Follow These Safety Tips for Hiking

Bismarck State College alumnus Heath Harmon works in the refinery industry and has earned distinction for safety. An nature enthusiast, Heath Harmon spends much of his free time outdoors. To that end, he enjoys camping, hunting, and hiking.

Although hiking is a rewarding experience that brings one closer to nature and offers solitude and stunning views, it can be quite dangerous without taking safety precautions. Properly preparing for a hike can enhance safety and even make it more enjoyable. For starter's, consider hiking with at least one other person, ideally a friend or someone you trust. Consulting a park ranger should also be a priority, especially when you are hiking in an unfamiliar area. Park rangers can relay information such as changes to terrain and the type of wildlife commonly found along the trail.

Regarding equipment, be sure to bring a printed map. Phones and GPS devices can be useful but are also unreliable due to battery power and service limitations. Make a list of other gear that might be required during the hike with and check off all items to ensure they've been packed away. Aside from a map, essential items include water, rain gear, food, and a first aid kit. 

Three Novel Ways to Book a Campsite

With a combined 30 years of professional experience, Heath Harmon has worked in exploration and production for oil fields and in construction as a carpenter, concrete finisher, and concrete labor. In his free time, Heath Harmon enjoys camping, hunting, and hiking.

Camping has become an increasingly popular activity, especially when other forms of travel aren’t an option. But sometimes traditional campsites book up fast. According to BusinessInsider, here are some nontraditional ways to book campsites.

Airbnb. Not just for houses and apartments, Airbnb also lets people post their backyards and independent campsites. Through Airbnb, campers can get access to unique camping experiences, such as a farm in Maine or a meadow in California.

Hipcamp. Billing itself the Airbnb of Camping, Hipcamp lists hundreds of campsites and RV sites, as well as glamping sites for those who want to splurge. This site is tailored towards people with campers, and includes options to filter for specific needs, such as running water and accessibility, and for desired amenities, including hot springs and waterfalls.

Tentrr. This site lists spaces offered by private landowners and some state park property, and can be filtered based on whether the camper has equipment or not. Tentrr offers unique experiences (including camping in an abandoned zoo in the Catskills), and allows users to purchase extras for their trips when they book their reservations.

The Popularity of John 3:16

An oil refinery professional with more than twenty years of experience, Heath Harmon holds a degree in Power Plant Process Technology from Bismarck State College. When he is not working, he enjoys exploring the outdoors through his pastimes of camping and hiking. As a Born-Again Believer, Heath Harmon looks to the teachings of the Bible to guide his professional and personal activities; he counts John 3:16 among his favorite Bible verses.

One of the most cherished and widely quoted verses in the Bible, John 3:16, or Chapter 3, Verse 16 of the Gospel of John of the New Testament states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Appreciation for this verse likely has to do with its concise explanation of a key tenet of the Evangelical faith. The verse so efficiently summarizes Evangelical believer teachings that it is often called “the Gospel in a nutshell”: the love of God and the idea that those who believe in Jesus Christ will find salvation. As such, it is one of the earliest introductions that many people have to the Evangelical Faith when learning about it in school.

The verse has entered popular culture on many fronts, from hand-painted posters at sporting events to printed merchandise for popular retail outlets. The restaurant chain In ‘N Out Burger has “John 3:16” printed on the bottom of every single drink cups it sells. It is also referenced in Australian country music star Keith Urban’s song, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.” 

Food Storage Methods for Backcountry Camping

Heath Harmon, a professional in the oil industry and a born-again believer in the Christian faith, enjoys a wide range of outdoor hobbies in his spare time. For example, Heath Harmon likes to go camping out in nature.

One important thing people should consider before they go camping is food storage. They will need to keep their food away from wildlife, especially if they decide to camp in an area that has a bear population nearby. Those doing this type of backcountry camping have a few different options for storing food safely.

For instance, some camping areas may have communal bear-proof metal boxes. If using this type of box to store food, campers should make sure to latch the lid securely, as bears can still get to food in an unlocked box. People on a backpacking trip or in a particularly remote area might use a bear canister. These canisters, which fit into backpacks, have screw-on lids designed to keep wildlife out. Other options for food storage include specially designed bear bags, constructed of material that bears can’t get into, to hang food from a sturdy tree limb. Of course, different camping areas will have different rules for storing food, and campers should always follow them.

What You Should Know About Snowshoeing at Red Lodge in Montana

Heath Harmon earned his associates of science degree in power plant process technology from Bismarck State College in 2018. An experienced oil and gas professional, Heath Harmon possesses skills in the areas of exploration and production, and has extensive industry-related safety training. In addition to his professional duties, Mr. Harmon enjoys snowshoeing, and has snowshoed at Red Lodge, Montana.

Red Lodge, Montana, is an ideal location to enjoy exercising outdoors while snowshoeing in the beautiful Absaroka-Beartooth mountains. Snowshoeing is possible anywhere in the area where hiking normally takes place during the summertime. The Beartooth Recreational Trails Association also provides up-to-date information on trails in the area, and can be contacted at 406-425-0698.

Located only three miles from Red Lodge, the Red Lodge Nordic Center is a popular snowshoeing facility that provides 15 km of trails and is open from late fall to early spring. Other trails in the area commonly used for snowshoeing include the West Fork of Rock Creek, Basin Creek Lakes Trail, and Silver Run Trails. Several outfitters and retailers in the area offer snowshoe rentals, and local guides are available for hire to make your Red Lodge snowshoeing experience safe and enjoyable.