MyLifeOutdoors

Lincoln National Forest - Crest Trail - White Mountain Wilderness

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Three hours of sustained rain is enough to make anyone quit. As soon as we pulled up to the Turkey Canyon Trailhead it started to rain. My friends and I pulled out the rain gear and strapped on our packs anyway. Nothing was going to stop us from spending the weekend in the backcountry. Three hours later, soaking wet and cold, we wondered if we had made the wrong decision.

Lincoln National Forest - White Mountain Wilderness

Our plan was to spend two nights in the White Mountain Wilderness of the Lincoln National Forest outside of Ruidoso New Mexico. I have heard a lot of good things about the 20 mile Crest Trail (No. 25) and wanted to spend some time on it myself. Although doing the whole trail wasn’t going to work out for us logistically, we planned to hit a large portion of the trails middle section. We started just east of the Argentina Bonito Trail Head on the Turkey Canyon Trail (No. 40). From here it is just two and a half miles to it’s junction with the Crest Trail where we would spend the night.

Turkey Canyon Trail

That night we cooked dinner and hung our bear bag in the dark. We stripped off all of our wet clothes and draped them out inside our tents hopping they would dry as we slept. We crawled in our sleeping bags, praying the rain would stop.

Our Campsite near Turkey Spring

Turkey Canyon lived up to its name. All along the trail, during the brief moments when the rain would let up, we could hear wild turkeys gobbling. We could tell they were close, but we never saw them. We went to sleep and woke up the next morning to the sounds of wild turkeys.

The morning was beautiful. The sun was shining and the sky was clear. A dense fog rested in the canyon below us. It looked to be a great day, but we knew more rain was in the forecast. We couldn’t take another three hour or longer rain when most of our gear was still wet. We talked about heading back to the car, but the morning was simply too perfect. We packed up our wet gear and postponed our dicsion. There was another trail heading back to the car that we could bail out on if the rain started again. So we set out heading South on the Crest Trail taking in the views of Turkey Canyon in the early morning. Before long we saw a heard of Elk across the canyon from us. At first there were four or five, then ten or twelve, and before long two to three dozen Elk were grazing across the Canyon. It was going to be a good day.

View from our first campsite

Elk in the Lincoln National Forest

Elk - Lincoln National Forest

With in a hour we had made it to the Junction of the Argentina Canyon Trail (No. 39). This was the trail we were going to bail on if the rain started up again, but it was still a beautiful day. We decided to keep going, knowing there were more options to get out of the mountains if we needed to.

Backpacking in Lincoln National Forest - White Mountain Wilderness

White Mountain Wilderness - Lincoln National Forest

When we arrived at the Little Bonito Trail (No. 37) Junction. We were running low on water. Our campsite the night before had been near the Turkey Spring where we planned to resupply on water. Due to extreme drought conditions the proceeding year, the Spring was dry. We knew if we didn’t find water soon we would need to head back to the car with or without rain.

Hiking on the Crest Trail - Lincoln National Forest

Argentina and Crest Trail Junction

Nogal Peak in the distance

Getting further away from Nogal Peak

Hiking on the Crest Trail - Lincoln National Forest

Horse Pen near the Argentina Trail Junction

The Spring Cabin Spring was less than a half mile from the trail junction. We headed over there hoping the spring would be flowing. Right where the spring was supposed to be we found a mostly buried trashcan. We assumed this was the spring, even-though no water was coming out. We opened up the trashcan to find a small puddle of rusty water. I wasn’t real enthusiastic about drinking this water, even with a good filter. The Spring Cabin was nearby so we headed over there to see if it was open to the public and if any water might be found.

The Spring Cabin and Spring Cabin Springs are along the Phantom Trail No. 29

Spring Cabin Spring - Lincoln National Forest

When we arrived at the Spring Cabin we found it locked up tight with no water in sight. It was nearing lunch time and we were getting hungry. So we dropped the packs and pulled out our lunch. Setting there near the crest of the Sacramento Mountains we were able to get a good cell signal, probably from a tower near Ski Apache to our south. We decided to check the weather forecast. More rain was coming within the hour. Most of our gear was still soaked, but the sun was still shining. We pulled out the tents, and set them up to dry in the warm sun. We still had to decide if we were going to wait out another rain storm or head back to the car. We had been having such a great day, we really didn’t want to head home. Instead we gathered as much fire wood as we could before the rain came in.

Spring Cabin - Lincoln National Forest

The Spring Cabin has a small porch overhanging the entrance. We pilled the wood up under the porch to try to keep it dry. We still needed water, but with the rain coming we should have plenty before it was over. We staked down the tents and bunkered down ready for rain, but it never came. We still needed water, there was a small amount of lingering snow in the shadow of a fallen tree. We gathered up as much as we could and set it out in the sun to melt. It was hardly a liter. We knew we would need more, before the night was over. Spring Cabin Spring has another release point just a half mile from the Spring Cabin. We decided to head over there in the off chance it was flowing.

We pilled up wood and hung our packs under the Spring Cabin's very small porch

We decided to camp next to the Spring Cabin

We melted snow for water

As we hiked we could see storm clouds forming in the distance, but were distracted by the amazing view from the Crest of the Sacramento Mountains. We stopped to take in the views. When we finally made it to the other spring we weren’t surprised to find it dry as well. The drought had really done a number on the Lincoln's springs. We decided to hike down the small ravine and found a few puddles of water in the rocks. Normally I would avoid stagnant water, but I was confident these puddles were from last nights rain, and I trusted my filter. The few small puddles proved to be more than enough water. We filtered up all the water we could carry and headed back to camp.

Standing on the Crest of the Sacramento Mountains

View from the Sacramento Mountain Crest

Standing on the Crest of the Sacramento Mountains

View from the Sacramento Mountain Crest

Standing on the Crest of the Sacramento Mountains

Finding water in the high altitudes and after such a prolonged drought was a challenge

We filtered what little water we could find

When we got back to camp we could see the storm clouds coming in right on top of us. I had a small tarp that I strung between a couple of trees. This would be our dinner spot tonight. We brought all the dry wood under the tarp with us and started a small fire that we would try to keep going in the rain. Once the fire was going strong we started on dinner, waiting for the rain the whole time. It never rained a drop. We pulled out the cell phone and checked the radar. There were two big storms on either side of us. Somehow we had escaped the rain all the way till nightfall. We hung the bear bag again and climbed into our tents for the night.

Camp Fire under a small tarp, waiting for the rain

We strung a small tarp between two trees to try and keep us out of the rain - but the rain never came.

I woke up early and checked the forecast once more. More rain was in the forecast for the rest of the morning. We quickly packed up the tents while they were still dry. We were on the trail by seven AM. We would head back to the car on the Little Bonito Trail (No. 37). Our original plan was to continue along the Crest Trail to its junction with the Aspen Canyon trail (No. 35) and camp somewhere there along the trail. But the abundance and then lack of water changed our plans.

Little Bonito Trail No. 37

Little Bonito Trail

In the end we had a great time on our short hike along the Turkey Canyon Trail, Crest Trail, and then the Little Bonito Trail. We made it all the way back to the car with out a single drop of rain. Had we found more flowing water sources we could have followed our original plan without fear of rain.

The Hike:
Distance: 9-10 Miles Round Trip
Starting Elevation: 7,668 Feet
Highest Elevation: 9,120 Feet
Elevation Change: 1452 Feet

Map of our two night backpack in Lincoln National Forest

To reach the Argentina/Big Bonito Trailhead and The Turkey Canyon Trailhead from Ruidoso, take US Hwy 48 north approximately 5 miles past the Ruidoso Village limits, to the junction with Highway 37. Turn left onto Highway 37 and go approximately 1 mile to the intersection with Bonito Lake Road (Forest Road 107). Turn left onto Forest Road 107 and follow it approximately 9 miles to the Trailhead located at the end of the road. The road is narrow, but paved until the final 4 miles. The last 4 miles of road consists of improved dirt but is passable by car. About a mile before the Trailhead, the deteriorating road will lead you through the middle of a bunch of dilapidated buildings and pens. Do not let this frightful sight alarm you. Forge straight through the middle of it all and the Argentina/Big Bonito Trailhead is a mile down the road.

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MyLifeOutdoors Stickers - Free to the first 50 People

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:22:00 +0000

If you love MyLifeOutdoors now is the chance to show that pride with an official MyLifeOutdoors sticker. I will be giving away a MyLifeOutdoors sticker to the first 50 people to spread the word about what a great blog MyLifeOutdoors is. Use the raffle copter interface below to tweet, post, or blog about MyLifeOutdoors and we will mail you a free sticker.

MyLifeOutdoors Sticker on the back of my Jeep

Send us a picture of how you are displaying your MyLifeOutdoors sticker and you could be eligible for additional prizes in the future.

MyLifeOutdoors sticker on a Nalgene bottle.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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My WIFE Outdoors - How One Woman Came to Love the Outdoors

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

This is the first of several posts contributed by my wife. As she states below, we hope for this to become a regular segment on MyLifeOutdoors. A valuable resource to women (and their husbands) who love the outdoors (or who, at least, wish to love the outdoors). This is My Wife Outdoors.

The other day I was recounting my life changing experience backpacking in Glacier National Park to a coworker. I just finished telling her about our five day, nearly thirty mile, mostly Grizzly free backcountry trip when I looked up expecting to have inspired my friend. She looked horrified. That is when I realized, in the land of big hair and weekly manicures…I am an oddity.

My Husband and I at Thunderbird Pond in Glacier National Park

I don’t know many “outdoorsy” females and I don’t know any moms that go traipsing through the wilderness with their two daughters. I am sure you are out there. I am convinced I can’t be that much of a freak. However, when I tell my gal pals about my weekend hike or inner desire to spend a year backpacking most of them make a joke about how they would love to join me…if they can stay at the Holiday Inn and spend the day at the spa instead of hitting a trail.

I can’t say that I have always loved adventure. I like control and comfort, something you don’t always have when you are holding onto huckleberry bushes, lost in an avalanche field, being eaten alive by mosquitos, soaked by rain, with your toenails falling off (now how does that not sound like fun?).

Hiking through an Avalanche Field.

My journey to becoming a lover of hiking/backpacking/camping/kayaking has been slowly taken. It didn’t happen over night, in fact it all started because my family and I loved vacations but we could never afford to stay in hotels. I am so thankful that this frugality forced us outdoors. Thinking about this apparently astonishing obsession my husband, daughters, and I share made me decide that I would like to start writing about my life outdoors, from the wife/mother/woman perspective. I want to answer some of the questions I get asked, combat some myths that I frequently hear, and simply invite you to read my account of the trips and travels that we love. My husband jokingly calls this My Wife Outdoors….so that title has stuck. I hope you all enjoy!

-Celeste

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10 Tips To Reduce Pack Weight

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I have never considered myself an ultralight backpacker. I have been known, however, to do whatever I can to try and reduce pack weight. Sometimes that means upgrading or modifying my gear, or just simply using better packing strategies. No matter how you classify yourself I think we all would like a lighter pack. The following is a list of tips and techniques to help you reduce your overall pack weight.

1. Modify your gear: You don’t have to be a commercial seamstress or skilled engineer to modify your gear. Start simple by cutting off zipper pulls, shortening pull straps, remove tent guylines, or if your real adventures drill holes in your stove or eating utensils. This may seem petty, but every ounce (or fraction of an ounce) counts toward reducing over all pack weight.

Lighten your gear by cutting off unneeded zipper pulls.

2. Eliminate unneeded Gear: This one seems like a no brainer, but a lot of people don’t realize they are carrying gear they don’t need. After each trip sort your gear into two piles: used and unused. Take a look at your unused pile and see if there is some gear you can do without next time. After you do this several times you will have saved yourself some precious pounds off your pack weight.

3. Weigh all of your gear: I own a small postal scale that I use to weigh all my gear. I then create a spreadsheet of everything I plan to take and add up the total weight. If the over all weight is more than I want to carry I go through the spread sheet to see what I can eliminate.

Invest in a small scale and weigh all your gear so you know what your carrying.

4. Multi-purpose gear: When buying new gear look for items that will serve more than one purpose. A lot of folks will pack tarps that pitch with their trekking poles, or a sleeping pad they can use as a camp chair. Get creative in ways you can make your gear pull double duty.

5. Limit Your Clothing: I can’t tell you how many times I have taken an extra shirt or pair of pants thinking I “might” want them. Just to end up in the same clothes all week long. You're in the wild, do you really care if your clothes are clean? Socks are the exception for me. I like a fresh pair for each day to help eliminate blisters. Other than that I only take one wicking shirt, one pair of convertible pants, a set of base layers, a warm mid-layer, rain gear, warm hat, and gloves. In most conditions the mid-layer and rain shell will keep me warm enough, and the shell helps keep out the wind. If it gets colder than that, I crawl into my sleeping bag.

6. Replace or Upgrade Gear: Over the years I have slowly began to replace my gear with lighter (and more expensive) equivalents. Going slowly has been the key to keeping my wallet happy. Some people have different sets of gear for different seasons. Summer specific gear is the lightest but wont do you much good once the temps start getting cooler. Buying separate gear for different seasons can be expensive. I have a great set of 3 season gear that is a good compromise between weight and price. Here is how my major gear weighs in:

Pack: 3 lbs 2 oz,
Twenty Degree Down Bag: 2 lbs 3 oz,
Two Person Tent: 4 lbs 10 oz.
Sleeping Pad: 12 oz,
Cook-set: 1 lb 7 oz,
Stove with Fuel: 14.2 oz,
Water filter: 12 oz.
Total (not counting food or clothing) 13 lbs 12 oz.

If you would like more detail about the gear I use please contact me.

7. Share the Weight with a Friend: I usually hike with at least one other person. Some items (like tents, and cook-ware) get used by both of us but can only be carried by one of us. To even it out I will usually ask my friends to carry something of mine. For instance if I carry the 2 person tent (4 lbs 10 oz). I will ask my friend to carry something of mine that is about 2 lbs to make things fair.

8. Research Your Hike: Look online or in guidebooks, or ask park rangers about your destination. If there will be plenty of water along the trail pack a Filter or Water Treatment Tablets and carry less water. Will the temps be warmer? Take less clothing or a light blanket instead of your bag. If there is a little chance of rain or bugs consider ditching the tent and sleep under the stars.

9. Ditch the Water Filter: If you plan to purify your water on the trail you might consider light weight Water Treatment Tablets or good old fashioned boiling. I have even know people to use a small dropper of bleach. Four drops per liter will kill all the little nasties without harming the system. Wait 20 minutes before drinking. I prefer a filter for peace of mind, but you might want to save the extra ounces.

10. Sneak Gear into your friends Pack: At each stop discretely sneak pieces of your gear or extra food into your friends pack. Okay...this one is a bit ridiculous, but I wanted one extra tip to round it out to an even ten.

These tips may not place you into the Super Ultra Light Category but they certainly help your back and stamina. Some of these tips combined with the right (or wrong) conditions can be a bit risky, always use common sense and take this advice at your own risk. If you do decide to try some, I would like to hear how they worked for you. Or if you have some tips of your own please share them in the comment section.

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Sell Out - MyLifeOutdoors begins to Monetize

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Example of an Affiliate Marketing Ad

If you are a regular reader of MyLifeOutdoors you may have begun noticing some differences lately. We have a new logo banner at the top of the page, the sidebar has been moved from the left to the right side, and advertisements have begun popping up in various places.

Two or so years ago when I created MyLifeOutdoors I decided not to place any ads within the blog in an attempt to keep things classy. Since that time I have continued to refrain because I believed the cost outweighed the reward. That is to say, I wouldn’t make enough money to justify the (sometimes) annoying ads. So why have I changed my mind?

The answer is simple. Thanks to you MyLifeOutdoors has grown out of its infancy. The subscribers, pageviews, pagerank, and other aspects have grown to the point that advertising has become a promising source of extra income. As a result I have opened up avenues for Adsense and Affiliate Marketing in hopes of earning a few extra bucks to support my many outdoor adventures.

Over the next few weeks I will experimenting with ads and ad placement in an attempt to get the most out of advertising without annoying my loyal readers. Please bare with me as these kinks are worked out.

You might also notice a couple of extra page tabs near the top. I have attempted to make it easier for individuals and companies who wish to contribute to the content being published on MyLifeOutdoors. There is a new Guest Posting page featuring guidelines for writers who wish to use MyLifeOutdoors as an voice and contribute to the content published here. I have also included new information under the Contact page for companies who wish to sponsor MyLifeOutdoors in a variety of ways. There is also a new Gear Coupons page made up of continuously update gear coupons from various retailers. If you are looking for new gear please consider looking through the coupons on this page. By shopping through those links you will help support MyLifeOutdoors.

Finally, I would like to hear your opinions about the new changes. Do they annoy you? Have you wondered why it has taken me so long? How do you feel about all of this?

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Gerber Octane Review - Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:14:00 +0000

Gerber Knives has a large variety of multi-tools all intended for different purposes. I recently had the opportunity to review the Gerber Octane given by the generous people at OutdoorPros.com. The Gerber Octane is a simple tool with a knife, pliers with wire cutters, slot and phillips screwdrivers, a small package opening blade (designed for those hard to open plastic packages)a belt clip, and a bottle opener.

Gerber Octane

Gerber Octane all Tools

The Octane is exceptionally light weight, under 6 ounces, which is always a plus with weight minded backpackers. The Octane has all the tools you commonly need on the job or at home. In my opinion, that is the tool's intended environment as I find the it lacking some of the features I would like to have in the backcountry or even car camping.

I have carried the Octane clipped into my pocket for several weeks now. I like how all the tools lock into place to keep them from closing accidentally during use. The pliers slide open rather than folding like others I have used. This has proved useful for quick one handed access. I can open the pliers with a flick of my wrist. It has a tendency to bind, however, if the tool isn't completely closed. This is annoying when you are trying to get the pliers open and have to fiddle with it to get them to slide easily.

Gerber Octane Pliers

The pliers slide out on the Gerber Octane

The blade is on the outside of the tool allowing access without opening the pliers. To access the various screwdrivers and such you must slide the pliers open as the tool will not open with the pliers closed.

Gerber Octane Blade

All and all the Octane is an affordable everyday milti-tool. If you would like to own one you have the opportunity to win one in this weeks Spring into Adventure gear Giveaway. This Gerber octane is one of many prizes in our grand prize package for Backcountry week. Click here to enter.

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Backcountry Week - Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Its the Grand Finale of the Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway. This week is Backcountry week with lots of amazing gear put together by MyLifeOutdoors.com, HikingtheTrail.com, TrailSherpa.com,WildernessDave.com, TheOutdoorAdventure.net, and ALittleCampy.com. This may be the last week for the Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway but we have more huge giveaways being planned for summer and fall. So make sure you stay subscribed to our blogs so you don't miss anything.

Here's what you can win this week:

Grand Prize:

PurifiCup
Sports Science Hybrid Performance Clothing
Merrell Shoes
GearPods Backcountry Kit
Trek Light Double Hammock with Hanging Kit
Gerber Octane
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Survival Strap
Alpine Aire Food Kit

Second Place Prize:
Merrell Shoes

Before you enter make sure you go and read the different brand highlights and gear reviews posted on our blogs. Each post will introduce you to the gear being givenaway this week. So what are you waiting for? Go read and then enter.

PurifiCup Review by MyLifeOutdoors
Sports Science Hybrid Clothing Review by The Outdoor Adventure
Merrell Shoes Review by A Little Campy
GearPods Backcountry Kit Review by Wilderness Dave
Trek Light Gear Interview from Wilderness Dave
Gerber Octane Review by MyLifeOutdoors
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Survival Strap

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Purificup Water Filter Review - Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway Backcountry Week

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:46:00 +0000

The last time I backpacked in Texas I had to carry 24 pounds of water on my back. This is in addition to the other necessities I needed for the weekend, bringing my pack to a back breaking 50+ pounds. This is due to the astonishing lack of natural water sources on my favorite Texas trails. So when I get an opportunity to backpack along a trail with natural water sources...I usually get a little excited about how light my pack will be.

Natural water isn’t without its dangers. There are dozens of waterborne pathogens that can ruin a trip if water isn’t purified before ingesting. There are many options that will help provide clean drinking water including things like purification tablets and UV pens. One of the best, in my mind, is filtering. In fact I have used a water filter for years. So when a new company, called Purificup, offered to send me one to test I was a little excited.

Purificup in its compact state

Purificup is a Texas based company specializing in compact water filters. The purificup is a stackable gravity fed water filter utilizing a three stage filter. Water passes through an Ion Exchange Resin to soften the water followed by an activated carbon filter and finished out with a Nano-silver membrane. The Nano-silver membrane uses the natural properties of silver to kill 99.99% of pathogens found in natural water sources. There is also a 1 micron filter for an added layer of protection.

Purificup Replaceable Filter

Now, testing the effectiveness of such filters is a difficult thing for your average blogger. For one, there is no certain way for me to tell if my water sources are contaminated with water borne pathogens or not. So all I can say is I have filtered water and I haven’t gotten sick. On the other hand I have tested the filter in other ways. In taste for one. You see Midland county tap water is particularly nasty tasting. Almost everyone here filters water through reverse osmosis before drinking. It is one of the only things that seems to lessen the awful taste. So I thought I would see how the Purificup did with our awful tasting water. I was pleasantly surprised to find the taste improved with just one pass through the Purificup.

As I said before the Purificup is gravity fed, which means no pumping. You simply assemble the cup, poor some water in the top, and let it do its thing. The negative to this is its need for relatively flat surfaces. Because the Purificup is so tall when it is fully assembled It needs some pretty level surfaces to keep it from toppling over. This works great if you are filtering your water on a table at an overseas restaurant, but in the backcountry it is difficult to find a place to keep it upright.

Purificup fully assembled and filtering water.

The output of the Purificup will crew onto a standard disposable water bottle. I found this useful as I will often carry extra water in disposable plastic bottles. This also means you can change the amount of filtered water you collect all the way up to a two liter bottle. The source cup, however, seems to be limited to 11-12 ounces of water.

Purificup attached to a standard waterbottle

If I had my wish Purificup would sell a tree hanging kit that utilized a two liter source bladder similar to a camelbak. This kit could come with an adapter that screwed the bottom of the Purificup into your standard camelback (or similar hydration bladder) allowing for two litters of gravity fed filtering in the backcountry. Such a kit would remedy all the current limitations I find with the Purifucup. I have forwarded these ideas to Purificup who seems to like my thoughts. Who knows, maybe they will come out with a Tree Hanging Kit in the near future.

When not in use the Purificup packs down inside itself to about the size of a coke can, using up a fraction my pack space when compared to my other water filter. It weighs in at a mere 12 oz, a full 3 oz lighter than my Katadyn Hiker Pro. The collection cup can be used as a regular drinking cup for any beverage you might have with you in the backcountry, although I wouldn’t use hot beverages. The filter casing features a hand counter that helps you keep track of how may cups of water you have filtered. Each filter can clean about 100-150 cups (or 11 gallons) of water before needing replacement.

Purificup alongside a Katadyn Hiker Pro

All in all the Purificup is a wonderful little filter that has found a home among my gear. With a little modification it could become my go-to filter for backcountry use. If you are interested in your very own Purificup you are in luck as we are giving one away in this weeks Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway. Check out Backcountry week for your chance to win a Purificup and many other prizes.

Buy Here and Support MyLifeOutdoors

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Maneaters: Bears DVD Review - Spring into Adventure Digital Week

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:01:00 +0000

Bears are dangerous animals that need to be respected. When bears are startled, or threatened, they will usually attack. When bears become accustomed to humans and human food, chances of attacks are heightened. Any and everyone who lives or recreates in bear country needs to know these things. And I believe they do.

Screenshot of Maneaters: Bears DVD's Title Menu

Every once and awhile people have fatal or near fatal encounters with bears. Maneaters: Bears, a DVD from Animal Planet, is about those encounters. Maneaters: Bears is a collection of shows that seem to have originally aired on Animal Planet. I received the DVD the other day to watch and review. I watched the first couple of episodes which seemed typical of this type of show. Interviews with bear attack survivors, short clips of actual footage, and a large dose of reenactments.

Maneaters: Bears DVD's Episodes Menu

One thing that caught my attention was the first two episodes seemed to be completely different shows on the same topic. Both interviewed some of the same victims, yet had different tellings of the same account. In both shows a father and daughter surprise a bear and are attacked. Both jump from a ledge to escape the bear. In the fist show only the father is interviewed. The show says the daughter was knocked unconscious. In the second show both the father and the daughter were interviewed. The show says the daughter was awake for the entire attack.

Reenactment Screenshot

Reenactment Screenshoot

The DVD goes on to try and educate people on bear behavior and human behavior that puts us in danger. Which I find commendable. All of it is done in typical sensationalistic ways, which I could do without. All and in all I find the DVD typical of “when animals attack” type shows that seem to fall short of their promise for “real footage" and overload you with shaking cameras filming actor recreations. If you are a fan of this type of reenactment documentary than the Maneaters: Bears DVD is for you.

And you can win this copy given to us by Discovery Channel as part of the Spring Into Adventure Gear Giveaway Digital Week. Click here to enter.

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Digital Week - Spring Into Adventure Gear Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Its the second to last week of the Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway. This week is Digital week with lots of good digital goodies brought to you by the wonderful people at MyLifeOutdoors.com, HikingtheTrail.com, TrailSherpa.com,WildernessDave.com, TheOutdoorAdventure.net, and ALittleCampy.com. Here's what you can win this week:

Grand Prize:
A free Sherpa Site for 1 year
Yodel App
Stick Pic
Buff USA Merino Wool Buff
Appalachian Trials book
Maneaters Bears DVD

Second Place Prize:
Survival Strap

Yodel App

To enter, simply use the Raffelcopter interface below. Starting today you have seven days to enter. You will get one entry for every action you perform up to 22 total entries. Thats 22 different opportunities to win this exciting gear. Remember we have one more week after this, and next week is going to be our biggest yet. So if you don't win something this week be sure to check out our other giveaways.

Also be sure to check out these awesome reviews over the gear you can win this week:

Stick Pic - Review from Trail Sherpa
Yodal App - Review from Hiking the Trail

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Eating Healthy In the Great Outdoors - A Guest Post

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Are you in the midst of planning your next camping adventure? From the tent, to sleeping bags to camping meals, there are always plenty of items to add to your packing list. On this trip, place an emphasis on your health and nutrition with practical and affordable freeze dried meals and other items that will keep your hunger under control and your energy levels high. In one quick shopping trip you can fill your backpack with sensible and delicious options including dried fruits, on-the-go beverage mixes, and hearty meals suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A Balanced Diet
The trick to planning for healthy camping meals is to discover the proper ratio of carbohydrates, protein, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Depending on your personal needs, it is best to consume several meals a day that combine the necessary nutritional elements. Also, you must stop and consider the cooking resources you will have on hand. Do you plan to bring pots for warming pouch meals or should you opt for ready-to-eat varieties? Staying on track with camping meals or freeze dried meals that are easy to prepare will make your trip that much easier.

Camping Meals – Healthy Options
There are some brands that are synonymous with camping and one that always ranks high is Mountain House. Mountain House meals can provide you with consistent quality options in either an easy to open can or pouch. Choose from single servings of Western Omelets, Chicken Teriyaki with Rice, or Lasagna with Meat Sauce just to name a few. Other meals including AplineAire Foods offer complex flavors perfect for any camping trip. Bring along some of their Texas BBQ chicken with bean, or pepper steak with rice for a protein rich option.

Snacks and other quick-to-enjoy items are also handy when exploring the surrounding areas of planning to be far from base camp for several hours at a time. Freeze dried fruits such as Natural High Pure Organic options are sweet and mouth-watering treats to enjoy as part of your meal or as a simple snack. Combine the freeze dried fruits for a variety of flavor profiles or enjoy them alone. Health bars are another great option to keep in your pocket or backpack at all times.

Camping Beverages
Eating healthy while camping can also include some of your favorite drinks. While packing up for your next trip remember to bring instant coffee such as Snow Peak Starbucks VIA to wake you up each morning or keep you warm during a brisk afternoon. Of course, water is a must while camping so carefully plan to stay hydrated. Bring a variety of bottle water to enjoy all throughout your excursions and also bring some type of filtration system in case of emergency.

You can maintain your desired healthy eating while out in the great outdoors. Add camping meals and freeze dried meals designed to support your health and make meal time simple and convenient.

This post is a paid advertisement from Sports Chalet

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Nogal Peak - 9957 feet - Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Looking out across the Sacramento Mountains north of Sierra Blanca one peak stands out among the rest. Nogal peak is one of those mountains that calls people to climb it, and it has been calling my name every since I first noticed it in the Lincoln National forest outside of Ruidoso New Mexico.

Nogal Peak - Lincoln Natioal Forest, NM

My family and I had decided to get away for the weekend with the hopes of catching one last ski day at Ski Apache. I watched all week as the base declined 10 inches a day in the warm 70 degree weather. By the time we made it out there the conditions were too far gone for an enjoyable ski day. So we made the best of it and went hiking in the pleasant springtime temperatures.

Ski Apache two days before they closed for the season.

We were looking for an easy hike with little to no snow drifts. We had hiked a little the day before but got caught in waist deep snow along the trail. The crest trailhead would provide exactly what we needed with mostly southern facing slopes and deciduous scrub oak keeping the snow at bay. I had my family with me, including my parents. The ranger said the Crest trail would provided great views with easy terrain. I pulled out the topo and noticed the Crest Trail skirted the south side of Nogal Peak. I thought I might bushwhack out to the top while my family took in the views from the ridge atop Crest Trail. So we took the long winding dirt road out to the Crest Trailhead.

Once we started out on the trail I noticed a marked trail heading up the east slope of nogal. The sign read “Nogal 1.1 miles.” I thought 1 mile is nothing and directed my family off our planned trail onto the Nogal Peak Trail. Before we had gone a half mile it became apparent this trail was no piece of cake. We stopped atop the first large knob along the east ridge and ate lunch. The short steep hike up to this knob had whipped my parents out. The peak seemed so close and I convinced them to keep going a short distance.

Hiking with my daughters along the Nogal Peak trail

Ski Apache and Sierra Blanca to the South as viewed from the Nogal Peak Trail

Looking North East from the Nogal Peak Trail

Looking East from the Nogal Peak Trail

Just before Lunch on the Nogal Peak Trail

As we entered the scrub pine it became apparent this trail was only getting steeper. My parents decided to head back to the car while my wife, daughters and I continued toward the top. At times the trail was so steep we had to scramble up rocks while hanging on to scrub pine for balance. This began to concern me when I thought about the hike back down with my two year old on my back. But my fears were unfounded.

My wife heading up the steep Nogal Peak Trail

My Wife and daughter stand atop a small knob just below Nogal Peak

Looking down on my parents headed back to the car.

Looking Down the Nogal Peak trail

A picture my dad took of us hiking up Nogal Peak

Hiking up Nogal Peak with my two year old daughter on my back.

We made it to the top and took in the views of White sands to the southwest and to the northwest the site of the first Atomic Bomb Test just past the Carrizozo Malpais lava flow. We spent sometime enjoying the summit views while my two year old added rocks to the summit carin. Before long it was time to head back down and rejoin my parents.

Me on Nogal Peak

My two year old adding rocks to the Summit Cairn

Looking South from the summit

Looking West from the Summit

The canyon to the west of Nogal Peak

One of two summit markers on Nogal. The Rock Cairn was on top of the main summit marker.

The small town of Carrizozo and the Carrizozo Malpais Lava Flow. I believe the first a-bomb testing site can be seen in this photo but it is hard to make out where.

All in all Nogal peak is great short (but not easy) day hike. The trail is steep and rugged gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation in 1.3 miles. The best access is from the Crest Trailhead at the end of a long dirt road (FS 108). I thought I was going to destroy my parents minivan high clearance vehicles are definitely recommended.

White Mountain Wilderness - Lincoln National Forest - New Mexico

The Hike:
Miles: 1.3 one way
Starting Elevation: 8792 feet
Ending Elevation: 9957 feet
Elevation Gain: 1165 feet

Resources:
I highly recommend the Map featured below. This map is published by the Lincoln National Forest Service for the White Mountain Wilderness. I use it extensively when hiking in the Lincoln National Forest. Purchase it through this link and help support MyLifeOutdoors.

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Sea to Summit WEEK - Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Sea to Summit week of the Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway. Thats right we are giving away a plethora of Sea To Summit gear along with a few other goodies. Once again this amazing giveaway is being brought to you by the wonderful people at MyLifeOutdoors.com, HikingtheTrail.com, TrailSherpa.com,WildernessDave.com, TheOutdoorAdventure.net, and ALittleCampy.com. Here's what you can win this week:

Grand Prize:
Sea To Summit Ultra-Mesh Stuff Sack
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil View Dry Sack
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Sink
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Bucket
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Buff USA Merino Wool Buff
Alpine Aire Food Kit

Second Place Prize:
Sea To Summit Ultra Nano Dry Sack

To enter, simply use the Raffelcopter interface below. Starting today you have seven days to enter. You will get one entry for every action you perform up to 22 total entries. Thats 22 different opportunities to win this exciting gear. Remember we have two more weeks after this so if you don't win something this week be sure to check out our other giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Balmorhea State Park Closed Due To Health Concerns

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Balmorhea State Park closed Sunday after severl people broke out in rashes resembling dozens of small bites after swiming in the springs. TPWD is unsure of the source of these bites and has closed the pool for safety reasons. Officials are sampling and studying all aspects for a possible source. The pool will remain closed until answers can be found.

Balmorhea is a beautiful spring fed pool just a few hours drive from our home. My family and I have visited the park many times trying to escape the harsh W.E.S.T. Texas heat. With no other attractions it is certain the small community of Balmorhea will suffer until the pool is reopened.

If you would like to read more about Balmorhea and my families visits there please click here.

Or you can watch this video from our Balmorhea Visits:

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SURVIVAL Week - Spring Into Adventure Gear Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Are you ready for round two? Today begins SURVIVAL Week of our Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway. This is only week two of our five week massive gear giveaway brought to you by MyLifeOutdoors.com, HikingtheTrail.com, TrailSherpa.com,WildernessDave.com, TheOutdoorAdventure.net, and ALittleCampy.com.

Here is what is up for grabs on SURVIVAL Week.

Grand Prize:
Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight 0.7 oz Med Kit
Adventure Medical Kit Origin Survival Kit
Adventure Medical Kit Escape Bivy
Gerber BG Survival Parang
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Buff USA Merino Wool Buff
Innate Storage Sack

Second Place Prize:
Survival Strap

To enter, simply use the Raffelcopter interface below. Starting today you have seven days to enter. You will get one entry for every action you perform up to 25 total entries. Thats 25 different opportunities to win this exciting gear.

Before you enter make sure you go and read the different brand highlights and gear reviews posted on our blogs. Each post will introduce you to the gear being givenaway this week. We only have a few so far. But keep your eye on MyLifeOutdoors.com, HikingtheTrail.com, TrailSherpa.com,WildernessDave.com, TheOutdoorAdventure.net, and ALittleCampy.com as more will be posted as the week progresses. So what are you waiting for? Go read and then enter.

Buff USA Merino Wool Buff - Gear Review
Beyond Coastal Sun Care - Product Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Gear Closet Organization

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 20:48:00 +0000

I just came back from a trip and started to unload my gear. I was tired of all my gear laying haphazerdly in the top of my closet where I couldn't find anything. So I took the time to organize my gear. Nothing Special but someone might enjoy it anyway.

Tent to the left, Cookware and food on top. Propane, stove, water filter, and bear spray on the second level Left. Rain cover, fire starter, toilet paper right. . Sleeping pads, first aid kit, yaktrax, lower level left. Stuff sacks and rain gear lower level right.

Overall View

Camelbak Blatters Hung to dry

Transpack with Ski Boots and Helmet inside. Two Uncompressed Kelty Down Bags, Salomon Hiking Boots.

Dueter Kid Carrier 2

Packs and Jackets

Enter our Spring into Adventure Gear giveaway going on right now and you may find yourself in need of better gear organization. Check out all the wonderful prizes we are giving away here. And then go enter for a chance to win our COLD week going on now.

Hopefully this gives you some ideas for your own gear organization.

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Yaktrax Pro Review - Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I can remember the first time I encountered ice on the trail. I was hiking near Colorado Springs. Daytime temperatures were warm enough to melt lingering snow, while night time temperatures were cold enough to freeze it again. For the first half of the hike the trail stayed on northern facing slopes which kept the snow cold even in the heat of the day. I was nearly 3 miles in when I first hit the ice, slipped and fell. I had 3 more miles to go with ice covering the trail every few feet. It was going to be a long hike out. What I really needed were some Yaktrax.

Yaktrax Pro in action

So when Yaktrax approached me about doing a review I was excited to say yes. Yaktrax are a unique product that stretch small springs under the sole of your boots. The springs do an excellent job of griping the ice, giving you confidence as you walk.

Yaktrax Pro

I recently got back from a ski trip in central Colorado. Once again spring time temperatures were melting the snow in the day and freezing it back at night. I found this to be the worst in the parking lot at the ski slope. In the early mornings the entire lot was solid ice. I pulled on my brand new Yaktrax and walked across the ice with ease. It wasn’t so easy for friends. In fact, the icy parking lot was downright scary in places.

Yaktrax Pro Strap

Once we got up to the lodge I started to change into my ski boots. Some friends saw the little springs under my feet and asked what they were. I explained their purpose to my friend’s amazement. They had just experienced first hand the need for good traction on ice.

Yaktrax Pro have Coiled Springs for Traction on Ice

The next day was when I became really impressed with the Yaktrax. My two year old daughter was coming with us to the slopes. We arrived in the parking lot to the same conditions as before, but this time I had to carry my daughter safely to the lodge, while simultaneously carrying skis and a heavy pack. I knew the potential to slip and become unbalanced was great. One slip and I could drop my daughter on the ice. I pulled on my yaktrax Pro and carried everything with ease. Snow and ice crunching under my coiled springs.

Yaktrax Pro

Needless to say I am quite impressed with the Yaktrax Pro. I haven’t had the opportunity yet to hike an icy trail, but can see how the Yaktrax Pro would do an excellent job. They seem very durable, after putting them on at the car, I kept them on through a variety of terrain including, mud, rock, cement, carpet and more. The yaktrax Pro endured it all staying firmly in place under my shoes. I even drove home with them on the first day, I really didn’t mind having them on even with no ice to navigate. The only time I took them off was in the afternoons when all the ice had turned to mud. Time will tell if they hold up after extended use. The box claims “Improved 20% More Durable” which suggests to me they have had issues or complaints about durability in the past.

The Yaktrax Silicone does a great job of Griping the sides of your shoes tight.

The Yaktrax Pro consist of stretchy silicone that stretches tightly across the bottom of your boots. They have two sets of springs crisscrossing along the bottom and a velcro strap that stretches over the toe of the shoe to keep them on tight. Yaktrax advertises their Spike-less design which would seem preferable, especially around children and indoors. They specifically say "Not for Indoor Use" but I can't see the harm other then scratching up your floor. They are easy to pull on and off and fold up for easy storage. They are lightweight and take up very little room. If there is ever the possibility of ice on the trail I will not hesitate to trow them in my pack.

Yaktrax Pro

Do you want your very own pair of Yaktrax Pro? We are giving a pair away as part of our Spring into Adventure Cold Week Giveaway along with many other great prizes.. Click here to enter.

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Spring Into Adventure Gear Giveaway - COLD Week

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:39:00 +0000

I hope you are ready to win some gear. Today begins the first week of the 5 week Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway. MyLifeOutdoors.com, HikingtheTrail.com, TrailSherpa.com, WildernessDave.com, TheOutdoorAdventure.net, and ALittleCampy.com have come together to bring you Spring into Adventure COLD week, featuring some amazing gear to help you stay warm and safe during the last weeks of winter weather.

COLD week has the following gear up for grabs.

Grand Prize:
Polarmax Comp Tech 4 Fleece Base Layers
Minus 33 Wool Balaclava
Yaktraks
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Alpine Aire Food Kit

Second Place Prize:
Sole Spikes

To enter, simply use the Raffelcopter interface below. Starting today you have seven days to enter. You will get one entry for every action you perform up to 26 total entries. Thats 26 different opportunities to win this exciting gear.

Before you enter make sure you go and read the different brand highlights and gear reviews posted on our blogs. Each post will introduce you to the gear being givenaway this week. So what are you waiting for? Go read and then enter.

Polarmax Comp Tech 4 Fleece Base Layers Review at The Outdoor Adventure
Minus 33 Brand Highlight at My Life Outdoors
Yaktraks Pro Review at My Life Outdoors
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit Review at A Little Campy
Alpine Aire Food Kit Review at Hiking The Trail
Yodel App Review at Hiking the Trail - And at
Goat Head Gear Sole Spikes Review at Trail Sherpa

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Minus 33 - Brand Highlight - Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

If I am looking for high quality, warm, and comfortable garments for my favorite outdoor activities, Merino Wool is my first choice. I love that it is 100% natural, sustainable and even biodegradable. Every year I hear about a new synthetic that is being triumphed as the latest and greatest fabric for outdoor gear and almost every time wool is still proven superior.

L.W. Packard, parent company of Minus 33, saw a gap in the market and set out to fill this space with high quality, warm garments for the active outdoor community. Minus 33 also choose to work exclusively with wool because of the obvious benefits afforded by making outdoor clothing from the best materials.

Wool is naturally breathable, wicks moisture, and reduces body odor. It works in any climate, keeping you warm when you're cold, yet releasing heat and moisture when you’re hot. Over the years wool has gotten a bad reputation for being itchy and high maintenance but Merino Wool has a natural resilience, is machine washable, stain and wrinkle resistant, and even offers UV protection.

If you are looking for comfortable and functional Merino Wool garments for your next outdoor adventure, I would highly recommend checking out Minus 33 and their full product line.

As part of the Spring Into Adventure gear giveaway we are excited to offer a Minus 33 Wool Balaclava as part of the Grand Prize in this weeks giveaway. Be sure to check out all the other great prizes being offered. COLD week is going on now. Click here to enter.

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Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The days are getting warmer, spring is in the air, and many people are gearing up for outdoor recreation. We want to do our part to help you obtain the gear you need for your next big trip. Thats why MyLifeOutdoors has teamed up with five other blogs to bring you one massive giveaway.

MyLifeOutdoors.com, HikingtheTrail.com, TrailSherpa.com, WildernessDave.com, TheOutdoorAdventure.net, and ALittleCampy.com have partnered for the Spring into Adventure Gear Giveaway. Starting March 15th we will begin five weeks of giveaways, 10 individual winners, and over 35 pieces gear.

Each week a new giveaway will start on thursday. You will have seven days to enter in multiple ways. During the week you will be introduced to the gear being given away through a series of gear reviews and brand highlights featuring our companies sponsoring the event. At the end of each week we will draw a first place, grand prize winner, as well as a second place winner.

The giveaways will be hosted as follows:

March 15: COLD Week Has Ended.

Grand Prize:
Polarmax Comp Tech 4 Fleece Base Layers
Minus 33 Wool Balaclava
Yaktraks
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Alpine Aire Food Kit

Second Place Prize:
Sole Spikes

March 22: SURVIVAL Week Has Ended

Grand Prize:
Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight 0.7 oz Med Kit
Adventure Medical Kit Origin Survival Kit
Adventure Medical Kit Escape Bivy
Gerber BG Survival Parang
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Buff USA Merino Wool Buff
Innate Storage Sack

Second Place Prize:
Survival Strap

March 29: Sea To Summit Week: has ended

Grand Prize:
A free Sherpa Site for 1 year
Yodel App
Stick Pic
Buff USA Merino Wool Buff
Appalachian Trials book

Second Place Prize:
Survival Strap

April 11th: BACKCOUNTRY Week is Going on now

Grand Prize:
PurifiCup
Sports Science Hybrid Performance Clothing
Merrell Shoes
GearPods Backcountry Kit
Trek Light Double Hammock with Hanging Kit
Gerber Octane
Beyond Coastal Travel Kit
Survival Strap
Alpine Aire Food Kit

Second Place Prize:
Merrell Shoes

This Giveaway is only one week away. So get ready to win some gear.

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Bush Mountain Overnight - 8631 feet, Second Highest Peak in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The second highest peak in Texas. I wasn’t sure if my 10 year old was ready for such a strenuous overnight trip. She has done well on some pretty difficult day hikes, but never with this much wight on her back.

My 10 year old Daughter high on the Tejas Trail - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

My wife was out of town for the weekend leaving me and my oldest home alone. I knew we could spend the weekend watching TV or do something we would never forget. So we headed out early to the Guadalupe Mountains for a quick overnight trip.

This was the first time my daughter would get to use her new Deuter Fox 40 pack that Santa had brought last year. We had gone backpacking before, but she had always used one of my daypacks, which really didn’t fit her torso. This would be different in a lot of ways. Higher elevation gain, more miles, and a pack that weighed in at 15 pounds (a good 20% of her body weight.)

My Daughter and her Deuter Fox 40 pack, staring into the fog.

I didn’t make her carry much. Just one liter of water, a sleeping bag, rain shell, jacket, some cold weather base layers, and a few snacks. I was carrying the rest, witch in dry, drought stricken West Texas was more then 28 pounds of just water. Its nearly impossible to go ultra light West Texas.

We got to the Guadalupes early, filled out our backcountry permit, and headed up the Tejas Trail. It would be 3.9 miles and over 2500 feet of elevation gain before we reached our campsite. A thick fog covered the Pine Springs valley as we set off on our hike. The red bark and berries of the Madera Tree really stood out against the fog. A few miles further up we began to see the edge of the fog slowly struggling to climb the same mountain as us. It lightly danced and played with the contours of the mountain in an erie sort of way. We stopped to eat lunch just above 6500 feet and watch the fog interact with the mountain. It slightly freaked out my daughter who wanted to continue before the fog caught up to us again. We continued to gain altitude until we could see the fog was actually an inversion layer extending out over the flat desert to the East.

A Madera Tree low on the Tejas Trail. The fog really made the red berries and red bark stand out.

Fog filling the Pine Springs Valley below Guadalupe Peak

Fog in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Starting to get ahead of the fog just before lunch.

Watching the Fog Play with the mountain.

Fog - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Looking down the Tejas Trail covered in fog.

Looking out at an inversion layer covering the desert in the East

By mid afternoon the inversion layer had all but burned off.

We made it to camp just before sun down. We spent the night at the Pine Top campground at 8250 feet, just 500 feet below Texas highest elevation. We ate dinner and played a few rounds of “There’s something in my fathers store.” before hitting the sacks early. The next morning we would continue another 2.3 miles to the top of Bush Mountain, The second highest in Texas.

Looking East from our campsite at sunrise

Sunrise in the Guadalupe Mountains

The Bush Mountain Trail looked deceptively flat on the map following a high ridge just north of Pine Springs Canyon. In Actuality it proved to be more than 4 or 5 ups and downs of about 200 - 500 feet each. The peak itself was rather anti climatic rising gradually over a long distance. And the summit itself was rather elusive. Looking at the map now I’m not sure we ever made it to the top. If we did we found no summit marker, no summit log, or anything to really distinguish the summit. We did, however, find outstanding views of Pine Springs Canyon, Texas’ four highest peaks, and the salt flats to the west. We sat on the top for a little over 30 minutes taking in the views. We couldn't stay long as we still had to break down camp and hike 6.2 miles back out to our car.

Hiking toward Bush Mountain.

Nearing the summit of Bush Mountain

On the Bush Mountain Trial Just below the summit

Summit View looking down Pine Springs Canyon

Salt Flats to the West

Bartlett Peak 8508 feet - Bush Mountain's nearest neighbor.

As we finished out what proved to be a 9 mile day my poor 10 year old was very tired. She had really impressed me though. Having hiked such great distances and elevations with hardly a grumble. It was nice to get out of the house for a while and share one of my favorite mountain ranges with my daughter. I hope and pray she will continue to love the outdoors as much as she seems to now.

A small horned toad my daughter caught on the Bush Mountain Trail

Looking up at the Tejas Trail

The Hike:
Distance: 6.2 Miles One Way
Starting Elevation: 5734 feet
Ending Elevation: 8631 feet
Elevation Gain: 2897 feet

Resources:
I use both the Map and Guide book featured below when planning my many trips to the Guadalupe Mountains. I highly recommend them to anyone wishing to hike there. Purchase them through these links and help support MyLifeOutdoors.

Getting There:
Trailhead: 31°53'47.95"N 104°49'42.84"W
Pine Top Camp: 31.918911"N 104.845963"W
Summit: 31.929693"N 104.879951"W

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Are Blog Reviews Worth Anything? Is Print Media Better?

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Are blog reviews worth anything? This is a question that I have been kicking around since publishing a couple of posts on Negative Gear Reviews. In my first post, we asked: When is it appropriate to post a negative gear review? Rand Lindsay (Co-Founder of Trail Designs and the Caldera Cone alcohol stove) added some comments that got me thinking in different ways. We asked if there is really such a thing as Negative Gear Review? And many of you commented sharing your opinions.

Katadyn Hiker that I reviewed after purchase with my own money.

While developing that post Rand and I talked a lot about Gear Reviews. In the conversation he mentioned that blog reviews aren't very appealing to him as a Vendor. Rand said: “It is many times not in our interest to support a review from a blogger. Their reach is pretty limited and the ‘wild card’ factor hard to anticipate.” You never know how a blogger is going to represent a product. But, at the same time bloggers are easy to scope out. They have a lot of content available that revels their opinions and biases, and gives the vendor an opportunity to assess their ability to even write a review. Looking at these factors, Rand suggests, vendors will often times refuse to send free gear to a blogger in an attempt to “protect” their brand.

I must admit that hurt my pride a little. One of the reasons I started MyLifeOutdoors was in hopes of reviewing free gear. I thought that if I could develop a well respected voice in the outdoor community then companies would want to send me free gear to review. And many do, but most of those companies are new and trying to make a name for themselves. They will often offer me gear in exchange for a small link with a specific key word. This is all part of SEO development, which I admit, i don’t fully understand.

I asked Rand about blogger reviews. After all it seems to me that you have basically two types of people out there. They type that only read and respect Print Media, and the then you have your blogger types, who want to see a good blog review before buying a product. I happen to be one of the latter. I almost never buy a product unless I can read a blog review about it. I prefer the depth of blog reviews. Most Print reviews I read are brief, vague, with only one stock image. Where as blog reviews are in depth and have multiple photos. In my mind a smart company would seek both in an effort to appeal to the largest crowd possible.

Rand agreed with my assessment yet still hesitates to give out gear for blog reviews. he said:

“Our product is actually really good and popular......and there is no problem getting a lot of positive blog reviews.” [I Assume from bloggers who bought a stove with their own money.] “Also, since we are so unique and patented, we essentially have no competition. So, yes, blogs are very important to us because of everything you said. But, also, because of everything you said we have to be careful with the bloggers we give it to. If there are guys out there who never used alcohol stoves before, and love their pocket-rocket or whisperlite, they are going to hate our system......so we avoid those kinds of guys.”

So it seems, at least through my limited experience and research, that up and coming companies really need blogs to build a name for their gear. But once that name is built it has to be protected.

Rand went on to say:

“Print media, however, is a slam dunk. Their reach is huge and they typically don't do a review if it isn't going to be favorable. Not saying they are doing bad reviews and putting out information they don't believe in.....more that they just won't say anything or won't even review it if it isn't something they think their readership will appreciate.”

Which brings up another question. When was the last time you saw a negative review in a magazine? This was recently asked about blogs, but I don’t think I have ever heard anyone ask that of print media. But I can’t remember ever seeing negative print review. And no one questions print media reviews. Blogs are now required by law to disclose how they received the gear they are reviewing. Are their similar laws governing Magazines? I don’t think I have ever seen such a disclosure in a magazine.

I don’t know the answers to these questions, and Rand is the only Vendor to give me insight from their side of things. Are their more vendors out their that would be willing to chime in? What about you? Are Blog reviews better? Is Print Media Better? What do you think about “protecting” your products name? What do you think about giving free gear in exchange for SEO links building and the like? I would really like to hear what you have to say? Please comment below.

Similar Posts:
Bad Gear Reviews: No Such Thing?
When is it Appropriate to Post a Negative Product Review? - A Discussion

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A Review of LeftLane Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Lets face it, outdoor gear is expensive. From boots to rain gear to packs and tents...it doesn't take long before your out several hundred, or several thousand dollars. I used to think ebay was the only way to get decent, albeit used, gear at affordable prices. But a little more then a year ago I came across a small discount gear website called LeftLane Sports, that changed the way I shop for and buy gear.

LeftLane Sports is what is known as a flash sale site, which basically means they have top of the line gear on sale at steep discounts for short lengths of time. Typically they will feature one brand at 50%-70% off for three days at a time.

When I first discovered LeftLane I couldn’t believe their prices, it seemed to good to be true. Others seemed to agree. I was getting a lot of search engine traffic with the search term “LeftLane Sports Scam.” I too was curious and decided to test the waters and make a purchase on some unbelievably discounted gear. With my first purchase LeftLane had a hiccup or two getting my gear to me within the promised time. I wrote a review based on my experience and posted it on MyLifeOutdoors. you can read that review here.

Since that time, however, I have had multiple dealings with LeftLane Sports. Within the last year I have purchased jackets, packs, boots, ski pants, knifes, shirts, pants, and even socks from LeftLane Sports. According to my order history I have made 14 separate purchases since December of 2010. Of those I have made at least five different returns or exchanges. All of my dealings have been pleasant and according to their published polices. Shipping times have become lightning fast. When I first started dealing with LeftLane Sports shipping seemed to take for ever. Now everything ships in one business day, often the same day.

I have been so impressed with my dealings with LeftLane Sports I hardly buy gear from anywhere else. If there is some piece of gear I need I will wait, because I know LeftLane will eventually sell it at steep discounts. Right now I’m in the market for a new set of Ski boots and Skis. Come on LeftLane, hook me up with something good.

The other part of LeftLane Sports I have come to love is their Give $10, Get $10 referral service. For everyone you refer to LeftLane Sports you get $10 in store credit, and so do they. In fact if you sign up using this link we will both get a free $10 credit. Credits only apply toward purchases over $50, and I don’t get my free credit until you make your first purchase.

Two things you should know about LeftLane is returns are only good toward store credit. They will not refund your credit card. And hot items sell out fast. There may be a 3 day sale on your favorite brand, but the good stuff will be gone in the first few hours due to popularity and limited quantities. It doesn't always work out this way...but I never risk it. If I want an item I buy it fast before it sells out.

To make things even better LeftLane Sports is very generous. I contacted them and told them I would be writing this review. I asked if they wanted to sweeten the pot by throwing in a free piece of gear for a giveaway. They came back with a Gregory Z45 BackPack. A $180 value, free for you to win. The Contest has ended.

Look here for Current LeftLane Sales and Coupons

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Grand View Point - Grand Tetons National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:18:00 +0000

The name says it all: Grand View Point. My family and I were looking for a short easy hike that could get us away from the crowds of Grand Tetons National Park. And that is just what we found tucked away at the end of a short dirt road just off the main highway. Anybody following us would have thought we made a wrong turn down a road closed to the public. At least thats what we were hoping as we pulled up to the trail head and found only one other car. With any luck we wouldn’t see another soul.

Looking East from Grand View Point - Grand Tetons National Park

And we were pretty lucky. The owners of the one other car passed us just as we set foot on the trail. They had already been up and were headed back to their car. We talked for a bit before continuing on. We were in no hurry. We had all day to hike the short 1.1 mile trail.

For a short trail, however, it gains a lot of altitude. I had my 2 year old on my back with my wife and 10 year old in tow. It didn’t take long before we were all a bit winded. “I thought you said this would be an easy hike” my wife said. She was nursing a injured tow from our 5 day backpack through Glacier the week before. The pain was forcing her to hike in sandals and the steep incline of Grand View Trail wasn’t making it any better. “We will be there before you know it.” I said. And we were. Moments later we started to catch Grand Views between the trees. First of the Tetons to the West. Then of some meadows and lakes to the East. And before we knew it we had reached what felt like the summit of this short trail.

Grand View Point Trail

Heading up Grand View Point Trail

Tetons through the Trees

Grand View Point Trail

Looking East from the Grand View Point Trail

Looking South East from the Grand View Point Trail

I took off the child carrier and let our littlest one stretch her legs. Looking West you could see the entire Teton range in full panoramic view. Jackson lake sprawled out before their feet with large islands in full view. To the East small natural lakes surrounded by forest beckoned me to more hiking and exploring. This was indeed a Grand View. My family and I sat up their for the better part of an hour. Breathing in the fresh mountain air and taking in the country side. It was a good moment, with a view that never changed but was better then any TV show.

My Youngest at Grand View Point

Looking out at the Grand Tetons and Jackson Lake just below Grand View Point

My two daughters looking out toward Jackson Lake and the Grand Tetons

Grand Tetons and Jackson Lake from Grand View Point

As we were getting ready to leave I saw that the trail continued north. I thought we had reached the top, but Grand View Point was actually about another 10th of a mile down the trail. A sign marked the true summit and as it turns out the real Grand View Point didn’t have as Grand Views as where before. Trees completely blocked the view of the Tetons to the West. The best views, with practically a 360 field of view lay back down the trail a little ways.

Marker at Grand View Point - Grand Tetons National Park

A bee on a nearby flower

Having accomplished what we set out to do my family and I headed back down the short 1.1 mile trail back to our car. We never saw another soul the rest of the time we were there, which made this trail quite a gem in an otherwise crowded park. Short, not too hard, with plenty of solitude. This hike was one of our favorites of all time.

My Littlest was asleep before we made it back to the car.

The Hike:
Length: 1.1 Miles One Way
Starting Elevation: 6892 feet
Ending Elevation: 7823 feet
Elevation Change: 931 feet

Map of Grand View Trail - Grand Tetons National Park

Getting There:
The road can be hard to find as there is no signs or other markers to distinguish it. Just a small dirt road off the main hwy. Head North 0.9 miles from the Jackson Lake Lodge. (see map below). Once you are on the dirt road stay left at both of the forks and follow the road until it dead ends at the trail head. High Clearance vehicles are recommended.

Dirt Road Entrance: 43.894181, -110.571556
Trail Head: 43.899160, -110.561728
Grand View Point: 43.908746, -110.560055

View Larger Map

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Woe To You Dr. Pepper - How a Part of Texas Died and Who's to Blame

noreply@blogger.com (Steven) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I don’t know anything about Joyce Meyer, but her words seem to fit: “If I have to build a big company by mistreating other people then the Bible says WOE to me. I don't know what that is, but I don't want any of it.” Woe to you Dr Pepper Snapple Group, for your greed has killed a Texas icon.

I don’t normally write about topics that don’t, in some way, pertain to hiking, backpacking, camping, or the like. But I know I have a good number of Texas readers, and any self respecting Texan needs to know how Dublin Dr. Pepper died.

A Dublin Dr Pepper bottle. One of the last to ever be made.

I was laying in bed wednesday night when I got a text from a friend that said: “At 5pm today there is no more Dublin Dr. Pepper.” For those who don’t know Dublin Dr. Pepper is sweetened with a pure cane sugar formula dating back to 1891, when Dublin Dr. Pepper got its start. Unlike any other Dr. Pepper, the taste is considered by many (including myself) to be some of the best soda known to man. But DPS recently sued the small town Dublin Dr. Pepper bottling company for altering the Dr. Pepper logo and selling their unique formula under the name Dublin Dr. Pepper.

Dublin Dr. Pepper was the oldest Dr Pepper Bottler in the World, killed by the greed of its parent company.

For my family Dublin Dr. Pepper is an elusive treat. Something we only get when we drive out of our way to the small town of Dublin to visit the bottling plant and buy one or two six packs of the heavenly soda. The rest of the year we spend our money on regular Dr. Pepper. But not anymore. DPS has gone too far, and I know I am not alone when I say their greed knows no bounds.

If you go to Dublin today you can still find Cane Sweetened Dr. Pepper. But its not made by the Dublin Company, nor will it bare the name Dublin Dr. Pepper. It seems some time ago DPS realized Dublin Dr. Pepper was better and began selling “nostalgic” Dr. Pepper sweetened with pure cane sugar. I bought some at our local grocery store. But it wasn’t the same as Dublin Dr. Pepper, something was different. It seems now that DPS has realized they couldn’t compete with Dublin Dr. Pepper and so they decided to bully them around until they gave up their lunch money. And now a part of Texas is dead.

A historic photo of the Dublin Dr. Pepper Bottling Plant, still in existence today

It is my hope that enough Texans raise enough stink about this that DPS comes crawling back to Dublin begging them to reopen their production. I hope enough texans send letters and e-mails protesting this shameful act of greed. Right now I have three small bottles of Dublin Dr. Pepper sitting in my fridge. They are probably the last three I will ever see.

Woe to you Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

If you would like to contact Dr Pepper Snapple Group and tell them how you feel, you can do so by following this link

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