My World

It's been awhile since my last post. I've been busy and procrastinating at the same time, if that's even possible. Anyway, I thought I'd introduce you to "My World."
 As many of you may or may not already know I live in Calgary, Alberta Canada. We are less than an hour away from the Canadian Rockies. The Rockies attract a great number of tourists from all over the world every year and in every season.
 So what's this got to do with me? I run a couple of meetup sites that specifically cater to hiking. This would be a free or low cost way to see what others pay big dollars for. It's also a great way to connect with like minded people and maybe see some great sites many tourist wouldn't.
 So here are the meetup sites. Both are Free to join but The Slow and Steady Adventure Company is only paid events.

https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/

https://www.meetup.com/The-Slow-and-Steady-Adventure-Company/

If you're ever in the Calgary area please look us up on either site and if you already are in the area please consider joining us. We have lots of fun together and focus on safe yet adventurous events.

5 Great Uses For Old Socks

Okay, okay, I can't get enough of these tips and they're just to awesome not to share. So here's another one from The Intense Angler. everyone has old socks or single socks lying around. Why not "recycle" them to something good.
Enjoy:

I've also got a deal on my Hiking 101 for awhile:
Get The Deal

2 Minute Heated Emergency Shelter

 I've been posting video's from The Intense Angler on YouTube recently because the guy just has so many awesome tips that apply to hiking. Here's another crazy easy tip that is Low cost, light weight and could potentially save a life. Enjoy.

Also I always carry a large orange garbage bag in my pack. So many potential uses but a great help for search and rescue because of the color.

Check out my Hiking 101 course at:

Hiking 101 Online

DIY First Aid Kit

A good first aid kit is a must for any hiking or backpacking activity. There are many different pre-made kits available and they are great. If you buy one make sure it has everything you need. Another option is to make your own kit. This allows you to stock your kit as you see fit for your particular situation and needs.
 Teton Sports has a great video on building a kit of your own;

I would add some plastic gloves and a triangle bandage to use as a sling. A Sam splint is also something I carry. 

http://www.sammedical.com/

For more info: Check Out My Hiking 101 Course

                         50% off code: JAN2017

Unique Uses For Hand Warmers

I've been following the Intense Angler on YouTube for awhile and he has some amazing outdoors tips. This week I'm again posting something from his site that is "winter related". Hand warmers are a very popular item in cold weather to keep hands and feet warm, but they also have numerous other uses. Check it out:

My Hiking 101 Course

coupon code: JAN2017

Cold Feet? Try This

One of the most common complaints when it comes to winter hiking is cold feet. Winter hiking boots are more insulated and a good pair of winter hiking socks do help. Also those little warming pads are great and do help ( so I'm told ) but here's a tip that will add warmth and insulation and it's a simple and cheap fix anyone can do.
 From The Intense Angler here's the tip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1lI05rlW24

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Happy winter hiking and stay warm.

Mountains 101 Course ( FREE)

About the Course

Mountains 101­­ is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) teaching a comprehensive overview of Mountain Studies. Mountains 101 will cover an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world.

---

Registration is now open.
Mountains 101 will begin January 9, 2017.

---

Topics Covered

This course will provide students with a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. 

• We'll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time. 
• We’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally. 
• We’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time. 
• We’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate.

We'll also share general tips and tricks to safely enjoy time in the high alpine environment. 

To this end, we've enlisted: 

• ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide Matt Peter and  
• field-science graduate student Laura Redmond, 

who will be providing a smart and useful "Tech Tip" at the end of every lesson -- from how to pick the best footwear for hiking, to making smart decisions in avalanche terrain.

Want to know more about what we'll be covering? Watch some Tech Tip teaser videos. 

---

Learn more about Matt and Laura as well as the guest content experts you can expect to see during the course.

---

The course will be available in three versions:

• to the world for free (no exams);
• anyone around the world for a Certificate of Completion through Coursera for a modest fee; and,
• to University of Alberta students for UAlberta credit as either the in-class version (INTD 280 The Mountain World) or the online experience version (Mountains 101). Learn more about these for-credit options.

We’ll be delivering your lessons from valley bottoms to mountaintops, from museums and labs, to alpine huts and other spectacular alpine sites, and we’ll do so with the help of a whole host of experts . 

---

We have had a lot of assistance from several partners in preparing this course, especially from our national parks agency, Parks Canada, along with The Alpine Club of Canada and MEC.

- See more at: https://www.ualberta.ca/courses/mountains-101#sthash.5fvDq7Bk.dpuf