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When out on the trail it is very important to stay hydrated.

Water is the one thing you have to have to stay alive — even more than food. No water means no life.

Recently, while on a climbing trip I under-estimated how much water I would need. I was out on the rocks in Quartz Mountain, and my good friend Michael and I ran out of water. Of course, all we had to do was climb down and refill, but the feeling of needing hydration with none available is not a good feeling, especially in the afternoon heat.

Its best to always over estimate the amount of water you will need while out on the trail. There is nothing more dangerous than finding yourself lost and without ample hydration! It’s just not wise to be out on any length of hiking trip without water. Even if its just a stroll around the trail, you have to pack water. The simplest situations are usually the ones that get off track fast and land you in one of those worst-case scenarios you imagine are never going to happen to you.

Packing extra water is always important, but so is being prepared for the situation when you know you will need to collect water or, worst-case situation, run out. The simple solution is water Iodine tablets. They’re very inexpensive and pack light. Just take your collected water and add the suggested amount of tablets to make it safe for drinking. I found them on various Web sites ranging from $6-$10 dollars. Inexpensive and easy.

If you’re like myself and love new gadgets, head to your local outfitter and get the SteriPEN. This tiny little tool weighs only 3.6 oz with batteries. This makes it ideal for backpacking where every ounce counts. It’s the only portable water purifier that uses ultraviolet light to destroy waterborne microbes. Just wave the wand in the water in your collected container, and like magic the water collected is safe. This cool new gadget lets you make your water safe while channeling your inner Luke Skywalker. Now, the SteriPEN does cost more than the tablets, ranging from $90-$140, but the simplicity of it makes it worth the price.

If collecting water from a source that has leaves and particles, be sure to run the water through a piece of cloth or mesh screen to remove the loose particles. Make sure to do this before purifying it, regardless of what method you use to do so.

The bottom line is that water is a necessity to insure a happy time on the trail. With the Oklahoma heat already kicking above 100 degrees — and its not even July — you have to stay on top of your hydration! Happy trails.

You can follow Jacquelyn Farris’ continuing adventures in her Girl vs. Wild blog, which is now fetured in the “Know It: Travel” at http://newsok.com/vacations..

have spent most weekends except for the random few in the wild since last October, and I have loved every bit of it. This also means I have grown quite accustomed to eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Lets see, if I ate at least three pb&j’s a weekend, that adds up to about 100 peanut butter jelly sandwiches since last October. Thats a lot of peanut butter and jelly.

I am striking against my basic camping meals of pb&j. Don’t get me wrong. I have a very special place in my heart for peanut butter and jelly, but it’s time for some exciting dining in the woods. I have realized that just because I am roughing it, this doesn’t mean I have to settle for a simple sandwich. Recently I have whipped together some fancy meals in the woods and thought I would share my Girl vs. Wild chef secrets with you.

With these three tricks you won’t have to settle for the typical pb&j dinner any longer. Unless you want to!

Chicken & rice tinfoil dinner
Take 14-inch square of foil.

Add 1 chicken breast to each piece of foil. This recipe yields 4 servings, so have 4 chicken breasts ready.

Mix 1 (10

-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup and 2/3 cup uncooked instant rice together and divide among the 4 packets.

Add spice for desired seasoning.

Wrap securely in foil, rolling up the edges, and place on grill 5 inches from hot coals. Cook about 40 minutes or until done, turning once.

Serves 4.

Campfire biscuits
Before hitting the trail, mix 2 cups biscuit mix, such as Bisquick style mix, and cup powdered milk in a large zip seal plastic bag.

When ready to prepare add 2/3 cup water to bagged mixture — just enough to make a stiff dough.

Next, collect sticks about inches in diameter and 2 feet long. This is your cooking utensil.

Form the dough around the end of the stick, making ball-shaped biscuits about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide.

Toast the biscuits over the campfire until golden brown.

Last, slip biscuit off the limb and you’re ready to eat.

Serves 4-6.

Apple pie on a stick
Take a large red or green apple and push a stick through the center.

Turn the stick over the coals of a campfire. This is just like roasting a marshmallow. When the apple peel starts to loosen, carefully peel the skin off.

In a bag, mix together equal parts cinnamon and sugar.

Roll the roasted apple in the mixture until evenly coated on all sides.

Lastly, roast the coated apple over the fire for a few more minutes.

Let the apple cool and enjoy!

You can follow Jacquelyn Farris’ continuing adventures in her Girl vs. Wild blog, which is now featured in the “Know It: Travel” at http://newsok.com/vacations.

Here in Oklahoma, we’re no strangers to severe weather. In fact, we seem to be on a first-name basis with our favorite local weatherman.

Think about it. Other than family, who else is able to yell at you in times of danger? That’s right, the weatherman. When heading into the great outdoors this Memorial Day weekend you can’t pack your big TV or the weatherman, but you can be informed, prepared and have peace of mind.

Here are a few weather safety tips to use on your next big outdoors adventure:

• Before you leave home, check the weather several times. Check and double check various weather sources to make sure you have the most up to date — and accurate — predictions before you head out.

•The most important item you can have outdoors during severe weather season is a weather radio. Having a weather radio can take the guess work out of predicting if severe weather is approaching.

•While traveling to your destination pay attention to road signs that have the area’s weather station posted. Dial into the station in your car to hear weather projections.

•Just look to the sky. Do your best to pay close attention to the weather patterns that could be developing above.

•If you get caught in a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a low-lying area that is protected by thick growth and small trees. If caught in an open area, get to the lowest point possible, such as a ravine or valley.

•When lighting strikes, it usually hits the tallest point in an area. Stay clear of tall trees. If you can get in a car, do so. Roll up the windows and do not touch anything metal. If a cabin or trailer is close, get inside but do not touch any electric appliances.

•If caught in a wooded area your tent will be a safe shelter. However, if your tent is in an open area leave the tent and move to low ground. If your tent is the tallest point around, leave it.

•If you find yourself outside with a tornado approaching, do not go for shelter in your camper or car. These both are dangerous spots to seek shelter.

Try to find the nearest man-made structure, such as a concrete restroom or camp shelter. If that is not possible and you are in an open area, get in the lowest spot and lie as flat as you can.

Pay attention to your senses and trust your instincts, and remember to stay calm so you can think and react clearly.

By Jacquelyn Farris, Girl vs. Wild

Outdoors folk are taking their four-legged friends everywhere with them. Camping, hiking, climbing. You name it.

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.

Last Saturday was my very first climbing competition. Guess what I got second place. The turn out was amazing with over 75 registered competitors this was the first climbing competition for Rocktown Climbing Gym and it was a great success. Aaron and Lisa Gibson worked extremely hard to make this amazing event possible, and they definately did that. Thanks goes to all there staff for such a smooth event.

The most amazing part of the day, was also the most humbling. To say kindly, I was schooled by several pint size competitors. Kids as young as 7 yrs old were smoking me up the wall. I stood in awe, and shock as I watched a waist high climber send a 5.11 with ease. It was amazing, and at the same time made me feel a little like the worlds worst climber. Man these kids were good. Girls and boys alike were schooling the grown ups and we were loving it.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

As an outdoors adventure girl I am very earth conscious, always doing my bit to reduce, reuse, and recycle — from recycling the paper and plastic products that come in the mail, to using less energy. In doing so, I try to not buy bottled water, and instead use a hard plastic bottle like some made by Nalgene. But, there are questions about bisphenol-a, or BPA, an ingredient in the most popular type of Nalgene bottle. BPA, found in polycarbonate plastics, mimics the human hormone estrogen. Polycarbonates are used to make a variety of products, including water bottles. BPA could be harmful to our bodies. Canada plans to ban it's use in children's products, such as baby bottles. Should we be concerned? The answer is, maybe. To me, the findings are unclear. In fact, the findings are so unclear that I am going to keep living on the wild side and use my trusty Nalgene until the FDA tells me not to. But, if living risky is not for you, a way to tell if your water bottle contains BPA is by looking on the bottom. If you see a recycling number 7, it most likely contains BPA. Most hard, clear plastics also contain BPA. But don't throw your hands up yet. Several companies make a range of products made of softer, just-as-durable plastics that are BPA free. And if you want to steer away from plastics, the new trend in water bottles is aluminum. Aluminum bottles come in a variety of trendy colors, and are lightweight and packable. You still can have your water in an earth-friendly fashion and feel safe doing so. With that said, I am going to go have a fresh drink of water from my wild, BPA-containing bottle. Girl vs. Wild, Jacquelyn Farris

Believe it or not, Oklahoma has rock climbing. Not just any rock climbing, but rocks that are known for developing climbers that are making names for themselves.

One thing climbers love is a little friendly competition, and Rocktown Climbing Gym in downtown Oklahoma City will host the Flashpoint Climbing Competition on Saturday.

Registration is $40 and can be done until Saturday online or onsite starting at 8 a.m.

This competition is one of several USA Climbing sanctioned events held in the Heartland Region. Climbers are coming from across Oklahoma and surrounding states to compete and climb routes ranging in difficulty and in height all the way up to 90 feet tall.

Those competing have the chance to advance to Divisionals, then on to Nationals, with the hope of advancing to the USA Climbing National Team.

The action starts at 9 a.m. with all youth, adult recreational and adult intermediate categories. Session 1 is all top-roped routes with varied difficulty and is set up in the USA Climbing Redpoint format. All routes will be made prior to competition and given a set point value based on the technical difficulty of the climb. Points are accumulated by climbing routes clean — meaning no hangs or falls, and a climber’s top 5 routes completed will be added up to make a final score.

The afternoon session gets under way at 2:30 p.m. with the Advanced category, and will be a modified onsite format competition. Climbers will be allowed to view the routes, but will then be held in isolation and will be called out one at a time to complete a series of four routes. There will be a set amount of time given to complete each route and a rest period between each. Climbers may attempt the route multiple times within the given time period, but the rope will be pulled and must be re-led each attempt. The high point of each route done will be scored and then added for a climber’s total points.

USA Climbing will award medals to the top six climbers in each category, and best of all, a competitors prize raffle will be held at the end of each competition session. I have heard from highly regarded sources that the raffle has some awesome prizes, too.

In addition to the competitors’ prize raffle there will also be a raffle/fund-raiser to benefit the Access Fund.

Anyone, climbers and spectators alike, may purchase raffle tickets for the Access Fund raffle. All proceeds go to the Access Fund.

For more information call Rocktown Climbing Gym at (405) 319-1400 or check it out on the world wide Web at www.rocktowngym.com

Now I know where I will be climbing Saturday. Grab, your harness, shoes, and chalk and head to Rocktown Climbing Gym for a day

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

When trekking into the great outdoors, most adventurers remember to pack an extra pair of socks, a dry layer of clothes, and most importantly, extra snacks.

But what’s being pulled out to make room for that extra candy bar is the one item that when needed is the most important.

Where is your first aid kit? I can tell you exactly where it is. It’s where mine has been placed on last-minute runs out the door. Your first aid kit is in a rushed pile on the floor next to the random items you pulled from your pack so you can fit the camera into it.

Now, I know capturing adventure memories is always fun. I do it myself. But weigh the options. Capturing the memory of the 2-inch deep laceration that won’t clot, or patching it up so you don’t get an infection or bleed out — that should not be a tough decision.

First aid kits can be pricey, but will save your life. I recommend making your own to suit your outdoor adventure needs. Here is a checklist of items that definitely should be in your kit or pack.

First aid checklist
•Latex gloves: At least 2 pairs plus a back up pair. Once a pair is torn, it must be replaced by a clean pair before treating an injury.

•Sterile dressings or gauze: Be sure to have enough to stop bleeding and then replace with clean dressings

•Antibiotic cleansing pads: Preferably, pads large enough to cover the palm of your hand.

•Antibiotic ointment: Carefully applied to speed up the healing process and ward off infection.

•Adhesive bandages: In varied sizes to cover small cuts to large gashes.

•Ace bandages: Not only to splint or wrap sprains, but also to hold bandages, as well a compression wrap.

•Nonstick sterile pads: Make sure they are non-stick. There is not much worse than a bandage that has become stuck to a wound, yet has to be removed.

•Eye wash and eye drops: For rinsing out any loose particles as well as reducing the itch or dryness caused by allergies.

•Ice packs: Work great to reduce swelling. Be sure to get the instant ice packs. Just a simple squeeze and shake to activate.

•Prescribed medication: If any is used daily or in cases of and emergency, such as inhalers or EpiPens.

Keep in mind that this is just a starting point for your kit. Consider the types of activities you will take part in and make adjustment when needed. Lastly, always remember to occasionally check the expiration dates on the items in your kit. Some items will expire and also dry out, making them useless when they are needed to work the most.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris