Every time I go camping, people are on my case. They want to know what is so great about sleeping on the ground inside a tiny nylon shell?

I figure if they have to ask, they will never know. I never see camping like that. Well, once I did. My gore-tex tent was parked right on a bear path not far from the water source. That tent felt flimsy that night.

Ah, but you see, camping is more than the tent. It is the total experience. Being outdoors is truly BEING. Breathe fresh air. Listen to the lack of noise. Listen to the waterfalls and rapids in the river. Watch the birds. It is birdwatching from inside the home of the bird.

No I do not think of camping as a miserable way to sleep. Camping in my tent costs a LOT less than a hotel and is sometimes safer. And if you are adequately prepared, as I usually am, you will be quite comfortable and warm.

Every season I yearn to lie on the ground and watch the stars. If I miss it, I feel cheated. Yes, I like to lie outside ON the Ground in almost the same place in each season. You would be surprised how the stars look from the same place at different times of the year. (Same place, give or take a few feet.)

When I learned how to call owls by mimicking their sounds my camping adventures took a new turn. Now I look and listen for the birds of the night as much as I do the birds in daylight.

Sometimes in bad weather, friends worry about me. I would rather be out there. Perhaps I am. I love being outdoors with nature. So call me crazy if you want. Okay, maybe that sounds odd but it is true for me.

A weekend in the wilderness with my camping gear and birding binoculars can recharge my spirit like nothing else can. I am in touch with all creation.

Tags: Exposure Rock Climbing, Rock Climbing Introduction, Rock Climbing Holds, Hocking Hills Rock Climbing

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Springtime is an excellent season for birdwatching.  Hundreds of bird species  are migrating back to their summer breeding grounds. At certain locations you can almost see all of the population for a particular bird in transit.

For example you can go to Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania and get an excellent view of hawks, many of them are flying by right at eye level. Some hawks are actually flying below you due to the elevation. You will be so excited about seeing these birds you will stop thinking about your birdwatching binoculars. Instead of thinking of your own birding guides in your pack, you will be focussed on the tour guide and the raptors flying by.

Spring migration time is a great time to go birdwatching at Presque Isle State Park in Erie PA. In the United States, Erie, PA is a birding hot spot, an area of environmental concern, one of the 5 best birdwatching places you can drive to. Why? Along the shores of Lake Erie lies a habitat rich peninsula.. Thousands of birds stop here before crossing the Great Lakes. All of Presque Isle is a peninsula and State Park that serves as a bird sanctuary and a public recreation area. Diverse habitats are ideal places for migrating birds to rest and find food and shelter. Waterfowl species are abundant on the bay side and in the lagoons. In the forest and wetlands you can help the local Audubon Chapter with bird banding and see some fantastic warblers up close and personal.

Migrating birds stop for food, shelter and water before they cross a large land mass like the Sahara Desert.

Birds in migration need safe shelter and food and rest. The edges of major land masses and bodies of water offer ideal stopover locations for them.

Tags: Rock Climbing Sporting Goods, Rock Climbing, Indoor Rock Climbing, Rock Climbing Ropes

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