The fall season is a wonderful time of year for nature-oriented activities. Outdoor fall activities are a great way to stay active and nature can lend a helping hand in many ways. Leaves are changing into wondrous colors and the weather can be just the perfect temperature. Regularly participating in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, nature walks, camping, and other outdoor adventures can be a workout. It's also fun and a great way to spend time with family and friends. One way to be sure you get these outdoor activities in regularly is to form a nature club.

Decide who you are interested in forming the club with. Will this be strictly for family? Are friends invited to participate in the activities? What are the age groups? There could be separate groups for adults and children or it could be all-inclusive. Some may prefer even to ask around the community and make it a more formal club. Decide also if there will be dues or if everyone will just pay their own way whenever there are any associated costs. Many nature venues, such as state parks are free or low-cost, but there may be equipment and supply costs or a number of other small fees.

Scheduling should be something to think about when making plans. The group can decide together on a schedule that best fits all participants. Think about how many times per week or month is ideal, as well as days and times. Also remember to consider holidays, as well as possible weather conditions. Some activities, such as kite flying, would be good on a windy day.

Some may choose to focus a club on one fall hobby or activity. Others may choose to be more versatile. Whatever option you go with, be sure the chosen activities fit the skill levels of your nature club members. A fun way to keep track of everyone while on nature excursions is to get custom-designed t-shirts and matching shoes. Just be sure the shoes are durable and comfy, as well as appropriate for certain activities. Nature activities can be hard on the feet without proper footwear.

Sources:

http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/texas_parks_and_wildlife_promotes_family_nature_clubs

If you think earthquakes only happen in California, think again. It's true that most earthquakes happen west of the Rockies, and California has had plenty, but Alaska has had the most in recent history. But looking farther back, the most earthquakes have occurred in the central U.S., and the worst earthquake in U.S. history was along the New Madrid fault in Missouri over three months in 1811-1812. The effects were felt over 2 million square miles, and three quakes registered over an 8 on the Richter scale.

While geologists are working towards it, they still can't predict when or where an earthquake will strike. They do know that if a quake has hit an area in the past, it will happen again. So, it's possible that you'll encounter an earthquake when you're out hiking, camping, boating, or even skiing.

The first warning you'll have is a feeling of rolling ground, then the real shaking starts. Find the nearest open space, something treeless and not downhill from a rocky slope, and stay there. Most injuries outdoors, just like indoors, come from falling debris and in your case, that means trees, rocks, and even snow. Earthquakes can trigger some phenomenal avalanches. Curl up into a fetal position to make yourself a smaller target.

There will be aftershocks, so stay put. If you're hiking along the coast, though, know earthquakes often trigger tsunamis, so move inland and up, then find open space. When the movement stops, check yourself and the rest of your party for injuries, and treat what you can with your first aid kit.

Wear sturdy but comfortable boots like these new Ledge boots from Timberland. Sick of your old pack? This Ultimatum Gear backpack from Nike is brand new, and along with pockets for everything, it has Max Air straps to take the weight off your shoulders. This waterproof watch from Freestyle has an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass.

Know the history of the area you're hiking, travel prepared, and you can survive even an earthquake in the backcountry.

Most hikers don't consider sandstorms as a potential hazard in the U.S. Sandstorms attack our troops in Iraq, and sweep the Sahara desert; our deserts are hard and dry, not sandy, right? Wrong.

Sandstorms can hit throughout west Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and into Death Valley. They're caused by a dry wind of almost hurricane strength, which picks up any loose sand, and keeps carrying it as it continues to add more sand to it. In other places this wind has a name. In North Africa, it's the simoom or simoon, while in the Sudan it's the haboob. It doesn't happen often enough in the southwestern U.S. for us to give it a name, but it's one great wind that can move a sand dune to an entirely new place.

Some of the very worst are in Arizona. On July 16, 1971, a sandstorm hit the Tucson area and cut off visibility for miles. Another on July 17, 2007, covered the Phoenix area. Both of these sandstorms caused highway closures. Besides the reduced visibility, the windborne sand and dust can strip the paint from cars and houses - so imagine what it can do to a surprised hiker. In Death Valley, they are frequent and can be deadly. Despite the Arizona July dates, most sandstorms occur in the spring.

When you're hiking in these areas, be sure to wear light hikers for traction and to keep your feet dry, and a cap with a bill to shade your face. If you see a wall of sand headed your way, take whatever shelter you can find, whether it's behind rocks or brush or a hillside (leeward to the wind). If there is no shelter, circle your group and put your backpacks around you on the outside. Cover the top with sleeping bags or groundsheets if you have them, or clothing if you don't.

Keep a little room for air, and don't move until the storm ends. Then dig yourselves off, drink some water, and consider heading for home, you just survived a sandstorm.

Most hikers don't think about plague before they head out. But according to the National Park Service, if you're hiking in the southern Rocky Mountains, Arizona, New Mexico, or parts of California, maybe you should.

Bubonic plague is still alive and well around the world, including in the U.S. Although only 10 to 15 people die of it per year in the U.S., according to the CDC, there's always a danger to hikers in an infected area. Plague is caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis. The bacteria are carried by fleas that bite rodents, cats, and humans. You can get bubonic plague if you're bitten by an infected animal, or, more rarely, if you breathe little drops of water infected with the bacteria.

Symptoms of bubonic plague start to show 2 to 6 days after infection. They can include fever, weakness or dizziness, chills, and swollen and painful lymph nodes. Called buboes, these can blacken as the disease progresses, explaining the name Black Plague and bubonic plague. Some people get pneumonia as a first symptom. The infection quickly spreads to the rest of the body. If an infected person isn't promptly treated with antibiotics, he can die.

You can avoid getting the plague by following a few tips. First, if a small animal like a prairie dog or a rabbit or bunny approaches you, don't pet it or go near it. Next, don't pick up dead animals. If you must move an animal's corpse, wear long sleeves and gloves and wash both your hands and the gloves with an anti-bacterial cleanser. Keep your campsite free of attractions to plague-carrying animals, such as piles of brush or rocks they could nest in, or left-over food or other garbage they could eat. Don't take your dog or cat with you, as they can become infected much more easily than you. If you must bring them along, check them for fleas frequently. Wear insect repellent yourself. Wear long pants or jeans to protect yourself, and high sturdy hiking boots to avoid animal bites.

(Sources: http://www.nps.gov/archive/waca/pphtml/subenvironmentalfactors10.html, http://www.nps.gov/wica/naturescience/resource-ramblings-july-2008.htm, http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm,http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/index.htm, http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/plague.htm )

Whether you're heading out on a trekking adventure or relaxing at a campsite as part of your weekend warrior itinerary, having the right gear and clothing will help you make the most of your experience. Even when temperatures and humidity levels run high, you'll need a comfortable pair of lightweight trousers and a jacket to ward off insects and cooler winds. A pair of nylon pants is a must-have piece of clothing for your outdoorsy lifestyle, and the Mountain Hardwear Mesa Pant is a great fit for almost any body shape and size.

These pants are made from sturdy nylon canvas, a super flexible material that makes it easy to go trekking and climbing without having to change outfits. The adjustable drawcord cuffs and full-length inseam gusset give you some extra mobility, and the belt is designed with an adjustable closure for an easy fit. Worried about chafing as you rough it at the campsite? Don't be. These pants are made with a micro-chamois lining to prevent scratches and chafing on your knees and legs. The side cargo pockets provide some extra space for your outdoor essentials, so some days, you can go backpack or tote bag-free.

If you're hitting sunny territory, you'll also be protected with a layer of UPF 50 sun protection materials. For maintenance, the pants are also versatile enough to machine wash cold, and your best bet is to hang them out to dry or tumble dry on a low setting.

If you're planning on layering for the day, these are easily worn over a pair of shorts, capris or even a swimsuit. Use them as a coverall for days when you're not sure about the weather forecast, or throw them on when you're out and about running errands.

The Mountain Hardwear Mesa Pants are a great addition to any outdoor wardrobe, and will help you get the most of your camping, trekking or other outdoor adventure experience. Just tote these along with your usual gear - they work well with almost any nylon windbreakers, t-shirts and a pair of clogs or sandals and you'll be well on your way!

You probably won't need a bikini and flip-flops for this week's beach, but for its beauty and solitude, Crescent City Beach is the beach of the week. Crescent City is located on Highway 101 in extreme northern California. It's on a lovely curve of beach that provided the town with its name, and is the only incorporated city in Del Norte County. This quiet town of about 7500 is in the heart of California's redwood country and both Redwood National Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park are an easy drive. The beaches include Crescent Beach and Enderts Beach, both just south of town, and South Beach, at the Crescent City Harbor. Just 8 miles north of Crescent City is Kellogg Beach, while Hidden Beach, with the head of an 8-mile hiking trail through the redwoods, is 20 miles south of town. Only South Beach has amenities like restrooms and concessions, but if you choose Crescent Beach or Enderts Beach, you'll probably have the sand all to yourself.

Crescent City definitely has a north coast climate. With 75 inches of rain a year, you can count on green year-around, but you can't count on a sunny day: they're as beautiful as they are rare. The average daytime high in January is 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and in August just 67 degrees, so you will want a jacket, and maybe a sweater under it. You'll also want a pair of convertible pants, so you're ready if it warms up, and a pair of hikers, because you can't visit Crescent City and not visit the redwoods.

Beaches here are for strolling, searching for shells, agates, and other treasures from the sea, and watching the tide pools brimming with sea life. From the beaches, you can see historic Battery Point Lighthouse, one of the first lighthouses in California. Whale-watching is great here too and the best months are between November and February, then between March and April.

Accommodations range from moderately-priced motels to pleasant bed-and-breakfasts. There are also plenty of restaurants with fresh seafood, which is their their specialty. But amenities aside, Crescent City beaches will soothe your spirits.

The most dangerous situation you're ever likely to encounter in the outdoors is a wildfire. If you're hiking or camping outdoors and a fire starts, you have four basic options to survive.

The first option is to run. If you're far from a fire, and near a safe haven, this is possible. A forest fire can move 650 feet a minute, or 7 miles an hour, and a grass fire about twice that. While most hikers can run 7 miles an hour, they can't keep it up. Consider how close you are to a haven (a wide road, a rocky area, a marsh, or a large pond), and how far you are from the fire before trying this.

Another option is to make a haven. In a grassy area, if you have wind resistant matches and enough time before the fire reaches you, burn out a clear zone. This won't work in wooded areas. Wood takes longer to ignite, and fire will reach before you're ready. If there's a sudden wind shift, you could find yourself trapped by your own fire.

If you're in the open and a fire is almost on you, you have two options. First, find a large area with little vegetation. Lie face down on the ground. Put on leather gloves and cover your head and neck and ears. Your biggest danger is radiant heat, the heat given off by the fire. Radiant heat can kill before the fire reaches you. As the fire moves over you, even if you feel hot, don't panic. Get up when the fire is past you. Cover your mouth with a bandana to reduce the inhalation of smoke.

The most dangerous option is to run through the fire into an already-burned area. Don't try it if the fire is over 5 feet high or wide. Look for the easiest path. You may be burned, but you'll probably survive.

Which option you choose depends largely on where you are and what kind of fire you're in, but in any case, don't panic, and remember that you can survive.

( Sources: http://www.healthline.com/blogs/outdoor_health/2007/10/surviving-wildfire.html , http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/news/466,http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/feature?section=news&id=6199163 )

Planning a long back-packing trip, and intend to supplement the food you carry with food you find? You'd better be certain that you know what you can eat, and what to avoid if you want to make it home.

In the mountains, the desert, or the grasslands, you can find edible plants. Some basic rules are not to choose anything with fungus or mildew, or that looks spoiled. If you've got a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid wild greens. Know the plants must be cooked before you eat them, like those containing oxalate crystals, which can damage your kidneys. Finally, avoid plants you don't recognize if their sap is milky or off-color; if they have beans, bulbs, or seeds inside pods; a bitter or soapy taste; thorns, hairs, or spikes; plants that look like foliage from dill, carrot, or parsley; if the woody parts and leaves have an almond scent; if they have pink, purple, or black spurs on grass heads; or if they have three-leaf clusters.

Many berries are edible, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries and huckleberries; others, including daphne berries, jasmine berries, lantana camara berries, yew berries, moonseed berries and mistletoe berries, are fatal. Edible root plants include agave root, cammas bulbs, squaw root, wild carrots, Indian Cucumber root, wild onion, and wild garlic. Don't confuse them with flower bulbs, or candelabra cactus root. Greens are an excellent supplement to your wild diet. Dandelion greens, chickweed, clover, lamb's quarters, milkweed, and mustard greens are all good choices as well. Avoid anything that looks like dill or parsley, because it could be nightshade or hemlock.

Some plants are prepared to improve their taste; bitter greens can be soaked, acorns leached in water, and stems, leaves and buds of other plants boiled until they no longer taste bitter. Tubers, roots, and cattails should be boiled, baked, or roasted. That removes any oxalates some roots may have. Early grains can be eaten raw; once they're hard, you can grind them into flour or boil them for soup. The sap from birches and sycamores provides a sweetener like maple syrup.

Of course to do all this, you need some gear. Start with a multi-purpose tool to cut or dig up plants. You'll need cookware to cook things in, and a stove to cook on. And of course, a big backpack to carry it all.

Be careful, and bon appetit!

(Sources: http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/poison/poison.html , http://www.wilderness-survival.net/plants-1.php, http://www.wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/food/edibleplants/ , http://www.essortment.com/all/ediblewildplan_repo.htm )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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.

When the day's activities call for layering and lightweight, versatile pieces of clothing, a pair of convertible pants can help you get through the day's itinerary comfortably. These pants reduce the need to pack extra clothing for your trip because they can keep you warm and dry as a pair of trousers, and cool and comfortable as a pair of capris. Convertible capris are great for Spring and summer excursions in the backwoods, or even when you're hitting the beach for the day. They're a lightweight basic for any outdoor wardrobe, and the conversion process takes only a few seconds; just unzip and store the extra material in your backpack and you're ready to go.

Try on a pair of Kuhl Forester Convertible Capris to put these versatile pants to the test. The fitted waistband and adjustable fit side cinches make for a perfect fit for almost any body type, and the roomy pockets and extra wide belt loops give you plenty of options for carrying extra accessories. These straight-leg pants have a zipper embedded right below the knee, so you can just unzip in seconds to convert them into a pair of comfortable capris.

The pants are also designed for maximum range of motion; whether you're heading out on a climbing adventure, relaxing under the sun or trekking across a trail, you can move fluidly and easily. The two front curve hand pockets around the hips add a flattering touch to the design, and the curved back yoke provides some extra 'give' for those extra challenging trails.

Convertible pants made with lightweight materials will also keep you cool and comfortable when temperatures rise. You'll need the extra coverage of a pant when you're trekking through a rainforest or exploring rough territory, but you won't be weighed down when the pants are made with a light nylon and cotton blend. They can be worn with your favorite tee, a lightweight sweatshirt and any windbreaker or jacket. Convertible pants and capris are best paired up with a mules, clogs or sandals to make a complete outdoor ensemble that's high on comfort and versatility.

Eagle Mountain is one of the most elusive highpoint peaks in the United States, not because it is the hardest to climb or because it is concealed by some sort of mystical camouflage spell either. Rather, Eagle Mountain in Minnesota is difficult to summit because most people think they've hit the top before they actually arrive.

Eagle Mountain is one of those peaks where the summit plateau tricks your eyes. The actual summit isn't reached until you find the plaque, so climbing this mountain can sometimes seem like a particularly cruel scavenger hunt. Not only that, but the journey to the Eagle Mountain trail head brings you across the path of several bogs, a type wetland that usually has a starring role in horror movies rather than in picturesque mountain villages. Fortunately, wooden bridges help prospective climbers pass the bogs to get to the good part.

Although Eagle Mountain reaches an elevation of only 2,301 feet, the actual climb is little over three miles, most of which is forested. Unlike many other mountain peaks, however, the most difficult part of the climb is in the first 1,000 feet, where woods and rocks can impede your journey. If you'd like to camp out at Eagle Mountain, you'll find a perfectly serviceable campsite at the neighboring Whale Lake, which is not, despite popular misconception, shaped like a whale. You'll also need to register at the trail head before you start your climb, so make sure to bring proper identification.

Eagle Mountain is also one of those peaks that can be summitted all year round. Snow makes the going difficult in the dead of winter, but a pair of hardy snow boots will get the job done. Regardless of the time of year, you'll want a warm, flexible jacket, especially if your climb will extend into the evening.

Eagle Mountain is lots of fun and a great way to get in shape for more dangerous hikes. In fact, the local climbing enthusiasts often summit this mountain every week before they head out in search of bigger challenges.

If you're an adventure reader, you'll realize that I borrowed the title from a story by Jack London. One of his arctic tales, it's about an adventurer caught in the wilderness in temperatures as low as -70 degrees, which London says will freeze your spit before it hits the ground. If the adventurer can't make a fire, he'll freeze.

You don't have to be in -70 degree weather to bite the big one from cold. If you're unprepared, temperatures in the 50s can do it. A key to survival in the wilderness, and in some shelters, is the ability to make a fire to keep warm. (Obviously, if you're in an area that has a burn ban, you should have survival gear appropriate to any possible weather conditions; starting a wildfire is not the best way to avoid frostbite.)

Especially in areas like Alaska, northern Washington, the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Ontario, and anywhere with water, trees and a tendency for precipitation, you need to be prepared with waterproof matches and small kindling such as small sticks and dry leaves. Paper burns too quickly to be of much use unless you have a lot of it, and it's not convenient to carry. Pick up items you can use for kindling and put them in your pack. If you can't find waterproof matches, then carry a waterproof pack for your matches, kindling and any gear that needs to be dry.

Before you start a fire, clear the area of loose material that could carry embers to surrounding vegetation. Use your pile of kindling and have slightly larger sticks and some larger branches or firewood at hand. Ignite the kindling and feed the larger sticks into it gradually to make sure they catch and stay lit. Once you have a good fire of sticks going, make a tripod over it of large branches or firewood. The tripod allows airflow, a key ingredient to a good fire, to surround the branches and keep the fire burning longer. Add wood as needed.

Stay warm out there!