Feb 21 2010

Irish Forestry and the Importance of Forestry Inspection Lines

Tag: The Great Outdoorsdamon @ 11:16 pm
Bamboo.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Jakob Montrasio

Irish forestry transplants trees at the age of 2 to 3 years onto a new site. Once the site has been prepared for the arrival of the trees, the planter will come in and place the trees on top of the mounds at a spacing of two meters. For the next couple of years one or two maintenance runs will be carried out on the fledgling Forest in order to remove or reduce competing vegetation, to fertilize when needed, or replace dead or dying trees. It is very easy to get in amongst the trees at this early stage. But, once the forest reaches their teenage years, it becomes a difficult to gain any forest access.

By the time Irish forestry reaches the age where it needs first thinning, it will be impossible for any individual to access more than a couple of meters into the forest. This is because the tree branches will have closed in to extend that they block any intrusion. This is where forestry inspection lines are needed. Around the age of 14 to 20 years, any forestry in Ireland has to be inspected to ascertain the value of thinning. The thinning process is achieved by removing about one third of the overall tree population in order to give the other two thirds a better chance of growing into decent timber.

The forestry inspection lines are created throughout the forest. They are basically a tunnel which goes from one side of the forest to the other side of the forest and are created by removing the lower branches between two sets of trees up to head height. This allows a person to walk all the way through the forest. These forest inspection lines are placed parallel to each other at about 100 m spacing. When this is carried out around the circumference of the forest, a grid system is created whereby the individual inspector can inspect any area within 100 meters of any other area.


Feb 20 2010

EZ Pop Up Gazbebo Hire

Tag: The Great Outdoorsdamon @ 3:37 pm

Organising an outdoor event can be both stressful and expensive. In fact, it will be both of these things the majority of the time. The good news is that there is a cheap and easy way to take care of any temporary outdoor shelter needs you may have. Hiring a pop up gazebo is a very sensible option for many professional events organisers, and one that they use frequently. Hiring one of these structures can also save precious time and money for those of us just looking to organize a one off event, especially if we do not really have any experience.

When erecting shelters outdoors, you want to be looking for products that are sturdy and easy to erect in short periods of time. The many EZ pop up gazebo designs currently on the market will meet these criteria. When organising an event for a number of guests, you will likely require a sizeable gazebo that is much bigger than the standard ones designed for use at home. These structures can be expensive to purchase. If you will only be getting limited use from the gazebo on one or two occasions, it will prove to be uneconomical to buy one for yourself. Hiring a structure will make more sense an overwhelming majority of the time.

There are many companies that offer pop up gazebo hire at great prices. When looking at the range of products available to hire, make sure you are aware how many people each design is capable of housing. It is also important to know that you are capable of erecting any structure you rent from a company. Assembly will usually be straightforward, but don’t be afraid to ask for a demonstration if you are unsure. You do not want to wait to the morning of your event to discover that you have no idea how to erect your gazebo properly.


Jan 25 2010

Brief History of the ALICE Pack

Tag: The Great Outdoorsdamon @ 1:51 pm
www.Army.mil
Creative Commons License photo credit: The U.S. Army

The ALICE backpack, or All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, is a military back pack system that was used by the United States military for almost 30 years. This system saw many evolutions in both materials and design throughout its history, but stayed true to its core concept throughout that time. The basic idea of the ALICE pack was to have a carrying system that could not only contain all the gear a soldier could need, but at the same time was light enough to make them effective in combat.

The initial ALICE pack was initially made of primarily of nylon and cut the overall weight of its predecessor nearly in half. The components of this system are now an iconic representation of the American soldier. The initial unit looked primarily like the top half of a vest married with a wide secure belt. Attached to these components were pouches of various sizes as well as holsters for pistols and canteens. The pouches could be used to store extra ammunition as well as any other small items the soldier might need. Grenades could easily be affixed to the pack and detached quickly and easily. The main advantage of the early ALICE backpack was how evenly it distributed the weight. Training and in combat maneuvers were far easier with gear stored and secured by the large ALICE packs.

Over time the ALICE pack continued to evolve. The second iteration saw many needed improvements. The first of which was the removal of the vest top. This was replaced instead by dual suspenders. These better supported the weight and were less prone to coming apart. In addition mounting on the suspender style was much easier. Ammunition, grenades, and other items could easily be clipped on for easy access. The belt also changed, it was made to be much sturdier as well. Much of the steel equipment on the original ALICE was replaced with high grade plastics, reducing weight and increasing the overall longevity of the pack.

Adjustments and fine tuning of the ALICE pack continued over the next twenty years. As lighter materials became available the packs became lighter and stronger. There are many components of the pack that are still in use by soldiers today. While the overall pack has been phased out, components and the philosophy behind it still dominate thinking behind how military gear is carried. The ALICE pack, while not the most glamorous, is one of the most important developments of the tools of the soldier today.


Jan 23 2010

Fishing Boots For Increased Safety

Tag: The Great Outdoorsdamon @ 10:36 pm

Abfischfest Heidenreichstein
Creative Commons License photo credit: Mario Spann


Fishing boots are usually the last thing the new fly fisherman remembers to take with them when going for their fishing lesson or on their first solo trip. Wading in the water is important for the fly fisherman and there are quite a few types of terrain they will have to walk through steadily and the fishing boot helps them do just that.

When fishing in rivers, streams and lakes it is important for the fisherman to be able to stay steady on their feet while wading through the water. Fly fisherman spend a lot of time in the water and need to keep their feet dry and warm. They also want to be able to remain steady on their feet as they are wading through the water so they don’t slip and fall. Good rubber fishing boots have a thick non skid sole to prevent slipping and falling.

Some styles of boots include hip boots that run the length of the leg and attach to the bottom of the shirt or top of the pants are most often used, but there are also boots that go up to the knee and mid calf. Keep the type of waters to be fished in, in mind when choosing which boots to buy. Buying rubber fishing boots are just like buying a new pair of shoes. You will need to know your size and the right style for your fishing preference. There are boots that will work with any terrain the fisherman may walk in.

Sporting goods stores carry a wide variety of fly fishing gear including the many many types of rubber fishing boots. The salesman are knowledgeable their stuff and will be able to provide good advise on how to find the right equipment to fit the fisherman’s ideal fishing trip.


Jan 20 2010

Basic Facts About Electric Winches

Tag: The Great Outdoorsdamon @ 6:56 pm
Winch
Creative Commons License photo credit: pdstahl

Whether you are looking for a 24v winch or 12v winch, electric winches are preferred by most off-road enthusiasts. They are typically used to pull all sorts of vehicles including trucks, boats, cranes, and other types of machinery that are stuck in a compromised position. The classical example of using this kind of winch is when recovering a jammed car back to safety. Winches make use of hooks and cables that are attach to the vehicle that needs to be recovered. In addition to that, the electric variety can also be utilized in hauling boats.

With a fast growing market, electric winches now come in a myriad of styles and configurations. Two of the top winch manufacturers that you should look into include Mile Marker and Warn. Because of the increasing demand for electric-powered winches, many small-scale niche markets have also decided to join the flock. Although the main concept of their use still remains the same, technology surely have its way to introduce minor and major improvements making it harder for consumers to pick the most appropriate one.

Essentially, these winches are designed to provide pulling power during off-road recoveries. Normally, they feature a two-speed engine, which is responsible for providing the winch power. A spooled cable is attached to the winch’s motor along with a lever that is used to release it. This cable will be connected to the vehicle that needs to be towed. When the cable has been mounted on the vehicle’s anchor point, the lever is pushed on the opposite direction in order to commence recovery. As a result, it causes the spool to wind up so that the cable will start to pull back.

Remember that choosing an electric winch (such as a 12v winch) can be quite confusing due to a wide range of viable options. Therefore, thorough assessment and careful evaluation are extremely needed.


Jan 05 2010

The Art of Fly Fish Casting: Fly Fishing Casting Tips

Tag: The Great Outdoorsdamon @ 10:07 am

Casting in Dunbar Creek
Creative Commons License photo credit: KitAy

Fly fishing casting can be tough for the beginner starting out for the first time and one new to fishing may wonder if it can even be done, but fly fish casting isn’t as impossible as it may seem, it just takes years of work and practice to accomplish. With the right equipment and some fly fishing instructions the beginner should be able to effectively cast their fishing line within a short amount of time. There are many beginner fly fishermen who have spent alot of time in the hobby of spin fishing. When casting for spin fishing there isn’t a weight on the end of the fishing line so they are unfamiliar with the feel of the weight when casting their fishing line because in spin fishing the line doesn’t play as big a part in the casting of the line. However, in fly fishing and casting no weight is used, a fly is used instead which is very light so the fishing line has to be heavier in order to complete the cast.

Since when engaging in fly fishing the line that is being cast should match the fly fishing rod in order to be able to properly cast the line for the desired distance. It is very important to choose the right equipment that is balanced and is properly suited to the particular fishing situation at the moment. There are many different fly casting techniques that can be used such as the backward cast and the forward cast. Another technique is the abrupt stop. No matter the method used it is important to practice the preferred method over and over again. It can take many years of fishing in order to get to the stage of expertise of casting a fly with consistent accuracy. Learning fly fishing can be a very frustrating sport or hobby but if you remain determined then it is worth all the trouble.


Jan 05 2010

Fishing Charters: What To Check Before You Book A Fishing Charter

Tag: The Great Outdoorsdamon @ 10:05 am
Early in the morning, while all things are crisp with frost, men come with fishing-reels and slender lunch .. Thoreau
Creative Commons License photo credit: ZEDZAP>Nick

Deep sea fishing charters are the best way to have an adventure, while trying to catch your favorite fish from the ocean. It is important to plan the right charter for your trip, because this can be a thrilling experience of a lifetime but also very expensive, so you want to make sure you get your monies worth. If you want to be able to watch for whales, sharks or dolphins while you wait to make the catch of the day, be sure that the charter company you choose for your excursion will offer you these sights.

There are normally many charter companies to choose from when you visit a city or community where fishing is considered to be one of the main sports. Most companies will cater to the demands of their clients and do their best to give them all the amenities they are looking for. There are charters that are set up specifically for day trips only and those that can be for overnight, weekends or even week long adventures. If you are new to deep sea fishing and want your charter experience to be an over night excursion then you will want to make sure the charter company you sign up with is willing to work with first timers to the sport. There are also fishing charters available of the seasoned deep sea fisherman.

Just be sure to get as much info before signing a fishing charter for your excursion. You will want to be sure to be comfortable on the trip. The best way to find a good fishing charter company is by word of mouth. Talk to other fisherman who have already visited the region you plan to go to and even the local people will give you good guidelines as to who they would recommend depending on your level of expertise and what you want to get out of your adventure.


Dec 28 2009

Getting Outdoor Chaise Lounge Cushions

Tag: The Great Outdoors @ 2:43 am

Outdoor chaise lounge cushions will help provide you and your guests with a much better experience while you lie down outside and enjoy the weather. With most other chairs, because of the lack of padding, it can be uncomfortable after a short while. With these added cushions however, since you will have more support, it will be a lot more relaxing to sit and lie on the chairs. Whether you want to create a cool look or a fun look or anything else in between, you will be able to because these cushions come in many different styles, patterns, and colors for you to choose from. You can find these cushions online for under $100 although there are some that will cost you well over $100 as well.


Dec 11 2009

Blinds for Your Outdoor Patio

Being able to sit back and relax in your patio is one of those enjoyments in life that can make it worth living. It can be a way to reduce stress and just take your mind off of things. That can be great if the weather is good but how about when it gets a bit too sunny? This can ruin you relaxation time since the sunlight can make you uncomfortable or make conditions become too hot. What you can do is get some outdoor patio blinds. These aren’t your typical window blinds although it can be. What these blinds will do is help block out the sunlight but still provide enough light to pass through to give you light to see. These can be made of different materials such as bamboo.


Nov 23 2009

Leupold RX-1000 Laser Rangefinder

Tag: The Great Outdoors @ 5:02 am

If you have a hunting fan in your family this year and you are struggling to find the right gift, then look no further than the Leupold RX-1000 Laser Rangefinder. This little gadget will make any hunter smile come Christmas morning.

If you aren’t familiar with laser rangefinders then what they do is send out a beam of light to a target and it measures the time it takes to get there and then to reflect back. It uses this measurement to calculate the distance to the target and displays it on a small screen that you look through, kind of like binoculars. Hunters, especially bow hunters but even rifle hunters, find this to be extremely helpful in calculating drop and range and how much to lead the target etc.

These units are also available to golfers as well and the two units function quite a bit differently. A laser rangefinder designed to be golf specific would NOT be of much use to a hunter, while a hunting rangefinder often has both modes of operation installed. The best thing you can do is check out some of the review sites to find more information about these items and you can read more about which rangefinder would be perfect for your situation.

Take comfort in knowing that my wife recently bought me one for my birthday, and it put a giant smile on my face. It is something that I wanted but was too cheap to buy for myself. Check em out today.


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