From early spring to late fall, a danger in your wilderness adventure is insects. While most insect bites aren't deadly, a mass attack, or a sting you're allergic to, could cause serious health issues.

If you're hiking in areas where there are pools of standing water or swamps, you'll encounter mosquitoes. Mosquito bites aren't just itchy; they can also give you West Nile virus. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt like this one with an SPF of 30 for sun protection, and long pants that can convert to shorts, or these that also provide sun protection, to limit the skin mosquitoes and other insects can reach. You'll also need a serious insect repellent. Health authorities in Utah recommend DEET.

Another enemy is the Africanized Honey bee, more commonly called the "killer bee." Unlike other honey bees, these are aggressive and easily provoked. Killer bees can sense you from 50 feet away and will chase you for at least a quarter mile. You'll receive at least ten times as many stings as you'd get from other bees. The stings aren't often deadly, just painful. Wasps, like bees, attack in swarms. If you're attacked, run away, and cover your face and head, as killer bees and wasps most often sting there. Don't take cover under water, because the bees will wait there for you to come up and breathe.

A third type of pest is the tick. Inhabiting both woods and grassy areas, they attach themselves to your skin. Again, the danger is less the bite than the Lyme disease it can carry. Check for ticks frequently.

If you're stung by a bee or wasp, scrape the stingers out using your nails. Use the tick remover forceps from your first aid kit to remove the entire tick; grab it as near as possible to your skin, and pull it out slowly but firmly. Make sure you get the head of the tick as well as the body. If the bites itch badly, use an anti-histamine cream or liquid. If you or someone in your group is allergic to bee stings, be sure that they carry epinephrine to use if they go into anaphylactic shock. If you start feeling flu-like symptoms or develop a rash after a tick bite, see a doctor as soon as possible, because it could be Lyme disease.

Educated and prepared, you can survive insect bites and enjoy your trek.

(Sources: http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept16498/files/182660.html, http://irreference.com/how-to-survive-if-you-hit-a-beehive/,http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tw/07-04-96/outthere.htm , http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Apis_mellifera_scutellata.htm, http://quamut.com/quamut/how_to_survive_an_animal_attack/page/how_to_avoid_ticks_and_treat_tick_bites.html )

Some people want nothing more than to live and work in the wild, while others have the great outdoors thrust upon them. That's exactly what happens to Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), an efficiency expert who suddenly has all the time in the world in Castaway.

As an analyst for Federal Express, Chuck constantly looks for new ways to make deliveries more efficient and timely. His devotion to both the company and the clock make him such an asset to the company that they send him to overseas locations such as Russia. The clock runs his life so much that Chuck even has to book time with his girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt). The clock finally stops, however, after a FedEx plane crashes into the ocean, killing the crew and stranding Chuck on the shores of an island, thousands of miles from home.

Not the greatest outdoorsman, Chuck is forced to bring himself up to speed on the basics of hunting and fishing. He even spends several painful hours learning how to make fire the old fashioned way, wishing the entire time that he had a lighter. With no working cell phone and unforgiving ocean currents surrounding the island, Chuck's stay on his tropical paradise stretches from days to weeks to years. His only companion there is Wilson, a volleyball that Chuck personalizes with a face and hair. Throughout his ordeal, Chuck keeps up a constant conversation with Wilson, but the audience never hears exactly what the volleyball is saying.

Enhanced by an intriguing performance from Tom Hanks, Castaway shows what happens when an executive who is used to the suburbs has to fend for himself, without benefit of clocks or cars. Hunger is a great motivator, and Chuck's situation forces him to hunt for food and water on the island. He crafts crude tools out of stones and wood and, eventually, he becomes pretty good at spear fishing. Despite getting back to nature, though, Chuck wants nothing more than to return to civilization and his beloved Kelly.

Castaway, rated PG-13 for intense action sequences and some disturbing images, is available on DVD.

During the 1960's and 70's, a time when independent TV stations were hungry for programming, many classic shows from the early days of television became available in syndication. One of these was "Fury," a series from the 1950's about a wild stallion and the boy who loved him.

Years before he was listening to self-destructing tapes on "Mission Impossible," Peter Graves starred as Jim Newton, the owner of the Broken Wheel Ranch. Newton comes to the aid of orphan Joey Clark ("Bobby Diamond"), who is accused of breaking a window. The rancher helps clear Joey's name, offers to adopt the boy and takes Joey to live with him on the Broken Wheel Ranch.

Newton also has another orphan living on the property, an extremely wild stallion that received the nickname "Fury." Although the stallion will not let even the most experienced ranch hands ride him, Fury senses a kindred spirit in Joey, and the two soon become the best of friends.

Over the next few years, Joey and Fury had lots of adventures around the Broken Wheel Ranch. One notable episode featured a horse race in which Fury was the prize winner. Joey had to ride his best friend in this winner-take-all race, but he refused to use a riding crop to make Fury run faster. Since this was a TV show, Fury, of course, went back to the ranch with Joey at the end of the episode.

Other episodes revolved around conflicts with other ranchers or crooks that ended up near the Broken Wheel Ranch. Obviously smarter than some of the guest stars, Fury always managed to save the day in one way or another.

Looking back at this show from a 21st Century perspective, "Fury" shows how much technology has replaced the love of the outdoors for many kids. Joey didn't need an MP3 player or video games to be happy, just his horse and a good, sturdy pair of work boots to help him with his chores.

One of the purest outdoor TV series ever produced, "Fury" is classic television at its best.

You may have heard of Pass-a-Grille when reading about St. Pete's beach in Florida. But perhaps against my better judgment, I'm going to let you know more about this little-known Florida beach secret. It's truly a little piece of paradise not far from some of Florida's most popular Gulf Coast beaches.

What makes Pass-A-Grille so special? Simple. Authenticity. For starters, it's a National Historic District, not something many beach communities can claim. In Pass-A-Grille, towering beach condos are traded for cozy beach bungalows. Walk the streets of Pass-A-Grille, and no matter where you are, the Gulf and the Intercoastal are a block away. You can't help but imagine you are back in Florida's Resort boom of the '20s, and when you look across the street at the sea oats on the sand dunes, you'll be sure you've been transported to a simpler time.

A vacation, or just an afternoon, at Pass-A-Grille really is simple. With ample parking right by the sand, it's easy to grab your gear and go spend some quality time with the dolphins and the seagulls. Several restaurants and a beach café are within walking distance, so you can easily spend your whole day here.

Day turns to night rather slowly at Pass-A-Grille, but you don't want to miss a minute of the breathtaking sunset. Many beachgoers climb up the stairs of the Hurricane Restaurant to watch the sunset from the rooftop bar. Slip on some beach sandals and a cover-up that doubles as a dress and you're ready to go for beach-style nightlife.

If you're heading to St. Pete's Beach in Florida, it's not far to get to Pass-A-Grille instead and the dividing line is the historic Don Cesar Hotel. Standing like a pink castle against the white sand of the Gulf Coast, you really can't miss it. In front of the Don, don't make that right turn for St. Pete's Beach; instead, turn left and go somewhere beautiful and unique. You'll be glad you did.

South Padre Island, Texas has a large variety of outdoor events and activities to participate in. One of the most popular is windsurfing. Kiteboarding is common as well. Located in the Gulf Coast, South Padre Island catches the perfect wind and waves for both windsurfing and kiteboarding. Perhaps you would like to (or have always wanted to) view the shoreline from the ocean, instead of the other way around. This is a unique way to do so, while also getting in some fun and exercise.

From novice to expert, windsurfing and kiteboarding events and activities can be enjoyed by all. Some locations rent equipment, but others require that you bring your own. Novices may prefer to take instructional classes on their activity of choice before braving the waves. While many can easily learn this water sport, it's wise to learn proper safety procedures and knowledge from expert windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Surfing and kiteboarding can be quite fun, but they can also be dangerous. It's easy to drift away. Just like boating and other water activities, this is not a solo activity. Safety comes in numbers. This is by no means a complete safety guide. Always be sure to abide by local rules and guidelines. Each area has a set of safety guidelines that apply, so be sure to check before heading out into the surf.

Some gear that is required for safety and use of windsurfing and kiteboarding equipment includes a wetsuit, a VHF radio to contact the Coast Guard if needed, flares, and a plastic whistle. Also essential are a towcord, uphaul, board or mast leash, properly-sized floatation device for each person, and a strobe light. These items will not only help in navigation, but some will aid in the case of an emergency.

Don't forget to also check the weather. This area of Texas stays fairly warm most of the time, but is also prone to high winds, thunderstorms, and even hurricanes. When the weather is right, you can get the chance to feel that warm Texas breeze across your face in a whole new way. The spray and smell of the ocean surf adds to the beautiful scenery and excitement.

Sources:
http://www.sfba.org/safety.html
http://www.sfba.org/kitesafety.html

From early spring to late fall, your wilderness adventure can bring you into contact with poisonous plants. Whether it's poison ivy east of the Rockies, poison oak west of the Rockies, or poison sumac in the humid wet areas of the southeast, plants across the country are just waiting to give you a rash.

The first step in prevention is learning to recognize the plants. Poison ivy is a low-growing plant, a vine, or a shrub. The leaves can be either smooth-edged or notch-edged, and they're usually in groups of three. Poison oak is nearly always a small bush, but can also be a vine. Its smooth-edged leaves can be in groups of three, five or seven. Poison sumac is either a small tree or shrub. It's pretty leaves have nine to thirteen leaflets on a red stem, and flowers that become small white fruit. All of them irritate the skin.

Since it's hard to recognize them, and since their foliage is usually combined with other concealing foliage, the second preventive step is to dress for avoidance, although this may be uncomfortable in warm temperatures. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants (these are convertibles), high-cut boots, and long socks can help protect your body, but only gloves can save your hands.

These plants produce a oil or resin called urushiol that causes an allergic reaction when it touches the skin of about half the population. The oil can stick to your clothing, your pack, and even your pets and you can get the rash from touching anything that still has the oil. When you get home, thoroughly wash everything.

If you think you touched it, wash your hands immediately, using soap. The rash usually takes between 24 to 72 hours to develop, but for the 15% of the allergic population who are severely allergic, it can start as soon as 4 to 12 hours. In this case, urgent medical care is necessary, as it can become anaphylactic shock.

If you get the rash, you can treat it with oral antihistamines, which you should carry in your first aid kit, calamine lotion, and/or an antihistamine cream or cortisone cream. A cool damp compress helps soothe the rash, which generally goes away on its own in two to three weeks. If the rash is very severe, see a doctor for a prescription steroid, and take it long enough to completely cure the rash.

(Sources: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=82545 , http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/tove.html, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/allergy_poison_ivy_oak_and_sumac/article_em.htm )

Time travel could become the ultimate adventure trip, offering people a chance to correct past mistakes as well as providing glimpses of the future. Traveling through the Fourth Dimension doesn't come without some serious risks, though, which becomes painfully clear in A Sound of Thunder, an overlooked 2005 thriller.

Based on the short story by Ray Bradbury, this film is set in 2055, when time travel has become a profitable reality. One company uses this technology to conduct exclusive safaris into the past. Dr. Travis Ryer (Edward Burns) and his crew take groups of wealthy hunters into the past to stalk and kill a dinosaur. To avoid changing the past, the hunters must stay on a special path and not bring anything back with them. They also must be careful not to kill anything but that particular dinosaur, which was going to die even before the hunters got there.

After conducting many such safaris, something goes terribly wrong. Ripples through time cause drastic changes in the Earth's climate, plant, and animal life. Somehow, a member of the last safari did something to affect the course of history and evolution. Plant life grows out of control, threatening to engulf buildings and people, and animals mutate into strange new forms.

Even the most skilled hunters would find the violent creatures in A Sound of Thunder rather challenging. Reptile and primate evolution has gone haywire and only Dr. Ryer, with the help of physicist Dr. Sonia Rand (Catherine McCormack), can set things right again. Ryer literally has to race the clock to find out what the hunters changed on the last safari and correct it before it is too late.

During normal safaris, experienced hunters take precautions, and this is especially true during a time safari. Everyone wears protective gear and uses guns loaded with frozen nitrogen bullets. In this way, the normal flow of time is preserved and unaltered.

In addition to an interesting science fiction plot, A Sound of Thunder takes place both in a prehistoric jungle and Chicago of the mid-21st century, which is overgrown with tropical plant life. Though ignored during its initial theatrical run, this film definitely offers one wild ride.

The carefree days of Spring and summer are finally here, which means it's high time you cleared off your weekend schedule for a few days in the great outdoors. The warmer months ahead are a great time to hit the hiking trails, relax on the beach or just brush up on your climbing skills. If you're just hanging out at a campsite or relaxing on the beach, you'll need some comfortable, casual clothes for the occasion, and a versatile tunic dress definitely fits the bill for your days of relaxation.

The Lole Calm Tunic Dress is a great match for ladies with all body types because of its free-flowing, flattering feminine cut. The dress is made with a supersoft rib knit material, and the classic v-neck design is coupled with a drawstring closure for a fun and sassy look. This dress is also designed with raw-edge seams and a rib knit waistline that add a few extra curves in just the right places. A side-slit detailing around the hem provide a more relaxed fit, so you don't have to worry about snags and tears when you're doing some light hiking. You'll also find two large drop-in patch pockets in front; a convenient place to store chapstick, sunblock and other travel essentials.

The soft cotton spandex blend of stretch French Terry materials also make this a super-versatile piece for long trips. The dress dries easily, and you can even hand wash it with a quick soak when you're on the go. If you do have access to a washing machine on your trails, you can machine wash it cold and hang it dry to protect its shape. It's available in Moonlight (black), Watermelon (pink) and White. Get one in every color to round out the warm-season wardrobe!

The tunic dress is one of the season's must-haves, especially if you're hitting the camping trails or nature hikes this season. You can pair it with a pair of flats or beach sandals when you hit the boardwalk, and the loose fit of the Lole makes for a great swimsuit cover up for your all-day beach travels.

If you're ready for a vacation that combines history with great beaches and restaurants, renew your passport, make reservations, and head for Cyprus. Specifically, head for Paphos, a small town on the west coast of Cyprus.

Paphos has so many antiquities that UNESCO puts the entire town on its world Cultural Heritage List. Some of the most amazing are the incredibly preserved mosaics in the houses of Dionyssos, Theseus, and Aion. Mysterious vaults and caves, tombs, and the Baths of Aphrodite are just a few of the things you can see. Legend says that Aphrodite herself, goddess of beauty and love, emerged from the sea just off the coast of Paphos. If you don't believe it, just look at the bathing beauties on the beaches!

The most popular beach of Paphos is Coral Bay, a 600 meter (about ½ mile) curve of white sand just north of Paphos, between two headlands. If you want to soak up the sun here, be sure to arrive early in the morning, as it's often crowded. Prefer privacy? Rent a boat and go a little further north along the coast; you'll find several beaches with the same soft sand, and a lot fewer people. Or stay in Paphos proper and rent jet skis, or go diving with any one of half a dozen or more diving companies.

Although Paphos is cooler than much of Cyprus in the summer, and warmer in the winter, that sand can get hot, so bring sandals for him and her, and water mocs if you intend to leave the beach. Cyprus is more liberal than most American beaches, so this two piece Rebel from Roxy, with a tiki tri top and a Brazilian string bottom is perfect for that toned body. Bring your own sunscreen, and apply it often, and bring a cover because evenings can be cool.

For dinner, try one of the shoreline restaurants in Paphos. Most will let you pick your own fish, then cook it to order; they also offer traditional Cypriot and Greek dishes, and ouzo, retsina, or Cypriot brandy to wash the great food down.

Women, despite allegedly having less upper body strength than men, are just as capable of learning to kayak and run rapids. Once you've learned, you'll be looking for runs that fit your level of experience and ability, and you'll want to have the right gear.

Two things you must know before you go are, first, the most current conditions and safety warnings for the run you've chosen. You can't rely on a guidebook to say what that river is like now, and whitewater paddling can be deadly. Second, no matter how experienced you are, you must wear a flotation device and a helmet. Nobody's head is rock-proof.

This week's river is the upper Baptism River in Minnesota, a Lake Country river that flows into Lake Superior. The upper part of the river is easier than the lower, although still rated moderately difficult, and if you put in at Finland and take out at Eckbeck, about 5.5 miles total, you'll have a pleasant day trip, with great scenery and lots of wildlife to watch. Since this is not quite Northern Minnesota, and has daytime highs normally in the 70s, you can probably wear shorts, but given the unreliable nature of Minnesota weather, you may want to bring long pants and a jacket too. A good pair of Tevas like these in a variety of colors will complete your clothing for a one-day trip. Consider taking a dry bag to keep your items dry.

The upper part of the Baptism consists mainly of class II to III rapids, with a few incidental holes big enough to hold your kayak, so go around them, generally river left. The only real exception to this is a large class IV-V falls in the middle of the run. Keep your eye out, as it's boat-scoutable, and if you're not class V material, take the kayak(s) out and go around it, and go back in below the falls. You'll have a pretty easy run the rest of the way, with a few class IIIs to keep you alert.

Next time, the lower Baptism!

On or off trail, a hike can cross water. In late summer, it's easy to ford a stream, but in early summer or after a heavy rain, that stream may look more like a rushing river, so be prepared.

When you ford water, you'll get wet and cold. If the weather is warm, you may want to wear shorts so you don't have to deal with soaked pants, or consider water-proof boots like these. Be careful when you cross. The shallowest stream has slippery rocks that can land you in the water with a sprained ankle, and cold water will feel even colder on bare feet. Since you don't want wet boots, carry a pair of sport sandals or water mocs for fording. They'll be warmer than bare feet and provide traction on the streambed. Consider a carabiner to clip your boots to your pack.

Assess the stream before you cross. Look at the current, and determine the depth. Check downriver for obstructions, because if you do fall, that's what you'll be swept into. Avoid crossing where the current is rapid and there are boulders or logjams downstream from you. Check your map for a better crossing, or find a high spot where you can see up and downstream. If the water is past mid-thigh, only cross if the current is slow, or you'll be swimming.

Once you're ready to cross, trade your boots for your crossing footwear. Unclip your pack's hip belt and loosen the straps; a secure pack can cause you to drown if you fall. Cold water may make you want to rush, but take slow short steps and feel your way with your feet. Find the lowest footing so your foot won't slip farther down. In water past your knees, use a walking stick or trekking poles to help keep your balance, but put most of your weight on your feet for stability. Don't try jumping from rock to rock. A wet rock is a slippery rock, and a group of rocks poses a danger to your bones, including your skull, if you fall.

Once you're out of the water, take off your shoes and dry yourself with absorbent clothing, like this cotton shirt. If the water evaporates, you'll get colder. Use a pack with a waterproof pocket to store wet clothing separate from dry items. And now you're ready to hike to the next ford!

(Sources: Molvar, Erik. Hiking Olympic National Park: A Guide to the Park's Greatest Hiking Adventures. Edition: 2. Globe Pequot, 2008 , http://dogparkwisdom.wordpress.com/2008/07/19/fording-streams-with-dogs/ , http://www.secretsofsurvival.com/survival/cross_rivers_streams_and_rapids.html, http://www.mountainzone.com/how-to-articles/viewproarticle.asp?aid=512&pid=1)

While Moon Fever gripped the world during the 1960's, some scientists looked down instead of up, seeing more potential in undersea colonies than outer space. Hello Down There, a quirky little comedy from the same time period, showed what might happen if someone actually built an underwater home.

Before he spent years on The Odd Couple, Tony Randall starred here as Fred Miller, the inventor of a dome that could support life on the ocean floor. T.R. Hollister (*Jim Backus*), his doubting boss and financier, thinks that undersea living is a losing proposition, though. Hollister then puts all his faith in Mel Cheever (*Ken Berry*), an engineer who comes up with a scheme to extract gold from seawater.

To show his boss that his dome actually works, Fred takes his wife Vivian (*Janet Leigh*), their kids and a few budding musicians for an extended undersea stay. What started out as a simple underwater experiment turns into a competition between Miller and Cheever, made even more complicated by bad weather.

A little family film that has since achieved cult status, Hello Down There is notable primarily for its cast of character actors from the 1960's. Fresh off a stint of playing Mr. Howell on Gilligan's Island, Jim Backus once again plays a character that loves money more than anything else.

The biggest surprise here is a very early appearance by Richard Dreyfuss as a young musician. Though he may never live it down, Dreyfuss, who went on to co-star in Jaws, performs an odd little song called "Glub Glub." Once you hear this tune, you will never be able to get it out of your head.

On a more serious note, Hello Down There also shows how many in the scientific community wanted to create undersea homes and farms. It's kind of hard, though, to imagine living in a place where waterproof shoes won't help out very much. Definitely a movie from the 1960's, Hello Down There is a bit odd and a fun movie to watch.

If your vision of a perfect day relaxing at a pristine, beautiful beach listening to the sounds of the waves and seagulls has been marred by the reality of towering condos and the sounds of cars honking, don't give up hope yet. You need to check out Caladesi Island, recently voted America's Number 1 beach by Dr. Beach. The island is just off Florida's Gulf Coast near Dunedin, Florida. Fill a small, bag with a cooler with some water and grab a beach bag filled with a good read, plenty of sun block, and a beach towel. If you do forget something, there's a small café/gift shop, and yes, restrooms/shower facilities.

There's no chance of traffic noise on Caladesi Island. It's accessible only by water. But don't worry, you don't have to have your own boat to get there. You can hop on the ferry ($10 per person, call 727-734-1501 for the latest schedule) that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (located at the extreme west end of SR 586, north of Dunedin) every hour. Watch for dolphins, manatee, and a variety of wading birds during the short trip to the island.

Pack wisely because there are few man-made amenities at this state park.

As your cross the boardwalk, the wide, unspoiled beach will truly take your breath away. After settling in, beach lovers can take a dip in the warm Gulf waters, stroll along the quiet sand, or just soak up the Florida sun. Nature lovers can venture further into the island on the three-mile hiking trail to watch for an osprey, a gopher tortoise or other native Florida wildlife.

As your toes settle into the cool sand, don't forget to check the clock every now and again. You don't want to miss the boat back home.

If you're hiking in a forest, whether flatland or mountainous, you may encounter a black bear. An estimated 300,000 of them inhabit 41 of the lower 48 states, from coast to coast. To survive an encounter with a black bear, hike with a group and be prepared. Wear medium hiking boots and carry a backpack with a quick-access pocket on the hip belt. Carry bear spray there. Bear spray contains capsaicin, but it's a different concentration than spray for people. Make sure it specifies it's for bears.

"Black" bears can be black, cinnamon, golden, and in some parts of British Columbia, even white. These bears are generally shy, and prefer to avoid contact. If you see a bear, and it hasn't seen you, back away slowly. Watch the bear but don't make eye contact. When you're out of sight, wait until you hear it move away or find a route around it. Bears have very poor eyesight, so if it sees you, wave your arms slowly, and talk in a calm voice to let it know you're human. Move slowly upwind away from the bear. Never walk up to a bear, and never try to feed it.

In some situations, a bear may see you as a threat. If it's a mother with first year cubs, she'll start a defensive attack. She'll warn you by swatting the ground or chuffiing, moaning, and snapping her teeth. If she approaches you, stand still. She'll usually stop, and then you can back away and pull out your bear spray. If she comes at you again, use the spray when she's within 15 feet, and aim for the face. You'll also be perceived as a threat if a bear is defending a kill. Watch for ravens and other scavengers that may indicate a kill site, and avoid it.

If the bear attacks defensively, play dead, and the bear should leave. If it attacks you aggressively, fight for your life with all your might. Yell, use a knife, fists, or sticks and rocks, and aim for the nose and eyes. As soon as you can get away, head for medical help. If you're far from help, first treat any bleeding wounds with your first aid kit.

Use good bear sense, and survive for your next hike.

(Sources: http://www.wcs.org/globalconservation/northamerica/adirondacks-test/adirondackbear/46902170, http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/problem_wildlife/bbear_encounters.html, http://www.mountainnature.com/Wildlife/Bears/BearEncounters.htm, http://ext.nrs.wsu.edu/publications/Blackbears1.htm )

To a sport fisherman, going after the big ones means coming back with a good trophy, the makings of a fantastic meal or one heck of a story. For those who make their living at sea, however, fishing literally can mean the difference between life and death. The rewards are great, as are the dangers, when working on a commercial fishing boat in rough waters.

The Perfect Storm, an adventure that's set on the high seas, tells the painfully true story of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat with a home port in Gloucester, Mass. After coming back with a disappointing load of fish, Skipper Billy Tyne (George Clooney) decides to head back out to the North Atlantic to make more money. He convinces his best crew members, including a young novice named Bobby (Mark Wahlberg) to join him on this trip.

The Skipper's instincts prove to be correct, and it looks as if the crew will get fat paychecks this time around back in Gloucester. Unfortunately, their on board ice machine breaks down before the hold is completely full. To make sure their cargo stays fresh, the Andrea Gail turns back towards home, but this puts them straight in the path of some really bad weather. Three different storm systems are converging into what meteorologists call a "perfect storm."

George Clooney turns in an outstanding performance in The Perfect Storm, one of the best films ever made about making a living from the sea. Most of the action takes place on the boat, as the crew prepares the nets and traps before dropping anchor. When the storm hits, though, the crew gets knocked around the cabin and the deck without mercy.

The Perfect Storm proves that there really isn't much glamor in the commercial fishing industry. As portrayed onscreen, the Andrea Gail was equipped with a galley, a television and a VCR. The crew wears basic work clothes and some rubberized gear when working on deck.

Beautifully shot, The Perfect Storm puts the sea in the spotlight, showing that it can be the taker or giver of life.

Rain showers, hail and strong winds in the forecast make it hard to dress with the lightweight mantra in mind, but all you really need is a versatile, waterproof jacket to round out your outdoor wardrobe. A jacket designed with waterproof lining and a generous fit will help you head off on that adventure without worry. If it's a hooded, long-sleeve jacket with extra-large zippers and deep pockets, even better.

The Marmot Women's PreCip Jacket is made with an ultra lightweight material and compact design, so it's easy to pack up and go when you're on the run. It's also designed with Marmot's PU coating technology that gives it extra durability and strength in even the most rugged conditions. The seam taping and moisture-resistant cover also make this one a wise investment for long-term use.

But wait, there's even more. This jacket is designed with double-flapped PitZips that provide extra ventilation when you need it most, along with Pack Pockets that will remain accessible even when you're lugging around an extra-heavy backpack. The Angel-Wing Movement system ensures you can move your arms easily and comfortably, and the generous cut gives you a comfortable fit no matter how many layers you're sporting for the day. Plus, the roll-up hood gives you a chance to stay cozy and dry when those rain showers strike at the last minute.

The Marmot PreCip is available in a trio of eye catching colors; take your pick of Virtual Pink, Sweetpea or the bold Lapis. Whether you're hitting the beachfront or trekking through the rainforest, you'll be easily spotted in these bold and bright hues.

Lightweight jackets like the Marmot PreCip are a great match for road warriors, bikers and hikers who are always trekking across unknown territory that's prone to inclement weather. The jackets can be worn with jeans, track pants and cargo pants for a casual and comfortable ensemble. The extra room also makes it easy to layer with your favorite tees, sweatshirts or polos. The waterproof jacket is a necessity for your active outdoor lifestyle and choosing one with a high-durability factor may just be a worthwhile investment.

With the season well into spring, it's time to think about summer survival. A major danger in hot summer weather is heatstroke. Left untreated, it can be deadly.

Heatstroke usually begins with heat cramps. Heat cramps have symptoms that include excessive sweating, thirst, exhaustion and muscle cramps. It's easily treated by moving to a cooler spot, drinking fluids containing electrolytes, like most sports drinks and resting. Avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol. If you don't treat cramps, you'll get heat exhaustion. Symptoms include nausea, headache, dizziness, cool moist skin and dark urine. Treat it the same way you treat heat cramps.

If you don't treat heat exhaustion, you'll get heatstroke. Your body temperature will climb to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you'll stop sweating and you may experience hyperventilation and a rapid pulse. As your brain heats up, you could have seizures, pass out, hallucinate, or become confused. Your over-heated muscles, cramping in the early stages, can become either stiff or limp. Shock is a frequent complication of heatstroke.

Since heatstroke can be caused by extreme ambient temperatures, extreme physical activity, or both, it's not uncommon in people who are hiking or rock climbing, especially in the desert southwest. Avoid it by taking a few simple precautions.

First, don't wear too much clothing. Stick to loose fitting shorts or lightweight pants like these, that provide protection from the sun and can convert to shorts in camp. Lightweight loose polo shirts or a buttoned cotton shirt that provides ventilation will help you stay cooler. Stick with cotton socks that can wick moisture from your feet, and your choice of light hiking boots, and your feet will stay cool. Use sunscreen, and apply it often through the day to all exposed skin.Wear a lightweight hat to protect your head and eyes from the sun.

Try a backpack like this one. The straps vent air away from your body, it carries two 32 ounce water bottles, and has a hydration sleeve for a 3L bladder. Make sure you drink often. Fill a portable cooler cube with sports drinks for anyone who starts feeling heat cramps. Make sure your camp has a shady area and is near a water source, and make sure you have a water filter.

Pay attention to your body to survive. If you feel heat cramps, avoid heatstroke by finding a cool shady place to rest and drink.

(Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-stroke/DS01025,http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-exhaustion/DS01046 http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke , http://firstaid.webmd.com/heat-exhaustion-and-heat-stroke-treatment )

One of Florida's best beaches has got to be St. Pete. It has four miles of some of the most amazing white sand you're ever likely to see, and if you want more than just a suntan, there are plenty of things to do in and around St. Pete.

St. Pete is on the Gulf Coast side of a peninsula with Tampa Bay on the other. It's an easy drive to most of Florida's theme parks, but once you hit the beach, you won't want to leave. The most popular tourist times are summer and fall, so if you like a beach to yourself, plan accordingly. And if the crowds do get too intense, just head down the shore to Pass-a-Grille Beach, and enjoy the quiet end of St. Pete.

If you're beaching it, you may want to consider taking a boat trip for dolphin viewing; several are offered. Take the Shell Creek Shuttle to ride around the area instead of driving, and be green by reducing your carbon footprint along this pristine beach. You can go from the "glittering pink palace" (as described at www.floridasbeach.com ) of Don Cesar, along with hotels and inns both new and old, and down the peninsula to the Pass-A-Grille historic district and its restaurants, inns, and funky little shops.

Planning a day trip? Ladies, stay sexy in a two piece tankini top with a bikini bottom from Zoot Sports, and bring along the matching recovery dress so you can go straight from the beach to a restaurant. Guys, stay cool and stylish in these ultra-cool trunks from KR3W, with their Galaxy t-shirt if the sun gets too intense.

Really, St. Pete's is too good for just one day. Pack a jacket like this one by KR3W for men, or this by Patagoniafor women, because the beach can get cool in the evening. Watch the sunset with your favorite drink from the upper deck of Crabby Bill's, then take an evening stroll before you settle in for the night.

Those who choose to make their home in the wilderness typically find a truly rewarding, but sometimes harsh, life away from the big cities. Clay Spencer, the outdoors hero of Spencer's Mountain, has relished the joys of living in the wild for most of his life.

As played by Henry Fonda, Spencer is the patriarch of a large family living in the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming. Life is quite good for Clay and his family, but Mr. Spencer wants to build a bigger and better home for his wife (*Maureen O'Hara*) on a parcel of land that he inherited. He has his extended family stop by occasionally to work on the new house, rewarding them with a big batch of Mrs. Spencer's cooking.

Unlike the mountains, which have stayed the same throughout the years, the lives of Spencer's children rapidly are changing, especially his eldest son Clayboy (*James MacArthur*). A top-notch high school student, Clayboy has dreams of packing his duffel and leaving the mountain to go to college, but his family doesn't have enough money to send him.

Clay Spencer then has to choose between making a better life for his family on the mountain and giving up his own dreams to help the kids make their way in the world. It's the toughest decision that Spencer has ever had to make, especially for a man who loves the mountains as much as he does.

A simple, yet intriguing film, Spencer's Mountain shows how a family can thrive and survive on the slopes of a mountain range like the Grand Tetons. Clay Spencer was raised on the mountain and he wants his kids to love the land just as much as he does, but their dreams have grown much larger than the Grand Tetons.

Spencer's Mountain and the novel that inspired it also formed the basis for The Waltons, the popular television series about another mountain family. It's a quiet, unappreciated film that will awaken and renew your love and lust for the great outdoors.