Zappos Blogs: Outdoor

Fall Festival of the Week: The Georgia Apple Festival

Lee S. — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:37 GMT

Want a fall festival you can really sink your teeth into? Then head south to the Georgia Apple Festival, held each October in the town of Ellijay in Gilmer County.

The festival is a paean to apples, with the football field arranged into streets with names like Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Jonagold. Everything apple can be found at this festival. And what's more American that apple pie? Maybe apple fritters!

The whole apple thing started in the early 1900s, when farmers in Gilmer County planted some apple trees. In 1922, the county's main crop, cotton, was attacked by the insect that nearly destroyed the south's economy - the boll weevil. But by 1922, Gilmer County was producing enough apples to help keep the county's economy from collapse, and the focus of their farming turned to apple orchards.

The festival offers a play area for children, with inflatable rooms filled with soft cushy balls, a climbing wall for older kids and teens, craftsmen of all kinds, and musical acts that include country, Gospel, and rock and roll. And don't forget the apples. You'll find apple fritters, fried apple pies, caramel apples, and more to eat, and apple dolls and apple art to buy.

The Georgia Apple Festival started in 1970, when local growers planned a fair to honor the fruit that saved the county. It's grown astronomically since then, so go early and be prepared to walk a long way along the apple-named "streets." Wear a cute pair of walking shoes like these darling Vianas from Tsubo to keep your tootsies comfy, and be environmentally conscious while you're doing your shopping -- bring along this Harvest Bag tote from Keen, made completely of recycled brown and white bags that would otherwise be in landfills, and big enough to hold all your purchases!

Even in Georgia, October evenings can be chilly, so bring a light jacket like this one from Patagonia, that combines classic fleece inside and out, with a wind-stopping layer sandwiched between. Enjoy the crisp air as you bite into a crisp apple or a warm fried pie, and you may never want to go home!

Outdoor Movies: "The Blair Witch Project"

Steve B. — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:13 GMT

Ten years ago, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez redefined moviemaking with "The Blair Witch Project," a labor of love that turned into one of the highest grossing films of that year. According to the movie's opening credits, three student filmmakers went into the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland to do some research on the "Blair Witch," a local Burkittsville legend. The students allegedly disappeared in October 1994, but the footage they shot was recovered a year later.

Myrick and Sanchez reportedly assembled "The Blair Witch Project" from the recovered camcorder tapes. The shaky footage shows Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael Williams camping out in the woods for their film project. Unfortunately, creepy images and sounds start tormenting the young filmmakers. The movie ends with jumbled footage and screaming before the screen finally goes blank.

Prior to the release of "The Blair Witch Project," the movie's publicists were conspicuously silent when asked if the film was real or fiction. The question was quickly answered in the Midwest when Heather Donahue appeared as a waitress in a series of commercials for Steak 'n Shake restaurants. As it turns out, the three "student filmmakers" actually were recruited by the directors to play themselves in the film.

According to the cast members, Myrick and Sanchez handed Donahue, Leonard and Williams instructions on slips of paper prior to each day's shooting. The instructions would say to do things such as "Start an argument" or "Don't believe anything that Heather says." This improvisation gave the film its realistic and chilly feeling, especially the famous scene where Heather Donahue is crying into the camera lens.

In many ways, "The Blair Witch Project" remains one of the purest horror films that uses an outdoor setting. In fact, Emily Riemer of "Paste Magazine" recently reported that Myrick and Sanchez are planning a sequel to their original film, which should be more faithful to the original than the disappointing follow-up in 2000.

Resources:
Paste Magazine, "Tenth Anniversary Sequel to 'The Blair Witch Project' in the Works," Emily Riemer

Fall Season Family Outdoor Project: Sun Prints and Bookmarks

Lyn Lomasi — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:36 GMT

Doing family crafts and projects in the great outdoors is a fun way to experience the wonders of the fall season. Sun prints and bookmarks can be made outdoors with a few supplies and help from nature. Gather the kids and the supplies below to get started. The sun print part of this particular project requires that it be a sunny fall day. If it's cloudy, but nice enough to still be outside, no worries. The bookmarks can be made without the sun and can be made in conjunction with, or separate from the sun print project.

Sun Print Supplies:
Assorted colors and shapes of fall leaves
Colored construction paper of fall colors

Bookmark Supplies:
Assorted colors and shapes of fall leaves
Clear contact paper
A paper weight or heavy book

Sun Print Instructions:
Each child and parent should have a sheet of colored construction paper and an assortment of leaves. The leaves can be collected while doing the craft or perhaps from a previous nature walk. Each person can lay his or her sheet of paper in the sun and arrange the leaves how they want the pattern to appear. The paper will remain its original color where the leaves are placed and be lightened by the sun in uncovered areas. Leave the papers in the sun for the day. When the leaves are removed at the end of the day, a beautiful pattern will appear on the paper. Save the leaves for the bookmark project.

Bookmark Instructions:
Parents should pre-cut bookmark shapes into clear contact paper. When it's time for this outdoor craft, parents can be sure everyone has an even amount. Two pre-cut bookmark shapes are necessary to make one bookmark. Be sure they're wide enough to fit the sizes of leaves you will be using. There needs to be at least 1/4'' of space left without leaves on the edges. To do this outdoor craft, the first step is to peel away the protective cover from one bookmark shaped piece of contact paper. Then, stick the leaves to it in the order you wish. Next, place another over the top of that one and seal it. That's it! Now, everyone can go read a book using their new fall bookmarks.

Ski Resort of the Week: Sugar Bowl Resort, Truckee, CA

E.A. Anne — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:40 GMT

As the countdown to the first snow this winter begins, ski and snowboard enthusiasts are likely to be found planning their ski season. Season passes are often very cost effective for skiers that plan to spend a lot of time on the slopes, and so knowing which are the best ski resorts is important to any skier, new or seasoned.

Northern California is my personal favorite ski and snowboard destination, so will be the topic of my first of several postings. Northern California is ripe with ski resorts for all tastes, experience levels and budgets. That being said, one of my all-time favorite ski resorts in Northern California is Sugar Bowl.

Sugar Bowl Resort is located in Truckee, California, which makes it just about a three hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Rather than trek all the way to South Lake Tahoe, weekend skiers and snowboarders can make the shorter trip to Sugar Bowl.

Sugar Bowl is wonderful in part because of the tremendous variability in levels of difficulty. With 95 different runs, and 4 peaks, there are runs for everyone. This makes Sugar Bowl perfect for families with children just learning how to ski, and intermediate to advanced level parents. Additionally, Sugar Bowl has recently put in some terrain parks, which makes the resort attractive to snowboarders and skiers alike.

Another wonderful attribute of Sugar Bowl is that on General Admission days (all days before Christmas, and Mondays through Fridays through the peak season), all ticket and pass holders get a free group lesson! This opportunity is perfect for any skier or snowboarder looking to promote their skill-set or just have a nice tune up lesson. Sugar Bowl also offers a lot of classes for kids, giving parents a chance to try out some of the single and double black diamond runs.

If you're someone that tends to suffer from cold hands, but you're not ready to give up skiing or snowboarding, having a good warm pair of gloves is really paramount. Try these water resistant fleece-lined gloves during the colder months of the ski season.

Remember, just because the Sugar Bowl is in California doesn't mean it doesn't get really cold!

Outdoor Playlists for Your iPod: Cycling Tunes

Steve B. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:21 GMT

Even when the weather turns brisk, you can still pull your bicycle out of the garage and take it for a late afternoon spin through the park. When the urge to ride hits, slip on your bicycle helmet, let your mind shift into low gear and listen to these two-wheeled tunes on your iPod:

"Couldn't We Ride" (Performed by Kermit and Miss Piggy)

Featured in the 1981 movie The Great Muppet Caper, Kermit and Miss Piggy sing this song about the joys of cycling while they take a ride through the park. Muppet creator Jim Henson and his son Brian were involved in the intricate mechanics involved in making two of Henson's creations appear to ride bicycles.

"Santa's Workshop" (Performed by Schwinntonation)

A Chicago group named Schwinntonation isn't happy simply to write songs about bicycles. Using their two-wheelers, the group turns the sounds made by bicycles into musical tracks like "Santa's Workshop" and "Tuneup for the Big Race." The percussion effect created by their bicycles is oddly hypnotic.

"Bicycle Safety" (Performed by John Buchanan)

One track from his album Safety Songs, John Buchanan sings about the basics of bicycle safety to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star." Even the most experienced riders can always use a reminder about the basics.

"Broken Bicycles" (Performed by Tom Waits)

In this song from the soundtrack album to Francis Ford Coppola's One from the Heart, Tom Waits sings about a love relationship that feels like an old bicycle. The relationship, like the bike, may be old, rusty and broken, but he simply doesn't have the heart to throw it away.

"The Bicycle Song" (Performed by Uncle Andy)

A cautionary tale about cycling, Uncle Andy sings about the potential dangers that can occur if your ride your bicycle down a hill at 90 miles per hour. Suffice it to say, the singer goes to pieces—and so does his bicycle.

"Bicycle Race" (Performed by Queen)

The most universally recognized anthem about cycling, Queen performs this tune about a young man who wants nothing more out of life than to get on his bicycle and ride.

Resources:
http://bicycleuniverse.info/stuff/music.html
http://schwinntonation.googlepages.com/
http://www.songsforteaching.com/johnbuchanan/bicyclesafety.htm

Survival of the Fittest: When Jellyfish Sting

Lee S. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:59 GMT

Most surfers, snorkelers, and ocean swimmers know that sharks and currents aren't the only hazards in ocean water. Jellyfish are becoming an increasing danger all over the world.

There are over 200 known species of jellyfish, and 70 of them sting. Jellyfish can detect changes around them, and react to changes. When they contact something solid, their reaction is to sting. The stinging mechanisms are nematocysts, capsules containing hollow coiled threads with barbs all along their length. There are hundreds of nematocysts on each tentacle and feeding arm of a jellyfish.

The most dangerous jellyfish is the sea wasp, a small box jelly found from Australia to Malaya. Their sting can be deadly because of the high toxicity of their venom. A person stung by a sea wasp can die within minutes, either from the toxin or from drowning because of the paralysis the sting causes. If you're in those waters, wear a full-body wetsuit to survive.

Sea wasps aren't in American waters but larger box jellyfish are. These jellyfish don't have the dome or bell shape that characterizes the class. Their sting is very painful, and if they are swarming and you're caught in the swarm, the number of stings can be lethal. If warnings are posted, or if you can see them, stay out of the water.

The other dangerous jellyfish is the Portuguese man-of-war. These aren't true jellyfish, but have the characteristic dome shape. They're recognizable by their blue color. Even dead ones washed ashore can sting. They're increasing in number as ocean temperatures rise, and moving steadily north.

You can survive a jellyfish sting by treating it with vinegar, so carry a bottle or two of that along with your bottle of drinking water. Carry allergy medications in your pack too because allergic reactions are common. Drench the sting with vinegar, then wipe the area with sand or a towel. Don't touch it as you could be stung as well. Get the injured person to a medical facility as soon as possible, especially if he's showing signs of anaphylactic shock, such as having trouble breathing.

Into the Wild Outdoor Movies: Silent Running

Steve B. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:39 GMT

Everyone is going green these days, but Bruce Dern takes that concept to the extreme in Silent Running, a 1972 outer space thriller. In the not-so-distant future, scientists place the last remaining plant specimens on space freighters orbiting Saturn. Earth's government plans to recall the ships at some point, with the expressed goal of reforest the planet.

Dern plays Freeman Lowell, the chief botanist on the freighter known as "Valley Forge." A devoted ecologist, Lowell adopts one of the plant domes as his own, tending it with love and care. Tired of life in outer space, his sneering colleagues don't understand Lowell's reverence toward his "garden."

When a message arrives from Earth, it tells the crew to destroy all the domes and return home. After watching the gleeful crew members blow up several domes, Lowell decides to take action. When they show up in his garden with a box of nuclear charges, Freeman Lowell makes a life-or-death decision between the plants and the people.

Although this film first arrived in theaters in 1972, Silent Running contains a powerful message that still has meaning today. Director Douglas Trumbull looks ahead to a time when mankind's carelessness has destroyed the Earth's flora and fauna. Even in the 21st Century, it is hard to imagine what kind of neglect would cause this kind of destruction.

Known for edgy characters, Bruce Dern turns in a complex performance as Freeman Lowell. Treating one dome like his private sanctuary, Lowell only eats fresh produce, rejecting the processed food favored by the rest of the crew. At times, he even gets down on his hands and knees to tend to his garden, almost like it was his backyard back home.

Silent Running also features three little droids who are way cooler than R2D2 and C3PO in Star Wars. Freeman Lowell names them "Huey, Dewey and Louie," the same names as *Donald Duck*'s nephews. With cool droids, great special effects and a powerful environmental message, Silent Running remains a classic film and one that everyone should see.

Outdoor Fall Season Recreational Activities: Form a Nature Club

Lyn Lomasi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:34 GMT

The fall season is a wonderful time of year for nature-oriented activities. Outdoor fall activities are a great way to stay active and nature can lend a helping hand in many ways. Leaves are changing into wondrous colors and the weather can be just the perfect temperature. Regularly participating in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, nature walks, camping, and other outdoor adventures can be a workout. It's also fun and a great way to spend time with family and friends. One way to be sure you get these outdoor activities in regularly is to form a nature club.

Decide who you are interested in forming the club with. Will this be strictly for family? Are friends invited to participate in the activities? What are the age groups? There could be separate groups for adults and children or it could be all-inclusive. Some may prefer even to ask around the community and make it a more formal club. Decide also if there will be dues or if everyone will just pay their own way whenever there are any associated costs. Many nature venues, such as state parks are free or low-cost, but there may be equipment and supply costs or a number of other small fees.

Scheduling should be something to think about when making plans. The group can decide together on a schedule that best fits all participants. Think about how many times per week or month is ideal, as well as days and times. Also remember to consider holidays, as well as possible weather conditions. Some activities, such as kite flying, would be good on a windy day.

Some may choose to focus a club on one fall hobby or activity. Others may choose to be more versatile. Whatever option you go with, be sure the chosen activities fit the skill levels of your nature club members. A fun way to keep track of everyone while on nature excursions is to get custom-designed t-shirts and matching shoes. Just be sure the shoes are durable and comfy, as well as appropriate for certain activities. Nature activities can be hard on the feet without proper footwear.

Sources:

http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/texas_parks_and_wildlife_promotes_family_nature_clubs

Outdoor Fall Season Recreational Activities: Ecotourism Far and Near

Lyn Lomasi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:08 GMT

Because of the natural beauty of the seasonal change, fall is a great time to travel. Ecotourism is quickly becoming a popular way to tour the world as people are looking for more innovative ways to decrease their carbon footprint on the earth. Historically, travel has been one of those things associated with polluting the land. But it doesn't have to be. People all over the United states and around the world are working toward the common goal of making travel less harmful to the planet.

Ecotourism in the fall might consist of a green trip to Ireland. Go on walks along the ocean, through the forests and atop the cliffs. Ireland's natural beauty is stunning and should be preserved. Ecotourism groups in Ireland may appreciate the hospitality of the locals, as they provide locally produced food and offer shelter in an eco-friendly guesthouse. Solar-powered hot water and geo-thermal underfloor heating are a part of the eco-friendly lifestyle. This is just one suggested ecotourism trip in Ireland. Research to find various options.

South Africa's wildlife has in the past been threatened by hunters and poachers. Thanks to ecotourism, it is becoming much more common for people to aim toward protecting, rather than endangering wildlife. An ecotourism tour in South Africa might involve an eco-safari. In this adventure, eco-travelers can have the opportunity to take photographs of some of the most diverse and interesting wildlife in the world. The vast and protected lands are truly a wondrous sight. Natural colors of the fall season can also add to this one-of-a-kind ecotourism experience.

If you'd rather stay closer to home, there still are many ecotourism options. Think of becoming a volunteer to help clean up public areas such as city sidewalks and fields. Lakes and streams also can become polluted, especially in more populous areas. Do your part by not littering and also by helping to clean up these areas. This is a great way to get to know neighbors. Organize groups of people to work together in these eco-friendly efforts. There are many options available for ecotourism, both far and near. Location is not near as important as how far you are willing to stretch your personal efforts.

Sources:
http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/south_africa/
http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/ireland/tourism_pure_ireland.php
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2169355/travel_close_to_home_and_still_travel.html

Survival of the Fittest: Surviving a Deer Collision

Lee S. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:33:41 GMT

If you think the deadliest wild animal is a grizzly bear, a wolf, or a cougar, you're wrong. Each year, deer kill more humans than any other animal in North America. Deer range almost everywhere in North America, except for northern Canada and Alaska, and parts of Utah. They don't attack humans as prey; they cause car accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 1.5 million car-deer accidents each year, and that number is rising. Those accidents kill about 150 people each year, although the number was higher in 2008 and the NHTSA expects it to be still higher in 2009. They cost at least $1.1 billion in property damage; in 1990, the cost was estimated to be over $100 million in Wisconsin alone, and Wisconsin isn't in the top ten states for deer accidents.

Most deer-car accidents occur between October and December, which partly coincides with deer hunting season. It's not hunting that causes the accidents, though; those three months are deer mating season. During the rest of the year, groups of deer have a fairly small home territory, and stay within it. In mating season, or "rut," deer head out to find mates, and are more likely to stray onto roads.

So, what does that have to do with wilderness adventures? If you've been in the back country in the fall, you'll probably be driving home. And you'll probably see deer crossing signs on your route. Some drivers ignore them; a smart driver slows down, especially in the evening, and watches for deer. If you see one deer cross the road, expect more to follow and slow down accordingly. Insurance companies advise using your brights, and warn that deer whistles don't work. Don't swerve if a collision is unavoidable; you may hit another vehicle or a tree and cause more damage.

During the fall, wear a bright jacket to avoid becoming a hunter's target. Good sturdy boots are also a must, and a bright flashlight of your own will help keep deer from your path. And drive carefully when heading home!

Outdoor Movies: "Stowaway to the Moon"

Steve B. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:32:56 GMT

Those who came of age during the 1970's will remember how strongly "Moon Fever" burned in some people. After John F. Kennedy made his ambitious commitment to putting a man on the Moon, NASA came up with a system to send two men to the lunar surface 8 years later.

"Stowaway to the Moon," a made-for-TV movie, is geared to the fantasies of anyone who desperately wanted to travel with the astronauts. Child actor Michael Link plays Eli Mackernutt, Jr., a bright kid that everyone simply calls E.J. Living in Florida, E.J. naturally develops a love for the space program, learning everything he can about the Moon.

E.J. then figures out a way to hitch a ride on the next Apollo mission. Disguising himself as a maintenance worker, young E.J. sneaks into Camelot, the Command Module, and hides out in one of the waste disposal units. At launch time, Mission Control detects E.J.'s extra weight, but the crew thinks it is just water that seeped in the spaceship and turned into ice.

When Ben Pelham (Jim McMullan), the baseball cap-wearing Command Module Pilot, gets violently sick in space, E.J. steps in and saves his life with a vacuum cleaner. The unofficial "fourth astronaut" then finds Little Dipper, the Lunar Module, when it goes off course. Obviously, it's handy to have a kid around on a Moon mission.

Based on the book by William R. Shelton, "Stowaway to the Moon" is a fun little movie that is highly unbelievable, but quite entertaining nonetheless. E.J. makes it through NASA's front gate and past all the security cameras with surprising ease. It's also hard to believe that a pre-teen could survive the incredible G-Forces that build up during a Moon launch, even if he is surrounded by blue garbage bags.

Lloyd Bridges is ultra-cool though as Charlie Englehardt, the flight controller, he is ready to abort the mission after the astronauts find their young stowaway. Veteran actor John Carradine and real-life astronaut Charles "Pete" Conrad also have small roles in this Made-For-TV adventure. "Stowaway to the Moon" definitely is worth a look when you come across it on television.

Television Shows with an Outdoor Setting: Jamie Lee Curtis Set Sail on the USS Sea Tiger in "Operation Petticoat"

Steve B. — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:31:22 GMT

A year before Michael Myers started terrorizing her in Halloween, Jamie Lee Curtis was part of the ensemble cast of "Operation Petticoat," a 1970's television comedy based on the movie of the same name. Curtis played Lieutenant Barbara Duran, a nurse who ends up traveling through the South Pacific in a pink submarine.

The sub in question, the USS Sea Tiger, is commissioned for duty during World War II, even though it definitely isn't sea-worthy. Because there wasn't enough gray paint to cover the hull, the Sea Tiger sets sail with just a few layers of pink primer paint. The pink becomes an oddly appropriate color after Captain Matthew Sherman (John Astin) rescues five stranded nurses, including the pretty Lt. Duran.

Much of the humor in "Operation Petticoat" comes from the battle of the sexes between the nurses and the sailors who share close quarters with them. One of the funniest ongoing battles occurs between Major Edna Hayward (Yvonne Wilder) and Chief Engineer Dobrich (Warren Berlinger). Typically, when Dobrich is stumped by a mechanical problem, Major Hayward finds a novel solution, such as using her girdle to keep the engine running.

"Operation Petticoat" sailed smoothly through its first season, especially with John Astin and Jamie Lee Curtis in the cast. One has to wonder, though, if Tony Curtis, who starred in the original 1959 movie, had anything to do with his daughter being cast in the TV series. The late, great comedian Jim Varney also had a supporting role as Seaman Broom.

For reasons that still aren't clear however, between the first and second seasons, most cast members were replaced with new characters, with Jim Varney and Melinda Naud surviving the change in command. Fresh off his stint on "Emergency," Randolph Mantooth started a tour of duty on the USS Sea Tiger as Lt. Mike Bender, but audiences didn't embrace the cast changes, sinking the show 10 episodes into the second season.

"Operation Petticoat" definitely was a quirky 1970's television show, and one that brings up fond memories for its fans. If you can find it on a retro TV station, it definitely is worth a look.

Best Beach of the Week: Reduit and Marigot Beaches, St. Lucia

Lee S. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:24 GMT

The next time you plan a Caribbean vacation, forget the Bahamas, Jamaica, or Antigua. Take yourself to the most beautiful island in the world: St. Lucia. It's a tropical rainforest with a steaming volcano, and beaches in white, gold and black sand. All the beaches on St. Lucia are free to the public, even if they're right in front of a ritzy hotel, although you may have to pay to rent a beach chair and umbrella!

Two St. Lucia beaches are this week's best; which one you choose depends on what you want. If it's a bustling beach with restaurants, bars, shops, and rental spots for every water sport, choose Reduit Beach. Five miles of beautiful white sand, and even when it's busy it's not too busy. If you start to get too hot, take a dip into the clear blue-green waters of Rodney Bay, or move into the shade of the palm trees. You'll never be bored on Reduit; if you get tired of the beach, how about a hike or a round of golf? A whale watching trip? Some time in a pampering spa? Whatever you want, you'll find it on Reduit.

If you want to relax somewhere more intimate, head for Marigot Bay, and take a 3 minute boat ride from the pier to the white sand beach. It doesn't have a lot of amenities, although recent additions include a small restaurant and bar, but it's quiet and romantic, and a favorite of the locals. Once you're on the beach, you can admire the steep palm-covered hills that surround three sides of the bay, really more of a narrow cove, soak up the sun, or go for a swim. For anything else, take the boat back to the pier, where you'll find almost everything.

St. Lucia is about relaxing, so don't pack too much. Throw in a pair of cute tropical-print shorts, a flirty white top, and your favorite sandals. Make sure to take a tropical tote to carry your water, reading materials, shades and sun screen. Then kick back and relax in the sand!

Survival of the Fittest: Surviving a Moose Attack

Lee S. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:55 GMT

Many people think of the cartoon "Bullwinkle" when they think of a moose. Hikers in the northern U.S. and Canada who've actually encountered moose have an entirely different view. If you're hiking where they both live, you're much more likely to be attacked by a moose than a bear.

Moose aren't shy, like deer. They're territorial and aggressive, and their size - up to 6 ½ feet at the shoulder - and weight - as much as 1500 pounds - make them extremely dangerous. They have sharp hooves and impressive antlers. The two likeliest times of year for moose encounters are spring, when females have calves, and fall, when bull moose are looking for mates.

Never get between a female moose and her calf. If you come upon them on the trail, back up slowly and wait for them to move on; generally, they will. If a mother and calf wander into your camp, again, try to back away. Moose show aggression in several ways. They may toss or swing their heads, stamp the ground, lay their ears back, or actually charge you. Some of these charges are bluffs, and the moose will veer away at the last moment. But since most of us can't read their minds, you need to take a charge seriously, and try to get behind a large boulder. The moose will then, hopefully, decide you're not a threat.

In the fall, bull moose are just as deadly as females in the spring. Anything that moves is a potential rival. They've even charged locomotives, so if they charge you, don't assume they'll back off. If you can't get away, roll yourself into a ball, cover your head, and don't try to get up. You'll probably get kicked, but if you don't move at all until the moose has left the area, you'll survive. A broken rib is better than a smashed skull. If you have time, swing your backpack over your head to protect it. Pull your hiking boots up to protect your groin if possible.

Remember that you're in their territory, show them respect, and you'll survive a moose encounter.

Into the Wild - Outdoor Movies: Adrienne Barbeau Hangs Out with "The Swamp Thing"

Steve B. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:33 GMT

Twenty years before Spider-Man first appeared on the big screen, The Swamp Thing, a character from the world of DC Comics, appeared in the live action movie that bears his name. Wes Craven, the man who would later unleash Freddy Krueger on an unsuspecting world, wrote and directed this science fiction thriller that was set in and around a marshy swamp.

Dr. Alec Holland (Ray Wise) and his sister Linda (Nannette Brown) are developing a method to combine plant and animal tissues when Dr. Anton Arcane (Louis Jourdan) and his henchmen confront them. In the struggle for Holland's research, Linda is killed and Alec is doused in his own chemical formulas and starts to burn. To save his life, Dr. Holland then throws himself into the nearby swamp and disappears.

A short time later, Government Agent Alice Cable (the beautiful Adrienne Barbeau) finds Alec Holland, but he has been transformed into a hulking green plant creature. Still possessing his human mind and emotions, Alec and Alice start a kind of "Beauty and the Beast" relationship right there in the swamp. Arcane isn't content to leave them alone, however, and he wants to use the Swamp Thing to recreate Dr. Holland's chemical formula.

A cult classic from 1982, The Swamp Thing is based on one of DC Comics' lesser-known characters, but the film definitely is a lot of fun. It is strange, though, to see an established actor such as Louis Jourdan in a horror film, but he throws himself in the villain role with skill and class. Jourdan even gets his own dramatic transformation scene after he drinks Dr. Holland's special formula.c

When talking about this film, most comic book fans fondly remember Adrienne Barbeau's performance as Agent Alice Cable. Fresh off featured roles in The Cannonball Run and Escape from New York, Barbeau had a large fan following coming into The Swamp Thing, a movie that comic book fans still fondly remember.

Seven years later, The Return of the Swamp Thing picked up the storyline, but nothing can match the outrageous 1982 original.