. What if I’d listened and meekly accepted what the surgeon told me over 60 years ago; think of all those amazing adventures and life changing experiences I would have missed! All in return for a little discomfort…. Discomfort due to bad weather, probably means you haven’t got the right gear on. Trekking, running or rowing: a good training program will thwart a plunge into discomfort. Tolerance to pain and discomfort is trainable. Exposure to pain tends to increase your tolerance for pain and discomfort. Did the beatings I received as…
-
Tips on building a Campfire
Make a clearing for the fire pit, ideally, on bare dirt. Create a shallow dish/fire pit into the ground where you have chosen to build your campfire. Position stones in a circle around the fire pit to keep your fire contained Gather your Tinder: dry leaves, dry bark, dry glass and any dry twigs Collect your kindling; dry and dead wood and small dry branches Stack the kindling in the shape of a tepee over the tinder Leave a space in the wind’s direction so air can flow! Ignite your tinder; using Fire-Rod, Storm Matches or lighter. Strike fire tinder cards are waxed to cope with low levels of moisture Keep adding…
-
My not so secret tips ‘Before’ Coastal Rowing or More!
Train in an open water boat as often as possible. Rowing machine… priority is not speed or distance…its TIME Weight training…Ocean rowing, you use your upper body far more Cross-training machines… Endurance and general fitness Mental Toughness… Brain training and mental strength is the key I strongly suggest enrolling in formal training RYA Courses – (Royal Yachting Assoc.) First Aid at Sea VHF Marine radio, GPS and Sat phone Essential Seamanship and Navigation; including, celestial navigation and meteorology Sea Survival Useful Practical Skills – best learnt on the Water. Use of all marine instruments Navigation skills Service and repair of equipment; including the water maker Personal Hygiene and personal care; sustain…
-
My not so secret ‘On the trail’ cooking tips
Our Kitchen , North Pole 2009 Practise cooking with your compact gas stove and refilling it at home A long-handled spoon and a small sharp knife are all you require for basic food preparation and cooking on the trail Spork– is a combination spoon, fork with a cutting edge; the perfect utensil for travel, camping and adventures; my preference is the light weight titanium, easier to keep clean and virtually indestructible; I always take two in case I lose one! In colder conditions, a simple insulated sleeve designed to fit your cooking pot keeping food hot for up to 15-20 minutes Similarly, your dehydrated meal packet will retain heat and…
-
My, not so secret Bugs n’ Grubs Warning Signals
Insects, worms, grubs, beetles and termites can be a good source of protein… But, as a general rule, avoid >>> Brightly coloured insects / bugs Insects / bugs that are extremely smelly Hairy creepy crawlers Insects and bugs that sting and bite **Ask your local guide if a ‘Bug’ is edible…BEFORE popping it into your mouth
-
My, not so secret basic Tips, when ‘Foraging’ for Wild Food
Plant Warning Signals Don’t eat mushrooms, some are safe, some are toxic – even deadly Never eat plants with thorns Stay away from Umbrella- shaped flower/plants Never eat plants with yellow or white berries Avoid plants with shiny leaves and plants with seeds in a pod Plants with discoloured or milky sap are a definite no, no. Spit out any fruit or plant that tastes soapy or bitter Keep away from any fruit or plant that smells of almonds Always check with your local guide BEFORE tasting the wild fruits of the jungle!
