For this awesome Leatherman!!!

Not really but come on $40,000!!! Holy crap!! How many of these will really sell? I mean it is unique I think only 25 will be made I just cannot justify it.

However I bet JuiceBox has three!!

These days as the almighty dollar thins and we find it difficult to make ends meet often we allow the great causes that we support to go by the way side. I just wanted to make sure that we outdoors lovers not allow some great protectors of the things we love to go un-aided.

Keep in mind there are a ton of great causes out there eager for your support, give wisely and keep these organizations going. If you have any recommendations feel free to let us know!

I.M.B.A. International Mountain Bicycling Association

Access Fund Non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the climbing environment

A.H.S. American Hiking Society

Microbreweries List of local breweries near you!

It seems like when ever I look around for news concerning the outdoors all to often the news hangs like a black cloud. All doom and gloom with no real fun or encouraging news.

So today I was quite pleased to hear about a group called Pedals for Progress.

If you want to read about a great program that has handed out over 115,000 bikes around the world check out their site!!!

What’s more is they are also helping develop non profit repair shops to aid in maintaining the bike so the new owners have a way to keep their bikes dialed in as well as adding to the local economic base.

Good work Pedals for Progress!!!!

Volunteering. That’s right we all must do our part to help society out, whether it be picking up garbage, helping a little old lady cross the street or volunteering for a Craft Lagerfest! We are proud to join the ranks of voluntary laborers across the globe sacrificing time and skill to better not only myself but also to help those in need. It just so happens that we am helping like minded folks, you know craft brew drinkers, lushes like us!!! Come one come all.

Another quick note, the contact for this festival is Jason Yester who along with Todd Walton will soon be opening Trinity Brewing which will more than likely be one of the best brew pubs the Front Range has to offer!!!

This lady was out hiking on her property and was mauled by a bear. More than likely a result of the loss of habitat in the California mountains due to the recent fires.

She had two big dogs with her and was still mauled pretty good, kind of makes you think about the balance between man and nature. She was able to get away from the bear and drive herself to find help!

If nature ever got really really pissed, humans, with our soft skin, lack of sharp pointy teeth or claws we really wouldn’t stand a chance…unless we pave the world. Wait a minute, maybe that is why the wally worlds and super mega churches are so popular. They take up an insane amount of land and pave what ever they can. That explains it! Come on folks it is o.k., they are protecting us from all of the animals that want to eat us. Now why didn’t I realize that earlier!!!!

(for those of you that can not figure it out…JuiceBox, that was pure sarcasm)

However if this bear ever comes for my stash there will be a war and I WILL win, never get between a Yeti and his beer!!

The bear picture was not one of the bears mentioned in either article but does show how bears are doing their best to blend in and assimilate into human society.

UTM posted recently raving about his Keen sandals the other day, so it got me thinking about some of the gear that I dig. There are a few things that I dig and use almost daily, and I figured while I am not by any means an expert I do know what I like and dislike about some of my gear so I figured I would share my experiences.

Take note that I have added a “Gear Review” section in the categories listed above. This category will house my likes “High Five” and dislikes “Kick in the Nuts” primarily concerning gear but I could branch out into other things such as beer, events, places, etc… you get the picture. Feel free to let me know what you think. Oh and I must warn you any negativity concerning PBR will not be tolerated and you will most assuredly have to deal with Brownie should you choose to bash this fine beer.

The first such gear choice are my beloved Chacos. High Fives all the way!!!!! For those of you not familiar with this product be prepared to be amazed. I personally give the UpaDowna endorsement to the Chaco Z/1. I have had these for a few years now and can not even begin to tell you how awesome these are. I have hiked extensively, waded in rivers and lakes, swam, played ultimate frisbee, climbed boulders and trees, explored waterfalls, biked, drank beer and tons more in these amazing sandals.

Their ultra grippy vibram soles never give up and if they do, Chacos can be resoled!! If the strap wears out they can replace it!!! Buckle breaks you guessed it, it can be replaced! Seriously think about a pair of sandals that you can use forever. Just replace the worn out part and you are off for the next adventure. Average repair turn around time is 5 days once they receive them.

As with anything there is always something negative, and for Chacos it is no different. The price is about the only negative aspect since they hover right around $100. However put it in context. These are the LAST pair of sandals you will EVER need. That money is well spent, hell Chacos are an investment that makes great sense.

So I cannot say enough about these rugged do it all sandals. If you don’t have a pair yet GO GET ONE.