Boy vs. Wild

Did you see this story about the kid who survived two days in the elements?  Great job Mr. Joy.  His common sense and instincts saved his life.  How would you do?

I'm Glad It's Not Just Me!

I've been a touch concerned for about the past two years.  I've been noticing the weather and wondering, "Am I going crazy, or are the seasons becoming more extreme?"  After our fifth weekend snow storm in a row, I finally did some research.  I wasn't able to find much in American main stream media, but I did find some interesting articles about a recent experiment.  You can read about it yourself at The Register. 
The first thing I learned is that 2012 was the hottest year in American history.  Yes, you read that right.  The hottest year ever.  However, I don't really care about the heat right now (I'll worry about that in a couple of months).  I want to know where all this (expletive deleted) snow is coming from. 
Vladimir Petoukhov of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research explains that the Arctic is now closer in temperature to the areas around it.  The temperature difference creates wind which pushes air masses across our globe.  The bigger the temperature difference, the more wind you get, and the faster the weather travels around the world.  Makes sense, right?
Well, with the Arctic warming and a smaller temperature difference to the areas around it, the weather is slowing down and even stalling out in places.  Possibly right over your house.
The next time you are looking out the window and wondering if it's ever going to stop, the answer is.... Maybe not this time.
More to the point, this will affect most of my outdoor activities.  I am going to adjust my packing lists for more extreme weather, and be more aware of the local forecasts. 
I guess in the end, I am left with more questions than answers.  Will the media report on this research?  What are the effects on plant and animal life?  Are these changes temporary, or have we permanently damaged the Earth around us? 

Welcome To My Adventure

This is my new blog on one of my favorite topics... The outdoors.  I've been an outdoors-man my entire life.  My family's yearly vacation was a camping trip from the time I was a boy.  A tradition I plan to continue with my own family.  I joined the Cub Scouts in elementary school, and became an Eagle Scout at seventeen.  I was a member of an active troop whose years of outdoor education was priceless.  I am also a Veteran and survivalist.

For the past few years I've spent more time in big cities than in any other time in my life.  Two things have occurred to me.  First, I miss rural America.  No matter how big or beautiful, a city park can't quench that thirst for the American wilderness.  Second, I'm in shock at how many people have lost their connection to mother nature.  I'm baffled at how many adults I know who can't start a fire, have never been camping, or even spent a night outdoors. 

Mother Nature shapes our lives regardless of where we live.  Everyone from New York City to the hills of Eastern Tennessee can feel her touch.  She has an affect on politics, current events, our safety, and much more.  The purpose of this blog is simple.  I want to help educate both young people and adults about our true national treasures.  All across our country are nationally and state owned lands set aside for the specific purpose of your enjoyment and the preservation of wildlife.  I want to bring the outdoor experience to anyone who is curious.  I will post my excursions, offer helpful tips, and point out relevant news stories.  I look forward to sharing my adventure with you.