All articles tagged with #outdoor recreation
The author reflects on their decision to switch from a bear can to a lightweight, reinforced bear bag for long-distance hiking, citing reasons such as weight, space, and food capacity, while acknowledging that no method is completely bear-proof. They plan to use a Dyneema-based bear bag and rely on trail bear boxes, emphasizing that bears are unlikely to succeed in stealing food if proper precautions are taken.
Can-Am has launched its first electric ATV, the Outlander Electric, which offers higher torque and towing capacity than gas models, with a range of about 50 miles, making it ideal for quiet chores like herding or hunting. It features a 47 hp motor, rapid charging, and is priced starting at $12,999.
Green Valley, Arizona, has been ranked the second-best place to retire in the U.S. for 2024 by Realtor.com, thanks to its affordable homes, excellent weather, and abundant outdoor recreation. The community, located 30 miles south of Tucson, offers a vibrant lifestyle with numerous sports facilities, classes, and proximity to historical and natural landmarks. With a median home price of $350,000 and a strong sense of community, Green Valley is an attractive destination for retirees.
Green Valley, Arizona, has been ranked the second-best place to retire in the U.S. by Realtor.com, thanks to its affordable homes, excellent weather, and abundant outdoor recreation. The community, located 30 miles south of Tucson, offers a vibrant lifestyle with numerous sports facilities, classes, and proximity to historical and natural landmarks. With a median home price of $350,000 and a strong sense of community, Green Valley is an attractive destination for retirees.
NASA's Earth Observatory shares an astronaut's view of Mount Shasta, a potentially active volcano in northern California with a rich geological and cultural history. Estimated to be around 593,000 years old, the mountain has erupted periodically over the last 10,000 years and holds spiritual significance for Native American tribes. Popular for outdoor activities, Mount Shasta is surrounded by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and offers diverse ecosystems, but its challenging conditions require caution, especially for climbers.
An ice climber tragically died after falling in Hyalite Canyon on Saturday. The incident highlights the risks associated with ice climbing and outdoor recreation activities.
Outdoor retailer REI is offering early Black Friday deals on camp kitchen essentials, with discounts of up to 66% off. The sale includes items such as a Zempire Deluxe Camping Stove, Barebones 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, Sol Flat Pack Gear Tub, Mountain Summit Gear Folding Picnic Table, and MSR Titan Kettle. These discounted products are perfect for autumn camping trips or refreshing gear for next season.
A new 200-foot hand crack, named Super Natural, appeared near Yosemite's Royal Arches cliff, prompting park officials to close the area due to safety concerns. The crack has caused a large pillar of rock to partially detach, with active cracking and rockfall observed. The crack has grown by an additional 12 feet and widened in some areas. Rockfall incidents are relatively common in Yosemite Valley, and the park regularly studies the threat of rockfall using various tools. Visitors are reminded to be cautious as rockfall can occur on any route in any area of Yosemite.
Increasing winds are causing dust storms at the Burning Man encampment in Black Rock City, Nevada, with conditions expected to worsen on Friday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for gusts up to 40 mph, which can cause problems for outdoor activities and result in blowing dust. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm are forecasted for Friday, along with cooler temperatures. The wet conditions have already delayed the construction of art installations and camp structures. Burning Man runs through Monday, with planned burns depending on the weather.
The author had to abort their hiking trip due to an injured toe and the overcrowded trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. They instead enjoyed a relaxed backpacking trip, camping at Mig Lake. They plan to reschedule the hike for September or October to avoid the upcoming heatwave and have a quieter experience on the trails. The author is fortunate to have flexibility in their schedule, unlike those who have to commit to specific time periods for their outdoor activities.
The author reflects on their experience transitioning from the Appalachian Trail (AT) to the Colorado Trail (CT). While both trails have a supportive trail community, the CT lacks shelters, making it easier to hike solo. The physicality of the trails also differs, with the AT being more forested and the CT more sun-exposed. Additionally, the tradition of trail names is more prevalent on the AT compared to the CT.
Staying hydrated is crucial during outdoor activities, especially in hot weather, as dehydration can lead to symptoms like lightheadedness and cramping. However, simply drinking water may not be enough as the body also loses electrolytes through sweat. Electrolytes are essential for bodily functions, and their depletion can have serious consequences. To address this, there are several companies that offer convenient and tasty electrolyte products, such as Tailwind Nutrition, Nuun Hydration, Liquid IV, and Gatorade. It's important to find the product that works best for you and consult with a healthcare professional for a personalized hydration plan.
While mountain bikers generally avoid riding wet trails to prevent damage, riding extremely dry trails can also be harmful. Dry conditions can lead to aeolian erosion, which can degrade the trail surface and negatively impact nearby habitats. In areas with sensitive cryptobiotic soils, riding in dry conditions can cause even more damage than riding when the soil is wet. Riders should educate themselves about how trails work and make responsible decisions to avoid damaging the trails for others.