Geocaching Quick Tips: Prepare For The Summer Sun and Pests

It is that time of year again here in North Carolina. The cool spring time temps have given way to summertime heat. With it comes exposure to the sun and insects, geocachers need to protect themselves and minimize some of this season's hazards.

The Sun and Sunblock:

This weekend Wife Amy and I will be going to GeoWoodstock XIII and even though the temps will be a bit cooler - around 80 during the day. We still will be out in the sun a lot for several days. Having a good sun block is a necessity.  From everything that I have read, if you are going to be outside for more than two hours you should have a sunblock with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30.  You can go into all the articles out there in the Interwebs that say higher than 30 doesn't really do anything more but that decision is totally up to you. The idea is you don't want to become a red lobster when at a geocaching event or just being outside.  It's better to be protected than not. This goes double if you have kids with you.

Insect Repellant:

All of the events will be outside this year at GeoWoodstock and several are outside and at night. A fantastic time for mosquitos to be out on the hunt. Want to take a guess as to who is going to be their main meal for the day? Well you of course if you don't have some protection applied. Not to mention all the other creepy crawlies as well. Ticks and chiggers are the bane of many a geocacher so if you can do something to prevent those pesky buggers from munching on you I suggest doing it.  Having a good bug repellant is best. Keep in mind that for critters like ticks a higher DEET level is necessary. Here's the thing, the higher the DEET level the greater the chance of accidental damage to you or someone who touches you. Especially when it comes to kids. I have read 30% is pretty much the max and that is for a once a day application. Be sure and check the label information before putting DEET products on children.  As for the adults, DEET insect repellent can go up to 100%. You are pretty much wearing high concentrate chemicals at that point. Remember not to put anything near your eyes, mouth, etc. Permanent damage can occur.

So remember to find a good balance between safe protection from the elements and not harming yourself in the process.

Hope this helps remind you of getting these items before heading out and that you stay safe using them.

See you out on the trails,


Andy HeadHardHat Smith
www.geosnippits.com



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