The Ozark Outdoors

Readers;

2006 passed far too quickly leaving with it regrets of the hikes not made, fishing trips canceled, not riding your bike up that last hill. The New Year has arrived bringing with it colder temperatures and blustery north winds. Think it might be a miserable time to be outdoors?

Think again. Our earthly lives are far too short to be spent indoors and when properly prepared, your outdoor experience can be quite enjoyable.

Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven, and preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton. Stay dry — wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.