Just Northwest: Outdoor Adventure Blog featuring the Pacific Northwest

Mountain biking dog

2011-11-23T15:47:00.001-08:00

A cute video about a dog that like mountain biking. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Fall is here!

2011-09-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

I know I have been kind of missing over the last few months from Just Northwest and I apologize. It's certainly been a busy time.

I'm still recovering from my knee surgery that I had in June and just haven't been able to get out hiking yet. My outdoor activities have been consisting of mainly walks around the block. Kinda lame.

But hopefully I'll be hitting the trails again soon! (At least for a test run with the knee) And with fall here it's a great time to get out and see the leaves! I'll post some trail ideas for going and seeing the colors of fall in the Seattle area.

There is even reports snow might be showing up in the mountains by next week. So until then, enjoy these wipeouts!

Team HTC-Highroad to disband after season

2011-08-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is some very unfortunate and sad news coming from the cycling world. Cycling team HTC-Highroads will be disbanding at the end of the season.

Top professional cycling team HTC-Highroad is folding after five years in the sport following an unsuccessful effort to secure a long-term sponsor.

Team owner Bob Stapleton announced the decision Thursday, urging riders such as 20-time Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish of Britain, top time trialist Tony Martin of Germany and up-and-coming American Tejay van Garderen to find new teams for 2012.

The American squad has been one of pro cycling’s most successful since it was formed, winning 484 races, including 54 grand tour stages.

Stapleton said the team’s “success has been based on our outstanding people” and he was making the decision to disband the team now so that they could find teams in 2012.

I hate to see any team disband but especially a extremely successful, American team.

Bear Grylls Underneath Jimmy Kimmel's Desk

2011-07-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious. Bear Grylls tries to survive under Jimmy Kimmel's desk.

REI blog post

2011-07-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today I got a blog posted on the REI blog.

It's called:

Can a Video Game Improve Your Outdoor Survival Skills?

I talk about the new Man vs. Wild video game.

Please check it out and let me know what you think!

A Wild Year in Banff National Park

2011-07-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome video from Banff National Park in Canada.

12 months. Four seasons. One revolution of the sun.

That's how long Banff National Park's remote wildlife camera project has been going and to celebrate, we've assembled a year's worth of images from one single location into a short Wild Images video timelapse.

Have a look -- you'll be amazed by how much goes on. And it all happened a short two-and-a-half-hour stroll from the hustle and bustle of downtown Banff!

It goes to show how alive the woods are and, if you get into them, what you might be lucky enough to see!

Jake Gyllenhall on Man vs Wild

2011-07-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

On Monday, July 11, 2011, actor Jake Gyllenhaal joins Bear on an adventure to Iceland.

I can't wait!

Tour de France stage 3 video

2011-07-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the video of stage 3 of the Tour de France with Tyler Farrar winning!

Tyler Farrar wins 3rd stage of Tour de France

2011-07-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

To celebrate Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee, Washington won the 3rd stage of the Tour de France. He's my favorite rider and this was so awesome following the day after Team Garmin Cervelo won the team time trial.

As he crossed the finish line Farrar held up his hands to make a "W" with his fingers to honor his friend Wouter Weylandt. Weylandt died in a crash during the Giro d'Italia in May.

“It’s a dream to win today. I was close the past few Tours, second, third, second, so to win a stage is incredible,” Farrar said.

“To have the world champion and yellow jersey leading you out is amazing. Our team was perfect today, with Millar and Dean and Hushovd. The first objectives were to win the team time trial and to win a stage. Now we’ll what the rest of the Tour brings.”

Garmin-Cervélo proudly rode at the front of the peloton to protect the leader’s jersey held by Hushovd. Five riders peeled off the front early and methodically built up a seven-minute, but it was all for naught as Garmin kept up steady to pressure to assure that Hushovd would arrive to the line with chances to defend his yellow jersey as well as challenge for the stage victory.

“The objective today was to win with Tyler and keep the jersey,” Hushovd said. “After winning yesterday and having the jersey, now we win a stage, it’s perfect. We’ll see tomorrow if we can keep the streak going.”

Dave Zabriskie, Ramunas Navardauskas and Tom Danielson took turns setting tempo on the front of the peloton to keep the pressure. Strong crosswinds became a factor, especially over the day’s lone climb at a bridge over the Loire at Saint-Nazaire. The team rode perfectly to set up Farrar. Millar took a long pull in the closing 500 meters, before Hushovd then long-time leadout man Dean finishing off the work to set up Farrar. French rider Romain Feillu came through second and JJ Rojas was third, but Farrar won with style in his first-career Tour de France stage victory.

Farrar also becomes the first American to win a Tour stage on the Fourth of July.

Congrats Tyler! Way to represent not only your country but also Washington!

Impact of loss won't stop Tyler Farrar

2011-07-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article by Bonnie D. Ford of ESPN on Wenatchee's Tyler Farrar.

TIFFAUGES, France -- Tyler Farrar is a sprinter disguised as a gentleman. He has all of the drive and passion but none of the abrasiveness often associated with the specialty. At 27, he is one of the most good-natured, composed presences in the peloton, and he is not one to wear his emotions on his jersey sleeve.

That was partly why it was so heartbreaking to see him grieve publicly. Farrar's dear friend Wouter Weylandt, a Belgian from the American rider's adopted home in Ghent, died after crashing in the Giro d'Italia on May 9, leaving behind a pregnant partner. Farrar learned the news in the most jarring manner possible, from a reporter at the team bus. His Garmin-Cervelo teammate David Millar tried his best to console an inconsolable young man that night.

The next morning, Farrar set off with the rest of the field, riding 134 miles at a deliberately neutralized pace to pay homage to Weylandt. It took more than six hours. A short distance from the finish, Weylandt's Leopard-Trek teammates went to the front and beckoned Farrar to join them. They wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders. The images of Farrar inclining his head slightly, making no effort to hide his raw, stricken face, are not easily forgotten.

You can read the rest of her article over on ESPN.

Here's to a great Tour for Farrar!

Happy Tour de France day!

2011-07-02T09:47:00.001-07:00

Today the Tour de France started! 10 Americans in it. Including Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee, Washington.

Going-to-the-Sun Road may open later than ever this year

2011-06-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last July I visited Brandon in Polson, Montana and we took a trip to Glacier National Park while I was there.

You can watch day one and day two of our adventure and of course, don't forget Brandon vs. the goat!

On our trip we headed up Going-to-the-Sun Road. But this year visitors to the park might not be able to make that trip.

The Great Falls Tribune ran an article yesterday about how the road may not open until very late this year.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK — Only twice in the history of the Going-to-the-Sun Road has the scenic drive in Glacier National Park opened for the season after July 4.

This year will mark the third year the alpine section of the Sun Road isn't open on Independence Day.

In 1933, the road had its inaugural opening on July 15. In 1943, the road opened on July 10 because of reduced staffing during World War II.

It appears that 2011 will go down in history as one of the latest openings of the Sun Road.

The reason for the late opening this year is a heavy snowpack and cold, snowy weather late into spring.

You can read the rest of the article over on The Great Falls Tribune site.

New Team Garmin-Cervélo kit features return of argyle

2011-06-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Team Garmin-Cervélo unveiled their new Tour de France kit today.

And I love it.

I was very disappointed in their kits this season when they got rid of the argyle. You can't be the Argyle Armada without argyle!

But the Team Garmin-Cervélo 2011 Tour de France kit brings the argyle back! It also switches the dominate color from black to white on the jersey. Which will be much cooler for the hot weather of the Tour de France.

The new jersey and shorts retain the distinctive Garmin and Cervélo logos, but reverse white with black on the jersey. The signature Slipstream Sports argyle is prominently displayed.

“We’re really excited about the Tour de France kit,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif, Team Garmin-Cervélo. “The lighter color is perfect for hot weather and our signature argyle is more prominent.”

This is the third time Castelli have introduced new clothing at the Tour de France. “We consider the Tour de France a very special event that deserves a special design,” said Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager.

“This team is rider-centric, and Castelli has done its part to make sure the riders have the most comfortable and technically advanced clothing for this big event. Racing in hot weather is physically demanding, that’s a given, and despite the fact that Castelli makes some of the lightest and coolest fabrics in existence, wearing a lighter colour will make a big difference, both psychologically and physically, to a rider’s well being,” explained Steve Smith.

2011 Tour de France Garmin Cervelo jersey

2011-06-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's official. Today Team Garmin Cervelo announced that they would have a brand new jersey for the 2011 Tour de France that starts on July 2nd.

Today they released a blurry "teaser" photo with the real thing coming tomorrow.

I can only hope that there is more argyle then their current jersey.

Bear Smart PSA

2011-06-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Since I've been laid up after my knee surgery (hence the lack of outdoor posts over the last few months) I've been watching a bit of tv.

Check out this awesome PSA about bear safety:

The rhododendron is the state flower of Washington for a reason

2011-05-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been able to post too many outdoor photos lately. But at least I can enjoy some awesome flowers around my place. Check out these rhododendrons:

National Bike to Work Day 2011

2011-05-19T09:48:00.001-07:00

This Friday, May 20, is National Bike to Work Day.

So grab you're bike and head to work. And think you have a tough commute to work? Check out Danny MacAskill's commute. Now that's something.

Levi: A Documentary

2011-05-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Saw this over on Levi Leipheimer's site. I think it looks good. Worth checking out.

Coming in the fall of 2012.

This film will take its viewers on a journey through Levi Leipheimer’s rise from the mining town of Butte, Montana to the podium of the Tour de France.

Scheduled to debut during the 2012 GranFondo in Santa Rosa, CA. Sign up on our mailing list to be informed of DVD pre-sales and other film related information.

2011 Amgen Tour of California

2011-05-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, May 15, the 2011 edition of the Amgen Tour of California kicks off and it's sure to be a great eight days of racing.

The Tour of California is the largest cycling event in America. And because of that many of the great riders from around the world will be taking part. And with 18 teams in the race there are bound to be some some great rivalries.

Here are the 2011 teams:

The official site has nice video previews of each of the stages of the race. Unfortunately there wasn't an embed option so you'll have to go to the videos page of the Amgen Tour of California site.

Tomorrow's Stage One starts in South Lake Tahoe and heads to North Lake Tahoe-Northstar at Tahoe Resort.

Miles: 118.7 KM: 191.0
Start: Sun, May 15: South Lake Tahoe
Finish: North Lake Tahoe - Northstar at Tahoe Resort
Start Time: 10:30am Finish ETA: 3:12-3:36pm

The question is, what team and/or rider are you rooting for? Me, I'm still all about the argyle.

I'm a Runner: Bear Grylls

2011-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Runners World has a great interview with Bear Grylls on their site from their May 2011 edition.

Occupation: Host of Man vs. Wild
Age: 36
Residence: Abersoch, U.K.

How did you get started running?
In the military. In the British Special Air Service, combat fitness is all about running. We would go until we ended up vomiting on the side of the road. Once I left the military, I gave up running for a while. It took me a while to realize it doesn't have to be like that. Running can be a great therapeutic way of training. These days I push myself hard, but I also slow down and take it easy sometimes. It doesn't have to be full-on hard all the time.

When did you get back into running?
After the military, I spent a year being really unhealthy, not exercising. I got back into running when I was offered my first commercial [for Degree deodorant]. I thought, If I'm going to have to take my shirt off, I'd better start doing sit-ups and start running.
Later, I got my first TV series [Escape to the Legion], which was about basic training for the French Foreign Legion out in the desert of North Africa. During that time, running was a part of everyday life. We were running two or three times a day. We always had to wear these terrible thin-soled pumps [sneakers]. We had horrific blisters. I just remember these blood-soaked white pumps [sneakers].

Check out the rest of the interview over at Runners World.

Another Bear Grylls Degree Commercial

2011-04-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Back in January Degree released a commercial for their new deodorant.

Now they have a new one.

And this one has wolverines.

Wheat Thins Crunch Stix

2011-04-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Now I'm sure most of you know the 10 essentials. Well apparently adding number 11 as Wheat Thins Crunch Stix works.

Kind of.

Yes he does

2011-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

I came across this gem today.

It wouldn't have made for nearly as dramatic of a movie franchise.

The Northwest is awesome

2011-03-17T14:16:00.001-07:00

For anyone who has never visited Seattle or the Northwest you have no idea how much you are missing.

The area is just amazing.

The Emerald City - A Scenic Short Film
by Joel Edwards

Emerald City - A Scenic Short Film from KMP VIDEO Chicago on Vimeo.

First flower of 2011

2011-03-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months I've been showing you flowers outside my apartment.

Today, March 9th, the first flowers bloomed.

Dirty Jobs: A Family Rowe-Union

2011-03-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

All new Dirty Jobs tonight on the Discovery Channel.

Mike Rowe sits down with his parents John and Peggy Rowe to enjoy some Maryland crab. (That's right! Watch Mike Rowe with his PARENTS!)

127 hours on DVD and Blu-Ray

2011-03-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

127 hours might have been snubbed at the Oscars over the weekend, but today it is out on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Now I sadly didn't get the chance to see it in theaters so I'm stoked that 127 hours is finally on DVD.

I've been excited for this movie since I first heard about that James Franco was cast as Aron Ralston last January.

The DVD features the commentary tracks and bonus deleted scenes, while the Blu-Ray version, in addition to those, has a mini documentary on Search and Rescue techniques.

Once I do see the movie I'll definitely let you guys know what I thought of it.

And you can still check out the trailer for 127 hours at Just South of North.

World's smallest velodrome - Red Bull Mini drome

2011-02-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

I saw this over on the Team Bonney Lake Bicycle site.

London welcomed the Red Bull Mini Drome to York Hall, where over 1000 spectators gathered to get a taster of the world's smallest velodrome in action.

Fixed gear riders from across the UK tried to hold on to the red line as they rode around the track aiming for the fastest time.

The purpose built track has been engineered in Germany by Velotrack, the team that built the velodromes for the Atlanta Olympics and the Delhi Commonwealth Games. The Red Bull Mini Drome track will maintain race-worthy dimensions in the smallest possible size to enable a single pursuit.

Chris O'Neill 50 states in 30 days

2011-02-25T09:46:00.000-08:00

I came across this video thanks to Paul Frolov over at HyperActiveX.

It's a video about Chris O'Neill free-running across 50 states in 30 days. Some of the stuff that he does is just plain amazing.

Check it out:

February flowers bring February snow

2011-02-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

Just two days ago the first flower blossom of spring came out.

And last night the snow came.

Poor little flowers.

First flower blossom and snow!

2011-02-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

I've shown you two photos from the past two months as the flowers have started showing up around my apartment since early January.

As I am typing this it is currently snowing outside my window. When I snapped this photo it was really coming down.

And the weather people are saying to expect up to 6 inches by tomorrow night. But shhhh....don't tell the flowers.

The first one just bloomed today.

Man vs. Wild: Seal skin wetsuit

2011-02-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

The sixth season of Discovery Channel's Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls kicks off on Thursday, February 17 at 9PM ET/PT.

The season will be 13 total episodes, but starts with six weeks of new episodes. The hit series will having Bear endure the most intense journeys to Arizona, Borneo, Cape Wrath in Scotland, Norway and a deserted island in the South Pacific.

The sixth episode will be a special compilation episode showing unseen footage of Bear providing viewers with his ultimate survival guide.

He even makes a wetsuit out of seal skin. Who does that?!?! Bear does!!!

Facing a chilly swim in the frigid waters of Cape Wrath, Scotland, Bear Grylls comes across the remains of a seal carcass and fashions a wetsuit from its blubbery hide.

Here's the descriptions of each episode:

· In Scotland off the rugged coast of Cape Wrath, Bear is dropped into open ocean. After getting ashore, he realizes he's on an island and must swim to the mainland. Bear fashions a wetsuit from a seal's hide to withstand the frigid crossing. Well into the trek, he is forced to turn back as an incoming estuary tide nearly cuts him off. After he makes it to dry land, Bear has a close call with the steep treacherous Scottish rock terrain.

· In Norway, Bear and his team create the harshest conditions possible combining Mother Nature with the latest technology. In this MAN VS. WILD science special, sensors monitor Bear's body as he demonstrates how to survive cutting away from a malfunctioning parachute, how to cross a fast flowing river after a dam is released on him and how to endure a lethal trap that Bear sets against himself.

· In the South Pacific, Bear is left into the ocean near a deserted island. He must first fight his way up a steep cliff to get ashore. Once on dry land, his priority is food and water. In addition to knowing ingenious ways to collect and store rainwater, Bear dives deep into the reefs in search of fish and employs a local method using torches to catch octopus at night.

· In Borneo, Bear heads directly into the wild jungles. Without a place to land his helicopter, he is forced to rappel into the treetops. As the heli peels away, Bear is 100 feet up in the canopy. After finding his way down to the jungle floor, Bear tackles raging waters, big mudslides and deep caves as he fights his way through this impenetrable place.

· In Arizona, Bear transforms into a one man high speed glider with a cutting edge wingsuit and flies into the Arizona Sky Islands. Bear shows viewers how to find water in the parched desert landscape, builds a sand-buggy from a wrecked aircraft and crosses heart-stopping rock drops.

Old Spice Commercial

2011-02-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

Check out the newest Old Spice commercial starring the Old Spice guy, Isaiah Mustafa, or The Man Your Man Could Smell Like. Where would you go on vacation?

Spring is here, at least the flowers say so

2011-02-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

A month ago I asked if perhaps spring was here.

Well it certainly appears that way. It's only the beginning of February and look how tall the daffodils are getting.

The Ride Trailer

2011-02-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race, linked up with the MS Society and rode his bike across the country to raise funds and awareness for the disease.

His trip is now a documentary. And it looks awesome.

The Ride, will be available for download tomorrow, February 3rd. As well as at screenings across the country.

Phil will be at all of the screenings.
100% of the box office goes to benefit the National MS Society
Thu Feb 3 8:00pm Los Angeles, CA
Mon Feb 7 7:30pm Denver, CO
Tue Feb 8 7:30pm Minneapolis, MN
Wed Feb 9 7:30pm St. Louis, MO
Thu Feb 10 7:30pm Chicago, IL
Fri Feb 11 Pittsburgh, PA Theater Details Soon
Sun Feb 13 7:30pm Philadelphia, PA
Wed Feb 16 7:30pm Boston, MA
Thu Feb 17 7:30pm Dallas, TX
Fri Feb 18 5:30pm New York, NY

Happy Groundfrog Day!

2011-01-29T22:12:00.000-08:00

Today was Groundfrog Day.

Not sure what that is? It's the Northwest's version of Groundhog Day.

Today the Northwest Frognostication Ceremony took place in Snohomish, WA.

Much like Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather for the next eight weeks, so does Washington's very own Snohomish Slew the bullfrog. And Slew gets his prediction out a few days before Phil.

Snohomish Slew, who also goes by the title of Meteorologist Frognosticator extraordinaire, will come out tomorrow to make a prediction if the Northwest will be enjoying spring soon or another eight weeks of winter.

His predictions are of course announced by his scribes.

The question is, did he see his shadow?

Around my house in Issaquah we didn't. But then again it seems like spring has been here for a few weeks.

Mt. Rainier time lapse video of lenticular clouds

2011-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I noticed some cool clouds up on Mount Rainier on my way to work. So did this camera.

TacomaWeatherCam.com captured this great video of lenticular clouds over Mt. Rainier on Jan. 26, 2011.

According to Komo 4 News the clouds are actually very common.

The cloud is formed when warm, moist air runs into the surface of Mt. Rainier. The mountain's topography forces the air upward, which cools and condenses the air -- turning it into a cloud.

As the air sinks back on the other side of the mountain, it dries out and the cloud dissipates. That's why it just hangs over the summit area.

Although it looks like it is "hanging" over the mountain, air is continually flowing over the summit, as the video proves.

Chris Sharma Anthology

2011-01-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

If you follow rock climbing then you know who Chris Sharma is.

In 2010 he won the Earth Treks Roc Comp Presented by Mountain Hardwear with some just plain sick moves.

Check it out:

It also was recently shown to me that Prana actually has an anthology that covers basically Sharma's entire career since 1994. It's a pretty awesome collection for one of the best rock climbers in the world.

You can check it out over on the Prana site.

“Climbing has been the window through which I've viewed the world over the past 17 years. The rich experiences of traveling the globe in search of awe inspiring climbs has helped me to grow as an athlete and as a person. I am so grateful for the people who have opened my eyes to this incredible activity and for the good fortune that I've had along the way.”
~Chris Sharma

New Bear Grylls Degree Commercial

2011-01-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love these new Degree commercials with Bear Grylls. Very entertaining.

"Put on the meat ponchos."

The Northern Rangers go HD

2011-01-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

For 2011 the Northern Rangers have decided to go HD. That's right, all of our adventures will now be in High Definition! So tune back in as we show you everything that we see, only now, it will be crystal clear.

To start off the HD Northern Rangers we decided to show you one of our favorite hikes, Poo Poo Point, and the views from the top. Check it out:

2011 Team RadioShack Team Kit

2011-01-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Team RadioShack Team kit has been unveiled. I don't think it's as cool as those black jerseys that they wore the final day of the Tour de France.

But I do think these are neat. And should stand out in the peloton.

An Idiot Abroad

2011-01-11T17:31:00.000-08:00

What a sweet gig. And hilarious title for a show.

Mexican mountain bike course

2011-01-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

Now this is a mountain bike course! I love that it even went through someones house.

Winter X Games Commercials

2011-01-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

These new commercials for the 15th Winter X Games are some of my favorite in a long time.

Let's just say that even the mule deer know that Bobby Brown is awesome and they give mad props to Sammy Carlson. Snow owls know Shaun White is gonna kill it at the Games and that Gretchen Bleiler is gonna go huge. Oh, and even some saplings get in on the action.

Check them out:

Spring is here?

2011-01-08T12:38:00.001-08:00

I took this photo outside my place this morning.

Perhaps the daffodils are just wanting to celebrate the Eastern Washington University National Championship.

Or perhaps spring is here?

It is only the beginning of January. What is happening?

Dutch Winter

2011-01-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty neat video about what the Dutch do for fun in the winter.

Bear Grylls skills help save lost teen

2011-01-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jake Denham, 14, spent nine hours in 1 degree Fahrenheit temperatures after getting separated from his parents on a ski trip.

But having watched the Discovery channel's popular television show Man vs. Wild, Denham knew what to do thanks to Bear Grylls.

He dug a snow cave for shelter as Grylls had demonstrated on the show.

Denham later used another tip from Grylls and followed ski tracks down Mount Bachelor, Oregon.

The teenager suffered only mild hypothermia.

Montana Winter

2010-12-29T11:09:00.001-08:00

Brandon is experiencing his first Montana winter. And I don't think he was prepared for it. I got a text from him this morning, "A yeti just ate a cow outside my window."

Later I got this video. Sure hope he is ok.

Christmas with cats

2010-12-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

I know this has nothing to do with the outdoors, however it is hilarious. My wife and I have two cats. They are just over a year old. Now I'm a dog person. However, the little critters do provide for some humorous moments. Like with the Christmas tree. This is exactly how they treat our Christmas tree.

Rope Swing Quadruple Backflips

2010-12-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is one awesome video.

This summer Mike went back to the drawing board and searched the land for the perfect location for his next Big Swing. Promising to take things to the next level Wilson was seeking the perfect spot to throw a Quadruple backflip off of a 100 foot rope swing into the royal blue depths of Lake Tahoe and oh did he deliver.

The events that followed took place on Lake Tahoe between Sunrise, and Sunset, were out of control. Hula Networks and the Shreddy Times Crew worked hard to get the shots while Mike delivered the goods. Mike Wilson catapulted himself into the record books with this one throwing huge quadruple backflips from a 99 foot swing that sent him flying over 115 feet into the air.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge turns 50

2010-12-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge turns 50 years old today.

ANWR is a national wildlife refuge in northeastern Alaska, United States. It consists of 19,286,722 acres in the Alaska North Slope region. It is the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the country, slightly larger than the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk to support the Arthritis Foundation

2010-12-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

I was watching New Day Northwest today and they had a great feature letting people know about Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

If you've been reading the blog over the past year then you know that topic hits very close to home for my family as my niece actually suffers from it.

It was for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that we formed Team Brooklynn this summer and raise over $7,500 for the Arthritis Foundation and the People's Coast Classic bicycle ride. The videos of our 6 day trip down the Oregon Coast are still up.

One of the guests on the show today was Scott Weaver of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. I actually had the pleasure to meet Scott on the People's Coast Classic and he's a great guy.

The show also had on Nine-year-old Synnove Solberg who suffers from Juvenile Arthritis and I couldn't help but think of Brooklynn.

The segment was talking about the upcoming 26th annual Jingle Bell Run and Walk which benefits the Arthritis Foundation. The event happens Sunday, December 12th at Westlake Center in Seattle.

There's still time to register. You can visit the Jingle Bell Run/Walk site to sign up.

Hats off to Scott, the Arthritis Foundation, all the participants in the Jingle Bell Run and to the kids that keep fighting against this terrible disease.

Olympic National Park quarter design released

2010-12-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

2010 marked the beginning of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This program is similar to the state quarters. But instead of states, these quarters feature sites from each state.

In 2010 the first five quarters were released. I haven't personally seen any, but supposedly they are out there. These included designs honoring the Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas), Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), Yosemite National Park (California), Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) and Mount Hood National Forest (Oregon).

Today the United States Mint released the design for the Olympic National Park quarter that will be released in 2011. The image is to the right.

The quarter design shows a Roosevelt elk standing in the Hoh River with a view of Mount Olympus behind it.

The other four quarters to be released in 2011 will be designs honoring Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania), Glacier National Park (Montana), Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi) and Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahoma).

According to the United States Mint, the quarters program is a multi-year initiative during which the United States Mint will issue 56 circulating quarter-dollar coins with reverse designs emblematic of a national park or other national site in each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories – the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The quarters are being released in the order in which the featured site was first established as a national park or site. The designs will rotate five times each year through 2020, with the final coin being released in 2021.

Climbing bike lock

2010-11-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

If you own a bike then I'm sure you own a bike lock. But even the best of bike locks can be broke or cut and your bike stolen.

But what if you were able to lock your bike to a pole, say 10 feet in the air?

Then no one could steal it.

That's the idea behind the German company, Conrad, and their new pole climbing bike lock.

The lock uses motorized rollerblade wheels to scale up a lamp post. All you need to do is attach the lock to the post, hook your bike to the lock and let the robot climb the pole.

Here's a video about the making of the lock. If you don't want to watch the whole video, you have to go to 1:20 in the video, so you can see the contraption in work. It even is complete with the familiar car alarm "beep".

Igloo building time lapse

2010-11-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

With winter here why not try something new on your next campout. Just because the snow is here doesn't mean you have to stop camping. But maybe this time, leave the tent at home and build an igloo.

2011 Garmin-Cervélo team jersey design

2010-11-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

Today Slipstream Sports, LLC released a sneak peak of Team Garmin-Cervélo jerseys. Earlier this year Team Garmin-Transitions and Cervélo SA joined forces for the 2011 season to create a new team that is known as Garmin-Cervélo.

Check out the team jersey:

What do you think of the new look?

I think the black is pretty cool. A much tougher look than the white of last year.

However I really hope that there is more argyle on the jersey than just the sleeve. The argyle is what really sets the Garmin jerseys apart from other cycling teams.

I guess we'll see once the team releases views of the full kit.

And here's what this year's jersey looked like in case you forgot:

Snow hike

2010-11-24T16:57:00.001-08:00

If you're not in the Northwest then you might not know about the arctic freeze that hit our area the last few days.

Well, yesterday while most of the Seattle area was scared stiff cause of the ice and the snow, the Northern Rangers headed up Poo Poo Point for a hike.

And it was very much worth it.

The weather was sunny but in the 20's. However, the view was awesome. Snow all through the valley.

One thing that did surprise us was that when were up there, two paragliders showed up. They were getting set up when we headed down and we saw them land in the snow right as we finished our decent. Check it out:

Degree Men Chain of Adventure: Task 3

2010-11-16T14:00:00.001-08:00

Degree Men teamed up with adventurer Bear Grylls to market their new deoderant Degree for Men Adventure. We've showed you Bears first task and his second task.

Now it's time for his third:

What challenge would you send for Bear to do?

Tyler Farrar interview in Portland

2010-11-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

Tyler Farrar, of Wenatchee, Washington, was in Upper Echelon Fitness in Portland. Here's a video from the interview:

Farrar's season will start in January 2011 with the Tour Down Under. Which is the opening event of the 2011 ProTour season.

Farrar, who is with Garmin Transitions, was a stage winner in the Giro d'Italia and Spanish Vuelta last season. The event runs from Jan. 16-23.

Farrar joins Lance Armstrong in the field. The seven-time Tour de France winner will compete in the event for the third straight year.

The race will be Armstrong's last professional event outside the United States.

Arnold Schwarzenegger on bike

2010-11-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

This is perhaps the funniest photo I have seen in a long time.

Deer stuck in basement

2010-11-07T16:55:00.001-08:00

This happened in Chesterfield Township, Michigan. But I could totally see Brandon finding this in Polson, Montana.

Best dive job in the world

2010-11-04T17:41:00.001-07:00

Have you been looking for a new job recently? Or perhaps you've been unemployed and trying to find something awesome to do.

Well look no further.

Blue Season Bali, a Bali dive company, has recently started a competition to win, the Best Dive Job in the World.

To enter the contest go to this website and either submit a one minute video, or a 500 word essay, explaining why you'd be the best fit for the job. The contest ends February 28, 2011.

Still not sold? Well here's a bit about the job. The winner will go to the Indonesian island of Bali for seven months. The winner will also be outfitted with some top of the line scuba gear and receive PADI dive instructor training.

Still not sold? Well the winner will also have their rent paid for. Sounds pretty sweet to me. Here's the complete prize package.

Still not sold? Well then check out this video:

Degree Men Chain of Adventure: Task 2

2010-11-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Degree Men teamed up with adventurer Bear Grylls to market their new deoderant Degree for Men Adventure. We've showed you Bears first task.

Now it's time for his second:

127 Hours Trailer

2010-11-01T10:00:00.001-07:00

Way back in January I told you about how James Franco had been cast as Aron Ralston in the movie "127 Hours."

This Friday, November 5, the movie will hit theaters. Check out the trailer:

Oprah & Gayle's Ultimate Camping Adventure

2010-10-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

See REI and first-time campers on The Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday, October 29 and Wednesday, November 3, as part of “Oprah & Gayle’s Ultimate Camping Adventure!”

Oprah and Gayle head out on a camping trip to Yosemite National Park. I'm sure it will be very interesting.

View the preview video on the page here.

Journey on the Wild Coast

2010-10-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

I came across this preview for the documentary"Journey on the Wild Coast."

In June 2007, Bretwood Higman and Erin McKittrick walked out of Seattle heading north. Twelve months and 4,000 miles later, they came to a stop at the end of the Aleutian Islands chain, having made their way by foot, pack raft, and skis. The trip was ostensibly about raising awareness of conservation issues, but the underlying reason, says Erin, was to bite off a huge challenge.

Dean Potter: 'King Air' First Ascent

2010-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome video from prAna staring Dean Potter:

Dean Potter: 'King Air' First Ascent from Prana Living on Vimeo.

Here's what Potter said about the video:

The Le Conte boulder, also known as the House Keeping boulder, is in Yosemite Valley, California. For more than a decade, I'd been trying to figure out the proudest, tallest line on the block, with no luck.

One day, I was playing with my sister Jenny's kids, Cyrus and Dahlia, in the forest amongst the rocks. They were acting all whacky, wild and uninhibited, jumping and bouncing around from rock to rock and scampering up trees. I had been trying this sick line on the boulder but never figured out the crux move in all the years before. Somehow the kids, 'anything is possible' energy drifted into me. I stood before the starting bucket giggling. I was loose and moved my body in a different way than ever before. To my amazement, I stuck the crux with my nine-year-old nephew and my 7-year-old niece spotting me. I jumped down, careful not to squish them and finally believed I would send this lifetime project within my next few efforts.

King Air is one of the most obvious boulder problems around. For years I tried the problem alone, somehow keeping it completely secret. My bro, Ivo Ninov and I worked on it together. We kept our efforts stealth by washing off the chalk with water before leaving for the night. For years, I doubt anyone else ever seriously looked at the bold line as it was too high and there wasn't any chalk to lead them. Ivos enthusiasm literally lifted me higher and higher. On every serious attempt he spotted me, making sure that at least I wouldn’t split my melon.

This is the proudest highball boulder problem I know of in the Valley. The business scales over 30 feet to the final bucket. Its on the verge of being a free solo. When I fell my feet traveled 20 feet before impacting the pads. I was lucky not to shatter bones. My quads were very sore and I limped around for the next few days. King Air is the most beautiful boulder problem Ive ever done. You would be hard pressed to find any line, more aesthetic.

~Dean Potter

Win the 28 Team Radioshack jersey signed by Armstrong

2010-10-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Team Radioshack has been having contests this week to give away the autographed "28" jersey worn by the team.

Here's the details:

Today we bring you the last chance to win an autographed Team RadioShack 28 Jersey. Post your favorite Lance Armstrong memory from this season on the Facebook post, or @ reply to @TeamRadioShack on Twitter (make sure and end your Twitter reply with #TRS) and you will be entered to win. We will randomly draw one winner from the all the entries. You have three chances to enter, so enter now. You have until 11:59pm CST to enter today.
So go enter! Good luck! If you win send us a picture of you with your prize!

Degree Men Chain of Adventure

2010-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Degree has come up with a great marketing campaign for their new deoderant Degree for Men Adventure.

The antiperspirant is called "Adventure" so what better way to promote it than to find the ultimate adventure superstar.

That of course is none other than Bear Grylls.

For the commercials Bear will be challenged by superstars from professional sports to complete the tasks at hand. Pretty fun marketing idea.

Check out the promo and then the first commercial:

A Skiers Journey

2010-10-12T13:40:00.001-07:00

Winter is just around the corner and soon snow will be falling in the mountains.

Until then, check out this film by Jordan Manley called A Skiers Journey.

There are some truly beautiful scenes in it.

Wheat thins rescue commercial

2010-10-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this commercial and laughed. Next time I go into the wild I'll make sure I add Wheat Thins crunch stix to my 10 essentials. Well, maybe not.

Gerber Bear Grylls knife

2010-10-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I told you that Gerber and Bear Grylls were teaming up to make "the ultimate knife."

That knife is now available and Bear is promoting it. The thing does look very sweet. Check it out:

I haven't seen the knife in person yet but personally like a number of the features. I think the built in flint in the sheath is great. Saves you from having to bring your own. I also really like the two holes in the handle in the event you ever needed to lash it to a stick to make a spear.

Here's the specs on the knife:

Open length: 10.0"
Blade Length: 4.8"
Weight: (with sheath): 14.7oz.
Weight (no sheath): 11.2oz.

The knife will be available at Cabela's, Amazon.com, Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports and Outdoors when the knife is released on November 15th. It will sell for about $60.

However the best pre-order deal I found while searching for the release date, was through a company called Rocky National and they are selling it for $50.

Squirrel Awareness Week

2010-10-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

October 3rd through the 9th is known as Squirrel Awareness Week.

So make sure you're aware of those squirrels!

Carl Fabiani article

2010-10-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Tacoma News Tribune ran a great article by Craig Hill on Carl Fabiani.

One day soon, hikers on the Glacier Basin Trail will cross an unnamed creek about halfway up the path with hardly a second thought about the short wooden bridge under their boots.

Such is the case with most of Carl Fabiani’s projects. You might not know his name, but if you’ve hiked in Mount Rainier National Park in the last 45 years, you know his work.

Whether chopping through downed trees or bureaucratic red tape, Fabiani has been building and repairing trails in the park since he graduated from Buckley’s White River High School in 1965.

Check out the rest of the article over on the Tacoma News Tribune site.

Rattlesnake Mountain hike

2010-10-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Northern Rangers headed out to enjoy the colors of fall on a hike on Rattlesnake Mountain near Snoqualmie, Washington.

View our previous hike report of Rattlesnake Ledge from earlier this year here.

People's Coast Classic videos

2010-09-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the week of the People's Coast Classic in videos taken by the Northern Rangers. Thank you again to all who donated to the Arthritis Foundation. As at team we raised more that $7,500! Thank you again! Hope you enjoy.

(BTW Day 5 is probably my favorite)

Day 1: Astoria to Garibaldi

Day 2: Garibaldi to Lincoln City

Day 3: Lincoln City to Yachats

Day 4: Yachats to North Bend

Day 5: North Bend to Port Orford

Day 6: Port Orford to Brookings

People's Coast Classic: Day 2 and 3

2010-09-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry for no post yesterday but the place we were staying at in Lincoln City didn't have wireless internet. So no update.

But here's how the trip has been going.

Yesterday was going to be the longest and have the most hills of the entire trip. It was just under 70 miles. We took off at about 7 AM and decided that since it was goign to be a tough day Team Brooklynn would "go postal." See the photo. USPS all the way!

We saw a number of sites including the Tillamook Cheese Factory. We took a tour. Ate some cheese and then went on our way.

We had some great views through out the day of the Oregon coast.

Near the end of the ride was a big big big hill that we had to climb. Once getting to the top it was nice rolling hills into Lincoln City.

At Lincoln City we camp in a baseball field. We claimed left field.

Today we took off at about 7 again and had a shorter day. We had hoped to stop and look for whales but the fog never lifted the whole day. However we did get to stop at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and view all they had. It's a pretty neat place if you ever get the chance to stop.

We arrived in Yachats after a little over 50 miles. The fog is still here and its pretty chilly with the wind. The mist swirls through camp.

Tomorrow is going to be about 65ish miles. And we'll be able to stop at the Sea Lion Caves.

Total miles is just over 178.

People's Coast Classic: Day 1

2010-09-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today my dad, Jeff and I started on the People's Coast Classic.

We started in Astoria and boy was it cold. (See Jeff in blanket) He rode with the blanket for a ways, and it turned into a cape. I pretended that I didn't know him.

The ride today was a little over 58 miles. The sun eventually burned off the clouds and we rode the final part in the sunshine. Now it is sunny at our camp in Garibaldi.

Tomorrow is the longest and toughest day of the ride which should be about 70 miles and offers a number of hills. Here's to hoping that Jeff doesn't have to pull me up them.

We shot some Northern Rangers videos along the way and I'll get those up when we get back.

But for now I'm going to go find some dinner and then probably go to sleep.

The People's Coast Classic

2010-09-10T17:19:00.001-07:00

I've been off the radar lately (actually I've been Hawaii). So I apologize for the lack of posts as of late.

Tomorrow I take off for the People's Coast Classic. If you've been reading the blog then you know all about how each rider had to raise $2,500 in donations for the Arthritis Foundation. There's still time to donate if you didn't get a chance before!

You can visit my donation page and follow the directions there.

Make sure to check back daily on the blog as I'll be updating along the way. Perhaps even some Northern Ranger videos!

Bicycle training update

2010-08-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today I headed out on my final training ride for the People's Coast Classic before the wedding and honeymoon. I'll have one more training ride when I get back before the PCC. Just a quick ride the week before.

However on today's ride I felt great. A quick 40 miles and the legs felt strong. Some climbing, some flat, some rolling hills.

Also, on my ride outside of Issaquah I saw these two cute little mini horses.

Just Southeast: 4 Differences in Hiking Down South

2010-08-20T14:04:00.001-07:00

We normally cover the Northwest areas on Just Northwest since, well, that's where we are! However, we have a special treat for you today as we're featuring a guest post from David DuPont:

How many of you spend your days outdoors in the Pacific Northwest? That part of the country is arguably the best place to live if you love hiking, climbing, kayaking and other outdoor sports. I, on the other hand, live in a part of the country many people call 'Heavens Waiting Room' ... Florida.

Yes we have miles and miles of pristine beaches, but I would trade sand and waves for rocks and snow any day of the week. I do enjoy living in Florida most of the time, but when you get that "call of the wild" there is only so much you can do. We can still go hiking, kayaking and skiing ... it's just our versions have no stunning views, no whitewater, and skiing is done behind a boat.

I thought it would be fun to write a guest post on Just Northwest about what some of the major differences are between hiking in the Northwest and hiking in the Southeast. For the sake of this post I will mostly be referring to hiking in Florida - the exact opposite corner of Washington, where I believe most of the Just Northwest readers live.

1. Weather

The weather differences are the first thing that come to mind when thinking about hiking in Florida vs. hiking in the Northwest. It may get to 90 degrees on a hot summer day in Seattle ... but your 90 degrees is like our 70. It's hot here. Really hot. And we have 100% humidity every day during the summer. It makes hiking outdoors brutal. With staggering heat comes afternoon storms - the type of storms that bring lightning and heavy rains. You can set your watch the these storms -- 3:00 pm every day. You do not want to be caught in the outdoors when an afternoon storm rolls in. They don't usually last long, but they are fierce.

2. Elevation

Or lack there of... hiking in Florida means you're walking on a level path the entire way. It's easier on your legs, but makes for a boring trip when all you can see to the front, back, right and left of you are trees. Hikers in the Pacific Northwest have easy access to mountains at 14,000+ ft - Florida's hhighest elevation above sea level is 345 ft.

3. Wildlife

For the most part, the wildlife from the Pacific Northwest is somewhat similar to the wildlife in Florida. Florida has black bears, deer, panthers (our version of the mountain lion), lots of birds, squirrels, rabbits, etc. One of the major differences in wildlife is the Pacific Northwest is home to Bigfoot! Just kidding ... I'm talking about alligators! And they are everywhere down here. No joke - we have alligators here that walk across the street. They live in the swampy outdoor areas, which happened to be the same areas Florida hikers venture in to.

4. Ecosystem

Not all of Florida is in the "tropics" but our ecosystem and vegetation down here varies greatly from what hikers in the Northwest are used to. In Florida, we have a lot of sawgrass marshes and palm trees - I'll admit that hikes along the beaches and marsh areas are actually pretty nice. Florida also has a lot of pine trees, cypress trees and mangroves. We have vegetation that thrives in wetlands. We have swamps and creeks, but our creeks are not the same as yours. We don't have snow melt in Florida so our creeks aren't the swift running, crystal clear type - they are the slow moving, muddy, snake infested type.

I may have painted Florida as an awful place to go hiking and spend time in the outdoors, but that's not really the case. I guess when you're pointing out the differences it sometimes can seem like a negative thing. We do have a lot of amazing hikes here, like The Florida Trail... which starts near the Everglades National Park and works its way up through the panhandle.

If you don't live in the Northwest, where do you live? What are some of the major differences in hiking from your area? Post a comment and let us know.

About the Author: David DuPont is a hiker, climber and outdoor enthusiast who writes for Adayak, a designer and seller of hiking shirts. Get more from Jacob and Adayak on twitter.

Biking over Snoqualmie Pass

2010-08-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Figured I'd give you guys an update on how my training for the People's Coast Classic has been going.

This week I rode up Snoqualmie Pass. It was 71 miles round trip and hot, hot, hot.

Now I'd never ridden on Interstate 90 before. And now that I can say I've rode over the pass, I don't think I'll ever do it again. Or if I do I'll bust out the mountain bike and head up the John Wayne Trail.

I didn't like the Interstate. Too loud. There was just a constant noise and cars flying by. Most were pretty good though and gave extra room on the side. Others weren't so good. Also there was construction going on the side on the way up, so I had to watch for cars and cross over the left.

But now I can say I did it. Sure hope I'm ready for the ride in September!

Bear Grylls video game survival tips

2010-08-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

With the new season of Man vs. Wild underway (two awesome episodes by the way) Bear has been busy with his Northwest Passage adventure and he's also been promoting the Man vs. Wild video game.

The game comes out this fall, but what would Bear do if he were in other video game situations?

Well, here's the "Bear Grylls guide to video game survival".

Bear Grylls Northwest Passage

2010-08-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Man vs. Wild season 5 premiered earlier this week and come Sunday Bear Grylls will be leaving on his next expedition.

He is going to be traveling the Northwest Passage to raise awareness and funds for the charity Global Angels.

Mount Rainier still 14,411 feet tall

2010-08-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Recently there has been speculation that Mount Rainier has been measured incorrectly in the past. The most recent measurement had came in 1988.

This year the Land Surveyor's Association of Washington set out to measure the height of Washington's tallest peak using newer GPS technology.

A team of nine surveyors carried GPS units to the summit of Mount Rainier. The GPS units, which weighed about two pounds, connected to 45 satellites. This is very different compared to the 1988 measurement that had 140 surveyors and over 40 pounds of GPS units.

And their results?

"The new elevation came in at only a few inches different than the previous observations," said Larry Signani, team geodesist for all three expeditions. "The published value will remain at 14,411 feet."

At least we know that the mountain has shrunk. No matter the height, it still is a stunning mountain.

National Park free weekend

2010-08-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend, August 14 and 15, the National Park Service will waive entrance fees to help encourage all Americans to visit the national parks.

"This fee-free weekend provides an opportunity for individuals and families alike to take an affordable vacation or to explore a nearby park they have never visited before," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free admission to visit not only our greatest natural wonders but also our nation's historic and cultural icons."

There are 391 national parks in our national and many offer views that can only be seen there. So if you haven't visited a national park lately, why not head out there for free this weekend?

Also, please note that the fee waiver is only for the entrance fees. Any camping fees, reservation fees and special bus tour fees are still in place.

Lance Armstrong RadioShack commercials

2010-08-11T16:49:00.001-07:00

These Lance Armstrong RadioShack commercials have been playing for a while now, but I just saw the LOL one today for the first time. I think they are pretty funny. Hope you enjoy.

Oh, and the last video is basically Brandon on a bike.

Man vs. Wild video game

2010-08-10T09:48:00.001-07:00

It looks like Bear Grylls is taking a page from the "Brandon Hansen training program".

Actually, he's playing the new Man vs Wild video game.

Brandon on the other hand wasn't seen or heard from for a week after Starcraft 2 came out.

New Season Man vs. Wild

2010-08-09T14:45:00.001-07:00

It's coming! Wednesday, August 11 the new season of Man vs. Wild on Discovery!

Pacific Northwest Trail

2010-08-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

I came across a hike for anyone wanting to experience the Northwest. It's called the Pacific Northwest Trail.

The Pacific Northwest Trail stretches 1,200 miles, between Washington and Montana and was designated in 2009.

The trail begins in the Olympic National Park in Washington and ends in Glacier National Park in Montana.

Being so new, the trail doesn't have a "designated" route yet and hikers must navigate forest trails, highways, logging roads, city streets and even a ferry.

According to an article by Terry Richard of the Oregonian, it will take years -- perhaps decades -- before a formal route is surveyed and marked.

But just how many years could that be? Richards says in his article that, trails are works in progress. As an example, the Pacific Crest Trail was conceived in 1932, designated by Congress in 1968 and officially completed in 1993. Even now, the trail gets rerouted as storms damage sections, or as land ownership issues are resolved.

Imagine the views that you will have though. From the coast of Washington to the Rocky Mountains. All with desert, forests and rivers in between.

The Portland office of the U.S. Forest Service has been charged with the task to coordinate official designation of the route. I'll keep you updated as the route is designed.

Black RadioShack 28 jersey

2010-08-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the news about the Tour de France, on the final day of the race, Team RadioShack came out not wearing their normal kits. Instead they were wearing black RadioShack jerseys with the number 28 on the back.

The 28 stood for the 28 million people worldwide that are battling cancer.

Rules are rules and Team RadioShack was forced to change into their normal kits. But it was too late, the publicity stunt was complete and everyone was talking about those black 28 jerseys.

Well RadioShack just announced that you will soon be able to purchase your own. Through the teams website. The jerseys will be available in August.

Watch the short feature Team RadioShack did for 28:

Bear Grylls knife

2010-08-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Saw this on the Gear Junkie. Can't wait for his review.

Bear Grylls, he of the broadcast television hit "Man vs. Wild," has designed a knife with Gerber. The first product in a line, Gerber’s Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife, has a full-tang, partially-serrated, stainless-steel blade. The sheath stores Bear-inspired tools, including a sharpening stone, magnesium fire starter and a weatherproof survival guide. Available in October for $60.

Climber summits Mount Rainier for 500th time

2010-07-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

I saw this on The Adventure Guys blog. Pretty amazing.

At 6:10 this morning George Dunn stepped onto the 14,411-foot summit of Mount Rainier and into the record books.

The 56-year-old guide and director of Ashford’s International Mountain Guides became the first person to successfully climb the mountain 500 times.

Dunn and the six other members of his party left Ingraham Flats at about 11,000 feet shortly after midnight and battled less-than-optimal weather conditions on the way to the summit.

Completing the summit with Dunn was his 16 year-old son, his wife and Phil Ershler. This was Ershler's 440th time summiting Mount Rainier.

Dunn holds the record for the most summits of Mount Rainier and becomes the first to reach 500. Ershler, who completed this summit with Dunn, is number two with 400.

Only eight people have ever made it more than 300 times. The other five people are:

Brent Okita, 405
Craig Van Hoy, 378
Paul Maier, 371
Jason Edwards, 314
Gary Talcott, 304
Robert Link, 301

You can read the full story over at The Adventure Guys blog through The Tacoma News Tribune.

Glacier National Park: Part Two

2010-07-29T11:53:00.001-07:00

Here is Part Two of mine and Brandon's trip to Glacier National Park.

This is our hike to Hidden Lake.

Part Two includes: hiking to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park, Logan Pass, Brandon chased by a goat and beautiful views.

Watch Part One here.

Thank A Ranger Day

2010-07-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today, July 29, is Thank A Ranger Day.

Thank A Ranger Day was initiated back in 2006 by RMNPforums.com and RMNPguide.com in memory of Jeff Christensen, a ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park who died in a fall on July 29, 2005, while on a backcountry patrol.

Many National Park travelers use this day to thank rangers that they come across in the park. But you don't need a special day to thank them for what they do.

Rangers provide a number of rolls within the parks that tourists visit. They answer questions, provide information and maps, offer suggestions on hikes or destinations, host campfire activities for children and also know first-aid and respond in emergency situations.

So the next time you see a Ranger in a park. Thank them. For if it wasn't for the work they did, you wouldn't have the parks that you love to visit.

Glacier National Park: Part One

2010-07-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Part One of mine and Brandon's trip to Glacier National Park.

This is our journey there.

Part One includes: our road trip to Glacier National Park, our attempt to find a campsite for the night, and driving up the Going To The Sun Road.

Tune in tomorrow for Part Two: Hike to Hidden Lake.

MC Spandex is at it again

2010-07-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

If you're into cycling, you might have heard about Robin Moore aka MC Spandex. He's the guy who made the music video last year about Performance.

Well he's at it again. This time he's off the road and hitting the woods. And it's awesome.

Here's his first video from 2009. Performance:

And now...Get Dirty:

Bear steals car

2010-07-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Bears do steal cars. And they are willing to do it for anything. Even a peanut butter sandwich.

Brandon vs. The Goat

2010-07-26T20:40:00.001-07:00

The last few days I've spent out in Montana. One day Brandon and I went hiking around Glacier National Park.

And while there Brandon met his arch nemesis.

Peter Griffin of Family Guy has The Chicken. Brandon of Just South of North has The Goat.

I'll get the video from our whole trip to Glacier National Park up soon.

Rafting down the Flathead River in Montana

2010-07-22T10:24:00.001-07:00

Since today is Thursday, all our articles get published online. Here's my experience rafting down the Flathead River and through the Wild Buffalo Rapids. Here's a little snippet...

"I love 15,000, I love 15,000!" he sang.

Matt Bishop, a rafting guide for the Flathead Rafting Co. located in Polson, was crafting a melody during the bus ride to the launching point about the current cubic pounds per second that the Lower Flathead River was flowing.

I'm not the most adventurous of people. I don't wear socks two days in a row, I drive five miles below the speed limit and have nightmares about spiders. I'd much rather have heard "I love slow flowing water with nary a bump," or "We're going to the laundromat instead."

You can read the full story here.