Adventures in Good Company

Wool gloves and mittens

2010-07-06T07:22:00.003-04:00

I just returned from another trip where my wool mittens saved someone's hands whose synthetic gloves had gotten soaked and useless. I love synthetic materials for long underwear; capilene, polypropylene, thermax etc really do keep insulating after they're wet and they dry quickly. I am a little less sold on their reported ability to "wick" moisture away because my skin still feels damp - but the point is that even if I feel damp but I'm not cold, unlike the times I've worn cotton in cold weather.

Synthetic gloves, however, are a different issue. They may be able to handle dampness that comes from your hand sweating. But if your gloves get wet because you are hiking in the rain or whitewater rafting and temperatures are cool or cold (and why else would you be wearing gloves?), they are worse than useless. Really, bare hands are better.

But better still? Wool. Outdoorspeople used wools for years as their major insulating layer. But wool is bulkier, heavier, and takes longer to dry. So for long underwear, synthetic materials have been a major improvement (although newer forms of wool have been making a comeback in this area). For mittens and gloves however, in any situation where your hands are likely to get wet, wool wins hands down.

Sea kayaking in Greece, May 2011

2010-06-30T15:05:00.006-04:00

Greece offers the world traveler so many sites to see. Being in Athens alone is a powerful, unbelievable experience - to be standing beneath the Acropolis, one of the oldest monuments of Western civilization feels exciting and humbling. But there are also places to satisfy the adventure traveler as well. And to us, we think there is nothing better than combining physical activity with historical exploration and, of course, delicious food.

The first time we offered a Greece trip, in 2007, we offered a sea kayaking trip. Not only was it a unique way to travel in Greece, it was a way to combine physical activity, the ease and tranquility of kayaking, exploring the geological features up close, camp on remote beaches, all while visiting small villages and eating in local tavernas in a part of Greece fewer tourists visit.

For the past 2 years we traded paddles for poles (trekking) and have offered hiking in the Cyclades - also a wonderful way and part of Greece to see! For 2011, we hope to offer both. The kayaking trip is back on the schedule because, basically we like it and want to promote kayaking in countries you probably wouldn't think of for paddling destinations.

But why is this trip for you? You love kayaking. You want to go to Greece. You want a trip where all the details are taken care of and you can truly relax. You want to experience more of Greek food than Gyros. You want an active vacation in a destination worth spending another week in seeing the historical sites.

Or how about - The color of water that is a deep blue like no other I have seen. Contrasting with the white cliffs and the green olive trees makes the sea even more magnificent. Swimming in warm seas that create spectacular buoyancy. Wind patterns that, for at least half the day, leave the seas really calm - which make for excellent paddling, swimming and snorkeling. Fresh fruit breaks. Stopping at small Greek fishing villages that are all the more special because we have gotten there by our own physical power. Visiting the Acropolis, the island of Ithaca (homeland of Odysseus) and Delphi. Not to mention the food - greek salad, souvlaki, fresh fish, skordalia, olives, wine, beer and Greek coffees - Opa!

Seriously - don't you want this to be your vacation? - deb

Hydration Packs

2010-06-22T16:02:00.004-04:00

We have written in previous blogs, newsletter articles and in the notes section of our packing list about hydration packs. But now that it is summer, and hot outside and we really will feel more thirsty I wanted to emphasize again why this piece of equipment is superior to water bottles.

For those of you who are not familiar with this - a hydration pack is a water bladder (usually 50-100 oz./1.5 -3 L ranges) that fits inside a lightweight backpack and has a long tube that stretches from the water bladder, through the pack and around to the front of you (when you wear it). There is some type of bite valve on the tube that allows you to "bite and suck" when need be, but it closes off when you want it to just hang loosely. I got my first Camelbak hydration pack for bicycling, but now I carry it for hiking and sometimes even bring it for kayaking as well.

1) You will drink more, drink more regularly and stay better hydrated. With the tube in easy reach of your hands and mouth, you can drink as you move along, as often as you want or need to. You don't need to stop and get your water out of your pack, take your hands off the handlebars of to get your bottle out of its cage or even stop paddling very long for a quick drink.
Plus it is fun to drink from a long straw!

2) The fact that it is fitted in a fanny pack or backpack, means you also have extra room to carry camera, wallet, rain jacket, bike tools, snack, etc. The packs vary in extra cargo sizes, so pick one that is right for you. Some people object to wearing a pack while they bicycle, but honestly I hardly notice mine, and being better-hydrated makes it worth a bit of sweat on my back.

3) The water stays cold/cool longer. How many times have you stopped to drink out of your water bottle on a hot hike only to find it the palatability of bath-water? The hydration pack keeps the contents of the water bladder cold for quite a while, especially when you put ice in it. You can also freeze the bladder when it is half full, take it out the following day, top it off with water and the ice chunk will melt even more slowly than ice cubes throughout the day. The top layer of water is not always cold, but there is nothing more refreshing than sipping through that layer and hitting icy cold water in the middle of a 50 mile bike ride or 10 mile hike. You can also try and blow the water in the tube back into the bladder after drinking.

4) You can carry a larger quantity of water. Getting a 70 oz or 96 oz. bladder allows you to carry a lot of water pretty easily and all in one space. You would need 3 to 4 water bottles to equal that. You don't have to fill it totally full if you don't want, but I have been on several hikes and bike rides where I drank everything in the pack. And as you drink, the bladder empties, as opposed to drinking out of a bottle - you still have to carry the bottle around once it is empty. Better for traveling on a plane as well - takes up less space in your luggage for the equal or more water capacity.

5) Though I find that my bladder has stayed much more clean and less smelly than any of my water bottles, they do need to be cleaned, as does the tube. It is inadviseable to put flavoring in your water in the hydration bladder due to the difficulty of thoroughly washing the tube. In that case bring a smaller water bottle for your Elixir/Gatorade/Crystal Light/etc. and leave the bladder for water only. Most bladders have wide mouth/ziplock-type opening which makes it easier to clean as well as to fill with ice and fill in a variety of water sources (though many bladders are not compatible with water filters)

The hydration pack is certainly not suitable for every situation (like winter sports or high altitude trekking). But more often than not it is the ideal choice for staying superbly hydrated while being active in the outdoors. Won't you convert today? -- deb

a shampoo alternative

2010-06-03T15:55:00.002-04:00

We got an email from a woman yesterday with a suggestion of an item to add to our packing list and also along the theme of packing light. Since it is a bit hard to describe in a short list, I thought I'd post more about it here.

Lisa writes: I now carry bar shampoo after repeatedly having my little bottles of shampoo crushed and spilling out in my suitcase or backpack - even through zip lock bags. After my shampoo bottle got crushed while I was in Nepal, I used some of the solid shampoo one of the other ladies had. She works for the airlines (travels a lot) and she has been packing solid shampoo for years. It was great. It doesn't stay as "wet" like normal bar soap, you can dry it off with a towel. You make the lather by rubbing the soap between your hands and then washing your hair.

It comes in a metal tin, but any metal tin to transport it will work. The other good thing about bar shampoo (I use Lush shampoo) is that it doesn't have to go into that little baggie you have to put all your liquids in at the airport.

I (deb) have not tried any of the solid shampoo bars, but what i read on the internet certainly makes it compelling: Solid shampoos have no preservatives (no liquid content so they don't need any), need very little packaging and are very light to carry around with you. And - Shampoo Bars – They last longer than most relationships!

Zen and the Art of Traveling

2010-05-20T18:06:00.002-04:00

I almost had an emotional meltdown in the Atlanta airport yesterday. Seriously. First my plane was delayed coming out of Paris, then there was no gate available when we arrived in Atlanta, and then I had to wait 25 minutes for a piece of luggage that I had paid an extra 60 euros for to take it through customs- and it never arrived. By the time I realized it wasn't going to, it was 15 minutes before my connecting flight to Baltimore and I still had to go through customs, drop my other bag off, go through security, and then take the tram to another terminal. I got there probably 5 minutes after the gate closed. And although they rebooked me on another flight that was supposed to leave 2.5 hours later at 9:30 pm, I almost started crying. Partly because I had been so close, partly because they had lost my bag, and probably mostly because at this point I had been in transit for 18 hours. (Had I known that this next flight was going to be delayed 30 minutes so I missed my ride home from the airport and ended on a SuperShuttle that wandered all over downtown Baltimore before finally depositing me at home at 1:30 am, I probably would have had my meltdown.)

So I was on the verge of tears and thinking that traveling had gotten to be such a hassle that maybe I would just give it up. The total absurdity of that thought brought me to my senses. After all, I had just had an amazing 10 days in Italy and here I was getting home 4 hours later than I planned - not 4 days, like the people stranded by the volcanic ash which would have been me if the trip had been 3 weeks earlier. 4 hours. And I had been in Italy!

The truth is that airplane travel is more of a hassle these days. Planes are more crowded, all the airlines are trying to generate money with a variety of fees, morale among airline employees is low and it often comes out in their customer service, delays are common, and if your flight is cancelled for any reason you could be delayed for days. For some people that may be enough to make them decide not to travel, a rational response. But for me, the thought of giving up travel is a nonstarter. I love travel: I love going to new places and returning to places I've been before, meeting new people, trying new food, and thinking new thoughts. And now that I've had some sleep, I know that not only is the hassle of travel well worth it, I even get to practice accepting things as they are. And one more thing-it has confirmed my intention to never have more than a carry on bag ever again.-- Marian

Get motivated to exercise

2010-05-18T15:33:00.005-04:00

Surefire  Tips  for  the  Motivationally  Impaired 
One of the more toxic myths about exercise is that it has to be something you endure. Not true. Somewhere between the windowless gym and the mind-numbing routine, many of us have forgotten that staying fit should be FUN. If enjoying yourself while you workout sounds like good advice, check out these surefire tips from our partner Fit for Trips to help you sustain enthusiasm and stay on the fitness track, no matter what.

Play  hooky 
At least once a week, skip the dumbbells and exercise routine and go play soccer with the kids, take the bike for a spin, hit the tennis courts, dust off the sea kayak and put in for an evening paddle. Or gather up some friends and shoot hoops at the park like you did when you were a raucous teenager, but with the adult after-perk of a celebratory beer. And remember, fun doesn’t necessarily mean easy. Your kids will outrun you, outsmart you, and basically whip your a..ss, but you’ll be so busy laughing and wheezing you’ll barley notice.

Tune In 
If sweating in silence isn’t your gig, crank up the iPod and travel the world with global music playlists from NationalGeographic.com
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/resources/downloads.html
listen to a Best Seller from Audible.com , or prep for your trip with free language
guides from Worldnomads.com
http://journals.worldnomads.com/language-guides/

Meet Up
Tired of going solo? Meet other local fitness buffs, trade tips, find a workout/gym partner and stay motivated with like-minded friends at Fitness.Meetup.com, the world’s largest network of local groups. With 3,290 groups, 440,044 members, in 1004 cities across 24 countries Meetup for fitness is a no-brainer for connecting locally or globally.

About Fit for Trips:
Fit for Trips has partnered with us to provide customized pre-departure fitness programs for active travelers wanting to be in optimal physical condition for their next adventure. For more information on trip-specific programs visit: www.fitfortrips.com .

travelling with cell phones

2010-05-11T14:10:00.002-04:00

I resisted getting a cell phone for a long time. I believed if I was away from work or home, messages could always wait. It wasn't until I started guiding more that I decided it was a good idea for me to have one. The office could get a hold of me if need be, participants, and even my family (and vice versa). I also realized that it was a great resource for making local calls to outfitters, hotels, or even 911.

I find that now, when I travel, I always take my phone with me, especially internationally. This creates a host of complications as you need a phone that is GSM compatible and unlocked, have a converter to recharge the phone battery (or use a solar charger), and a local sim card or a cell phone plan that doesn't charge you an arm and a leg to use the phone on roaming. (see here for more information: http://www.ehow.com/how_2111795_use-cell-phone-internationally.html)

Many people opt to leave their cell phones at home when they go on a trip, particularly an international one. I say: don't! We have had 2 trips just in the past 2 months that had folks with major travel delays. One woman left her cell phone at home and while she was able to find a pay phones to get in touch with me, it cost her a fair amount of money, plus she had to wait to find a pay phone. The others were stranded due to the volcanic ash situation and had to get in touch with us several times for updates both to their travels and how they would meet the group when they arrived. Fortunately, both times the guides had cell phones that could be reached as well.

I definitely still prefer trips where I am away from electronics and truly "out of touch". But I also bring my cell along. You can always turn it off and stick it in your suitcase! It is good to have, just in case. - Deb

Plug it in - transformers and adapters

2010-04-26T14:39:00.003-04:00

Many of our trips go to international destinations. And we often get asked: will there be a place I can plug in my rechargeable camera battery or recharge a cell phone or plug in a hairdryer?

Even if there is an outlet to plug these electronics and appliances into, you will probably need a plug adaptor and a power converter to use them. What does all this mean?

Most US and Canadian small appliances and electronics operate on 110v-120v. In most other countries, they operate on 220v-240v. This means that most of the time if you tried to plug your 110v cell phone charger into a 220 v outlet, it would not work. What you need is a three-tier power converter/transformer that will transform the 220v to be compatible with the North American current. Where this gets complicated is that some US appliances and electronics actually will work without the transformer. Many cameras and computers actually have a dual voltage range of up to 220v and therefore can be charged/used without the converter. How do you know? Look for the voltage rating on your appliance, if the rating states something similar to 100V~220V then your product is dual voltage and you do not need a transformer/converter. If it says 110V or 120V, then it is a single voltage and will need a transformer to use abroad in 220v countries.

Once you know whether you need a transformer/converter, then you need to determine what type. You want to select the converter according to the the wattage rating of your appliance (volts x amps = watts). Recommended is a converter that is at least 25% higher than your product's wattage rating. For something like a hairdryer or a power tool - something that surges when you turn them on, you want a transformer/converter at least double the wattage rating. Most travel specialty stores should be able to help you get the right transformer.

But remember: this is only half of the equation. What you need no matter what the electrical current is, is a plug adapter. This item changes the shape of the prongs of your plug (which are flat prong in the US) to the shape of the plug in the other country (which is typically round in Europe, but can be a combo of other shapes/angles elsewhere). You can consult a travel shop or look on line to see what worldwide plug adapter you may need.

If it all seems too confusing, you can go to an electronics store in the country you are visiting and get the apdapter there. They know what will work in their country. Enjoy! deb

Handy uses for bandannas

2010-03-31T16:25:00.002-04:00

We often include bandannas on our packing list and people often ask, "do we really need one?"

True, it is not essential, but it is incredible multi-useful and here are just 5 suggestions:

1) For your head. You can use it in lieu of a hat to cover the top of your head. You can use it as a sweatband around your forehead to keep sweat and sunscreen from running in your eyes. You can wet it in a cold stream and either wrap around your head or tie it around the back of your neck. This will cool your body temperature down a couple degrees.

2) For your lunch. You can use it as a napkin, or like a plate to hold your sandwich. You can pour some of the trail mix into it and use it like a little sack to eat you loose snack out of. You could even use it to collect wild blueberries or raspberries should you be lucky enough to find ripe berries.

3) First aid. You can use it as a cold compress on bumps and bruises. You can use it as a makeshift sling for an arm. You could use it to secure a splint. Or should you need it, you could use it as a tourniquet to stop bleeding.

4) As a pot holder. I am sure there are many uses for a bandana in a camping kitchen, but my favorite and most common use is when I am cooking over a stove and need something like an oven mitt. I wrap it up in my hand and can then use it to grab hot pan lids, coffee pot handles, and even a pot itself.

5) a pee rag. Instead of using toilet paper, dedicate one of your bandanas to being what you wipe yourself with when you pee. You can then rinse it off in a stream, the sea, or even a little of your drinking water. Then hang it to dry on your pack or across your canoe thwart. Urine is sterile so this an environmental and cleanly use. If you continue to store it in a zip lock after each use, though, even if you rinse it, it will soon become bacteria laden and stinky. And definitely do not use your pee rag on your head or to grab food at lunch!

Deb

Women's travel tips: Five essential tips for women who hike

2010-03-25T16:06:00.003-04:00

With hiking season right around the corner, I've compiled a list of tips that can help women get maximum enjoyment from their hiking.

Hike at your own pace
For many women, their first experience of hiking is with a male companion who takes off at a pace that leaves them gasping for breath. The most important hiking skill any woman can learn is to hike at her own pace, a pace that can be comfortably sustained without ever having to stop to catch her breath, even when going up a steep hill.
Don’t wear cotton clothing
Except when hiking in a hot, dry climate, cotton clothing should be avoided - including cotton bras. Having wet, cold clothing next to the skin causes rapid chilling. Bras are particularly bad because they are designed to be skintight. The best solutions are to not wear one and have the first layer be a fabric that “wicks” sweat away to buy a bra made of wicking material.
Stay well hydrated
Sometimes women hesitate to drink as much water as they need when outdoors when bathrooms aren’t available, a huge mistake. Inadequate hydration leads to headaches, fatigue, and irritability. While an easily accessible water bottle is adequate, a hydration system that enables sipping water while hiking is even better.
Take care of "hot spots" immediately
Frequently women who start feeling "hot spots" on their feet, small areas of heat and discomfort, put off treating them out of hesitation to slow the group down. While understandable, it’s big mistake: hot spots can quickly become blisters, which are more difficult to treat. Hot spots are best treated with tincture of Benzoin and some moleskin.
Wear boots that fit correctly
Many women have "low volume" feet, feet that have a very narrow forefoot and heel area and a low instep. This makes getting boots that fit quite challenging, and ill-fitting boots lead to ankle injuries and blisters. Buying boots from a store that has salespeople who know how to fit them and take adequate time to make sure the fit is correct is critical. Superfeet insoles provide support, add volume, and improve comfort, all of which make hiking more enjoyable.

a salty snack

2010-03-11T13:10:00.003-05:00

I recently returned from our Sea Kayaking in the Caribbean trip and was once again reminded through experience something we talk about as a safety factor on our trips.

We all know that being adequately hydrated is very important on active vacations - helping us to sustain hours of physical activity, maintain our sense of balance, keep our muscles and joints well-lubricated, etc. Equally important is not drinking too much water, keeping a balance between the salt intake and output when we exercise. Most of the time we can balance these 2 things with drinking water throughout the day and also eating meals and snacks. Most of the time when I need a snack it is due to my energy being low and I often reach for a granola bar.

On the Caribbean trip, where it is hot and humid and you do not feel you are sweating as much, I always talk about the need to eat some salt in a snack just as much as eating fruits or carbohydrates. Despite the awareness of this, it is hard to remember (or want) to eat something salty when you feel thirsty or are already feeling salty from the sea water.

However, twice on this trip, when I was feeling a bit low of energy I ate a handful of salty snack and within moments no longer felt hungry, tired or achy. I definitely do not recommend eating an excess of salt, but next time you are in a hot, humid environment and exercising, try a couple bites of something salty (Chex mix, Cheese nips, salted almonds) and see if that helps. - deb

wool vs. synthetics a "scientific" study

2010-02-22T12:17:00.005-05:00

Backpacking Light posted a great article about wool vs. synthetic base-layers (click on title of post to go to the article). It is a bit long, but there is some excellent information in it, including some of the science and real-life technology behind each fabric. The following are their personal conclusions from this series of tests and field testing.

Wool is significantly better at resisting buildup of body odors than most synthetics - even the improved ones
Wool feels warmer and less clammy on the skin when damp
Wool takes approximately 50 percent longer to dry than synthetics (range 40 to 60 percent). This was consistent across the board under a large range of conditions - in lab tests of fabric swatches, whole shirts on hangers, shirts on warm bodies, and actual in-field performance of shirts wet with sweat and shirts intentionally saturated with water.
In our soak test, the difference in water absorption (x increase over dry weight) between wool and synthetics was less than we initially believed. Approximately 3x dry weight for synthetics versus 4x dry weight for wool.
Synthetic fabrics wick moisture out faster over a larger surface area. This may in part contribute to their faster drying times but also to a chilling effect in cool and especially windy conditions.
Synthetic fabrics are lighter than wool for comparable warmth.
Many synthetic garments are significantly less expensive than wool.

A layer to love

2010-02-11T13:36:00.003-05:00

On nearly every trip I guide, I get what I call "clothes envy". There is invariably some really cute and functional outdoor gear that someone wears on the trip that I either wish to own, or wish I looked half as stylish wearing the same item. Every once in a while my envy will lead me to purchase a similar item for myself. One of my favorite acquisitions from clothes envy is my REI Sahara long-sleeve button-up shirt.

I am someone who normally gets very hot in the sun, and has to wear a very lightweight shirt or tank top when I hike or paddle. But when I take a break or if it is windy I tend to cool off quickly and like to have something to cover my arms at this time. A long-sleeved shirt is a nice item to have, and a layer I almost always carry along in my pack. But layering becomes more like "clothes aerobics" when pulling things on and off over your head repeatedly. A button up shirt (and it can be any brand really, as long as it is lightweight and quick dry) is just the perfect layer in this situation. It adds enough covering for sun protection without being too hot (it even has vents you can unzip to let heat escape). It adds enough warmth without being too bulky. It adds bug protection often without needing spray. It slips on and off so easily - and heck, you don't even have to button it if you don't want. And if you need something for being in town or going out for a meal, it is a slightly fitted, stylish top.

I have brought this shirt sea kayaking in the Caribbean, hiking in Europe, multi-sport traveling through Australia, camping in Havasu Canyon and even bicycle touring. It is almost always one of the first items of clothing I grab when I pack. And it has never been a piece of clothing that has gone unworn. While I really resisted getting my first one, I now own 2 (though the original one I bought in white is still my favorite; the other one is red).

I strongly recommend adding one to your wardrobe and using it as the "long-sleeved, lightweight shirt for sun protection" that we include on so many of our trip packing lists.

Enjoy! Deb

A metaphor for what's wrong with our approach to fitness

2010-02-06T08:55:00.002-05:00

Two metaphors really. I have the good fortune to live quite close to Lynne Brick's health club, a really great gym that has good equipment and excellent classes. As an added bonus, this branch is just for women. It's a 7 to 8 minute walk and when I have go somewhere else after working out, I drive and that takes 4 to 5 minutes. When I first moved here, my neighbors on both sides also belonged- and they both always drove. When I asked why, they said they didn't have the time. That's the first metaphor.

But this one gets me even more. The club is on the third floor and the entry is on the second. As you walk in, you can either ride up in the elevator or walk a bit further and go up the stairs at the back of the building. Which is fastest depends on the elevator, but even then we're talking maybe 1 minute. Going to a health club and then taking an elevator instead of the stairs! I understand it when someone has a baby stroller or is carrying their young child but otherwise it strikes me as absurd. And an example of what's wrong with our approach to fitness- instead of taking advantage of the natural opportunities to get exercise, like walking to neighborhood stores or taking stairs or riding our bikes, we rely on the "easiest" way to do these and then go to a health club to get our exercise. Go figure. -- Marian

Airline baggage fees - should I check or carry on?

2010-01-29T11:49:00.003-05:00

Southwest airlines has been running a very productive add lately on TV about how they are not charging baggage fees to check luggage. However, since Southwest does not fly everywhere we want to travel, at some point will be faced with either paying the baggage checking fee or carrying on our luggage.

Someone asked me the other day in preparation for a trip what she should do. And after going over the usuals - are you bringing hiking poles, do you want to bring a pocket knife, can you fit all your clothes in a small enough bag - I realized there is one more thing involved. While the fees are certainly annoying, sometimes whether to carry-on or check-thorugh your luggage is not always about the money. Which is the bigger inconvenience to you?

Is buying trial-sized portions of everything or repacking what you have at home a big deal or expense? Will it be enough for a week? This was a tropical destination, so sunscreen was the biggest concern for quantity. Do you have time to stop and get sunscreen when you arrive and what will the cost difference be between buying it at your local superstore or getting it in beach town ? Are you someone who can live with fewer clothing changes and enjoys packing very efficiently? Are you making connections in other airports and are you ok with taking your luggage everywhere you go? Or would you worry more about whether your bag will get lost?

Personally, I do not like schlepping my luggage all around airports and through security and trying to find overhead space for it. And, so far, the fees have not been so exorbitant to make that outweigh paying for someone else to take care of my bag. I also don't get extremely stressed out about whether my luggage will make it. I assume more times than not it will all work out. Some may find they'd rather keep their luggage with them for sense of security and find the fees more distasteful than the other aspects taking check-on luggage adds.

So, next time you pack for a trip and run through the list of whether you could/should carry-on or check-through, also remember to do a self check-in to remember what type of travel personality you have. Because for some of us, the money is not the more limiting factor. Deb

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T11:28:00.003-05:00

Today is the last day of 2009 and also the last day of the "oughts". It is also a full moon and a blue moon and a partial lunar eclipse. Energetically speaking - it should be quite a night!

It is typical to make New Years resolutions at this time of year, though I have never been one for that as I like to "take stock" of my life on a more regular basis than once a year. I do like the concept of resolutions - setting a goal for some area of improvement in your life. However, it so often happens that our lofty goals at the beginning of the year fall by the way side after a couple months. Because let's face it - it's hard to make significant changes in our life sometimes without some really strong external factor.

The self-improvement path you embark on will stick much better if you have a proverbial carrot motivating you. We all have different carrots, - signing up for a triathlon, a medical scare, a new partner or newly dating, etc. I have noticed over the past several years of working for Adventures in Good Company that signing up for an active vacation is a great motivator for the resolution to get in better physical condition. In fact, just today we received an email from someone telling us she has started a consistent exercise routine in the past month to get ready for an April trip and she is feeling (and looking) more fit. Even my exercise routine - and my enthusiasm for exercise - gets a boost when I am scheduled to guide a trip. Not only do you have a reason to get in better shape (so you can participate in the physical activities of the trip) but the trip in itself is a reward. It is a VACATION. Going to a beautiful location, having fun, eating good food and relaxing - that's motivation!

Here's wishing you all a Happy New Year! May 2010 be filled with love, light, laughter, health, relaxation and adventure! And maybe even an AIGC trip! deb

Back from the Adirondacks

2009-09-28T12:06:00.002-04:00

I just returned from our first joint venture with another company, one where we combined our respective areas of expertise. We have been offering a week-long trip in the Adirondacks at the height of the fall foliage for several years, one that was hiking and paddling with some visits to other sites. This year we worked with WomanTours for a trip that offered three days of biking, two and a half days of hiking, and a day of paddling, and WomanTours owner Jackie Marchand guided it with me. There were times when she missed not having a second full-fledged bike guide or I missed not having a regular hiking or paddling guide. But overall we worked it out and it was fun for me to have a brand new guiding experience.

It was also interesting to see how another company operates and to talk about what challenges we share and which are different. At the beginning of the trip I had a serious case of "trailer envy"-they have a trailer that is outfitted to carry luggage, extra bikes, and kitchen gear which makes setting up picnic lunches so much easier. But then Jackie told me how she plans the schedule around getting the vans with their trailers to the right places at the right times and the challenges of keeping all the bikes in good shape as they are spread out around the country. It makes our equipment challenges seem so minor in comparison! I am happy for Adventures in Good Company to keep offering almost everything but biking and to recommend WomanTours without reservation for any woman looking for a fantastic cycling tour.

Hiking or kayaking as meditation

2009-09-06T12:42:00.000-04:00

As I was driving to the airport from our recent hiking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I was talking with one of the participants in the van about her recent kayaking trip. She said how much she loved kayaking, that when she did it she just became completely absorbed in the movement and the water. I said something about how it was a very meditative activity and that I had the same experience with hiking. She disagreed and said how she had once tried meditation as part of a yoga class and had really disliked it- and as a result the concept of meditation had a very negative connotation for her.

Whether we choose to call it meditation or not, I think for many of us who love being active and love being in nature, there is a common experience of our minds quieting down, the ceaseless internal chatter at least receding into the background, as we become absorbed in the motion and in our surroundings. As this happens, we become more present. I don't hike in order to have this experience, which occurs more rarely than I would like. I hike because I love being out, and I love the way my body feels, and I love seeing panoramic scenery and wildflowers and trees. And when I have those times of feeling completely present - that is a gift.

Welcome Ms Divine!

2009-08-18T08:23:00.002-04:00

Deb Malmon, the other full-time person here at Adventures in Good Company, got married last weekend to her long-time partner Sean Divine. You can see pictures of the happy event on our Facebook page . In true guidely fashion, although she did leave her hiking boots at home and trade her hiking pants for a dress, the event took place over the weekend at a campground and the honeymoon suite was a tent. She and Sean arranged almost everything and a lovely time was had by all. She actually is not going to take his last name- she says that Deb Divine sounds like a porn star and besides, she has had her name for 40 years and prefers to keep it.

All of us at Adventures in Good Company congratulate Deb on her marriage and look forward to the time when anyone who wants to make a long-term commitment to his or her partner enjoys the same civil right!

Airline to avoid

2009-08-11T16:31:00.002-04:00

Sometimes an airline develops the stink of failure. Two prime symptoms: 1) the prices are low. By itself, this is not necessarily a red flag. But if you couple that with 2) they start canceling flights, then you know they are in trouble. Couple that with 3) bad PR, and you know the low price is because they are desperate to get more fliers. But here's the problem- if you give in to the lure of the low price, are you sure they will still be flying when you have the ticket for? And even if they are still alive, if they are canceling flights left and right, what good does your ticket do anyway?

Last Sunday I was sitting in the Manchester NH airport. My Southwest flight had been rescheduled because of earlier bad weather in the area that had a domino effect. But all the flights were still going, just late. In contrast US Airways had 3 flights. They canceled the first and the last- not rescheduled, but out and out canceled. So anyone who was on the late flight who didn't check flight status (because maybe they were on vacation) would be out of luck. And anyone on the earlier flight would simply get home much later. On that same night one of our guides trying to get to Maine had her US Airways flight canceled and she had to buy a whole new ticket.

So that does it for me. We are not booking any more US Airways flights to anywhere ever again, no matter what the price. Some times it is time for an airline to disappear. I would argue that it is that time for US Airways.

An intriguing new book

2009-07-29T07:51:00.000-04:00

Do you like going where there are lots of other people or do you love not seeing another American (or tour group from any country) the entire time? I'm in the latter category and it was one of the things that many of us loved on both the Croatia and the Bulgaria trips. And now there is a book for all of us who feel that way- Off the Tourist Trail: 1,000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives, published by DK Eyewitness Travel.

In nine different chapters (e.g. Ancient and Historical Sights, Natural Wonders, Beaches) the book describes an alternative to some place famous, explains why the famous destination is not what you might hope it will be, and then also lists additional lesser known but wonderful alternatives. It gives practical information for the alternative suggestion and advice if you decide to visit the famous destination anyway. For example, it suggests Bryce Canyon over the Grand Canyon because the Grand Canyon is both crowded and commercialized (not the way we visit it, which is backpacking, but for most people I totally agree). It explains why Bryce is so amazing, where to stay and eat and when to go, what to budget - and suggests if you want to see the Grand Canyon anyway, go to the North Rim. Other alternatives listed include Copper Canyon, Zion Canyon, Waimea Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly.

The book is very well written with gorgeous photographs. My only complaint, and this is minor, is that it is a large book format and costs $40. But I definitely plan to spend some time reading it and see what other ideas it gives me for trips....

Perspective from the US

2009-07-25T10:16:00.003-04:00

I got back about a week ago and am finally over jet lag (you know, suddenly at 6 pm you feel like it's the middle of the night). I am always glad to get back to a (mostly) smoke free environment, one of the things I take for granted until I travel abroad and find everyone smoking everywhere. And particularly if I've been traveling someplace where public bathrooms are truly horrendous, I'm glad to return to that luxury too.

But what always strikes me when I leave North America is 1) how isolated we are; and 2) what a young country we are. The isolation hits me when I'm standing in a European airport and see flights taking off to lots of different countries, not just lots of states. And the youth of our country is evident when I am looking at signs of Roman exploration from 100 BC. Yes, there were people living in the US way before there was European "discovery" of this continent, and there is evidence of sophisticated cultures particularly in our Southwest and Mexico and Central America. But those cultures do not inform our current culture in the same way that the Roman Empire impacts European culture. Our isolation and our newness are not good or bad- they are simply facts of our existence that shape pur experience in ways that are more difficult to discern from inside the US.

Staying at the Hostel Mostel

2009-07-13T14:24:00.002-04:00

The trip officially ended today. Our last major activity, climbing Mt Mussala, got rained out. However, everyone seemed to have an excellent day. Activities included hiking in the rain (an option only 5 of us decided to do), taking naps, getting massages, going for shorter walks, swimming in the pool etc.

So now I'm in Sofia, flying out tomorrow, and staying at the Hostel Mostel. Honestly I was regretting this decision earlier today - tired after 3 weeks of traveling, I just wanted to go into a vegetative state. However, the moment I walked thru the door into this little oasis off the street with lots of places to sit, internet access, a TV, books, and a pool table, I knew it was the right place to stay. I am definitely significantly increasing the average age of the guests here and I am not totally wild about sharing a room with 7 other people of both sexes (although that isn't any different than staying in an Appalachian Mt Club hut) but I've already chatted with 2 young men who are starting a journey back by rail to England (their chief concern was the whether beer is cheap in Bulgaria, which it is) and 2 young women from Holland just finishing their 9 day trip here. I was never one of those people who traveled around Europe with a backpack as a young woman so I'm happy to be reliving the youth I didn't have - a iftting end to this long adventure.

Sustainable tourism in Bulgaria

2009-07-12T09:29:00.001-04:00

We've all heard of or been to places that have been ruined, or at least changed for the worse, by becoming popular tourist destinations. The concept of sustainable tourism is that it is tourism that is at least not damaging to and at best enhances the lives of the people who live there. Because it is an "in" concept right now, it is also susceptible to gross marketing manipulation. There is also the tricky issue that any place or person who becomes reliant on tourism may end up being less self reliant if tourism goes down in flames for either global or local reasons.

A couple of days ago here in Bulgaria we experienced how it really can work. We visited 2 Bulgarian Muslim sisters who fed us a delicious traditional meal in their home, sang some traditional songs, dressed up one of our members in a wedding outfit and explained wedding customs, and then demonstrated their weaving. In addition to their being paid for this, we bought some of their handicrafts.

Now this could be a dog and pony show where everyone was uncomfortable. It wasn't. They were so obviously proud of their traditions and we were so obviously interested in learning. And I really believe that when people see others taking interest in their skills and way of life, it increases their pride in those things. In addition these visits supplement but don't replace their income. It was truly a phenomenal experience and to me is sustainable tourism at its best.

I'll be posting some video when I get back.

Yagodina

2009-07-07T14:24:00.003-04:00

Yagodina is a remote mountain village in the middle of the Rhodope Mountains. An old mosque and women dressed in traditional clothing are the only remnants of its former Muslim character, which is a remnant of the 500 years that Bulgaria was under the Turkish yoke (everyone uses the term "yoke" to describe the Turkish oppression). It is in an incredibly beautiful setting but the town itself has seen hard times. The average age of the population is probably 60 and there are children here, but not as many as you would expect. Still a recent resurgence of tourism may hekp it survive. We are staying in a beautiful family ruin hotel with comfortable rooms and osm eof the best food in I've eaten in Bularia.

Despite forecasts of rain the weather was beautiful today as we hiked along an old Roman road to the Trigrad gorge. Along the way we met an old man who was building a fireplace and then stopped to explain to us what he was doing, posed for pictures, and then sang us Balkan folk songs. He was a good singer and I could have listened for hours. We then continued to Devil's Throat cave, where Orpheus entered the underworld in search of his dead wife Eurydice. It's a huge cave with a rushing underground river. Our next stop was Yagodina cave, one of the biggest in Bulgaria and with more natural features intact (such as stalactites) than any cave I've been in - it was quite spectacular. An hour walk back to Yagodina, a hot shower and another fantastic dinner and I'm ready for bed.

In Bulgaria

2009-07-06T00:57:00.001-04:00

In the small town of Asenovgrad. It is known for making bridal dresses and I've never seen so many bridal shops in my life. Even here there is stray wifi if you walk the streets. I love this country, it is so beautiful and contradictory. Plus the food is delicious, always a good thing.

Sitting in the Split airport

2009-07-04T14:08:00.001-04:00

Our 8 day sea kayak trip in Croatia's Kornati National Park ended today. It was an amazing trip, wonderful kayaking and perfect weather. We paddled under high cliffs on a sea so clear you could see 20 feet down. Every morning started with coffee Crostian-style, meaning strong and sweet. We then paddled all day, stopping to stretch our legs, visit Rpman ruins and eat lunch on the beach . Some nights we slept in tents and some nights we slept on the beach, lulled to sleep by the lapping of waves. No wifi, no TV. Our novice paddler became a powerhouse and our small group of five a closeknit community. And now I 'm waiting for a plane to fly back to London so I can sleep five hours before flying to Bulgaria, away from the sea and back to mountains.

Made it to London

2009-06-25T12:11:00.001-04:00

I have 22 hours here before getting on the flight to Croatia so I decided to visit an old friend who is here on sabbatical. After a brief nap and a strong cup of tea, we decided to go out walking. She is staying near a canal so we set out to explore the canal system. During our walk we passed Old St Pancras Church and gardens, which we decided to visit. Just stepping into the gardens was immediately peaceful and felt far removed from the city. The church is the oldest Christian site on the UK. As we were about to leave I was looking at the list of vicars dating back 100s of years-and there in 1607 was my father's name, Francis Marbury. It felt so strange to see it there even though I'm sure the relationship is distant. We also saw the grave of Mary Wollstonecraft, a 1700s feminist who wrote "A Vindication of the Rights of Women". I love the unexpected that always happens when you travel.

2009-06-25T11:57:00.002-04:00

Rock Climbing and Yoga in Joshua Tree

2009-06-21T07:35:00.001-04:00

The new airfare search engine

2009-06-20T13:45:00.002-04:00

You may have herd of Bing, MSN's latest attempt to take some of the search engine business from Google. Of more interest to travelers is Bing Travel (http://www.bing.com/travel/), their new travel search engine. The interface is very similar to www.kayak.com - very flexible and intuitive, allowing you to search many options without having to start over (e.g. using different airports, leaving before or after a certain time, acceptability of red eyes and number of connections). I find myself using these options all the time so I have come to depend on them. What Bing adds, however, is integration with Farecast, the website that predicts whether airfares will go up, down, or stay the same. I would guess that their predictions may have been a little off this year because no one foresaw the precipitous decline in airfares coming. But still, they claim 75% accuracy and that seems better than tossing a coin. They also have various attempts at creating "community", the latest marketing buzzword, with blogs and Facebook and Twitter - this is less appealing to me because who has time to read blogs unless you have a specific reason to (on the other hand it would be totally cool if your search for specific flight itineraries or hotels brought up relevant blogs). In any case I will probably continue to compare kayak and bing for awhile but it is likely that bing will become my travel search engine of choice if I don't find any bugs with it.

Havasu Canyon and change

2009-06-16T18:17:00.003-04:00

I was updating our Havasu Canyon trip description today. If I ever need a reminder that geology is as constantly changing now as it was a million years ago, this trip provides it. The Canyon's Navajo Falls was one of my favorite places in the U.S., an absolutely spectacular curtain waterfall that seemed unknown to the larger population who visit the Canyon. It was an absolutely magic place to swim, jumping from the walls, standing under pounding water, sitting in travertine concavities and letting the water sweep past. Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls are pretty nice too - actually they are also amazing - but Navajo was the best. Last August one of the periodic flash floods, this one worse than usual, ripped it out. Something will replace it- like everything else the canyon continues to change - but I'll miss it.

Geology Musings

2009-06-10T18:13:00.002-04:00

Geology is a fairly recent topic of interest for me. One of the big impediments was finding books that talked about it at my level, and didn't immediately make my eyes glaze over with chemistry and physics. One of my favorites is the Geology Underfoot series, where they the authors talk about specific landscapes of specific places, and why they are the way they are. I even finally understand what a syncline is!
But aside from the lack of good books, I think it had something to do with my living mostly in the east and midwest. When I finally got beyond my hike further faster phase and wanted to spend more time learning about the environment I was hiking in, it was the trees and wildflowers I first learned (I'm definitely one of these people that finds being able to name things makes me feel more at home there). It was only when I started doing more hiking out west that my curiosity about the geology of the area got aroused. And clearly it's because the geology is so compelling there- LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT HOW AMAZING AND UNPREDICTABLE I AM! Or at least that's how it seems to me. And it made me wonder if all geologists were born or lived out west.

Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park

2009-06-08T17:59:00.005-04:00

I spent much of today working on the only new trip we're offering in winter 2010: a hiking trip in Joshua Tree National Park. The idea first came when I was there for our annual rock climbing trip this past spring. It was the first time I'd been there in several years and I realized once again what a truly unique place it is, with its granite boulders erupting in all sorts of unexpected ways. Over the past 20 years I've backpacked and hiked there, but mostly rock climbed. But there is so much more there than climbing! And not only is the hiking varied and fun, it is a wonderful place to camp. The campsites there are beautiful and, other than on weekends, largely deserted. And while we always have tents for everyone, it is a wonderful and bug-free place to sleep outside. There is something about snuggling in a sleeping bag under a star-filled sky that is cozier than the warmest bed. Working on finalizing the itinerary made me excited about it all over again!

Hydration bottle

2008-02-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated while hiking/biking/etc. and I have found that a hydration pack to be instrumental in my ability to drink adequately during an activity. For the majority of our trips we recommend hydration packs, but the problem comes in when you are camping and you want to brush your teeth, or just have a bottle of water to drink at meal time. It gets sort of silly to sip out of the hose all the time, and while you certainly can bring an extra bottle, it does require remembering the bottle and packing an extra item.

Recently on my Caribbean Sea Kayak trip, however, a woman arrived with a hydration hose system that attached to a Camelbak polycarbonate water bottle. She could attach the hands free bottle adaptor to have a hose to drink from while hiking. Then while in camp, or around town, she could put the lid on the water bottle and have something easy to drink from other times. In addition, she didn't need to find any special pack or pouch to fit the bladder in - it fit in her backpack (without worry of getting a hole) and even a side pocket of her pack. The adaptor fits easily to all Camelbak bottles with a removable Big Bite valve. You can see more at REI.com

--Deb

It doesn't take green to be green: Popcorn

2008-01-07T15:56:00.000-05:00

This is the first in an occasional series about ways you can lessen your impact on the environment that are less expensive and/or healthier than the standard options.

The other night I was making popcorn for a friend and she was surprised that I knew how to make it from scratch. It's so much cheaper and healthier than the prepackaged or microwaved popcorn - I didn't realize it was a lost art!

So here's how: start with a good pot, like stainless steel, not a thin aluminum one. Pour in enough oil that it covers the bottom. Pour in popcorn - not more than one kernel thick, and less if you want less. Cover the pot and turn up the flame to high or a little less. Once you hear the first pop, start shaking the pot back and forth over the flame. As soon as the popping has substantially slowed down, empty it into a bowl and put the pot in water (this keeps pieces from burning onto the bottom which can be a pain to clean up. And there you have it- a fresh bowl of hot popcorn that cost pennies!- Marian

Adventure gift ideas

2007-11-27T11:20:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays! The season of gift giving is upon us, and for so many of us this is a complicated event. Some families have spending limits, some have no-gift policies, some have a "secret santa/buddy/angel" and only buy gifts for one person in the group, and some have no regulations whatsoever.

However you celebrate this holiday season here are a few ideas for gifts (either to give or put on your wish list)

1) Are you going on an Adventures in Good Company trip this year? Get our packing list early and put a couple items that you need on your gift wish list. Or help out someone else with their equipment for a trip. Outdoor gear can be expensive, so help with this is always appreciated. A new sleeping bag, synthetic or wool long underwear, zip-off pants, a nice fleece jacket or rain gear are all useful items. Don't know what would be someone's style? A gift card to REI or your local outdoor store is a useful alternative.

2) Magazine subscriptions. There are plenty of outdoor magazines (Backpacker, Paddling, Outside) or travel magazines (National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel and Leisure) that the adventurer in your life (or you) can spend hours pouring over and dreaming of future trips. Magazines also help the doldrums of working out on cardio machines at the gym. Recycle it at the gym - leave it for others to read.

3) Donations. Instead of gifting each other - why not give a donation in the name of someone to help others? Pick an organization that matches the gift receivers interests (or pick a couple for yourself and let others know you want donations made to them). Do you have a real foodie in the family? Donate to Second Harvest, a hunger relief agency. An outdoor enthusiast? Try Sierra Club or World Wildlife Fund. Or, for every gift you buy for someone offset the carbon emmissions with a donation (see carboncatalog.org for more detailed information).

I am sure there are many more eco-friendly and helpful suggestions for gift giving and celebrating the holiday season. These are just a few to get you started. Think outside the box this holiday season.

Deb

insulated mug

2007-11-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

On the trips that we require everyone to bring her own dishes, we often list to bring a "cup or mug". But I highly recommend to everyone to bring an insulated mug.

Plastic camping cups are small, and I have seen women who love tea or coffee fill and refill these cups many times to get an adequate amount of beverage. Plus they do not keep hot drinks hot for very long. And when you make hot cocoa or tea an entire packet/bag makes it too strong.

Metal camping cups are often a little bigger, but when you put a hot beverage in it, the metal typically gets really hot and then you are in danger of burning your lips. Again, when it is cold out, the metal cup does not keep your drinks warm. Though it does a nice job of keeping cold drinks cold.

An insulated mug is the perfect choice, even for lightweight backpackers. It may not be as small as some of the camping cups, but it doesn't take up much more space or weight (except maybe compared to the origami cups). If you get a mug with a handle you can even carabiner it to the outside of your backpack.

An insulated mug keeps hot drinks hot - really great for cooler weather camping. It keeps colder drinks cold. A whole packet of hot chocolate is perfect for your mug of cocoa - thus avoiding the refolding/saving of the packet for future use. If you are dittering about camp throughout the morning you can set your mug down with the lid on, and then come back from time to time and still drink a hot beverage, one without any extra sticks or bugs in it.

They are definitely not expensive, and I am sure we all have a couple of them in the kitchen cupboard. So, next time you go camping throw the insualted mug in with the dishes.

--Deb

Sleeping warm

2007-10-26T15:24:00.000-04:00

Even though the weather is getting cooler, it doesn't mean we want to stop camping. Here are a few of my favorite tips for sleeping warm:

1) Change your socks. Our feet sweat a lot, even around camp, so try and put a dry pair of socks on before bed.
2) Wear a hat. We lose a lot of heat out of the top of our head, even while asleep.
3) Have a sleeping set of long underwear. Same idea as #1
4) Use a sleeping pad. Much of our heat is lost through convection. Insulating yourself from the cold ground (head to toe) will help.
5) Do some crunches in your bag. You keep your sleeping bag heated, it does not keep you warm, so you need to have some source of warmth. Exercising raises your body heat and if you do the crunches in your bag it will go directly into the space around you. Plus it keeps your abs toned!
6) Hot water bottle. Put hot water in a Nalgene bottle (make sure it is a heat resistant plastic and the lid is on tight!) and then place it in your sleeping bag (at your feet or between your legs is nice). This will create warmth to heat your bag, just as the excercise does. If you are worried about the Nalgene leaking, put the bottle inside a wool sock.
7) Use a liner. A silk, fleece or wool liner adds warmth to your bag.
8) Get up and pee. If you have to go, get up and go. It takes energy to keep holding our urine, plus it is uncomfortable. Once you get up and go, you can get back in your warm bag and sleep soundly again.
9) Sleep in a warmer bag. I sleep cold, so I have a bag rated 10-15 degrees warmer than what the air temperature is. For instance, when the weather is 20 F, I sleep in a 0 degree bag.
10) Zip up. Once you've created all this heat for your bag, you want to hold it in as much as possible. So, zip your sleeping bag up tight around your shoulders or even around your head (in a mummy bag).

I am sure there are many more tips, but these are just a few to get you on your way to year round camping in comfort!
--Deb

Reading Lists

2007-10-18T11:44:00.000-04:00

Whenever I travel to someplace new, I like to do research on the area before I go. I usually search the internet for a variety of information and it is a great resource. I also like to try and read books about the region as well. On our general information sheets we always have a suggested reading list. You can also Google/web search reading lists for where you are going as well. I try and read one historical book and one fictional book to provide both a factual and personal/creative perspective. For our recent Rafting the Grand Canyon trip, the group actually had emails going around recommending some favorites to read before arriving at the Canyon. I wanted to read the books and I wasn't even going on the trip. Add a dimension to your travels - books. -- Deb

"I love trash" Oscar the Grouch

2007-10-05T08:12:00.000-04:00

Obviously when it comes to the wilderness (or even our backyard, neighborhood streets, or local parks) - we don't love trash. Trash is not only distasteful to our eyes, but can actually alter or destroy the ecosystem. We teach Leave no Trace principles on our trips to help reduce our impact on the areas we travel. One of those principles being - you pack it in/you pack it out. And I am not just talking about obvious items like an empty plastic water bottle, or your soda cup from Subway. It is also the small things that alter our natural world - an orange peel, a handful of dropped trail mix, toilet paper, etc.

Yes, even those things that "biodegrade" need to be packed out. The hardest one to understand, I think, is the apple core. There are good arguments for throwing it off in the woods: It's natural to most environments, it biodegrades relatively quickly, and if an animal ate it, it would not get terribly sick and it may find apples to eat in the area anyway. However, I have a different way of thinking about this: you may be just one of hundreds that visit that trail/park/campsite and if all hundred of you left your apple core, well, that would vastly alter not only how the area looked, but also the animals that may forage there. A few peanuts from your GORP may not seem a big deal, but when that chipmunk or squirrel starts relying on the hundreds of people that thought "no big deal" to leave a few peanuts, we have altered the system. Plus, those all too-friendly chipmunks, etc, are a real nuisance when you are trying to enjoy a picnic, or camp at a nice site.

The other idea I like to promote is collecting trash when possible. It is great when we collect the big, very messy things. But again, thing about the small items. I try to make a point of picking up 3 pieces of trash on my hiking trail. Typically they are small wrappers that probably fell out of someone's pocket or the twist-tie from lunch. I make the tiny extra effort to bend down and pick them up and carry them out with me. If we go back to the idea of hundreds of people visiting a trail - if each one of those people picked up 3 pieces of trash - we'd have a lot less trash in the wilderness.

We have to remember we aren't the only ones out there. Let's collect the trash like Oscar the Grouch and keep it in our garbage cans. -- Deb

International Car Free Day

2007-09-20T09:24:00.000-04:00

September 22nd is International Car Free Day, a relatively new holiday which raises awareness about environnmental hazards of car use, and encourages people to bike, walk, take public transportation, or use other sustainable methods. Car Free Day started in Paris in 1998 as "In Town Without My Car!" day. Now over one thousand cities worldwide are celebrating Car Free Days. Some cities offer free public transporation on these days, or free/cheap bike rentals. Won't you participate in your city? -- Deb

Filter vs. iodine

2007-09-06T15:15:00.000-04:00

I am beginning the pack out for Autumn Boundary Waters canoe trip and find myself pondering water purifying methods. Typically I bring a water filter. I like the water filter because it is an efficient way to get drinking water immediately, especially in the BWCA where water is abundant. I love my Pur [now Katadyn] Scout - it is easy to use, pretty quick to fill a quart water bottle, and the water tastes like, well...water.

The problem with most filters, however, is that they so often get clogged or something doesn't work with the mechanics. And then you are out of luck. In the BWCA, in particular, there is a fine sediment that clogs filters even when the lake looks incredibly clean. Eventually the pumping action is not so easy, nor fast. We always carry a replacement filter, but these are expensive and never last as long as you think they should, especially with a big group.

A decent alternative is iodine. I haven't actually used iodine as my dominant source of water purification in years, mostly because you need to let your water set for 20-30 minutes before it is potable and because it tastes, well...like iodine. In addition some people are allergic to iodine. Some people aren't bothered by the taste, and adding Gatorade or lemonade powder really helps (though you have to wait the 20-30 minutes before adding this). It certainly is an inexpensive option as well.

As I sit here and add up the cost of the replacement filters, and the anxiety if a filter breaks, as well as a few other factors, I am beginning to think that iodine is not such a bad group solution to purifying water. The answer will be that i will bring both. But what would you choose if you had the option? -- Deb

My new favorite socks

2007-08-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

Before I went to Bulgaria for our hiking trip, I spontaneously threw 2 brands of hiking socks in my basket at REI that I had never tried before. I have been looking for ideal socks for years, ever since Fox River stopped making my original favorite wool sock. I don't like really thick socks and even some of the "lightweight" ones are too thick. Since I once liked them so much, I picked a new design of a Fox River sock - admitttedly because it had a flower on it (I am trying to get more in touch with my feminine side!) I also picked a TEKO sock because it looked like the right thickness for me and somewhere in the recesses of my brain I remembered some positive reviews of TEKO socks.

I loved both of these socks, and they fit wonderfully in my boot with a sock liner. But I really want to praise the TEKO sock. Not only was it comfortable, but their company is incredibly ecologically minded. Part of their mission is "to create the best performing socks in the world, with the least impact on our planet." They accomplish this in a variety of ways: They use minimal, post consumer, recycled packaging; the socks are made with recycled polyester, eco-merino wool, organic cotton, and natural dyes; they have bought wind-powered enegry credits to offset their own energy use; they also use low amounts of water in their wash process; and they are made in the United States.

On top of all this, the socks are just designed well. They are field-tested for a variety of criteria by people who are bikers, hikers, skiers, etc. My feet were definitely dry and comfortable and happy - and these socks were tested for 6-9 hours a day. I loved them (and my Fox River socks) so much that I just kept washing them out by hand and re-wearing them. Give a pair a try and if you don't like them they even have a one-year guarantee! You can read more about the design, performance and company information on their web site: http:// www.tekosocks.com --Deb

My mom turns 95 today

2007-08-21T07:36:00.000-04:00

Which is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself. I credit her with my love of the outdoors and travel, and being open to new experiences.

Not that she was an avid outdoorswoman. She was born in 1912 and is very much a product of her times. But she had the great fortune to grow up spending her summers in a cabin in the Adirondacks on a tiny island. And this was a very rustic cabin, where we cooked on a wood stove, read by kerosene lamps, got ice every other day for the icebox, and had an outhouse (none of which had changed during my childhood when we spent two weeks every summer there). We hiked and paddled but didn't camp or backpack.

Her true adventurous spirit emerged when she was 75 and two events converged-my dad died and I started guiding outdoor trips. There were two year when she came on a whitewater canoe weekend I was teaching over Mother's Day. At the age of 76 she joined me for a 5 day Boundary Waters Canoe trip, the first time she had camped since she was 14. Three years later she went on a 15 day raft trip down the Grand Canyon. We also had some great travels together- China and Costa Rica on tours and New Zealand on our own. Our last trip together was when she was 88 and we did a 2 week Elderhostel tour in South Africa.

I have learned a lot from my mom, and probably nothing more important than knowing that it truly is never too late to pursue new experiences. And also that a curious and interested mind keeps us fully alive. While macular degeneration has slowed her down significantly, she recently has been listening to books on Islam as she tries to understand what is going in the world.

Happy birthday, Mom! I sure hope you gave me all those genes. -- Marian

pack cover vs. garbage bag

2007-08-17T15:05:00.000-04:00

We recently got an email from someone going on our Grand Canyon Backpacking trip asking about this. I thought I'd give my 2 cents:

A garbage bag is an inexpensive option to waterproof your backpack. If you line the inside of your pack with it, it will keep your gear dry, but will not keep the backpack itself dry, nor anything you might have in outside pockets. If you put the garbage bag on the outside of your pack, it will keep your backpack dry, but probably not entirely fit the shape of the pack. Garbage bags also have a tendency to get holes in them, but since they are inexpensive and lightweight you can bring extra along.

A pack cover is made of coated nylon (usually) that wraps around the outside of your backpack and cinches down to fit right over the pack. Most brands make their own pack cover, and there are different sizes depending on the cubic inches of your pack. A pack cover is great for when you are travelig during the day, and can often fit over a thermarest attached to the outside of the pack as well as the pack itself. The biggest con to a pack cover is that they are fairly expensive. I also would recommend lining your stuff sacks (or backpack) with garbage bags in addition to the pack cover.

In the end of the day, decide how often you are going to backpack, what climates you will mostly travel in, and what kind of monetary investment you want to make. I often covet pack covers when I see people backpacking with them. They look so streamlined and efficient. But truth be told, I still opt for the garbage bags. --Deb

Step outside...

2007-08-10T11:20:00.000-04:00

your comfort zone. Wikipedia defines a comfort zone as: a "plateau" one that describes a set of behaviors that have become comfortable, without creating a sense of risk or anxiety.

A comfort zone is a necessary part of life. We all need space to feel safe and secure, and most of us don't want to be/can't be challenging ourselves every second of every day. However, I think it is equally important to push the boundaries of comfort and take a risk. Many of you do this every time you come on one of our trips. What I find fascinating about comfort zone "pushing," if you will, is how different that it for every single person. Meaning, the thing that pushes me out of my comfort zone is totally different than what pushes Marian out of hers, or you out of yours.

On my recent trips to Bulgaria and Greece, this really hit home as I watched everyone challenge herself in ways I may or may not have thought of as risk-taking, but were clearly stretching boundaries. It became a bit of a joke, but we started to cheer to going outside of your comfort zone. Sleeping under the stars; living with lost luggage; admitting fear about climbing a peak; climbing a peak; eating new foods; riding a chair lift; feeling really ill; learning a new language; camping without a bathroom; going without strong coffee; participating in water fights; learning to share pieces of yourself with others; and so on.

Whether small or large, fun or scary, once in an entire week, or every single day - the amount that we are challenged on an adventure travel trip (or in life) is up to us. I know for me, the amount of joy I get from a trip is also related to what ways I have challenged myself as well. The biggest thing to remember is that we are all different. Stretch yourself - you might learn just how expandable you are. And, celebrate your successes.--Deb

Getting the kids unplugged and tuned in

2007-08-06T18:35:00.000-04:00

Last week I guided a trip for 3 grandmas, 1 mother, and 4 girls. It was a lovely three days, full of laughter, swimming, and enjoying being outdoors. I thought there were several things that made it particularly successful that are worth considering when planning a trip with kids- and getting kids to enjoy the outdoors at this age (8 to 12) is critical to growing the next generation of outdoorspeople.
First, we stayed in air conditioned cabins with beds. This was as rustic as most of them had ever been (no internet or TV!) and real camping might have been over the top. Two, we did a variety of things and tried not to do anything too long. Three, we did things I would never do- like visiting the Luray Canyons, which I have always avoided because they are so overhyped. Actually they turned out to be very cool. Four, we ate kid friendly food - healthy, but nothing too weird. And five, we ate ice cream! The four kids bonded, the grandmas enjoyed down time without needing to supevise all the time, and I regained my faith in the coming generation.--Marian

Bridge collapse

2007-08-03T09:49:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday night, a section of I-35 collapsed into the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. It was rush hour and there were numerous cars and trucks on the bridge, though they have been doing construction on it this summer, so 2 of 4 lanes were closed. I was riding my bike near to the river when it occurred, but I was not there when the tragedy happened. I did ride over to see the aftermath, and wondered if there was anything I could do to help.

It was eery to stand there seeing an entire area of empty and smoking space where the road had been - a road that 150,000 people a day pass, and that I have been over more times than I can count. It was all too easy to picture that you could have been one of those cars on the bridge. The police were turning people away from crowding at the scene, which I understood, but made me feel even more helpless, especially given my advanced emergency medical training. They had enough help for the time being, and were more worried about the instability of the wreckage.

Fortunately, no one I knew was injured, killed, or even witness to the event. This does not make it any less tragic, but it does make it a little less personal. What I have been struck by most, though, is the amount of concern that has come, literally, from around the world. My partner's relatives from Australia emailed to make sure everyone was all right; my relatives from Peru and Canada have emailed and called; friends from around the city and state have called or emailed; our AGC guides have checked in with us and other participants they know in Minneapolis; and many of my previous participants have emailed to check on me. It might sound trite, but I find it amazing that a structural bridge collapsed at home and the news has spread around the world - creating a (figurative) bridge with a worldwide community.

I think it is so important to remember how connected we all are (whether you think of it as the 'web-of-life', the 100th monkey, etc.) and continue to care about not only what happens in our own backyard, but what happens around the world. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to travel and experience this first hand, and also to all of you for reminding me in this time of a local tragedy, that our community is larger than out our door. -- deb

Family Vacations

2007-07-30T16:14:00.000-04:00

I just got back from a week with my two sisters and 95 year old mother at the place we have all been going since we were babies. I really like my sisters- they are quite different and in general we get along well. But in our family, bringing up anything that might cause conflict has never been common. And of course over the years, the three of us have built up patterns with each other, not all of which are healthy.

So I think we were all a bit nervous about spending this week together, as well as excited. On the first day, one of my sisters who has been on a trip with AGC said "Let's do what we always do on Marian's trips- let's talk about our hopes and expectations for the week." It was perfect. We talked about that, we talked about things that had built up, and in general it set the tone for the best week we have ever had together. --Marian

A totally delightful movie

2007-07-09T20:51:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while someone asks if the inspiration for the name of our company came from an independent Canadian film called Strangers in Good Company. Yes! Yes, it did, and if you haven't see the film, you should put it on your list. This may be one of the most charming movies ever made. It is about a group of eight women whose bus breaks down in an isolated area. Made with non-professional actresses and ad-libbed dialogue, they share their stories and thoughts and turn what could be a time of crisis into a time of magic and connection.If you like plot-driven action-packed films, you might find this boring. But if you like movies about relationships and interesting people, you'll love this one.-- Marian

Hiking trips overseas

2007-07-05T10:12:00.000-04:00

I am about to depart for our trip to Bulgaria and there are 2 travel tips on my mind. Many of us worry when we travel that our luggage may not make it when we do. if you are setting off immediately on a hiking trip (or any outdoor trip) this can be even more worrisome. One thing we recommend is that you wear your hiking boots on the plane. This way, if your luggage does get lost, at least you will have these. Clothing can be borrowed and bought, but your boots are broken in to your feet, and getting a new pair or borrowing another person's probably won't do.

They are not the most comfortable "plane shoes", so bring a pair of slippers as well (or a cozy pair of socks) so you can take your boots off during the long flight. You may also want to throw your fleece in your day bag for the plane - this can double as a pillow for the flight, a warm layer if that a/c gets too cold, and you will also have one extra layer should your bag not arrive.

The other thing people wonder about is hiking poles. When you travel internationally you cannot bring these on the plane, even wrapped in bubble wrap or a blanket. But nearly all trekking poles are telescoping, meaning they loosen and then slide into smaller sections. Instead of leaving them at home, collapse them as small as you can and fit them in your checked luggage, If your poles don't telescope small enough, they also might be able to be taken apart. If you don't know how to do this, take them to a reputable outdoor store and ask for help. You want to be able to get them back together when you arrive!

Clearly, if your luggage does not arrive, neither will your hiking poles. But chances are everything will get to the baggage claim when you do. If you are traveling only with carry on luggage - try to find a place that you can rent poles when you arrive, or another person to travel with them for you. Hike on! -- Deb

Ssshhhh...

2007-06-29T11:26:00.000-04:00

Traveling in a group is a fantastic way to travel. There is great conversation, laughter, support for when you are tired/cold/wet/etc, and extra added security of "safety in numbers". There are people to take photos of you (and you of them), to share scenic vistas, great meals and create wonderful memories. Traveling in a group, however, also can diminish what we can get out of the natural world we are visiting. Given that it can be soemtimes difficult to find a quiet spot away from the group, I recommend a group silent moment(s).

I was reminded of this on a recent kayaking trip to the Apostle Islands. We had a terrificly fun, funny, and chatty group. On our last morning, though, we had a moment of silence on the water and then a silent paddle back to the shore (about 10 minutes). We had seen and heard so much during our 4 days together, but in those few minutes of silence - it was incredible how much more there was to hear. The sounds intensified as we ceased our outter (and hopefully inner) chatter. It was truly memorable as well.

So, next time you are on a group trip, take some time out to observe nature in silence, and see what you can hear, see, feel, and smell. Silence really is golden. --Deb

A new web site of interest

2007-06-25T17:48:00.000-04:00

I was recently alerted to a web site that might solve two of the vexing problems of booking airline tickets: 1) trying to make sure you don't miss the sales (especially the ones that last 24 hours; and 2) forgetting to check to see if the price has gone down since you bought the ticket (in which case you should get a voucher or a refund. The web site is www.yapta.com. Unfortunately they don't yet have the ability to work with a macintosh computer so I have no first hand experience. But if the web site lives up to its own publiciti, it should be extremely useful.--Marian

Beautiful Florida

2007-06-21T11:02:00.000-04:00

I have always loved Florida despite the stereotyped image of over-crowded, developed beaches. If you look hard enough you can still enjoy the native beauty of the place. I just ran into a friend who had recently returned from a vacation on Captiva Island on the southwestern coast of Florida. She had nothing but great things to report, so I thought I would pass it on. The island has no big hotels or developments. Rather it offers old-fashioned cottages on the beach. There is great shelling, kayaking, canoeing, biking, dolphin watching, and dining. Google it up and see what you think. I am going to keep it in mind for next time I feel like heading south. Tamar

Preparing for losing your wallet

2007-06-19T15:37:00.000-04:00

So you're on a trip and you lose your wallet or, even worse, it gets stolen. You know you need to call your credit card companies, especially if you use debit cards, to report the theft. But you're not home! So you don't have the number. So now you have to bug a partner, friend, relative to find a statement with the number on it and then you call it, but by then someone has charged a million dollars to your account and you're broke and homeless.

OK, I may be exaggerating because you are only liable for $50 on stolen credit cards. But it is a pain. So here's the solution- on a piece of paper, write down all your credit card numbers and the toll free number to call for each one. Then make two copies of it, leave one at home and put one in your suitcase or any item you always take on a trip. If it is an international trip, put one copy in your passport holder.-- Marian

Origami dishes - art for food

2007-06-15T09:56:00.000-04:00

Orikaso: Solo Camping Dish Set - Based on origami, these dishes (usually a set of one bowl, mug, and plate) quickly fold together to become sturdy dinnerware. When you are finished you simply unfold them back to their flat position. They do not rely on snaps or buttons to hold them together as these eventually wear out. The Orikaso dishes are made polypropylene material designed to withstand extreme temperatures, including repeated folding in extreme cold and adding boiling water for a mug of hot chocolate or a bowl of oatmeal. The Orikaso Solo Set is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who is looking to reduce weight and gain space efficiency. They also make a plate that has a checker/chess board printed on it for some after dinner games!

They are a really neat little set, though there has been some feedback about their sturdiness. If you have a heavy plateful of food, then the plate might flop a bit. That just means you can go back for seconds! I also still hold fast to my insulated mug, and encourage others to rbing one as well. While it is a bit bigger and bulkier, it keeps your hot drink hot for quite a long time - something I appreciate expeically on cold mornings. Plus, there is always room to fit the mug in your gear - even if it is clipping it to the outside of your backpack or dry bag/Duluth pack. Give these dishes a try. Bon Appetit!--Deb

2007-06-13T16:50:00.000-04:00

Helpful tips for the adventure traveler:
TIP 1: Understand what adventure travel really is
Adventure travel is an active, unique exploration of an exotic or remote destination with a small group of like-minded people, guided by full-time professional leaders. The typical object of your exploration is a beautiful landscape, unusual wildlife, or an intriguing foreign culture-often all three. You'll probably travel by foot, safari jeep or van, or even canoe or kayak and over rough roads or trails in all kinds of weather. Exceptional physical fitness usually isn't necessary; you can enjoy some adventure trips at a fitness level only a notch or two above that of a couch potato. But you'll almost certainly get sweaty, dusty, and tired at times, and you won't be eating much beef bourguignon but still expect excellent food.
TIP 2: Don't panic at the idea of camping
Accommodations on adventure trips range from two-person tents to small rustic inns to luxurious lodges. If you've never slept outdoors before, or if your previous camping experience wasn't much fun, remember that adventure-travel camping is ordinarily much easier than the usual do-it-yourself, backpack-style camping. Tented safaris in Africa can be downright luxurious, with huge stand-up tents, real beds, and hot showers. Even on more rugged camping-style trips, porters or pack animals usually carry the camp gear, your tent is often set up for you, and the camp staff does all the cooking and cleaning up. But if camping just isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of trips that offer lodges, rustic inns, or local homesteads.
TIP 3: First pick a destination.
The vast number of adventure trips to choose from can be a bit bewildering. To narrow down the choices to a manageable number, decide early what part of the world you want to visit. If you're new at adventure travel and not quite sure where you want to go, pick a trip that has a track record of broad appeal over the years. Instead of, say, hang gliding with cannibals in Irian Jaya, stick to the classics: a safari in East Africa, a trek in the Himalayas, or a visit to the Amazonian rain forest.
TIP 4: Decide how much physical challenge you want.
There's an adventure trip for virtually every level of physical fitness, from Woody Allen's to Arnold Schwartzenegger's. Companies usually rate their trips as easy, moderate, or demanding. Study the trip ratings carefully; different companies use different rating criteria, based on physical activity, altitude, and terrain.Certain activities may be rated differently. For example, river-rafting trips are rated not by their physical demands (you just hang on) but by the difficulty of the most severe rapid. Class II and III rapids shouldn't scare anybody, but Class IV demand great confidence in your guides. Class V commercial trips are rare and require extensive rafting experience.Sea-kayaking trips in protected waters are physically easy but usually include camping, and they are generally rated moderate. Backpacking trips are more demanding than treks because you'll be carrying a heavy pack. Mountaineering trips, involving of ropes, ice axes, and high altitudes, call for the highest fitness level of all.
TIP 5: Decide how much variety you want.
Some people prefer to stay in one area so they can get to know it intimately, while others like to sample a wide variety of places and activities.
TIP 6: Talk to people who've already taken the trip.
Ask the company for a list of previous customers on the trip you're looking at. The long-distance phone bills will pay for themselves many times over in unbiased word-of-mouth information.
TIP 7: Check out the trip leader.The most important single factor on adventure journeys is the trip leader, who simultaneously fills the role of guide, interpreter, teacher, mother hen, drill sergeant, and group psychologist. A great leader can be an American expatriate or a well-qualified local citizen, but he or she should be a year-round resident of the country or region and speak both English and the local language well.
PRE-TRIP PAPERWORK
TIP 8: Check your passport.International convention says that passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into a country and should contain a full blank page for the visa of each country to be visited. Don't put your passport in your check-in baggage for flights.
TIP 9: Check visas requirements.Unlike many European nations, countries visited by adventure travelers often require visitors to obtain a visa before arrival. Your travel company often will provide you with visa application forms, which you then send to the appropriate embassy or consulate.
TIP 10: Make photocopies of important documents.
Passport, visa's, tickets, credit cards, traveler's checks, drug prescriptions, and other critical documents should be photocopied, and the copies carried separately.
TIP 11: Read your pre-departure information carefully.
Adventure travel usually requires more advance preparation than you may be accustomed to. Your trip organizer should send you a detailed pre-departure info pack with advice on on visas, inoculations, special clothing, medical tips, local customs, and the like. It's not just fluff. Let it be your bible and study it carefully.
TIP 12: Check to see if your regular health insurance policy covers illness or injury overseas.If not, a short-term policy for the duration of the trip will provide peace of mind
TIP 13: Consider medical evacuation insurance.An illness or accident in a remote area may require a very expensive helicopter evacuation. (An emergency airlift out of the Everest area in Nepal, for example, costs about $8000).
TIP 14: Learn the World Wildlife Fund's guidelines on importing wild-animal products.In keeping with the spirit of ethical, responsible travel, you should not plan to bring back ivory, marine-mammal products, furs, coral, tortoise shells, reptile skins, feathers, and certain other wildlife products, For specifics, call the public information office of the World Wildlife Fund at 202-293-4800 and ask for the "Buyer Beware" booklet. And bear in mind that the U.S. and most foreign countries have laws banning the import or export of most of these items.
FIT FOR THE ROAD: FITNESS AND HEALTH CONCERNS
TIP 15: Get in shape.Physical requirements vary greatly according to the trip, and you should follow the guidelines in the pre-trip information that your travel company supplies. But at a minimum, you should exercise at least 20 minutes, three times a week, for two months before departure. Walking or jogging is ideal, but an exercise bicycle or treadmill is a reasonable alternative. For hiking or trekking trips, stretch your walks to a couple of hours and spend extra time walking up hills, or join a health club and use the stairs machine. Wear your daypack, and fill it with 10-15 pounds to simulate a typical load on the trail.
Another good exercise idea is the roll-up, or crunch, which strengthens the stomach muscles and thereby reduces the risk of back problems. Lie on your back, with feet flat on the floor and knees angled at 90 degrees. Then, with hands behind the head, raise your torso as far as you can. Repeat until you feel a good "burn" in your stomach muscles (it won't take long).
TIP 16: If you haven't had a dental checkup recently, get one before you leave.A toothache caused by a cavity or a lost filling can turn into a painful ordeal when you're a five-day walk from the nearest town.
TIP 17: Thoroughly break in your hiking or walking shoes.
Many first-time adventure travelers buy new hiking boots for the trip. You must walk a minimum of 20 miles in them, up and down hills, before departure. This should be enough to get over the initial break-in blisters and to ensure that they fit properly. Wear your new boots or shoes during your get-in-shape hikes.
TIP 18: If you wear contact lenses, consider disposables.Removing and replacing contact lenses every day on a camping trip can be a very annoying chore. Extended-wear lenses can be worn overnight, which cuts back on the hassle factor. Disposables are even better for adventure travelers because you need not carry along cleaning or storage paraphernalia. Disposables have the additional advantage of being very cheap; it's no big deal if you lose one. All contact lens wearers, however, should be careful at high altitudes. The lower oxygen level can affect the cornea as well as the lungs. If you see hazy rings or halos around bright lights, take out the lenses for a while so that the corneas can reoxygenate themselves.
TIP 19: For advice on inoculations, consider visiting a travel clinic or a physician specializing in travel.Your family doctor probably isn't up to date on the various strains of malaria or on whether you really need a yellow-fever shot for Tanzania. Travel specialists should have the latest scoop from the Centers for Disease Control. You may also call the CDC International Travelers Hotline (404-332-4559) for computerized briefing. You may also have information faxed to you.
TIP 20: If you're traveling to a malaria-prone area, make sure to take the proper malaria medication.The classic malaria preventive is the cheap, well-proven drug chloroquine, a derivative of quinine. Unfortunately, the most dangerous strain of malaria parasite has become chloroquine-resistant. The CDC currently recommends mefloquin (trade name Lariam) for this strain. Both pills are taken weekly (veteran travelers traditionally pick Sunday as malaria-pill day) and should be started one or two weeks before departure.
Which drug you should take depends on where you're going; most malarious parts of Asia, Africa, and South America have the chloroquine-resistant strain. And in a few parts of Thailand, mefloquine resistance has developed, necessitating use of the antibiotic doxycycline. Check with your physician, travel company, or the CDC for current recommendations and possible side effects and contradications.
TIP 21: Take along medications for travelers' diarrhea.With the right precautions, many travelers can avoid diarrhea entirely. If these don't work 100 percent, Pepto Bismol tablets are usually very effective. But if symptoms, persist, switch to the prescription antibiotic Cipro. In some situations, you can seek temporary relief with Immodium. (Don't continue use for more than two days if blood is present, and avoid taking Lomotil.) Always check with your doctor for side effects and contraindications.
TIP 22: If you'll be traveling at high elevations, learn about altitude sickness and take along the prescription drug Diamox.Altitude sickness often strikes travelers who venture above 8,000 feet, and it affects almost everyone who goes higher than 14,000 feet. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and a general feeling of malaise; some people compare altitude sickness to a bad hangover. More severe but rare altitude problems include pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and cerebral edema (a swelling of the brain that can lead to confusion, hallucinations, and coma).
The key to avoiding altitude sickness is gradual, well-planned ascent, which allows the body time to acclimatize. Diamox may be taken prophylactically or for the relief of symptoms that appear in spite of a gradual ascent, but it must not be used to push beyond safe limits.
THE RIGHT STUFF: HOW AND WHAT TO PACK
TIP 23: Instead of a suitcase, carry a big, soft, rugged duffel bag.There aren't many bellhops on an adventure trip. Your bag will be in for some rough treatment strapped to a yak, tossed onto the roof of a jeep, squashed by tie-down ropes, or pelted by spray in the bottom of a canoe.
Make sure that it's pliable enough to easily be handled by porters, who may lash two or three duffels into their own large packs. Pack duffels within duffels.
Four smaller zipper duffels can be neatly nested within the giant main bag. Sort the smaller bags roughly according to function: one for everyday stuff, one for cold-weather gear, etc. Cotton "city" clothes can be wrapped in plastic shopping bags within their duffel. Books, maps, notebooks, etc., can be stored in Ziploc bags, inside their own smaller nylon duffel.
TIP 24: Pack Light.
On safari or on the trail, you want life to be as simple as possible, and you'll best accomplish this by packing less stuff. If the clothing list your travel company provides seems impossibly skimpy, don't worry. Almost all first-time adventure travelers quickly realize they've brought too much. Fashion doesn't count much out on the trail, and modern outdoor clothing is so versatile that one garment can perform a variety of functions. So don't take more than the packing list advises; if you do, you and the porters will have to lug that much more around.
TIP 25: Keep take-along trash to a minimum.This not only lightens and simplifies your pack; it is environmentally responsible, too. Throw out film boxes and take new clothing out of its package. Pack a couple of bandannas instead of a dozen packs of Kleenex.
TIP 26: Bring along a medium-size day pack.The right size is about 1,500 to 2,000 cubic inches, and it should have hip straps and several compartments. Use it on the airplane, as a carry-on bag for all your indispensable items (documents, toiletries, valuables, clothes to wear in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed, etc). It has the decided advantage of being easy to carry on long walks down airport corridors. Once you arrive and the trip begins, use it to carry all the things you'll need during the day-water bottle, snacks, camera, extra clothing. Your main duffel bag depends will most likely be inaccessible.
As you select clothing for a cool or cold-weather destination, your mantra should be: "Layers are good, cotton is bad."
Your choice of travel clothes obviously depends on your destination, but the general strategy is to dress in layers that can be quickly removed or replaced as the temperature and your activity level vary. The best basic combination: is an inner layer of polyester long underwear, such as Polartec, or Capilene, that will wick away perspiration; one or two middle layers of fleece, Polartec, or other quick-drying, warm-when-wet synthetic fabric (wool is okay, too); and an outer shell that is windproof and waterproof, preferable a breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex. Cotton (including jeans) should be avoided; it becomes instantly soggy from sweat or rain, loses virtually all of its insulating abilities, and takes forever to dry out.
TIP 27: Slip in some snapshots of your family, house, and hometown.
These are great icebreakers. Take along a Polaroid camera this allows you to present locals with instant pictures of themselves. If you have an artistic bent, take along a small sketch pad or water-color set.
TIP 28: If you'll be camping, take along a Therm-a-Rest inflatable air mattress.
These wonderful devices have in the past few years revolutionized sleeping on the ground, and are now virtually standard equipment among veteran campers. The reason is simple: they are much more comfortable than the old-style foam pads. Therm-a-Rests are self-inflating, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are durable. They're available at most outdoor stores and mail-order companies.
TIP 29: Take along a generous supply of Ziploc plastic bags.
They are invaluable for storing items that must stay dry, for isolating wet and/or dirty clothes, and for organizing luggage. For the compulsive organizer, the sorting possibilities are endless: emergency pills-Immodium, Diamox, etc.-in one bag, daily vitamin pills in another. Or socks in one bag, underwear in another. A bag just for spare batteries. These see-through bags make it easy to locate items.
TIP 30: Take along a batch of trail mix.
Here's a recipe for an extraordinary tasty high-carbo concoction that provides instant energy and staying power along the trail. Simply mix dry-roasted peanuts and chocolate-covered raisins.
TIP 31: Remember the heavy-duty anti-sunburn gear for high-altitude trips.Severe sunburn is possible at high elevations, because the thin air lets through more ultraviolet radiation. At only 7,000 feet, UV radiation is about 35 percent more intense than at sea level. At 15,000 feet, it is nearly twice as intense. And many adventure-travel destinations are in tropical latitudes, where the sun is higher in the sky than Americans are accustomed to. This intensifies UV radiation even more. Large areas of snow or water, which reflect UV rays, increase exposure still more. Be sure to take along a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses with side panels ("glacier glasses"), and lots of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
TIP32: Take along skin moisturizer, even if you don't normally use it.
High altitudes, dry air, and hot sun can combine to really dry out skin.
TIP 33: Bring a pair of compact lightweight binoculars.Even if you're not a bird-watcher, you'll get a whole new perspective on your trip. In addition to the obvious benefits for a safari or animal-oriented trip, it's fun to watch the snow blow off the summit of a 25,999-foot Himalayan peak, check out the porters' progress behind you, or just people-watch from afar. A 9x25 model is a good compromise among magnification, lightgathering power, weight, and size.
TIP 34: If photography is a major goal of your trip, bring along a spare camera.You simply can't count on being able to repair or replace a malfunctioning camera on an adventure trip. A good combination would be a high-quality single-lens reflex (SLR) camera as your primary equipment and a small, lightweight automatic point-and-shoot camera as a backup. But don't bring a huge assortment of camera bodies, lenses and tripods; you'll find all that equipment a burden to carry and disruptive to operate. In fact, you may find, to your surprise, that you end up preferring the small, unobtrusive point-and-shoot to the fancy SLR.
TIP 35: For wildlife photography, use a 70-210 mm zoom lens.Your best shots usually develop very suddenly and you won't want to be changing lenses constantly. Lenses longer than 210 mm are rarely necessary and difficult to hold still without a tripod, which you'll rarely have time to set up.
TIP 36: Take extra batteries for your cameraCold weather takes a heavy toll on camera batteries, and you may be a week's walk from the nearest replacement.
TIP 37: Put a haze or sky filter on your camera lens.In addition to improving the picture quality slightly, the filter will protect the lens from dirt, moisture, and dings. This is particularly important in Africa, where conditions are sometimes very dusty and where often you'll be scrambling madly for your camera after sighting animals.
TIP 38: Buy a lead-lined storage bag for your film.
Despite those reassuring signs, airport X-ray machines can damage film, particularly machines at small remote airports that may have old equipment. Even security people in "advanced" nations, like England, have been known to refuse to hand-check films and cameras, putting them through the X-ray machines despite pleas to the contrary.
JUST BEFORE YOU GO
TIP 39: Arrange your flight schedule to minimize jet lag.If your traveling eastbound, schedule your arrival for morning, destination time. Westbound, shoot for a late afternoon arrival. This will help your body's internal clock get "in sync" more quickly.
TIP 40: Budget for tips to your trip leader, guides, and porters.
Like waiters and ski instructors, adventure travel company field staff traditionally rely on tips for a portion of their income. The amount is strictly up to you, but if you feel the staff did a good job, 5 percent of your land cost is a good ballpark figure. Keep in mind that what appears to be a trivial amount of money to you can be a big help to a local staff member. On treks, local guides and porters also appreciate surplus items of clothing, like T-shirts, fleece jackets, boots, and baseball caps.
TIP 41: Get used to the idea that you will be out of touch with the rest of the world.Where you're going, there probably won't be telephones. If there are phones, they probably won't work. If they do, it will be 3 a.m. at home when you want to call.
TIP 42: HAVE FUN!! THAT’S WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT!
---Dale Bowers

Why is the world is as it is?

2007-06-12T09:24:00.000-04:00

Anyone who travels internationally to countries where the population's standard of living is much lower than the U.S. or Western Europe has to wonder why that is true. Is it the fact that we're smarter, more motivated, more creative- somehow a cut above? No (sorry to disillusion you). In a sweeping book called Guns, Germs and Steel Jared Diamond explores that question in detail. I was initially intimidated by how thick the book is and was concerned that it would be written in a dry, academic style, but I have been pleased to find that the man is a very good and accessible writer. And his analysis is fascinating and persuasive (at least to me). If you have ever pondered the question in the title, then you would enjoy reading this book.-- Marian

put on weight

2007-06-08T12:45:00.000-04:00

And I don't mean the kind that comes from eating a milkshake every day (tempting as that is now that it's summer)!.

If you are training for a trip, athletic event, or just want to increase your exercise output try adding weight to your session. Hike with a 20 pound pack or ride your bike while pulling a cart with 20 pounds of weight. Could be a child, or some rocks, camping gear or your dog. The extra weight will up the ante - so to speak - of the workout. Adding weight raises your heart rate faster, burns more calories, additionally strengthens the muscles you regularly use and also builds some lesser used ones. If you are pressed for time, hiking/biking with weight can allow you to work harder in less time (see Marian's previous blog on interval training).

Head for the hills: Hiking or biking up hills adds to any workout - carrying weight up those hills increases that physical challenge. If you want to increase the workout even more on a hike - use trekking poles. They will also help your knees feel better if hiking with a 20 pound pack. Biking up hill and/or into the wind is difficult, and adding 20 pounds will make it even harder. Make sure you use your gears to assist the riding. If you aren't up to carrying 20 pounds, try 10 - any increase is better than none.

This morning I rode my bike to a nearby hiking trail, pulling my 20lb. dog in a trailer. While I only rode 6, relatively flat miles, I definitely noticed the different muscles and extra stengthening of my legs and heart. Plus, it was wonderful to not have to drive. Hmmm...maybe I even burned enough calories from it to have my daily milkshake! -- Deb

Adventure in your own backyard

2007-06-05T16:53:00.000-04:00

There are so many wonderful places I want to explore, some for the first time, others for the nth time. Many of the places I want to experience, like Alaska, Bhutan, or New Zealand, require lots of advance planning and days away from work and home. Oh that I would have time to visit all of these distant, facinating places - darn that pesky day job! What is an adventurer to do? Seek adventure in your daily life, of course.

I am fortunate to live three blocks from the Mighty Mississippi River and go paddling on it every chance I get. Last week fellow AGCer Deb and I put in a canoe at the river flats by the University of Minnesota and paddled leisurely through the only gorge on the entire 1,000+ mile length of the river. We were assisted by a gentle tail wind. The river is low for this time of year, in fact, the river at the end of May was lower than it often is in mid August. We were able to see the remnants of the very first lock constructed on the river. Built in the early 1900's to enable boats to bypass the rapids on that part of the river and make Minneapolis more accessible by river, it was decommissioned only a few years later when another lock and dam was constructed downstream. That lock still exists and we "locked through" on our trip.

We saw Great Blue Herons that day and it is common to see Bald Eagles soaring overhead or sitting in a snag. The trees still had that fresh spring green color even though they were fully leafed out. Last fall I paddled this same stretch of river at the height of fall colors - it was stunning. Each time I am on the river I marvel at how I can literally be in the middle of a major metropolitan area (the river is the border between St. Paul and Minneapolis), yet feel like I am far beyond any city limits. And each time I paddle the river, I see something different and learn something new. I'm looking forward to my next outing.

Where do you find adventure close to home? Happy exploring. Shelley

Thinking twice before buying bottled water

2007-06-05T06:54:00.000-04:00

When you travel internationally to places where you can't drink the water, you face the decision of whether to treat your water or to buy widely available bottled water. Treating water has the obvious advantage of cost but the disadvantages of inconvenience (you have to wait for the treatment to work) and taste. Although putting lemonade powder in the treated water will not only mask but also neutralize the taste (just make sure you wait long enough for the treatment to work before adding it), on a long trip the taste can get pretty boring. Bottled water has the disadvantage of cost but it also has another hidden cost we often don't consider: the creation of additional solid waste, often in countries that have no recycling and minimal waste disposal facilities. Whether or not to drink bottled water is obviously a personal decision, but one that should consider all the costs and benefits. For myself I bring a liquid iodine solution that has lasted for several years and buy bottled water as a treat.--Marian

my favorite backpacking meal

2007-06-01T14:52:00.000-04:00

I am about to head off on our Introduction to Backpacking weekend in Minnesota, and I am, of course thinking about food. Sometimes it can be a challenge to feel like you can eat well while backpacking and still keep the weight down. Many pre-packaged backpacking meals are expensive and often less savory than I (and many others) prefer. So, here is my favorite meal. It is filling, nutritious and pretty lightweight.

Burritos and Spanish rice. You need tortillas, dehydrated refried beans (either black or pinto), some cheese, salsa (either in a plastic bottle or transfer into a Nalgene container), and a box of spanish rice (I try to get one with the least additives). If you want to get a little fancier you could bring an avocado, a tomato and an onion. These store well in a tupperware container that you can also use as your eating dish.

The meal is simple to make - you just boil water. The rice cooks in one pot and the beans you rehydrate in five minutes in a bowl, or another small pot. If you have veggies, cut them up to add on top or make guacamole. And then you build your burrito. Mmmm, mmm good! Any extra tortillas can be carried for lunches or other dinners. --Deb

"Rightsizing" your life

2007-05-31T18:23:00.000-04:00

I just started reading a book called "Rightsizing Your Life: Simplifying Your Surroundings While Keeping What Matters Most" by Ciji Ware (Springboard, 2007). It's aimed at baby-boomers and I'm only 38, but it looks like it will be very helpful (my house is pretty small, but I do have too much stuff!). It's more than a book about how to get organized & "declutter," it addresses life changes, both planned and unplanned (which of course can happen at any age). After all, the less time and money we spend on extra stuff and/or too much house, the more time and money we have to go on adventures with friends, family, or on our own!
Anne

Painful toenails

2007-05-29T18:08:00.000-04:00

Nothing ruins a hiking trip more completely than swollen painful toenails. Typical scenario: you are doing alot of downhill, your boots don't quite fit so your toes are jamming into the end at every step and with great force, and by the end of the day you are in severe pain and contemplating amputation with your Swiss Army knife. Or at least an emergency evacuation because you know you can't walk. Is all lost? No! But the cure takes faith.

What you (or rather your hiking buddy) needs to do is hear up a safety pin until it is red hot. Matches and lighters won't get it hot enough so I always use the camp stove. Then they touch it to the nail, very gently but with enough force so it penetrates (which it will do easily if it is hot enough). Pus and other fluid will immediately start coming out and the relief is instant, enough so that you can actually hike again. It takes courage because it seems so likely that the needle will penetrate into the quick of your toe. But it won't. I can't tell you how many times this simple operation has saved a hiking trip!-- Marian

do you want to go to Alaska?

2007-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

You know you do! Or you know someone who does. So that's why I am forwarding this press release: to tell all you adventuresome women about this new adventure opportunity. My friend, Lisa, who works in film production sent this to me, so I believe it to be legitimate. Whether it ever gets off the ground is another story. But I think it
looks pretty intriguing.

Ricochet Television is searching America for daring men and women to take part in a brand new dramatic and visceral docu-series. The television series will be shot on location in Alaska and is about survival in the great outdoors.

Producers of the new show are casting pairs and trios for this unique opportunity to swap their current life for an environmental experiment. Once selected, the cast will be assisted by a wilderness survival expert who will teach them basic skills in building shelter, preparing for the cold, gathering food, and hunting. America will watch as each team triumphs over the land to achieve personal and team goals.

This will be really fun for someone who is into having a major adventure inlife, and it's not your typical reality show: no games, nochallenges, and oh yeah -- you win nothing! You just get a trip thatwill change your life forever...

Do you have what it takes to survive in the unpredictable world of wild Alaska? Go towww.TheAlaskaExperiment.com and request an application.Or contact Korelan Cone at kcone@ricochettelevision.com or 323-904-4680.

I am secretly a sucker for some relaity TV. I even eapplied to be on the Amazing Race, but didn't get chosen. Maybe you will get on this one! Good Luck!

If you want to go to Alaska but don't want to be on TV or learn hard core survival skills, AGC will be offering a trip in 2008. We are still working out the details, but if you are interested let us know --Deb

Taking pictures with you on international trips

2007-05-21T12:05:00.000-04:00

When you are traveling someplace where you don't speak the language and most of the people you meet don't speak English, a universal way to bridge the communication gap is to bring some personal pictures with you: your spouse, kids, dogs or cats, house, anything that says something about who you are and where you come from. Another option is to bring postcards of your area. I know how curious I am about new cultures and I am always amazed and delighted when people are as interested in mine as I am in their's.-- Marian

these boots are made for hiking

2007-05-18T08:40:00.000-04:00

On a hiking trip, boots are one of the most important items you can own. Ill fitting boots can lead most basically to blisters, and more seriously to structural foot injuries. When I bought my first pair of backpacking boots I had no idea what I was doing. So, I only tried one pair that were recommended by a friend. The store did not encourage me to try on any other kinds, and they suggested getting a boot a whole size bigger than my shoe size. I was also told that blisters were normal in the initial break-in period, but once the leather was softer would be fine. All this resulted in years of the worst blisters I have ever had, or seen. Moleskin did not work; duct tape did not work; nor liner socks, thicker socks, thinner socks, or different insoles. One long trip I resorted to cutting up my foam sleeping pad and duct taping that to my heels. It was miserable.

This was long before the policies of 100% satisfaction guaranteed was well established. I spent a lot of money on these boots, so i kept wearing them. Plus, they were really high quality, highly rated boots - just not really good boots for me.

A couple years later I started working at Eastern Mountain Sports. It was there that I learned that not only do we have different widths and lengths of our feet, but different sized and shaped ankles. And that some brands of boots fit people better than others based on how the boots is constructed. After trying on a few different brands this becomes clear - some boots your feet swim in, others are too narrow, etc. I had once been told I had a narrow foot with a nigh arch, but the boots that were the most narrow in construction completely did not fit. I actually have a regular sized foot, but a very narrow ankle. I finally bought a pair of Raichle leather hiking boots that I love. I have had the boots for 12 years, and have had maybe 2 blisters; a problem which was solved with varying my socks.

I am now getting to the point where I need to retire these boots and get a new pair. Even though I know how to shop for new ones, I am still scarred by those early years, and afraid of getting a "bad" pair of boots.
But here are some steps to reduce that risk:
1) Go to a reputable retail store - where in the boot department they know their boots and how to fit the right boot to the right foot.
2) Try on a variety of boots and walk around the store in them. And if that store doesn't have what you need, go to another store and see what brands they have.
3) Choose a store with a good return policy. Some stores will only take your boots back if they haven't been worn outdoors. you can get a decent sense of their comfort that way, but ultimately you need to field test them.
4) Buy a boot that will match your activity needs. Backpacking boots differ from lighter hiking boots; rocky steep terrain require a different boots than flat or rolling hills. Again, going to a reputable store will help. They should ask you this question.
5) Typically you want a boot a half size bigger than your shoe size. This accounts for sock variations, as well as the natural swelling of our feet.
6) try the boots on with a sock combination you know works for you. Bring your own. Or if you wear orthotics, bring those.
7) Buy your boots early enough before your trip (usually 2+ months) to break them in. If they are all leather they will take a bit longer to break in than the cordura/nylon/part leather ones. If they are uncomfortable after a couple times of wearing them, bring them back.

They're your feet, and will carry you far into the wilderness. Buy a pair of boots that fit, that are comfortable, and take time to break them in. It will make the hiking experience - and your feet - so much more joyful.
--Deb

another waterproof option

2007-05-11T11:01:00.000-04:00

The are so many rain jackets on the market it is hard to know what to buy. For high activity, we recomend a waterproof and breathable fabric. I have tried many jackets throughout the years, and the one I have always had the best luck with is a jacket made with Gore-Tex. I have found these jackets to keep me dry the longest (all jackets, except rubber raincoats, have a saturation point) and the least sweaty from the inside. I actually I have a new Gore-Tex shell that works really well.

There is a "new" product on the market, though, that has been getting a lot of press lately, particulalrly in the lightweight backpacking and adventure race communities. It is a patented material called eVent. Like Gore-Tex, it is a micro-porous membrane of material in the jacket, that keeps the rain out and helps sweat vent to the outside of the fabric. With a few other techie features, the result is a waterproof-breathable fabric that will move moisture 30%-200% (depending on humidity level) faster than Gore-Tex XCR.

I have not field tested any of their products yet, but I like everything I have read and I am shopping around for a pair of eVent rain pants. The prices are in a range comparable to a Gore-Tex jacket, depending on features, styling and manufacturers. I'll keep you posted on my field testing. To read more about the technology go to http://www.eventfabrics.com/eVent_technology.php

--Deb

Remedy for the Habituation of the Human Mind

2007-05-09T12:49:00.000-04:00

This past December I was walking on my favorite stretch of beach south of Tulum, Mexico....just me, white sand and blue ocean. A flock of pelicans flew over head. I thought, "oh, pelicans" and kept walking. Moments later I remembered the first time I saw pelicans about 18 years ago in the Florida Panhandle. I was fascinated. I sat down and watched them fish for the longest time. In the meantime I have seen lots of pelicans. It occured to me that I had become habituated to the thrill of watching pelicans in flight. This struck me as an unacceptable condition! I pulled forward a meditation practice taught by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh and revised for my purpose. I took a deep breath in and thought "pelican". I exhaled thinking "fresh". Ater repeating this simply practice several times I was restored to my joy in watching the pelicans.

Now I don't know if this qualifies for a travel tip, but I thought it was worth writing. I try to remember to wake up as often as I can to all the natural beauty around me. Let's not miss it as we climb the next hill or as we mow the lawn.

Tamar

Always be prepared - even at the Dog Park!

2007-05-04T10:33:00.000-04:00

When we talk about what to carry in a day pack on our trips, we always mention to bring an extra layer. Something non-cotton - a fleece or long-underwear top - just in case you get cold and/or wet you have something warm and dry to put on. This is a good rule of thumb whenever you venture out on an extended day adventure, on an AGC trip or otherwise. It is true that you may not use that extra layer, but in case you do, it can be, quite literally, a lifesaver.

It continually amazes me how quickly (and often unexpectedly) an incident can happen. One minute everything is beautiful, you're having a fun time, and then blip! someone slips on a flat road and breaks an ankle; a jump off a rope swing busts open a kneecap; while opening a can with a pocketknife, it slips and slices your thumb. Or, a woman swims to rescue her dog who is floating further and futher down the Missippi River trying to retrieve a stick. In early May. In Minnesota.

Why the dog wouldn't swim across the current and to shore is another story. What it made me think of was those extra, dry layers. Never in a million years did I think a trip to the dog park would lead to potential hypothermia. But here we were: my friend's clothes were soaking wet, the river water temperature had been very cold, the weather was about 55F and cloudy, with no extra clothes. Fortunately we only had about a mile walk back to the car, and that amount of exercise kept her warm enough.

This is so often how accidents happen - in the moments when we least expect them. What we need to be prepared with is how to safely handle the situation and keep things from getting worse. Whether it is extra layers, a first aid kit, or just an awareness of what to do if x, y, and z happens - being prepared is really the key to safety. -- Deb

Some Good Reads

2007-05-02T09:43:00.000-04:00

I'm an unlikely mountaineer; I mean, how can you be a mountain climber when you live full time in Minnesota? We have an ancient mountain range in the arrowhead region of the state, but the highest point is Eagle Mountain, a whopping 2,301 ft. above sea level. Geographical challenges not withstanding, I started climbing mountains in 1993 after a good friend of mine from Washington state said, "You should try mountaineering, I think you'd like it." To help me get in the right mood and have a better idea of what I was getting myself into, I read Arlene Blum's book, Annapurna, A Women's Place, about the first American women's team to climb Annapurna. I highly recommend it, even if you never set foot on a mountain. I used passages about their challenges for inspiration as I was facing my own challenges on Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Olympus my first summer of mountaineering. The next climbing book I read was Into Thin Air by Jon Krakkaur, which tells his first-hand story of the deadly 1996 climbing season on Mt. Everest. It is a harrowing story and one that I think everyone who goes into the mountains should read as it lets us know what can happen when we put getting to the summit ahead of being and staying safe and how seemingly unconnected decisions can lead to tragedy.

Fast forward 10 years to 2007 when I read my next book in the adventure genre, No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs. I didn't plan to read it, or even think I wanted to read it, but a copy was sent to me compliments of Mountain Hardware when I ordered a MH jacket from REI. I was a bit annoyed that this book was being foisted upon me, but figured I could always donate it to a book sale. Then I saw an interview with Viesturs and was intrigued by this guy who at my age was the first American to climb the 14 highest peaks in the world without using supplemental oxygen. HIs story is fascinating and one that resonates with me. He has a passion for climbing and lives by the motto " Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory." That fits with the idea I keep forefront in my mind when I'm climbing, "the mountain will be there another day." I started this book thinking I was going to hear the story of a testosterone-poisoned guy regaling his climbing exploits. Instead I read a thoughtful, moving, and realistic portrayal of what it is like to climb at high altitudes and by extension, what it means to take on a personal challenge.

It has been over 10 years since I have climbed above 20,000 ft and his description of preparing for a summit attempt transported me back to my tent at high camp on Mera Peak in Nepal, trying to consume food and liquids (an extremely difficult task at high elevations), getting dressed and harnessed up in 90 minutes rather than 20, and taking 10 breaths for every 3 steps on our way to the summit. Even if you have never climbed a mountain, I think you will have a good idea of what that experience is like.

I would have enjoyed reading more about some of the high altitude women climbers he knew, but in the end it is his story and he climbed almost exclusively with men. This is one of the better memoirs I've read and encourage anyone who is curious about high altitude climbing, about the making of the Everest IMAX film, or what it takes to be a professional mountain climber to check it out.

Enjoy your summer reading. Shelley

Sleeping beauty

2007-04-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

I love to sleep outside. In my tent, under the stars, away from the city - I find great joy in the lack of walls around me. I know a concern of many people is sleeping on the ground, with sore backs, or daily aches and pains. Self-inflating sleeping pads (like Therm-a-rests) are key to a comfortable night's sleep on the ground. Therm-a-rest makes pads in a variety of thicknesses, weights and widths; aware that people want and need different things from their sleeping pad.

Sometimes sleeping on my pad, though, I still wake up with a stiff low back. I like to sleep on my back, and the sleeping pads are very flat. One day I was sleeping on a slight down slope, and started tucking small articles of clothing under the edges of the sleeping pad to try and keep me from sliding down my pad and into the bottom of the tent. It not only succeeded at keeping me in place, it was more comfortable. The clothes gave contour to the pad to help support my body.

Now when I get in the tent at night, I lay on my pad, on my back and see where (or if) I want a little lift or curve of the pad, and tuck clothes in a variety of spots. I have also started to lay a light-weight fleece or my rain jacket underneath the pad at knee level (it should lay perpendicular to the pad) to give my low back some support. Imagine it like a bolster under your knees when getting a massage. Except that you don't want the knee "support" too bulky because if you want to turn over it impedes laying on your pad on your side or stomach. You also want it placed underneath the pad so it doesn't slide out of place. I have to play around with the "system" each night, and you will need to find what works best for you. I recommend it - I have had fewer aches the next morning. -- Deb

2007-04-24T13:16:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, my family and I spent our Earth Day planting new spring flowers, recovering the beds in mulch, and enjoying all the wonderful sights, sounds, and smells of springtime. We look ahead to our coming weekend as we begin planning our menus and activities for a weekend of camping at Fort Mountain in the mountains of North Georgia. I adore this time of year, and as I contemplated what I should write for the Adventures in Good Company blog this month, I am reminded of last weekend and the one to come and how we celebrate and enjoy our natural world. I love every aspect of this glorious planet and all the creatures in it, and hope to instill that love not only in my children but those people that I come into contact with on my trips and on a day to day basis. I decided this month, the best way to share my love for this world was to share a wonderful poem with you.

In Tune With Mother Nature

If you listen for the songbirds
As they greet the summer sun,
And love the way the wind can make
The trees sings just for fun;

If you like to hear the ocean
As it drums upon the shore,
And imagine all the whales out there,
And hope they'll sing some more;

If you think of all the animals
As players in a band,
Each with a lovely tune to play,
All needed on the land;

And know that as a boy or girl
A woman or a man
You have a vital role to play
In Mother Nature's plan;

If you honor every living thing
As a part of nature's treasure
You're in tune with Mother Nature
So let's all sing her song together.

Spend quality time in a spectacular place, where true health is more than a strong body. It is fine-tuning the relationship between your body, mind and spirit to achieve fitness from the inside out.
I hope you feel inspired to spend sometime in the great outdoors. Dale Bowers

Travel Insurance

2007-04-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

We highly recommend buying travel insurance, and every confirmation packet we send out includes a brochure for Travelex travel insurance. Before working full time at this job, I used to think it was unnecessary and a waste of money. But now I think otherwise. Not because I have personally needed travel insurance to cover my losses, but because I have seen so many others need it, including 2 last-minute international trip cancellations in the past month. It's heartbreaking for me - I can only imagine how it is for them.

I have also learned that trip insurance actually isn't all that expensive. The cost of the insurance depends on your age and the price of the trip. For a $2500 trip, 1-31 days in length, a woman 35-60 pays $178. This will reimburse not only for the cost of the trip expense, but for the plane ticket as well. The insurance also covers things that aren't even if you cancel - rental car damage, lost baggage, missed flight connections, and medical benefits to name a few.

If you don't want to pay for complete coverage, there is an option for emergency medical benefits ($500,000), which also includes coverage for lost baggage, rental car damage, and missed connections or flight schedule changes,etc. Anne, our guide going to Nepal, just got this insurance for $45, and that includes an $8 processing fee! That's less than 2% of the entire trip cost. True - she may not need it, but isn't this the case of having any insurance? It is a small amount of money to cover large expenses if she should need them. Plus, there is a peace of mind that goes with having emergency medical benefits and travel insurance. Isn't that worth the price? -- deb

Is peanut butter a liquid?

2007-04-15T20:35:00.000-04:00

I am sitting in the Las Vegas airport as I write this post (just finishing our Utah hiking trip, not gambling), pondering this question because my peanut butter was confiscated by TSA when I went through security. When the screener took my daypack, my immediate thought was that I had left my First Aid kit in it with its scissors and needles. But no, she pulled out my jars of left over tahini and peanut butter that I had been planning to put on my left over bagels for the long trip home. Frankly it didn't occur to me that the prohibition against liquids would apply. The screener was nice; she allowed me to take my contraband back out of security and spread it on the bagels and then toss the rest. And in the process I met a woman who had just been busted for two bottles of unopened gatorade; she couldn't chug them both so she gave me one. But does all this make me feel safer? I wish it did. -- Marian

add to the wardrobe

2007-04-13T15:20:00.000-04:00

Dressing in layers is the best way to regulate your body temperature while being active in the outdoors. For most weather conditions we recommend 3 basic layers. The 1st layer (or base layer) is long underwear, preferably wool or synthetic; the second layer an insulating layer like a fleece jacket or wool sweater; and 3rd layer is the wind/waterproof layer - a Gore-tex jacket, or nylon wind shell. As the weather starts to warm up 3 layers is often too many. However, with a chill still in the air in mornings and nights, sometimes 2 is not enough. So I recommend investing in a fleece or wool vest. This has become one of the most versatile items in my wardrobe. If it is too warm for a fleece jacket, but not quite warm enough for just a shirt - put on the vest. Got hot hiking in your long underwear and have a slight chill at your break? Put on a vest. I even wear my fleece vest around my house in the winter when it is just a bit chilly. You can get a wide variety of vests: fleece, wool, down, wind-block, with cute designs, etc. Pick your style and try it. It really will change the way you dress for (outdoor) success. -- Deb

environmental film about caribou migration

2007-04-11T18:06:00.000-04:00

Last night I saw the documentary film "Being Caribou" and I highly recommend it. In 2003 a Canadian couple traveled on foot for five months across the tundra following the annual caribou migration from Yukon Territory to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where the caribou give birth. (They got periodic food drops, but their packs were pretty heavy!) The scenery is beautiful, I learned a lot, and there are elements of humor throughout (for example, they bring along a George Bush doll so he can see the land he wants to open to drilling). The baby caribou are very cute! If you're interested in getting a copy of the award-winning film or having a screening in your home town, go to www.beingcaribou.com.

Anne

homemade granola

2007-04-06T09:59:00.000-04:00

Granola is a great camping food. It is lightweight, quick, and with the right mix of ingredients, nutritious. It is delicious with milk (even powdered), mixed in with pancakes, sprinkled on hot cereal, stirred in a yogurt and fruit parfait, and even just as a snack. Freshly made granola is a tasty, inexpensive, and easy-to- make alternative to store bought granola. Plus, the variations are endless. Here is a basic recipe that I really like:

4 cups uncooked rolled oats
3/4 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup chopped cashews
1/2 t salt
1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
1/3 cup sunflower oil
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup coconut (unsweetened)
3/4 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 300F. In a medium sized bowl, mix together oats, nuts and coconut. In a separate bowl mix honey, oil, salt and water over the mixture and stir well. Pour over the oats mixture Spread on a large cookie sheet and bake 35 to 40 minutes until nicely browned pn top. Stir the granola often while baking, every 5-10 minutes. Make sure it doesn't get too brown.

Remove from oven and let cool. Add dried fruit and stir. Makes 6 cups. Store in a tightly sealed container.

Variations: *add other dried fruit: currants, apricots, raisins, dried cherries, dehydrated raspberries
*add sesame seeds, wheat germ or oat bran
*add chocolate chips or m&ms
*add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract
*add other chopped nuts: sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, pecans
*if you want it a little sweeter, add 2 -4 T of brown sugar, dissolve in the wet ingredients

Enjoy - Deb

Lighten' Up!

2007-04-04T12:48:00.000-04:00

This is the time of year I’m “chopping at the bit” to get on a trail, somewhere, anywhere! Please let that snow melt so I can get out there! The last few years my emphasis has been on reducing pack weight any way I can. Now is the time for checking equipment and clothing, replacing what your checkbook will allow and reviewing everything with a critical eye toward how it will ultimately feel on your back.

Want to lighten’ up your backpack without spending lots of money? My favorite way of cutting weight always gets a few snickers. Yes, I am one of those who cut tags, shorten shoe laces, trim edges from maps, repackage food items, cut extra straps off backpacks and any other equipment, repackage toothpaste and yes, cut my toothbrush in half. OK, I know---funny stuff! But! I can go out on a six day backpack with food, equipment, clothing and water for a mere twenty-six pounds!

Give it a try one of these rainy spring days when you can’t be out tromping the trails. Start with your backpack. Those of your who hike with a lid have an instant advantage for weight reduction, unstrap that lid and lose an immediate 6-12 oz, amazing. I know, lids are good for organizing but think of how much better it will feel to lose the weight. Next, look at straps, get rid of all that are not used and shorten others to the proper length for use. Now, on to the contents! All tags on equipment and clothing can go, completely useless. Repackage everything from food stuff to Band-Aids, packaging often weighs more than the item. Think of dental floss---huge package and the floss itself weighs nothing. If you’re doing a 5 day hike do you really need that whole tube of toothpaste? Yes, I know it’s a travel size but just for kicks squeeze the amount you would use in 5 days into a zip lock and then weigh the two. Why carry ANY extra? That extra, if you want to carry it, could be chocolate! Last, take a look at what you wear. Any extra stuff hanging off? How about that draw string in your elastic waist short? Not needed if the elastic works. How about those shorts? Do they have a medal zipper? Could you trade them for a lighter pair of pull on shorts without the hardware? Try to look at everything you carry, use or wear in a different way, looking at weight and function. You’ll be surprised at what you see. I hope you save all that you cut off, un-package and trade. Put it all together and weigh to see what a favor you have done for yourself.

Spend a little time this season lightening up! Your back will like it and as the weight decreases your enjoyment will increase. A few websites that I enjoy checking out are; www.backpacking.net , www.bellaonline.com (a website for women) and www.ultralight-hiking.com. If you prefer to hold your reading material in your hands two excellent books are Backpacking: A Woman’s Guide by Adrienne Hall and Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardines Guide to Lightweight Hiking by Ray Jardine.

See your lighter self on the trail! Jan

Another hiking tip: Cut your toenails

2007-04-03T17:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I sent out a list of 5 tips for happy and healthy hiking to everyone on our e-newsletter list. Here is a sixth tip:
Cut your toenails before your hiking trip. Toenails that are too long will inevitably end up getting jammed into the front of your boot when you go downhill. This will lead to bruising and swelling under the big toenail, which is incredibly painful. The simplest prevention is to cut your toenails after a shower, when standing in water has softened them up some. This allows you to get them quite short.-- Marian

To liner or not to liner?

2007-03-30T15:32:00.000-04:00

Wearing sock liners with your thicker socks and hiking boots are a matter of personal preference, and not everyone prefers to wear them. Sock liners are mainly recommended as a preventive measure to getting blisters. The problem I have found with sock liners is that it is challenging to find the right thickness sock to go with the right thinness of liner. If the end result of 2 socks is that they are too fat for your boot, well, you will get blisters anyway.

I used to be an avid sock liner wearer - I had the right weight wool sock and the right weight liner and it was beautiful. But those socks got holes, and they stopped manufacturing them to buy new ones. I have tried numerous sock combinations with and without liners and came to the conclusion that now, liners made my feet more prone to blisters.

I thought I had my system figured out: I was one of those people for whom liners did not work- until I went backpacking in Havasu Canyon last week. My no-liner system failed me and I got huge blisters. After 3 days in the Canyon, hiking mostly in Chaco sandals and soaking my feet in cool water, the blisters diminished. Time came to backpack out (10 miles) and I went back and forth on whether to wear the liners on the way out. But they really made my boots tight and I worried I would get blisters in new areas. So I decided to go just with hiking socks again. 2 miles into it my feet were killing me. I stopped, put on mole skin and my sock liners. I hiked the remaining 8 miles, got no new blisters and the ones I had got no worse. I was amazed. I think my feet were just too hot and needed the liner as both a cooling effect and to reduce the friction.

Whatever the reason - it worked. Now, not only do I advocate testing whether or not sock liners work for you, but test whether they work for you in different climates, on different hikes, different days. I am now a sometimes sock liner wearer.

lightweight "everyday bags" for travel

2007-03-23T15:03:00.000-04:00

On our recent trip to Tanzania, several participants commented that it would be convenient to have a small bag to use on the safari part of the trip. The daypack they used on Kilimanjaro was overkill for bringing water, sunscreen & a camera on game viewing drives or for bringing a book, ipod, and sunglasses out to the hotel patio. For this purpose, you don't need something that's comfortable to wear six hours a day loaded with 15 lbs. of gear—just a place to stuff your stuff. I find that a lightweight nylon tote or backpack is perfect for this. Plus, you can use it as an extra piece of luggage if your souvenirs don't fit in your duffel. Here are some bags that weigh 6 to 14 oz., cost $25 to $70, and often come in a variety of colors. All the manufacturers have websites so you can comparison shop.

Eagle Creek: Packable Tote, Packable Daypack
Baggalini: Zip-Out Backpack, Zip-Out Shopping Bag
Patagonia: Lightweight Travel Tote, Lightweight Travel Pack & Lightweight Travel Courier
Timbuk2: Cinch Daypack
OwareUSA: Daypack/Stuffsack
Kiva Designs: Convertible Tote

ground tarps

2007-03-16T11:55:00.000-04:00

Rain flies help keep the water out from the top, but the bottom of a tent (typically) is not a water-proof material. In a heavy or steady rain, the water often runs under the tent and eventually soaks through the bottom, getting you and your gear wet.
So, you need an additional piece of material to act as a barrier.

What to use?
Some tent manufacturers sell what is called a Footprint - a piece of coated nylon in the shape of the tent body. They attach directly to the poles of the tent, are cut slightly smaller than and in the shape of the tent body so there are no overhanging pieces of material to collect water, they are compact and lightweight. But they can be expensive, and can be limited if you don't have a tent that makes a Footprint.

There are some generic shaped Footprints - like a 6x8 hexagon or a 7x7 square. But if you don't know the dimensions of your tent, this is not always a great alternative.

You can also buy a sheet of plastic to use as your ground tarp. You can get these at most outdoor stores or even the local hardware store. Some people cut them into the shape of their tent body, and others just fold the plastic underneath the tent to match the tent shape. This is an inexpensive option, though the plastic ground tarp can be a bit bulky and slightly heavier.

Where to put it?
Outside: It seems simple enough - by definition a ground cloth goes...on the ground. As I said, Footprints directly attach to the poles on the outside, underneathside of the tent. For a plastic tarp, lay the ground tarp on the ground, and then set your tent up over it. If your tarp is bigger than the shape of the tent, you want to fold the tarp edges downward, and tuck them underneath the tent, so it is just smaller than the tent body. This will help keep water from pooling on the excess edges of the ground sheet and with it folded downward, the water that runs under the tent should follow the curve of the tarp and flow away from the tent.

Inside: However, sometimes even with all this attention to set up, the water still pools on the ground cloth, in between the the tent and cloth or on the edges. In this situation it can be useful to put the plastic sheet inside the tent. Putting the tarp on the inside, acts as a direct barrier from your bag to the outside of the tent. The tent floor may be wet in the morning, but since the tarp is covering the tent floor, you will be dry. It can be a bit noisy to have the tarp on the inside, but overall does a better job of keeping you dry. Note: if the plastic sheet is not as large as the inside of the tent, there will probably still be water seepage into the tent where the tarp does not reach. Just make sure your gear and sleeping pad and bag are on the plastic. In a pinch you can use garbage bags.

One more reason for a ground tarp:
To protect your tent from the ground itself. Sticks, dirt, gravel, sand, etc. all are abrasive to your tent body, and over time can wear holes in the nylon.

Whether you put the ground tarp inside or outside of the tent is largely based on where you camp and a little bit on personal preference. If you are not camping in a place that rain is a big risk, like Joshua Tree, I suggest putting your tarp on the outside of the tent. Conversely if you are camping in a wet environment, like In the BWCA or Cascade Mountains, put the tarp on the inside because rain and wetness are a much bigger factor than damage from the ground. Play around with it and see what you prefer, but remember the ground tarp's primary purpose is to help keep you and your gear dry.

--Deb

Kilimanjaro climb

2007-03-15T11:30:00.000-04:00

I recently returned from AGC's Kilimanjaro climb & safari. Our intrepid group of five, plus our helpful and encouraging Tanzanian guides, all made it to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (in very windy conditions). What an incredible feeling, to be at the highest point on the African continent!

One thing I enjoy about this trip is getting to know the guides and porters we work with. Most of the porters know very little English, so our interactions were based on smiles and the few words of Kiswahili I've learned. They seemed pleased (or perhaps amused?) that I could say "you are very strong!" as they passed us on the trail carrying loads on their heads.

The guides, on the other hand, are required to know English, and some of them speak it well. Our guides hiked with us every day so we had plenty of time to talk. We learned about their families, how they ended up working as a Kilimanjaro guide, and what they do for work in the off-season. Three of our guides usually work together as a team and it was nice to see how much they enjoyed each other's company. I hope we can work with them again on our next trip to Tanzania!

Anne from AGC

The Paradise Known as Kaua'i

2007-03-13T10:28:00.000-04:00

I recently returned from an amazing trip to Hawaii. I must say when I was first presented with the opportunity to go to Hawaii, I thought about saying no. Then I was told we’d be spending 5 days on Kaua’i; I immediately said yes. Kaua’i is known as the Garden Island for good reason. It is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and therefore has the most rich, red, volcanic soil supporting lush vegetation. One of the highlights of the trip for me was visiting the Limahuli Botanical Garden. Because it is winter, very little was blooming, but it was easy to imagine how beautiful the mountainside looks in the summer.

Much of the beauty of the island is accessible by car – Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon” of the Pacific, the Limahuli and Allerton Botanical Gardens, and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (a fantastic spot to observe sea birds). One of the gems of Kaua’i that is accessible only by foot or boat is the Na Pali Coast. Na Pali means “the cliffs” and spectacular cliffs they are: up to 4,000 ft high, carved by numerous streams and waterfalls inland and the by the ocean and just about everything is covered by green vegetation.

A popular day hike is from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach along the Kalalau Trail. Given the starting and ending points you may think this is a pleasant walk next to the ocean. Instead it is a strenuous hike over rocky trail with nary a level spot. You are rewarded with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and NaPali and a beautiful sandy beach at the end. This section of the trail is about 2 miles one-way, and you should allow a couple of hours to complete it.

For those of you with more time and strong legs, you can continue on another 4 miles to Hanakoa Valley. You will hike through Hono o Na Pali Nature Preserve where you can see rare Hawaiian lowland plants as you make your way to Hanakoa’s hanging valley. It is called a hanging valley because the Hanakoa stream ends in a waterfall into the ocean; there is no beach.

The final destination along the trail is Kalalau Valley. I didn’t make it this far, but am thinking this will be an excellent trip for my 50th birthday. I’ve seen the Kalalau Valley from an overlook at Kokee State Park and would love to see it on the ground. I haven’t decided if I will backpack or kayak to the valley. I’m sure that either way I would have a memorable trip.

If you would like more detailed information about the Kalalau Trail or to see pictures of the area, check out the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website, http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/NaPali/na_pali.htm.

My recommendation if you decide to go: bring your hiking poles. I was able to take them as carryon luggage by wrapping them in a thin piece of foam and putting them in my yoga mat bag. I told the security personnel what they were, they did a hand search of them, and let me proceed.

Have fun exploring this beautiful island.

-Shelley

International layovers

2007-03-09T15:04:00.000-05:00

When you are flying internationally and have connections in different cities and countries, there are many occasions when your travel itinerary includes an extended or overnight layover. Many of us are not interested in sitting/sleeping in a hard plastic chair for the duration of our layover. So what are some better options?

--walk around the airport. This helps stretch your legs, gives you some exercise, and sometimes unveils some great dining and lounge spaces in other areas of the airport. There is usually an area where you can check your luggage securely. Just remember to bring your boarding pass and ID so you can get back to your gate.

--There are often inexpensive hotels near the airport where you can stay. These sometimes have "day room" rates where you can pay a fee to use their services for a few hours.

--Many times taking a taxi or train into the city hub can afford even more choices of inexpensive hotels, as well as access to touring the city for a few hours. This may or may not be more of a hassle than it is worth. The drive can be slow and long, the taxi may be expensive and you need to get back to the airport the following day for departure.

--Another option is to check if the airport itself has "day rooms" or even sleeping rooms. Most rooms are chargedin blocks of time, usually 2 -4 hour segments. Some airports have a "whole day package" which includes overnight hours. Usually for about the price a hotel would cost you can get a bed or comfortable couches, and have access to food, internet, books, and sometimes even massages and showers.

--research your options before you go, and make sure you check numerous web sites as airport amenities are always changing.

--deb

Caffeine Withdrawal

2007-03-07T08:06:00.000-05:00

I forgot AGCs favorite method for making coffee: the coffee sock. We learned about this on our Baja kayaking trips and now use it on most trips. It is a long cone of soft material (usually cotton) on a wire ring with a handle. You put the grounds into the sock cone and then pour boiling water over it, and the coffee liquid drains out the porous sock. We often make this into a pot and then pour it into thermoses to keep it hot. You can also do individual cups. It is easy to use, easy to clean, small and lightweight to carry. It is also reusable, though it does take on a grayish color after a few uses, even with a bleach solution. You can buy one for about $5 at many kitchen stores as well. Enjoy! --Deb

Double tall latte, please

2007-03-02T10:15:00.000-05:00

I am going on a personal backpacking trip soon and my traveling companion and I love a good cup of coffee in the morning. It got me thinking about all the ways we could make our morning cup of joe happen in the wilderness. Apparently I am not the only one - there are over 20 products on the camping market just for making coffee! Here are many of the ways you can wake up with a cup:

1) Coffee bags. These are similar to tea bags, where you just pour boiling water over it and let it steep in your cup. It is a convenient lightweight option, but does not provide the strength and flavor I like.

2) The camping percolator. Makes great coffee, is great for a group or more than one cup drinkers, and is easy to do. It is bulky to carry in a backpack and sometimes the pot handle ends up poking you in the back! Plus, it can be a little bit of messy to clean out the coffee grounds, especially camping where there may be limited water. Make sure the grind of the coffee isn't too fine.

3) Espresso makers. These you set on your camping stove and in a few short minutes produces a nice strong cup of back-country espresso. These are reasonably priced ($24.95 for a 4 cup, $19.95 for a one cup from REI) and are small and lightweight. I know people who own one and wouldn't camp without it. Somehow this just seems a bit too froo froo for me, though. Plus, it is one more thing to carry in your backpack. I also imagine that unless you use one of those espresso pre-packaged pods that places like Starbucks sell, it is probably also a bit messy to clean. And not everyone likes espresso.

4) Press pots - There are Lexan (a hard non-breakable plastic) press pots and individual mug European presses. The press pot makes great coffee, and if your camping companions don't like coffee, they can just as easily make their own hot drink, since all that is required is boiling water. The Lexan pot, though, is not ideal for backpacking (see percolator). The individual press mugs and thermos are insulated so ideally your coffee stays hot, and can double as your mug for tea, soup or cocoa later (the press is often removeable). It does have that wet-compact-coffee ground mess to clean up. You do have to wait 5 minutes for it to steep before pushing the plunger, and this can result in a less hot cup of coffee. With some of the thermos style mugs, too, you have to unscrew the lid each time you want a sip, and this is not only more time consuming but allows heat to escape at each sip.

5) Cowgirl coffee: You boil the grounds in with the water for a few minutes. To get the grounds to settle you let the pot sit for a couple minutes and then tap the side of the pot with a spoon. Daring campers can try centrifugal force - where you spin the pot in a large circle with an outstretched arm. Gravity keeps the lid on as you spin the pot. This makes good coffee, but is quite messy to clean up and sometimes you get fine grounds in your cup.

6) Coffee cone. You can make a great cup of drip-style coffee with a paper filter and an inexpensive, lightweight and small plastic coffee cone. All you need is boiling water and you can make a cup to your own strength. This also can be slightly time consuming, and in cold weather the coffee doesn't stay super hot. You can use a bandana or clean sock as a reusable filter.

7) Instant coffee. Not the best tasting, but easy, lightweight and after all, you are out "roughing it" Mix in some cocoa and powdered milk (or better yet, non-dairy creamer) and you will have a delightful back country mocha.

Whatever your preference, there is a method for you. Enjoy that coffee as you sit in your Crazy Creek chair looking at the beauty of nature around you. Ahhh! -- deb

2007-02-28T09:05:00.000-05:00

Taking Children Outdoors
As a mother of two very active daughters, we love to explore our natural environment. We take them hiking, biking, kayaking; anything to be outside in this incredible world. I encourage you to explore the outdoors with a child as well. Whether it is your own or a grandchild, niece or nephew, or give your friend a break and take her kids on an adventure. I promise you that you will see the outdoors in a whole new light.
Taking children outdoors... What a wondrous time to use all your senses -- especially your sense of humor! Be generous with your time and attention. Be flexible with your schedule. You are making memories that will last a lifetime - Leave your worries at home (they'll wait for you...) relax, and have fun!
Let's take a quick look at tips for success, including setting appropriate expectations, preparing for safety and some tips for keeping children happy, moving and learning such as: drinks and snacks, activities for discovering and other resources.
Expectations
Expectations will make or break your trip outdoors with children.
Yours:
Expect to stop and smell the roses, or more likely, look at the bug or skip stones. The more flexible and easy going you are, the better time you'll all have. Keep trips shorter for best results, and remember that their stamina may not be a good as yours when it comes to hiking. Try not to go too far or too long the first times you go out. Carrying children back long distances gets old really fast!! Sing, tell stories, and by all means, bribe children with the snacks you've brought. And, as mothers know, be prepared that there's always one kid who's going to be unhappy about something. Don't worry, however. It won't last. It'll just switch to another kid. It's really no different than being indoors in that respect!
Theirs:
Let them know what to expect. A long car ride to get there? Something new to do or a favorite activity? Will there be playgrounds? Swimming? Pit toilets?? The more they know and are prepared, the less hassle you'll have later. Just be calm and matter of fact (especially important the first time little ones meet a pit toilet) and keep smiling!
If there's a long car ride involved, let them bring toys to keep entertained on the trip. Consider making the trip overnight so everyone is rested and in a good mood.
Safety
We all know safety is important. Here are a few tips. Know where you're going and let others know your plan. If you are hiking with young children, your best bet is to stay on well-established trails. Be sure to look behind you often so the trail looks familiar on the return trip!
Keep young children in sight at all times. Have all the children wear bright colors and have everyone, including you, wear a whistle.
Have a plan getting help in an emergency. Can you use a cell phone where you are going or would you lose cell service out on the trail? Is someone expecting you at a certain time? Could you signal for help if you needed to?
Bring a good first aid kit.
The Essentials: Drinks and Snacks
Always have a canteen or source of clean drinking water. It's easy to get dehydrated. You can bring other drinks, but water is still the best thirst-quencher, and nobody's got sticky faces after drinking it. Let each child carry a small, LIGHT WEIGHT pack with a canteen.
Someone can carry snacks. Stop often and use the snacks to help them rest and to mark the time of the outing or distance on the trail. (When on the trail, "bribing" with snacks is okay!) Everyone is using plenty of calories and actually needs to eat. Trail mix is popular: a mixture of dried fruit, raisins, peanuts, M&Ms, etc. Fruit is good, but keep in mind you'll need to pack out peels, cores, etc. (Tossing the fruit into the weeds isn't a good idea. Animals begin to rely on people food instead of natural food sources more suitable for their digestive systems. Also, animals can easily become pests in a highly-visited area. Better to see an animal in its native habitat than a garbage dump we've created!)
Activities for Discovering
Remember that you don't need to be a scientist, naturalist or expert in outdoor skills to take children on a nature hike or enjoy nature while fishing, hunting, boating, or picnicking. Just take a look around.
• If you see an animal, let your children try and figure out how the animal's size or shape or color helps it. How does a rabbit use its big ears and big back legs? Why does the rabbit need them to survive? Basic knowledge that, for example, rabbits are tasty food to most animals, is all the knowledge you really need behind you. Let the children think up all kinds of things. Some ideas will be correct, some funny, and some out-of-this world. It's a great excuse to follow up with a trip to the library afterwards. Remember that discovery is the key, not that you have all the answers. Show them how to observe and how to find answers, and you will have given them a skill for lifelong learning!
• Challenge the children to use their senses. Look for colors, textures and smells. Count the colors in a rock.Take a piece of paper and a crayon and do rubbings on different tree bark. If you have permission from the landowner, you can take along a little collection bag and your children can collect small objects such as rocks and sort them in an egg carton at home. Remember that you cannot remove objects from state or national parks.
• What season is it and what do you see? Come back during another season and compare what you saw then and now.
• Observe how things outdoors such as plants, animals, rocks are either same or different. You don't need to be a scientist and know fancy names for things. Just let your children discover how things can be the same or different. The first scientists got started this way, trying to organize the natural world into something they could understand. Let the children discover this for themselves.
• Look for signs of wildlife. Is there a path in the weeds beaten down by deer? Is there a hidden animal home at the base of a tree or in a bank of dirt? Can you find ants carrying food to their home?
• Try to discover how plants, animals, people and natural resources are all part of one system. What happens to one part of the system can affect the other. Was there a big rain recently or a drought? How were things outdoors affected? What do you see around a tree that has fallen? Can you find animal tracks around a puddle or stream?
• For grade-school children, think about how our folklore, music, arts and crafts, our history and even many of our jobs are based on what's found in nature. Have the chilren draw or write about their discoveries in their own journal.
Resources
• Check out State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas and Visitor Centers
• Visit local community parks or ask permission to visit private lands.
• Create your own backyard habitat.
Enjoy and thank you for introducing the next generation to the wonders of the great outdoors!
From: Dale Bowers

A Hydration Coach

2007-02-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

I was reading a running magazine yesterday and came across this new product. We like coaching for so many other activities why not for our hydration? The HydraCoach is marketed as the "first interactive water bottle". A patented hydration monitor enables users to program in their hydration needs, track their daily water consumption, and be coached through the day to drink. Based on a user's weight, the duration of exercise, and manual adjustments if necessary, the HydraCoach calculates hydration needs and monitors fluid intake to make sure goals are met. A magnetized impeller that floats in a sealed cartridge in the straw-like mouthpiece of the water bottle works with a microprocessor to monitor the amount of fluid consumed. HydraCoach was founded by world-class climbers and life-long outdoor enthusiasts, Craig and Kelly Perkins, who conceived the idea out of personal necessity. The bottle retails for $30 and a portion of the proceeds of HydraCoach go towards Organ Donor Research. To learn more go to www.hydracoach.com -- Deb

Keeping your knees happy

2007-02-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

Knee problems among women are extremely common. ACL injuries occur much more frequently and this probably has something to do with the angle of stress on our knees due to the width of our hips. As we get older, knee pain becomes a more frequent complaint.

Since we can't change our hip width or our age, how do we keep our knees happy? The best way I know is strength training, and especially lunges and squats. If you don't know the proper form, make sure you get good instruction or you can end up damaging your knees more than helping them. Done correctly (and many repetitions with low weights is much more effective than fewer repetitions with high weights) can make a huge difference. About four years ago I found myself eating more IBprofen than chocolate on our hiking trips. Now, as long as I make myself work out (my personal preference is a class called BodyPump) I can hike pain-free for hours.-- Marian

Magazines, magazines everywhere!

2007-02-16T12:39:00.000-05:00

There are so many great magazines available on the market today - and I want to keep up on all my interests. Yet, I often feel guilty for subscribing to some of my favorites. Either they pile up on the counter, waiting to be read or I read them and then feel bad about all those trees that I have "assisted" in cutting down. So, I have taken to subscribing to many as on-line magazines. It is not always identical information as in the printed version, but it is faster to read (I can pick and choose the articles I want to read more about), I feel able to keep up on more topics, and there is no post-consumer guilt, especially if I don't get around to reading each issue. If you are wondering if there is an on-line version, just go to the magazine's web site- usually there is a tab to click to subscribe. In addition, I now pick one printed subscription that I want to read cover to cover. I use it to get me through indoor winter workouts (because let's face it, these get pretty boring). I bring it to the gym with me, read it while on the aerobic machines (sometimes the issue lasts one work-out, sometimes two) and then I leave it behind for others to read. I have motivation, I read the whole issue, and I re-cycle it for others. --Deb

Watching the fox

2007-02-14T14:31:00.000-05:00

February 13, 2007, Golden, Colorado
The red fox jumped onto a rock overlook without noticing me. For about three minutes—which seemed like an eternity—I was able to secretly observe the beautiful creature as it rock-hopped among the boulders of North Table Mountain. I was on my daily walk before work, less than a mile from my home; I frequently see mule deer, coyotes, and cotton tail rabbits, but it had been a long time since I had seen a fox.
I was awe-struck at its beauty. The fox looked as though it had just emerged from a beauty parlor. Its winter coat looked silky and full, the golden red fur shimmered in the early morning sunshine. Characteristic of red foxes, its tail had a bushy, pure white tip. In high school (twenty five years ago!) we used to say someone was a “fox” if they were really attractive, and as I admired the fox, I actually thought about bringing the phrase back into my vocabulary.
I was also intrigued at the fox’s apparent curiosity and playfulness as it hopped in a dance-like fashion from rock to rock, pausing to observe, perhaps looking for breakfast, before moving gracefully again. All too soon, it noticed me on the trail above, and ran off in a flash.
The focus and dexterity I observed reminded me of my own quest for mindfulness and desire to experience each moment in its fullest. When I am in nature, I find it much easier to center my attention and be in tune with my own needs and thoughts, while being intensely aware of the world surrounding me. -- Brenda

Drink wine out of a box!

2007-02-12T10:33:00.000-05:00

What does drinking wine out of a box have to with anything outdoors or travel-related? It turns out that the bag the wine comes in that sits in the box is a great water container for carrying water. We use these on our Grand Canyon Backpack when we have to carry water for one dry camp. Not only are they durable, they are very lightweight and take virtually no space when they're empty. My mom saves them for me; you should ask yours to do the same.-- Marian

Smart Sheep

2007-02-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

There's a phrase I once heard to illustrate the importance of not wearing cotton when being active in inclement weather: Cotton Kills! It is a bit extreme, for sure, even though it's point is well taken. There are many choices of non-cotton clothing: fleece, polypropylene, Capilene, wool, and many others. Lately I have been really advocating for wool long underwear tops, especially for cooler climates. The main reason? Synthetics can really stink! I was recently on a winter trip, the first day and I was wearing one of my trusty synthetic long underwear tops. It kept me toasty warm and did its wicking thing, but when I changed clothes at the end of the day, the shirt smelled awful. And this was with a fresh laundering (the shirt), a shower (for me) and only one day - not even a very active day - of wear. I remembered when I was in Alaska last summer, where we pretty much lived in our base layer, one of the guides had a Smartwool long underwear top, and after 5 days it still didn't smell. This wasn't its first use, nor would it be the last. She is also not the first person to attest to this fact. I am beginning to think that a wool base layer is the way to go. Wool long underwear has changed a lot in the past few years, and it is really making a comeback in the market. It is much softer, lighter weight, and comes in many fashionable colors. It holds up to washing machines (I'd still air dry them) and the elements. It can be a little more expensive than its synthetic counterpart, but if I can wear it for years and not have it stink - it's worth it to me. Smartwool, Ibex and Icebreaker are 3 well known and high quality brands. --Deb

lunges and crunches and steps, oh my!!

2007-02-07T17:11:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that I’m not naturally an exercise person. I do exercise but never am able to achieve that level of enjoyment that many of my peers seem to have. So, needless to say it is often hard to stay motivated, especially this time of year.

Backpacking is by far my most favorite outdoor activity and one that you do need to stay in shape for over the long winter months. Those winter months coupled with my natural inclination to “not” exercise make for some spirited conversations with myself which usually end up at the gym!

One of the most important muscle groups to continue to concentrate on year round are the abdominals. When thinking about backpacking one may automatically think that the back and the legs are most important. They are, of course, but having and maintaining strong abdominals will insure that aches and pains from your back will not interfere with the enjoyment of backpacking. This is a good month to start a little extra push for those strong abdominals.

There are lots of exercises that we can employ for this muscle group, the most boring of which are the crunches but don’t abandon them just yet. In addition to your normal abdominal workout try doing slow, double crunches. Concentrate on intensity rather than quantity.

Lie on the floor in your regular Crunch position, knees bent, hands over ears (not locked behind head) or in tight to chest. Now, crunch up approximately 10 inches, holding the peak contraction for a count of 4. In this fully contracted position, the key is to really squeeze your abs together hard. Imagine pushing your upper abs into your lower abs and vice-versa (like an accordion coming together).

From this point, you want to return to the floor very slowly. The trick here is to try to keep your abdominals tense and contracted during the return to your starting position. This return should be as slow as you can manage, try doing it to the count of 3 or 4.

Repeat the motion trying to maintain as much continuous tension on the abdominals as possible. This movement is not about "how many" reps you can do; it's all about how hard you can squeeze your abs and maintain tension.

Always remember to keep the small of your back against the floor. This puts your body in correct alignment and prevents injury during exercise. I try to do at least two sets of 10-12 and finish off with my regular abdominal exercises.

A variation of this exercise can be done actually sitting in a chair or better yet---if you dare! an air chair against the wall. Just use the same motion to squeeze both the upper and lower abdominals together and release. Can even be done in an airplane seat although your seat companions may wonder about you.

Remember what your ultimate goal is; to get in decent shape for those wonderful days of backpacking, to be able to go farther, enjoy the journey and feel better at the end of the day! Hope to see you on the trail! Jan

Keeping your hands warm

2007-02-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

Now that winter has finally come to Baltimore, I am reminded how difficult it is to keep your hands warm in cold weather (and I recently read some research that suggests that women's blood circulation in the hands is not as good as men's, which is why our hands get colder). There are 2 things that help: 1) mittens are much warmer than gloves because your fingers help keep each other warm. If you absolutely have to have some manual dexterity, then trying a pair of fingerless gloves with a mitten covering is worth a try, but - trust me- they will not keep your hands as warm as a true mitten. 2) use hand cream liberally since dry skin makes the cold worse (and cold makes your dry skin worse). Try a heavy-duty cream like udder balm or Warm Cream (the makers claim that it promotes warmth by relaxing blood vessels thereby stimulating blood flow- don't know if it's true but it works). -- Marian

Red Sumac berries - ease your ills

2007-02-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

We are in the throes of the cold and flu season and there are a variety of remedies to choose from. Everyone has her favorites and I wanted to add one more to the list: Red Sumac berries. Anyone who has driven along a highway has seen these grow in abundance. They are short trees with smooth bark, and clusters of red berries that are in bloom almost all year round, though most ripe in Autumn. Note: this is not the poisonous sumac which has white berries. Many Native Americans and folk herbalists have used red sumac to aid in health. These berries are very high in Vitamin C, Ascorbic acid, and have an astringent quality similar to tea. They cost nothing and are easy to use. You pick some of the ripe berry bundles (1-2 is usually enough), crush them gently and soak them in cold water for 15 minutes to an hour (like sun tea). Strain with cheesecloth, strainer or a coffee filter. They are very tart so you may want to add sweetner, but you can drink it without. What I like even more than drinking the juice, however, is gargling with it when I have a sore throat. You can boil the berries for a few minutes, let it steep and this will extract the juice. Gargles with it a few times. As I said it is astringent so depending on how raw your throat is it can sting a little, but afterwards it feel so much better. You can also sip it as warm tea and that will soothe your throat as well. As a side not, they also make a nice natural dye! Here's to a healthy winter season! --Deb

When working out less is more

2007-01-29T12:14:00.000-05:00

When you're conditioning for a trip, alternating shorter and harder days with longer and easier days will not only save you time, it will increase your aerobic capacity more efficiently than doing all longer days. So pick a couple of days a week, maybe ones where you are short of time anyway, and do interval training. In interval training you alternate periods of working harder with easier periods. For example, you might run hard (or whatever)for two minutes, then slow down for two, and repeat that four times. Or bring your heart rate up to a certain level, maintain it for a minute, then slow down until it drops back to a certain level. The idea of this kind of training is that you are working harder than you normally would (i.e. you can't keep a conversation up) but only for a relatively short period of time. This kind of training actually serves well to build endurance. Note: because it is stressful to the body, you should only do it once or twice a week. -- Marian