We've had a lot of new folks join the forum and many had indicated they don't have much outdoor experience. So I thought I'd post some information directed to them.
The outdoors has it's own lexicon. Words and phrases that most of us take for granted but might be unfamiliar to you. An important one is "widow makers". Typically, a widow maker is any overhead limb that has the capacity to bonk you on the noggin' and make your lovely wife a widow. Knowing where to pitch camp to avoid such an unpleasant experience is pretty important if you want to stay safe.
So the first thing to do is to look overhead and see if you can spot any dead wood that might come crashing down overnight. Don't think it has to be during a high wind either. I've seen large limbs fall just because. Just because they were too heavy, just because they were damaged, just because I needed a lesson in why I look up. There wasn't any reason, they just fell. See if you can spot the deadwood in this photo.
Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum.
Okay, that was pretty easy. But it won't be all that easy in the woods. There are no words and arrows to keep you safe. You might have to look closely. See that big stub hanging out there in the photo below?
Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum.
Those limbs can cause serious injuries and death if they crash down on your tent. You don't want to be camping within the radius of any tree that might come down. The tree below had been a large forked tree until one of the forks broke off and the tree split. The other limb will come down. It's just a question of when. But I know you'll be camped far enough away to avoid injury.......right?
Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum.
Once you've looked overhead then give the trees around you a look even if the tops look sound. Here's a nice old tree that has either been hit by lightening or damaged in a strong wind. Whatever caused the damage the weep and cracks are sure signs of a weak tree that weighs literally tons.
Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum.
Finally, once you've looked the tree over from top down then study the base of the tree. Here's some easy to see dangers but the next one might not be so obvious.
Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum.
Window Makers: A lot of folks have been killed and injured by falling limbs. They wouldn't have their own name if they weren't a serious danger. And don't think it won't happen to you or that it won't happen tonight. Instead, think it COULD happen to you and it COULD happen tonight. That way, you'll stay safe and no one will be courting your widow.
Bookmarks