I wish I bought a compass and not this book.

Some compasses have a clear liquid, which balances the needle and prevents uncontrolled bouncing. The liquid serves as a cushion or buffer for the compass needle preventing it from damage if dropped. Not all compasses are analog but most hikers and trekkers choose them because they are sturdier than digital compasses and other more sophisticated instruments.

Everyone who wants to use a compass must first know the four main directions, North, South, East and West and have some of idea or mental picture of these directions. The most important direction is north. The majority of hand-held analog compasses include a red and black or black and white arrow called a compass needle.  The red end is the most important because it always points toward the North Pole.

A compass has a turntable called the compass housing on which it rotates when exposed to a magnetic field.  Near the edge of the housing is a scale with numbers from 0-360 on most compasses. These numbers represent the degrees, which are the azimuth or the bearing. Around the face of the compass, you see the letters, N, S, E and W, which of course represent the cardinal points of North, South, East and West.

Not those Cardinals!

The halfway point between north and each of the other cardinal points are intercardinal points. The points denote the Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest points. The points between each cardinal point and each intercardinal point are the secondary intercardinal points, which designate the directions North-Northeast; East Northeast; East Southeast; South Southeast; South Southwest; West  Southwest; West Northwest and North Northwest. In total, there are 16 distinct direction points along the circular path of a compass.

A second type of analog compass is one with a liquid filled tube containing an air bubble. The liquid with the bubble is similar to a level used by architects, builders, decorators and others. When you hold the compass level, the air bubble will show you the compass cardinal, intercardinal points: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest and the secondary intercardinal points. Anyone who knows how to read a carpenter’s level can easily read a compass having a liquid filled tube with a bubble serving as the balancing point.

Between each of the cardinal, intercardinal and secondary intercardinal points there are numbers, which designate a certain number of degrees ranging from 0 and 360 as you move in a clockwise direction around the compass. The bearing between north and east is 90 degrees; moving from north to south the bearing is 180 degrees; from north to west is 270 degrees and moving from there back to north is 360 degrees, which happens to be the circumference of a circle.

If you’re clever, you can go anywhere with this

Why are there 360 degrees in a circle? Well according to scientific lore, the early Babylonians discovered it takes 360 days and nights for the stars to move around the sky and return to their original place in the universe. Using this information, they developed a calendar consisting of 360 days and nights. Then because they knew stars moved in a circular fashion about the universe and since a circle is circular, they decided to use 360 degrees as the distance around a circle. Today we learn early in grade school math classes, the circumference of a circle is 360 degrees.

The Babylonians still have credit for this accomplishment. However, they were off a little on the number of days and nights in a year, because scientists after them proved there are 365 days in a year with the exception of leap year, which has only 364. There is no February 29 in leap year, which rolls around every four years.

So it should be 365 degrees then!

Oh, by the way do not forget to keep your compass away from your pocketknife, flashlight, keychain and similar objects containing metal. Remember the compass has an internal magnetic field. Metal objects and magnetic fields are enemies. Once the magnetic field of a compass suffers damage, the compass is of no value.

In working with a compass, think in terms of north, south, east and west rather than left, right, up and down. A compass does not point true north, south, east or west, but points to the magnetic north, south, east or west. The magnetic field draws the needle in each direction causing the compass needle to move. There is a slight variance in degrees between true north and magnetic north.

Some compasses today are digital and like so many pieces of equipment some people believe digital is better, but in some cases it is not better than analog. A digital compass is not as dependable as an analog compass. If you drop a digital compass, damage to the internal circuit board is often the result. A broken circuit board is as serious as a lost compass. You cannot repair it as you can an analog compass. In addition, if a digital compass gets wet from inclement weather or falls into a stream you are stuck with a non-functioning compass.

Which is better? Digital or normal?

The compass needle, points to the direction you are facing.

1.    Test your compass holding it in the palm of your hand. Rotate your body watching the needle of the compass. When it sits perfectly still on the line designated as North, you are facing north at 360 degrees.

2.    Always hold the compass perfectly still or the needle will bounce around between the lines. If the needle is not giving you exact readings then one of two things can be wrong.
a)    You are not facing in a direct line with the sun or
b)    Your compass is improperly calibrated or out of balance

Hiking is fun, isn’t it?

The look of death. Any woman who has a regular aesthetician doing their manicures and pedicures knows when they have been very bad. The look thrown in your direction by the woman who spent at least 45 minutes scraping and chipping the dry skin and corns from your foot last week will wilt a flower after she sees the condition of your feet after sloshing through two feet of water for a day. Hiking with your feet wet will undoubtedly make the foot situation much worse and put your pedicure lady into a foul and sadistic mood. It is unlikely you will only get the look, but you will probably experience harder than normal scrubbing of the pumas stone and extra digging into the cuticle with sharp instruments. The pain you experience is a good reminder of why you should immediately go out and buy galoshes and thick socks for your next nature adventure.

You don’t want this to be your next pedicure

A foot rub will be out of the question. If your nature hike is an actual date, you can be assured that if your foot comes anywhere near that special someone, things will turn sour fast. The smell emanating from your feet after being soaked for several hours in dirty water while also sweating at the same time might be irresistible to your Golden Retriever, but he also likes to sniff his own poop, so you should not take this as an encouraging sign. Your date, however, will head for the hills, and not in the good “let’s look at the sunset and get romantic” kind of way. If your date stops at a gas station on the way home to pick up a pine scented air freshener, and then proceeds to strap it to his face, you are not getting invited in for a night-cap and sensual foot massage.

Yikes!

Spending money on new shoes. The most obvious problem with hiking with your feet wet is ruining the shoes you bought specifically for this occasion. Those stylish hiking clogs in cherry red leather that you purchased from the salesperson who complimented the way they made your newly pedicured feet look are now nothing but cherry red vices as the material they are made with constricts with moisture and threatens to cut off the circulation in your toes. After your foot then turns the same shade as your shoe, you will be forced to remove them and walk barefoot. This will cause you pain and suffering on two levels. The first is obvious, and the second will be when you go in for your pedicure and receive the treatment described in the second paragraph of this article. You will find yourself limping along the hiking trail and wondering if there really is such a thing as a “hiking clog” and how you are going to pay off the £200 charge from your credit card after the anticipated reconstructive foot surgery.

What’s that smell?

Your foot will make obscene sounds when walking. This is of course another date faux pas as there is nothing less attractive to a potential romantic partner as the continuous whoopee cushion your foot has now become. It is almost certainly a conclusion to the date, as there is no chance of taking your squeaky feet into a public place. The mixture of the sounds and smells of your wet feet can also be misconstrued for something much more embarrassing and so it is best to avoid this situation altogether if you want to see this person again.

To be clear, I didn’t wet myself…

Your foot will become very itchy. If you manage to somehow avoid the smell and sounds of the wet foot, or simply don’t care because you are not on a date and just out hiking with your dog, then you will almost certainly be plagued by “wet foot itch.” This is the niggling itch that occurs in the farthest most reaches of the bottom of you foot where it is least accessible to scratch. It is also one of the most uncomfortable areas to scratch, especially if you are ticklish. The most common route is the “cast scratch” usually done with a blunt pencil, a stick or a ruler. Please make sure the pencil is blunt and not sharpened as this could lead to a whole other issue called lead poisoning or what is medically referred to as “stabbing yourself in the foot with a sharpened pencil.” “Wet foot itch” can also lead to the “look of death” as it most definitely will cause dry chapped skin and dirty toenails.

Itchy? That means you’ve got yourself a fungus!

Summer can be an enjoyable time to spend with family and friends, or a romantic partner you are trying to get to know better. The summer hike can be one of the nicest ways of spending a sunny day as long as safety precautions are taken and followed. Wild animals, bug bites, and frizzy hair are only a few of the dangers associated with this outdoor activity, but all are preventable. One of the most dangerous is the wet foot, bringing with it discomfort and embarrassment of varying degrees. To avoid the mishaps mentioned, always wear suitable footwear, thick socks, and soggy areas. Stay on the dry trails and don’t venture too far out into unknown and potentially wet areas. Stay dry, my friends, and your feet will thank you.

Family meals are the best…

Number one on my list of the quickest meats to cook would have to be mince. Now this can be any kind of mince, beef, turkey or lamb. Now the amazing thing about mince, aside from how quickly it cooks, is how versatile it is. Personally I tend to opt for minced beef but, as I said, it really is down to personal preference. You can also purchase mince as lean or fatty as you wish. I always feel I am doing well buying extra lean mince as it tastes just as nice and I feel I can give myself a gold star for good behaviour!

Anyway, you can’t go wrong with a good plate of mince and potatoes (or mince and tatties for the Scots amongst us!) This really is a family meal that even the children will enjoy and it can be ready in a flash. Brown your mince in a pan, which only takes a few minutes. That is basically your mince cooked; everything else is just window dressing. You can add onions and carrots into the mix and then add your stock or gravy and allow it to simmer and thicken. Just put your potatoes on to boil at the same time and your meal will be ready within 15-20 minutes. If you have a little longer you could add your mince to a tray, add some seasoning, top with your mashed potatoes and pop it into the oven to create a shepherds/cottage pie (depending on your meat variety).

Show me a meat that looks good uncooked

Mince is also good for lasagne which only takes 40 minutes or for spaghetti bolognese. If you want to get even more creative you can make meatballs by adding some olive oil, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. These will cook in 5-10 minutes. You can even get the children involved in rolling them; they are sure to love it and won’t see it as a chore at all!

Moving on, another quick and easy meat to cook is chicken. Now, it is worth pointing out at this juncture that cooking meat fast does not mean under-cooking it. Always ensure that your meat is cooked properly before you eat it or you could end up with some rather nasty food poisoning.

I find that the quickest way to cook chicken, and most other meats for that matter, is stir-frying. Just slice up your raw chicken breasts or thigh meat (or buy it that way to save yourself even more time!) and add it to a hot pan with some oil. Chuck in loads of vegetables and cook through. Add a sauce and allow it to simmer for around ten minutes and serve with some rice or noodles. You can also use this concoction in fajitas.

Chicken good….

However, another quick and easy way to cook chicken breasts or sliced chicken is by using a healthy food grill, such as a George Foreman Grill. Just last weekend I popped some sliced chicken in the George Grill while I toasted some ciabatta bread under the grill with melted cheese. Within five minutes I had a sandwich that a high-end café would have charged around £8 for, result!

Steak can also be cooked quickly, but I guess that is just down to how you like it cooked. If, like my husband, you prefer yours practically raw then it will take next to no time at all. My husband always says to waiters in restaurants to basically just wipe both sides of the steak on the pan and then serve it up. I like mine slightly less raw than that, but it still takes very little time and you can just fry up some onions and mushrooms at the same time. Just add the sauce of your choice and you are done!

Steak, can be cooked ‘fighting back!’

Ham is another meat which can be cooked when you are in a hurry. In particular I am thinking of bacon or gammon steaks. Even if you like your bacon crispy it still only takes around 5-10 minutes to cook and is delicious as a lunchtime snack on toasted wholemeal bread with lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise, which is why the BLT is a classic. Gammon steaks are also easily cooked, under the grill and make a very satisfying meal for all when topped with a fried egg, my personal favourite, or a couple of pineapple rings.

I am combining my final choices for quick meats to cook and they may be controversial as I know that haggis and black pudding are not liked by everyone, but you shouldn’t write them off. I doubt that much haggis is eaten outside of Scotland, but I think it should be. It really is absolutely delicious and it just requires boiling in its skin and it is ready to serve with potatoes and vegetables. Black pudding is another personal favourite as it is so delicious and can be cooked in a variety of ways, frying, grilling or pop it in a baking tray in the oven. All of these can be done in a very short space of time. Pop it on a roll for Sunday brunch with some tomato sauce and you won’t be sorry.  Minimum effort for maximum output!

You don’t eat it dessert

So I guess the conclusion from this is that cooking fresh meat needn’t be time consuming, but it will most definitely be satisfying.

Binoculars - only for looking at birds. And trees

Binoculars are an essential tool for birdwatchers as they provide an opportunity to see birds in greater detail. They can also be used to get a better view of marine life from the beach or from onboard a boat; essential for whale watching. Some people also take them to sporting events at large arenas to ensure a better view of the action. Also, with many families now opting for holidays in the UK, binoculars are a great tool to allow your children to observe and learn about wildlife in their own country.

If you are considering buying a pair of binoculars for the first time it will be confusing as there are just so many makes and types available on the market. So to find a pair that fit your budget and that will do what you require some research and advice may be necessary.  Here we take a closer looks at some of the best binoculars on the market at the moment.

Depends how deep your pockets are

Firstly it is important to point out that binoculars vary enormously in terms of price. The finest binoculars usually come in at around the £1000 mark. They are really intended for people who are looking to make an investment purchase related to a particular job or a serious hobby, who require a pair of binoculars with the very best optics available.  The quality of the lenses is all-important.  As with cameras, the better the lens the more expensive the binoculars will be.  Perhaps the most well known make at the quality end of the market is Carl Zeiss, the German company. Their binoculars start from around £250 and progress in quality through a model range to about £1500.00.

At the other end of the scale starter binoculars can be picked up for around £50 to £100. There are of course plenty of models available at prices between, and which ones you choose really depends on what your required specifications are.

The Bushnell H20-2410 binoculars cost around £90 and are therefore ideal for a first time purchase. These are ideal for use near water or in adverse weather conditions. No matter how many times they get soaked, they will dry with fog free lenses. They are also an ideal purchase for those active members of the community who indulge in sports such as kayaking, angling and skiing. They are shielded with non-slip rubber making them extremely comfortable to use. They are small enough to pop in your bag or suitcase when travelling.

The Nikon 10×25 Sportlite binoculars come in at a very wallet friendly £50. These binoculars are very light in weight and they fold together making them pocket-sized. They are also very good quality despite their very reasonable price tag. The only downside is that sometimes the lens caps do not stay on very well increasing the risk of lens scratches.

They’re a dinky little pair!

Another great choice of binoculars comes from Nikon in the shape of their Eagleview Zoom 8-24×25cf which will usually cost around £120. These binoculars are also extremely light in weight and are convenient to use. They also have an extra zoom feature to make sure that you can focus on your subject as clearly as possible. You will need to have a steady hand when using the magnification at its full capacity.  Again, as seems to be common with many binoculars the lens caps can come off easily.

Nikon binoculars are so well made that they are amongst the best on the market throughout the price ranges. Their Action Vii 8X40 CF binoculars are no exception. These binoculars are extremely well constructed. The lens cover is attached to the strap making it a lot easier to protect the lenses from dust and scratches. They are certainly great value for money offering crisp, clear images.  They are so well made and solid that you shouldn’t have too much to worry about if any little accidents occur.

Bit bigger, for the restraining order times.

The Centon 10×25 Multi-Coated DCF BAK 4 Compact Binoculars are another quality choice. These binoculars are small enough to be carried in your pocket making them extremely versatile. They are also very light so they won’t weigh your pocket down. It is simple to focus these binoculars, perhaps making them ideal for the kids to use? They might not present as bright a view as some of the other options on the market but they are still a good purchase.

Most of the binoculars we have already discussed have been described as being light in weight as indeed most are nowadays, but the 10×25 Travelite EX Binoculars will make sure that no matter how long you have to have the instrument up to your eyes waiting for that elusive bird to appear, your arms will never get uncomfortable. They are also robust and compact. This model is very reasonably priced without any detriment to the static quality offered, however there may be some slight distortion of image as you move them around. The only criticism would be that these binoculars could have benefited from a lens cover for the largest end of the lenses.

What a lovely tree. Oh look - my ex!!

Not everyone is looking to spend the minimum amount of money on a set of binoculars so lets take a look at the Canon 15×50 All Weather Image Stabiliser binoculars. These are to be found in retailers at £990.00, so are likely to be a purchase for professional use or by a very keen birdwatcher. They do exactly what they say they will; providing stabilised images, even while panning. These binoculars use batteries that can go flat rather quickly so always have some spares with you. They are also quite heavy, so unless you have been doing your upper arm exercises they may be rather difficult to hold up to your eyes for long periods of time. Are they worth the money? That really depends how often you are planning to use them but the technology definitely works and the quality is excellent.

Finally, a worthwhile attachment for your binoculars is the Jessop’s Binocular Clamp Universal. This is a useful mount for your binoculars to help keep them steady.

Whichever binoculars you choose, enjoy using them.

Mmmmm vegetables!

If you are going on a self catering holiday to a caravan, holiday home or apartment the question of what to take doesn’t really come into play as much, as you would have similar facilities in your accommodation as you would at home. Therefore, you would be able to purchase all of the fresh vegetables and other items that you would have in your fridge and cupboard back home. The accommodation would also be likely to have all of the crockery and cooking utensils that you require.

The difficulties set in for vegetarians who are planning a camping trip as there are far fewer facilities available for the storage of food. My best friend and her boyfriend are vegetarians and they enjoy camping during their holidays. They have said that one of the main difficulties with planning for this type of holiday is that many of the foodstuffs that they would wish to take with them are perishable, which can almost rule them out entirely.

You don’t want this to be your only choice

Obviously items like milk and bread can usually be purchased at or near the camping site. It is recommended that you buy only small bottles/cartons of milk as it does not keep well in the heat. However, if you can find somewhere shaded, you could probably get a couple of days out of your milk supply by putting it in a basin of really cold water. This goes for fresh squeezed juice as well. Remember to also take bottles of water with you as these will be will be essential for drinking, cooking and cleaning with.

My friend’s list of food to take on a vegetarian camping trip includes dried pasta, cartons of passata and jars of pesto – after all, pasta is as quick and easy to prepare as it is tasty and filling. For lunch-time snacks, why not try baked beans (a camping staple for all!), packets of noodles, tins of soup and tins of mixed beans and pulses. A small bottle of olive oil, salad dressing or other condiments will go a long way to flavouring these basics. Eggs are an all around essential that can be used as a meal or snack at any time of day, as can cereal. At least if you have these two items you know you won’t go hungry. Packets of nuts are handy snacks that will keep you feeling full between meals. If you are a fan of nuts, then peanut butter will probably also be at the top of your list.

Monkey nuts - not just for monkeys

If you want to jazz things up a bit, which you probably will if you are going away for longer than a weekend, why not try taking a disposable barbeque with you? These are readily available throughout the summer months at all of the major supermarkets. You can use them to barbeque skewered vegetables, such as courgettes, peppers and onions. These can be served alongside barbequed tomatoes with halloumi cheese and barbequed mushrooms. Of course, many of these items will need to be bought fresh, so these meals will require some forward planning on your part. Maybe this is something you can treat yourself to once or twice during your trip. When you are at the shops to buy your fresh vegetables you could also pick up some crusty bread to dip in olive oil as an accompaniment to your barbequed veggies. Even when shopping during your trip you will probably find that you want to keep things as simple as possible, but you could pick up some mixed herbs or spices if you want to jazz your meals up a bit.

I’m sure many vegetarians feel that when the summer barbeque season rolls around, the supermarkets only cater to meat eaters. This is probably true to a degree but why not try picking up the foil trays of ready to cook mixed vegetables that can usually be found in the chilled section during the summer months. These will also cook well on a barbeque.

Sweetcorn + BBQ = very tasty!

With regards to the essential non-food items you will need for a self catering camping trip, make sure that you take plastic plates and bowls, cutlery, a chopping knife and a small chopping board, bottle opener, tin opener and camping stove. You should also keep in mind that even though you are going on holiday there will still be dishes to do, so you will need to pack a basin, small bottle of washing up liquid and tea towels. Matches are an essential item, as are Tupperware tubs which you will find have a whole host of uses.

Depending on how strict your vegetarian principles are, you may need to stock up on dairy free and animal free products before you go. These can include toiletries and cosmetics, so make sure that you have everything that you need as it is unlikely that you will find items that meet your standards when you reach your destination.

Make sure you’ve got all the Vegan boxes ticked

It is also important to remember the little luxuries; you are on holiday after all. A decent supply of sweets, crisps, chocolate, wine and beer are essential items for your al fresco evenings.

As with any camping trip, enjoy yourself and make the most of it but remember be kind to the environment around you and dispose of your rubbish respectfully and responsibly.

Signs of dehydration can include headaches, which would feel similar to a hangover as the cause is similar. A person may also experience muscle cramps, a very sudden episode of visual snow, hypotension (a decrease in blood pressure) and feeling dizzy or faint, possibly even passing out. If dehydration is untreated it can lead to delirium, unconsciousness, a swelling of the tongue and, in the most severe cases, it can result in death.

We kinda need this stuff!

When a person loses around 2% of their normal water volume, they will start to experience some of these symptoms of dehydration. The person will begin by having a thirst and feeling uncomfortable. They may even lose their appetite and their skin will start to lose moisture, possibly becoming very dry and flaky in appearance. Following this, the person may also become constipated. For athletes, dehydration results in a loss of performance by up to 30 per cent accompanied by low endurance, higher body temperatures, quicker onset of tiredness and fatigue and flushing. This highlights the body’s need for water and hydration.

Indications of mild dehydration include thirstiness, a decreased need to urinate or a decline in the volume of urine. Also darker urine than normal, bad mood, crying without the ability to produce tears, headache, dry mouth, feeling dizzy while standing and in some instances, insomnia could all signal a problem with dehydration.

You’ll have trouble sleeping…

Moderate to severe dehydration could result in the complete inability to pass urine at all. When at this stage, a person may experience lethargy and sleepiness, seizures, sunken eyes and fainting. In a young child, dehydration can also cause a sunken fontanel – the soft spot on their head.

The more water a person loses, the more severe these symptoms will become. The body tries to compensate so the heart and breathing rates increase while a person’s temperature is likely to rise as a result of a reduction in sweating. Once 5-6 per cent of the body’s supply of water has been lost a person is likely to feel sleepy and groggy with a severe headache, queasiness and tingling limbs (paresthesia).
With fluid loss of 10-15 per cent, muscles are likely to begin convulsing, skin will become wrinkled and shrivelled, vision will darken, and there will be an extreme reduction in urine output which is likely to be painful. At this point delirium may set in. If a person loses more than 15 per cent of fluids in the body it is usually fatal.

You’ll begin to think you’re a Howard Moon impersonator

When your body reaches fifty years old, its thirst sensation diminishes and this continues with age. It is common for elderly people to experience varying degrees of dehydration. It is the combination of dehydration and hyperthermia which causes many senior citizens to die during hot weather conditions.

The best way to treat minor dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids and prevent further loss of fluids. Oral Rehydration Solutions and sports drinks are preferable to water as a means of rehydration, but all drinks should be sipped slowly. Drinking only clear liquids and avoiding solid foods should assist in stopping fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhoea.

Clear fluids are best

For more severe cases of dehydration, recovery is achieved through replenishment of lost water and electrolytes – either given orally or intravenously in hospital. Fresh water is a necessary part of this process. If a person was dehydrated in the desert or at sea they could not rehydrate by drinking urine (which I would imagine would be the absolute last option anyway) or seawater which has too high a salt content causing the kidneys to shut down. It should go without saying that drinking alcohol will not aid rehydration, rather it will worsen dehydration. In most cases a full recovery is the norm; it is only in extreme cases that dehydration can be fatal.

Unnecessary sweating should also be avoided when dehydrated as it is a waste of water. If only dry food is available, it is best not to eat as water is needed for digestion.

I’d avoid crackers for a first meal!

Of course, as with most things, prevention is better than a cure. The best route to preventing dehydration is to drink plenty of water on a regular basis. If a lot of water is lost through sweating, water must be drunk to replace the lost fluids. The water that is lost should be concurrent with the replacement water as the body cannot tolerate too much or too little body water.

On an average day in the United Kingdom, a person’s body will lose around 2.5 litres of water. This can be as sweat through skin, as water vapour through the lungs, or through passing urine. Some water is also lost through bowel movements. In warmer weather it is likely that more fluids will be lost in quicker periods of time and therefore water should be drank regularly to replace this. It is useful to use urine output as an indication of whether or not dehydration is occurring in more humid conditions or during energetic activity. If a full bladder is developed at least every 3-5 hours and the urine is light in colour then it is unlikely that dehydration is occurring. However, if the urine is darker in colour or urination is only occurring after many hours or perhaps not at all, then drinking water alone may not be enough to maintain adequate hydration.

This is my apple juice, by the way…

So, making a habit of drinking enough, but not too much, water on a daily basis will help to prevent dehydration. Remember that if it is warmer or you are partaking in more strenuous activity, you will need to replace the increase in lost fluids and sports drinks may be more adequate in these cases than water alone. Whether engaging in strenuous activity or not, proper hydration on a regular basis is the key to maintaining the proper amount of water in the body at all times, and avoiding the affects of dehydration.

The announcement comes following the company’s launch of its affiliate programme earlier this year.  The new agreement with Trade Doubler - Europe’s most extensive and successful affiliate network – is designed to extend the reach of the Carrentals.co.uk affiliate programme further to a growing range of businesses looking for new revenue streams.

Gareth Robinson, managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “In the current market a growing number of British businesses are recognising the potential of becoming an affiliate to boost revenue from new sources.  Carrentals.co.uk is the UK’s most successful car hire price comparison site, with our sales converting at around 4% - three times higher than any of our competitors.

“The affiliate programme has proved increasingly popular since we launched, and the agreement with Trade Doubler will extend our reach to a wider audience.  With a 5% commission rate for partners, and an easy to integrate and track solution, becoming an affiliate has never been simpler.“

Carrentals.co.uk was voted Best Car Hire Website in the 2008 Travolution awards, and compares prices from leading rental providers including Alamo, Budget, Holiday Autos, and Thrifty.

Through an affiliate deal any business can now feature a Carrentals.co.uk banner on their website, which visitors click on to make their car hire booking.  All reservations are made through the Carrentals site, with clear tracking and reporting of booking figures and commission levels.

The affiliate programme will run on the Trade Doubler network and will be managed by award winning affiliate management agency, Arctic Sunrise.

Keith Budden of Arctic Sunrise adds: “Affiliate programmes offer businesses an extra element to their websites, but the key is to ensure they are easy to integrate and manage.  The quality of the Carrentals.co.uk affiliate product, combined with the broad market that car hire attracts and the 5% commission structure has resulted in a very strong proposition, and this will grow further with the new Trade Doubler agreement.”

Ray Mears’ home

The next time you are out camping or hiking, take a look around and you will see that there is a variety of different food available to you. You might have to look hard but you will find them. Some will look appetizing while others might look completely repulsive.

One of the most easily identifiable plants that you can eat in the countryside is the dandelion. Many people will recognize this pesky plant as the weed that grows in their lawn. Luckily this plant can be found in the woods and can be eaten a variety of different ways. You can take the broad leaves of the dandelion and eat them both raw and cooked. If you pull the dandelion from the ground you can eat the roots of this plant as well. There is a distinct bitterness that you can taste in both the leaves and roots.

Anyone got any Burdock?

The flower of a dandelion also has several uses. If you can pick the flowers while they are still in bud, small fritters can be made from them. You can also make tea from the flower once it has bloomed. There are several medicinal uses of the dandelion that contributes to its appeal. This plant can help with acne, act as a laxative, and ease certain joint pains.

Nettles are another popular plant to eat as a snack while camping in the woods. You can take the leaves from this plant and make them into a soup by cooking them. This plant can sting so it is important to use caution when picking the leaves. It is necessary to cook the leaves before eating them in order to get rid of the stinging qualities of the plant. They are considered to be very nutritious so keep your eyes open for them if you are looking for something good to eat.

Apparently, Giraffes really like these things aswell

Just like the dandelion, the nettle has several medicinal purposes as well. You can eat the older leaves of a nettle plant as a laxative. By making a tea from the nettle leaves you can ease hayfever symptoms and even arthritis pain. In some situations the chlorophyll can be removed from nettle leaves and used as green dye in a variety of different foods.

The leaves, stem, seeds, and roots of a burdock plant are all edible. You can pull the roots of this plant and eat them both cooked and raw. It is advisable to cook the bigger roots as they can develop a tougher core and a stronger flavour. Leaves can be eaten raw as well.

Parts of the yarrow plant can be eaten. The leaves can be eaten raw although they are quite bitter. It might be more suitable to cook them and it is advisable to select the youngest leaves on the plant to eat; a tea can be made from the leaves quite easily.Keep your eyes open for some acorns in the countryside. It is possible to eat an acorn but most people will prefer not to because of their bitter taste. If you are in a survival situation you can always boil the acorn a few times to help mellow the strong flavour.

Yarrow is Yellow!

Another plant that you might come across in the countryside that you may recognize from your own garden is the common daylily. You can find these growing wild in a meadow and feast upon their beautiful flowers which taste slightly sweet. You can also eat the leaves of a daylily but you will want to avoid eating the older ones. They can get quite fibrous as they age which does not make for a tasty meal.

When you walk through the woods do not be surprised if you come across strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries in summer. These can all be found growing naturally in the woods and can make a delicious snack. The one thing that everyone should keep in mind is that proper identification means everything when you are in the woods. If you have any doubt that what you are about to eat is not actually a blueberry, do not eat it. It is simply not worth the risk that you could potentially be eating a poisonous berry.

Make sure you know what you’re eating in the forest!

Mushrooms fall into the same category as berries. There are plenty of mushrooms that can be eaten and they are commonly enjoyed in a variety of foods all over the world. The problem with mushrooms is that they are not easy to identify in the woods and some can have hazardous effects on the body. They can be extremely poisonous and in some cases, you will not have any symptoms until several days after you have eaten them; they can be fatal. While it might be tempting to taste a few mushrooms along the way, you will be better off to keep on walking and look for a nice patch of dandelions to snack on instead unless you absolutely know what you are doing.

Wild Mushrooms? I would stay away if I were you

These are just a few of the plants that you might find in the countryside that are okay to eat. Keep in mind that if you see any sign of mildew or fungus growing on these plants you will want to avoid eating them. Also, it is important to realise that animals are able to eat different plants than we are. Just because they are eating the berries, do not assume that you can as well.

As there are a number of things that should not be eaten in the woods, it is a great idea to carry around a field guide of your area which lists these plants in detail. A field guide can help you properly identify the foods that are safe to eat while avoiding the poisonous ones.

A good self-catering location or not?

At Cyfie Farms in Wales visitors will have breathtaking views of the countryside.  Here there are two luxury self-catering cottages available.  The units were originally built in the 17th century and today still have some of the original architecture such as the oak beams.  Each cottage will sleep four people and comes with a fully equipped kitchen with split level cookers and hob.  Cyfie Farms offers a new spa facility, walks, and award winning gardens.  Additionally, there are waterfalls and Lake Vyrnwy is nearby.  At Lake Vyrnwy visitors will enjoy the sculpture park.  Other recreational activities such as golf are also located nearby.

Fantastic views in Wales…

Also located in Wales is Trenewydd Farms which offers six self-catering cottages that sleep 2-9 people.  Guests will have access to a large, heated swimming pool as well as a children’s play area.  Children will greatly enjoy the pets at the farm, which include two ponies, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and lambs in the springtime.  Within a close distance to the farm are five castles including Castle Carew at Tidal Mill, Manorbier Castle and Beach, Picton Castle, Cilgerran Castle, and Cardiff Castle.  There are also a number of companies that offer boat trips.  On these trips visitors can see the many dolphins and other sealife that make their home on the coastline of West Wales.

Dolphins in Wales? Yep!

Those who like the hustle and bustle of a large city and who enjoy being active will enjoy the self-catering locations in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Edinburgh, the capital city, lies next to the North Sea so in addition to the city life, visitors can also enjoy plenty of water activities.  Such activities include boating, yachting, surfing, and scuba diving.  If water isn’t your thing, then maybe you will find the ancient walkways and buildings that line the streets of Edinburgh fascinating.  If you branch out beyond the city limits you’ll find even more historical sites that include castles and battlefields.

Fancy the bustle of Edinburgh?

Far to the south of Edinburgh is the Isle of Wight that is situated off the south coast of England.  It is only a few minutes from the mainland by ferry.  The island is warmer than most spots in the UK and has plentiful sunshine during the summer months.  Once you have arrived on the island you can relax on one of the 13 sandy beaches.  Every beach is a blue flag winner because they have reached and maintained the highest standard as outlined by EnCams.

The Isle of Wight isn’t White

The island is also home to a number of historical landmarks such as Appuldurcombe House - Wroxall and St. Catherine’s Lighthouse.  Visitors can also enjoy the marshland, creeks, wildlife and flora that cover the island.  Self-catering locations in the Isle of Wight range from £30 per night to £525 per night.  The locations range from simple and modest units that come complete with linens and a full kitchen, to private villas that are only minutes from the beach.  Units are located a variety of places including at the beachfront and within the towns.  In short there is a wide array of choices to meet anyone’s tastes or budget.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands, which include such cities as Puerto de la Cruz, San Sebastian de la Gomera, and Las Palmas, are the ultimate places for relaxation.  Sometimes referred to as the Happy Islands, the Canary Islands are a blend of a number of cultures including Spanish, Latin American, and African.  Each island has its own special traits and characteristics but Gran Canaria has the largest population while the island of Tenerife is the largest in terms of area.

The island where Canaries come from

While in the Canary Islands, visitors will enjoy the many water activities available including windsurfing, which is best done in Fuerteventura.  Sailing, swimming, and scuba diving are also available.  Golfers will enjoy the challenging courses that are available on the islands as well as the golf schools that offer a number of classes to improve your golf game.  Still, just walking around the islands are taking in the beautiful scenery can be just as relaxing as swimming or golfing. Self-catering units in the Canary Islands usually range from £45 per night to £1,500 per week.  Many of the self-catering units in the Canary Islands are either beachfront or offer a view of the beach.  Amenities at each self-catering location vary but can include swimming pools or saunas.

The opposite of sun, sand, and surf is of course cold, snow and fun, and one of the best cooler places with self-catering locations to visit is Dachstein West in Austria.  Dachstein West is surrounded by mountains and forests as well as being near Lake Gosau.  Guests can of course ski and some of the self-catering locations have ski shuttles that stop at the front door.  In addition to skiing, guests can also enjoy mountain biking and hiking.  Those who do ski can also snowboard and some ski areas have a playground for small children who may not be ready for the slopes just yet.  Self-catering units can vary from £41 per night to £3,000 per week.  Some of the units are modest while others are more luxurious and include features such balconies, gardens, indoor pools, sauna, and barbecues.

Ever thought of visting Austria/Germany? Me neither!

North-Rhine/Westphalia in the western portion of Germany is also an excellent place to take a vacation.  There are numerous self-catering locations here, due in part to the six different lakes that surround the area.  However, be advised that while you can sunbathe and swim, the lakes offer a number of other activities including kite surfing and boating.  You can also take a ride on the “White Fleet”, passenger boats that sail over the lake giving tours to visitors.  In addition to this, skating, golfing, and even covered-wagon rides are available.  If you step outside of the lake area, you can visit a number of towns that have historical landmarks, caves, and nightlife.  Self-catering units in the area will house between 2 and 10 people.  Prices range from £50 per night to £942 per week.  A good number of the self-catering units are considered to be four-star with excellent amenities to ensure that your time away from home is relaxing.
If you wish to go a little further south, you will find plenty of self-catering locations in Rome.  There’s not much to say about Rome, Italy.  It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and is filled with more history than most people could imagine.  The food is superb and the people are friendly.  The one downside is of course that it will be crowded so you could try to stay just outside of the city in areas such as Frosinone, Latina, and Rieti.  As with most self-catering units, prices vary depending on the size of the unit, location, and amenities.

Beauty in Germany - are you sure?

Across the Atlantic in the United States one of the best self-catering locations is the Kissimmee, Florida area.  Here visitors can rent a self-catering unit anywhere from £425 per week to £2,000 per week.  Of course, amenities will vary from unit to unit but the great thing about Kissimmee is that you are in one central location to do so much.  Just a short drive from your unit is Disneyworld, Nickelodeon Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens.  Kissimmee is also close enough that you can drive to the beach for the day.  If you’re a golfer, then you’ll find a number of excellent courses nearby.

Kissimmee…quick!

Colorado, which is also in the US, is also a great place to rent a self-catering unit.  In Colorado there is plenty to do year-round.  If you go during the winter, the skiing is great, while during the summer outdoor activities such as mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and spending time by the many lakes and rivers is abundant.  Self-catering units in Colorado vary in price like those found in Florida.  Amenities may also vary depending on the unit but can include such things as heated pools, outdoor pools, sauna, and golf/tennis access.