How to relax in nature in summer. How to organize outdoor recreation. Amazing facts about wilderness holidays
Five out of seven days a week, most Russians start the same way. They are woken up by the demanding sound of the alarm clock - this means that it’s time to pull themselves out of bed to begin the chaotic preparation for work. The day following the morning passes in bustle and struggle with sleep and boredom, and the evening is spent worrying that tomorrow everything will happen again. The picture is bleak, but this is the life modern man has chosen for himself. Someone will argue that this is a necessity, because you need money for food, beautiful things, jewelry and a good car. It’s hard to disagree with this, but it’s worth at least sometimes breaking out of your daily routine and leaving the stuffy metropolis. Outside it is a completely different reality. Instead of acrid smog - transparent, clean air, instead of gray faceless buildings - emerald green forests and fields.
It’s not at all necessary to quit your job and become an uncompromising downshifter. Sometimes it’s enough to relax in nature to calm your nerves and gain peace of mind. This type of leisure is good because it does not require huge expenses. There are beautiful places in every region and every district of our vast country. How nice it is to sit on the shore of a lake in front of a burning fire, listening to the chirping of grasshoppers and the songs of friends. Outdoor recreation will become even more exciting if you combine it with some sport or hobby. Here everyone is free to choose for themselves, especially since there is plenty to choose from.
Near the city
If you're short on time or spending time outdoors is still new, you can start by trying to spend a day at the nearest amusement park. They are usually taken outside the city or built inside large urban park areas. In such parks, people are offered various entertainment: an obstacle course, a rope course, go-karting, paintball, playgrounds, attractions and much more. Some parks attract their guests with something special. A bird park has become popular in the Kaluga region. In the Ugra National Park, which is located nearby, very unusual landscape architecture objects are located in the open air.
Tourism
People who travel outside their usual place of residence for a holiday for more than a day are called tourists. The simplest and most accessible type of tourism is outdoor recreation with tents. It is good because it does not require large expenses and long fees. It’s enough just to load everything you need into a backpack or car trunk, and go on a long or not so long journey. You can stop for the night in any place you like. True, before your first trip you will still have to fork out money for tents, kettles, sleeping bags and other camping equipment.
Hiking does not necessarily involve camping. A more comfortable option is camping. This is an equipped camp for tourists, which has toilets, parking areas, barbecue areas and even small houses for living. Typically, in campsites, a tourist has the opportunity to choose from several ways to spend the night: in a tent, in a car, in a house. There are not many places for camping in Russia yet. Those that are found are most often located near the water, so that you can combine relaxation with fishing. But in our native lands there are many tourist centers.
It’s one thing to go out into the countryside with tents, and another to go hiking. Hikes can be short or long, on foot or by bike. They usually go on a hike in groups, having drawn up a route in advance with the designation of stopping places. This type of relaxation is undoubtedly good for health.
Holidays in the mountains
For active people, sitting around a fire in a close circle of friends or marching across rough terrain is not enough. They learned to combine relaxation in their native lands with extreme sports. Usually a specific sport is tied to a specific natural object - mountains, rivers, seas, lakes, etc.
People flock to the North Caucasus hoping to climb the highest peak in Russia - Elbrus. This cannot be done without certain skills and climbing equipment. Mountaineering is a truly extreme sport, involving not only a struggle with natural conditions, but also with oneself. It is developed in all parts of the country where there are mountains: in the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East.
While climbers strive for mountain peaks, speleologists study mountains from the inside. Descent into caves is no less dangerous than mountaineering, requiring caution and excellent preparation. You can try your hand at speleology even in central Russia. To do this, just find abandoned quarries.
Relaxation on the water
Water is another element that provides endless opportunities for recreation and sports. Surfing - many of us are accustomed to thinking that these sports can be practiced exclusively on exotic islands or the coast of Miami. This is a huge misconception.
Countries such as Egypt, Vietnam, and the island of Palau are considered a mecca for divers, but in Russia there are several bodies of water suitable for exploring the depths of the sea. There are some very extreme ones among them. For example, the White Sea, which is part of the Arctic Ocean. Lake Baikal also attracts divers from all over the world.
Surfers need high waves to ride their boards. Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet them in Russia, but it is still possible. You should go to Vladivostok, Kaliningrad or St. Petersburg to look for them.
Kitesurfers move through the waves by controlling a kite that floats in the air. In Windsurfing, a sail is attached to the board for this purpose. In both cases, sea waves alone are not enough. A necessary condition for windsurfing and kitesurfing is wind. It blows steadily in the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory - Yeisk and Anapa.
There is a winter version of kitesurfing called kite surfing due to the absence of a board. Alpine skiing is used instead. When kiting, you need to glide on ice, not water. Any large frozen body of water is suitable for them to practice.
Rafting, canoeing and kayaking have taken root in Russia since Soviet times. This is due to the fact that the entire country is dotted with a network of rivers, both lowland and mountainous. All these sports are based on mountain river rafting. The only difference is the vessel that is used for this. The best places for such extreme sports are Altai and Karelia.
On a warm summer day, you can always ride along a river or lake on a boat, catamaran, or jet ski.
Ski resorts
Rest can be associated not only with natural objects, but also with a certain time of year. If in the summer residents of Russia try to find at least a few days for a trip to the sea, then in the winter they relax at ski resorts.
The largest concentration of ski resorts is located in the mountains or at their foot. Where flat terrain predominates, ski slopes are built on river banks or artificial slopes are built. At ski resorts you can combine downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, skating and tubing with relaxation in comfortable conditions.
In the summer, many ski resorts are retrained into tourist centers with playgrounds and a beach area near the nearest body of water.
On vacation for health
Not everyone loves extreme sports. Many people prefer to spend their holidays at health resorts. They are built next to natural sources of healing mud, mineral waters, and in places with a favorable climate. The country's main climatic health resorts are located in the Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory, and the balneological and mud health resorts are in the Stavropol Territory. At such resorts, special routes are laid out for health improvement - health paths. Their length can be up to several kilometers.
Vacation with benefits
Outdoor recreation can bring not only health benefits, but also material benefits. Who among us has not gone to the forest to pick mushrooms and berries? “Silent” hunting gives you the opportunity to be alone with nature, and at the same time gather raw materials for tasty winter preparations. Fishing and hunting can also bring benefits, but only with certain experience. First of all, fishermen and hunters strive to enjoy their hobbies.
Few states can boast such a variety of landscapes, water bodies, climatic and natural zones as in Russia. The favorable geographical location and impressive size of the country open up great opportunities for tourism. Every new day can be the beginning of a small, but adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime. To do this, it’s enough to take a day off from work and go fishing or hiking with friends, or maybe buy a ticket to Kaliningrad to see for yourself that there are excellent waves there. It all depends on personal preferences. In any case, outdoor recreation will allow you to forget about everyday problems and learn something new about your country.
0Winter has come: it’s snowy on the streets, the thermometer shows sub-zero temperatures, the day has turned into a short period before the next night. Each of us has our own impressions and expectations of the cold season. But there are many ways to make winter a positive one. Vegetarian offers eight entertainment options to suit every taste. Save it in memory - it will come in handy!
1. Your own extreme hike
The cold is a challenge. A way out of your comfort zone, which means an opportunity to make yourself stronger. So no need to be sad at home - pack your backpacks! It's simple: frost has a beneficial effect on the body. Walking with moderate physical activity turns outdoor recreation into a healthy activity.
Open the city map. Determine your hiking route based on your personal preferences. It is advisable to move away from city streets and go into nature. But it’s not far – there’s always a risk of getting lost. Follow the rules of the hike and don’t exhaust yourself – walking over rough terrain should be enjoyable. Or show your imagination and plan your route right along the city streets. Interesting things can be found everywhere!
What to take with you: thermos, food supply, map, compass.
What will you get?: a boost of energy, a great mood, pride in yourself and lots and lots of photographs.
2. Communication with birds
It’s especially difficult for birds in winter, so from childhood we are taught to make feeders and fill them with cereal. If you want to spend a winter day usefully (helping nature), educationally (get to know the animal world better) and interestingly (communicating with animals and watching them is always exciting), then take some bird treats and go outside!
Feed the birds. See how they willingly gather near the feeder and gain strength. To relieve stress and overexertion, it is useful to simply admire nature.
If there is a body of water nearby (river, lake), then feed the ducks. They readily respond to grains thrown into water.
3. Winter options for summer sports
Skiing, sledding, hockey (if you're lucky with a playground) - all this, of course, is great. And we advise everyone to go through this list. But you can diversify your active recreation even more: football on a snow-covered field, tennis right under the windows of your house, volleyball at a school stadium... All these “non-winter” sports have one feature after the snow falls - falling now doesn’t hurt!
Snow and warm clothing soften falls. Now you can show your free-flying skills by jumping for the ball or defending the goal from a ball flying into the top nine. Everything looks a little more cheerful in winter.
There are no weather restrictions for the sport - it just performs in a new, still unfamiliar form. That's all.
4. Greyhound racing
Dogs can enjoy the snow like children. Many people get them to spend more time outdoors, and they certainly never get boring! You just need to take your dog with you and run out into the snow. All. After a couple of minutes, you will be rushing across the virgin snow after your pet, and then he will follow you. A storm of emotions and fun is guaranteed!
The result: both you and your pet are wet, tired, but happy, warming up at home (with your tongues hanging out to your side).
5. Winter fun for children
Young parents know this firsthand. Are you bored at home? Take your child and go outside! No weather can curb the desire for fun in young children! And this is worth learning.
Turn into children and then you will only enjoy winter. Snow? We quickly grabbed our hats, mittens, sleds and headed to the hill! Cold? A couple of descents and it will already be hot. Forget about everything – just ride!
And so 2-3 times a week, before meals, 60 minutes of skiing, snow battles and catching snowflakes in your mouth. Health and excellent tone are guaranteed! The best psychological relief you can think of.
Say hello to wet clothes, pink faces and the widest smiles!
6. Toughen up!
An endless number of hardening methods are available on the global network - choose to suit your taste. Three months of the cold season are an excellent period for strengthening the body and getting used to new health procedures.
Here are a couple of tips:
Spend at least an hour outdoors every day. In any weather, even in rain or snowstorm. Dress for the weather, but don't overdo it (overheating is very harmful). The body, inhaling cold air, will gradually get used to low temperatures and become stronger.
Set a goal. For example, taking a dip in an ice hole at Epiphany or rubbing yourself with snow twice a week. It stimulates and motivates.
Take care of yourself. The mistake of beginner “walruses” is heroism. There is no need to try to show how brave and daring you are by diving into a snowdrift on the first day. After wiping/bathing, dry yourself with a dry towel, drink warm tea, and warm up.
7. Picnic in nature? Why not!
In the summer everyone goes to nature. Massive trips to the river and overnight stays in picturesque forests are the norm, if not an obligation. But in winter the movement freezes and goes into hibernation. Maybe it's worth taking a risk, huh?
It is worth taking care of a warm tent (they are not that expensive, but they will always protect you from wind and snowfall). A blanket and sleeping bag for insulation will be just in time. And then everything is according to your taste. Only in winter, focus on warm foods and dishes. I am sure that if you make hot chocolate over a fire surrounded by snow-covered trees, you will remain a fan of winter picnics forever.
8. Walk under the starry sky
And finally - a little romance and dreams. The winter sky is clear and bright. Haven't you noticed that stars are especially attractive in frosty weather? No? Then it's worth checking.
Dress warmly. Take a thermos with tea and chocolate with you. Go outside late in the evening or even at night and walk under the lights. Stop in a quiet place and stand for 10 minutes watching the sky. There is no need to rush, give yourself time to enjoy the beauty. It sounds too “sweet”, but try it anyway.
One tip: When you look at the stars, don’t throw your head back for too long, otherwise your neck will hurt.
Each of us can expand this list. Add your points and make this winter truly positive!
Dmitry Shevko
Do you know how to properly relax in nature?
The time has come when you don’t want to sit in the apartment at all, there is no need to wrap yourself in a warm blanket and drink tea with raspberry jam, and watching movies can be postponed until the slushy and cold autumn.
Yes, it’s almost summer, the first greenery has appeared on the trees, the first yellowness of the dandelions, and the desire to go out of town, have a picnic, barbecue and wash it down with something mildly or strongly alcoholic.
But do we know how to behave correctly at that very picnic, where you can have it, where and how to light a fire, and where to hide to wash down the barbecue with vodka or wine?
Yes, we are very serious about this matter; you can’t grill a barbecue in a park or square and you can’t drink beer on a bench.
To begin with, it is important to know and remember that you must take all your trash with you after the picnic. You can take it straight home, or you can throw it in the nearest trash container.
By the way, this morning I was walking the dog and taking out the trash in one go, and the local cleaning lady told me that two large bags of dishes and food were found in the container today. The dishes were good, the food was neatly placed in containers, there were skewers. Most likely, someone threw away dishes and food instead of garbage, and took the garbage home. Is it enough? Maybe people drank a little more or got tired in the heat on the way, so they threw away the wrong thing...
So, it is simply necessary to clean up the trash after yourself, but you can also grab what was left over from the previous hosts of the picnic. It’s not hard, but it will be pleasing to the eyes and will add a plus to your karma.
If you choose the wrong fire pit at a picnic outside the city, you can easily receive a fine of 12 basic units.
True, if they want to give these values to someone, then they will give them. You can even reach the stake and give, if not 12, then at least some, and not necessarily for the fire.
However, in order to at least try to avoid this very fine, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations The fireplace should be no closer than 15 meters from trees and buildings.
But even if you chose the right place and lit a fire, this does not mean that a fire is completely excluded.
It is imperative to choose a place where the fire pit is placed on sand or clay.
Well, that's it. A fire pit has been chosen, the fire is burning, the kebabs are being grilled, and dry wine is being poured over them. Everything is laid out, the vegetables and sauces are prepared, the aromas haunt you, it’s time to drink.
But do you know where you can drink alcoholic drinks in nature, so as not to receive the next fine of up to 8 basic units?
So, as it turns out, you can also drink in nature. And drink as much as you like. The main thing is that other people do not see you and your friends. Cool, but true. You can’t even catch the eye of people just like you who have come from the bustle of the city to the countryside, to rest a little, relax, eat a piece of meat and wash it down with something high. But not only you and your company should hide from people in nature, others should do the same. This is the very rest when no one sees anyone and no one bothers anyone.
But a picnic is not only a trip out of town with barbecue and alcohol. You can take a couple of sandwiches, some water and go relax and sunbathe in a park, square, or sit comfortably on the lawn near your house.
Do you know about this? This can often be seen in Europe, it used to be like that here too, but now it’s not. People are afraid to have picnics and recreation on city lawns, although they are not prohibited at all.
Do you know that you can relax and sunbathe in any swimsuit and any swimming trunks on all city lawns and this is not considered hooliganism, and they cannot give a fine for this? Although, as I said above, if they wish, they can come up with something else and still give a fine.
But you can only sunbathe topless on the beach. On any beach. And until someone decides that you are hurting their feelings. But some can decide only out of envy, that the eye sees but the tooth is numb.
Are you planning to go hiking? The weather should already allow you to spend your free time somewhere in the forest with friends and family. Fresh air is always good, but you shouldn’t go on a hike unprepared. This review has collected several very practical tips on this matter, each of which will be useful.
1. Salad packaging
Instead of carrying heavy bowls, spoons and tons of plastic utensils, place salads in deep plastic glasses, cover them with lids and attach a fork to each.
2. Mosquito protection
Cut several lemons in half, stick clove seeds into them and place them around the chosen picnic area. The smell of lemon and cloves will repel mosquitoes and prevent them from spoiling your outdoor recreation.
3. Mobile stove
It will be much more convenient to prepare small snacks and desserts on a small mobile stove, which is very easy to make from a small tin can, cardboard and wax. Simply fill an existing jar with cut cardboard and pour melted wax over it so that there are no voids or holes left between the cardboard.
4. Scotch tape or adhesive tape
When going on a picnic or hiking, be sure to take tape or adhesive tape with you. With its help, you can remove a tick, seal wounds, scratches or calluses, fix parts for a canopy and fasten small parts together. And in order not to carry a whole package of adhesive tape with you, just wrap 10-15 cm on a regular lighter and put it in your pocket.
5. More warmth
To prevent picnic participants from freezing, light a separate fire for warmth. And in order for such a fire to burn out more slowly and provide more heat, the branches need to be stacked on logs, and not on the ground, like a regular one.
6. Tourist washbasin
Having chosen a comfortable place for your future picnic, do not forget to take care of a place for washing your hands. To do this, cut the bottom off a large plastic bottle, fill it with water and hang it on a tree using rope or tape.
7. Sealed packaging
To prevent matches, lighters, paper and other tools for lighting a fire and simply valuables from becoming damp from moisture, place them in a glass jar and close the lid tightly.
8. Perfect marinade
Surprise your friends with the spicy and unusual taste of meat by preparing an original coffee marinade for it. To do this, pour 4 tablespoons of any ground coffee into a saucepan, add a liter of water, put on fire and bring to a boil. Slightly cooled coffee should be strained and salt, pepper, a little olive oil and a few finely chopped onions should be added to the drink. Pour the resulting liquid over the sliced meat and leave for 12 hours.
9. Bleeding
If one of the picnic participants inadvertently cuts himself, and there is no first aid kit at hand, regular sugar, which should be poured over the damaged area, will help stop the bleeding.
10. Travel microwave
You can build an excellent camping “microwave” from an ordinary cardboard box and foil. Place it in the sun and use it to warm small portions of food and snacks.
11. Lighter
To prevent lighting a fire from becoming a problem, use special flammable materials. They can be made from pieces of woolen fabric, cotton pads and threads. All this needs to be packed into the cells of a cardboard tray for eggs, filled with melted wax and cut into separate pieces.
12. Place to relax
Despite the fact that the weather outside the window is already sunny and quite warm, the earth has not yet had time to dry out and warm up enough. Therefore, when going on a picnic, in addition to the bedding, take with you an oilcloth or a camping mat. This will protect the litter from cold, moisture and dampness.
13. Cutlery
Did you arrive at the place and realize that you didn’t take a single spoon with you? Do not despair. This cutlery can be easily cut from a plastic bottle.
14. Waterproof shoes
When going on a picnic, do not forget to take care of the comfort of your feet. It is better to pre-treat rag shoes with beeswax or a special water-repellent agent so that they do not become damp from moisture and dew. It also doesn't hurt to bring a spare pair of socks.
15. First aid kit
Even if you are not going to spend a lot of time in nature, a minimum set of medications will still not hurt. Be sure to take wound treatment, bandages and painkillers with you. It also helps to protect yourself from the sun, insects and ticks.
16. Stuffed champignons
To make your lunch satisfying and memorable, don't limit yourself to just meat. For example, prepare a delicious appetizer of champignons, the large caps of which can be stuffed with finely chopped and fried chicken, onions, cheese and vegetables, and then fried over a fire for 10 minutes.
17. Beverage protection
Make a hole for a straw in the center of a paper muffin tin and use it to keep debris and bugs out of your drink.
Video bonus:
Continuing the theme and will definitely come in handy on a hike!
Instructions
You can do anything you want in nature, but it’s better if it’s a relaxing holiday that brings pleasure, rather than immersing yourself in a laptop and writing.
The most popular outdoor pastime is, of course, a traditional meal with smoky kebabs, a huge watermelon and a basket of fresh vegetables. It is pleasant to spend time at a picnic in a large company, where everyone will take on a certain role in organizing joint leisure time.
Pine cones or toy trees
Paper or Whatman paper
Take a large sheet of paper or glue several small ones together. Paint the paper black so that the fallen snow can be seen on it. Wait for the paint to dry. Build a city with your child from a wooden construction set and place it on painted paper. Cones can represent trees, cubes and other construction toys can turn into houses. Place small toys that your child likes to play with. If you wish, you can even create a zoo in the city with animal figures. Don't forget to find a place in your city for cars and a toy train.
Tell your child a fairy tale about this city. The fact that the residents of this fabulous city have never seen snow in their lives. They dreamed of seeing him, touching him and playing with him. So they turned to Mother Nature and asked her to send snow to their city. And Mother Nature responded and sent a lot of snow to this fabulous city. At this point, take a sieve and pour flour into it. Let your child sift flour onto the resulting city. Tell the story further: tell me that snow fell everywhere, on houses and roads. The residents were very happy and began shouting: “Hurray, snow! How wonderful and cold it is!”
When all the “snow” lies on the city streets, invite your child to clean it with different brushes - thick and thin. Remove snow with shovels - small spoons. Let the city residents clear the snow from the roofs of their houses and the roads. To do this, use brushes or directly with your fingers to draw roads for cars or tracks for a toy train. Accompany all this with comments to make it even more interesting for your child. You can play this game for a long time, again collecting “snow” and pouring it onto the city. Come up with your own continuation of the fairy tale. Your child will love it! You can film the game on so you can remember later how fun and interesting it was!