One of the hotter places of the world where there are a large and interesting variety of scorpions is the one thousand plus square kilometres scorpion habitat of South Africa.

In fact there are well over 150 species residing in this area of the world.

The Flat Rock Scorpion

The world’s longest scorpion, known as the South African Rock Scorpion or The Flat Rock Scorpion can grow as long as 21 centimetres and can weigh as much as 40g in weight. This particular species likes to live in the drier, bushveld areas where there is very little rain, usually under 600mm annual rainfall.

They like to live in the cracks in the rocks, so these are the places to avoid if you are walking around in such areas. Almost every crack, in densely populated areas will have a scorpion in it. But don’t worry, their poison is not very strong and in fact they are considered to be the world’s least poisnoous scorpion.

Usually you can tell if a scorpion has a dangerous sting or not by the size of its tail or claws.

The least venomous type usually have large claws – which can be pretty painful, but not too dangerous, if you are caught by them.

Highly poisonous scorpions have larger sting tails, or stingers. Out of all of the varieties in South Africa only about 3 types are likely to be dangerously fatal.

In fact less than a dozen people each year die as a direct result of a scorpion sting in this vast country, despite the high numbers of scorpions.

Treatment for Scorpion Bites

What should you do if you get bit by a scorpion – in case you are stung by one of the most venomous type, prompt medical attention is needed to be able to access anti-venom medication as soon as possible.

Signs to look out for would be: heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, severe pain, slurred speech and hypersenitivity

Desert Scorpions

In the more sandy areas of South Africa, such as scorpion habitat in the Namib desert sands, you are more likely to find the much shorter  yellow colored scorpion of the Opistophthalmus variety which grows to about 60mm long, has almost see through legs and is one of the burrowing scorpions which makes deep burrows in the sand. It has specially designed features, like hairs on the legs, to help it walk across the continually shifting desert sands. They can be quite difficult to spot because they are well camouflaged but if you want to locate one, an ultra violet light can help which makes them glow green.

Tree Scorpions

Some species even live in trees, but generally they are so secretive that you wouldn’t really know they are there. However one place you might not want to come across them accidentally, is in your shoes! Apparently if you leave your shoes out at night they seem to like crawling inside to hide. So always check your shoes before wearing them, by shaking them out each day, to avoid scorpion bites or stings – just in case.

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When we think of scorpions we usually associate them with danger, nastiness and death. Maybe this is why prison inmates go for such a design when getting permanent tattoos. Scorpions, apparently are one of the most popular tattoo designs chosen inside.

Would a Scorpion Bite?  Here is what Vince Richen has to say …

Fierce, dangerous and fatal. These are the three words that could greatly describe this eight-legged creature that even man fears. A trip once in the city jail gave me another perspective on tattoos. I got a chance to talk to the tattoo guy inside. He is the one responsible in giving each and every inmate a birthmark.

Without further adieu, I asked him what design do prisoners frequently request or choose.

I was surprised by his answer: Scorpions.

Like some other tattoo guy, he would usually spare some five good minutes of chit chat and these will lead them to the design that they want. “When it’s there, there is no turning back,” he said. “So, you have to choose freely and carefully.” After few minutes of sharing experiences with one another, almost five out of ten prisoners would choose the tattoo designs of scorpions.

“They have their own reasons why they would prefer a tattoo design of scorpions,” he explained. For some, the designs  would mean bravery and being fierce. They see themselves as kings and that everyone outside is scared of them. While some of them chose the tattoo designs  because they are fascinated by the fact that size was not a credential for fear in scorpions. All scorpions are scary, they leave people screaming and running for their lives.

Still other convicts, especially those convicted of murder, would want a scorpio tattoo design because it is fatal. They believed that they have the same fate as the scorpions. Some even believed that they are scorpions in their past life, thus they want that as their final birthmark.

You have been dreaming of making this trip for a while. Your adventure vacation is finally here. Get out your sleeping bag and backpack, toss out the shaving kit, you are going to South America.

If you want a vacation that is full of physical activities, South America is a great choice. Airfare may not be cheap, but everything else can be if you choose a country like Peru. You can eat well for pennies a day.

Hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and horseback riding can all be found in Peru. Even surfing is available on the coast. It is a perfect place for backpacking from one town to another. Just cast an eye on your leather watch for the next bus departure and you are off.

Even cities are on the casual side in Peru. In a place like Lima, people dress upscale more often but they will not be surprised if you show up at a nice restaurant dressed for a hike. Just keep those brown boots off any coffee tables and you will not have any problems. It is easy to pack light and you can have laundry done cheaply as well.

You may not have been planning on a trip to the beach but do not forget to pack your swimsuit. Many hot springs are scattered throughout the country. Thermal baths are a great way to let your muscles relax after working them so hard.

Clothing is good to layer for this excursion. The country is large and there are several climates represented. If you are trekking, at least around Cusco, you are likely to be cold at night and in the morning. But as you hike you will warm up fast so it is best to be able to take off outer layers.

If you are into gear, get yourself a men’s sport watch with an altimeter. When you are trekking up to Machu Picchu, the altitude will be changing from day to day. It is fun to take a look at your watch and keep track of the ups and downs.

It is hard to find a better place to go for an outdoors trip than Peru. Check that you still have time on your passport, get yourself a guidebook and make your plans. You only have to worry that you will never want to go home.

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Campsites may be organised or somewhere you select on the spur of the moment.  But there are some considerations that need to be taken into account before you commit to a camping site.Let’s look at the basics of how to choose one.

A suitable campsite is not an off the peg item.One that suits some people and tents may not be right for you.  However, there are some basics that you should be aware of before you set up your tents for the night.

A campsite can mean two different things.On an organised campsite you may have facilities like a shop, toilets, showers and even laundry facilities.  If you are looking for a campsite with these type of facilities then remember the more facilities it has the more people it will attract, so if you are someone who cannot bear the tiniest noise after 10 pm, then try to steer away from the bigger sites.You may find larger sites offer entertainment or a bar, and these can get noisy at night.  If you love parties and loud noise, then this type of campsite will suit you, but if you don’t then don’t book into one like this, since you will probably be irritated by the noise.

The second type of campsite that you will come across is a site that you choose to pitch your camping tents, which is not an organised campsite.This could be in a field belonging to a farmer or a piece of wide open land.  If it is in a field, get the owners permission.Never assume you can pitch your tent there – some farmers don’t allow camping and get irate at people who make assumptions.

If you are in the middle of nowhere then it may be quiet but you need to think about accessing water to boil for drinks or washing.  If you have supplies of bottled water then fine, but do consider water.You also need to consider toileting.A nearby pub is useful but don’t forget toilet facilities!

Don’t pitch tent in a valley due to the flooding risk.You also should avoid sites adjacent to water (eg rivers lakes and canals) as there will be insects and maybe even rats.

Considering these factors can be the key to a comfortable successful camp, so choose what’s best for your particular needs.

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Camping mattresses are no longer available in standard weights and in only a few colours.There are many so many important factors to consider before buying a camping mattress especially since there are a number of different types on the market today?  This article informs by raising objective issues for consideration, prior to purchase.

Most camping mattresses that you buy now are of exceptional quality.Over the last few years the world of camping mattressess has evolved significanlty; very cheap and thin camping mattresses can still be found on the market but they do very little in terms of providing warmth and comfort.  Camping mattresses are now a multi-million pound industry and if you want luxury, then luxury you will have!

Before you splash out on one of the top of the range mattessess there are some basic things to consider.  For a start, if the mattress is larger than standard and your tent is very bijou then if there are two of you in the tent with larger air mattresses then you may find that the bijou tent is suddenly very small indeed.  So make sure that any mattresses that you buy will easily fit into your tents for camping.

Inflatable mattresses are very popular currently, but you need to have a means of inflating them.  Due to the fact that you are effectively supported by air, they do feel very comfortable and comfort is a good thing when you are camping!  For those who are a little lazier, self-inflating mattresses are also available but these tend to be a little more expensive.

Investing in a good thick camping mattress is better as it should protect you from the dampness and cold.Lying on a thin mattress could mean that you will feel the cold more.While taking account of the space your mattress will take you might want to consider also the thickness as you might find that you are stiff the next morning.

One very important issue is space.More thought needs to go into your packing process if you are travelling by bicycle or on foot as you really don’t really want to be carrying heavy thick mattressess and a pump; weight restrictions will be zero of course, if you are travelling by car?  Think about the weight involved as well.

How you are travelling, balancing comfort, the weight and the thickness of the mattress are all factors to having a good mattress.Be careful not to buy a super de luxe mattress that takes up the whole of your rucksack, buy the one that suits your needs.

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You buy your first travel trailer and now you cannot wait to head to the great outdoors on your first camping trip. The excitement builds as they make campground reservations and plan to spend time enjoying nature or relaxing in a hammock by the fire. A good RVer is prepared for whatever problems that may arise as problems always do. This article will share 3 simple things that if not taken into consideration will totally ruin any trip you take.
The obvious things are easy to preapre for when planning a trip in your camper trailer. Where you are going to camp, what you are going to eat etc. However, when planning a trip, 3 issues are often overlooked in the excitement of preparing for the trip.

1: Check The Wheels and Tires

The biggest issue overlooked are the wheels and tires until one goes flat. Nothing will ruin your day quicker than being stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or worse a flat spare. Check your tires before your trip. If you see little hairline cracks in the sidewalls, this is an indication of dry rot. This happens to all tires eventually. Replace worn tires and make sure the tire pressure is up to manufacturer’s specs. This is so simple yet it is the biggest issue faced on the road because it is overlooked by so many people.

2: Check Your Axles

Then make sure your axles are lubricated. This is easy to do especially since so many newer models have easy lube axles that don’t even require loosening of a lug nut. Just use a grease gun to lubricate your axles before each trip. If you don’t know how, find a mechanic or and RV tech and have them do it for you. It is so much cheaper to have that done before your trip than to try to replace burned bearings by the side of the road.
3: Test The Batteries and Charging System

This is another area so often overlooked until there is a problem. It is easily avoided by a simple battery check before you leave your house.  Your travel trailer comes with deep cycle marine batteries. That means that the battery can be totally drained of power and when recharged will come back to full strength. Automotive batteries when drained will never return to full strength. Check your batteries before you leave to make sure they will take the proper charge. Also, get the power converter in your travel trailer checked to make sure it is working properly. Travel Trailers are wired for direct current (DC). They are designed to be operated by battery power. Your power converter will convert the direct current to alternating current (AC), or regular household electricity, that campgrounds are wired with. They also recharge your batteries when plugged into shore power at the campground.

If your power converter isn’t working properly, you batteries will be drained quickly, the air conditioner will not work and you are in for a bad experience.
I know these such simple issues that anyone should know and do on a regular basis. problems] people encounter on the road result from one of these things. These are so simple to check and fix before you leave. Do not let simple issues like these ruin a great time with your family.

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Camping is a pastime that can be enjoyed year around in many locations and because many dogs love to be out doors, combining your love for camping and your love for your pooch can be easy with a little preparation and a few easy steps to keep them safe.

Temperature, regardless of breed or size, is something dogs can be highly susceptible to. Choosing a campsite that caters to their requirements is very important with camping with your dog. If it’s particularly hot outside , for instance, then select a campsite with adequate shade. Conversely if it’s cool, select a campsite with some exposure to the sunshine so they can stay warm.

One of the joys of camping is sitting around an open fire. However, dogs may unintentionally get too close, so this particular pleasure poses a significant danger. Particularly when they’re playing. You can wind up chasing a flaming dog if their long tails swish across the flames. That’s not fun.

Be sure to place a brightly colored vest on your dog, and it’s a good notion to put on one yourself, if you are camping during hunting season, or in and around hunting areas. You wouldn’t want a hunter to mistake your dog for being a deer.

Paying attention to leash laws and keeping your dog close at all times is particularly critical if you are camping in a public camping area. Other dogs and people can cause trouble, even if you have the best dog in the world. Battles between dogs are scary and your dog can become seriously hurt.

It is still important to keep an close eye on your dog, even if you are in open area camping and a leash isn’t necessary. Bears, moose, deer, skunks and other critters can injure your dog who thinks he’s just having fun.

A first aid kit. It’s a good thought to always have a first aid kit for your dog but when you go camping, it’s essential .  You should have the following items in your first aid kit:

* Coated aspirin
* Bandages
* Septic powder
* Small nail scissors
* Ear and eye ointment
* Tick tweezers
* Waterproof surgical tape
* Snake bite kit
* Benadryl
* Antibiotic ointment

A long leash and a stake can give your dog some independence around the campsite, and you don’t have to worry about them wandering off. Portable pens work well also, for smaller dogs.

Pack food and treats. Most of what we consume is not right for a dog’s digestion, and some of it can even be poison, so while it is tempting to feed your dog the food you’re consuming, to avoid ants crawling around their dog food bowl while camping, you should not. While smores are delicious , for instance, the chocolate can be toxic to your dog, and besides, they don’t need the sugar. Make sure to feed your dog on its regular schedule, and stick to your dog’s food.

Pack lots of water. Water should be made accessible at all times to your dog. Water helps keep them cooled down, as it’s easy for them to get overheated. You also do not want your dog drinking from puddles, rivers or lakes, since they contain toxic algae, as well as parasites, which are often present in untreated bodies of water.

Baggies for waste. It is unpleasant for other campers, and not natural for dogs to be in that environment, so don’t be tempted to let your dogs go au natural and leave dog waste on the ground when camping. Make sure you take appropriate materials to tidy up after your dog. To make sure they don’t get into the fecal matter of other animals, be sure to keep a close eye on your dog. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and it sometimes gets them into difficulty. You certainly don’t want you dog eating animal waste or rolling in it.

Bedding. This is for both safety and comfort. You dog’s body temperature will be regulated at night when it gets chilly by using bedding.

Life jacket. It is important, when going in or around water, to make sure you have a doggy life jacket. They can become tired quickly , and don’t have the ability to tell us, although many dogs love to swim. Make sure your dog is safe on the water by using a life jacket.

Flea & tick repellant. We all know that fleas and ticks carry numerous diseases and they’re prevalent outdoors. Your dog can be kept safe by utilizing a collar, powder, or spray to protect from these insect born sicknesses.

Both of you can have a magnificent time when camping with your pet. While enjoying being out of doors, your dog will also have the opportunity to explore new areas, experiences and scents.Your dog can have a safe and enjoyable camping experience, when you take the time to prepare and pack accordingly.

{Stop Dog Aggression | Dog Food Aggression | Stop Puppy Chewing}

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Are you thinking you want to go camping in your Open Range RV? Choose your campground as soon as possible if you do not know where you want to go already. In the summer months, camping is a popular activity; therefore, you will want to make sure that you are able to get a camping reservation at the RV park of your choice.

Another one of the many reasons why you may want to think about making your camping reservations in advance is because many campgrounds allow their guests to handpick which camping spots they want. Of course, not all campgrounds allow this, but you will find that a large number of them do. The earlier you make reservations the better it is and the more campsites you have to choose from.

In all honesty, the “perfect,” campsite is likely to vary from person to person. Think about what you want to do as well as what those in your group want to do and choose accordingly. Although there may be some variations of what you are looking for, you may want to take some of the factors mentioned below into consideration, when choosing the perfect campsite.

If you are going camping with small children, you may want to think about making sure that your camping site is a good distance away from any bodies of water or any dangerous hiking trails. You will see that many campgrounds have play areas close by for the kids. It may be a good idea to try and get a camping spot that is located near a playground or other locations that are designed for children.

In addition to the safety of those that you will be camping with, preferences are also something that should be taken into consideration. If you are a water lover and would like to spend your time boating, fishing or swimming, you may want to think about getting a camping spot that is close to the water. If you want to spend time hiking on the other hand, try to get a campsite close to the hiking trails and so on.

Size is also another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when choosing a campsite. Different campground parks have different sizes campsites. Larger campsites usually are designed for campers with multiple tents or Open Range RVs. You will want to ensure that the site you choose will be large enough for you entire camping party before you rent the site.

If you are camping in an Open Range RV, then you will want to make sure there are hookups such water and electricity. Camping in an Open Range RV is so much better when you can utilize the benefits of your RV.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you may want to take into consideration when choosing a camping spot for your next camping adventure. Every campground does not allow you to choose your campsite remember, but many of them do.

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Are you a beginner or an avid camper? Whether you are an experienced camper or a first timer searching for camping gear can be overwhelming. It is up to you to decide what is right for you and your family when it comes to camping supplies.

Camping is entertainment and something that people of all ages can do. Older couples may enjoy RV’s while younger generations may prefer a tent no matter which route you go I am sure that you will have guaranteed fun. Camping allows for family time, relaxation and is all inexpensive.

Retail stores, outdoor stores and camping stores are all alike they seem to have an endless selection of camping gear so how do you know what to buy and what to leave on the shelf? It is all up to you the consumer to determine which ones you want to leave and take home.

As a rule of thumb many people take the smaller items from home and buy the larger ones such as stoves, tents and sleeping bags but this can be time consuming. Everyone is different and likes to do it various ways. It’s up to you to determine which one is better on you and your family.

A lot of people purchase camping supplies and pack them up so when they are ready to hit the road they are ready too. There are so many things from pots, pans, grills, containers, lanterns, food, tents, sleeping bags and everything in between.

I as well as others have found keeping your camping gear packed up in its own storage container stored in a garage, shed or out building can be a very useful thing, this way when you are ready to go on a camping holiday it is all together in one place.

Any type of camping gear that you purchase is a great investment because it is durable and is made to withstand any type of weather and climate. Tents, stoves, sleeping bags, pots, pans, toiletry items, tables and air mattresses are just a few items that can be purchased before a camping trip.

Costs, quality time and enjoying the outdoors are just a few of the perks associated with camping. The time spent with your family and friends roughing it are something that you can’t place a price tag on no matter how hard you try.

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Nothing is more wonderful then backpacking, camping, or hiking but when sleeping outdoors backpacking sleeping bags become the most important purchase.  The purchase would be based on the type of weather expected, helping you choose between a down fill or synthetic bag.  With the right purchase, you would find your
next backpacking trip enjoyable, regardless of the weather.

All types of backpacking sleeping bags have a special rating, which is based on outside temperature.  When looking to buy a new bag, you always want to purchase one that is rated to handle temperatures at least 10 degrees colder than what you expect to face.  The result would be having a warm, comfortable place to sleep.  However, if the sleeping bag offers too much space inside, you would not be kept warm.

As you look at the various types of backpacking sleeping bags, it is imperative that you choose one that will fit the body.  That way, extra room inside the sleeping bag would not have to be heated and a quick-pull zipper would allow you to get inside quickly.  Today, options for backpacking sleeping bags are amazing, offering options for comfort and weight but also different weights.  For instance, if you expect to be outside in a part of the country with high humidity levels, a synthetic bag would make more sense.

Of course, you will discover both good and bad for down filled and synthetic backpacking sleeping bags.  One consideration would be the weight of the bag.  After all, trying to hike or backpack with a tent, supplies, and the sleeping bag is going to be a challenge so choosing a lightweight bag would make the trip more enjoyable.

Understanding the Various Kinds of Sleeping Bags

Remember, the goal when spending time sleeping outdoors is to be comfortable and warm.  After all, if you feel miserable and cold, you would have trouble sleeping so the next morning, you would be exhausted and not enjoy the day.  Whether shopping for backpacking sleeping bags for adults or children, you want to choose wisely.  Two of the best brands include Polarguard HV and 3M Thinsulate Lite Loft, excellent choices.

Down-Filled Sleeping Bags

To enjoy the most comfort and warmth, you might consider the Climashield Prism, which is only two pounds but fully insulated.  Sleeping bags also come with a variety of features.  For instance, there are bags with glow in the dark zippers, making it easier to see in the dark.  Then, there are sleeping bags that have pockets, providing space for eyeglasses, cigarettes, and IPod, etc.  You will also find that many backpacking sleeping bags have a water-resistant shell.

Synthetic Sleep Bags

Synthetic sleeping bags are another option.  These bags weight very little, making them ideal for backpackers and hikers.  Synthetic backpacking sleeping bags are also made to stay dry in damp or wet environments whereas one filled with down would become wet.  The only negative aspect of the synthetic bag is that they are not as high quality as a down-filled bag, which means even with a low price, you would not get the same amount of wear.

Synthetic sleeping bags from years ago where flimsy and cheap but with new materials and technologies, they have improved dramatically.  Of course, these backpacking sleeping bags have advantages and disadvantages.  We suggest you look at REI premium models, which are very lightweight.  Additionally, these synthetic bags are made to withstand temperatures of 25 and 40 degrees.  Aura is a great option, again being lightweight but these synthetic sleeping bags also provide warmth, especially in situations of damp weather.

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