Posts from — March 2008

I was going through my recent issue of Backpacker and I was stoked to read all about their efforts to revamp their website, so today I decided to check it out. The site is awesome, it is chock full of information ranging from local trail recommendation to gear reviews to “how to” videos. I think anyone interested in being outdoors could definitely benefit from this well put together site. Ease of navigation and wealth of information make this newly redesigned site tops. Check it out under the “mountains” section on the right side of this page. Enjoy.

MtnMama sent me this email and I thought we could all stand a bit of common sense today:

“Recently the Administration said each one of us would get $300… it was supposed to be $800 but they dropped it to a $300 tax rebate…There are other amounts depending on individual circumstances.

HOWEVER, if we spend that money at Wal-Mart, all of the money goes to China.

If we spend it on gasoline all of it goes to the Middle East, neither of which will help the American economy.

We need to keep that money here in America, so the only way I can see to keep that money here at home is to buy microbrew beer, spend it on strippers, or play golf since those are the only businesses still in the U.S.!

Your cooperation is appreciated.”

Yeti in his natural setting. In blue, bellied up to the bar on the left.

(pic taken from Jack Quinn’s Runners site) Once again check out the earlier post on this group to find out more. Also check out this guy’s site. He seems to have all of his priorities in line. I think I am going to try and join him on one of his hash runs. So wish me luck and if I am lucky one day I will get the pleasure of being the focus of the picture…never mind I’d rather be on the sidelines.

Cheers and Beers!!!!

All different names for the same type of fire starting tinder. Essentially this is wood from a pine tree stump that has either been cut down or died naturally. The wood is super impregnated with pitch and is extremely useful as tinder for fire starting. I am going up towards Deckers, CO today to see if I can harvest any before the winter wilderness trip to Bemrose Ski Circus this weekend. If I am able to find any I will post a video of how easy it is to use and just how valuable this stuff can be.

Update: I found some yesterday but have yet to try it out. I do not think it is quite as “pitchy” as I would like but I will let you know when I try it.

Update to the Update: here is the pitchwood demo.

Update to the Update to the Update:  I just burned a piece a little larger than a quarter and it burned well for 3minutes 46 seconds. Pretty amazing stuff.

Well sort of, Juice Box is convinced that it is not real work and well hell so does MtnMama, but I consider it the real deal. I am teaching a winter wilderness survival course which basically means I get to play outdoors and get paid for it. Today however I am dragging ass and pretty tired as well as feeling the crunch of getting all of the required equipment for the students together in time. I would much rather go skiing with UTM. unfortunately I don’t think I can today…but I can this weekend!!! Wish me luck.

Just kidding. Seriously if there was an avalanche during one of your backcountry adventures would you be prepared? Do you have the necessary equipment and more importantly do you know how to use it? Uncle Travelin’ Matt does and he has posted a great article on his blog about a great place to test your avalanche beacon skills. Check it out here. And if you ever run into UTM or Bumpy listen to what they they have to say and then offer to buy them a beer!