Burt Ren – Hope Street Magazine

Preparing for a Successful Himalayan Adventure Trek

Himalayan mountain trekking is a fun-filled activity for all ages and skill levels. Trekking to the Himalayas starts with choosing the appropriate destination. Depending on where you live or your preferred activity, the mountain trekking experience can be as simple or as challenging as you like. The three popular Himalayan treks include: Everest expedition, Manaslu trek, and Tsum Valley trek. All three of these adventures start at different high altitudes and have a different focus depending on the route you take.

The Three passes trek is a thrilling adventure in the great mountains of Nepal. It begins at the famous Khumbu Valley and covers some of the more spectacular spots of Nepal including Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, and the villages of Dolpo, Langtang, and Dhaulagiri. This trek covers some of the most photographed spots in all of Nepal, making it a very popular hiking experience. In addition to the three famous areas that the Three passes trek covers, it also traverses the regions of Tsum Valley, Thimpu, and Kathmandu valleys.

Adventure seekers from across the globe come to Nepal each year to experience the thrill of Himalayan mountain trekking. Despite the popularity of the trek, there are still several risks to be aware of. The three most dangerous areas of trekking include: Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, and Dolpo. These are all high altitudes. While adventure seekers will enjoy the scenery and challenging terrain found in them, they are also at risk for the risk of altitude sickness, which commonly develops after spending a day at high altitude. Altitude sickness is similar to high altitude pulmonaryitis and can cause serious health complications, including death.

It is important to consider the preparation needed before going on a trek, and the mountain trekking needs that are involved in preparing for an expedition. The first step is to plan out the time and location of where you want to go trekking. This includes determining if you have the ability to trek safely, and what your equipment needs will be. You should also decide how you will acquire the necessary food and equipment. For example, if you plan to carry food and supplies on trekking trips, you should make sure that the food is nutritious or carry enough food to survive for two days.

Another consideration for your mountain trekking needs is the preparation of food and supplies. If you will be carrying food storage in your backpack, it is important that it is lightweight and does not weigh too much. It is also advisable to avoid carrying consumables such as water and food that require refrigeration. A better option would be to carry portable food and water supplies. Again, you should keep in mind that the weight of the supplies will depend on your backpack, so having a backpack that can carry the weight of your supplies without becoming tiring is advisable.

Mountain trekking can be a very challenging task. Therefore, you should make sure that you have all the preparations required beforehand to avoid any delays or problems during your trekking trip. One of the main considerations for your trekking preparation is the weather and climatic conditions. Nepal is famous for its pleasant climate year-round, but the most common months for trekking are June, July and August, when temperatures are moderate and suitable for trekking. There are other favorable months for trekking, especially during monsoon when the weather is warm and favorable for trekking.

Water is another vital component of your mountain trekking gear. It’s advisable to carry a lot of water, so that you won’t be tempted to drink from streams or lakes. Water purifying bottles should also be carried. Some travelers prefer to bring their own water purifying bottles, but if you can’t bring them with you, it’s advisable to rent a water purifying bottle from a trekking store in Nepal.

Another important preparation measure for the journey would be the appropriate clothing. Your clothes should include comfortable hiking boots, sunshorts, thermal long Johns, shirts, thermal fleece jackets and thermal hats. Your shoes should offer you the necessary traction for your trekking expeditions. You may also need to carry your tent and cooking equipment, depending on the nature of your adventure. If you’re an experienced trekker, you can purchase your own tents and cooking equipment online from a reputable retailer.

Tips for Buying Your Next Snow Blower

How Much Snow Do You Get?

If you take a step back and look at this buying decision objectively, the first and most obvious question you’re going to ask yourself is how much snow do you get? Are you up north in Minnesota, New England, or similar? If so, you know that you’re potentially in for some seriously heavy piles of snow and you should be planning accordingly.

If you’re more towards the center of the country where snowfall happens but is more manageable, then you can probably get away with a machine that’s a bit lighter duty, and you’ll save not only on the purchase price but also on how much effort you’ll have to put in to move the snow blower around.

What Does Your Yard’s Terrain Look Like?

The other major factor to consider is what the layout of your yard presents for challenges. If you have a large area to clear or you have lots of hills and uneven terrain then you’re going to need a machine that can handle some of those challenges, rather than relying entirely on your strength and resilience.

Once you’ve evaluated these two factors it’s fairly simple guide yourself to the right type of snow blower by knowing the basics of the terminology.

Snow Blower Types

When it comes to snow blowers you’re usually buying from one of a few trusted brands. The main difference is going to be in the type of snow blower you buy.

At its most basic is a single-stage snow blower. These are going to be the more affordable options, and that’s because they’re fairly simple machines stripped down of any bells and whistles. These are for light to moderate snowfall, not heavy and slushy snow and certainly not a lot of it. Single-stage snow blowers are not self-propelled, so you’ll have to do the bulk of the work yourself.

Then, of course, there are two-stage snow blowers, and probably the bulk of the products you’ll see out there fall into this range. These are a bit more expensive than single-stage snow blowers, but they are usually somewhat more robust machines. The deal with the second stage is that it has the ability to engage the wheels, so the machine can actually push throw the snow for you. Not only is this helpful with snow removal, but it’s also nice for just getting the snow blower around as they can be quite heavy as the size becomes larger.

Last but certainly not least there are three-stage snow blowers. These are for the fiercest of the fierce winter storms. They have everything you’d expect from a two-stage snow blower, but in addition, they have a second set of augers that rotate at a faster speed than the main auger to help in breaking up the snow so that it can be thrown far away. These are a must-have if you live in regions with frequent and heavy snowfall.

So that’s all there really is to it in a nutshell. Hopefully you have what you need to find the perfect snow blower for home. Any questions, we’re always here for you!

Brief Guide To Replacing Your Garage Door Opener

Brands

One thing that you’ll notice right away is that there are quite a few brands that all offer relatively similar products. The main brands to stick to for best results are Chamberlain, Liftmaster, and Ryobi. The first two tend to specialize in garage door openers, whereas the latter makes garage door openers amongst a myriad of power tools and home devices. All have good reviews, so if you stick to these three you’ll probably be in good shape.

There is reason to get behind a brand that specializes in garage door openers such as Chamberlain or LiftMaster. This is their only game, so they’re going to make their best effort. That’s not to take away from the years of expertise that a brand like Ryobi can accumulate from making a variety of products, though. Their engineers have seen all sorts of products over the years, so they know what different components are best suited for different purposes.

Mode of Action

The other main buying factor that you’ll want to consider is how the garage door opener actually lifts the door from a mechanical point of view. The three most common designs you’ll come across are chain drive, belt drive, and direct drive.

Chain drive is certainly the most affordable option, and probably the design you’ll come across most often. To be honest, they’ll probably be completely fine for your needs. However, chains have a lot of potential breakage points so it’s entirely possible that you may need to make repairs more quickly than other designs. They are also probably the loudest type of garage door opener you can get, in case that is of any concern to you.

Belt drive designs are very similar to chain drive designs, except that the use a belt rather than a chain. Belts are much quieter in general and tend to be able to withstand less of a load than a chain would. If for any reason the garage door was trying to raise against a load (say, for example, the garage door is locked), there is the chance that the belt might break and need replacement. They also can wear out over time much like the alternator belt on your car would. Luckily, belts are fairly easy to swap out.

The Kingpin design in the world of garage door openers is the direct drive. These are going to give you the best of all worlds with quiet operation and durability. You won’t get out of maintaining them though as they’ll still need lubrication, but if you have a bit of extra cash it may be worth springing for one of these. They’re not too expensive after all.

Hopefully this article helps you quickly narrow down your search in your time of need. I know this situation can be frustrating, and any little bit of guidance can be helpful. I hope you make it through with minimal issue!

Tips For Buying Your Teenager an Electric Skateboard

How To Avoid Poor Quality Dog Foods For Your Pup

Select “complete and balanced” dog foods

These magic words are not just catchy advertising; they are the official seal from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that a certain food contains the nutrients that dogs need. This is called the nutritional adequacy statement, and it can help you feel at ease that the food you are giving your puppy is well-rounded. The AAFCO upholds strict standards for pet foods, and its seal of approval is a good first step in evaluating a food for your dog.

Look for the age, weight and breed recommendations

Some dog owners mistakenly believe that their puppy is just a smaller version of an adult dog, but dogs need different nutrient formulations at different stages of their lives. Puppies, for instance, need a more calorie-dense diet to fuel their growing bodies. A quality dog food label will clearly state that it is suitable for puppies or for “all life stages.”

Avoid grain-free foods

Unless your pup has been officially diagnosed with a grain allergy, don’t fall for the hype of grain-free dog food. Dogs are not strict carnivores and thrive on a diet that includes meat, grains, fruits and vegetables. These ingredients are not “fillers,” they are essential to your puppy’s health and well-being. In fact, scientists are currently exploring an apparent link between grain-free diets and heart disease in some dog breeds.

Know the code words of nutritional labeling

The wording used to describe any given food can actually tell you how much of it is included in the formula. For example, simple words like “beef” or “chicken” indicate that the protein makes up 95% of the total product. Additional words like “dinner,” “platter,” “entree,” or “nuggets” are used when the protein comprises 25% of the total product. The word “with” is used to indicate that the ingredient comprises 3% of the formula. Finally, stay far away from products that only list beef or chicken “flavoring.” This means that only a trace amount is present. A trace amount of protein certainly is not enough for your growing pup!

Ask the pet food company about sourcing

Though quality control and sourcing information is not required on pet food labels, you can always call the pet food company and inquire. Speaking with a customer service representative about where ingredients are sourced from can really tell you a lot about a company’s reputability and openness. If the company has nothing to hide, they will be all too glad to tell you about the high-quality ingredients they use.

The food that you choose for your puppy can have a huge impact on their life. Selecting a high-quality food that is rich in nutrients can help your pup grow strong, avoid disease, and live a long and happy life. Though a low-quality food may be temptingly cheap, it may cost you more in the end through veterinarian’s bills and worry over your beloved pup. Armed with these tips and a little guidance from your trusted veterinarian, you are ready to pick a brand and formula that not only fits your budget but also fits your pup’s needs.

When and Why You Should Consider a Whole House Water Filter For Your Home

Tips for Removing Stubborn Grease Build-Up From Your Kitchen Stove

Leave a Comment / Duties, Kitchen / By Burt Ren

You use your stove every day and do you best to wipe it clean when all is said and done. Even with the best of your efforts, you’re bound to see grease building up on the surface on the surface. That doesn’t mean it is time to buy a new stove. With a few tips that are tried and true, you can make your stove look like new all over again. Say goodbye to that pesky grease by giving these helpful hints a try.

Try Baking Soda

If you would prefer to go with a natural method, you can use baking soda. You’ll need about a half cup. Place the baking soda into a bowl and add water a teaspoon at a time until you have created a paste from the mixture. Dip your cleaning cloth or rag into the mixture and apply to the stove wherever it is needed. Continue until you don’t see anymore grease or stains on your stove. You’ll need to take a fresh, damp cloth to wipe away the mixture. Dry the stove with another cloth and it will look like new. You can also try another alternative with baking soda. Grab the box and sprinkle it over the surface of your stove and beneath your burners. Add hydrogen peroxide. It will make the baking soda fizz up and cleaning off the surface of your stove will be easy.

Don’t Forget Dish Soap

Dish soap, or dish detergent, can also be effective when you want to eliminate grease on your stove. Set aside a bowl with hot water. Dip your rag or dishcloth in the water. Apply a coating of hot water on your stove to tackle that stubborn grease. Add dish soap to your water and continue to scrub. If you still have resistant grease, try squirting a few dabs of dish soap on the stove. Keep scrubbing, using your “elbow grease” until that pesky grease is wiped away on your stove. Dip your cloth in hot water to wipe the surface clean, getting rid of any remaining soap and debris. Dry and your stove will be in tiptop shape again.

Make a White Vinegar Spray

You can blend your own white vinegar spray. You’ll put twice as much water as vinegar in a spray bottle, apply it to the surface of your stove, and wipe away the grease.

Add a Dash of Lemon with Baking Soda

Grab your trusty box of baking soda again. Sprinkle it on top of your stove. Slice a lemon. Take one slice and rub it all over the top of your stove. The two will work together as a classic combination that will naturally cleanse your stove. It will smell delightful as well.

Break Out the Vegetable Oil

You might think that adding any type of oil to the mix would just make it worse. However, a little bit of vegetable oil will loosen up the stains on the surface of your stove. You’ll want to get your regular kitchen cleaner next. Spray the surface to wipe away the oil and remaining grime on your stove.

Give Oven Cleaner a Shot

Oven cleaner that you typically spray in the oven is highly effective as well. You’ll take the removable parts off of the stove first and set them aside. Lay them on paper towel or newspaper. Spray down the surface of your stove with your oven cleaner. Make sure that there is plenty of ventilation while you do so. Crack a window or run a fan. You’ll want to let it go to work for a few hours before you grab a cloth or rag and dip it in hot water. Wipe everything clean and your stove will gleam.

Use Rubbing Alcohol Mixed with Salt

You’ll need four times as much rubbing alcohol as salt mixed in a bowl. Grab a rag or cloth, dip it in the mixture, and apply it to the surface of your stove top. You’ll see the grease stains gradually lifting away, revealing the clean surface of your stove once again. Wipe it clean with a cloth dipped in hot water when you are done.

Top Things Every First Time Dog Owner Should Know

Dog-proofing your home is a must

New pets are curious and want to check out everything — including things that could be dangerous. Get on your hands and knees and look at things from your dog’s level. What do you see? Good precautions include securing cabinet doors where toxic chemicals are stored, making sure electrical cords are out of reach and moving potentially toxic houseplants to higher ground.

Don’t anthropomorphize. Dogs are not people, too!

Canine behaviorists warn that dogs don’t experience many uniquely human emotions. Feelings like guilt, anger and spite are not part of how dogs operate. It’s a common mistake to anthropomorphize dogs — treat them as if they have the same characteristics as humans — but it leads to fundamental communication errors.

It’s tempting to try to frame your puppy’s antics in a way you understand, but thinking your dog ate your best shoes because he was mad at you for being gone too long leads to training mistakes that too often result in short, unhappy relationships.

Boot camp should start on day one

It’s never too early to teach your puppy good manners. Define your expectations for your dog’s behavior and don’t fall into the trap of allowing naughty habits because it’s cute or because you think she doesn’t know any better — of course she doesn’t!

Dogs aren’t born inherently knowing what acceptable behavior is in a human household. Good manners must be taught and consistently reinforced, which is why many dog owners turn to training collars as their puppy is learning – just make sure you find a collar from a reputable brand. Helping your dog be a model citizen is the key to many happy years together.

Socialized dogs are the best companions

Many troublesome canine behaviors develop because of lack of socialization. Pets of any age can benefit from training to make them more situation-friendly, but making your dog comfortable with a wide range of people, places and activities is best approached before he’s four months old.

If you want a dog that is relaxed and well-behaved in any setting, start socialization early. Take him for road trips and visits to the pet store. Let him romp in the dog park and meet new friends. Ultimately, your dog’s familiarity with most situations will determine his comfort level and his behavior.

Nutrition counts

There is no specific formula for how often you should feed your dog, but what you put in his bowl should meet all of his nutritional needs. Check the label for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that certifies the food is “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage. Foods for puppies, adult and senior dogs are formulated differently and the subtle differences can make a significant health impact.

When considering which dog food to by, price isn’t always a guarantee of optimal nutrition, but brands with superior ingredients get better results. Your dog will have a healthy coat that sheds less and there will be less to pick up in the pooper scooper!

Create a rainy day fund for pet care expenses

Some pet care expenses are predictable and there should be room in the budget for food and basic veterinary care, but surprise costs can threaten to derail your financial plans or worse, put you in a position in which you can’t give your dog the care he needs.

Things like boarding fees if you have to go out of town or medical care for a significant injury can add up quickly. Pet insurance is an option for veterinary bills, but starting a rainy day fund the day you bring your new dog home will cover the unexpected.

Building a relationship with your new dog takes time and patience, but with a little know-how, you’ll be on the right track. Relax, have fun, and don’t worry — you’ll learn the rest along the way.