Introduction
Mt. Pulag, Philippines
(Courtesy of E. Gobalesa, Meralco Mountaineers)
Do you hear the call?
The "call of the wild" -- everyone hears it one time or another. It's Mother Nature's invitation to be one with her awesome beauty; it's Father Sun's lure to bathe in his life-giving powers; it's Sister Moon's enticement to marvel at her infinite universe.
Unfortunately, the call of the wild has a dark side, so to speak. Nature can get ugly, Sun can take away the same life it gives, and Moon can inspire an infinite universe of unhappy endings.
If you are hearing the call, feeling the itch to hit the outdoors, and thinking of doing something about it for the first time, before you leave, take this course and a few vicarious lessons with you -- they could save your life.
Are you ready for the outdoors?
Sometimes we think we're well-prepared for outdoor adventure because we've been watching "Survivor" and the Discovery Channel. Are you prepared? Try answering these questions to see if you're all set:
- There are three items you should never be caught without in the outdoors. What are they? [Hint: A GPS would be helpful, but that can be the fourth item.]
- Should physical fitness be an important factor in embarking on an outdoor adventure? Why or why not?
- Why should you not wear cotton underwear on backpacking trips?
- How do you figure out which of the hundreds of backpacks available is the right one for you?
- A sudden rainshower hits you on the trail. Your hiking partner starts to shiver and talk funny. What do you do?
The correct answers to all these questions and many more are discussed in detail in the course.
Do you need this course?
If you are eager to go backpacking, alone, with friends and relatives, or with a tour group, be sure you know the first thing about being outside the comforts of home. Backpacking is a lot of fun, but a hundred things can go wrong out there -- only one mishap can turn your perfect and pleasurable adventure into a life-or-death situation. Be prepared, be aware, and be safe. Most importantly, stay alive. This course will help you make your nature trips the most fulfilling adventures of your life!
Lessons
Click here to see course syllabus
