It’s that time again. Ticks are back, ready to creepy-crawly their way to a blood meal from your succulent flesh. If you’re like me, however, you probably prefer to keep your blood to yourself —…
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Warm Winter’s Night: A Guide to Winter Camping
Winter camping has long enticed me into the frosty backcountry. The landscape is beautiful, a world at rest beneath a glittering blanket of snow. Plus, two major hassles of summer—crowds and blood-sucking insects—are nowhere to…
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How Many Mosquito Bites Would It Take to Kill You (and Other Mosquito Musings)
I spent my morning walking the dog and serving as an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet for my local mosquito population. It got me thinking about the little buzzers and prompted several crucial questions in my head….
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Winter Hiking with Kids
It was as a young adult that Yemaya Maurer, coauthor of AMC Guide to Winter Hiking & Camping, became aware of the pleasures of traveling through a winter landscape and mourned a childhood that hadn’t included…
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Wind Resistant vs. Wind Proof: A Simple Trick to Test Any Fabric
A cold wind can steal body heat fast, so it’s important to have a layer at hand to block wind’s chilling effect. But what’s the difference between a wind-proof and wind-resistant fabric? And what are…
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Three Myths (and Facts) About Poison Ivy Rash
Part 3 in a series on avoiding, preventing, and treating poison ivy rash. FACT: Scratching a poison ivy rash WILL NOT cause it to spread. Busting the Myth: Poison ivy rashes often seem to spread…
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Jacket vs. Parka: What’s the Difference?
Brrrr….the coldest season is upon us, and that means breaking out the warmer gear. When it comes to a nuclear furnace of warmth, few things compete with a super toasty jacket or parka on top…
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Tick Off: The Most Effective Tick Repellents
Deer ticks are pernicious, nasty little critters. Common throughout the Northeast, these parasitic bloodsuckers are the primary vector for Lyme disease, an unpleasant and potentially serious illness that is well worth avoiding. Your goal is…
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The Brightest, Most Visible Safety Colors for Cyclists and Runners
Are you a bicyclist or runner? Do you want to reduce your chances of being hit by a car? Consider this: The brightest, most visible color you can wear during daylight hours is fluorescent yellow-green….
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