Tmber Blog

Show and Tell

Nina Franey — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:27:43 +0000

What do you do when you're five and it's your day for show and tell? Nothing makes a strong impression like a mountain blown apart. Tomorrow marks the 33rd anniversary of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, bringing to mind that day long ago when thirteen kindergarteners sat in a circle and marveled at the destruction portrayed in the January 1981 National Geographic being held up before them. We already knew a lot about volcanoes – our tropical island had been formed from one.

Hiking with Kids: On the Trail

Nina Franey — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:06:29 +0000

It's that time of year again. Summer vacation is nearing, and the young 'uns are squirrely. Extra chatter, boundless energy, short attention spans – all good indicators that it's time to start planning some outdoor activities, stat. One great option? Hit the trail with the whole family. Tmber co-founder Nina Franey has found that hiking with kids has its own unique joys and challenges. As a mother of three young kids, she's learned some helpful tips and tricks that have worked for her family, and may just work for yours too.

On Wheels

Nina Franey — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:51:04 +0000

There's something about riding a bike. It's a great way to see the world, bumping up a two-legged pace to the wind-in-your-hair zone on the speedometer. And, like hiking, the work involved is rewarding – curves alternately hide and reveal engaging scenery and every hill ascended is celebrated (at some point) with a descent. Unless, of course, one chooses to stick to the straight flats, but that's a whole other discussion.

Tmber on Tmbr

Nina Franey — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:33:24 +0000

Thanks to the world wide web, we unexpectedly found ourselves looking in the mirror the other day. Well- sort of. It was actually more like meeting a long lost second cousin once removed for the first time. There were more than a few similiarites – you know: cool, local, into the outdoors – and, of course, there's the name. Tmber, meet tmbr.

Get the Gear

Nina Franey — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:52:13 +0000

We appreciate quality hiking satire, especially from the good people of Portlandia. When it comes to outdoor gear, it's easy to get overwhelmed. There's a lot to choose from, especially when going 'wood deep' (just watch the video). Function vs fashion? Waterproof or no? To gaiter or not to gaiter? And then there's our quirky Northwest climate. Tough decisions all around.

Thankfully we have Fred and Carrie to keep us from taking ourselves too seriously. Thanks to Scott Sund for sharing this link. Now go get the gear!

We Are Family

Nina Franey — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:15:09 +0000

Life gets nutty sometimes. Commitments, appointments, responsibilities, deadlines – you name it – make day-to-day existence a juggling act. And at the end of any given day, we come home to our people, share our stories, hopefully laugh a little, and get ready to do it all over again.

National Park Week

Nina Franey — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:24:36 +0000

Yep, it's that time of year again – free entry to our national parks for five whole days. Mount Rainier, the Olympics, Nez Perce, the beaches of Lewis and Clark, Crater Lake – or perhaps you share our deep love for NOCA. With sun in the forecast, what's holding you back?

Darren Chromey is Cool

Nina Franey — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:27:25 +0000

Member spotlight on Darren Chromey. Besides providing current information to other hikers, one cool thing about trip reports is that we all get to live vicariously through each other's adventures for a small space of time. Maybe we're busy with work, or family commitments, or we're not yet in fighting physical form – but seeing others out living the dream makes us say, 'Yeah. Next time, I'll be there. Count on it.' Trip reports inspire us, plain and simple.