Pathfinder

The Sentinel

2—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

PATHFINDER

Campsite safety tips The appeal of camping is undeniable. According to The Business Research Company, a market research and intelligence company, the global camping and caravanning market is expected to grow from just under $40 billion in 2020 to more than $45 billion in 2021. Estimates suggest the market will grow even more in the coming years, reaching $56.6 billion by 2025.

Camping has long been a popular pastime for outdoor enthusiasts, but it may have developed an entirely new group of devotees in 2020. Traditional vacations may not have been possible in 2020, when governments across the globe urged citizens to avoid conventional travel as the world found itself in the throes of a global pandemic. In an effort to overcome cabin fever, many people viewed camping as a safe way to get out of the house while still limiting contact with people from other households. That no doubt inspired new generations of camping fans, many of whom will continue to pitch their tents and sit around campfires long after the pandemic has ended.

The National Park Service recognizes the popularity of camping and urges people to stay safe. Veteran

gency plan, noting that it’s always wise to expect the unexpected when camping.

Bring a first aid kid along when leaving the campsite to engage in activities like hiking or fishing. Go over safety protocols before going on a hike, including the need to stay together and remain on the trail at all times. More information about what to do should anyone be injured during your trip is available at www.nps.gov. ¯ Bring the right gear.

The NPS notes that each camping trip will have its own equipment needs, which will be dictated by the setting, the time of year campers and novices alike can benefit from reviewing these safety tips, courtesy of the NPS. ¯ Plan ahead. Camping trips may not require hours of scouring travel websites in an effort to find the best deals on flights and hotels. But camping trips still require ample planning.

When planning a trip, take into account who’s coming along. Assess their camping skills and physical fitness to determine the most appropriate place to camp.

Campers with limited mobility may be best suited for accessible campsites.

The NPS urges campers to consider if everyone in the group will be able to make

a long hike from the parking lot to the campsite. If not, choose a site that you can pull right up to or is just a short, easy walk from the parking lot. ¯ Research the campsite and surrounding area.

Know as much as possible about the campsite prior to embarking on your trip.

Learn about everything from the local wildlife you may encounter while camping to the condition of surrounding areas, including the altitude, the difficulty of nearby hiking trails and where to go in case of emergency. ¯ Develop an emergency plan. The NPS urges campers to develop an emer-

of the trip, the difficulty of the terrain, and the duration of the trip. Navigational supplies, sun and insect protection, insulation (i.e., extra clothing and blankets), shelter, flashlights and headlamps, first aid kits, extra food and water, firestarters, repair kits and tools, and a communication device like a smartphone or satellite phone are the essential necessities that should be brought along on all camping trips.

Camping is a great way to get away. Campers of all skill and experience levels can make the most of their trips by emphasizing safety at all times.

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The Sentinel

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

­Lewistown, PA—3

PATHFINDER

Family-friendly outdoor activities Children who spend a lot of time outdoors benefit from exposure to nature in myriad ways, some of which may surprise even the most devoted outdoorsmen.

According to a 2006 study published in the journal Human Dimensions of Wildlife, fifth graders who attended school at a local prairie wetlands where lessons in science, math and writing were integrated in an experimental way had significantly stronger reading and writing skills than their peers who attended more traditional schools.

Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that holding a class outdoors one day a week significantly improved the daily cortisol patterns of students, reducing their risk of stress and improving their ability to adapt to stress.

Parents who want their children to reap the rewards of being exposed to the great outdoors can encourage educators to incor-

a great time to host an outdoor art sessions thanks to the assortment of vibrant colors that have become synonymous with autumn landscapes. ¯ Bonfire: Outdoor activities need not be limited to daylight hours. A post-dinner backyard bonfire can entice everyone outside, where families can tell scary stories as they make s’mores. ¯ Stargaze: Stargazing is another way families can spend time outdoors and learn a few things at the same time. Some blankets, a thermos of hot cocoa and a chart of constellations can provide the perfect complement to a sky full of bright stars. If porate nature into school curriculums and also embrace these family-friendly outdoor activities. ¯ Nature treasure hunt: A treasure hunt in nature can keep kids engaged on family hiking excursions and provide an excellent opportunity for parents to teach children about the assortment of plants, birds

and wildlife that live in the parks and along the trails near their home. ¯ Outdoor art class: Families don’t even need to leave their properties to spend quality time together outside. Pick a pleasant afternoon and set up an outdoor painting station, encouraging everyone to paint what they see. Fall is

visibility is compromised in the backyard, find a local spot where everyone can get a clear view of the night sky. ¯ Fruit picking: Apple picking is a popular autumn activity, but families need not wait for the autumn harvest to enjoy a day picking fruit or vegetables at a nearby farm.

Visit a local farm during its harvest season, teaching children about how the foods they love are grown and eventually make it to the family dinner table.

Families looking to spend more time together in the great outdoors can look to a number of activities people of all ages can enjoy.

The Sentinel

4—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

PATHFINDER

10 fishing tips so you’re ready to hit the water and start catching (BPT) - You can smell it in the air. A warm, fresh breath of spring. And to you and millions like you, that can mean only one thing ... fishing!

Here are 10 tips from the fishing enthusiasts at Rapala, the world’s best-selling fishing lure for the past 50 years, on what you can do now to be ready to hit the water and start catching.

1) Declutter the tackle box - If you’ve been fishing awhile, no doubt your tackle box might be feeling a bit cluttered. On those cold, nasty days, bring the tackle box inside to the warmth of your home and pluck out the stuff that doesn’t work and focus on what does. Taking the time to organize your gear will help you spend more time fishing and less time messing with your stuff.

2) Put on fresh line - What comes between you and a trophy fish? Your fishing line, of course. Don’t tempt fate. The experts at Sufix fishing line recommend changing out fishing line at least once a year. As you take off old line, look for frays and nicks - this may be a sign that one or more of the guides on your fishing rod is cracked or even missing.

3) Smooth fishing rod guides - Use a cotton swab and run it around the inside of each guide of your fishing rod. This will help you see if you have any cracks or breaks in your guides, which could cut your fishing line when you have a fish on the line.

4) Watch fishing videos - Getting outside and

spending time on the water is what fishing is all about.

However, watching how-to videos on the Rapala YouTube Channel, which features more than 600 videos, can help you catch more fish year-round, on open water, in saltwater and on hardwater (ice fishing).

5) Sharp hooks equal

more bites - What’s the first point of contact with a fish?

It’s the point of your fishing hook. Sharp hooks mean you’ll catch more fish; dull hooks mean you’ll be one frustrated angler. So take some time to replace hooks on your go-to lures. It’s also important to select the right hook, say the hook gurus at

VMC, one of the world’s largest fishing hook manufacturers. The mouths of fish vary from species to species, so make sure to select a hook that meets the challenge.

6) Go with your confidence bait - Nearly every angler has their go-to lure.

It’s that one lure that seems to catch fish when all others

fail. When you find your confidence bait, stock up on it. Have a few more of that lure tucked away in your tackle box for when you might need them even more.

Don’t have a confidence bait yet? Well, you can’t go wrong with the lure that’s caught more world records than any other lure.

7) Experiment more You wouldn’t play an 18hole golf course with just a putter. Different lures are made to catch fish under different conditions. For example, Rapala offers freshwater lures, saltwater lures and ice fishing lures. It offers lures that can reach fish in any depth, from deep down to the surface. This year, treat yourself to a lure you’ve never tried before to learn from it and expand your ability to catch fish anytime, anywhere, under any condition. Or, try a lure, such as an ice fishing lure, for deep water bass and walleye in open water - sounds crazy, but it works.

8) Play fantasy fishing That’s right. Playing Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing gives you an opportunity to win some incredible prizes.

At the same time, it allows you to track the world’s best bass fishing pros and watch how they manage to catch fish even in the most difficult conditions. Understanding what they do can improve your real-world, on-the-water fishing.

9) Try someplace new Anglers can be creatures of habit. We like to go to our favorite lake and often go to our favorite fishing hole time and time again. While

you might be catching fish, you also may be limiting yourself. This year, try someplace new. Go to a new water. Try a different way of fishing, such as using a kayak. Go for a different species and see if your knowledge in bass fishing applies to a species such as walleye, muskies or redfish.

10) Introduce someone new to fishing - Spending time on the water, enjoying all that nature has to offer and catching fish is awesome, but there’s something even better - hooking someone new, especially a young person, on the joy of fishing.

Take some time this year to intentionally teach someone about how to fish, or how to fish for a different species.

It just may be your biggest catch of all.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

­Lewistown, PA—5

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Scenic campgrounds across North America Thousands of campsites litter the North American landscape, providing an opportunity for campers of all ages and interests to find a place to call home for a few days. Many campsites feature some spectacular scenery and other attractions that make them coveted spots to pitch a tent. Here’s a look at a few camping locations that boast incredible views. ¯ Bartlett Clove Campground, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: This remote and stunning campground offers views of crystal blue glacial water with a thick forest that surrounds the shoreline.

Visit in the summer when the days are long and warm. ¯ Hanakoa Campsite, Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai, Hawaii: The Napali Coast is recognized as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and camping here can feel like you’re camping in paradise. Cliffs, waterfalls and streams make this location picturesque. ¯ Garden Key, Tortugas National Park, Florida: Tortugas National Park is a remote series of islands which are accessible after a two-hour ferry ride from Key West. It offers a tropical camping experience under mangrove trees, sitting on the edge of beautiful blue waters. Lighthouses and historic forts are adjacent, while one of the world’s largest barrier reef systems can be steps from your tent. ¯ Jedediah Smith Campground, Jedediah Smith

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We’re now on Redwoods State Park, California: If you’re intrigued by the opportunity to camp beneath towering, ancient redwoods, look no further than this campground.

Camp among the natural beauty with plenty of solitude and space. It’s possible to spot black bear, river otters, bobcats, and other indigenous animals while traversing 20 miles of hiking trails. ¯ Buttle Lake and Ralph River Campgrounds, Strathcona Park, Canada: Visitors can behold the view from Golden Hinde, the highest peak on Vancouver Island, which towers at 7,210 feet.

Also worth checking out is Della Falls, the highest cascade in Canada, which requires a multi-day excursion by boat and foot.

Soaring mountain peaks,

waterfalls and rivers also are accessible within these campgrounds. ¯ Assateague Island, Maryland National Seashore: The scarcity of tree cover on the island offers nearly unblemished views of miles of ocean. Campers can enjoy herds of wild horses and the siren’s call of the beach and ocean.

While open year-round, late summer and early fall are the most comfortable time for camping. ¯ Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, Utah: This campground is surrounded by rocky peaks, juniper woodlands and massive sandstone cliffs. Bike trails along the Virgin River and other hiking opportunities help set this campground apart. Breathtaking sunsets also attract

thousands of visitors to this area of the country.

Camping is made even more special when visitors spend time at a stunning campsite with awe-inspiring views.

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The Sentinel

6—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

PATHFINDER

Great activities to embrace this spring Spring arrives in the Northern Hemisphere on March 19, bringing with it visions of more hours of sunshine, warmer temperatures and ample opportunities to embrace the great outdoors.

Come mid-March, people who live in climates marked by cold winters have no doubt been anticipating spring fun in the sun for some time. Once spring arrives, the following make for some great activities.

before they are called into action. Stock up on fuel for gas mowers and sharpen those pruning shears.

Visit a local garden Enjoy the sights at a garden when the first spring blooms start to peek out of the soil. Spring is known for tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops.

Sports Come spring, various sports fill up afternoon and weekend schedules.

Whether these are professional sports or youth sports leagues, the games can be a great way to spend time outdoors in the fresh, in end-of-season sales. suddenly warmer air.

This is just the start of the outdoor entertaining seaVisit an orchard Spring is a season when son, and it pays to refresh many berries, such as the deck or patio and invest strawberries, blackberries, in some quality furniture to and blueberries, begin to keep guests comfortable. ripen. Find your local pickPlan a vacation your-own establishment Many schools go on a to spend a day having fun (and getting a little messy) hiatus for a week or two grabbing sweet berries for during the spring, prompting otherwise busy families salads, jams and pies.

Hit the links It’s time to dust off the clubs and play the greens at any of the thousands of golf courses in North America.

The National Golf Federation says the United States is home to around 15,000 courses. The warmer temperatures are ideal for practicing your short game on the putting green or for playing all 18 holes.

Get the patio ready for entertaining Clean off patio furniture or start shopping for new items if you didn’t partake

Give your bike a tuneup Take your bike out of storage and give it a onceover. Now is the time to put air in the tires, grease the chain and make sure that the brakes and other equipment are working properly.

Most bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three to get away for some R&R. Book early to score the best deals on hotel rooms and flights.

Prepare gardening equipment Before long, the grass will need mowing and the shrubbery will have to be pruned. Ensure that lawn and garden tools and equipment are in top form

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Visit a farm Many farm animals give birth in the spring. Children may be excited to see piglets, foals, kids, and all the other adorable young animals draw their first breaths.

Spring’s arrival presents the perfect opportunity to reacquaint oneself with the great outdoors.

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The Sentinel

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

­Lewistown, PA—7

PATHFINDER

Recognize these 4 outdoor hazards Spending time outdoors is good for the mind and the body. Researchers have studied the effects that spending time outdoors, particularly in wooded areas, has on well-being. A 2021 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health concluded that forest-based interventions have a beneficial, therapeutic effect on stress, mental health disorders, hypertension, and immune system function.

In their excitement to engage in outdoor activities, nature lovers should not forget to heed safety precautions. That means recognizing the potential for safety hazards outdoors and how to react in potentially difficult situations.

1. Weather Weather patterns can change rapidly. Always check multiple weather sources for your destination prior to heading out.

Layer clothing accordingly for the weather in your destination, and have a plan in place in case a storm blows in. If stuck outdoors in a thunderstorm with lightning, find a low spot with a ditch or a depression, suggests AccuWeather. Keep in mind that tents and pavilions provide inadequate shelter and are nearly as risky as

standing under a tall tree, advises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

2. Injuries No one wants to get hurt while enjoying the great outdoors, but injuries happen. Always carry safety gear. Pack a first aid kit with the basics, but also items geared toward your adventure. For example, a life jacket is essential when boating or spending time on the water. When hiking, you may need to stabilize a twisted ankle or a broken limb from a

4. Wildlife People are not the only animals who enjoy the great outdoors. Encountering wildlife is common when venturing into their habitats. Some animals even travel into residential neighborhoods in search of food. Many animals prefer to run off rather than engage with humans. But they also can be surprised by people or pets in nature. Traveling in groups; making noise so as not to surprise animals; keeping pets close by; and avoiding hiking at dawn and dusk when many animals are most active can reduce the risk for potentially dangerous encounters. Be aware of wildlife birthing seasons, as a mother may be overly protective if you stumble across her young.

When the great outdoors fall, so carry a splint on a person off his or her feet know the terrain ahead of beckons, individuals anchallenging hikes. Bring- if the current is moving. time to plan safely. swering the call must reing a buddy along also is a Avoid crossing rivers and member to do so safely. safety measure. That way he or she can seek out help if you are injured, and vice MON.-FRI. 8AM-8PM, SAT. 8AM-6PM versa.

2620 Locust Run Road, Mifflintown (1/2 mile south of VanWert) 3. Topography The lay of the land can be hazardous. Outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of their surroundings, which can include sheer Ceramic & Plastic Containers cliff edges, steep climbs, Black Wrought Iron • Lots of New Pots • Birdfeeders loose rocks, deep waters, and more. CoolHikingGear.com warns that any river above ankle height has the potential to sweep Annuals • Perennials • Spring Bulbs • Bedding Plants Hanging Baskets • Potted Plants • Succulents Vegetable Plants • Onion Sets • Herbs Variety of Berry Bushes • Garden Seeds • Rhubarb Plants 60 Varieties of Tomatoes

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

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