OAUSA Net - March 11, 2021 - Outdoor Adventure for Seniors

[KK6DYO]

Senior Skin Care

I find I used my hands much more harshly while outdoors. Cold dry air, chopping and splitting wood, setting up tents, pounding and pulling tent stakes, moving stuff to and from vehicles, cooking ... just doing much more and handling more camp chores. Couple that with "senior" skin, and I personally have a big problem with dry fingertips that tend to crack, and start hurting.

• Use sunscreen on exposed skin
• Use Chapstick or similar on lips
• Wear gloves while working with hands
• Use hand cream at night
• Fix any cracks immediately, or they will grow

This sunscreen goes on quickly and is not greasy, for face, arms, neck, and backs of hands:

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Mechanix Wear FastFit Coyote Tactical Work Gloves are inexpensive ($16) and high dexterity, yet protect the hands and are touchscreen compatible:

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A hand cream that works for me and others (five stars after 10,300 ratings on Amazon):

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And if your fingers or hand do get cracks, I've found this stuff Hibipuro (available on eBay) works great, in my opinion much better than New-Skin:
Hibipuro on eBay

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[KK6DYO]

Miscellaneous

Guess I've run out of time to prepare for this net. That 2nd Moderna shot ruined my life for a day and a half. Some random thoughts from person experience or gleaned during research.

Sleeping Well

It's especially important for seniors (maybe everyone) to get a good night's sleep.

• Avoid getting cold during the night by avoiding trips outside of your tent to the restroom.
• Pee bottles work for men and women; you might not even need to leave your sleeping bag.
  • I like a 1.5L Nalgene bottle with a distinguishing color, like yellow; wide mouth, of course. Remember that you're likely to urinate more at higher altitudes.
• I did my research ... they do exist:

  • 

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• Consider prunes for regularity
• Put your tent on a flat spot
• Keep bugs out of your tent; don't attract them by entering your tent with a light
• Get warm before going to sleep
• Enjoy the campfire; get toasty
• Tent heater (run before bed to warm yourself and sleeping bag)
• Consider wearing a wicking, thermal layer into sleeping bad (Merino wool!)
• Get into your sleeping bag while warm
• Eat a good dinner, but not just right before bedtime
• Consume small high-calorie food before bedtime
• Have high-calorie food handy in case you get cold at night
  • Note: no food in tent if bear country
• Have extra blankets (I like fleece) available just in case
• Bring a good pillow, maybe the one from home
• Hydrate well during the day, rehydrate early in the evening, but avoid fluids before bedtime
• Keep anything you might need close at hand (glasses, flashlight, firearm, water, meds, ...)
• Use ear plugs (if you're not used to other campers snoring, wind noise, tent noise, animal noise, gunshots, ...)
• Follow your daily routine: schedule, activities (e.g., reading at night)
• If you can sleep in, wear a sleep mask (eye shades) as it can get bright very early
• Consider chemical heaters in your sleeping bag
• Some people like to put a bottle filled with hot water into their sleeping bad
• Consider making and having your first heated morning drink inside your tent
• If you do feel the need to urinate during the night, just do it, don't lose sleep torturing yourself
• Get a tent that you can stand up in; makes changing easier
• Consider using a cot to raise your bed to a convenient height
• Keep a stool or chair in the tent
• There's no shame in taking a nap if you feel worn out

Conclusion

• Seniors who stay fit and healthy will enjoy the outdoors more.
• This requires attention to diet / nutrition and taking daily time for exercise.
• Seniors can improve their stamina and endurance through exercise; consult your physician or exercise professional.
• Know your limitations.
  • I have atrial fibrillation, which can strike at any time. I will never take a long, strenuous hike that ends with an uphill climb.
• Seniors need to practice their driving skills; consider taking driving or off-road training classes.
• Procure devices, equipment, furniture, and clothing that will ensure your comfort and safety outdoors.

[Jeff-OAUSA]

Even as a young'n, I'm looking forward to this Net!

Please check me in.

WD6USA
Jeff
Highland, CA

[KAP]

Please check in three old guys

Kevin KK6DGL
Jack KK6WXQ
John KM6FXI

Thank you

[Wildland909]

It’s been awhile!!! I’ Try and catch the net tonight on echo link. But if not, check me in please KN6FPT. The snow is melting and I think spring is finally coming here I Maine.

[KA9WDX]

Check in please - Thanks - Bernie

[Voodoo Blue 57]

Early checkin please!

Thanks in advance for the great net Paul.

Phil

[k9atk]

Please check inn
K9ark Brian
K9FOG TRISH
Kd0EXI cheyenne
Kd0RHA TYLER
Kd0gpe AUSTIN
Thanks

[ag6if]

Greetings from Dayton, Jim AG6IF , product spotlight for LIFEPO4 battery.

AKA Lithium Phosphate battery

I am testing a newly on the market battery that is comparing nicely with my Bioenno batts, at nearly 1/4 the price.
Bioenno is an excellent battery and I have seen dozens in use with great results. Mine have performed flawlessly,
and I do not want to knock Bioenno in any way. They sell their 20ah battery for around $227, and with a 10% off code, you can
get one for around $200 plus shipping.

I discovered a lower cost option, and decided to give it a try after a lot of research.

Lots of youtube and Rumble videos showing teardown and testing of the Miady.
They all seemed to agree that the battery was built cheaply but met every spec.

The brand is Miady, and they are making excellent and extremely low priced battery options.

The LifePo4 battery market is undergoing a huge price improvement. Battle Born, made in Reno, in my opinion,
the gold standard, has 100ah for under $1000 now.

After reviewing the data and seeing the great prices, I decided to take the plunge.

100 ah for under $400 (a couple years ago, this much capacity, if you could find it, would be $2000+)

36 ah for about $110

20 ah for mid SIXTY bucks, a couple of these in your go box will run a long time, especially if you add a solar panel to replenish the energy.

16 ah for mid fifty bucks. (I am using 2 in series for my 1500va UPS.
A 1/2 inch wider than a standard 7-8ah SLA, but length and height same. The UPS I am testing on is a 'side load' battery configuration,
so they stick out a bit, and the side panel doesn't fit on anymore. These batts should last 'forever' instead of 2 years, and provide triple the run time.

8ah for about twenty nine bucks. (perfect for a mobile go box plugged into cig lighter for aprs or vhf/uhf, workshop or other auxilary uses)

One comment about LIFEPO4 batts. They cannot be charged when temp is below freezing. Some of the premium priced batteries have a
battery management system (BMS) which will NOT allow the battery to charge below freezing, (like the Battle Born brand).

Miady and Bioenno do not have this premium capability. Both will be destroyed, if you charge them below freezing.
Something to keep in mind, if you decide to build a remote trail cam using a LIFEPO4 and a solar panel.

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For Walt ESN .. get a 12 volt USB socket or 2, and wire up your own box. (or buy something from Powerwerx)

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[H380]

Please check me in AA6AZ Bob.