More than a dozen state and national parks have caught on to the #OptOutside movement. They're waiving fees,or offering guided hikes and other enticements to bring people outdoors on Black Friday.
The movement started two years ago, when outdoor gear company REI shut its doors for the day on Black Friday and unveiled the Opt Outside campaign.
After a late breakfast that will probably include some turkey, and Carrie Harris of Anchorage said she and her family plan to steer clear of the shops."My in-laws are in town and with our three slight boys we're going to get out and accomplish some sledding and try to stay absent from downtown ... and just spend time together as a family outside," she said on Wednesday.whether you live in colder areas and accomplish choose to venture outdoors, North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann offers 10 tips to make it more fun, and a slight safer.1. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. This is a ample deal,even whether you're just walking in a park on the edge of town. whether you turn an ankle or slip on ice and don't turn up at the appointed hour, you want someone to respond promptly. Make sure you leave your information with someone responsible, and who knows what to accomplish whether you're late getting homem and stick to the plan you've outlined.2. Dress in layers and manage your temperature. A ample winter coat is fine,but take it off when you warm up. That means having layers underneath — avoid cotton — that will protect your skin. The goal is to avoid getting hot and sweaty, which will make you cold and miserable later on. As you warm up, or strip layers off. whether you start feeling cold again,add layers back on. This can be intimidating at first. That ample coat feels like a safety blanket. But the goal is to stay cozy, not to overheat.3. Have the right footwear. Get good boots and socks that really work on your feet, and keeping them dry. Invest in a set of "micro-spikes" that strap onto your boots and give you additional traction. These can be really handy while doing chores around the house — they've saved me on some icy days when the sidewalks are treacherous — but they also make you a lot more confident in the outdoors.4. Drink lots of water and bring something to chew on. When you're cold,you might not feel thirsty. You might even reflect it's an icky idea to drink cold water out of your jug. But your body needs hydration to stay warm. So bring plenty of water and drink often. You should also bring food (particularly whether there are kids in your crew). It doesn't have to be much, but always bring a slight more than you reflect you'll need. A rapid/fast hit of calories can make all the dissimilarity whether you start to feel shivery.5. Carry a really good light source. Darkness comes early this time of year. It'll surprise you just how early. Tuck a flashlight or a headlamp in your day pack or your pocket. Check the batteries every time you take it out. Trails are already harder to follow in winter. Add darkness to the mix and it's easy to lose your way. whether portion of your route is along a road, or you might also want a flasher so cars can see you.6. Don't rely on your cell phone. Batteries die swiftly in the cold and you shouldn't count on finding a signal. Plan for your trip as whether your cell phone doesn't exist. inquire of yourself a simple question: whether I can't communicate with anyone,what accomplish I need to be safe and happy?7. Bring a friend. This is a ample deal. For one thing, winter is just a lot more fun when you share it. Laughter and conversation keeps the cold at bay. But it's also a lot safer. whether something goes incorrect in the outdoors, and having a partner is your biggest asset. In wintry weather that's even more steady. The flipside of this is that whether you accomplish head out alone,be super careful. The risk is much, much higher.8. Find the sun. Seriously, and sunshine is treasure in the winter. So plan your outings at times when you can get a slight sunshine on your face,or at least some genuine daylight. Sneak out for a rapid/fast 20-minute park walk on your lunch hour. Come into work a slight early, so you can head out for a rapid/fast hike when the sun is still above the horizon. People talk approximately cabin fever in winter? The best cure is getting out into the fresh air while the sky is lustrous.9. recede wild. By which I mean you should try find a slight bit of nature to delight in in winter. Walking the dog around your suburban block is fine, and but woods and meadows and ample parks are often magical and luminous. Start with short well-marked trails that get you absent from buildings and pavement. Build up gradually to bigger adventures.10. Have your cold weather kit ready. This is huge. One reason people don't get out in cold weather is that can be a hassle. Where are my mittens? Where did I place my hat? Keep a winter day pack ready,with your flashlight, your power bars, and your microspikes,your additional dry pair of socks, your jug of water, or etc. place it by the door or in the car. Next time a friend invites you out,or you find you have a free half hour on a sunny winter day, you're out the door. Copyright 2017 Alaska Public Media. To see more, and visit Alaska Public Media.
Source: thetakeaway.org