Twas just before Christmas, when all through Cape May
Some shoppers were puzzled, some filled with dismay.
What to get their birder friends was getting them down
They couldn’t find the right gift anywhere in town.
A new field guide, a new novel by Dunne,
A birder would be happy with either one.
Perhaps a new sweatshirt, or warm fleece lined vest,
So many questions, but who would know best?
While sipping a latte and checking out Exit Zero,
I found the answer; I found my hero!
I grabbed my free copy, and rushed out the door,
Excited and eager to get to the store.
Straight down Sunset, a quick turn on Lighthouse,
For gifts for my birding friends, and even my spouse.
A hat, shirt, jacket, and tote.
Some jewelry, puzzles, and books that Dunne wrote.
So many choices, so many things
Did you know they even have toe rings!
With knowledgeable staff who are eager to help
You won’t have to spend hours scanning the shelves.
Get your list ready, there’s no need to worry
Just head on down to the Cape May Bird Observatory.
With best wishes for the happiest of holidays from all the staff of the Cape May Bird Observatory !
The Cape May Bird Observatory is THE place for anything to do with nature. CMBO (609.884.2736) is located at 701 East Lake Drive overlooking lovely Lake Lily in Cape May Point and is open 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day – except Tuesdays for your shopping pleasure. We will be closed beginning Christmas Eve (12/24) through New Years Day (1/1). If you have any questions at all, ask any of our staff or volunteers – they are always glad to help with anything you need – even things you didn’t know you needed yet. While there, check out the view of the lake from the wide selection of scopes and binoculars, the latest in books, and some great new and fun merchandise – including our exclusive CMBO logo jewelry, clothing, jackets, hats, and scarves. Too much to choose from – or just not sure? Gift certificates are available in any denomination – or perhaps a gift membership – or a packet of 10 walk tickets. You can pick up a schedule of daily walks and programs for the season, scan the bookshelves, pick up a bargain from the used and vintage books section, look at some of the wonderful Charley Harper merchandise, or just browse around. And if you aren’t fortunate enough to be in the area, visit our website where birding Cape May is only a click away. Or call us at 609.884.2736, we’re glad to do mail orders, too!
With cold fronts growing increasingly colder and windier, it is perhaps worthwhile to review some of the basic principles behind keeping warm.
There’s a saying among devout outdoor recreationists: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. Within limits, this is true. Many pages could be written about how to dress for warmth in foul conditions, but here are a half dozen essential principles to keep in mind.
1. The base layer is more important than what you put on top of it. The base layer is the one next to your skin, a.k.a your “thermal underwear,” and performs two critical functions. First, it creates a layer of warmed air next to your skin that cold has a hard time penetrating, or more accurately, makes it harder for warmth to depart your body. Second (if it’s the right stuff), it will “wick” moisture away from your skin. To do this, it must fit snugly (not tightly), must be of a moisture wicking material (NOT cotton or wool), and must be of a weight befitting the conditions. Different brands use different ratings according to warmth, typically along the lines of light, medium, and heavy or expedition weight. The expedition weight stuff is tempting, and that’s what I wear in extreme conditions (mine is sold under the brand name of MTP by Cabela’s), but most of the time it’s too warm. You can always put more clothes on top, because. . .
2. If two layers are good, five are better. Most people are familiar with the concept of layering clothing, which leaves you flexible as conditions change. Layers also trap air, and air is a poor conductor of heat away from your body. When it’s really cold I have five or six layers on my upper body – for example, two of the Cabela’s MTP underwear (the second one a turtleneck), then a fleece sweater by Mountain Hardwear, then a fleece jacket by The North Face that zips to my chin, then a lightweight, incredibly warm Micropuff jacket by Patagonia. Pay attention to layering down as well as up. For example, take a bunch of stuff off if you are going into a restaurant or for an extended drive. Moisture-wicking base layers are great, but have limits, and if you bead up with sweat, you will wind up with damp inner garments. When that happens, nothing short of doing jumping jacks continuously can keep you warm then.
3. Keep your head and neck covered. Wear an inner layering garment like a turtleneck or fleece jacket that zips up to your chin. Then carefully place a fleece neck gaiter over the neck-covering garment but under your outer jacket to seal off all heat loss through the neck opening in your clothes. A properly worn neck gaiter adds a good 10 degrees of warmth. Wear a heavy wool or fleece cap – if it’s windy, choose a cap with some kind of wind protection material. Consider wearing two hats, one right over the other.
4. Warm hands. Wear Gore-tex lined, Thinsulate-insulated gloves with a wicking inner liner. If your hands always get cold, drop a disposable handwarmer in each glove. Make sure your sleeves are not too tight, just snug enough to keep drafts out. Otherwise you will lose circulation to your hands, something you do not want to happen.
5. Warm feet. The base layer is important here, too. I generally opt for heavy wool-synthetic blended socks that wick moisture (mine are sold under the brand name Ultimax). Plain wool socks seem never to conform properly to feet. For boots, insulated leather boots are great for dry conditions, insulated pac-boots with rubber bottoms are the way to go if it is cold and wet. Leg gaiters add a lot of warmth, so I often wear them even if there is no snow. Foot gear must not be tight – you are better off with lighter socks than heavy socks if they make your boots too tight. I don’t often need them, but when I do, disposable foot warmers make all the difference on super-cold days. I use a brand called “Toasty-toes,” which are designed to stick lightly under your toes. I wear them on top of the toes, which is much more comfortable.
6. Buy less, but buy good stuff. As a general rule, I tend to look at what rock climbers, alpinists, backpackers, whitewater boaters, and similar ultra-intense outdoor enthusiasts are using for gear. These folks are not shopping at big box stores. Brands I regard highly include Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, The North Face, Outdoor Research, REI, Eastern Mountain Sports, and Cabela’s. Good gear is expensive, initially – but it works, it lasts, and some companies have extended or unconditional warranties.