I can’t even count the amount of times I have asked for simple directions and been told turn at the big sign, or ‘it’s a bit down from the McDonald’s.’ People have honestly lost all knowledge of north to south and east to west.

We have completely lost our sense of direction. It’s not that we have become stupid. I believe the compass has just been pushed to the wayside by new technologies like mapquest, fancy GPS-enabled phones, hand-held mapping systems, and navigation systems. With all of theses electronics, why would people need to know how to use a compass or even a map?

My first adventure memories are with my dad on the open road in the big brown Suburban, riding copilot. I would sit perched in my booster seat with the map unfolded in my lap, navigating my dad the directions.

Now, it should be known that I have a genetic predisposition to having the latest and greatest gadget or new technology. I do own and use a variety of direction-guiding tools. Whether it be my Garmin handheld mapping system, my internet-ready and GPS enabled blackberry that I can’t leave home without, or my wristwatch the size of the landing pad at Cape Canaveral that tells me air temperature, altitude, and coordinates with directions, and even predicts the weather. I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to phasing out the simple manual compass.

But I ask you this, what will you do when your watch goes on the fritz, your cell phone can’t get service, and your fancy GPS loses the tower to link its location? You are going to be lost!

We need to rally around the trusty compass. It could be the newest comeback kid. We need to take a few steps back and start taking gear advice from the old greats like Lewis and Clark and rock-climbing pioneer Royal Robbins. I guarantee these adventurers definitely didn’t rely on the latest GPS tracker. We can’t always count on technology, but we can count on ourselves! Get a compass, use it, like it, love it!!!

Girl vs. Wild, Jacquelyn Farris

Oklahoma is home to some of the U.S.A’s most famous roadside attractions. Small towns from the panhandle to the southeast corner of this great state claim some of the most amazing yet surprising and obscure roadside jewels.

Here is a Girl vs. Wild approved list of the top five places to have an off-the-beaten-path roadside adventure during the last days of summer.

•The Blue Whale is the product of love and located in Catoosa. The former Tulsa Zoo director built his wife, an alligator farm operator, the Blue Whale swimming hole as an anniversary gift for their family. This has been a classic roadside attraction since opening to the public in the mid 1970s. There are also picnic tables on the shore, so pack a lunch and make a day of it.

•Paul Bunyan Muffler Man lives on in Aline. Now, I am not sure about Blue, his trusty ox, but Paul is standing tall in Aline, OK, in Bud’s Auto Salvage on Route 8. This yard is also home to a noteworthy collection of 50s and 60s cars. So hit the road and say hello to that tall man for me.

•Circus Town USA! Yes you heard me right — a circus town and also a circus cemetery. Hugo, in the southeastern corner of the state, is home to wintering circus operations. It’s not uncommon to see circus wagons and trailers parked next to a family home. This little town also is where circus performers and their animals alike are laid to rest. Yes, you heard me right again — man and elephants have a final resting spot in this Hugo cemetery. Pack the circus peanuts and head for an elephant of an adventure.

•The Action Figure Museum located in Pauls Valley is the home to all things action. There are more than 10,000 items in their collection. Whether G.I Joe is your American hero or Marvel is your middle name, your childhood toys are on display. When you walk through these doors, no matter your age, you will be a kid at heart.

•Pops Soda Ranch and Shake Shop on Route 66 in Arcadia is the newest Oklahoma roadside attraction. With nearly 500 different sodas on any given day and more than 45 different root beers to choose from, there is sure to be a flavor of fizz for you. Pops also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Before you leave, don’t forget to fill up your car with gas and hit the convience store for those goodies you need before hitting the road.

Jacquelyn Farris, Girl vs. Wild

I am sure your asking yourself why in the world do I have the desire to hike a 14,000 ft mountain. My answer is why not!

This is not something that I will be able to head out and attack this next Friday. There is a lot of time and preparation that goes into be ready to attack a feat such as allusive 14er. But, I have my heart and mind set, and nothing comes between my goals and success. I am a do it and die trying type of girl. Hey I am Girl vs. Wild.

Listed below are a few basic suggestions for chasing a 14er.

Of course selecting the mountain you will climb is important along with all the fancy gear to go along, but the most important is training your mind and body for the feat ahead. If your mind and body are not on the same train you will never arrive at the top. No matter how fancy and high tech your gear is it just wont happen if your not fully prepared.

First set a date and stick to it. This is the goal you are working towards and all scheduling works around this date. When you train for a goal with a set date you are far more likely to be successful.

Start slow. Keep in mind this is something your training for not do spontaneously in an afternoon.

Your cardiovascular stamina and endurance is very important. In the first weeks of training start out doing a 30-45 minute treadmill workout and gradually add an incline.

At this same time find a good yoga and pilates class. Most gyms offer these and the benefits you will see from attending both classes once a week will help create the total body you will need to accomplish the 14er ahead.

After the first few weeks of training start wearing the pack you indeed to wear climbing. This will acclimate your body to the extra weight.

Gradually over time add weight to your pack. Either items you intend to pack or free weights while at the gym. Start light in the beginning. If your to eager at the start it can lead to being burned out.

You can always take this workout to the outdoors. You are not restricted to the gym. Grab your weighted pack and water for hydration and hit your local walking path or trails. This will give you a better feeling for how the outdoor elements will feel.

After several weeks of training it’s time to hit the stairs. Start rotating stair climbing into your workout. With a weighted pack on hike up and down a flight of stairs for 30 minutes. Also this is a good point to add the boots you plan to wear on your climb in to the equation. Each time you do your stair training or trails wear your hiking boots. It’s imperative to have your boots broken in prior to the big event.

Lastly talk to the pros, take notes, and in the end it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

At the same time I see many people doing it all wrong. Good intentions, but oh so misinformed on how to pack!

I can not even begin to count all the people I have passed on the trail they don’t appear to be on a joyful backpacking trip, but instead resemble a person on a death march.

Without a doubt in most cases it boils down to bad footwear for the occasion and improper packing.

Shoes are the number one deal breaker. You can not expect your favorite pair of running or aerobic shoes to suffice as a trail hiker. It just doesn’t add up. Bottom line if you’re not wearing proper footwear you will be singing the trail hiking blues. Everyones’ feet are different so this is not something you should do through mail order. Take advice and suggestions from your local outfitter. That is what the are there for, they are the advice guys. Be sure to try several different styles on before deciding which is best for your feet. An important trick is to do this with the socks you indeed to hike in. This will play a role in picking the fit for you.

After you have found the perfect shoes next is mastering the art of packing. First rule of thumb pack what you need. Not what you want! The most entertaining item to see come out of someone’s pack is a gigantic pillow or blanket. I swear I have seen this. People have actually tried to pack their bed. No joke!

Packing light is essential to whether or not someone is going to have a good time. Don’t forget you actually have to carrying everything you put into your pack. I personally like to make a list a day prior to packing of the essentials I will be packing. This list works as the master to my packing. Everything from the bottom of my toes to the top of my noise, and all items in between. After the list is made I go over it one last time before packing to see if there is anything that needs to be trimmed. Over time you will get quick at this and be able to pack in a flash, but the first couple of times give yourself time because a rushed pack is usually a bad pack and you will feel it on the trail!

For more on backpacking head to newsok.tv to watch the latest Girl vs. Wild video on backpacking.

Who knows I might even see you on the trail!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

With the panic of loosing my ability to chase my adventures I soon calmed down and realized I was going to have to simply change my destinations, but not my activities. I reminded myself that Oklahoma has everything I need!

After snapping back to reality I thought I would share a few adventures you could stir up for yourself here in Oklahoma.

Some of the best rock climbing can be found in southwestern Oklahoma in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. Sport and traditional routes there is sure to be rocks for you. The refuge has great site camping and backcountry as well so you can do a day trip or make a weekend of it. In fact I am headed there today to do some climbing myself in the Meadows!

Oklahoma is also home to some of the best waters for flyfishing. The Mountain Fork River is a flyfisher’s paradise located right here in Oklahoma. You can actually get your fishing fix year round in the Mountain Fork This river never stops running. How idea lis that! The Mountain Fork is making a name for itself and become a hot spot for flyfishers around the midwest, and as Okies it’s ours.

If you desire to hit the trails on two wheels the state offers at least 10 different mountain bike trails across Oklahoma. From Bluff Creek here in OKC to Turkey Mountain in Tulsa. Expert to advanced there is a place for your tires to hit the trail and collect a little dirt!

Kayaking is growing in popularity and what do you know, some of the best waters are located right here in the metro area. Waters such as Lake Hefner, The Oklahoma River downtown and Lake Liberty just to name a few. in fact if you had the itch to paddle right now you could be in the water within the hour.

All of these great spots can be reached on just one tank of gas. Even if you do drive a gas gussler like myself its time to pack your bags, fill up your tank and hit Oklahoma roads. With that said I am off for a little Oklahoma weekend adventure. Girl vs. Wild style of course!

But before you take your pooch out for a hike there are a few things that need to be covered before leaving home and hitting the trails:

* Make sure Fido’s shot records are up to date. A dog that is not vaccinated is a danger to himself, as well other animals on the trail.

* Dogs will need water and a trail snack. A good rule of thumb is for every trail break you take, the dog will need one, too. Of course you won’t consume the same amount of water or food, but you will both need to stay hydrated and nourished. Dehydration and a general sluggish behavior can sneak up before you know it. You have to remember your dog is burning energy just like you are.

* Be prepared to administer first-aid treatment for your furry friend. Dogs are just as susceptible to trail injuries just as we are. Most injuries occur to dog’s paws. Since a dog’s footpads are in direct contact with the ground when they run, walk, and play, this makes them prone to injury. Cuts, blisters, and burns are very common in active pups and they need to be treated. In most cases cleaning the injured paw and applying antibacterial ointment and a bandage will do the trick. Be sure to keep and eye on it because a simple cut can lead to an infection, and in that case you need to see the vet as soon as possible.

* If striking out on an overnight trip keep in mind your dog needs shelter, too. Sure, letting your dog sleep outside is fine in most cases, but wind and rain can wear a pup out. If you’re not up for sharing your sleeping bag, be sure to pack a blanket or mat to protect them from the ground.

Local climber and proud dog owner Shane Seaton says, “you have to remember to pack enough food for each meal that you will be gone, and remember to pack bowls for food and water, and also pack a leash and something for your dog to sleep on.

“I always packs treats to reward (his dog) Happy when she is doing commands in a new environment, but before you even leave home you have to make sure your dog is trained to follow those commands.”

Happy has become an outstanding trail dog with just nine months of training. Happy is proof that any dog with a little love and care can be a perfect trail dog.

“Happy is happiest when we go climbing together,” Seaton said. “She loves it just as much as I do.”

I have shared the trail with both Shane and Happy, and the trail is always happier with Happy tagging along.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

•Decide what type of backpacking you want to do. Day hikes, overnight adventures or extended stays on the trail require different equipment and should factor into deciding which pack is best for you.

•Window shop to see what is out there and what features strike your fancy. You will be amazed at all the bells and whistles you will find.

Be sure to see if the pack has a hydration bladder or if it can hold one. Is it waterproof or have a waterproof compartment? Does it have pockets for camera gear and sunglasses? Is there an internal frame? Are there padded shoulder straps and a waist belt? Is there a warranty, and if so what does it cover?

•Ask around to see what fellow backpackers are carrying. People love talking shop and sharing gear tips and tales. Ask what brands your friends have, as well as what features they like or dislike about their current pack.

•Gender also plays a role when selecting a pack. Most big-name companies offer female-specific packs.

If you’re a girl like me, you’re likely thinking, “I don’t want some frufru pink pack.” But keep in mind the female anatomy and that every adjustment made in the mind of comfort is worth it, even if it means it comes in pink.

•After deciding how long your trip is going to be, you need to decide just what you’re going to need to fit in the pack whether it’s food, clothing, a tent, your sleeping bag or the kitchen sink. Gather all the goods to see how large of a pack you need. Keep in mind that every ounce adds up. Maybe you can leave the crossword puzzle at home.

•I recommend either taking everything you’re taking to the store for a test run, or purchasing a few and testing them at home. Just be sure to check the stores’ return policy. Try on the ones you like and wear them around. Any bit of discomfort in the store or at home is only going to be a thousand times worse on the trail.

Remember, finding the perfect pack may take time. Be patient and you will find the perfect pack to have you out on the trail.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

What happened to the days of my childhood? When building forts, playing army adventure rangers, and climbing trees was all the craze. I whole heartedly believe my generation was the last to seek the backyard for entertainment pretending space exploration and safari jungles.

Don’t get me wrong I watch my fairshare of TV. Man vs. Wild and Survivor Man airings are never missed at my house. But, watching those shows only makes me desire to be outside even more.

If we don’t educate, and encourage the generations to come to love and protect the outdoors, it will be lost to bulldozers making the next big appliance store to sell them one more flat screen TV.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Associated Press – February 4, 2008 9:33 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) – Researchers are concerned that as people spend more time communing with TVs and computers they may lose interest in nature and, eventually, lose interest in conservation and parks. They say their health could suffer as well.

The research appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that camping, fishing and per capita visits to parks are all declining as people spend more of their lives looking at a screen.

The authors warn there could be less interest in biodiversity and also that children’s “videophilia” has been shown to be a cause of obesity, lack of socialization, attention disorders and poor academic performance.