A Guide to The Great Outdoors's topics - tribe.net

Sunscreen is vital for fun beach trip

Carol — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:19:32 GMT

As a youngster visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast, I hated wearing sunscreen. I wanted a carefree day to swim in the blue Gulf waters, build castles from the sugary sands or anticipate a seafood feast prepared from the fresh catch available at stores in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.
But without fail, going without sunscreen meant one thing: a week of agony because of sunburn.
In those days, options were limited for sun protection. There was zinc oxide for faces (it was greasy and streaky and never got absorbed) plus a few items that smelled like fermented coconut.
On a recent beach visit, I forgot to pack the usual sun arsenal, so I sent my husband to a nearby store. His selections left me surprised – and sun-protected!
Zinc oxide has come a long way (baby). For children, it comes tinted to add an element of fun. For adults, there are formulas that are odorless and that disappear.
Sunscreens have progressed as well. There are special formulations for babies, for people engaged in sports and for those like me who are super-sensitive to fragrances as well as rays. There are lotions, creams and sprays, and they come in sizes to fit every situation, from hanging from a key ring to being large enough to protect a big family.
Just remember, sun protection is only is as good as the person using it. Reapplications are vital.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

how to start your day on the Alabama coast

Carol — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:27:38 GMT

Is there anything better than dipping your toes in the Gulf of Mexico just as the sun comes up? That quiet time, when just about everyone else is sleeping, is the perfect time to take a blanket and some coffee and just go listen to the waves crash against the sand. A little slice of heaven!

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Birding along Alabama's Gulf Coast

Carol — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:45:43 GMT

Pack your binoculars, a field guide, your camera, and some good shoes to explore the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail on Alabama's unforgettable Gulf Coast. The trail is arranged in a number of loops that help you navigate spots that our feathered residents and migratory guests frequent.

The Alabama Gulf Coast plays host to many different kinds of birds, with habitats running from coastal to marshland to bay areas. This region on the Gulf of Mexico is also an important stop-over habitat for a number of migratory birds who make the area their transient home.

In summer months, the savvy bird watcher may spy the rare groove-billed ani in the canal near Lake Shelby. And in between sand dunes, you can catch a glimpse of the snowy plover, a shorebird whose California cousin is on the endangered species list. Snowy plovers' numbers are diminishing because of beach habitat disruption, caused mostly by humans and some animals. So be sure to tread carefully.

You'll find rare birds as they stop over during migration in places like Little Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores. And Wade Ward Nature Park in the middle of Gulf Shores is home to a number of bitterns and rails. Lake Shelby, just east of Gulf Shores in Gulf State Park, is the ideal spot to look out for waterfowl.

There's something almost zen-like in watching the skies as a Great Blue Heron soars into view over the snow-white beaches of the coast to hunt for his dinner. Great Blue Herons are year-round residents to the region, where you'll find them along the shoreline, or nesting in trees or bushes near the water. You'll see a line of pelicans flying in over the Gulf, where they chase schools of fish into shallow waters for their dinner. They will plunge-dive right into the water to catch fish, then come up and toss it into the air to be caught in their bills for eating. And often, a fellow pelican will pirate the catch in mid-air!

More than 370 species of birds have been identified during migratory season at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, on the Birding Trail just west of Gulf Shores toward Fort Morgan. Bon Secour protects 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat and is on the critical migratory path leading south to lower Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Year-round, you can spot a number of egrets and herons, as well as red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, belted kingfishers and ospreys. Summer brings brown pelicans and double-crested cormorants, and occasionally anhinga and white ibis. Very rarely, you might catch a glimpse of a magnificent frigate bird or bald eagles.

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail leads you through two counties, in loops designed to showcase the best areas to view birds in their habitats. The loops are close enough together that you can drive easily from one to another, using the trail signage as your guide. You'll find interpretive signs throughout the loops to help you on your quest. The area's Welcome Centers can provide you with maps and information on the Birding Trail.

Alabama's Gulf Coast is definitely a bird-watcher's paradise! But it's also so much more. You'll find plenty of opportunities for refreshment, distraction, and relaxation in beautiful Gulf Shores / Orange Beach.

For more ideas on where to stay, play, and dine, make sure to check out www.thebeachiscalling.org.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches

Carol — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:29:58 GMT

The Alabama Gulf Coast has many great features for family vacations as well as romantic couples’ getaways. The area combined natural beauty with fun attractions and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Remember the last time you buried your toes in sugar-white sand, or dipped your hands into Gulf waters to cool your face and neck? Have you taken the opportunity lately to sling on sandals, to sip sauvignon on the deck of an open-air restaurant and watch silently as a heron fishes nearby for his dinner? Picture the routine of your days slowly slipping away as you step into a vacation filled with spontaneity, as you don cleats to pace off your ball on lush golf greens, or lace on sturdy shoes with good traction as you board a boat for deep-sea fishing.

Treat yourself to a splendid sun-filled, gulf-gazing getaway in Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Relax on beaches that suit your style, whether you need handicap access, concessions, bathrooms with showers, and up-close parking, or natural, secluded space to doze between the dunes. Or choose a location close to volleyball and beach bars, with picnicking in mind. What's your mood? There are miles and miles of white sand contrasting with vivid turquoise waters awaiting your leisure.

www.thebeachiscalling.org

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

4 year & 49 State Walk

Matua — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 03:40:16 GMT

G'Day everyone,
In a few weeks I'll be starting a 3 to 4 year-long walk to 49 of the 50 US states. Ill be carrying everything with me (tent, sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing, etc.) and walking on two-lane/back roads. My website has more details and specifics: www.becomethepath.com

Can any of you suggest or recommend roads or trails that I should try to walk, or try to avoid? Also, does anyone know of free or low-cost places to pitch a tent?
Thanks in advance!

Peace & Smiles,
Matua

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

Wake up Its Spring!!!

Zulu — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:50:11 GMT

Hi everyone Hope you all are ready for the 08 camping season. I myself can not Waite to get out in the great outdoors. About a year ago I found a list that I have tried to go to at least 3 during the yr. http://usparks.about.com/od/stateparksus/a/beststateparks.htm This year we booked in Ohio the Hueston Woods State Park. In April the other two we have done already in past years. We are going to West V. in June and couldn't find one close enough to New river gorge but ooh well.....

Tell us what you have up for 08.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

Visit me in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

Bald Mountain Retreat, — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:06:51 GMT

I love company. Come visit me in the Lake Willoughby National Recreational Area on my mountainside, idyllic, 160 acre off-road property. If you love nature, you're invited. Photos at my profile. Photos and video at www.baldmountainretreat.com.
All good things,
Dr DAvid

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

hiking while camping - what to take in the daypack?

cooldawn — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 02:51:33 GMT

I've taken my kids (8 & 13) on short hikes and we do a fair bit of car camping. On our next camp trip we'll be going on our first "all day" type hike. Obviously I'm taking food&water, compass, map, pocket knife, first aid kit, clothing layers.... prolly a space blanket and my lil' Esbit stove just cuz I'm a mom and I'd rather be over prepared than under prepared since I'm taking the kids with me.

Am I forgetting anything important?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 6 replies

Top 5 most useful websites for foreigners in China

voyna — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 04:50:34 GMT

www.foreignercn.com
http://www.chinaview.cn/
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn
http://www.china.org.cn/english/index.htm

If you are interested in China or Planning to go, this will be a lot of help.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Picnics and Solitude

Skiles (Sky) — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:49:20 GMT

Greetings outdoorspeople!!

Am somewhat new to the Bay Area and am wondering if you have any favorite hikes to great picnic spots--either in the city or anywhere in the Bay Area. One with a view would be divine.

Also, where are good places to find solitude?
Am thinking of a hiking trail, lake, island I could canoe/Kayak to and/or beach where there aren't so many bodies, lots of trees, sand, ocean, cliffs or sky. Perhaps even an overnight hike.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Skiles

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

want to post&share great outdoor photos? come aboard =)

Isis — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:59:14 GMT

@

http://tribes.tribe.net/flickring

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Camping Kauai

Susan — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:29:52 GMT

My husband and I were thinking of camping Kauai towards the end of April beginning of May '07. I know the basics you can find through the Hawaii National Park website (i.e. cost, places), but I would love to hear some reviews or suggestions for hikes and superb camping spots. Also any money saving tips would be great! Thanks!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

CA-salt point--kruse rhododendron state reserve--blooming yet?

locustgirl — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:31:29 GMT

hi,
does anyone know if the rhododendrons are blooming yet? the park phone is only a recording with no message capability.
thanks!!
march 12, 2007

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Bay Area camping recs

museika — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:14:06 GMT

After the amazing weather we had this weekend, my system has officially started to crave some camping trips. I'd like to try out some new places this year . So, I ask you, Bay Area folks, what are your favorite places to camp in the area? Either car camping or < 5 miles hike in.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

CROATIA... can anyone help?

Shai — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 17:30:34 GMT

Hello, my girlfrind and I are planning a summer trip to Croatia... We live in Spain and actually want to escape the main-stream tourism (exagerated prices for rich west europeans... that's spain's case)

We are open to your recomendations. We'd like to camp around as much as possible, spend as little as possible and go to hiden and non-(specially)-habilitated-tourist-areas, meet like-minded people, learn about the culture,... all in a period of ONE or TWO months.

We want to visit islands or simply one island (not touristic again) and enjoy our days on the beach... we love to swim naked, feel free to be nude, we are very open and simply don't want the tipical tourist spots... BUT ALL YOU FIND ON THE interNET IS RELATED TO TOURISTIC AREAS, wich is the island(s) or area you'd recomend some youngsters like us?

Any help, recomendation,... is very welcome!!!

Thank you, big kiss

Shai and Maria

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

Wilderness Volunteers!

:Eileen: — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 02:52:24 GMT

Dear friends,

Last summer I spent a week volunteering in the John Muir Wilderness. We rolled 300lb boulders, hauled hundreds of pounds of soil, and crushed granite into tangerine-sized pieces with double-jack (and single-jack!) sledgehammers. When all was complete, after just four work days, our group of twelve had constructed 65 yards of trail in the Inyo National Forest. It was hard work; but the sense of accomplishment, camaraderie, and spectacular scenery made it one of the highlights of my life. Truly. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I am co-leading a similar trip this summer.

Wilderness Volunteers offers service trips all over the country (including Alaska and Hawaii), and they vary greatly in degree of difficulty and comfort. For instance, in early September, there's a trip to the Limahuli National Garden and Preserve on the north shore of Kauai'i. During this trip, participants will camp near a house with bathroom & kitchen facilities and fill their days planting native plants, clearing overgrown areas, removing non-native plants, and possibly doing some nursery work. A bit different... the trip I'm leading this summer will include a 9 mile backpack from 7K' to our base camp location above 10K', and our work days will entail strenuous rock & trail work. Needless to say, there's something for everyone (and every trip offers a "free day" to explore your surroundings!).

Without going into more detail here, I invite you to checkout Wilderness Volunteers (www.wildernessvolunteers.org) and consider signing up for a trip. It's an awesome way to spend a week, give something back, soak in the outdoors in the company of other good folks from around the country, and enjoy yummy food (really, you'll be amazed!). Feel free let me know if you'd like more information.

Best,
Eileen

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

tahoe snowshoeing?

Ilana — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 06:56:31 GMT

Any suggestions on where to do a snowshoeing day trip around donner or Truckee?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

CDT Continetal Divide Trail?? Any Trail??? Please just write a bunch of info and stories for beginners please.

Nicole — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 20:38:29 GMT

Does anyone have anything to say about this topic? Has anyone backpacked the trail? Or are planning to in the distant future. Any stories of long-winded backpacking that had a more spiritual goal?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Looking Back, Looking Forward...

DarklingThrush — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 04:38:08 GMT

How did your summer adventures go, and what are you planning next? What's on your schedule for this winter (ski-bumming? dog-sledding?), and what adventures are you dreaming up for '07?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 7 replies

day hikes in kings canyon

pyrokitten — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 06:59:27 GMT

looks like we're going to kings canyon next weekend. anyone have any favorite day hikes there? i'm thinking 8 miles or less, and i especially love places that have lots of rocks to scramble and play on.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Which boat?

danielc — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 06:07:01 GMT

An interesting comparison;

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2006/10/04/kayaks/index.html

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Swimming Holes

BigDipper — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 01:29:41 GMT

Hot summer, eh? Please accept an invitation to visit http://people.tribe.net/bigdipper.
Deep, mountain water along the Pacific Crest and the length of the Appalachians.

Get Wet
The Big Dipper

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Klammath River - a bit of good news

~Alura~ — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:48:35 GMT

PacifiCorp Energy eases to closure of Klamath dams
8/3/2006

While admitting that “many complex social, political and economic issues” still need to be addressed, the president of one of the nation’s leading power supply companies says he is optimistic about the future of Native American interests in the Klamath River Basin area.

Bill Fehrman, president of PacifiCorp Energy, said his company was not opposed to dam removal or other settlement opportunities “as long as our customers are not harmed and our property rights are respected.”

For the past several years, Klamath Basin Tribes have appealed to PacifiCorp to remove their Klamath River dams. The tribes and other groups argue that the dams deny salmon access to more than 350 miles of historic spawning habitat, heat the river to temperatures lethal to salmon and provide habitat for massive blooms of toxic blue algae.

“These negative impacts of these dams clearly justify their removal,” said Howard McConnell, chairperson of the Yurok Tribe.
Fehrman’s announcement coincided with a Wednesday rally in Portland, where international hydropower corporations are holding a major conference. Portland also is the home of PacifiCorp Energy and Pacific Power.

In a media release, the Klamath Tribes of Oregon, the Karuk Tribe and the Yurok Tribe noted that “the Klamath River has been the poster child for ecological collapse since the new infamous fish kill of 2002 left 68,000 adult salmon dead. Since then, the tribes, conservation groups, fishermen, farmers and now PacifiCorp have been working on solutions to what has metastasized into a major problem for the entire West Coast.”

Scott Boley, a fisherman and member of the Oregon Salmon Council, said, “This year’s West Coast fisheries closures were mandated to protect struggling Klamath River salmon runs. It is costing the states of Oregon and California millions in lost revenues and many fishermen are losing their jobs.”

“We consider salmon to be our relations,” said Leaf Hillman, vice chair of the Yurok Tribe. “They are part of our cultural identity. What’s more, many of my people still fish to feed themselves and their families.”

Allen Foreman, chairperson of the Klamath Tribes, said, “We have not fished for salmon for more than 88 years when the first ladderless dam was built. Now, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remove these dams and bring our salmon home.”

McConnell said the Yurok “are seeing positive momentum on the issue of dam removal” and that Fehrman’s comments are “very encouraging.”

“The next step,” McConnell said, “is pairing action with words. The Yurok Tribe will work closely with all parties in the basin to achieve our long-term goal of a free-flowing river and a restored fishery.”

Copyright (C) 2005, The Eureka Reporter. All rights reserved.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Rebar Stakes and Shade Structure Solutions!

"Scorch" — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 01:43:49 GMT

Here's a great site for heavy duty rebar stakes that stand up to those heavy winds. Also, lots of how-to's for shade structures, etc...

www.trickconcepts.com

Peace, Love, and Fire
-bren

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Climbing around Tahoe

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 16:51:24 GMT

Hi,

Does anyone out there know of some bouldering spots around Lake Tahoe? I'm headed there in a week and would prefer not to spend money on a guidebook, so any suggestions out there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

Colorado issue

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 03:28:52 GMT

This meeting was tonight and I haven't heard any feedback yet, but wanted to let everyone out there know about this issue.

Community Q&A Session
about the Bush Administrations Proposed Public Lands Sell-off

Wednesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.
Nederland Community Presbyterian Church
(Highway 72 North and Jefferson Street just past the traffic circle
and the steam shovel)

Bring your questions and concerns to a
Community Q&A Session with
Doug Young, senior policy advisor to Congressman Mark Udall;
Erin Minks, community liaison for Senator Ken Salazar, and
Christine Walsh, head of the U.S. Forest Service Boulder Ranger
District.

The Bush Administration plans to raise money for the treasury by
selling off U.S. Forest Service lands. The proposal affects:
* 304,370 acres nationally
* 21,500 acres in Colorado
* up to 3,120 acres in Boulder County
including Arapahoe Ranch, Boulder Canyon, Caribou Ranch, Eldora town
site, Magnolia Road, Ridge Road, and Sugarloaf Road

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

NICARAGUA - the next COSTA RICA - WATERFRONT PROPERTY - Live or Vacation in Paradise

Los Congos — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:06:28 GMT

Check This Place Out - A True Waterfront Paradise!

Los Congos Waterfront Resort Community.

Live in a tropical forest filled with monkeys, orchids & butterflies!

www.loscongos.com/tribe.htm

Prime waterfront estate lots for sale now from $95K. Nicaragua is RED HOT for investment.
Experts say it is what Costa Rica was 20 years ago, opportunity is still available.

FINANCING AVAILABLE on Lots & Home Construction. Top quality construction to US Standards.

www.loscongos.com/tribe.htm

Visit the web site for complete details, paradise is still affordable!

Thanks!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Visit my backpack information tribe

Paully — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 10:10:15 GMT

Hi all, pleasae visit my tribe and become member to share information about backpacking.
Salut! Paully

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

wildlife

hum — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 13:37:10 GMT

I got to see a wolf this year, my first one in the wild. I was shocked at how big it was. I was so excited, I talked about it for weeks. My poor friends. What did you see this year?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 32 replies

SE USA travelling

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 18:03:10 GMT

Hi,

I'm planning a road trip across the Southeast portion of the country and am wondering if anyone out there has any favorite camping/exploration spots?

Thanks and Much Love, Amy

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 3 replies

Califronia Traveling

Anya Partizanya — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 06:02:34 GMT

i am planning a road trip from LA to Joshua Tree to Zion ( or Grand Canyon).

I need your expertise:

1. What's the best way to go about this, best route to take etc.
2. I have 4 days, does it make sense to go to Zion or Grand Canyon
3. Hot springs along the way??
4. Where to stay in Joshua Tree and Zion/GC?

5. Anything else you think I absolutely need to do/see/play/explore/conquer/awe at...

Thank you in advance good folks!!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

choosing snowshoes

Ilana — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 01:07:21 GMT

Hello all,
I am on the market for snowshoes and am trying to find out the best styles for my needs. I guess I'm what you'd call a recreational user, no real backcountry stuff but happy to hike in powder up a small-to-medium hill.
I have done a bunch of research and my main concern is what kind of pivot point is best- metal bar or rubber strap. I am leaning towards a woman's model with the narrower tail. thanks for any and all advice!
Ilana

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 10 replies

Need advice re: crossing rivers on foot

:Eileen: — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 04:26:55 GMT

Hi -

Are there any river crossing experts here, or does anyone know of a dependable resource on the topic??

I've done some (on-line) research to prepare for challenging (solo) crossings, but I've found a good deal of conflicting advice (e.g. face upstream, face the opposite shore, keep one shoulder towards target shore and walk at an angle; place stick or pole downstream, walk with stick or pole upstream; take shoes of as bare feet have better traction, don't cross barefoot as you're more likely to be injured; etc.). The only tip I've found to be universal is to keep your eyes on the opposite shore (where you're headed) rather than on the water.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 10 replies

Continental Divide

spinningmonkey — Sun, 06 Nov 2005 18:56:13 GMT

Greetings All!

I'm a backpacker/hiker and have dreamed of doing the Colorado Continental Divide in chunks before I croke. I live in Colorado so that's a plus. I've done a lot of research and planning over the years but would love to hear from anyone who's backpacked any or all of the trail, in or out of Colorado.

Thanks! Tread long and lightly,
Spinningmonkey

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

long distance hike and student loans

boulder — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 16:15:17 GMT

cross posting to several tribes:

so, i'm planning to do the AT starting in mach.
no promises on completing it, but always been a dream.

ANYWAY:
i need a way to defer a student loan.
about $200 a month that i can't afford
to pay out of savings for six months.

have had unemployment deferments on other loans in the past,
but those were both because of lay-offs.
this time around, i'll be quitting my job.
will that qualify me for a deferment, or am i
out of luck?

i'd ask them, but no need to tip 'em off too early.

thanks for any advice.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

extreme day hiking

Parisa — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 07:07:34 GMT

For those of you who are insane enough to like extremely long day hiking, please check out my new tribe at Extreme day hikers. Please feel free to shoot me a message with suggestions.

Thanks,
Parisa

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

dunsmuir/shasta

pyrokitten — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 18:27:05 GMT

any advice on can't-miss things to see and hidden gems in the shasta area? we're staying in dunsmuir near castle crags this weekend. very much looking forward to it! especially interested in trails that would not have a lot of other people on them...

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

GUATEMALA - QUINTANA ROO- BELIZE

bento — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 15:02:22 GMT

Hi y'all

little bento here. I'm traveling to mexico and central america in october. it's my first time backpacking in a foreign country.

I'm hoping to couchsurf some, camp a lot and hit the hostels. I'm wondering what peoples experiences with traveling in these areas has been. I've just bought some lonely planet guide books and listed out some places to hit.

i'm flying into GUA and starting my trip from there into belize for some scuba diving. I have 4 weeks there...any tips, suggestions?

I did my first backpacking trip last fall on an island off of Washington state and loved it. hoping that it will be just as fun in c.a. and mexico.

thanks in advance!

Christina

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 4 replies

Familiar with Toronto area?

TheHun — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 22:46:08 GMT

I'm going to be in Toronto over the next week for my sister's wedding. There'll be a couple periods of inactivity during the week, so I was interested to know if there are any beautiful, natural places to visit within 50km or so of the city? I'd only have time to do some brief exploring or photography, but this is my first time in Canada, so I'd love to come back with nice memories (other than the wedding, of course!)

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

hiking this weekend - need advice - alone :-)

an_ke — Fri, 01 Jul 2005 18:33:05 GMT

hey everybody,

i wanna do an outdoor trip this weekend, 2 days (sunday/monday) and sleep in the car.
i'm looking for great nature, river or lake (not the ocean), and less people/tourists. untouched nature...

i don't the area here (i'm relatively new here), and i'm going to be alone this weekend. i don't know, could it be dangerous, just driving to somewhere, stop and hike and sleep in the car?

if you can give me any ideas where to go, that would be great. it's ok to drive up to 3 hours from the east bay (berkeley).

a.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

need advice: where to go group camping

ahmi — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 17:59:45 GMT

...We may be between 20 and 100 people, last weekend in july, and we are thinking (but not set on) Tahoe area. Accesibility and facilites are key. By myself, I love the more rugged sites and have less experience with this kind of thing, but with this crew we want to be gentle and accomodating for all levels of outdoorsy-ness. So, any suggestions you have are most appreciated!!!!

Xo,
ahmibomb

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

NORTHERN CAL

BABALOO — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 17:36:29 GMT

WHO WANTS TO JOIN US FOR FOURTH OF JULY AT DONNER LAKE?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 6 replies

advice on rafting the american river

trailme — Wed, 25 May 2005 16:39:53 GMT

i'm looking for help on choosing an outfitter for whitewater rafting on the middle or north forks of the american river. do you have one you'd recommend?

and which trip is better - middle or north fork?

cheers!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

So who all went camping this weekend?

Mon, 30 May 2005 20:12:03 GMT

I was able to get away for a long weekend of camping and just kicking back and relaxing. Quite nights by the campfire and the peacefulness of the nites does wonders for the soul. I feel like a new person again.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 4 replies

YELLOWSTONE

CosmicGirl — Fri, 13 May 2005 04:33:01 GMT

YO!

I'm going to be in Yellowstone late July this summer.

Any trails and hikes I sould NOT miss?
How many days should I plan? Is 2-3 enough?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

Fishing in Washington this weekend

gotnoworries — Thu, 19 May 2005 00:14:15 GMT

My friend and I are looking for a nice spot to go camping/fishing this weekend. We are beginners at fishing and are not looking for too much of a hike. If anyone can reccomend a nice spot let me know!!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

ROCKIES

CosmicGirl — Fri, 13 May 2005 04:35:43 GMT

Hey again!

Same post, different destination.
I'll be in the Rockies in Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Kamloops and all those nice places early July...

Mandatory hikes (I want day hikes, 2 days at most) ???

Let me know!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Olympic/Vancouver

murli — Sun, 08 May 2005 06:44:06 GMT

Am going to be in Olympic Vancouver area for the long weekend in May. Any must do's or suggestions....

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 4 replies

Open Water

Wed, 25 Aug 2004 19:23:46 GMT

Saw it. Loved it. My desire to go scuba diving is gone now, one less thing to do on my to do list. Anyone else?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 6 replies

Sasquatch

Thu, 26 Aug 2004 14:05:45 GMT

Thought y'all might be interested in this little hiking story I found:

Hikers followed in woods

Date: spring march 2001
Jefferson county, WA

Nearest town: Brinnon
Nearest road: Dosewallips
Conditions: Overcast with rain
Time: mid morning 10:30-11:00 am
Location: Brinnon, WA. I can show on a topo the exact spot.

Description of event: The area that we were in was very old second growth cedar. The topography is terraced. So you climb and then the ground levels out for a few meters then climbs again. You can’t see from one bench to another.

As we where going up the mountain, I had an uneasy feeling, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, just uneasy. I came across some tracks (4) that I thought a bit odd since they where quite large but non-discript, and bipedal. I had seen elk tracks farther down the hill but these didn’t have the right size for even a bull elk, even if there were two hooves making one track. The tracks where larger than my Danner boots and they are a size 11. Not to mention the stride was farther than I could step, even trying to match it was impossible given the ground and the slope.

I wrote it off at the time because my mind didn’t want to think it was a BF track. We went a little farther up the mountain and came across a bed of sorts in a group of ferns. Again it didn’t look like an elk bed because I couldn’t find where other cows had taken a rest. Just one large bed with no elk tracks, or any other for that matter, close by.

As I stopped my partner had continued on up the hill. I hadn’t pointed out what I had seen so she kept on going. We went up a couple more benches and she was one bench above me. The whole time we are going parallel with a very small creek. I heard a large rock fall into the creek above me. Since I was concerned that my partner had fallen I ran up to her. When I got to her I asked if she was alright, she was. Then I asked if she had thrown the rock and she said no, it was on the next bench above us.

As I was standing there catching my breath, it’s hard to run with a full ruck sack, I caught movement out of the corner of my right eye. The movement stopped behind a large cedar. The only thing that I was sure of was that it was black in color, because it stood out against the brown and green of the forest. The distance was 50-60 meters off to our right.

By this time I have to say that I was getting very uptight. I told my partner that since we had gotten such a late start and we had so far to go that we should just bag it and head back to the car. She agreed. As we went down hill I kept seeing something black move out of the corner of my eye, when I would look over it always stopped behind a tree. I stopped several times and stared in that direction hoping to see what it was but it didn’t move until we where moving.

I wasn’t sure if my mind was playing tricks on me or what was going on. I didn’t say anything to my partner since I didn’t want to alarm her and my ego didn’t want to admit aloud that I was getting scared. But I can say that I was very nervous now since whatever it was was following us down the hill and it would cut us off because we had to make a 90 deg turn toward it to get back to our car.

We got to the skidder road at the bottom of the mountain and stopped. (The skidder road is a very old one, with new trees growing on it that where so close together that you couldn’t see more than a couple of feet in any direction once you where in them. The road wad maybe 8 feet wide.) I took the lead and started to walk toward our car.

I was very quite as I walked. We had not gone more than 20 feet or so when I heard heavy foot steps come down the hill toward us breaking sticks as it came. It stopped even with us on the road. What ever it was wasn’t more than 10 feet from us. I froze and motioned for my partner to do the same. There was no sound to be heard, so I started walking again, and damn if it didn’t take a couple of steps as well.

Again I froze and listened. This time it took a couple more steps, breaking some large stick doing so. I was carrying a side arm, I drew it and as quietly as possible I chambered a round. Whatever it was, was now less than ten feet away and stopped along side of us. The road only being 8 feet or so wide I thought it was too close to me so I stepped off the road on the down hill side away from the noises. This was strictly so I would have a clear shot should whatever it was come through the trees toward us. If it was a bear I know how fast they can charge and I would need a second to get a shot off. I got down on my hands and knees to look under the trees but because the density of the trees and the small berm on the far side I could see anything.

We stayed frozen for what seemed like hours but I know it was only a couple of minutes at most. This whole time I was pumping adrenaline and my heart was pounding. I wanted to get out of there but the only way to the car was straight ahead. The aDosewallips river was to our right about 400 meters. We started again and it followed, breaking branches along the way. The thing followed us for 60 to 80 meters, the whole time parallel with us. Finally, just before I could see the car it stopped following and I never heard it again.

That was just fine with me. As much as I wanted to see what it was that had followed us, I wanted to leave more. When we got to the car I threw the ruck sack inside and we drove off. I asked my partner if she had heard what I had heard. She looked at me, and her eyes where the size of dinner plates and her face was white, she had heard what I had heard. She also said that she had an uneasy feeling the whole time we where in the forest.

I haven’t been back there since, but I am interested in going back soon. I have hunted bears, and 99% of the time they turn tail and run the other direction as soon as they scent you or see you. I have been paced by a cougar and this was no cougar. I can't say what it was but my gut tells me that it was BF. I have never felt this way in the woods, ever.

Source: oregonbigfoot.com

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 17 replies

A new tribe for roadtrippers

Quirky Hari — Mon, 02 May 2005 22:46:02 GMT

Hi. I just started a tribe called: bay area roadtrippers. Please join if you love to wander:)

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 3 replies

Bryce, Zion, Monument Valley in the Autumn

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 05:19:21 GMT

Has anyone been to Bryce, Zionor Monument Valley in the autumn, when the aspen trees are turning yellow? I saw a picture and it was so beautiful! I've never been to these parks, and was wondering if anyone had any information as to where to stay, things to do, etc.

Thanks,

Chip

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 6 replies

Lake Superior

Mon, 09 Aug 2004 15:47:53 GMT

So I'm challenging myself to swim 200 strokes/dy. in Lake Superior for the 30 days of August. 8 for 8!

The water is cold, but takes just the 50 first strokes to get warmed up, and then you're good to go. But suddenly in only one day it got COLD. My youngest sister spent the weekend up north w/me and we went together on Sunday.. she's a hockey player and is way tougher than me, and we were both paralyzed w/cold. Even after we did our 200 strokes, against the waves even, we were still cold. Does anyone know how it's possible for the Lake to go from swimmable to paralyzing?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 7 replies

southern cal, arizona, nevada

pyrokitten — Thu, 24 Mar 2005 08:22:09 GMT

looking for suggestions on places to go in the deserts of southern cal, arizona, nevada, utah. i've been to most of the national parks and monuments already, although i'm probably going to return to death valley and joshua tree to see the wild flowers. i sure hope i can find a campsite!

please suggest your favorite spots, the more off-the-beaten-path (but accessible in a rav4) the better.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

Heading West

Pinto — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 01:10:16 GMT

I'm planning a trip out west for August. I'm going to spend 17 days traveling (by car) through colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. I've been to Riverbend Hostel in T or C, NM and will deffinitly return there for a night or two on my way through, and there is a hostel in Moab I've heard some about, but I'm looking for other recomendations as to where to go or stay. What can I not miss on this trip?

Also, I haven't done any camping in this area of the country before, and am expecting to spend at least a few nights in National Forest Areas. Is there anything I need to know about the area before I live in it for a while?

Where have you been? What have you done? What do you think I should do? (help me avoid tourist traps)

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 7 replies

York Farm Cottages - Lake Ontario at the Black River!

CharlieHustle — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 14:28:18 GMT

YFC is getting ready for another great season this year! With Lake Ontario and the Black River at hand, the bite will most certainly be ON!

Check out our new website for details.

Hope to see you on the water!

http://www.yorkfarmcottages.on.ca

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Mailliard Redwood State Park

Billy Shears — Tue, 08 Mar 2005 01:58:51 GMT

Has anybody been there and be willing to give me a little sketch? It's off of the 128 outside of Yorkville. Have you ever been to what I guess to be a little hamlet called "Old Ombaun Hot Springs"? I would appreciate any help. I'm planning a day trip up in a couple of weeks. Thank you.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 0 replies

Gearing up for '05

museika — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:09:35 GMT

Hi all,

Ever since I took over moderating this tribe all posts have stopped, so I'm just trying to jump start us again before I go cry in my beer somewhere... ; )

Anyway, I've got a question for you. I've got a big credit at REI and other than a few items here and there I'm are stumped as to what I may want/need/upgrade. I am mainly a car camper, but I'm getting more into backpacking so I think finding some lighter, more compact versions of gear would be a big plus. So, my question to you is... what are your favorite gear "can't live withouts" for when you go backbacking/camping?

thanks!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 9 replies

Raccoons

Mon, 04 Oct 2004 17:45:22 GMT

My uncle Mike is a Raccoon rescuer now, I stayed at my property this weekend in Willow River and helped him out on his. He build this huge, amazing cage: the size of a human bird cage. I learned how+what to feed them/changing litter boxes+hygene/general care and will be assisting Mike this winter. He wanted to release them next month, but doesn't feel that they'll make it on their own, it's better to release them in spring so they don't face a hard winter right off the bat. I sat in the cage for a couple hours in the middle of the night (they're nocturnal) and they seemed to like me right away. Mike said they don't go to anyone else but him, and they were all over me. SHARP claws, you have to be thick skinned (literally) to work w/them. They go through your pockets and steal your shit, I learned not to bring my lighter in there! Raccoons are very hygenic. They wash their hands before they touch their food, then they wash their food (they scrub their veggies+wash dog biscuits and chicken, too) and when they are finished eating they rinse thier hands off. The click+hiss at you if they take a piss and you don't change the newspaper in the litter box right away. It's a lot of work, you have to stay on top of it. I am an official volunteer for the State of MN now, and am called a "novice" for the first two years. I don't know if I'll get seriously into Raccoons and then move on to saving other wildlife: waterfoul sounds cool. Birds are neat, so we'll see.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

Sunday Mornin' hikes, in Tempe, Az

Ken — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 19:57:03 GMT

Some friends and I are going to start getting together on Sunday for a morning/afternoon hike every Sunday. A majority of the group are engineers, hippies, burners, environmentalists, or combinations thereof.

Contact me if interested.

happy trails!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply

Note from Tribe.net: Please assign a moderator

touguy — Mon, 27 Sep 2004 19:14:47 GMT

Hey there, "A Guide to The Great Outdoors" members--

This Tribe doesn't have a moderator, but as a matter of policy, Tribe.net likes all groups to have a leader.
Could you collectively choose someone to moderate your Tribe?

When you've reached consensus, have the new moderator send a note to help@tribe.net, letting us know that you've selected a new leader.

Thanks,
-- TOU (Terms of Use) Guy

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 5 replies

Google Search

Fri, 06 Aug 2004 14:14:46 GMT

Go to google.com and type in "weapons of mass destruction"

Do Not Hit Return, Instead click on the "Feeling Lucky" button.

Read the entire Error message. This is classic, someone at Google has a great sense of humor. Quick though, before they're forced to fix it!!!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 11 replies

Great Outdoor Store

buildingblocks — Tue, 03 Aug 2004 15:55:17 GMT

A friend at work turned me onto a really great online/catalog store.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/

I didn't think that I would find alot there because it has a lot of hunting stuff, which i'm not into, but this place has alot of great stuff for hiking and camping and everything under the sun and they have CRAZY deals where you can get prices that you have never seen before.

Check it out. It's worth it.

Andy

We're all in the gutter but
some of us are looking at the stars.
- Oscar Wilde
Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
-Mark Twain

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 2 replies

Spouses

buildingblocks — Mon, 02 Aug 2004 15:26:13 GMT

I took my wife hiking in the smokies recently. Has anyone out there gone up to the Chimney Tops? She said that she will never go hiking with me again. It's not a long trail. Only 1.1 miles to the top. But you gain 2000 feet in elevations. I kept telling her that it was going to level off a little after the next bend (I hadn't done it in 10 years). Stopped believeing me after the first 5 times. Ha.

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 16 replies

Winter in various places

NRVcat — Tue, 13 Jul 2004 12:45:17 GMT

Being a working Jo for a university, I get pretty much two weeks in December for winter holiday. I'm trying to figure out something to do this year that's different from the usual go home and visit the family trip. I'm thinking of the southern MO/northern AR area -- there are caves in the area that I'd like to see and I'm sure the Ozarks would be pretty in winter (prettier now but I don't think I'll have time to get there until December). Does anyone know what the weather's like in that area at that time of year? Here in MS, it'll be relatively cold (for MS) but no snow. There, it could be hit-or-miss for all I know, whereas a trip to NJ in December would pretty much guarantee me snow. For the record, I have no problems driving in it; I'm more concerned with getting stranded in Podunk Junction. On the other hand, there's also Utah (dam' the Travel Channel!) -- do they get much snow in December?

TIA,
El

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 5 replies

Things to do in the rain

Wed, 12 May 2004 00:27:34 GMT

I think rain is one of the worst things that can happen to a camping trip. Seriously, what is there to do when it rains?!

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 10 replies

Road trip

nogo — Wed, 19 May 2004 07:42:42 GMT

Hey all,

I'm leaving this weekend for a five week road trip:-) We are making a giant loop through the desert states, up to the Badlands in South Dak, through Yellowstone, over to Olympic n.p. in Washington and then home.

The only solid plan we have is to kayak/hike some of the re-emerging slots of Lake Powell and do some packing in the Badlands and Yellowstone. Any hints on other cool stuff we can do.

Thanks,
-J

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 4 replies

my photos (some outdoors)

Matthew — Wed, 19 May 2004 16:37:45 GMT

http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist=nickybockers

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 6 replies

Need to get out of town

TrianglePlanet — Tue, 18 May 2004 02:02:41 GMT

Hey,
I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions for me to "get away from it all" for a weekend? I live down in San Diego, and mexico is not really what I am looking for. I am thinking about Orr Hot Springs, but I have never been up that way before and not sure if there are any places like Orr that are closer to me down here in Southern California, yet still far enough for me to get out of town. I am looking for some place I can relax, not drop a lot of cash, and just kind of get some crap figured out in my life. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks,
~Loaf

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 3 replies

Physically challenging outdoors activities

Mon, 17 May 2004 04:06:03 GMT

What is the most physically challenging outdoors activity?

What gives you the best full body workout?

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 4 replies

Heading to Tacoma

NRVcat — Thu, 13 May 2004 12:54:36 GMT

I'm visiting relatives who live outside Tacoma in September. I plan on poking around the Internet for info on stuff to do and see out there but was wondering if anyone here had any recommendations? I'm not sure how much time to myself I'll have, since the relatives want us to spend a day or so on the Oregon coast, so trips that will require several days are out.

TIA,
El

posted in A Guide to The Great Outdoors - 1 reply