Articles written by Larry Wiggins

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About me - Larry Wiggins

I believe that I am a man of many interests. For many years, professionally, I have been involved with computers. For even more years than my profession, I have been active in outdoor activities, including backpacking, canoeing, caving, and rock climbing.

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Relationships & Family > Communication (Other) Sharing personal experiences that may benefit others: 5 of 34

We measure our lives by what we do to impact the world. Most of us would like to be able to look back over our lives and see that we have made changes that affect the world so that it is better because we are here. We ask ourselves, "Have I made a difference to the world?" As we reflect on our lives, we ask this important qu...
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking Hypothermia prevention for backpackers: 1 of 5

The prevention of hypothermia is a major concern for backpackers and everyone who spends time in the outdoors. Hypothermia is the condition where the body temperature is reduced, resulting in a progressively deteriorating physical condition, even to the point of death. The principal conditions contributing to hypothermia are...
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking Basic map and compass skills: 2 of 8

All tools and equipment taken into the wilderness should be important. Conversely it is extremely foolish to lug the weight and bulk of items that you do not need. Therefore the presence of a map and compass in my pack testifies to their importance. However, no tool is useful unless you understand its use. Without this knowl...
Computers & Technology > Business & Office Software Microsoft Access tips: Building a database: 1 of 4

Businesses regardless of size accumulate large amounts of data. Perhaps the data is contained in small increments such as multiple spreadsheets or other documents. Other times the data is one spreadsheet, but that spreadsheet grows. Eventually the spreadsheet becomes cumbersome due the time the massive file takes to load or ...
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) Is it safe to keep your password on a post-it note: 3 of 11

Almost all of us have been involved in computer security in one way or another. Many of us are users that must deal with the inane security policies that are inflicted upon us. Others of us are responsible for computers and networks and are entrusted with the responsibility of keeping this equipment secure. It is very diffic...
Sports & Recreation > Watersports (Other) Tips for buying a canoe: 1 of 3

For years, I have contemplated buying a new canoe. The canoe that I presently own was purchased during a time when there were not many options as there are now. The fact that this canoe has served me for so many years testifies to the fact that I made a good choice from those few options. In order for me to buy a new canoe t...
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking Why wearing layers is essential when backpacing: 3 of 7

We backpack because we desire independence. We venture into new territories seeking adventure. We are lured by the vista around the next turn in the trail or at the top of the steep climb. However, there are risks backpacking and one of the most serious risks is hypothermia. Layering is both a tool and a technique to combat ...
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking A guide to selecting a good campsite: 8 of 18

Many memories of backpacking trips are from the campsites. We may spend more hours in the campsite than on the trail or in any other activity on the trip. On each trip we strive to find a perfect campsite that has memorable vistas, flat tent sites and other amenities. However, there is more to a campsite than its view and am...
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking The ethics of backpacking: 5 of 11

Backpacking is an activity built upon self-dependence. Everything that is needed for the trip is carried on your back. Your comfort and even your safety depend on your trip planning, physical conditioning and you camping skills. It is difficult to imagine how such an independent activity would have a system of values where a...
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking How to go to the bathroom in the woods: 5 of 11

Avoiding the bathroom while on a trip because it is smelly or otherwise repulsive can become a serious problem for campers. Going to the bathroom is a natural and necessary bodily function. On one backpacking trip a camper avoided the outhouse for several days. As a result, he developed a severe case of constipation. After t...