#headlamp services

[vintagedetailing]

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[dwemers]

Okay VERY proud of myself. I just walked home through the forest in the dark with no flashlight (at 3am!)! I’ve done it before, but was extremely terrified and sobbing the entire way back last time I did it.

I stomped my feet every few minutes and yelled “go away bear!“ a few times to self sooth my somewhat irrational fear of being mauled by an animal (there’s only black bears here so shouldn’t be a true fear lol) but wooow had to be one of the best walks of my life. Stopped in the meadow to enjoy the stars who looks STUNNING tonight wow wow life is amazing!!!!

[bornagainpainters]

Car Headlamp Replacement Services In Jacksonville, FL

Born Again Painters LLC provides the perfect Vehicle Light Frame Repairing Service in Jacksonville, FL where you can find that it has been possible to meet your requirement. This would help you to get the right one for you that would not make you get worried at all. You would be able to feel that the right choice has been made by you in getting the right amount of satisfaction out of it. Reach us by calling +1 904-374-6939.

Read this complete blog here: https://bit.ly/3EnRCEH

[shiftythrifting]

Cool art prints from 1988, at Bibles for Missions.

Fake tetris, a very nice stereo/reciever set, a headlamp servicing guide???, and a book that is totally not written by Stephen King (that i bought). All at value village

Red Deer, AB.

[obsidianpen]

omg are you ok op?

we are okay. We lost a lot of food, which sucks—y’all know how crazy grocery prices are—but we have a good stock of canned and non perishable stuff and a gas grill so we’re making it work. And we have a big battery powered light with several charged batteries. And candles! And head lamps! Never knew how much I’d rely on a headlamp to just go to the bathroom after nightfall but damn they’re dead useful. We probably won’t have power for a while, we’ve been told it could be two weeks. But it could be a lot worse. At least we seem to have somewhat regular cell service now!

[jacensolodjo]

A report has been published on the overarching effects of russia attacking ukrainian power infrastructure, especially in winter. As well as medical facilities.

An excerpt:

Before the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, Ukraine boasted one of the most developed power sectors in Europe, with universal access to electricity. However, by June 2024, available capacity had plummeted by 85 percent due to Russia’s systematic attacks on energy infrastructure. Russia has blocked gas transit to Ukraine, seized assets, launched cyberattacks, and, since October 2022, systematically bombed Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. By September 2024, Russia had allegedly destroyed all thermal power plants and nearly all large hydroelectric power plants.

Data collected by TH and PHR since the start of the full-scale invasion shows that the cumulative impacts of Russia’s direct attacks on health facilities, as well as strikes on energy infrastructure with reported impact on health care facilities, have impeded health care delivery and endangered patients and health care workers alike. For example, since the start of the full-scale invasion, health care workers and patients at the Okhmatdyt National Specialized Children’s Hospital have faced multiple attacks that have caused death and suffering. Airstrikes shattered its windows in March 2022, forcing vulnerable patients, including terminally ill and immunocompromised children, to be treated underground despite the grave health risks of doing so. On October 10, 2022 – the day that Russia began its large-scale aerial assault on Ukrainian energy infrastructure – a missile strike killed one of Okhmatdyt’s doctors as she drove to work. In the months that followed, frequent power outages lasting up to several days resulted in lights shutting off in all departments but intensive care. The energy cuts jeopardized patient health by interrupting or delaying surgeries; forcing surgeons to operate in darkness illuminated only by headlamps; discontinuing flow of water to the hospital, creating unhygienic conditions; and rendering diagnostic and treatment equipment unusable.

A survey of 2,261 health care workers conducted as part of this research project indicates that the experiences of clinicians in Mariupol and Okhmatdyt hospitals are far from unique. Key findings from the survey include: 

The overwhelming majority (92.3 percent) of health care workers report experiencing power outages at their health facility as a result of attacks on energy infrastructure.

Two-thirds of health care workers (66.3 percent) reported that power outages due to attacks on energy infrastructure affected medical procedures in their facilities.

Specifically, 8.4 percent noted delays in elective surgeries, 1.7 percent experienced interruptions during surgery, and 1.8 percent reported failures in life support systems due to outages.

Outages disrupted communication systems (35.7 percent), water supply (21.5 percent), heating and ventilation (19 percent), and elevators (16.5 percent).

7.8 percent of respondents noted malfunctions in diagnostic equipment, such as X-ray machines and MRIs due to outages. Medication storage issues, leading to spoilage, were reported by 13.8 percent, and 3.6 percent informed about problems with storing biological samples like blood or embryos.

Permanent health harms (36 reports) and deaths (20 reports) were also reported.  

82.9 percent of health workers experienced increased stress, burnout, and other challenges due to these attacks on energy infrastructure and disruption of services, with 27 percent facing these hardships daily.

[gumnut-logic]

A Date with Monique

Okay, I'm blaming this squarely on @onereyofstarlight, @katblu42 and @gaviiadastra .

Have a little roadside assistance. Younger Earth and Sky and a lot of frustration for at least one of them :D

Hope it makes some kind of sense as I wrote most of it, ironically, on the side of a road :D It is possibly ridiculous.

-o-o-o-

“Aren’t you rich or something?”

Scott looked up at his date and mentally lowered the number on her scorecard for the night. “Yeah, so?”

She waved a hand in a random direction. “Can’t you call in a helicopter or something? I’m getting burrs in my stockings.”

That had him peering down the length of her long legs to the heels at their end. The legs were very nice indeed, even in the twilight darkness. But she was right. The grasses on the roadside verge had decided that she could transport their seeds quite well.

He wasn’t going to mention the bug on her shoe.

“No, we don’t do that.”

“Why not?” There was a whine to her voice that hadn’t been there before. Perhaps their unfortunate circumstances were a catalyst to revelations of her true nature.

“Help is on the way. He won’t be long.”

She slapped at her arm. “Ew, mosquito!”

Scott was leaning against his motorcycle. His motorcycle that was no longer motoring due to a busted spark plug. He had no spare, so that had necessitated a phone call.

That phone call was going to cost him because Virgil had been ranting at Scott for several weeks now that his bike needed a service.

He’d been busy.

Okay, he had forgotten.

And tonight was pleasantly unexpected. Well, it was pleasant until the bike stopped doing what he needed it to do.

“Who won’t be long? Did you call your father? I’d like to meet the famous Jeff Tracy.”

Oh, I bet you would. Her scorecard was dropping by the minute. Mentioning Jeff Tracy and his billions wasn’t the best way to get into favour with his eldest son. There were many opportunists out there…to use kind terms…apparently Grandma had at least a twenty-mile radius of influence when it came to language, even unspoken.

“Dad isn’t home.”

“Oh.” That deflated her.

Wonder what she will think of Virgil’s truck.

As if magicked into existence by the thought, a familiar rumble ramped up beyond the crest down the road. Moments later his brother’s old truck ambled over the top, its yellow headlamps lighting up the country road his bike had decided to die on.

“Here he is.”

“Thank god.”

Scott arched an eyebrow and wondered if his date would think the same once she was onboard.

Virgil’s truck was a workhorse. He kept her fully functional, but she did the hard yards for Virgil’s engineering and repair projects. The truck used to be Grandpa’s and, considering its age, was probably his grandfather’s before him.

Virgil adored her. But she was old and she showed it.

The truck creaked to a stop just in front of Scott’s bike, Virgil throwing open the driver’s side door and climbing out.

It was getting dark, but Scott didn’t need to see his brother’s face to know what expression was on it.

He cut him off before he could say a thing. “I know you told me, Virg.” He held up his hands. “I’m sorry.”

His brother snorted. “Live and learn.” He held up a spark plug. “This should do the trick.

Of course, being Virgil, he had brought his tool kit and sufficient lighting. A soft elbow to Scott’s arm and he was crouching down, pulling the guts out of Scott’s bike.

“Are you able to take me home in your truck?”

Both brothers looked up at his date.

Virgil answered first. “I guess I can, if you really want to.”

“It’s part of the service, isn’t it? Roadside assistance?”

“Um…”

“He’s my brother, Monique.”

“Your brother? Which one?” Yeah, there you go. She was showing much more interest in Virgil now.

Virgil, being Virgil, either that or just simply getting revenge on Scott for interrupting his piano practise, unfolded his legs and stood up, holding out a hand. “I’m sorry, ma’am, I’m Virgil Tracy.”

Scott bit the inside of his cheek as Monique took his brother’s hand and clasped it in both of hers. “Thank you so much for coming to our rescue.”

“Not the first time, ma’am, unlikely to be the last.”

Okay, his brother was dead for that line, no matter how true.

As Virgil extricated his hand from her clasp, Scott wondered if Monique would appreciate the grease his brother had probably shared with her.

Virgil was notorious for sporting a variety of grotty substances. And besides, his hands had been in the guts of his bike, for goodness’ sake.

Monique was making a point of leaning over said bike, despite her white dress, looking down at Virgil, and displaying her ample feminine attributes.

An hour ago, Scott had been admiring said attributes over dinner, all blonde curls, red lips, and alluring figure, but now he was no longer interested.

As for Virgil, his brother was clueless as usual, likely finding more interest in bike bits than the bits almost hanging in his face…oh, c’mon, now she was getting ridiculous.

Scott stepped around to her side. “Thank you for a lovely meal tonight, Monique. Apologies for the breakdown.”

She waved a hand in Scott’s direction. “It happens.” She didn’t even bother to look at him. “Virgil, dear, have you fixed the problem?”

Scott rolled his eyes.

Virgil was frowning at the bike’s engine, predictably oblivious. “Scott, when was the last time you had her serviced?”

Scott blinked away the non-sequitur. “Last May.”

“Where?”

“On base.”

Virgil grunted. “I’ll do it next time.” He stood up and chucked a tool into his kit. “You’re both riding with me tonight.”

“It’s not just the spark plug?”

“It’s not just the spark plug. I’ll overhaul her tomorrow. Tonight, it’s you me and Monique.”

Did she really have to suddenly look so eager?

Scott sighed and waved a hand. “Monique, meet Virgil Tracy and his truck…named Monique. Looks like she’s our ride tonight.”

“Oh.”

“Your name is Monique?” Virgil really could do the innocent and clueless so well sometimes.

Scott grabbed him by a shoulder and wrapped his arm around his brother. “Yes, little bro, I had a date with Monique tonight.”

That set Virgil grinning.

Oh yes, Scott was going to pay for this one. Possibly forever.

Monique, the one with two legs rather than four wheels, darted around Scott’s bike and looped her arm in one of Virgil’s. “Thank you again for saving us. Can you drive me home tonight?”

Unbelievable.

“Not a problem, Monique.”

Now he wasn’t sure which to strangle first.

“I’ll just load Scott’s bike into the back and we can get you home safe.” And yes, his little brother grabbed Scott’s motorcycle, rolled it over, and lifted it - by himself, with zero effort - into the back of his truck.

For a moment there he seriously thought Monique was going to swoon.

The thing was, Scott could call his brother an ass, but it was likely that Virgil had zero clue about the effect of his actions. He was known to lug stuff around the farm all the time, and this was probably just another case of getting the job done.

Virgil wandered back to them, wiping his dirty hands on an equally dirty rag. He looked up at Scott and frowned. “What?”

“Get in the car.”

“Truck.”

“Whatever.”

Of course, Monique made sure she was in the middle and virtually threw herself at his brother as they drove between the dark fields back to her apartment in town.

Scott might as well not have been there.

Probably just as well. Her motives were now clearly obvious and he had no interest in pursuing her further.

His main concern now was ungluing her from his lug of a brother. As they pulled up out the front of her block, Virgil was talking about the family history of his truck and how it had been handed down from Tracy to Tracy.

Monique was suspiciously interested. Earlier in the night she had claimed to hate listening to men talk about their cars. Scott had been glad he had his bike.

Apparently, it depended on which Tracy brother she was talking to.

What had he seen in her anyway?

“So, um, can I see you tomorrow?” She was practically pawing Virgil’s shirt.

“Um…”

Hmm, maybe his brother wasn’t as clueless as he appeared.

Scott interrupted. “I’m sorry, Monique, Virgil has to fly out for treatment tomorrow.”

“What?!”

Hmm, their voices did make an interesting harmony.

“Treatment?” Really? Now she was going to pull the ‘poor boy, I’ll look after you’ thing? So many doe eyes up at his brother.

“Okay, that’s it.” Scott shoved his door open and climbed out, attempting to urge her out after him. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience of the breakdown, Monique, but I need to get Virgil home.”

“What?” Well, he was going to pay for this forever, might as well make it worth it. Virgil was frowning up at him almost enough to break an eyebrow.

“Oh, okay.” She even managed to look put out. “I hope to see you soon, Virgil.”

“Uh, yeah.” Virgil’s hands actually squirmed on the steering wheel.

“Oh, I nearly forgot.” She fussed around in her purse. “I don’t have a pen, so I guess this will have to do.”

And the woman wrote her phone number in lipstick on Virgil’s forearm.

His brother seemed to be frozen.

To top it off, she then re-did her lips with a smile.

Scott hoped she was enjoying the engine grease that…no doubt…was the lipstick’s new flavour.

Finally, little miss Marilyn Monroe slipped out of the car and strode past Scott with a bounce in her step. She waved at Virgil over one shoulder with a smile before disappearing down the path to her apartment.

Both Tracy brothers just stared for a moment.

Scott was wondering what her reaction would be when she finally looked in the mirror. Even in the shadows of the street lamps he could see that her white dress was now streaked in anything but.

Might be a good time to make an exit.

He slid back into the truck beside Virgil who was staring at his lipstick vandalised arm.

“She’s interesting.”

“Not your type.” Not in a million years was she getting anywhere near his brother.

“So she’s yours then?” And yes, his brother was grinning fit to split something.

He glared at Virgil. “Just drive.”

-o-o-o-

[randadrives]

Solo Safety Pt. 2

In Pt. 1, we covered some basics on how to encourage your mindset to start hiking or camping alone. As promised, I am now going to cover more tangible basics of safety – wildlife, weather, your vehicle, and the tools to have. I’m a firm believer that almost anyone can start hiking or camping with almost anything you already own. It doesn’t take many material items to go out and enjoy the outdoors. However, there are some essentials a person shouldn’t leave home without, and some knowledge to keep in mind, as well.

I am going to list some hiking essentials that are a starting point that also go right along with a camping trip. Anything I suggest does NOT necessarily need to be purchased brand new for top dollar. I encourage thrifting, looking out for people you know who may be discarding their camping gear, flea markets/yard sales, etc. If you’re in an area in the western states, there are so many second-hand gear stores. REI has a section in their stores where they sell returned items for cheaper prices. And these suggestions are just that: suggestions. People camp and hike in all different ways. Some outdoorsy folks are extravagant, and others enjoy being outside with nothing to get in the way of it. Some of what I list is recommended by organizations such as the National Park Service, but I’ll include some of my own ideas, also.

Hiking Essentials:

Water

Snacks (or full meals for longer hikes)

Flashlight/headlamp

Navigation - GPS, map, and/or compass

First-aid kit (moleskin, tweezers, bandaids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, tourniquet)

Matches or lighter

Emergency blanket

Knife/multitool

Sun protection (sunglasses/hat/sunscreen/SPF clothing)

Clothing layers (warm hat, gloves, jacket/poncho, extra socks)

Some extra things you will find in my hiking pack:

Water flitration

Portable charger and cord

Insect repellent

Resealable bags (1 or 2 disposable as well as a reusable dry bag)

Unscented wipes

Hand sanitizer

Wallet or ID

Wristwatch

Bandana

Paracord

Trowel (for cat holes)

Hair ties

Pad/tampon/cup

More extras if you’re filling frilly:

Trekking poles

Duct tape

Seat pad/cushion

Camera

I know on paper this list can appear overwhelming if you’ve never packed a backpack for a hike before, but I promise I fit all of this (aside from the frilly extras) in an 18 liter backpack I bought on sale. I chose to purchase a new bag because I wanted the warranty, and I liked the style and set up. It would be even easier to use a bag you already own to pack and try out for a hike or two to start. Make notes of what you would improve, what items you felt were excessive, extra things you wish you brought, etc. There is no need to go out and buy a new backpack/bag before you commit to this type of hobby. Even if you can fit the bare necessities in the cargo pockets of your pants, or a fanny pack you already own, try that out first.

What do you think you could add for camping? Based on this list, you have most of what you need anyway! Add a tent for shelter, a sleeping bag, and some cooking gear (like a Coleman camp stove or a Jetboil, both run off propane) and a cooler for the meals you packed, and you are probably ready to sleep where you land. If you go online, “cowboy camping” is taking up in popularity, where you just use a sleeping pad on the ground and add your sleeping bag or some blankets, and you sleep under the night sky. If that’s what you’re into, then you can carry even less. Is it less safe than sleeping in a tent? Not by much, but as much as I enjoy being outside, I do my best to keep insects and the like OUT of my sleeping arrangement. A tent or some type of sleeping structure lends me a small feeling of security I will not give up. It's kind of like when you're a kid scared of monsters, and you convince yourself tucking your feet under your blanket will keep you safe. I would love to hear from others about their successful cowboy camping trips, though. This year I ran into a hiker who was working his way through the North Country Trail, using a hammock to sleep in at night. That makes for a lighter backpack! Whether you have a hand-me-down one-person tent, or a new palace made from nylon, there shouldn’t be anything stopping you from something you want to try. Tara Dower recently finished the fastest known time to complete the entire Appalachian Trail, and she spent her down time literally napping on the dirt. Don’t forget a good chair, though! It is where I spend at least 50% of my time while camping, so I like to have a comfortable one.

Lavish extras:

Air mattress or cot

Portable fridge

Power banks

Table

Electric blanket

Portable water heater

Portable gazebo

I could go on, because you can go all out with camping if you really want to and bring all types of creature comforts. But that’s a conversation for another post! And whether your adventure is an hour or several days, if you have a dog with you, make sure you have the essentials for them, such as extra water, food, and any first aid items they could need.

You’re probably thinking: “Wow, she really covered ALL the stuff you could possibly need for these adventures!” And you’re wrong. There is a completely separate list of items I carry in my vehicle at all times that can prove useful. Whether you dabble in off-roading, or you don't leave suburban areas, there are still things you should keep in your vehicle for those "just in case" moments. I have an old backpack in the bed of my truck, or you could use a cardboard box, a plastic tote case, a duffel, or whatever else you have on hand. I don't often need to go in this bag, but it's nice to have when I do. I carry in it:

Another portable charging bank

Yet another first-aid kit

Flashlight batteries

Travel size hygiene items

Emergency blanket

Unscented wipes

Paracord

Headlamp

Waterproof matches

Reusable spork

Multitool

Zip ties

Emergency rations

Empty water bottle

Jumper cables

Fire starters

Extra set of clothes (old sweat pants, socks, sweater that would have been donated anyway)

Towel

Beanie

But don't toss the bag in the back of your vehicle and forget about it. Make sure you periodically go through it, check to see if things need cleaned or charged and are in working condition. It's easy to forget what you have, and looking at and touching these things once a month will keep it in the back of your mind when you need them most.

I also have a set of traction boards and a 7 gallon jug of water I try to keep stocked with fresh water. Recently I decided I'm going to add a shovel to my truck bed, and I'm also working on deciding what type of fuel container I want to add.

I also keep a separate bag in the front of my vehicle. Is this being excessive? Probably, but I love to be prepared. It has:

Mechanix gloves

Winter gloves

Beanie

Pens

Lighter

Matches

Snacks (a random protein/Nutrigrain bar has saved me from hanger)

National Park Pass

Bandana

Roll of TP

Unscented wipes

Hand sanitizer

Sunscreen/insect repellent/bear spray (These move between my hiking bag and truck bag as needed)

Flashlight

Seatbelt cutter

Window hammer

Electrical tape

Reusable zip ties

Lint roller (great for finding ticks on your clothes)

First-Aid kit

Maintenance of your vehicle can be more important than what you carry in it. Having tires with proper tread based on your location, changing your oil at appropriate intervals, and knowing how to drive your vehicle in the scenarios you enter far outweigh having flashy things. The abilities to start your battery if it dies and change your tire by yourself are powerful and can help you out of a bad situation. Do not be the person who drives into something they can't handle with a "what could happen" attitude and then not be able to get yourself out of it. If you want to learn, ask your friends. I have never had anyone scoff at me or not want to help when I have asked for it. And this is coming from someone who never knew anything about RVs and then randomly decided to purchase one to live in. There was a BIG learning curve, which came with the #1 ability I carry: the ability to humble myself and ask for help. You don't have to be an obsessive "car guy" to know how to take care of your own. Also, I know it's fun to have the flashy mods on your car, but don't prioritize those over the useful ones. Function over aesthetic, always. If you were hoping for some car camping advice, it's not something I've tried for myself yet. I would love to, I just have yet to set up my truck bed properly to try it out. I suggest going on YouTube or Facebook and checking out some of the car camping groups. There is plenty of information out there!

I'm sure plenty of people survive their outings just fine without all this. . . stuff. And that's fine. These are just suggestions. Now on to some other safety details.

Remember how I said at the beginning of part 1, that everyone always asks: "aren't you scared out there all alone?" Many of those people are referring to one thing in particular, which is the wildlife. I am not going to delve too far into this, because the topic can vary SO much. The wildlife in Florida is different from the wildlife in Virginia, which is different from the wildlife in Colorado, which is different from the wildlife in southern Arizona, etc. The most important thing is to research the area you are camping or hiking in. The second most important thing to remember is: don't touch the wildlife. You are not a Disney princess. You are not Steve Irwin. Distance is your friend. If you're in bear country, you carry the bear spray, you read about what to do if you encounter bears, and you properly store food or any smelly items you may have in a bear box, or in a tree. If you're in the desert, you research what to do for snake bites or scorpion stings. I refuse to go to Florida ever again, so I have zero advice for you on the gators, snakes, and spiders there (Kidding. . . mostly). Research local plants so you can identify poisonous plants such as Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac. Many years ago, just walking my dogs on a normal sidewalk in Georgia - where I had no idea to avoid fiery red ants - resulted in both my dog and myself needing to chug Benadryl when we got home because we ended up so covered in hives. This is all to answer the question: No, most of the time I'm not scared of the wildlife. Occasionally, I will get into my own head, because I've listened to too many episodes of Tooth and Claw Podcast on mountain lion attacks, and I will start to freak myself out on a hike. But I just endure and continue until the fear eases. Animal attacks are rare. People are scarier. I choose the bear. I'm happy to go more into the topic of wildlife if any readers have specific questions, please drop a line!

Now for a brief touch on the weather, because I am not an expert on the subject. The good news is you don't have to be an expert to stay safe. I tend to drive to regions based on the weather, as I'm least happy when it's under 45 degrees and I'm surrounded by wet, slushy snow. I grew up and spent 20 years in Pennsylvania before spending a winter in another state, and once I realized I could do that, I now plan to continue to do that. The main component to weather safety is to stay aware of the expected weather to come. If you're in an area where weather is unpredictable, it's best to stay prepared for all possibilities. It's okay to cancel your hike if there is a thunderstorm or too much wind.

Some people love cold weather camping, but I am not one of them. Camping and hiking in cold weather doesn't change your preparation much. You should just have gear that is built for it, such as a sleeping bag meant for colder temperatures than you will be sleeping in. Waterproof footwear will keep your feet healthy. We discussed how important carrying layers of clothing is, and it matters just as much for cold weather. The materials you choose can mean staying wet and miserable, or drying quickly and keeping warm. As much as I love natural fibers, cotton is not your friend in wet (or sweaty) weather. Choose your sleeping spot based on the shelter it provides from wind, and double your sleeping pads for extra insulation from the cold ground. Knowing the signs of hypothermia and frostbite are imperative. If it's too cold for you to personally have fun in, maybe just wait for warmer weather. If you're seriously interested, there are courses you can take that will prepare you for emergencies such as avalanches.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I do have experience with the heat. Layering your clothing is still important to protect yourself from sun rays, and there are even shirts you can buy with UV protection built in. Hydration is so important, and I'm a firm believer if you run out of water, you turn around. I always have more than enough water so I can enjoy myself and not cut it short. Carry sunscreen with you and reapply. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to treat. I do suggest if you're in an area that has extreme heat, to work yourself up by starting earlier in the morning before the sun rises. When in hotter months, if I'm going to be hiking well past sunrise, my dog doesn't come with me. It's not worth burning her paws on the hot rocks or sand.

On the subject of listening to too many podcasts, let's talk about natural disasters. There are many stories out there about hikers and climbers being struck by lightning. But it's not always feasible to wait out the inclement weather if you're already out there in the altitude or miles away from shelter. When choosing campsites in an area known for adverse weather, you can avoid being next to water or isolated trees that may attract a strike. If you are hiking and notice signs of a storm moving in, avoid peaks and wide-open fields. The safest options, aside from a building or a vehicle, are ditches and areas below tree lines, and be sure to ditch your metal gear. Tents, picnic shelters, or standing beside the tallest tree will not protect you. There are plenty of natural disasters that can occur, and though it doesn't help to be anxious all the time about what COULD happen, it can give you peace of mind to do a little bit of research to have an idea what to do if a situation might arise. People often think "it won't happen to me." Taking proactive steps to prepare yourself is staying as safe as possible without missing out on the things you want to do. Knowledge is confidence.

I hope between the first and second parts of this solo safety series you were able to pick up some new information to apply to your next adventure. I have found that I learn something new every day doing this, and the information is limitless! Please reach out if during your reading you had an idea for me to cover, or a question to answer.

[rjzimmerman]

The owl hunters. (Washington Post)

A female northern spotted owl. (Alexandra Hootnick for The Washington Post)

A barred owl sits in a tree after being drawn in by a call. (Alexandra Hootnick for The Washington Post)

Excerpt from this Washington Post story:

The hooting had died down and the two bird lovers faced the immensity of the dark forest.

Scanning his light among the redwoods, Danny Hofstadter listened. The distant ocean sounded like wind. There was nothing more from the barred owl that he and his colleague, Madeleine Cameron, had been stalking.

“I hate the silent treatment,” Hofstadter said.

They slung their shotguns over their shoulders and hiked on.

Here among the world’s tallest trees, Hofstadter and Cameron are part of a tiny band of biologists holding the line against an invasion that threatens to push the northern spotted owl, an icon of the Pacific Northwest, into extinction. The birds’ decline, accelerated by an encroaching rival, has become so dire that it led the scientists here: Four nights a week, they strap on headlamps and slip into the forests of Northern California to kill barred owls.

Their work is part of an ongoing study by the University of Wisconsin to assess whether removing the barred owl, a species spreading with abandon down the West Coast, will help the spotted owl survive and protect the wider ecosystem. But these nocturnal hunts are now expanding beyond research. The federal government in August approved a plan to kill up to nearlyhalf a million barred owls over the next three decades.

This effort is one of the country’s most audacious attempts to stop the spread of a species the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers invasive. Opponents have decried the policy as sanctioning a mass killing, picking winners in a competition among two owls of similar size and appearance, birds that sometimes even interbreed.

Some environmental and birding organizations reluctantly endorsed the Fish and Wildlife Service’s management plan — a “gut-wrenching” call, as Birds Connect Seattle put it. Other animal welfare groups remain staunchly opposed. Animal Wellness Action, a nonprofit that described the new approach as “wholesale slaughter,” filed suit last month in federal court to block the program.

The group’s president, Wayne Pacelle, described the management plan as both inhumane and futile, attempting to limit a fast-spreading owl that is native to North America and protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

“The plan is doomed to fail,” Pacelle said. “You’re going to get on a killing treadmill that the Fish and Wildlife Service can never step off of.”

[whiteoakford]

2025 Ford Expedition Review

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[awlimagines]

Service Call (Daryl's First Kiss)

You couldn’t believe Daryl was giving you a free seed maker! The invention could help your little farm grow itself. You wouldn’t sink money into purchasing seeds. You could make your own higher-quality seeds. Daryl mumbled something in response to your profuse thanks while the scientist busily installed the machine. When Daryl finished installing the seed maker, he briefly explained how to use it. He looked over your shoulder at your house while he talked. Daryl didn’t always look at you while in the lab. So, you didn’t think much of the avoided eye contact.

The day came to an end with you drifting peacefully off to sleep. You groggily woke in the night. Something didn’t feel right, though you couldn’t immediately identify what. A silhouette came into focus as you blinked the sleep from your eyes. A scream flew from your mouth while you scrambled from the bed, panic fueling your muscles to fight or run. You were blinded as a light swung into your face. Your hands instinctively rose to block the artificial light as you bumped back into your side table. 

“What are you doing?” a disapproving voice asked. The intense light was off, replaced by the room’s warm overhead light. You were able to see Daryl frowning at you. A headlamp was securely fastened around his head, explaining why you had been blinded. 

“What am I doing? What are you doing?! Do you know what time it is?” you asked. You frantically tried to smooth your bed head, embarrassed to be caught like this. You offered a swift, silent prayer of thanks to the Harvest Goddess that you at least wore decent pajamas. 

“I was installing your home security system. Something you obviously need,” Daryl’s foot tapped. He was clearly annoyed at having been interrupted in the middle of work. “We talked about the installation earlier today.” 

“Um, I think there was a misunderstanding. Sorry, I must have agreed without realizing it. Otherwise, I would have stayed up,” you shuffled your feet. Daryl must have mentioned this when installing the seed maker, and you didn’t hear him. You couldn’t believe you were apologizing to Daryl for his entering your home in the middle of the night. It would have been obvious to anyone else that something was wrong. 

You wandered to your kitchen to make a warm drink while Daryl finished his work. The thought was sweet, even if the execution was terrifying. It was depressing to realize Daryl was completely unfazed seeing you vulnerable. It wouldn’t have been too bad if he looked a little flustered when you woke up instead of inconvenienced. You fought the conflicting feelings as the kettle shrieked. You turned from the kitchen, carefully carrying two steaming mugs to your little table. 

“We need to discuss payment. The parts and materials used for security systems are not cheap. These came from my stores, and I also installed the seed maker earlier,” Daryl commented. 

You felt the anger bubble up at his statements but didn’t speak immediately. Daryl’s hands shook so badly around the mug that you worried he would scald himself. You moved forward to take the drink back from him when you stopped short as his lips brushed your cheek. Your eyes darted up to his in surprise as he awkwardly cleared his throat. Daryl placed the mug down quickly, gathered his tools, and mumbled about payment received with a light flush. Your giggle at his actions made Daryl snap his head toward you. His eyes bulged as his face turned redder than the apples falling from your tree. 

You quickly caught hold of his coat, pulling him to you and crashing your lips into his. Daryl stood before you like a deer caught in headlights. His glasses tilted from the rushed motion. You leaned forward on your tiptoes, bringing your mouth close to his ear to whisper, “Do I owe you more in payment?”

[knitasha]

Untitled Solarpunk Story Excerpt

I pulled something in my back while ironing 2 days ago (yes, really) and I've spent most of my time since trying to sit very very still so it stops spasming.

On the down side, it's kept me from my sewing, baking, and socializing plans. On the plus side, it's been good for storyboarding a short solarpunk story I'd like to get out.

Here's a little piece of it. Mostly a brain dump, very little editing. Also you will never convince me that names aren't going to be absolutely ridiculous in the future. Lean into it.

----

The oxygen mask bumped rhythmically against her left leg as she walked down the narrow passageway. She synced her breathing with her steps, keeping her mind on the brief echo of her footsteps and the bobbing of the light from her headlamp and definitely not on the question of just how much dirt and questionable infrastructure sat above and around her.

2 steps, breathe in. When was the last time a real earthquake had come through?

2 steps, breathe out. When was the last time someone had checked the walls down here?

2 steps, breathe in. How long ago did those cracks show up?

2 steps, breathe out. How long would the air down here last if the air pumps stopped? How long would she last until her tank ran out?

Olive’s nails bit into her palms, bringing her mind back to the job, and she quickened her pace.

The next section of lights blinked on as she passed the motion sensor. A cold wave of anxiety churned in her stomach at the idea of the now-empty sections behind her going dark, a seemingly endless tunnel of blackness. Even after a decade of working in the pipes, Olive had to force herself not to give in to the ancient instinct whispering urgently for her to run from the dark and whatever watched and waited in it.

Her eyes scanned for the latest section number. She’d gone deep enough that she should be getting close to the offshoot. 220Z, 221A, there – 221B. Digging her pad out of her tool bag with one hand, she wiped years of grime off the code beneath the number with her other.

The screen flashed to life and the EcoSphere logo appeared, its 10 colored rings pulsing around the Earth, one for each of the services the utility company oversaw globally. Her foot tapped impatiently as the logo dissolved only to be replaced by the AquaTech sector’s logo. Her finger was already hovering over the screen as the authentication prompt appeared. She pressed firmly against the screen protector that was already peeling in the corners and WELCOME OLIVE MCGARDEN greeted her.

“Come on, this century already,” she muttered as the pad struggled to find its connection to the wireless this far from the hub.

Finally in the system, she quickly scrolled to her active work order and scanned the code beneath the section number. She made sure the check-in had registered before stowing the pad back in the bag and pushing the old offshoot door open with a resisting creak that echoed down the hall.

She recalled Apple’s teasing when they had received their work orders that morning. Apple was overseeing the installation of the main pipes for the new office wing on the north side of town – “I’ll bring you back a bar from the fancy new replicator they just installed” – with its brightly lit corridors and smooth automatic doors.

Olive, on the other hand, had been assigned to one of the oldest pipe sections on the flow. Not that she minded. She’d take grimy doors and stale air over running into whatever found a way to survive just under the subscape any day. Nothing survived this deep in the sections.

Stepping into the offshoot, Olive widened the scope and increased the brightness of her headlamp. The AquaTech system could determine there was an issue in the section, now it was up to her to figure out where it was coming from, what was causing it, and get it fixed. The newer pipe areas could self-service most leak alerts, but the maze of aging pipes and narrower tunnels this far down hadn’t been worth the trouble – and cost – to upgrade and so required manual inspection and maintenance whenever a leak alert was picked up.

She spent the next hour walking through the tunnels, looking for puddles and other telltale signs of a leak significant enough to trigger the alert. As the tunnel began branching, she pulled colored flags out of a pocket in her bag and began to mark the forks. Blue for main pipe. Green for first offshoot. Yellow for third. They helped keep the paths organized for future maintenance needs while also making sure she could find her way out when she was done. The fact that there were none down here already here told her she was the first to come down this offshoot in a good, long time.

Expecting the leak to be deeper in the flow grid, she walked past the first dozen branches and picked one at random to begin flagging.

Olive had just pulled out a purple flag to mark the newly found fourth offshoot in her branch when her foot stepped on something soft. Flinching back, she shone her light down where she’d stepped, expecting to see some long-dead remains. Instead, she found a small green patch of moss.

She strained her hearing, listening around the sound of her pulse knocking in her ears. There it was. A thin but steady dripping noise echoed dimly down the branch towards her.

“Found you.”

She quickened her pace, stopping only to hang a fresh flag as new branches popped up to show her path forward. As she hung the last of her purple flags, she made a mental note to pick up more when she checked back in at HQ later and forged ahead regardless, determined to find the source of the leak after coming so far.

Olive pulled up short as she came to a fifth branch, her head whipping around to stare down the narrow tunnel. Her headlamp showed nothing and yet she could have sworn… Taking a deep breath, she turned the light off.

But where she expected suffocating darkness, a dim glow greeted her at the end of the branch and the trickle of water sounded like laughter calling her name.

[running-tweezers]

@phantasmechanical has been pestering me (affectionately) for months to post part of an AU I wrote with our beloved ocs.

Guess you won, Merry Christmas, ilu

Have this first part I wrote well over a year ago. Looking back, I think it shows the progress I’ve made in writing since then. Still feel like I’m baring my entire soul by posting it but ya know.

~~~

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck….”

Zephyr cursed under their breath, trying to remain calm and quiet. They flipped on the light of their headlamp to try and assess the damage. Bracing themself against a tree, they unzipped the side of their boot and rolled up their jeans, revealing the rapidly swelling ankle underneath.

They prodded at it with a finger, only to recoil in pain at the contact. The light illuminated the scrapes and scratches on their hands that they failed to notice before. The attempt to brace their fall only resulted in injured hands as well as a twisted ankle. This was bad. This was really bad

They slid their hand into their pocket, wincing at the friction between the fabric and their scraped palm, and pulled out their phone.

No service. Of course. Who would they call anyway? The park rangers? They had already told them not to wander around off the trails at night too many times. They were starting to gain a negative reputation, and they couldn’t let that get in the way of cryptozoological research.

They gave up on calling for help and zipped their boot back up. If they could just get back to their car, they could deal with this. They weren’t too far. Hopefully.

They tentatively put a bit of weight on their ankle, only to feel the white hot pain shoot up their leg. Shit. This was going to suck.

They took a deep breath, preparing to fight through the pain, when a beam of bright light hit them from the woods on their left.

“How’s it going tonight, Zephyr?”

They squinted into the light, unable to see the face behind the flashlight, but they already knew who it was. On a normal night, hearing him would’ve meant a night of hunting disappointingly cut short. But tonight they were actually glad to see him.

“You know you’re not supposed to be out he— Hold on, are you alright?” His patient voice turned to one of concern as he pushed his way through the trees to them.

“I’ve been better,” they hissed through gritted teeth as they tried to take a step forward.

“Don’t, let me help you.” He rushed to their side, offering an arm to help them steady themself. “What’s wrong, what’s hurt?”

“My ankle…” They reluctantly answered, grabbing onto his arm. “I just twisted it a little, I just need to get back to my car.”

“And what do you plan to do once you get to your car?”

“I don’t know? Go home? Sleep it off?”

He let out a quiet chuckle. “Come on, I can give you a lift to the station and I’ll help you actually take care of this.”

“No, it’s fine, you don’t have to—”

“I insist.” He guided their arm up over his shoulders and shifted to hold them up. “I want to make sure you’re not seriously hurt. We’re not too far from the road anyway, and then it’s just a few minutes to the station. No trouble.”

“Fine. If you must.” As much as they didn’t want the extra help, leaning on his shoulders did feel nice. They were able to take all the weight off their now throbbing ankle, at least.

“I must.” He flashed them a smile that seemed to brighten up the darkness more than any of their artificial lights. “Let’s get going. We’ll take it slow, ok? Don’t want you hurting the other leg.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you gonna call the cops?”

Nate’s newfound patient sat in a folding chair, their leg elevated onto another chair positioned in front of them. Another night dealing with this not so sneaky cryptid enthusiast. It seemed like everyone there had been through it with them at least once or twice. So much so that “dealing with Zephyr” had become the go to stakes for losing a bet amongst the other rangers. But seeing them like this was a first. Not as some freak in the middle of the woods, shrouded in darkness, or washed out in the beam of a flashlight. He could see them just as they were, sitting under the fluorescent lights of the ranger station.

Shaggy black hair poked out in all directions under their headlamp. Their outfit was wildly impractical for spending time outdoors. Just a black, tight fitting band tee and a pair of skinny jeans, all covered with a long black coat that seemed way too warm for the summer night. Their arms folded over the gear strapped to their chest, closing themself off, and their smudgy black rimmed eyes stared back at him with anxiety, thinly veiled as malice.

He hadn't realized how surprisingly hot they were.

“Why would I call the cops?” He dug through some drawers in the station's tiny kitchenette for the first aid kit.

“Because some of the other rangers threatened they would the last time they caught me.”

“Did they really?” He laughed as he knelt beside them. “Seems a little dramatic.”

“That’s what I said.”

“They’re all talk, trust me.” He smiled at them, hoping to diffuse some of their standoffish energy. “Now let’s take a look at that ankle.”

Zephyr leaned forward to pull off their boot. No wonder they hurt themself. The boots they were wearing in the middle of the forest had at least a two inch platform, covered in metal and rivets. How they even managed to walk the uneven ground at all was a mystery.

When the boot was removed, it revealed a black sock, covered in tiny mothmen, printed all over. He started to chuckle, but was met with a sharp glare.

“Don’t.”

He bit his lip to keep from smiling as they quickly snatched off the sock and avoided eye contact. No matter how much poison they tried to spit, they just came across more and more adorable.

Less adorable though, was their ankle. It had swollen quite a bit, turning red and bruising in places. God knows how bad it would’ve gotten if they had tried to limp back to their car by themself.

“Yeah, that looks like a pretty nasty sprain to me.” He pulled out a roll of ace bandages from the kit. “What exactly happened?”

They shrugged, still avoiding his gaze. “I fell. Tripped on something. Tried to catch myself, but all that did was fuck up my hands too.” They uncrossed their arms to show their red and raw hands.

“Yikes,” he winced at the torn up palms. “No worries though, I can take care of that too.”

Their arms went immediately back into the closed off position. “You really don’t need to do anything for me.”

“Well too bad, because I am,” he teased. He began wrapping the bandage around, being careful not to hurt them any further. “You know, I hate to say it, but this might not have happened if you were wearing the right kind of shoes.”

They just scoffed, not giving him an answer.

“Don’t get me wrong, the shoes look great on you,” he continued. “Just maybe not for this.”

“Don’t patronize me,” they muttered, before flinching in pain and inhaling sharply as he touched their ankle. “Shit…”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I promise it’s gonna feel better when it’s done. Just a little bit more.” He continued wrapping the bandage tight around their ankle. “And I���m not patronizing you. I really do like the boots, they look really cool.”

“Thanks…” They shrunk back, returning to staring at the floor. He caught what looked like the tiny beginnings of a smile, before they forced it back down.

Suddenly, their head tilted back up in realization. “Oh shit.” They reached down to their chest to check the go pro strapped there. “I never stopped this.”

“Has that really been recording the whole time?”

“Well apparently the battery died at some point,” they sighed, frustrated, and reattached it to the straps. “So who knows?”

“Do you record everything out there?” he asked, trying to get their mind off the last remaining painful bits of wrapping.

“Of course I do,” they answered. “You know how many people claim to have seen Bigfoot with no proof to back it up? If I keep this running, it sees everything I see. Plus all the things I didn’t catch.”

“Smart.”

“Also if I’m attacked, they’ll find this on my body and be able to see proof of what did it,” they said, calmly. “I can get proof even if I don’t survive.”

“A little morbid, but I get it.” He smirked up at them, catching their eyes this time. “Do you think it caught what tripped you?”

They rolled their eyes. “Funny.”

“I’m sorry, I had to.” He laughed, securing the end of the bandage. “And now you’re done.”

“Oh…” They looked down at their wrapped ankle, obviously not realizing how fast he’d been working while they explained. “Thanks.”

“I told you, no problem. Now let me see your hands and you can go—”

A beeping followed by a shrill staticky voice interrupted him. “Calling for Nate.”

“Hold on just one second.” He stood back up and grabbed the radio from his belt to respond. “Right here, go ahead.”

“Did you take care of that Code: Z?”

He glanced back at Zephyr, who was staring up at him, eyebrows raised.

Without looking away, he responded again. “Uh, yeah. False alarm. No one was out there that I could find.”

Their face turned to shock and confusion, and he just beamed back at them.

“Well good. Maybe we can get a night of peace and quiet for once.”

“Maybe so.”

“Thanks for checking, though. Over and out.”

He returned the radio to his belt. “Sorry about that.”

“I have my own fucking code?” Their face twisted into a smile. The first smile he had ever seen from them.

“What can I say?” He shrugged. “You’re something of a cryptid out here yourself.”

Their smile only grew, delighted by this turn of events. That genuine smile after seeing nothing but scowls nearly took him out.

“Don’t worry,” he continued, shooting them another sly smirk. “I won’t let them find you that easy.”

That was enough to elicit a tiny laugh from them that made his heart swell.

“Now—“ He knelt back down, holding out his hand. “Let’s get those palms fixed up.”

They offered their scraped hands without any reluctance this time. He turned them palm up to examine, gently holding them up with his own. Holding those hands in his, with their finger tattoos and chipped black nails, he couldn’t deny the electricity.

A few stinging sprays of Bactine and two wrapped up hands later, they were all patched up.

“That should do it,” he said, closing up the first aid kit and standing back up. “No infections today.”

“Thanks.” Their standoffish persona had slowly faded, leaving behind someone who was genuinely grateful, if not a little embarrassed at the whole situation. “For everything.”

“Of course. There’s one more thing I need to do before I take you back to your car though.”

“Hm?”

Nate grabbed a sharpie from behind the check in desk, and lifted one of their hands, turning it over to scribble some digits on the bandages.

“Text me when you get home, ok?” He popped the cap back on the marker. “And let me know how that ankle’s faring.”

They studied the phone number on the back of their hand for a minute, trying to comprehend. “I, uh— sure. I can do that.”

“Good.” Nate helped them to their feet and grabbed the keys from his pocket. “And if you want to come back out here a little more prepared next time, let me know that too.”

They narrowed their eyes at him. “And you’re not gonna snitch?”

“I promise. I just want to prevent any future accidents.”

“Fine,” they conceded, voluntarily putting an arm around his shoulders to steady themself this time. “I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you,” He held them up and started leading them out the door. “I think Bigfoot would also want you to be safe.”

[bornagainpainters]

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[alanparker98]

Safety Tips for Walking Your Dog at Night

Walking your dog at night can be a peaceful and rewarding experience, but it's essential to take extra precautions to ensure you and your furry friend's safety. 

Here are some key tips to keep in mind for those evening strolls.

Best Safety Tips for Dog Walking at Night

1. Light Up the Night

Walking at night requires utmost visibility to ensure safety. It's essential to equip both yourself and your furry companion with reflective gear or LED collars. Additionally, carrying a trusty flashlight or wearing a convenient headlamp will not only illuminate your path but also make you more visible to others.

2. Stick to Well-Lit Areas

Choose routes that are well-lit and familiar. Avoid dark alleys or secluded areas. Well-lit paths not only help you see where you're going but also make you more visible to drivers and other pedestrians.

3. Keep Your Dog on a Leash

Even if your dog is well-trained, always use a leash at night. Unexpected noises or movements can startle them, and a leash provides control and prevents your dog from running into danger.

4. Stay Alert

Your senses are your best defense. Pay attention to your surroundings and stay off your phone. Keep an eye out for any potential hazards like uneven sidewalks, broken glass, or other animals.

5. Dress Appropriately

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. If it's cold, dress warmly and consider a reflective jacket for yourself. If your dog has short fur, a doggy coat can help keep them warm too.

6. Bring Essentials

Carry your phone, ID, and some doggy bags. A small first aid kit can be handy for minor injuries. Bring water for both you and your dog, especially if you plan to be out for a while.

7. Plan Your Route

Let someone know your planned route and expected return time. Stick to familiar areas where you know the layout and potential hazards. If something happens, it’s easier for someone to find you if they know your route.

8. Watch for Wildlife

At night, wildlife is more active. Keep an eye out for raccoons, skunks, or other nocturnal animals that might pose a threat to your dog. Stay calm and slowly move away if you encounter any.

9. Mind the Traffic

Drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians at night, so always cross at crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible and walk against traffic if you have to be on the road.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, trust your gut and head home. Your safety and your dog's safety are the top priorities. Don’t hesitate to cut the walk short if you feel uncomfortable.

With these safety guidelines in mind, you can make sure that your nighttime walks are not only fun but also secure for both you and your beloved pet. Enjoy your walk!

If you're planning to be away from home for a while and you want your furry friend to enjoy uninterrupted walks, look no further than Barking Trails - the ultimate dog walking service. With their team of dedicated dog walkers, they truly understand the needs of both you and your beloved pup.

[pcttrailsidereader]

Winter is Coming

The first snow has dusted the nearby peaks with news that a little further east there is snow and slush along the North Cascades Highway. The road will close soon as the expected winter snows arrive and won't reopen until sometime in the spring.

I am reminded of Shawn Forry and Justin Lichter's story "Cold Going" found in 'Crossing Paths A Pacific Crest Trailside Reader". The story describes a southbound (SOBO) PCT journey from Canada to Mexico in 2014-15. Their story is a powerful one. It speaks of stamina, determination, and excellent backcountry skills.

Wherever you live, the call of the trail may be heard even now as fall is falling and winter is soon approaching. I enjoy the white quiet of the woods near my house when we get an occasional lowland snowstorm. I also like to take my skis and swoosh around a little in the nearby Cascades. Venturing into the mountains is usually something I do on the short term. I go out for a day or part of one. To be honest, my feet and hands don't much like the cold for extended periods. I have learned that getting caught in frosty and snowy conditions even in non-official winter times on the PCT. When my body talks, I try to listen.

If you do answer the call and venture out for a cold weather excursion here are some things to keep in mind:

Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out. If you are going into National/State forests or National/State Parks the respective ranger station will have critical information in many cases.

Bring a map and/or some form of navigation...think the Ten Essentials.

Bring extra water and food (see above).

Wear appropriate footwear clothing, such as rain gear. Bring extra layers.

Stay on marked official trails.

Plan carefully for winter weather. Conditions can change quickly and the sun sets early.

If for some reason you get lost, the U.S. Forest Service recommends the following:

Keep calm. Trust your map and compass. Shelter and warmth are more important than food. Backtrack if possible. If traveling with others, stay together, if possible. If not, send at least two people for help (depending on the size of your group.)

To find your position, climb to a place where you can get a better idea of where you are. When you reach a road , trail or telephone line, follow it. As a last resort, follow a stream downhill.

Before darkness falls select a sheltered spot and plan to stay there all night.

Don't abandon skis. Build a fire and shelter. Stay warm by getting out of the wind; insulate yourself with a parka and other clothing (use an insulated, branches or skis between you and the snow).

If you are injured and alone, keep calm. Stay where you are, clear an area down to mineral soil and build a signal fire. Green boughs will create heavy smoke.

Three signals of any kind, either audible or visible, is the universal SOS call. This is where a whistle flashlight/headlamp, or mirror can come in handy.

Going out in the winter is a serious endeavor. Informing other and going prepared are essential keys for having a successful experience. There are other winter stories to be found in "Crossing Paths" that put the above tips into some kind of context. We have also posted stories here that reflect on cold weather and snowy travel that are easily accessed. Whether or not you leave the cozy confines of home or brave the weather consider your skills and equipment. Finally, please don't rely on your cell phone. What works well at home may not work at all in the backcountry.