Baker's Outdoor Blog

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Just Back From Vacation

I just returned from a 21 hour drive from Fla and after a wonderful two week Vacation. Most of what we did was theme park related but we did some outdoor related activities as we explored the Central Florida. I will post them this week and yes I will spare you the family photo session.

Just wanted to let everyone what has been going on.

Practice the 7 Rules of leave no trace

1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you'll visit.Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.Travel in groups of less than ten people to minimize impacts.

2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Hike in the middle of the trail; stay off of vegetation.Camp in designated sites where possible.In other areas, don't camp within 150 feet of water or a trail.

3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.Use existing privies, or dig a cat hole five to fix inches deep, then cover the hole.Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water.

4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.

5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTSUse a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a campfire.Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and only collect downed wood.Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, then hide traces of fire.

6. RESPECT WILDLIFEObserve wildlife from a distance.Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.

7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORSRespect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.