Recipes for living, loving and laughing:Jo, Elliott, Cloey & Zoey's adventures

Georgie, our motor home, is at the dealer getting a check-up. Our first trip will be to Connecticut (Ok not a big trup) so we can visit our daughter and our very very good friends (Jo's for 44 years!). We don't hike like this but Jo found a really cool blog which gives 23 Simple and Effective Hiking Hacks. We don't know the person and there are ads but if you are looking for ways to fix your blisters, set up your tent, etc. this is a goody. You might also like DIY firestarters Five ways to make a fireside treat from  Home talk

Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. This is not always easy because you may be in an area where there is no cell phone reception but do the best you can. Tell a Ranger, tell the campground, just tell someone. You must know what to do in bear country. The worst thing you can do is come between a mom and her cubs. The best thing you can do is not surprise a bear. Singing and making noise helps. If you encounter a bear get out of its way. They are not normally aggressive. However you want to stop and slowly back away while watching Smokey and wait for him to leave. Don't run! Make sure Smokey can get away and while backing up start yelling and waving your arms. The point is to make yourself look bigger. If you are with someone stay close to look even bigger. This is a good time to use the whistle we are going to make sure you have. Hopefully the bear is still afraid of humans. We've been in many Parks where they aren't and it is our fault ...