Mountain Spirit Journeys Resources

Essentials

Compass
Backpack
Rain pants and jacket
Sun hat
Hiking boots or shoes depending upon the trip
Seasonal Clothes
Good socks
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Lunch (plenty) and extra food that you enjoy
Water
Whistle
Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Matches, knife
First aid kit
Toilet paper and two Ziploc bags
Insect Repellant
Journal with pens/pencils
Rattle, drum or any other spiritual tools that you use
Camera

Canoe and Kayak Day Trip

Paddling Clothes and Misc.:
Rain pants and jacket
Paddling clothes
Nylon pants
Shorts
T-Shirt
Water shoes, (old sneakers, sandals, chocos, tevas etc.), that are protective when walking.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Nylon hat (for the sun)
Paddling gloves

Paddling Gear
PFD-MSJ will provide if you do not have.
Paddle-MSJ will provide if you do not have.
Dry bag-MSJ will provide if you do not have.
Whistle with string-MSJ will provide if you do not have.
Helmet (ski, bicycle, or climbing helmet) if we are doing any white water.

Wilderness Waterway Trips

Camp Clothes
1 or 2 Long sleeve shirts
2 T-shirts
1 pair of pants
2 pairs of hiking socks
Head Net for bugs
Dry shoes for land (for comfort and to keep the bugs off of your ankles)
Extra Laces for shoes (if applicable)
Warm hat
Warm Jacket (fleece)
Long underwear
Handkerchief / bandana
Bathing suit

Miscellaneous
Sunscreen Lip Balm
Any special snacks or foods that you require
Water bottles and/or hydration pack
Compass
Matches and lighter in a dry container
Knife (Swiss army, Leatherman etc.)
First aid kit (with any personal meds you might need)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Toilet paper in a Ziploc bag and an extra Ziplock for used TP
Insect Repellant
Camp soap
Plastic bags (trash compactor bags work well)
Clothes for the drive home
Pee Bottle for night or when in the canoe
Optional
Waterproof box (small) for wallet, car keys, cell phone etc.
Journal with pens/pencils-in a Ziploc bag
Camera with waterproof box/bag
Fishing Gear (must have a fishing license to fish)
Small camp Chair

Overnight Gear
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pads
Pillow (small camp style if possible)
Cup, Bowl Spoon
Toiletries: Tooth brush, soap, wash cloth, towel
Contacts, glasses, with spares
Wallet

Optional
Hammock with mosquito screen
Shaving kit

Winter Day Trip

Synthetic Long Underwear (polypropylene is best)
Scholler, Gortex or wool over pants
Rain pants and jacket
Insulated jackets
Insulated pants
Sun hat
Warm Hat
Gloves and Mittens
Socks, synthetic or wool (inner and outer and extra)
Comfortable and warm winter boots.
Extra clothing
Food-Snacks that you love
Water Bottles with Insulation (commercial or an old jacket)
Snow shoes or X-C skis or Back Country skis
Ski Poles

See our Schedule for upcoming events. To register or for more information, contact Jamal.

125 Tibetts Mountain Rd, Brownfield, ME 04010. 207-461-4840 E-mail us

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Excerpt from "Illusions" by Richard Bach

Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river. The current of the river swept silently over them all--young and old, rich and poor, good and evil, the current going its own way, knowing only its own crystal self.

Each creature in its own manner clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of life, and resisting the current what each had learned from birth. But one creature said at last, "I am tired of clinging. Though I cannot see it with my eyes, I trust that the current knows where it is going. I shall let go, and let it take me where it will. Clinging, I shall die of boredom."

The other creatures laughed and said, "Fool! Let go, and that current you worship will throw you tumbled and smashed across the rocks and you will die quicker than boredom!" But the one heeded them not, and taking a breath did let go, and at once was tumbled and smashed by the current across the rocks.

Yet in time, as the creature refused to cling again, the current lifted him free from the bottom, and he was bruised and hurt no more. And the creatures downstream, to whom he was a stranger, cried, "See a miracle! A creature like ourselves, yet he flies! See the Messiah, come to save us all!"

And the one carried in the current said, "I am no more Messiah than you. The river delights to lift us free, if only we dare let go. Our true work is this voyage, this adventure." But they cried the more, "Savior!" all the while clinging to the rocks, and when they looked again he was gone, and they were left alone making legends of a Savior.

An American Indian Legend - Nation and Author Unknown

Once there was a mouse. He was a busy mouse, searching everywhere, touching his whiskers to the grass, and looking. He was busy as all mice are, busy with mice things. But once in a while he would hear an odd sound. He would lift his head, squinting hard to see, his whiskers wiggling in the air, and he would wonder. One day he scurried up to a fellow mouse and asked him, "Do you hear a roaring in your ears, my brother?"
"No, no," answered the other mouse, not lifting his busy nose from the ground. "I hear nothing. I am busy now. Talk to me later."
He asked another mouse the same question and the mouse looked at him strangely. "Are you foolish in your head? what sound?" he asked and slipped into a Hole in a fallen cottonwood tree.
The little mouse shrugged his whiskers and busied himself again, determined to forget the whole matter. But there was that roaring again. It was faint, very faint, but it was there! One day, he decided to investigate the sound just a little. Leaving the other busy mice, he scurried a little way away and listened again. There it was! He was listening hard when suddenly, someone said hello.
Hello little brother," the voice said, and mouse almost jumped right out of his skin. He arched his back and tail and was about to run.
"Hello," again said the voice. "It is I, brother raccoon." And sure enough, It was! "What are you doing here all by yourself, little brother?" asked the raccoon. The mouse blushed, and put his nose almost to the ground. "I hear a roaring in my ears and I am investigating it," he answered timidly.
"A roaring in your ears?" replied the raccoon as he sat down with him. "What you hear, little brother , is the river."
"The river?" mouse asked curiously. "What is a river?"
"Walk with me and I will show you the river," raccoon said.
Little mouse was terribly afraid, but he was determined to find out once and for all about the roaring. "I can return to my work," he thought, "after this thing is settled, and possibly this thing may aid me in all my busy examining and collecting. And my brothers all said it was nothing. I will show them. I will ask raccoon to return with me and I will have proof."
"All right raccoon, my brother," said mouse. "lead on to the river. I will walk with you."
Little mouse walked with raccoon. His little heart was pounding in his breast. The raccoon was taking him upon strange paths and little mouse smelled the scent of many things that had gone by his way. Many times he became so frightened he almost turned back. Finally, they came to the river! It was huge and breathtaking, deep and clear in places, and murky in others. Little mouse was unable to see across it because it was so great. It roared, sang, cried, and thundered on its course. Little mouse saw great and little pieces of the world carried along on its surface.
"It is powerful!" little mouse said, fumbling for words.
It is a great thing," answered the raccoon, "But here, let me introduce you to a friend."
In a smoother, shallower place was a lily pad, bright and green. Sitting upon it was a frog, almost as green as the pad it sat on. The frog's white belly stood out clearly.
"Hello, little brother," said the frog.
"Welcome to the river."
"I must leave you now," cut in raccoon, "but do not fear, little brother, for frog will care for you now." And raccoon left, looking along the river bank for food that he might wash and eat.
Little mouse approached the water and looked into it. He saw a frightened mouse reflected there.
"Who are you?" little mouse asked the reflection. "Are you not afraid of being that far out into the great river?"
"No, answered the frog, "I am not afraid. I have been given the gift from birth to live both above and within the river. When winter man comes and freezes this medicine, I cannot be seen. But all the while thunderbird flies, I am here. To visit me, One must come when the world is green. I, my brother, am the keeper of the water."
Amazing!" little mouse said at last, again fumbling for words."
Would you like to have some medicine power?" frog asked."
"Medicine power? Me?" asked little mouse. "Yes, yes! If it is possible."
"Then crouch as low as you can, and then jump as high as you are able! You will have your medicine!" Frog said.
Little mouse did as he was Instructed. He crouched as low as he could and jumped. And when he did, his eyes saw the sacred mountains.
Little mouse could hardly believe his eyes. But there they were! But then he fell back to Earth, and he landed in the river!
Little mouse became frightened and scrambled back to the bank. He was wet and frightened nearly to death.
"You have tricked me," little mouse screamed at the frog!"
"Wait," said the frog. "You are not harmed. Do not let your fear and anger blind you. What did you see?"
"I," mouse stammered, "I saw the sacred mountains!"
"And you have a new name!" frog said. "It is Jumping Mouse."
"Thank you. Thank you," Jumping Mouse said, and Thanked him again. "I want to return to my people and tell them of this thing that has happened to me."
"Go. Go then," frog said. "Return to your people. It is easy to find them. Keep the sound of the medicine river to the back of your Head. Go opposite to the sound and you will find your brother mice."
Jumping Mouse returned to the world of the mice. But he found disappointment. No one would listen to him. And because he was wet, and had no way of explaining it because there had been no rain, many of the other mice were afraid of him. They believed he had been spat from the mouth of another animal that had tried to eat him. And they all knew that if he had not been food for the one who wanted him, then he must also be poison for them.
Jumping Mouse lived again among his people, but he could not forget his vision of the sacred mountains.
The memory burned in the mind and heart of Jumping Mouse, and one day he went to the edge of the place of mice and looked out onto the prairie. He looked up for eagles. The sky was full of many spots, each one an eagle. But he was determined to go to the sacred mountains. He gathered all of his courage and ran just as fast as he could onto the prairie. His little heart pounded with excitement and fear.
He Ran until he came to a stand of sage. He was resting and trying to catch his breath when he saw an Old Mouse. The patch of sage Old Mouse lived in was a haven for mice. Seeds and many things to be busy with.
"Hello," said Old Mouse. "Welcome."
Jumping Mouse was amazed. Such a place and such a mouse. "You are truly a great mouse." Jumping Mouse said with all the respect that he could find. "This is truly a wonderful place. And the eagles cannot see you here, either," Jumping Mouse said.
"Yes," said Old Mouse," and one can see all the beings of the prairie here: the buffalo, Antelope, Rabbit, and Coyote. One can see them all from here and know their names."
"That is marvelous," Jumping Mouse said. "Can you also see the river and the great mountains?"
"Yes and no," Old Mouse said with conviction. "I know the great river, But I am afraid that the great mountains are only a myth. Forget your passion to see them and stay here with me. There is everything you want here, and it is a good place to be."
"How can he say such a thing?" Thought Jumping Mouse. "The medicine of the sacred mountains is nothing one can forget."
"Thank you very much for the meal you have shared with me, Old Mouse, and also for sharing your great home," Jumping Mouse said. "But I must seek the mountains."
"You are a foolish mouse to leave, there is danger on the prairie! Just look up there!" Old Mouse said, with even more conviction. "See all those spots! They are eagles, and they will catch you!"
It was hard for Jumping Mouse to leave, but he gathered his determination and ran hard again.
The ground was rough. But he arched his tail and ran with all his might. He could feel the shadows of the spots upon his back as he ran. All those spots! Finally he ran into a stand of chokecherries. Jumping Mouse could hardly believe his eyes. It was cool there and very spacious. There was water, cherries, and seeds to eat, grasses to gather for nests, holes to be explored and many, many other busy things to do. And there were a great many things to gather.
He was investigating his new domain when he heard very heavy breathing. He quickly investigated the sound and discovered its source. It was a great mound of hair with black horns. It was a great buffalo. Jumping Mouse could hardly believe the greatness of the being he saw lying there before him. He was so large that Jumping Mouse could have crawled into one of his great horns. "Such a magnificent being," thought Jumping Mouse, and he crept closer.
"Hello, my brother," said the buffalo. "Thank you for visiting me."
"Hello Great Being," said Jumping Mouse. "Why are you lying here?"
"I am sick and I am dying" the buffalo said.
"And my medicine has told me that only the eye of a mouse can heal me. But little brother, there is no such thing as a mouse."
Jumping Mouse was shocked. "One of my eyes!" he thought. "One of my tiny eyes." He scurried back into the stand of chokecherries. But the breathing came harder and slower.
"He will die." Thought Jumping Mouse. "If I do not give him my eye. He is too great a being to let die."
He went back to where the buffalo lay and spoke. "I am a mouse." he said with a shaky voice. "And you, my brother, are a Great Being. I cannot let you die. I have two eyes, so you may have one of them."
The minute he said it, Jumping Mouse's eye flew out of his head and the buffalo was made whole. The buffalo jumped to his feet, shaking Jumping Mouse's whole world.
"Thank you, my little brother," said the buffalo. "I know of your quest for the sacred mountains and of your visit to the River. You have given me life so that I may give-away to the people. I will be your brother forever. Run under my belly and I will take you right to the foot of the sacred mountains, and you need not fear the spots. The eagles cannot see you while you run under me. All they will see will be the back of a buffalo. I am of the prairie and I will fall on you if I try to go up the mountains."
Little mouse ran under the buffalo, secure and hidden from the spots, but with only one eye it was frightening. The buffalo's great hooves shook the whole world each time he took a step. finally the came to a place and buffalo stopped.
"This is where I must leave you, little brother," said the buffalo.
"Thank you very much," said Jumping Mouse. "But you know, it was very frightening running under you with only one eye. I was constantly in fear of your great earth-shaking hooves."
"Your fear was for nothing," said buffalo, "For my way of walking is the sun dance way, and I always know where my hooves will fall. I now must return to the prairie, my brother, You can always find me there."
Jumping Mouse immediately began to investigate his new surroundings. There were even more things here than in the other places, busier things, and abundance of seeds and other things mice like. In his investigation of these things, Suddenly he ran upon a gray wolf who was sitting there doing absolutely nothing.
"Hello, brother wolf," Jumping Mouse said.
The wolf's ears came alert and his eyes shone. "wolf! wolf! yes, that is what I am, I am a wolf!" But then his mind dimmed again and it was not long before he sat quietly again, completely without memory as to who he was. Each time Jumping Mouse reminded him who he was, he became excited with the news, but soon would forget again.
"Such a great being," thought Jumping Mouse, "but he has no memory."
Jumping Mouse went to the center of his new place and was quiet. He listened for a very long time to the beating of his heart. Then suddenly he made up his mind. He scurried back to where the wolf sat and he spoke.
"brother wolf," Jumping Mouse said. ....
"wolf! wolf," said the wolf ....
"Please brother wolf," said Jumping Mouse, "Please listen to me. I know what will heal you. It is one of my eyes. And I want to give it to you. You are a greater being than I. I am only a mouse. Please take it."
When Jumping Mouse stopped speaking his eye flew out of his head and the wolf was made whole.
Tears fell down the cheeks of the wolf, but his little brother could not see them, for now he was blind.
"You are a great brother," said the wolf, "For now I have my memory. But now you are blind. I am the guide into the sacred mountains. I will take you there. There is a great medicine lake there. The most beautiful lake in the world. All the world is reflected there. The people, the lodges of the people, and all the beings of the prairies and skies."
"Please take me there," Jumping Mouse said. The wolf guided him through the pines to the medicine lake. Jumping Mouse drank the water from the lake. The wolf described the beauty to him.
I must leave you here," said wolf, "For I must return so that I may guide others, but I will remain with you as long as you like."
Thank you, my brother," said Jumping Mouse. "But although I am frightened to be alone, I know you must go so that you may show others the way to this place."
Jumping Mouse sat there trembling in fear. It was no use running, for he was blind, but he knew an eagle would find him here. He felt a shadow on his back and heard the sound that eagles make. He braced himself for the shock. And the eagle Hit! Jumping Mouse went to sleep.
Then he woke up. The surprise of being alive was great, but now he could see!
Everything was blurry, but the colors were beautiful.
"I can see! I can see!" said Jumping Mouse over again and again.
A blurry shape came toward Jumping Mouse. Jumping Mouse squinted hard but the shape remained a blur.
"Hello, brother," a voice said. "Do you want some medicine?"
"Some medicine for me?" asked Jumping Mouse. "Yes! Yes!"
"Then crouch down as low as you can," the voice said, "and jump as high as you can."
Jumping Mouse did as he was instructed. He crouched as low as he could and jumped! The wind caught him and carried him higher."
"Do not be afraid," the voice called to him. "Hang on to the wind and trust!"
Jumping Mouse did. He closed his eyes and hung on to the wind and it carried higher and higher. Jumping Mouse opened his eyes and they were clear, and the higher he went the clearer they became. Jumping Mouse saw his old friend upon a lily pad on the beautiful medicine lake. It was the Frog.
"You have a new name," called the frog. "You are Eagle!"

Two Wolves Story, Nation and Author unknown.

Plenty Coups, Chief of the Crows, lovingly smiled at the expectant faces of the children; their cheeks flushed from the warmth of the sacred fire that crackled and sparked throwing great shafts of amber light into the night. Plenty Coups looked deeply into the golden crystal flames as he spoke from his Heart Power, “Yesterday, I saw a wolf watching us intently from the cover of the great forest. Did you know he was there?”

The children silently answered with positive nods of their heads. The wise Chief continued, “A fight goes on inside me. It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed arrogance, self pity, guilt, racism, sexism, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and belief. The same fight is going on inside you as well as inside the white man and every other person you will meet in your lifetime.”

The children thought about this for a moment and then the smallest child, granddaughter of the great chief, respectfully asked, “Which wolf will win, Grandfather?”

Plenty Coups simply replied, “The one you feed.”

See our Schedule for upcoming events. To register or for more information, contact Jamal.

125 Tibetts Mountain Rd, Brownfield, ME 04010. 207-461-4840 E-mail us

Outdoor Skills and Safety

1) The Draw to the Wilderness
a) Spending time in nature is relaxing and healing, and is something that is ever so important in our busy lives
b) Many people do not know how to travel and be in the wilderness with safety. Our modern lives have not taught us these skills. No matter what outdoor skills and experience a person has, the natural world holds mystery enough to learn and explore for a life time.
c) This outline is geared towards a novice outdoors person who wants to learn some basic wilderness travel skills and knowledge.

2) The Essentials
a) Map
b) Compass: with clear base plate and a straight edge, string and movable dial.
c) Sunglasses and Sunscreen
d) Lunch and extra food
e) Water and water purification system (uv light pen iodine tablets, water filter pump or stove)
f) Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
g) First aid kit
h) Fire starter, matches
i) Knife
j) Whistle
k) Toilet paper
l) Insect repellant
m) Back Pack; comfort and appropriate capacity, with built in back pad
n) Emergency shelter; large contractor trash bag , bivy sack, tarp

3) Proper clothing – to keep you dry, warm, comfortable
a) Stay dry!!
b) Layering systems of clothing
c) Clothing needs to fit well; too tight and it will constrict circulation and be a potential for cold weather injury, too loose and it will be awkward.
d) Layer next to the skin should wick water away from your skin and breathe
e) Insulation layers trap air to keep you warm. This layer should not absorb much water.
f) Shell layer protects you from wind, water. This shell must breath or you’ll get wet from the inside.
g) Proper head gear will protect you from sun, rain and cold. Have an assortment of hats for all conditions. You can even layer hats.
h) Gloves will provide dexterity at the cost of less warmth and mittens will provide warmth at the cost of less dexterity.
i) Boots should be broken in and comfortable before long trips. Wear them on short trips to break them in.

Support vs. Weight. You’ll need to decide on the type of boot you need. Your choice depends on the type of activity you anticipate and the amount of ankle support you think you need. The more weight you plan on carrying and the more rugged the terrain, the more ankle and foot support you’ll need. The opposite is true. Some people have more than one pair of hiking boots from which they’ll choose.
Important considerations in hiking boots
Fit for your feet. Different companies have different lasts so you may find that certain brands of boots will work better for you.
Waterproof
Durability
Break-In; will the boot mold to your foot or does it have plastic heel and toe cups that will not form to your feet? I prefer boots that will mold to my feet.
Traction; rubber type and sole pattern
Rigidity; no shank, half shank, full shank
Fit for the sock combination that you plan to use.

j) Socks

Inner polypropylene socks
Outer wool and polyester blend socks

k) Gaiters keep debris, snow and water from entering the top of your boots.
l) Fibers

Cotton is very comfortable to wear but has the ability to soak up a large amount of water and does not dry quickly. This cloth is best used in warm weather. Do not use this fabric in cold weather as the moisture that it can hold will lead to heat loss and hypothermia.
Wool is warm and absorbs less water than cotton. It is a good insulator even when wet and is good for use in the mountains. It is relatively heavy and scratchy. Wool should be used as an insulation layer and a mild wind layer.
Synthetic clothing is really the norm in outdoor activities today. These fabrics do not hold much water, except in between the fibers, they tend to be light and strong and perform a variety of tasks.
Polypropylene and polyester are good choices for of clothing against the skin. When these fibers created in thicker layers, these fabrics are good insulation layers. .. think of fleece
Waterproof breathable fabrics consist of a nylon fabric and a waterproof/breathable membrane. This membrane has holes in it that are large enough for vapor water molecules to fit through, but too small for liquid water to fit through. These fabrics are also sprayed with an exterior coating that makes the water bead up. This can be re-applies when it wears out. This clothing can only handle so much moisture and it is easy to exceed the garments breathability capacity. Keep this clothing clean by following the washing instructions but do not over wash as this will lead to premature fabric failure.
Down is very light, compressible and insulates well, but provides almost no insulation if it gets wet. This is best in very cold and dry conditions.
Synthetic fills tend to be just as warm, but are heavier and do not compress as much. They also lose their loft sooner than down. However they do not lose their capacity to trap air when they are wet. This is the choice for cold and wet locations.

4) Nutrition and Hydration
a) Eat 2500 to 3000 calories on your outdoor sessions. This should ensure that you have plenty of food. In cold weather these calories are the fuel for keeping your internal “fires” going. Eat often and a little at a time so that your body has a steady supply of energy and does not get bogged down trying to digest a large meal. Be sure to have an emergency stash of food in case you have to spend the night out. The emergency food should be a little high sugar food, followed by a high calorie food that consists of complex carbohydrates and fat.
b) Water is the essence of life. We need to drink plenty of water to enhance our bodies abilities to deal with temperature extremes, digest food properly, maintain our circulatory system (prevent frost bite). Drinks such as coffees and caffeinated teas, energy drinks and the like are diuretics and actually steal water from your body. These should be avoided in general. In the summer drink a minimum of 2-3 quarts of water and in the winter drink a minimum of 3-4 quarts of water.

5) Weather related issues and injuries
a) What type of weather is expected during your outing? What is the most extreme type of weather possible during your outing? Be prepared.
b) Prevention through clothing, equipment, proper food and water
c) Types of heat loss

Conductive through touching something, ex) sitting on a cold rock.
Convective the chimney effect
Radiant the scientific principle of heat moving towards a cooler area
Evaporative water on you clothing or skin evaporating and cooling you off.
The wind will whisk heat away from you at an alarming rate

d) Hypothermia and frost bite
e) Hyperthermia, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

6) Judgment and Experience
a) Know thyself! Strive for an astute knowledge of your skills and preparedness and define what you can do safely. Do not let your ambitions push you outside of you safe zone.
b) Develop and practice your outdoor skills routinely.
c) Acknowledge and study the risks involved with your outdoor activities. Develop ways of lessening your exposure to the risks, minimizing the consequences of those rises where possible, and have plans to deal with the worst case scenario.
d) First aid training
e) When trying something new, minimize the risks by go with someone who is more experienced or take a class.

7) Preparedness
a) Prepare for the trip while still at home. Research your destination, expected weather, read guide books and look at the maps, collect your equipment and, buy food and prepare it for the trip.
b) Physical fitness will go a long way towards a more enjoyable experience and will potentially reduce the riskiness of your outdoor activities.
c) Emotional and mental stability are critical for safety, when venturing out into the wilderness. You will be making decisions and choices that affect your safety, the safety of your group and the safety of other hikers and the rescue community.

8) Wilderness Travel
a) Pace yourself for the distance you anticipate walking. You don’t want to walk to fast and then get tired and “crash”. Don’t walk to slow or that will also tire you out pre-maturely. Set a pace that the entire group can follow. Consider putting the slowest hiker in front to set the pace.
b) Rests; It is a good idea to stop after the first half hour and tighten straps and laces etc. Make your rest stops short so that lactic acid doesn’t have a chance to build up in your muscles. You should be able to take your pack off, to pee, eat and drink a little and then continue. It is recommended to take a 10 minute break every hour or so. The longer your breaks, the more painful it will be when you start hiking again
c) Hiking downhill is easier on your muscles, but can be a hazard to your joints and bones. More accidents happen while descending. Trekking poles will aid your balance. Tighten your boot laces so that your feet don’t jamb against the front of the boot
d) Group Hiking

Avoid following too closely so that you don’t get hit by the person’s boots or branches that were pushed aside.
Avoid lagging too far behind, so that you don’t get separated from the group.

e) Stream Crossings consider special thought. You don’t want wet feet, but you it’s too dangerous to walk through a river bed barefoot with a pack. One solution is to carry sandals just for that purpose (this would be a part of your preparedness). Another solution is to look for a log to walk across or straddle.

9) Leave No Trace Principles from the Center For Outdoor Ethics
a) Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

b) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In popular areas: Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
In pristine areas: Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

c) Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

d) Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

e) Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, and then scatter cool ashes.

f) Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

g) Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises

10) Recommended Literature and Websites
a) Back Country First Aid and Extended Care, 4th edition, Buck Tilton, The Globe Pequot Press
b) The NOLS Cookery; Experience the Art of Outdoor Cooking, National Outdoor Leadership School, Stackpole Books
c) Leave no Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.lnt.org
d) Mountaineering: The Freedom Of The Hills, Published by The Mountaineers Books
e) Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, GPS, 2nd Edition, Bob Burns, The Mountaineers Books

See our Schedule for upcoming events. To register or for more information, contact Jamal.

125 Tibetts Mountain Rd, Brownfield, ME 04010. 207-461-4840 E-mail us

Click here to download the Registration Form.

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Registration

Please contact Mountain Spirit Journeys to make sure that there is room in the program that you're interested in and that it is a good fit for you. Once we’ve confirmed you for your program fill out this registration form and mail them to us with your down payment. Please register for your program two weeks, or more, in advance as this gives us time to prepare. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you here at Mountain Spirit Journeys!

Payment Policies and Options

A $100 deposit is required for all trips and events.
Expeditions and Trips 5 days or longer require a $700 deposit.
The balance will be due at the start of the trip or event.
We accept checks and cash, credit cards are not accepted at this time.

Cancellation & Refund Policy
You may cancel reservation for a full refund or credit seven days or more before the program start date. Cancelations made less than seven days before the program start date will be charged an administration fee of $50. If you fail to cancel and don’t attend the program, you will be charged for the full cost of the program. There is a full refund given for weather related cancellations determined by MSJ.

Rental Gear
MSJ has some items available to borrow or rent. Items that we don’t carry can be rented or purchased at a number of retail stores in North Conway, NH. All rentals will be additional the above costs, unless included in a package price. You will be responsible for obtaining all necessary personal equipment for a program. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re outfitted correctly.

Group Gear
MSJ will provide all group gear such as cook stoves and kitchen supplies, communications, first aid kit, maps and navigational equipment, tents, canoeing equipment, technical climbing and kayaking equipment and the like.

When and Where
Each program is unique. Upon registration you will be notified of the specific meeting location and time. You are responsible for your own transportation. Often participants may carpool together while the guide/leader will drive a truck with the gear. Please let us know if you do not have a vehicle and we can arrange for transportation. We will mail or e-mail you the program schedule, itinerary, syllabus and equipment lists upon registration for a program.

Medical Care
Many of the activities utilized that we do are physically strenuous and are in remote wilderness area away from roads, civilization and the Emergency Medical System. We will need to know any and all medications you’re taking, prior medical issues, problematic old injuries and recent surgeries. When in doubt consult a doctor before registering for a program. Knowing your medical issues will help us create the best trip for you. We reserve the right to disqualify anyone from activities if we believe that it would unsafe for them to do so. Your safety is our number one concern.