Articles
Articles of general interest and on geology written by the authors that appeared in the Kingman Daily Miner newspaper and other publications.
Now I lay me down to sleep
Looing for a place to camp while backpacking in the Sierra Nevada.
Webbing, not just for ducks
Green webbing for people use, blue for vehicles, 8mm rope and carabineers.
Distress Signaling
The universally recognized distress signal is three of anything; gunshots, yells, fires, etc.
Defensive hiking
Hiking should be a relaxing activity, enjoying the out-of-doors, communing with nature and good exercise.
Tying down gear and the prusik-loop
Prusik Loops, store bought on left, homemade on right.
Focus on the sights, sounds and smells of nature
Focus on what’s important and don’t be distracted. You’ll enjoy the out-of-doors and it might just save your life.
Should I stay or should I go?
If you become lost, stuck or whatever, do you stay put or do you try to walk out to get help? This is a question many who become lost have to grapple with.
Contour lines are your friends
To become a good outdoorsperson, you should use maps to anticipate the terrain; to know where you are, to know what you’ll encounter on your hike or ride and to stay safe by avoiding cliffs and other dangerous sites. Contour lines will tell you all that.
Wilderness Fashion
Boundary Cone where an injured hiker and rescuer spent a cold night because the rescuer had to give the hiker his jacket. The hiker had shorts and a tank top.
Surveyor’s Flagging Tape- a survival tool
Have you ever heard of anyone using surveyor’s flagging tape as a survival tool? I haven’t but I always carry a roll in my pack.
Know Your Limitations
A large part of having wilderness common sense is knowing the limitations of what you can do and what your vehicle is capable of.
Are You an Experienced Driver?
Tackling roads that are beyond your experience can get you killed.
Adits and Shafts
Mining played a major role in Arizona history. It’s reported by the State Mine Inspector that there are over 100,000 abandoned mines in the state. Today, old mines are both a joy for history buffs and a danger for curious explorers.
An Ounce of Prevention
The best way to prevent a survival situation is to be prepared and use wilderness common sense. From what I’ve seen, the difference between those that make it out of a tough situation and those that don’t is preparation and state-of-mind.