Things to Watch out for in the Outdoors

                               
                                                                    By Jose Francisco

     You're all packed, you've got everything you need: food, tent, first aid kit, and so you're itching to go. You even bought a jungle bolo just like what Rambo had. Having all the right equipment won't prepare you for Nature's pandora's box of surprises, though. And there are a lot. So don't go just yet, let megive some good hints that you need to know before venturing into the wild.

Poisonus Plants

     Poison ivy is a three-leaved plant that can either grow like the other weeds on the ground or they can hang from the branches of a tree. If you're going out into the woods for more than three days then you'd really need to watchout because poison ivy allergies set in after two days on most people.

     The oil found in it, called urushiol, is very potent and can continue to cause the red rashes even when you only come into contact with contaminated clothing or your pet that has some of it in their fur. Poison oak and sumac are otherplants that have the same size, shape, and poisonus effect.

     People who are very sensitive to pollen also need to watch out. But aside from those, the only other thing you'd have to worry about is a pitcher planteating you whole.

Leeches and Limatics Galore

     You've got Rambo's knife and you're rarin' to whack at those shrubs and loose tree branches that come between you and your campsite buffet. Aside from getting poison ivy sap on your arms, there's also those little leeches waiting for you atop the leaves of trees. They stick out on top of them leaves just like little l's and they'd love to suck the blood out of you. They jump at the first thing that moves. The best thing is, you don't notice them on you until youremove your clothing. So better be prepared with your Zippo.

Mud, Moss, and Stones

     Road test the bank of a stream with your stick first to see if the bottom will be stable enough to hold your weight. Then you can proceed with swimming in it. Just remember that the leeches are also swimming. If you only plan on crossing the stream and you wish to do it by jumping atop some rocks, look at their color first. Green rocks will not be fit as stepping stones. They've got moss on them. Better to get wet than to literally lose your head.

Centipedes

     These will reside in soil that is not compact, like those that have liverworts and moss in them. So when you're getting rocks either for your campfire or those you want to put beneath your Eureka tent for heating, try to use you Rambo knife first and see if any will come out. If you're bitten by a centipede then a fever is sure to follow. It might cut your camping trip short.

     These are trivial things but can cause a lot of harm when ignored. So packa lot of watchfulness and common sense along with the barbecue.