Selection of Outdoor Travel Seasons and Campsites
Selection of Outdoor Travel Seasons and Campsites:
First, let’s take a look at the climatic characteristics of spring:
(1) Large temperature variations
In early spring, the lingering chill has not yet dissipated, the weather is changeable, alternating between cold and warm, while the human skin’s surface is more permeable, weakening resistance to external pathogens. Spring is a season of sudden warmth and lingering cold, featuring the greatest temperature fluctuations, the most unstable hot and cold conditions, and frequent winds. Especially in early spring, the weather can shift from sunny and pleasant one moment to biting cold the next. If you’re not careful, you can easily catch a chill and get sick. It might be raining against the southern window today, but tomorrow the north wind could be howling; at noon it may be warm and spring-like, but by night the cold can pierce to the bone.
(2) Strong winds
Spring is a period of atmospheric circulation adjustment, with frequent activity of both cold and warm air masses. In addition to large temperature variations, dry air and frequent windy weather are other defining features. Spring is the transitional season between winter and summer, when cold and warm air masses are evenly matched and highly active, so strong winds often occur—especially in northern China. The characteristic here is the alternating occurrence of strong northerly and southerly winds, with relatively high wind force. Generally speaking, after May, the frequent occurrence of strong winds from both directions begins to subside.
Now that we know these two main characteristics, should our campsite selection in spring be more targeted?
1. Protect against cold and dampness
Stay away from damp areas (such as melting snowfields or wet mud), and keep dry to avoid getting sick.
2. Protect against wind
Choosing a sheltered spot will give you a warm refuge. Rolling around in a tent blown away by the wind is definitely not fun.
Therefore, the following points should be considered when selecting campsites in spring:
1. Sheltered from the wind
2. Sunny location
3. Tent opening positioned away from the wind direction
4. The smallest side of the tent facing the wind
5. Avoid damp ground
6. Avoid setting up under dead trees (to prevent falling timber)
7. Avoid cliff tops and bases (to prevent falling rocks)
8. Avoid damaged walls and buildings (to prevent collapse)
II. Summer
Most of China is located in the northern temperate zone, where summers are generally hot. China lies on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, and in summer it is influenced by the Western Pacific High Pressure Zone, the West Asian Low Pressure Zone, and the Siberian West High Pressure Zone, placing it at the intersection of warm and cold currents, which leads to frequent rainfall in summer. Personally, I’ve always believed that summer is the season campers should be most cautious about. Due to the higher amount of rainfall in summer, we should choose dry, flat ground with slightly sloped terrain and well-draining soil.
Natural disasters caused by rain include:
(1) Floods
Cause: Persistent rainfall leading to sudden surges of water
Warning signs: Clear water turning murky
Setting up camp near streams in valleys (downstream) or riverbeds during the rainy season is generally unwise. Keep your distance from water—especially near gently sloping water edges or valleys...
(2) Lightning Strikes:
Lightning, a magnificent yet awe-inspiring natural phenomenon accompanied by flashes and thunder, is one of the ten most severe natural disasters listed by the United Nations International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. For outdoor enthusiasts, lightning poses a serious threat, with an extremely high fatality rate for those struck. Therefore, camping in high places (such as mountain peaks, ridges, or areas with protrusions), under large trees (or shrubs), in open areas, near metal objects or railway tracks, or at the entrances of caves can easily be seen as tempting fate—beware of getting struck by lightning!!!!!!!
(3) Landslides
Landslides (mostly occurring during the rainy season and after earthquakes) are commonly found on slopes, river and lake shores, and coastlines. Collapses generally happen in rocky areas with well-developed fissures and fractured structures, especially on steep slopes over 50 meters high or along the banks of rivers, lakes, and seas.
It’s important to note that landslides are more likely to occur when the orientation of rock layers and fissure planes aligns with the slope direction. Therefore, during summer, it’s wise to avoid setting up camp in areas with loose rock structures or on steep slopes.
Pathfinder Donkey, Outdoor Adventure & Self-Drive Travel Network.