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With spring in full bloom across most of our country, and with many of the Covid-19 restrictions lifted, or relaxed, there is no better time than now, to start planning your getaway into the great outdoors.

Planning is Essential

Planning the first back-packing – camping adventure of the season, might just be in order!

Many State Parks have designated hiking trails and campsites available. A quick search will reveal possibilities near your location.

If you have been inactive all winter, like most of us, then you may want to start with a moderate camping adventure; in other words, don’t bite off more than you can chew!

A 10-mile hike over rough terrain, may a little more than you bargained for right now; don’t be afraid start out small.

One of the things we know we should do, but often overlook, is proper preparation and planning, for our camping experience.

Make a List – Check it Twice

Nature can be unpredictable, so it is worth the extra time, making sure you are thoroughly prepared before heading out. Consider the following checklist:

• large frame back-pack (depending on the duration of your trip)
• hiking boots / shoes
• quality tent (make sure you have ALL the stakes, ropes and poles)
• hatchet
• paracord
• lightweight tarp
• sleeping bag
• camp pillow
• trail map (sometimes cell reception can be sketchy out there)
• GPS / Compass
• cell phone
• knife / multi-tool
• sunscreen
• first aid kit
• insect repellent
• flashlight
• fire starter
• whistle
• water – food – snacks
• water purifier
• rain gear
• thermal blanket
• extra clothing
• camera
• extra battery or charging system for electronics
• wipes / toilet paper
• binoculars
• prescription medication
• gloves

The list here is only a suggestion; as you prepare for your outdoor adventure, you may think of other items to toss in your pack too.

Being prepared can be the difference between having a memorable adventure, or fighting for your life in the wilderness.

Journal Your Adventure

We would also suggest that you also find room for a compact journal to take along. Getting outdoors can be exhilarating; even inspirational, and having a place to record favorite places along the way, wildlife encounters, GPS way-points, and your thoughts of the day, can be of great value when you get home.

We can help with that. We have developed a camping journal; small enough to fit in your pack, but with enough room to record every important step along the way. It even contains helpful tips should you become lost, along with a comprehensive checklist to review before heading out.

Stop by our website at www.abidingline.com and take a look.

We have Adventure Journals for Day-Hiking, Fishing, and Off Roading.

GET OUT THERE!

It sure has been a long and difficult year! With various lock downs, and quarantines; the inability to move about freely, has caused many to feel a little claustrophobic; a day-hike might just be the remedy.

With spring in full bloom, and many of the Covid-19 restrictions lifted, there is no better time than now, to start planning your getaway into the great outdoors.

PLAN YOUR HIKE

Planning a Day Hike might just be the first step getting outdoors. There are many State Parks with designated hiking trails available. A quick search will reveal possibilities near your location.

If you have been inactive all winter, like most of us, then you may want to start with a moderate hike; in other words, don’t bite off more than you can chew! A 15-mile hike over rough terrain, may a little more than you bargained for; start out small and work your way up.

PREPARATION IS KEY

Preparation for your trip is important too. Nature can be unpredictable, so spend the extra time and make sure you are prepared before heading out. Consider the following checklist:

• day-pack
• hiking boots / shoes
• trail map (sometimes cell reception can be sketchy)
• GPS / Compass
• cell phone
• knife / multitool
• sunscreen
• small first aid kit
• flashlight
• fire-starter
• whistle
• snacks / water
• extra clothing / jacket
• wipes
• thermal blanket (these are small and lightweight and can be a life-saver)

The list here, is only a suggestion; as you prepare for your outdoor adventure, you may think of other items to toss in your pack. Being prepared can be the difference between having a memorable adventure, or fighting for your life in the wilderness.

KEEP A JOURNAL

I would also suggest that you find room for a Compact Journal to take along. Getting outdoors can be exhilarating, even inspirational, and having a place to record favorite places along the way, wildlife encounters, GPS way-points, and your thoughts of the day, can be of great value when you get home.

We can help with that. We have developed a Day-Hike Journal; small enough to fit in your day-pack, but with enough room to record every important step along the way. It even contains helpful tips should you become lost, and a comprehensive checklist to review before heading out.

We have other Adventure Journals for all your outdoor journeys; take a look!

GET OUT THERE!

Every year when Mother’s Day comes around, I remember the amazing lady I called Mom.

I was the second child of 8 children, that my mother would bring into this world; I have 5 sisters and two brothers.

When I was three years old, we had moved to house situated on three acres, in a scenic part of North Central Pennsylvania, in the quaint Village of Cameron.

Dad promptly acquired a small Farmall Cub tractor, and we put in a large garden and it produced a bountiful harvest every year.

I can recall Mom working tirelessly in that garden. As summer came along, and early crops began to mature, Mom would pull the onions, pluck the green beans, the peas, and anything else that was ripe; then process of canning the various vegetables began!

Mom would sit down in the backyard and snap the beans, shell the peas out of the pods, trim the onions; then with the Silver Pan full, head inside to start canning.

Once a week, she would set me on the kitchen counter and she would grab the Silver Pan; I would watch as she poured a certain amount of warm water into the pan, adding a little sugar, then sprinkling dry yeast on top, gently stirring. Then she would put flour into the warm mixture, continually stirring as she kept adding more and more flower.

An hour and a half later, she would pull out the gooey mixture, now doubled in size, and she would sprinkle the countertop with flour, and toss bread dough on, beating the daylights out of it.

After a sufficient pounding had occurred, it was cut into strips and placed into 6 bread pans, where it would set for another hour so, and then it was into the oven. I can still smell the intoxicating aroma of fresh baked bread, wafting through the house!

Moments before the Walt Disney show came on, Mom would come in with her Silver Pan brimming to the top with freshly made popcorn for all!

I can remember when Mom had her first set of twins (she would have 2 sets of twins) when it came time to give the babies a bath, she would pull out; you guessed it, the Silver Pan and wash them in it.

I saw her use that Silver pan for hauling vegetables out of the garden, for mixing bread dough, for washing delicate clothes, bathing babies, and serving popcorn, and so much more.

Mom tirelessly hovered over her children, dedicating her life to our care. She was a compassionate nurse when we got sick, a counselor when we were emotionally hurt, encouraged us when we were down, lovingly scolded us when we were bad!

Every Mother’s Day I think of Mom, and I miss her smile, her encouraging words, her servant heart, and her overflowing love.

I can still see her walking up the little hill from the garden, with that big Silver Pan full of green beans resting against her hip, in one hand, and a wiggling toddler firmly held in the other.

If your mom or grandma is still with you, I hope you make plans this year to spend some time with her; cherish those moments . . . you only have one Mom; be sure and show her a little love this year.

The early days of spring are very special. The lingering snow in the mountains begin to melt in earnest and an occasional attempt by Old Man Winter to keep the chill, howls through the crisp air.

Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, fishing season usually began about the second week in April. Our home sat on a three acre plot, that ran right down to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and to an amazing fishing hole.

Usually Dad would plow the garden with his old Farmall Tractor the week before fishing season began, and I would follow behind, plucking the generous bounty of crawlers and red-worms revealed by the plow. I can still smell the fresh dirt!

Quite often, the river behind our house would be a little too swift on the first day of fishing season, due to the spring rains and the run-off from the mountains. Dad had a plan though; he would toss together a few sandwiches, a coupe of candy bars and drinks; pack it all up along with our essential fishing gear and head out.

There was plenty of bank fishing, and the dam was well stocked with trout; we almost always came home with enough trout for dinner.

Oh the sweet memories that springtime brings; a reminder that the cold clutches of winter always give way to an explosion of beauty.

I hope you take time to go out and smell the fresh turned dirt, drink in the fragrance of the blossoming trees and early flowers, and if you can, go find a young kid, and take them fishing; it might just be what you need!

Fishing Essentials – Log Book & Journal

Now you have the perfect companion to accomplish that very task!

A simple and easy way to track all of your fishing adventures, never forget a special moment, or location again. Durable gloss cover, lightweight and special size (8 ½” x 6”) easily fits in any day pack.

Helpful Features:

• personal contact information
• emergency contact
• start location
• date – start – stop time
• weather conditions
• solo or with companion
• track GPS way-points
• lures – bait used
• fish type caught
• preparation checklists
• personal comments – impressions

Off Road Essentials Log Book & Journal

For those who love to get off the beaten path and do a little 4-wheeling; here is the perfect companion for the trip. The convenient size easily fits in your glove-box; the same size as an owner’s manual.

We have provided an Essential Checklist in this journal to go over before you leave. Planning for a gentle ride in the countryside, or an extreme expedition; it pays to be prepared. Nature has a way of changing our plans, and being ready to adapt, can mean the difference between an exciting and enjoyable day, or fighting for survival.

Helpful Features:

• personal contact information
• start locations
• trailhead and routes taken
• date – start – stop time
• weather conditions
• solo or with companion
• track GPS way-points
• wild-life encounters
• 52 entries
• personal comment section

We are very pleased to announce the addition of two new outdoor Adventure Journals; “Day Hike Essentials” and “Camping Essentials” Log Book & Journal.

These conveniently sized (6″ x 8 1/2″) journal and log books, fit nicely inside a day pack.

Helpful Features

• Personal contact information
• Emergency contact information
• Date
• Start location
• Start / stop time
• Miles traveled
• Weather conditions
• Solo or with companion
• Track way-points
• Difficulty level
• Recommendations
• Wildlife encounters

Includes

• Plenty of space to record thoughts and impressions
• Preparation checklists
• Helpful suggestions if you are lost
• 52 entries

Order yours today, and never let the memories of your special adventure evaporate before you get home again.

Great gift too!