I know a lot of people are afraid of nature and the idea of being in the Great Outdoors.  But camping is very safe.  I’m actually more afraid of getting

People always ask me if I’m scared of encountering a bear or snake while backpacking.  Nope.  You know what does scare the bejesus out of me?  Feral dogs.

In the outdoors, I’m not afraid of snakes or bears and definitely not insects.  But I’ll admit it: ticks absolutely freak me out.  Because ticks can transmit so many diseases,

As much as I love Mother Nature, I also know that she isn’t always kind.  Even if you are completely prepared, bad things can happen.  Nobody is immune to injury, sickness,

I grew up backpacking in the Adirondacks Mountains, camping, and orienteering all over the country.  It never occurred to me to be scared of nature – even when in bear

I love the spontaneity of travel and not knowing what you will encounter. But I do NOT love getting traveler’s diarrhea the day before I am supposed to take a

I pride myself in being someone who prepares for everything.  I’m always imagining the worst-case scenarios and how I’d deal with them (it actually drives my husband crazy because I’m

I’m one of those weird people who loves snakes.  They are vital to ecosystems and help keep mice populations under control (which then reduces ticks and Lyme disease). I also

I honestly believe that hiking in the backcountry is safer for young kids than your neighborhood at home.  At home, you constantly have to worry about your kids getting hit

Accidents can happen anytime but are more likely when you are camping.  This is why you always need to have a complete first aid kit with you when camping.   I’ve