From the Life network…
How Outdoorsy Are You?
1. Your idea of the ultimate outdoor experience is:
A] Camping for days, regardless of season, in the most remote areas.
b) Days spent hiking on marked trails, or swimming in a lake. Nights spent in a secluded, rustic cabin.
c) Sitting on a patio.
2. Poison Ivy has:
a) Four leaves.
B] Three leaves.
c) Been consistently unavailable at the video store.
3. When cooking outdoors, it is most important to:
a) Make sure you know how to start a fire.
b) Make sure you have enough food.
C] Make sure you extinguish every cinder properly before leaving the site.
4. Mosquitoes are attracted to:
a) Light colours and bad odours.
B) Dark colours and perfumes.
c] Other mosquitoes.
5. If you are caught outdoors in a thunderstorm, you should:
a) Stay in your tent and peak out for the light show.
b) Hide under a tree to protect yourself from lightening.
C] Huddle low to the ground to avoid lightening.
6. When hiking, it is OK to drink water:
a) From any lake or river — it comes from Mother Nature, so it’s all good.
B] Only after sterilizing with tablets or boiling for 10 minutes.
c) From springs or mountain streams only.
7. How often do you visit Canada’s national parks?
A] At least once a year.
b) Once every few years.
c) Rarely/Never.
8. You are on a hike and see a cute bear cub in the distance. Your instinct would be to:
a) Run away quickly. You’re not sticking around to find out how friendly it is.
b) Approach it calmly. It would make a great photo.
C] Back away slowly, making lots of noise so the bear (and nearby mom) becomes aware of your presence.
9. To avoid hungry bears ransacking your campsite, you should store your food:
a) Securely in your tent.
b) Sealed tightly in a locked cooler.
C] Suspended high up in a tree, where most bears can’t reach.
10. For you, ‘roughing it’ means:
a) No air conditioning or cable.
b) Peeing in the woods.
C] Wearing the same clothes and not showering for a week.
ANSWER: Camping Commando
Crocodile Hunter look out! You are as comfortable outdoors as you are indoors. Mother Nature is your second home and you know how important it is to take care of her. Your friends can count on you for an educational and fun experience outdoors, but also because you are prepared for any emergency. Keep up the good work.
You’ve learned about the joy of a quiet canoe trip, or sitting on a secluded, secret beach with no one but the geese. We are fortunate to have so many breathtaking National and Provincial parks in Canada. Read our Top 10 All Canadian Road Trips for more ideas on areas to visit within this great land. Happy trails to you.
