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CANOEING THE OUTBACK
This issue, we are going to introduce you to the pleasures of boating, fishing, hiking and camping. All four can be had via the outdoor sport of canoeing. In fact, the average canoe can haul enough gear and supplies to last two people two weeks out in the wilderness. Here below is the Trangia camp stove with pots and a frying pan which folds neatly into a compact 7 inch diameter stack. An outfitter like Moosineer has these items and everything you would need for such an expedition. Canoeing is a fantastic way to navigate areas that would be impossible to explore on foot. With the cooler fall weather coming, this is the perfect time to plan your outback getaway.
To begin, as with any cross training experience, you'll need to take some lessons. Check your local park system or even a outfitter who rents canoes. They can give you the basics on how to get the canoe into the water, board it and steer. A seasoned conoe instructor can advise about what class of waterways you would be suited four. Category I is best for beginners as they have no rapids or swift currents. They will also make sure that your gear, such as the paddles are the right length for your height. One way of measurement is to place the paddle on your toes. If the handle comes to your chin level, it is the right length for you. We set out with our HighGear AltiTech 2 digital compass and altimeter. This kept us on course while allowing us to check the changing temperature and weather conditions. Always pack a radio communication device and wear a secure flotation vest, (life jacket).
Nutrition is also very important. You'll need to plan a more intense vitamin protocol at least two weeks before your outing. I personally like Rainbow Light's Women's One Multivitamin for everyday nutrition. It is a wonderful whole food balance of nutrients but for more intense exercise, I use their Advanced Nutritional System multivitamin. Simply more of what you need to help you go the extra mile.
Your day out on the water should start with a high protein shake to quickly deliver necessary nutrients and energy. Rainbow Light's Protein Energizer contains NO soy, (you can read why in my book, The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide, by Lotus Press), or sugar and blends easily into a fruit or vegetable smoothie. What's great about this product is that if you are buying blue green algae powders, you can save money because it has 500mgs of spirulina included with spinach, kale and dandelion greens. Other essentials for the day's energy supply include their Ultra Energy Plus which contains bee pollen and octacosanol. Bring along plenty of water to stay hydrated and sunblock as the water intensifies the sun's rays by way of reflection. Due to our planning ahead and by God's grace, we had energy to spare from carrying our 100 lb canoe to the water to navigating several miles that day. The photo below was taken after a full day out in above 98 degree weather. Proof positive that proper nutrition works!
Last of all, recovery is very important. That soreness you feel after using muscles unconditioned for that sort of work is due to lactic acid buildup. This is the "Charlie Horse" or cramping one gets in the middle of the night after such a work out. To prevent this and for overall bone and muscle health, one should take a balanced, absorbable form of calcium. After our time on the water we took Rainbow Light's Calcium + which contains 500 mgs of calcium and 1,000 mgs of magnesium. Both work synergistically to remove excess lactic acid. 500 mgs is the most calcium your body can absorb at one time but this type is an absorbable amino acid chelate. Bound to a protein molecule, it is readily absorbed, not just stored in your soft tissue. The magnesium is likewise excellent for calming the nerves and aiding in a good night's sleep, something we all can use!
When chosing any nutritional supplement, you must consider absorption. We are not what we eat as much as what we absorb. The entire Rainbow Light line offers a digestive support complex which helps the vitamins and your food break down properly. I took their prenatal vitamins through two pregnancies and never suffered nausea or an upset stomach. Therefore, they can be taken with or between meals. Now that's convenient! This is perhaps the best whole food based product available today. I enjoy having energy to spare to take on new challenges like canoeing. If you take care of yourself, you will find that you have both the energy AND the interest to try new activities. That's what keeps life interesting, isn't it? To find out more about Rainbow Light's nutritional supplements for active women, and the other gear mentioned in this article, visit:
RAINBOW LIGHT NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
TRANGIA 27-5 CAMP STOVE WITH 2 SAUCE, 1 FRY PAN & BURNER
HIGHGEAR'S ALTITECH 2 DIGITAL COMPASS & ALTIMETER
DORFMAN - PACIFIC OUTBACK HATS & BAGS
ATHLETA - SPORTSWEAR FOR WOMEN - ALPINE PANTS
"He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul..." Psalm 23
Updated: Tuesday, 2 October 2007 4:37 PM EDT
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