Need something to pass the time?

With bad weather outside we can sometimes get a little bit of cabin fever.  I don't count shoveling snow for 3 hrs an outdoor activity.  So I have discovered a couple of activities that keep my mind fresh and centered on the outdoors.

First: This Christmas I am trying to put together a survival kit for my family.  There are a hand full of items I am collecting myself, and others that I am sending out to my parents to get my family for our kit.  REI.com is running a contest right now as well.  If you create a log in on their sight and add items to your wish list you have a chance of winning one of those items during the month of Dec.  Check out REI.com for more details.

Second:  On Backpacker.com there are tons of trails and routes you can use to plan next years trips.  I have a few trips that I am eying for next summer.  I hope to be able to drop the kids off at grandma and grandpas and take an over night trip with the wife.

Third: Also on Backpacker.com there are plenty of little tips and tricks you can try, like making a survival bracelet.  There are other medical tips, gear reviews, and repair tricks for the common backpacking problems.

Survival Bracelets I have made following the instructions on backpacker.com

Fourth: a great way to find new websites is to stumble.  Go to stumbleupon.com create a log in and register for topics you enjoy.  You can then stumble onto random new websites.  This is a great way to pass the time while finding new websites with tips/tricks, trails, gear, photos, and more.