Last Entry

As of December 31st, 2015 this Blog will end. All future entries will be on the Blog JoinRogerOutdoors on my webpage: www.RogerFulton.com under Adventure Blogs. Please join us there and at one of our many "future events" listed there.

Deleting this Blog - But with a Substitute

To all of our loyal Florida viewers,
Nearly 12,000 of you have viewed this Blog and I thank you for your loyal support over the years. But in the next few days we are going to consolidate this Blog into our Join Roger Outdoors blog because we are so seasonal.
So, please shift your subscription/favorite setting or whatever over to:
http://rogerfultonoutdoors.blogspot.com/
It will cover most of our meetups, announcements and activities on a seasonal basis. Central Florida in winter and Upstate New York in the spring/summer and fall months.
That's it. A simple switch over and we are all good.
Thanks again for your loyalty and we will continue to help you get out and enjoy the great outdoors via our continuing entries.
To do so on your own, please check out all of our outdoor titles on my webpage at:
www.RogerFulton.com for both New York and Florida titles as well as our Safe in the Woods and other titles and programs.
Thank you for your continuing support,
Roger
www.RogerFulton.com

In Florida for the Season

I have run a few outings now that I am in Florida for the "Snowbird Season". Today my Realtor friend and professional photographer Arnette Sherman snapped this photo of a casual bike ride we did at Lake Beresford Park in Deland, Florida. Stay tuned to our Join Roger Outdoors blog on my webpage for more upcoming hikes, rides and presentations between now and April in Central Florida.

See you soon at one of our outings,
Roger          www.RogerFulton.com

New article about Common Man Books

The Daily Gazette

Thursday, April 16, 2015

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Ed Noonan

Books: Authors detail best trails, water

With the warm weather finally upon us (I hope), many of you who like to hike, bike, kayak, canoe or just take a walk are lacing up sneakers and walking shoes.

For those interested in trying some new places, I’d like to introduce two gentlemen who do it all — Roger Fulton and Michael Carpenter.

Fulton is a retired state police captain who spends his winters hiking and biking through Florida and his summers seeking new trails throughout New York. Carpenter is an Adirondack Community College professor who likes to explore off-road places.

They’ve authored a group of books about outings with plenty of information. Their Common Man series now totals 31 books and destinations.

Before you say you’re not interested in hard-core hikes or power-walks up steep mountain trails, etc., you should know that these books are designed for people who enjoy being outside. They’re also great for those who might be a little older, out of shape or who like to have the grandkids and/or dogs with them.

The authors admit they like the outdoors, but don’t want to sweat a lot, so they’ve also designed these books for those who don’t have a lot of time to a take a long hike. If you’re looking for places you and your family can go and enjoy each other’s company, the surroundings and just being outdoors, the books show where and how to do it.

The series includes 15 outings in the Lake George/Saratoga region, five in the Thousand Islands region, one in Vermont, two in the Finger Lakes area and eight in Florida for snowbirds. The Lake George/Saratoga Region book includes 75 short hike trails, 50 flat-water kayak/canoe trips (25 in Lake George and 25 in Saratoga). Both areas each discuss 25 bike trails.

The beginning of each of these books contains information to help prepare for trips, including items that should be taken and a chapter called “Tips for Staying Found or Tips for Not Getting Lost,” which I believe should always be read before heading out.

There are directions on how to get to each hike, bike or water trip, where to park and what type of facilities are available, what the walking surface and elevations will be, various sites of interest and GPS coordinates. And after each activitiy, there’s a sheet for logging the trip date, weather conditions, companions, interesting observations and general notes.

Another feature I found to be very useful is the physical design of the book. Similar to a spiral binding found on a steno pad, it is pocket size, 33⁄4 inches wide by 71⁄2 long, and fits conveniently into a pocket or pack.

These books are designed for everyone, not just outdoors men/women. After reviewing several of the Common Man books, I’m confident that anyone can plan and execute a family day in the outdoors using the directions found in these books. For more information and to order a book, go to www.commonmanbooks.com or call (866) 793-0555.

While on their website, take a look at their “Safe in the Woods” book. It’s 100 pages of tips, techniques and advice for safety and survival in the outdoors.

ArcadeFrontier Advertisement

Lyme Disease Information

After a recent run-in with a tick in Florida I developed a red circle around the bite area. Fearing Lyme Disease I consulted a doctor. Since I was in Florida, I learned from the doctor that my chance of contracting Lyme Disease in Central Florida was small. So I will be fine after a few pills. But I wanted to share with all of my readers this Center for Disease Control map so you can see what geographical areas are most vulnerable. The map shows cases of Lyme Disease around the country in 2013.

Clearly the Northeast is at highest risk. Makes sense since Lyme Disease is supposedly named for Lyme, Connecticut.
So just be careful and seek medical attention for any seriously embedded tick. Go to an "urgent care" facility and let them remove it so they can identify it and best evaluate whether or not you need to be treated for Lyme Disease. Don't let it go. From all accounts, it's a debilitating illness once established.
From: Roger Fulton, author of the book Safe in the Woods - Tips, Techniques and Advice for Safety and Survival, www.RogerFulton.com.

Guarding the Nest - Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

This photo was taken 3/6/15 near the Myacca Trail at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in DeLeon Springs, Florida. She has two chicks in the nest who were camera-shy for this shot.

Join us personally for our outings there, or LWNWR is featured in our Florida hiking and biking books if you want to go alone. Email me for details at: Roger@RogerFulton.com or explore all of our titles at: www.RogerFulton.com.

Thanks for checking in.

Free Nature Tours - Every Sunday in February 2015

The West Volusia Audubon Society sponsors me to lead a 90-minute nature tour with my 60 power scope every Sunday in February, weather permitting. These tours are free and open to the public.
We meet at 3 pm at the Myacca Parking area on Mud Lake Road in DeLeon Springs, FL. Arrive a bit early to explore the Visitors Center on Mud Lake Road before heading down to Myacca.

 If you need additional information or directions contact Roger Fulton at: Roger@RogerFulton.com or afternoons and evenings at: 386-956-6089. Also check out all of his books and activities at: www.RogerFulton.com. Reservations are appreciated.