Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, the sunshine is in full force and that means enjoying the great outdoors! What better way to connect with nature, smell some fresh air and have a fun family outing than tent camping. Its one of America's favorite summer pastimes.
Before venturing out this season, here is a list of tips we think you may want to keep in mind.
1. Do you already own your camping equipment? If so, be sure to break it out of its winter storage and check it thoroughly for any repairs that need to be taken care of before you head out on your camping trip.
2. If you don't already own equipment, take stock of what you do have (you don't necessarily need to buy everything at once.) You will need a tent and sleeping bags. Make sure the tent is large enough to fit all of your family inside at night (including the family dog!) and that your sleeping bags are rated for low enough temperatures that you won't freeze if the temperatures fall at night. Be sure to take a flashlight that casts a decent light for maneuvering in the dark.
3. Even if you don't have a family, be sure to camp with someone. There is safety in numbers. In case there is an emergency, it is better if you have a travel companion with you. For remote camping destinations, think about traveling in a group of four people-that way if someone is injured, two people can hike out for help while a 3rd person stays behind with the injured camper.
4. Leave a rough, if not exact, itinerary with someone who is not traveling with you. Let them know when you expect to return from your trip and give them some sort of idea of where you plan to camp.
5. Pack and wear appropriate clothing. The weather can change suddenly in the Rocky Mountain region, so plan for dressing in layers. You will want light enough clothing that you can wear to protect against sunburn, but warm items for at night.
6. Pack an emergency signaling device and a first aid kit every time you camp. Do not rely on your cellphone as many areas do not have service or you may run out of battery if there is no electric to recharge your phone. Consider taking a first aid course before you start camping.
7. Before heading out, check the weather for the latest report. Have a back up plan in place in case of inclement weather, such as a different location. If while you are camping a weather system moves in, avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.
8. Whenever possible, make camp before dark and walk the area you will be camping so you are familiar with the site before it is dark. Avoid setting up camp too close to a water source or near any cliffs.
9. Remember that alcohol may have a different affect on you and others at higher altitudes. Drink responsibly. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water- but make sure it is clean, filtered water (or water you packed in.) Many streams and lakes contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness.
Think and plan ahead, be prepared and remember to have fun this summer enjoying the great wild areas of our state and country!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dear Just Be: I am planning a few events this summer, but don't want to over buy on food. How can I best ensure knowing how many people will attend?
Determining head count for any event, a family reunion, a community picnic or even a wedding can be frustrating. In today's society, it seems we don't have the time to pick up the phone and personally invite every person to our event and then call back to confirm if they are coming or not.
We suggest, that you send out invitations for major events no later than 6 weeks prior to the event, and possibly as much as 8 weeks prior if there are many people traveling long distances. You may even want to send out "Save the Date" cards 3-6 months prior depending on the event; such as a family reunion. (These types of events may require a lot of time and coordination and people may need to request time off of work and arrange travel plans.)
Whether you send out an invitation physically through the mail or electronically, it is imperative that you include an RSVP, which translates to "please respond."
For those of you receiving invitations for events this summer (and into the future), please be courteous and respond to all invitations and inform the host whether you will be attending the event or not. Not responding leaves the host wondering if the invitation was received or if the RSVP was "lost in the mail." If there is an enclosed note card for the RSVP, use it. If not, make an effort to call the host and tell them of your attendance.
For hosts, we suggest you keep a detailed Invite List and update it as you receive your RSVP's and note how many people are attending per invitation (don't mark 1 if a family of 5 has indicated they are attending.) As the date gets closer, feel free to call upon those people who have not responded to confirm they received your invitation and to ask if they will be able to attend or not. Another good idea about 1 week prior to the event is to send a reminder notification, reminding them of the date, time and location of the event and any other pertinent information such as directions, parking instructions, etc.
We hope all of your events run smoothly this summer!
We suggest, that you send out invitations for major events no later than 6 weeks prior to the event, and possibly as much as 8 weeks prior if there are many people traveling long distances. You may even want to send out "Save the Date" cards 3-6 months prior depending on the event; such as a family reunion. (These types of events may require a lot of time and coordination and people may need to request time off of work and arrange travel plans.)
Whether you send out an invitation physically through the mail or electronically, it is imperative that you include an RSVP, which translates to "please respond."
For those of you receiving invitations for events this summer (and into the future), please be courteous and respond to all invitations and inform the host whether you will be attending the event or not. Not responding leaves the host wondering if the invitation was received or if the RSVP was "lost in the mail." If there is an enclosed note card for the RSVP, use it. If not, make an effort to call the host and tell them of your attendance.
For hosts, we suggest you keep a detailed Invite List and update it as you receive your RSVP's and note how many people are attending per invitation (don't mark 1 if a family of 5 has indicated they are attending.) As the date gets closer, feel free to call upon those people who have not responded to confirm they received your invitation and to ask if they will be able to attend or not. Another good idea about 1 week prior to the event is to send a reminder notification, reminding them of the date, time and location of the event and any other pertinent information such as directions, parking instructions, etc.
We hope all of your events run smoothly this summer!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Dear Just Be: My wife and I want to get away Memorial Day weekend, but we want to go somewhere local that is off the beaten path.
Ah, with Memorial Day weekend just two weeks away it is a good time to start making those plans. We are lucky to live in Colorado, one of the nation’s premier travel destinations. We don’t have to travel far to see and do things that people travel half way around the world to experience. Because there is so much to do in Colorado there are some great places that you can get away to that won’t be packed with tourists.
Fairplay is a great little town to getaway to at 9,958 feet above sea level. Founded in 1867, Fairplay is approximately 85 miles west of Denver, right off the most scenic part of Highway 285. From Fairplay you can easily get to Colorado Springs, Aspen or Denver. When you drive into Fairplay you will see signs saying this is the REAL South Park. Were the creators of Comedy Central’s series South Park, who are originally from Colorado, thinking of this area when creating the successful show? I am guessing probably not.
Unlike the television series, the Real South Park and Fairplay are quiet, peaceful and incredibly picturesque. If you are looking for somewhere to go that has a night life and gourmet food, this is not the place. You will have better success finding that going over Independence Pass and into Aspen, but be prepared to be around a lot of people. Surrounding Fairplay is Pike National Forest which consists of 1,105,704-acres and has numerous developed campgrounds and many scenic areas for you to explore with wildlife viewing as a nonstop attraction. Bison herds and Antelope are abundant, and those with good eyes can often spy an occasional coyote, black bear and even mountain lion.
If you enjoy being active while taking in the scenery there are numerous activities for you to participate in such as horseback riding, snowmobiling, and mountain biking. Several tour companies in the area can take you out to see the sights. If you are a fisherman or woman, you have come to the right spot – Fairplay/South Park is considered the Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado.
Before or after spending the day enjoying the scenic surroundings, be sure to dine in one of the great eating establishments that make up Fairplay. In the mornings pick up some pastries and coffee at Beary Beary Tastee Bakery, the highest elevation bakery in the Continental United States and Canada. For lunch, dine at The Brown Burro Café, one of my favorites. They serve up large portions that will keep you going all day. I might be a little biased in this being one of my favorites because my great grandmother grew up on the property and in one of the buildings that makes up the restaurant.
In addition to a selection of places to eat there are a number of places to sleep. You can choose to do everything from roughing it in the outdoors to staying at a Dude Ranch like American Safari Ranch.
Fairplay is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets – a great weekend getaway. Right off the highway, but a place not many people think of visiting. Be one of the first; enjoy the history of Colorado and what it has to offer without being surrounded by hoards of tourists.
Fairplay is a great little town to getaway to at 9,958 feet above sea level. Founded in 1867, Fairplay is approximately 85 miles west of Denver, right off the most scenic part of Highway 285. From Fairplay you can easily get to Colorado Springs, Aspen or Denver. When you drive into Fairplay you will see signs saying this is the REAL South Park. Were the creators of Comedy Central’s series South Park, who are originally from Colorado, thinking of this area when creating the successful show? I am guessing probably not.
Unlike the television series, the Real South Park and Fairplay are quiet, peaceful and incredibly picturesque. If you are looking for somewhere to go that has a night life and gourmet food, this is not the place. You will have better success finding that going over Independence Pass and into Aspen, but be prepared to be around a lot of people. Surrounding Fairplay is Pike National Forest which consists of 1,105,704-acres and has numerous developed campgrounds and many scenic areas for you to explore with wildlife viewing as a nonstop attraction. Bison herds and Antelope are abundant, and those with good eyes can often spy an occasional coyote, black bear and even mountain lion.
If you enjoy being active while taking in the scenery there are numerous activities for you to participate in such as horseback riding, snowmobiling, and mountain biking. Several tour companies in the area can take you out to see the sights. If you are a fisherman or woman, you have come to the right spot – Fairplay/South Park is considered the Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado.
Before or after spending the day enjoying the scenic surroundings, be sure to dine in one of the great eating establishments that make up Fairplay. In the mornings pick up some pastries and coffee at Beary Beary Tastee Bakery, the highest elevation bakery in the Continental United States and Canada. For lunch, dine at The Brown Burro Café, one of my favorites. They serve up large portions that will keep you going all day. I might be a little biased in this being one of my favorites because my great grandmother grew up on the property and in one of the buildings that makes up the restaurant.
In addition to a selection of places to eat there are a number of places to sleep. You can choose to do everything from roughing it in the outdoors to staying at a Dude Ranch like American Safari Ranch.
Fairplay is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets – a great weekend getaway. Right off the highway, but a place not many people think of visiting. Be one of the first; enjoy the history of Colorado and what it has to offer without being surrounded by hoards of tourists.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Dear Just Be: I am a small business owner and want to add a personal touch for my clients after I have worked with them. What do you suggest?
Adding that extra, personal touch can go a long way in forming a relationship with your clients. We suggest a follow up call to see if the client has any questions regarding the work you did for them and to see if you can be of any further assistance to them. Additionally, a thank-you note is a great touch.
When sending a thank you note, remember a few key points:
1. Do not send a thank you note via email.
2. Send a hand-written, hand-addressed note.
3. Use blue ink.
4. Use your best, nicest, and most legible handwriting.
5. Personalize the thank you note with their name.
6. Thank them for their business and their support in your product or services- personalize what you did for them.
7. Do not ask for future business, this is not a sales tactic.
8. Keep the message short, simple and to the point.
9. Do not include your business card. They have already done business with you and know who you are.
10. Remember, a thank you card is about the person receiving the note, not yourself.
11. Send the card out as quickly as possible after you have performed the work.
12. Keep in mind, you can send thank you notes for new business, repeat business, and referrals- just about anything you are grateful for from that person.
Thank you notes may seem a thing of the past, but they really do add that personal touch and keep your name in front of your clients.
When sending a thank you note, remember a few key points:
1. Do not send a thank you note via email.
2. Send a hand-written, hand-addressed note.
3. Use blue ink.
4. Use your best, nicest, and most legible handwriting.
5. Personalize the thank you note with their name.
6. Thank them for their business and their support in your product or services- personalize what you did for them.
7. Do not ask for future business, this is not a sales tactic.
8. Keep the message short, simple and to the point.
9. Do not include your business card. They have already done business with you and know who you are.
10. Remember, a thank you card is about the person receiving the note, not yourself.
11. Send the card out as quickly as possible after you have performed the work.
12. Keep in mind, you can send thank you notes for new business, repeat business, and referrals- just about anything you are grateful for from that person.
Thank you notes may seem a thing of the past, but they really do add that personal touch and keep your name in front of your clients.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dear Just Be: I have recently become a pet owner for the first time. Are there tips for caring for my pets in the summer?
This is a great question! Being knowledgeable and prepared now will help you come the hot summer months. Caring for your pet in the summer months is not much different than the rest of the year; you just have to think twice about taking them outdoors and how it could affect them.
First tip, and this pertains probably more to dogs than cats, but don’t leave your pets in the car; just like you wouldn’t leave a baby or child in a hot car the same goes for your pets. Cars can quickly heat above 120 degrees within minutes. Unlike humans, cats and dogs can’t perspire and can only release heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. If you leave your pet in a hot car for even a brief moment they can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death. To avoid one of these unnecessary tragedies, leave your pet at home while you are out a about running errands. Local human societies also recommend that if you see a pet in a car alone during hot summer months, tell the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner doesn’t step forward then call the local animal control and police department immediately.
Also this summer be careful and mindful of where you place your plant food, fertilizers or insecticides. You don’t want your pets getting into them because if ingested it can be fatal for your pets. Furthermore, be aware of what plants you plant in your gardens and what they can do to your pet if they were to eat them. It has been reported that more than 700 plants can cause harmful effects in pets when ingested in sufficient amounts.
Another tip, that is the easiest but unfortunately goes over looked the most, is watering your pet. Just like we need water to stay cool and refreshed, so do your cats and dogs. Make sure your cats and dogs have plenty of water throughout the day. Without water and cool areas your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Some signs of heat stress that you should be aware of are: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
Heat stress usually occurs with dogs when they are taken out for exercise during hot times of the day. You need to take extra care exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats on extremely hot days. On very hot days, only exercise your pet in the early morning or evening hours. Note that that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
Last tip, again more for dogs than cats, is don’t take them out to crowded summer events like concerts or fairs. The noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for dogs. For your pet's well being, and even your own, leave them at home.
For more information on taking care of your pets this summer or year long visit the following websites:
Colorado Humane Society &SPCA
The Humane Society of the United States
First tip, and this pertains probably more to dogs than cats, but don’t leave your pets in the car; just like you wouldn’t leave a baby or child in a hot car the same goes for your pets. Cars can quickly heat above 120 degrees within minutes. Unlike humans, cats and dogs can’t perspire and can only release heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. If you leave your pet in a hot car for even a brief moment they can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death. To avoid one of these unnecessary tragedies, leave your pet at home while you are out a about running errands. Local human societies also recommend that if you see a pet in a car alone during hot summer months, tell the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner doesn’t step forward then call the local animal control and police department immediately.
Also this summer be careful and mindful of where you place your plant food, fertilizers or insecticides. You don’t want your pets getting into them because if ingested it can be fatal for your pets. Furthermore, be aware of what plants you plant in your gardens and what they can do to your pet if they were to eat them. It has been reported that more than 700 plants can cause harmful effects in pets when ingested in sufficient amounts.
Another tip, that is the easiest but unfortunately goes over looked the most, is watering your pet. Just like we need water to stay cool and refreshed, so do your cats and dogs. Make sure your cats and dogs have plenty of water throughout the day. Without water and cool areas your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Some signs of heat stress that you should be aware of are: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
Heat stress usually occurs with dogs when they are taken out for exercise during hot times of the day. You need to take extra care exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats on extremely hot days. On very hot days, only exercise your pet in the early morning or evening hours. Note that that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
Last tip, again more for dogs than cats, is don’t take them out to crowded summer events like concerts or fairs. The noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for dogs. For your pet's well being, and even your own, leave them at home.
For more information on taking care of your pets this summer or year long visit the following websites:
Colorado Humane Society &SPCA
The Humane Society of the United States
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