#DailyBloggingChallenge (80/100)
Choosing the right tool for the task depends on the future requirements.
Take for example #hiking on a puddle filled path. Ideally, one would either have waterproof boots or an extra pair of shoes to change into.
If neither is applicable, then one can try to construct an optimal route with various hops to mitigate as much water contact as possible. Or one could just as well take off the shoes plus socks and do the trail #barefoot.
Doing a trail barefoot is no simple feat, since one needs to regularly train the foot muscles and harden the foot sole skin. Otherwise one will tire out too quickly and/or cannot keep the pace of the other hikers. Additionally, one will need to put a stricter focus on where one steps, not only to avoid additional pain from landing on sharp rocks, but also to avoid unnecessary slipping and twisting of the foot. Thus, if possible one should avoid stepping on mud, first because unknown objects can be hiding underneath it and secondly it can create a slick surface, thereby increasing the potential of falling and/or injury.
#DailyBloggingChallenge (81/100)
While being in the #Harz one would assume that the #BarkBeetle should carry all the blame for the dying of the forests, though after closer investigation it is only the symptom of a man made change to #ecology.
Originally the #forest was quite mixed and humankind wanted a quick way to get lumber back again, thus they chose to create a mono culture of #spruce. This in theory would be fine as long as the climate would align with the tree's ideal conditions. Though as locals have experienced in the past years this isn't the case anymore and thereby creating the ideal biotope for the bark beetle to spread like wild fire.
As much as one would assume the bark beetle to be the pest, it has its place in the ecology. Its purpose is to weed out the weak trees to create more space for the other trees and give home to various species. Killing off the beetle would in return also reduce the food source of various other species, especially larger bugs and birds.
#nature #outdoors #biology