Choosing Binoculars |Nature|Wildlife |Outdoors

Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/ 

Here's your outdoor tip on buying binoculars.

Binoculars are useful for a variety of outdoor activities, but to be honest, I have always found myself somewhat intimidated by knowing what to choose as the best pair of binoculars for me. 

The list of options goes on and on:

First the types of Binoculars

•          Full Size

•          Compact

•          Wide Angle

•          Zoom

•          Waterproof

•          Focus Free

Binocular Performance

•          Magnification-often called “power”

•          Optical Coating

•          Lens Diameter

•          Prism Type / Grade

Types of Coating

Colored Coating References

•          Ruby (Orange) Coated

•          Blue Coated Optics

•          Green Colored Optics

Lens Diameter

Light Transmission

Brightness

Relative Brightness Index (Rbi)

Twilight Factor

Field Of View

Exit Pupil

Eye Relief

Eyecups

Inter Pupillary Distance Ipd

Focusing

•          Center Focus

•          Individual Focus

•          Auto Focus or Focus Free

Prism Types

Prism Quality

Tripod Adaptable 

Intimidated by this list, I have to admit that I have always found myself choosing binoculars based on what’s on sale or their general size.  I’m sure that these features of binoculars can be important to the expert user, but after reading several articles on selecting the correct binoculars for you, I’ve come to the conclusion that the average person will be satisfied with binoculars based on the basic magnification that fits their activities.  If you know what those numbers such as 8x30 on the binoculars mean, you will be able to find a pair that will fit your use.

Let’s start with looking at a standard set of numbers you might see on some binoculars: 6x30.  The number 6 refers to the number of times the binoculars will magnify an object.  In other words, the object would appear 6 times closer to you.  The number 30 tells you the diameter of the front of the binoculars or the objective lens.  This gathers the light that reaches your eyes.  Keep in mind that a large diameter means larger, heavier binoculars.

Although many people might not agree--for the purpose of our discussion, I am going to suggest that the average person needs to pay little attention to the second number.  I’m not saying it’s not important for specific applications, but there are standard sizes that go with particular magnifications.  Unless you are especially concerned about size, you will find normal objective lens sizes of:

On a 6 – 8 magnification 20-32 mm for the objective lens

On a 7 – 9 magnification 35 – 50mm

On a 10 – 36 magnification 50 – 70mm

Remember that the larger the objective lens, the more light that is captured, but without your personal experience using different sizes, I think you can go with what the average seller calls normal sizes. 

Magnification is easy to understand and simply means that 6x means the size is increased 6 times, 8x-8times and so forth.  There are two primary considerations to be made here.  First, you may think that it is great to have the largest magnification available, but the higher the magnification, the smaller the field of vision will be.  For example, if you want to use your binoculars to follow a deer running in the field or bird flying in the sky, high magnification will make it difficult for you to follow the animal because the field of vision is small.  Secondly, the higher the magnification, the more important it is to hold the binocular still.  Any magnification above 10x is going to mean the slightest amount of shaking, will make the image jump around and be difficult to view without a tripod.

The most popular binoculars tend to be the ones with moderate magnification (6x to 8x) with a wide field of vision and being easier to hold steady.  When you go over 10 it is difficult to hold them steady and they have a narrow field of vision.

Some suggestions for binoculars:

Going to the opera or an indoor show: 6x30

Hiking: 7x25

Nature watching: 7x35

Long-distance watching: 8x40

My suggestion is that unless you are specializing and an expert in a particular activity, magnification should be your primary consideration.  Consider your purpose and you can make your best choice in binoculars that will serve you needs for many years to come.  I feel power can be the foundation for your choice.  You can also look for features such as being waterproof and fogproof, but you may want to make price be your guide for many special features beyond magnification.

 

This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/

Additional outdoor tips can be received by subscribing to the Outdoor Professor Tips on iTunes or Stitcher.  If you enjoy outdoor tips, please leave a positive review at these sites.

 

 

References-Additional Reading

How to Buy Binoculars
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222810&infoPath=222985

A Guide to Buying Binoculars
http://animals.about.com/od/identifyinganimals/a/buybinos.htm

Things You Should Know Before Purchasing Your Next Binoculars
http://www.ebay.com/gds/THINGS-YOU-SHOULD-KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-BUY-BINOCULARS-/10000000007973565/g.html

 

Binoculars 101
http://www.binoculars101.com/bin-design-mag.html

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What to do with a blister?

Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/ 

Here's your outdoor tip on friction blisters.

Blisters can be uncomfortable and annoying, but in most cases they are not serious enough to require extensive medical attention.  Unexplained blistering on your skin may require you to go to the doctor, but most blisters you develop in the outdoors will be caused by shoes rubbing against a part of your foot.    In this case the blister produces vesicles when friction between your skin and shoes causes layers of skin to separate and fill with fluid.

If you know the cause of your blister, you can treat it by using porous bandages to keep it covered and protected while absorbing the moisture and allowing the wound to breathe.  The fluids will eventually escape back under the skin and disappear.  The skin over the fluid protects it from infection and you should try to keep it intact.  You should only consider puncturing a blister if it is causing extreme pain when you walk or use your hands if that is the location of the blister.  Never puncture a blister if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that might cause a problem.

The steps in removing a blister are:

1.  Wash your hands and the wound with soap and water

2.  Use alcohol to swab the blister

3.  Sterilize a needle with alcohol

4.  Puncture the blister at several spots near the blister’s edge.

5.  Leave the skin in place after allowing the fluid to drain

6.  Cover with a bandage

7.  Cut away the dead skin after several days

8.  Apply bandage again until healed

9.  See a medical professional if you see redness, signs of infection or have continued pain

Blisters frequently occur when something rubs against your skin for a continued period of time—most often on your hands or feet.  To prevent blisters place a protective covering over the area being rubbed.  Special socks or gloves are available that have padding in areas where blisters may most often be created.  It is possible to attach moleskin on the inside of your shoe where it might rub.

Friction blisters are usually not life-threatening, and will disappear once the friction causing them stops.  Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes if you are going to be walking for a long time and use cushioned socks to reduce friction.  If you feel a blister forming, stop and protect this area with a bandage.

Some people use Super Glue to treat blisters.  Squeeze the glue into a pierced area and it will have a comparable effect to Liquid Skin or a similar product—although this may not be a method approved by your doctor.

Vaseline might work, but there are anti-chafing products available to use also.

Moleskin can be placed in the blister hole.  You must be sure the moleskin is in the hole or it can cause further damage.  It must also be secure so it does not move and cause additional injury.

Most frequently blisters are more annoying than anything.  Do not ignore them, however.  Protect your body parts from continual friction that creates blisters and can irritate them with continual movement.  Always go to a medical professional if you have continued pain and signs of infection.

This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/

Additional outdoor tips can be received by subscribing to the Outdoor Professor Tips on iTunes or Stitcher.  If you enjoy these free outdoor tips, please leave a positive review at these sites.

 

References-Additional Reading

Blisters-First Aid
http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-blisters/basics/art-20056691

What’s causing my blisters?
http://www.healthline.com/health/blisters

 

How to stop blisters from getting worse once you have them
http://www.2toms.com/knowledge/how-to-stop-blisters-from-getting-worse-once-you-have-them/

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Stargazing|Nature|Wildlife|Astronomy

Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/ 

Here are your outdoor tips on stargazing.

When you are in the outdoors at night away from the urban lights, you cannot help but look up into the sky with wonder.  You find the night sky surrounding you with seemingly millions of stars.  The wonders of nature become evident.  It makes you feel like you are part of a bigger picture.

Here are some considerations that will help you enjoy an evening with the stars, planets and other heavenly bodies.

1.  Don’t start by rushing out to buy a telescope.  Don’t even borrow one for your first adventure with the night sky.  You will be wasting too much time learning how to use it and you will be missing what is happening in the landscape above you. Enjoy the panorama.

2.  Simply look up.  Look for bright objects in the sky such as the moon.  Look for noticeable patterns.  Shift your vision from what’s ahead of you to what’s above you.

3.  Bring some things that will make you comfortable as you look to the heavens.  A blanket, exercise mat, or reclining chair will help you be more comfortable as you look up—your neck will get tired after only a few minutes.

4.  Start with a pair of binoculars--you probably already own some.  Point them at the patterns that you see.  Find hazy patches and see if the basic magnification makes a difference in your perspective.  These patches might be star clusters or clouds of gas where new stars are forming.  The Moon and Jupiter may be clearly visible with even some of Jupiter’s moons observable.  Bring a moon map to enjoy some of the identifiable features on its surface.

5.  Pay attention to the moon.  It has a regular orbit around the earth and is relatively predictable.  Try to watch it at the same time each night.  How does it change?  Is it larger or smaller?  What height is it at?  Are the bright stars near it?  Start looking at a lunar calendar and see if it accurately describes the moon phase.

6.  During the day, watch where the sun is.  Do not look directly at it, but see if it’s position for rising and setting changes.  Does it follow the same pattern in the sky?  How does the position change with the seasons?

7.  Subscribe to an astronomy magazine.  You’ll find interesting news articles, equipment reviews, and even some monthly sky charts.  Make sure that any chart that you use is for your area of the world and time of year.

8.  You need to find a dark sky site.  State or national parks are good places to look for areas away from extraneous light from cities and other lighted areas.

9.  Join a local astronomical club.  These are great places to get advice and help.  It can also be more enjoyable to share stargazing experiences with others.  Members will also have different types of telescopes so you can start to explore ideas about what you will want to buy in the future.

10.  Watch for local schools, museums, and planetariums that might host public education programs.  You can learn and also link up with others with similar interests to yours.

11.  Take the telescope plunge only after several months of experience watching the skies.  Do you know the basics?  Can you identify some planets and constellations?  Use binoculars until you understand the layout of the night sky.

12.  Buy a red light to enable you to see at night yet not ruin your adaption to the dark.  Any exposure to bright light will instantly destroy your eye’s acclimation to the dark.  It is best to use a red torch that is especially built for astronomers.

13.  Buy a planisphere.  This is a versatile star chart made of plastic and shows you the night sky in your location at any time of year.  There are also some online products that you help you, but computer equipment can be difficult to use in the dark without distorting your night vision

14.  Get outside at night and start stargazing.  Watch the weather forecasts so you will not go out and be disappointed by cloud cover preventing you sky view.  Usually if cloud cover is over 30%, you will not have a good night of visibility.

15.  Don’t just focus on trying to identify things in the sky.  You will often be surprised by shooting stars and satellites.  Enjoy the view.

This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/

 

References-Additional Reading

EarthSky’s top 10 tips for super stargazers
http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/getting-started-2

6 Tips for Perfect Stargazing
http://news.discovery.com/space/history-of-space/six-stargazing-tips-astronomy.htm

 

Stargazing for Beginners: Planning Your First Night Out
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-blogs/astronomy/stargazing-for-beginners-planning-your-first-night-out/63296

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Interactions with Nature|Nature|Wildlife

Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/ 

Here's your outdoor tip on increasing your interactions with nature.

Outdoor tips are being presented to make your interactions with nature positive and supportive to your health and well-being.  They are intended to provide ideas to support your outdoor adventures and interactions with nature.

My premise is a simple one: you need to interact with our natural world to improve your happiness and health. I maintain that time spent in the outdoors has the power to improve the lives of people of all ages—children, adults, and in particular, older citizens. The purpose of outdoor tips is to improve your experience with the wonders of nature, whatever the shape or form.  I feel nature provides a natural, free, and accessible remedy that can improve the well-being of our entire population.

Tom Jacobs (2009) in his article in Turning Research into Solutions goes so far as to say “Nature makes us nicer” (p., 1). Jacobs says that maintaining a connection to nature has been shown to decrease stress levels and stimulate healing. Jacobs cites a series of studies that say nature brings individuals closer to others, whereas human-made environments move us toward more selfish ends.

The flip side of this discussion considers the damage that disconnection to nature does to our bodies and minds. Some compare life in the 21^st Century to a wild animal living unnaturally caged in a zoo. This may seem an extreme view, but consider the lives many people live. The cubical of the office worker is a graphic depiction of the empty cage in the zoo. As you will find artificial rocks and plants in the modern zoo, you will find family pictures, favorite outdoor scenes, and other trophies and mock representations of the outside world in a worker’s cubical. Urban technologies are moving humans from a natural environment to the confines of the city, many with barren offices and cubicles far removed from nature. Television, computers and other electronic media are dominating the lives of people.

We must work to overcome the draw of the virtual media world of nature and escape our daily urban lives to the “real natural” world. These practical outdoor tips and information should empower you to maintain and expand your interactions with nature.  It will support the increase of what I call the “Nature Quotient”—humanity’s link to nature.  It is important that you spend consistent time in the outdoors and encourage the members of your family to do the same.

The importance of my interaction with nature is something that has been expanding at some level of consciousness or unconsciousness my entire life. I have spent much of my life in the outdoors swimming in natural lakes, fishing, hunting, hiking, paddling a kayak, bird watching--taking part in just about any activity that gave me an excuse to be outdoors. I used to take the outdoors for granted thinking it was just some fun activities that drew me to the outdoors. Now, I realize that it’s something much greater than that. I am beginning to understand why I have always been drawn to so many outdoor activities. Helping others experience nature and our great outdoors makes me recognize that there is more to the enjoyment than just the activity itself. It’s the connection with nature that brings us a sense of serenity—an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The lure of the outdoors is not just a sporting activity--it’s the communication with nature that brings people back to the outdoors. I now additionally enjoy helping others to get pleasure from the outdoors and nature improving their physical and mental health. Much of my spare time is spent taking people on a trek in the woods or guiding them paddling down a remote bayou. My goal is that tips will help you share these outdoor experiences with others.

I was very concerned to see a recent article in the USA Section of the Indianapolis Star (July 13, 2014, p.8B).  The theme of the article was that we are becoming a nation increasingly afraid of the “park”—or more specifically, the creatures that live there.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service reported that many visitors to national wildlife refuges fear not only snakes, bats, alligators and wolves, but also even ducks and turtles.  More and more reports were coming from refuge guides suggesting visitors find many of the creatures “creepy.” 

Guides are saying that children are more comfortable at home looking at monitors of a swamp than exploring the actual swamp in the outdoors.  They say it’s the fear of the unknown.  They’ve seen on television a poisonous spider in Venezuela and think it might be in a park in the United States.  Environmental educators say it begins with the teachers.  They act like many outdoor creatures are disgusting and it rubs off on the children. Even fear of “bugs” is a common feeling of people with limited experience in the outdoors. 

Part of the solution to this problem is to follow the tips I present to be aware of hazards in the outdoors.  There is no reason for fear, but a healthy respect for outdoor creatures and plants should be maintained.  A breakout of poison ivy should be the worst case scenario for someone exploring nature. Nature provides a natural, free, and accessible therapy that can benefit our entire population. There is a critical connection between nature and people. The two are inseparable. Your Nature Quotient can be increased with activities as simple as a walk in the park, gardening or owning a pet. It emphasizes that nature is not a destination. It can be found right outside your front door. You can establish an effective relationship with nature with your own initiatives.

Unfortunately, we are moving further from nature as a society and are losing its benefits.  Keeps my outdoor tips in mind to help you overcome challenges you may face in future explorations of the outdoors.

This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/

 

References—Additional Reading

Bothel, R.T. (2013) Nature Quotient. Available via Kindle, Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. ASIN: B00B6Y0ID8.

Jacobs, T. (2009, August 19). Immersion in nature makes us nicer. Miller-McCune Turning Research into Solutions. Retrieved January 15, 2010, from http://miller-mccune.com/news/immersion-in-nature-makes-us-nicer-1430

 

Afraid of the Park.  Indianapolis Star. (July 13, 2014, p.8B).USA Section.  Gannett publications.

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Hypothermia|Nature|Wildlife

Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/ 

Here's your outdoor tip on hypothermia.

 The colder months of the year bring the possibility of hypothermia to the forefront with exposure to the cold weather or immersion in cold water. It’s important to note, however, that hypothermia is possible even in the warmer months particularly with prolonged exposure to water lower than the normal body temperature of 98.6F. 

 It is important not to underestimate the effects of the cold.  Many hypothermia cases develop in air temperature between 30 to 50 degrees.  Being wet makes the danger of death very possible particularly in the wind.

 The general characteristics of hypothermia in the following body temperatures are:

95 F     Mild    Shivering        Withdrawn      Foot Stamping

90 F     Mild    Loss of Coordination                        Confused

85 F     Moderate        Lethargy         Slow Pulse      Sleepy

80 F     Severe Coma  Weak Pulse; arrhythmias; slow respiration   Irrational thinking

78 F     Severe Apparent Death          Ventricular fibrillation;         cardiac arrest              Unconscious

 There are detailed estimates for survival times at different water temperatures, but there are many variables.  The body loses heat to the water about 30 times faster than the air. Generally speaking, immersion in 32F water will bring death in less than 15 minutes.  Water over 70 F brings much higher prospects of survival.

 Getting out of the water and on top of an over-turned boat is the best approach for capsizing.  Swimming is not a good idea and leads to faster heat loss and exhaustion.  If you are more than one mile from shore, swimming can likely be fatal.  Treading water also leads to rapid heat loss so staying a life jack is the best bet.  It along with clothing provides insulation.

 The Heat Escape Lessening Posture of H.E.L.P. can be used with a PFD.  Hold your arms tightly against you sides and across your chest.  Pull your legs together and up toward your chest.  Two or more people with PFDs can huddle together to conserve body heat and offer a larger target to be found by rescuers.

It is important to remember that the hypothermic patient isn’t dead until she’s warm.  Victims have been saved with core temperatures as low as 75F.  Even with no pulse or breathing, the victim can be saved.

 Symptoms of hypothermia include:

Shivering

Slurred Speech

Clumsiness

Confusion

Poor decision making

Difficult thinking

Drowsiness

Low energy

Lack of concern about your condition

 

Risk factors that increase the risk of hypothermia are:

Old age

Very young especially infants

Mental problems

Alcohol or drug use

Some medical conditions

Medications

 

Treating Hypothermia

Serious cases should immediately be taken to a medical professional for care.  Basic care includes:

Preventing further heat loss

Re-warming the victim

Be gentle in handling

Minimize the victim’s physical exertion when removing her

Remove wet clothes

Cover with dry clothing or blankets

Protect from wind especially around the head and neck

Use warm compresses

Give warm nonalcoholic and noncaffeniated liquids

Use CPR when there is no pulse or breathing

 

Prevention of Hypothermia

Remember COLD

                       Cover

            Overexertion

Layers

Dry

          COLD

• Cover: wear protective clothing particularly a hat and scarf and mittens
• Overexertion: avoid sweating and losing body heat
• Layers: wear loose-fitting, layered clothing.  Cotton is the poorest choice.  Wool insulates even when its wet.
• Dry: Stay dry to keep wet away from body

 

Remember:

•     Don’t drink alcohol
•        Stay out of the wind
•        Clean clothes have a greater insulating value
•        Be careful with rain gear as it holds in perspiration
•        Wear water proof shoes
•       Do not sleep with your head under the covers as it will increase the humidity in the                your bag
•        You want 2-3 times the insulation below you as over you

Don’t underestimate the effects of the cold.  Be prepared when you are in the outdoors in chilly weather, windy days or on cool water.

 

This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/

 

References—Additional Reading

 

Diseases and Conditions: Hypothermia

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/basics/definition/con-20020453

What is hypothermia?

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-hypothermia

Hypothermia Prevention

http://www.natureskills.com/outdoor-safety/hypothermia-prevention/

Hypothermia in Water

http://www.hypothermia.org/inwater.htm

Hypothermia in Cold Water

http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/coastal_communities/hypothermia

 

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Fire Making|Nature|Wildlife

Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/ 

Here's your outdoor tip on making a fire.

One of the most important outdoor survival skills you need is how to make a fire.  A fire can also just make a wet day in the outdoors more pleasant.

·       Fire will give you warmth

·       Fire will allow you to boil water

·       Fire will provide light at night

·       Fire will let you signal for help

·       Fire will dry your clothes

·       Fire will discourage insects and predators

In an extreme survival situation, fire can make the difference between living and dying.

Three elements in the right quantities are needed for a fire; heat, fuel and oxygen.  You need to choose a dry area to create you fire that is away from dead trees, bushes and other combustibles that might lead to the fire getting out of control. There should also be protection of wind and rain.  Dig a hole or make a circle of rocks to keep the fire under control.

Of course, an easy fire starter is a butane lighter or matches.  In many cases these things are not available, however.  If you have a flashlight and some steel wool, you can place it on the positive and negative terminal together and it will catch on fire.  This may also work using the silver-backed paper from gum.  Connect the positive and negative terminals and have a narrow tear in the middle of the connecting wrapper.  If there is sun available, a magnifying glass or lens from binoculars or a camera can focus the sunlight onto something that will ignite.

You often hear of friction-based fire making—or rubbing two sticks together-- but this is one of the most difficult ways to start a fire.  This involves using some kind of basic fire board and a spindle whether it is a hand drill or bow to create friction and heat.  Several types of wood will work, but wood must be bone dry for this to be effective.  These materials are not always available so I’m not going to spend time detailing these methods.

One of the most popular fire starters found in a survival kit is a magnesium fire bar.  The secret to success with this equipment is to first create a small pile of magnesium shavings together by the combustible material you plan to use to start the fire.  Experts recommend half a bamboo stick to hold the shavings to handle placement of the hot shavings once started.  You can carry this small piece of bamboo with you with the magnesium bar.

A real challenge in starting a fire is having enough dry tinder to get the fire going.  This can be dry bark, grass, pine; needles, or dead plant material.  Some recommend carrying cotton balls covered with petroleum jelly.  You can stretch them and spread them out to make a good starter.  Wring out the petroleum jelly and they should start easily.  Carrying a candle can also work as your starting tinder.

Having dry kindling is next in the process.  These are thin, narrow pieces of wood that must be slowly placed on the tinder.  Start with toothpick sized and slowly work up in size.  Once the kindling gets going, start building up the size of the fire wood getting to arm size pieces.

The teepee fire is the most popular structure for fire starting.  Place your tinder ball on the dry ground and then construct a cone-shaped teepee around it starting with small sticks.  Make sure you leave enough room to get in and ignite the tinder.  Once the teepee is going strong, you can keep adding more wood.

Practice your fire making skills and you will have success adventures in the outdoors.

This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/

 

References-Additional Reading

Fire Making
http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com/fire_making.htm

Fire Making

9 Ways to Start a Fire Without Matches
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/04/29/9-ways-to-start-a-fire-without-matches/

 

7 Ways to Start a Fire Without a Match
http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/survival/fire/2006/10/seven-ways-light-fire-without-match

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