Sunday, March 11, 2012

City Escapes Photography Newsletter - March 2012

CITY ESCAPES

Nature Photography, LLC

 

 

Newsletter

March, 2012

 

 

 

 

Lessons from Our Travels, Part 2: Clothing Choices Are Much More than a Fashion Statement

 

As important as hiking boots, good maps, and insect repellent, the right clothing can make the difference between a very enjoyable exploration of Mother Nature’s gifts and an “I-will-never-do-this-again” trudge through what seems the very definition of misery.  Fortunately, quality clothing well-suited to life in the outdoors is easier than ever to find, does not have to cost a bundle, and is becoming ever more stylish for the fashion-conscious among us.  The following are among those items we have learned to consider non-negotiable:

 

Good rain gear.  Getting sprinkled on is one thing; finding yourself in a downpour is something entirely different.  Given that small sprinkles often morph into drenching downpours at a moment’s notice, being prepared for them can make life in the outdoors much more enjoyable – and safer.  Wet clothes pull body heat away from you, cooling you.  While this may feel nice in hot weather (and is the concept behind evaporative cooling), it can be dangerous in windy conditions or cold temperatures.  Meanwhile in hot weather, while you are enjoying that evaporative cooling, remember that wet clothes are more likely to chafe if they stay wet (i.e., if you don’t get out of the rain!).

 

While it should keep you dry, raingear need not be heavy nor swelteringly unbreathable.  If you sweat like you are in a sauna while wearing it, the gear isn’t really doing you much good: you’re still getting wet, but now you’re getting stinky, too.  Note that windproof items are not necessarily rain-proof.  Each has its place, but something that will keep you dry is a must.

 

Quick-Dry Clothing.  If you have good rain gear, why do you need quick-dry clothing?  First of all, you will eventually get caught in the rain without your rain gear, and wearing clothing that dries quickly can be the next best thing.  Secondly, quick-dry clothing stands a better chance of actually drying in humid conditions, and can help with that evaporative cooling.  And lastly, if on a longer trip you choose to only pack a few articles of clothing and wash them rather than overloading your luggage with lots of clothes, the quick-dry variety will be ready to wear or pack much sooner than their heavier counterparts. 

 

Do you have to buy specially-marked “quick-dry” clothing?  Absolutely not.  Just pack clothes that, well, dry quickly.  It may sound too obvious, but it really is that simple.

 

Layers.  Wearing layers is a much better solution to variable weather conditions than a single, bulkier article of clothing.  Most of the time, our outdoor adventures will involve multiple variations in temperature: the sun’s warmth increases as the morning fades; rain cools; we get hot while hiking and chilly while resting on a log in the shadows of the forest.  The ability to shed and don layers is the secret to staying comfortable throughout whatever Mother Nature decides to throw our way.

 

Good hiking socks.  We mentioned them last month, but they are so important that we will mention them again: wear good hiking socks that wick moisture away from your feet, and change them half-way through your hike.  Wool socks tend to be good at this and have the added benefit of resisting odors longer than many other fabrics - a definite advantage, at least to your fellow travelers.  The newer wools are also much softer than their traditional counterparts, work well in hot weather as well as cold, and are not at all scratchy.  If you aren’t familiar with the new wools, try them.  You’ll discover a delightful surprise.

 

Permethrin.  I can hear you now: “Wait, what?  I thought this section was about clothing.”  It is.  Permethrin is a chemical that helps to make the most of your clothes’ potential by turning them into insect-repelling powerhouses.  You simply spray your clothes with the Permethrin prior to embarking on your trip.  The repellant lasts through six weeks or six washes, whichever comes first.  The days of getting a full-body spray of “OFF!” are gone (thank goodness).  Now we need only get dressed to have a good start on hiding from the pesky rascals.  A bit of traditional bug spray on any exposed skin and we are set for an enjoyable day.  (As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.  As if I really had to tell you that.)

 

An aside: we have used Permethrin to good effect multiple times, and it has successfully minimized the number of issues we have experienced with a wide range of insects.  A notable exception: tse-tse flies.  However, deet didn’t appear to work on them, either, and in fact seemed to attract  them.  Diesel fuel most definitely attracted them, and they appeared to prefer men to women …

 

And of course, a hat and sunglasses.  Or in Jodi’s case, multiple pairs of sunglasses, as at least one always manages to go belly-up on our trips.  Always.

 

 

 

Introducing Monthly Specials

 

This month marks the inauguration of a new promotion at City Escapes Nature Photography: monthly specials.  Each month, we will choose two images, one landscape and one critter, that we will offer at 10% off in a given presentation.  This is not an either/or offer, so buy one for yourself and the other for a friend.  Or both for yourself, and a third for a friend.  Or both for a friend, and …

 

To kick things off in style, we present two customer favorites during the month of March: “Descending Storm” and “Cat Nap – Leopard”. This month’s presentation: unframed, 8x12 prints.

Be sure to check each month’s newsletter to find out what’s on offer, and to find a link to our website’s Specials Page: http://www.cityescapesphotography.com/specials/

 

The fine print:

 

-      A “given presentation” refers to a specific size, media (paper or canvas), and framing option (or lack thereof).

-      Paper prints will be referred to as “prints,” while canvas will be referred to as “canvas prints.”

-      The number of images available at the discounted rate will vary based upon the number of images remaining in the run size, but will never be less than ten at the outset of the special.

-      Normal shipping rates will apply.

-      The free return policy remains unaffected.  However, if the eligible returned image is exchanged for a different image that is not part of that month’s discounted specials, the difference in price will be due prior to the new image shipping.

 

 

 

March’s Fun Facts

 

The third week of March is National Poison Prevention Week.  Be sure to avoid these critters during that week (and generally); they are some of the most poisonous in the world!

1.    Box jellyfish                                     6. Stonefish

2.    King Cobra                                       7. Brazilian Wandering Spider (aka Banana Spider)

3.    Marbled Cone Snail  (Really!)              8. Inland Taipan

4.     Blue-Ringed Octopus                         9. Golden Poison Dart Frog

5.    Death Stalker Scorpion                       10. Puffer Fish

 

 

 

If you have any questions, or suggestions for future newsletters, please email us at: relationships@cityescapesphotography.com

 

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CITY ESCAPES Nature Photography, LLC

www.cityescapesphotography.com

509-396-5154