Jump to content

Wanderingson

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    156

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by Wanderingson

    Strict Geocaching Talk

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    NAVDOG Wrote:

     

    The problem is some people want these forums to be their form of personal entertainment.

     

    I don't see it as a problem

     

    I used to come into the forum to get some pretty good laughs along with informative discussion.

     

    I see from this thread, that good spirited debate is still permitted, but isn't that entertainment as well?

     

    I have very few Geocaching opportunities available to me in Northern Japan and get into the forums to stay in touch with the sport and culture.

     

    I can recall sitting at this computer monitor with tears in my eyes from laughing so hard at some of the old off the wall posts that have since been forbidden.

     

    I stand at the crossroads now of determining whether to buy into a membership or not. I guess I will discuss this with the commitee in my mind.

     

    Domo Arigato

    Do You Use A Manual Compass?

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    I have a collection of lensatic compasses--some rare antique ones too. I even keep one on my watchband. I normally start a newcomer to the outdoors with basic compass skills. It's still one of those essential skills I teach folks.

     

    I also teacjh folks a little trick of telling how long before the sun reaches the horizon (sunset) by extending your arm in front of you facing the sun. By extending each finger and counting 15 minutes for each finger, you will get an approximate sunset time. Both hands 8 fingers equals about two hours. Give it a try. BTW my GPS does give sunset times, but it is a cool tip to teach newcomers.

    European Market

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    I have seen Garmin units here in Japan that have local maps and Kanji(which is the language characters) loaded. Pretty cool. I'm trying to find someone who has one so I can upload the maps onto my unit.

     

    I would assume the European versions have local maps as well as language options.

    Cache Containers

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    I just picked up about a dozen of the old M2581A1, Personal decontaminaton kit, containers. These little containers will work fine for a few hanging tree caches I have planned. The Wanring on top does come off rather easy with a sharp razor scraper. I'll still classify these as micros.

     

    "I cache; therefore I am"

    Just an Observation

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    I guess from years in the backcountry and pristine wilderness have trained my eye to look for things that seem out of place. It is amazing to me the I have been able to spot little things like a broken branch, matted grasses, and disturbed brush. Call me one of the lucky one's but it has become second nature for me. With this I have been truly blessed. BTW I have a pretty keen eye for animal scat as well. As you spend more time in the backcountry, you too will develop this type of sensory development.

     

    "I cache; therefore I am"

    "How To Stay Alive In The Woods"

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    I have a whole library of wilderness survival books in my collection, but I must admit my altime favorite is an old copy of the 580 page, Air Force Regulation, Search and Rescue, SURVIVAL TRAINING dated 15 July 1985. This is printed in 8 1/2" X 11" format and is more than 1 1/2 inches thick.

     

    One of my favorite photos has always been "Dressing a rabbit without a knife". This one rocks--

     

    125725_1000.jpg

     

    "I cache; therefore I am"

    Fire, fire, everywhere

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    Pirate--I talked to my sister in SIMI this afternoon. She lives across the 118 from WHOA. She said the hills across the 118 we threatening them and they we prepared to evacuate at one time. The winds shifted and changed the direction. My thoughts are certainly with those in harms way and can only say a silent prayer that their prized possesions make it through.

     

    "I cache; therefore I am"

    First aid kits- How big is yours?

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    Okay folks, It has been a while since I have been able to weigh in on this forum. Work has me wrapped around the axles lately.

     

    A standing joke (friendly kidding) among friends and associates is about my first aid kits. I never leave home without one and always have the essentials near my side.

     

    We all see the first aid kits in store and on the web and they have a rather huge selection to choose from. You can purchase a small, wound management kit containing nothing more than bandages and OTC pain reliever to extensive medical kits to include SAM Splints and oral airway management devices. Bottom line is knowing what to purchase based on your needs and level of first aid/medical training.

     

    The best first aid/medical kit in the world is worthless if you have no training in how to use it. There are many organizations out there offering a wide variety of training from basic first aid to wilderness first responder courses. I can only offer a friendly word of advise on this--If you venture into any backcountry environment--take a suitable course--it may be the best investment you could make. You will normally be instructed in these courses of the type and extent of a kit to build. I have built and customized the three kits I carry. Each of them is based on the environment and need for adequate supplies.

     

    When I share the great outdoors with newcomers, I always access their medical capabilities in the event that I have a medical emergency. It is always comforting to know that someone else can take care of me in the event that I go down.

     

    Many of the commercial first aid kits available on the open market are what I consider comfort packs in lieu of first aid kits. They contain moleskin, bandages, ointment, OTC medications, tape, sterile dressings and nitrile or latex gloves. These are great for minor cuts, scrapes, blisters and minor injuries. Many of these are not potential life threatening injuries. I doubt if any of these kits would be able to treat a significant laceration for example. These kits should not give you a false sence of security while in the great outdoors.

     

    Do a little research and take the time to check out first aid/medical training opportunities in your area if you venture into the outdoors much. Having the knowledge, experience and adequate supplies to stabalize a victim could mean the world until emergency responders arrive.

     

    "I cache; therefore I am"

×
×
  • Create New...