| How to Pack for a Desert Hike Posted: 17 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT Explore the desert with a long hike, but first pack everything you need. Grab a daypack and stock it with essentials like water, food, first aid kit, extra clothing, flashlight, knife, and map. Leave some extra water, food, and medical supplies in your car, just in case. Also be sure to protect yourself from the sun with sunblock, sunscreen, a hat, and long layers. Once you have what you need, go check out the unique environment that is the desert! EditPreparing Your Daypack - Grab a lightweight backpack or fanny pack to store your gear. Function is more important than style in this case. Select a bag that has a few different pockets and is lightweight. Keep your bag as light as possible. You will put all of your supplies in your bag for easy access.
- Include a first aid kit just in case. Grab a first aid kit so you have supplies for any injury. Make sure it includes bandages, gauze, antibacterial ointment, cotton swabs, tissues, alcohol wipes, thermometer, and hand sanitizer. [1]
- Bring common medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- SAM splints are lightweight and are useful to carry in case of injury.
- If you need an EPI pen, be sure to carry it.
- Bring an inhaler if you have asthma.
- Pack at least one gallon of water per person, per day. You cannot have too much water when desert hiking. Dehydration is a serious possibility, so drink lots and drink often. The absolute minimum you should carry is one gallon per person.
- When you are halfway through your gallon, it is time to turn around.
- Make sure you have extra water in your car to rehydrate after your hike. [2]
- Bring an extra jacket if you hike at night. Desert temperatures can drop drastically as soon as the sun goes down, even below 50 degrees. Bring a jacket if you will be hiking past sunset.
- If you plan on being out past twilight, bring a thicker jacket and warmer clothes.[3]
- Bring energy-boosting, high-protein food. Eat before, during, and after your hike. Your body will burn through resources quickly in the desert, so make sure you keep refueling. Eat about twice as much as you would on a normal day. Eat things like nuts, trail mix, or beef jerky to keep energized.
- It is also helpful to eat a large breakfast before your hike. [4]
- Bring things to help you navigate, like a map, compass, and GPS. Maps are a necessary tool to help you orient yourself in the desert. Compasses or GPS devices can help you orient yourself as well. [5]
- Include a knife, multitool, and flashlight for extra preparation. You never know when you will need to scrape off a cactus spine, so bring a knife or multitool like a swiss army knife to be prepared. It is helpful to also have a headlamp or flashlight in case you are out after dark
- Pack a whistle in case of an emergency. If you are injured or encounter a threatening animal, you want to blow a whistle so other hikers or rangers can help you. Clip this to your daypack for easy access. Blow the whistle loud and clearly if you find yourself needing assistance. [6]
- Throw in a trash bag to remove any litter. Be mindful not to toss any litter into the desert on your hike. Bring a plastic shopping bag or a small garbage bag to dispose of any trash. [7]
- Put extra supplies in your car for after your hike. You will want extra water, snacks, and maybe an extra pair of clothes. After your hike, it is important to refuel with water and food since your energy will be depleted from the desert conditions. Drink some water before you leave, and change into fresh clothes if you are very sweaty.
- Desert heat is no joke, so be over-prepared rather than under-prepared. [8]
EditProtecting from the Sun - Pack and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn or sun poisoning. In the desert, you will be exposed to constant sunlight during the day. Make sure you protect yourself from harmful rays. Get sunblock with at least 75 SPF. [9]
- Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes. Because of how bright the sun will be, you want to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Don't bring an expensive pair, in case they are damaged or lost. [10]
- Wear a hat for some shade. In the desert, shade is scarce, so bring your own! Bring a wide hat for extra protection. [11]
- Pack long-sleeve, lightweight clothing to prevent sun exposure. You want your clothes to be breathable and light in color to keep you cool while hiking. Long layers can also prevent bugs or pesky plants. [12]
- It is helpful to research the wildlife and plants that are native to the area where you are hiking. Especially note any venomous creatures and read up on what to do if bitten.
- Avoid dark items, as they will absorb sunlight.
- Electronics can melt in high temperatures. Avoid bringing items that aren't necessary to prevent any malfunction.
- Extreme health risks can result from hiking in the desert, including dehydration, heat stroke, and hypothermia. Be aware of the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared for all temperatures, including dramatic temperature changes.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Carve a Pineapple Posted: 17 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT Carving a pineapple often means slicing off the ends, skin, and eyes, but there are other ways to use your knife skills to serve up visually stunning fruit. For instance, remove the flesh from a pineapple half to create a fruit basket that can hold a colorful fruit salad. Also, try slicing a quartered pineapple into chunks to create a pineapple serving tray. If pumpkins aren't available, hollow out a pineapple and turn it into a jack-o'-lantern. Carve a pineapple to impress guests and enjoy fruit in style. EditMaking a Fruit Basket - Divide the pineapple in half lengthwise. Lay the pineapple on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice through the entire pineapple, including the stem. To do this more cleanly, press the knife's tip down through the center of the pineapple, then lower the heel of the blade. Turn the pineapple around and repeat this on the other side.[1]
- Work slowly to get a clean cut that makes the pineapple basket look its best!
- Use a smaller knife to cut around the edges of the skin. Position the blade about from the pineapple's outer edge, behind any brown eye spots you see. Carefully cut all the way around the pineapple. Hold the pineapple steady with your other hand and turn it as needed.[2]
- Be careful not to pierce the bottom of the pineapple. Try using a paring knife or fillet knife to cut at the proper depth.
- If you plan on making only 1 fruit basket, select the pineapple half that looks best to you. Store the remaining half in the refrigerator after wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Make a pair of slices in the center to remove the core. Feel the pineapple to identify the hard inner section running from the stem to the bottom edge. Using a sharp knife, slice along the edges of the core, being careful not to cut through the bottom of the pineapple. Then, lift the core out with the tip of a knife or spoon.[3]
- If possible, turn the blade as you reach the bottom edge of the core. Cut underneath it to make it easier to remove while also saving the sweeter fruit around it.
- If you can't remove the core right away, leave it in place. Cut up the rest of the fruit, then scoop the core out with it.
- Slice the remaining fruit into smaller chunks and remove them. Cut across the pineapple's width. Divide the fruit into sections about thick, taking care not to break the pineapple's skin. Slide the chunks out with a knife or spoon.[4]
- Set the chunks aside in a bowl. Cut them up later to add to the fruit bowl or save them for another purpose.
- Store unused pineapple chunks by refrigerating them in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Scoop out any remaining fruit on the bottom of the pineapple. Sometimes a little bit of flesh sticks to the skin, making pineapple bowls look uneven. Use a spoon or melon baller to scrape out these pieces. Save these pieces in a separate bowl to use later.[5]
- These pieces are too small and uneven for the fruit basket, but one way to use them is to liquefy them in a blender and pour the juice over the fruit basket as a topping.
- Fill the basket with colorful, sliced fruit. Any fruit works well in the basket, so choose what you like or what happens to be in season. Break all of the fruit down into smaller pieces that will fit in the basket. For instance, cut the pineapple chunks you removed earlier into smaller pieces about in size. Mix all the fruit up and add it to the pineapple shell to create a colorful treat.[6]
- Expect to need about 4 cups (700 g) of fruit to fill each basket. This amount will vary a little depending on the size of the pineapple and the fruit used.
- Add different colors to the pineapple shell to make your fruit basket stand out. Strawberries and blackberries are a few options that add contrast to pineapple chunks.
EditCreating a Serving Tray - Cut a pineapple in half from bottom to stem. Place the pineapple on top of a cutting board and hold the pineapple still as you slice through it with a long, sharp knife. Cut down through the leafy stem to divide it as well. Work slowly to ensure you get 2 similar halves cut cleanly.[7]
- If you don't have a knife longer than the pineapple, make multiple cuts. Start in the center of the pineapple, then cut to 1 end. Turn the pineapple and cut through the other end.
- Slice the pineapple in half again to divide it into quarters. Set the pineapple on the cutting board with the cut side face up. Hold the pineapple's stem to keep it still. Cut from the stem to the bottom end of the pineapple.[8]
- Repeat this cut for the other pineapple half if you plan on serving it the same way. Otherwise, wrap it up in aluminum or plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you use it.
- Use a smaller knife to separate the core from the fruit. Choose a sharp fillet knife or something similar and lay it horizontally across the pineapple's width. Before cutting, touch the pineapple to locate the hard core running down the center. Slide the knife underneath the core, then slice down to the other end of the pineapple. As long as you don't cut the core, it will stay in place for visual effect.[9]
- Another option is to remove the core right before you divide the fruit into bite-sized pieces. From the top of the flesh, make 2 diagonal cuts, or a "V," towards the bottom of the core, then slide the core off the fruit.
- Run a knife along the skin to separate it from the fruit. While holding the pineapple still with your free hand, cut down into the flesh at 1 end. Follow the contour of the skin over and up the other side. Cut above the brown eyes, leaving about of space between the knife and the pineapple's outer edge.[10]
- If you left the core in place, avoid cutting through it. Stop your knife when it passes through the flesh.
- If your knife isn't long enough to cut all the way through the pineapple, slice about halfway through it. Turn the pineapple around so the other side faces you, then repeat the cut to free the flesh from the skin.
- Slice the fruit into triangles about thick. Divide up the loose flesh with a paring knife. Slip the knife underneath the core, cutting across the width of the pineapple. Cut straight down through the fruit to turn it into bite-sized pieces that are easy for any guest to grab.[11]
- Bigger chunks are fine, but make sure you cut the flesh up evenly so it looks visually pleasing.
- Push the pineapple chunks left and right in an alternating pattern. The pineapple pieces are not attached to the skin, so all you have to do is move them aside with your fingers. Slide them over so they stick out from underneath the core, then serve the trays as a snack.[12]
EditDesigning a Jack-O'-Lantern - Cut the top off the pineapple with a sharp knife. Lay the pineapple flat on a cutting board. Measure about down from the top of the fruit, leaving the leafy stem intact. Slice all the way through the pineapple.[13]
- The best pineapples to use for a jack-o'-lantern are ones that feel firm to the touch. Look for slightly underripe pineapples with green skin and leafy tops.
- Score an X-shape through the core. Look for the brown eyes around the pineapple's rim. Right behind 1 of the eyes, push the tip of the knife all the way down to the bottom of the pineapple. Cut diagonally through the pineapple's center and towards the opposite end. Then, remove the knife and make the second cut.[14]
- The knife may cut through the bottom of the pineapple if you aren't careful. Keep track of the knife's position and make the cuts more shallow if you think you might break the pineapple's skin.
- Use the knife to cut around the pineapple's rim. Start at the end of 1 of the diagonal cuts you made. Keep the knife behind the eyes, leaving a margin between the knife and the pineapple's skin at all times.While holding the knife vertically, slowly make a circle. Basically, you connect the ends of the other diagonal cuts to remove the inner portion of the pineapple.[15]
- Keep the knife in front of the eyes around the pineapple's rim so you have plenty of space to carve out a face later.
- Scoop out the insides with a spoon or melon baller. Remove the quartered inner flesh 1 portion at a time. Slide the spoon around the circular cut you made, then use it to leverage out the fruit. Do this as much as needed until you can see the bottom end of the pineapple.[16]
- The last bit of the core at the bottom may be a little tricky to remove. If you can't scoop it out, try cutting another "X" into it, then use the spoon or melon baller again.
- Move the pineapple chunks to a separate bowl. They are good as snacks or as part of a recipe. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them.
- Draw a face on the pineapple with a marker if you desire. Take a quick look at the outer edges of the pineapple to see if you like any side better than the rest. Then, begin sketching a face onto the pineapple's skin. If you prefer to carve the face freehanded, skip the outline and get a knife.[17]
- Choose a metallic marker, such as one with silver ink. The lighter color shows up better on a pineapple's dark skin.
- Carve out the face with a paring knife or another serrated blade. Orient the pineapple so the outline is in front of you. Then, cut out whatever design you want your jack-o'-lantern to have. For a simple design, try making 2 triangles for eyes, then a long grin with 2 square teeth in the center.[18]
- Another simple way to create a design is to use a drill to make a few holes in the skin. Place the holes where the lines meet on the pineapple's skin.
- Place a light source inside the pineapple. Light a small tea light or install an LED in the center of the pineapple. Set the top back on the pineapple when you're done. The light will shine through the parts you cut out, so you have a decoration ready for the holidays.
- If you don't plan on putting the pineapple outside right away, leave it in the refrigerator. You don't have to wrap it up. It will last at least 5 days, sometimes longer.
- If you plan on eating the pineapple, look for yellow fruit that feels a little soft to the touch. Green pineapples that feel mostly firm make for stronger jack-o'-lanterns.
- For an easier time removing a pineapple core, get a coring tool. It's inexpensive and available at most kitchen supply stores.
EditThings You'll Need EditMaking a Fruit Basket - Cutting board
- Carving knife
- Paring knife or utility knife
- Bowl
- Pineapple
EditCreating a Serving Tray - Cutting board
- Carving knife
- Paring knife or utility knife
- Pineapple
EditDesigning a Jack-O'-Lantern - Cutting board
- Carving knife
- Paring knife
- Spoon or melon baller
- Bowl
- Metallic permanent marker
- Pineapple
EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Boil Baby Bottles Posted: 17 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT Boiling your baby's bottles in water is an effective way to sterilize them. You can boil many types of bottles, such as glass, plastic, and silicone bottles, as long as the manufacturer's instructions say this is okay. Boil the bottles in a pot of water, or fill bottles partway with water and heat them in the microwave until the water boils. You might need to boil your baby's bottles before the first use, or daily if your baby was born premature, has health issues, or has been sick. EditUsing a Pot of Water on a Stove - Wash the bottles with warm soapy water first. Before you boil the bottles, wash them using warm water, dish soap, and a bottle brush. Clean all the bottles, nipples, and lids. Then, rinse the bottles and their parts in cool or warm water to get all of the soap off.[1]
- You can also place the bottles into your dishwasher to clean them before you boil them.
- Fill a large pot about 2/3 full with water and place the bottles in it. A large stockpot works best for boiling bottles. Make sure that the pot is clean, and then fill it about 2/3 of the way full with tap water. Submerge the bottles in the water completely and angle them so they are upside down.[2]
- Make sure that there are no pockets of air trapped inside of the bottles causing them to float above the surface. All of the bottles should be fully submerged. However, it's okay if the other parts of the bottles are floating in the water since they are smaller and will move around more easily.
- You may need to add a little more or less water to your pot depending on how deep it is. Just make sure that you can fully submerge the bottles in the water.
- Turn on the burner on medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Bringing the water to a boil may take around 15 to 20 minutes or longer depending on the size of your pot.[3]
- Check the water every 5 minutes or so to see when it starts boiling.
- Keep the water boiling for 10 minutes. Once the water starts to boil, set a timer for 10 minutes. Keep the heat on medium-high and let the water boil for a full 10 minutes. [4]
- If any of the bottles or parts start to float on the surface of the water, use a clean metal or wooden spoon to gently push them back under.
- Turn off the heat and place the bottles on a clean, dry dishcloth. Use a pair of tongs to carefully remove each of the bottles from the water. Pour the water in the bottles back into the pot as you pull them out. Place each of the bottles and their parts on a clean, dry dishcloth to dry.[5]
- Invert the bottles on the dishcloth or mat to help them dry faster.
- You can also place the bottles and parts onto a bottle drying mat or rack if you have one.
- The bottles will take around 1 hour to dry completely.
EditBoiling Bottles in the Microwave - Check to ensure that it is safe to boil your bottles in the microwave. Not all bottles are microwave-safe, so check the manufacturer's instructions for sterilizing before you microwave your bottles and any bottle parts, such as nipples and lids. There may be special guidelines you need to follow, or a special kit that is recommended for sterilizing in the microwave.[6]
- For example, your bottles may be microwave-safe, but the nipples might not be. Or, you might need to use a special steam bag to sterilize bottles in the microwave.
- Wash the bottles and parts with warm soapy water. Clean the bottles and bottle parts with a bottle brush, warm water, and dish soap. Then, rinse the bottles and parts with warm or cool water to remove all of the soap.[7]
- Note that you can also clean the bottles in a dishwasher before you boil them in the microwave.
- Fill the bottles halfway with tap water and place them in the microwave. Arrange the bottles so that they are upright and evenly spaced. Also, make sure that the turntable you set them on is level.[8]
- To ensure that all of the bottles get the same amount of heat, you may want to arrange them in a circle on the turntable.
- Run the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch the water through the door to see when it begins to boil. If it is not boiling by the time the minute is up, then add another 30 seconds. Once the water boils, let the microwave run for another 5 seconds and then shut it off.[9]
- For example, if the water boils at 1 minute and 20 seconds, then you could let it go for another 5 seconds and then shut the microwave off at 1 minute and 25 seconds.
- Leave the bottles in the microwave to cool for 10 minutes. After you shut off the microwave, leave the bottles in there for another 10 minutes. This will allow the hot water and steam to penetrate the bottles and also make it safer for you to you remove them.[10]
- Be cautious even after letting the water cool for 10 minutes! It may still be quite hot when you handle the bottles.
- Put on oven mitts and carefully dump out the remaining water. After you have allowed the bottles to cool in the microwave for 10 minutes, take them out 1 at a time. Grasp 1 bottle with the oven mitt and carefully dump the remaining water into the sink.[11]
- Repeat this for all of the bottles.
- Let the bottles air dry on a clean, dry dishcloth. Place the bottles upside down on a clean, dry dishcloth. Let them dry in this position for about 1 hour or until no water is visible on them. Once the bottles are dry, they are sterilized and ready to use![12]
EditKnowing When to Boil Bottles - Boil bottles once before the first use if the bottles are new or secondhand. If you have clean drinking water and your baby does not have any health concerns, then you only need to boil your baby's bottles before the first use. After that, you can wash them by hand or in your dishwasher after each use. This is true whether the bottles are brand new or you got them secondhand.[13]
- Remember to wash the bottles first, and then boil them in a pot of water or in the microwave to sanitize them.
- Sanitize your baby's bottles in boiling water daily for health reasons. If you only want to sanitize your baby's bottles before the first use, then you will only have to boil them 1 time. However, you may need to boil your baby's bottles before each use in certain situations. These include:[14]
- If your baby has been sick.
- If your baby has health issues or was born prematurely.
- If you don't have clean drinking water on tap.
- Stop boiling bottles if you notice any damage to the bottles or parts. If the bottles or parts start to warp, crack, or show other signs of damage after boiling them, then do not continue to boil them and discard the damaged bottles and parts. Not all bottles will hold up well against repeated boiling, so pay close attention to any changes to the bottles or their parts.[15]
- Always wash and dry your hands before handling your baby's bottles! This will help to ensure that they stay clean and sterilized until your baby needs them.[16]
- Use extreme care when boiling bottles! The water will be very hot and it can easily burn you if it gets on your skin.
EditReferences
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment