NOS Mission

Nevada Outdoor School inspires exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat and dedication to community.
This is the spot for us to share stories, fun ideas or general musings. When you aren't in here, we hope to see you out there!







Thursday, August 30, 2012

Trails's Guide: Tip #2

Hunting season is upon us! Don't forget to wear bright colors when
venturing outdoors to avoid being mistaken for something with antlers!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tunes for the Trail

When hiking on a trail there is usually some time for your mind to wander off. During these times Squirrel and I enjoy adapting song lyrics into outdoorsy lyrics. For your trail enjoyment, we present Hikin' on a Trail - sung to the tune of Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer. Enjoy!

Hikin' on a Trail
by Trails and Squirrel

On a mountain top, not so long ago

Hikers like to bag lots of peaks
Packed a map and compass, taking switchbacks ‘cause
It’s steep, so steep

Hand fulls of trail mix all day
Gotta get the carbs to go all the way
to summit, mmm, to summit

Guide says drink the water we’ve got
It doesn’t matter if we’re tired or not
We’ve got good views and that’s a lot
Keep climbin’, to reach the top!

Oh, we’re half way there
Oh oh, hikin’ on a trail
Grab your pack, we’re almost there
Oh oh, hikin’ on a trail

Heard some rustling in a bush
Now it’s getting’ closer, look what it is
A bear, mmm, and its cubs

Hikers want to run away
We’re full of fright, the guide whispers
“it’s ok, slowly back away-aayy”

We've gotta hold on to the food we’ve got
It doesn’t matter if the bear is hungry or not
It’s got its berries and that’s enough
For wildlife, we’ll use a bear box!

Oh, we’re half way there
Oh oh, hikin’ on a trail
Grab your pack, we’re almost there
Oh oh, hikin’ on a trail
Hikin’ on a trail!

Lace up your boots ready or not
You live for the hike when you want to reach the top

Oh, we’re half way there
Oh oh, hikin’ on a trail
Grab your pack, we’re almost there
Oh oh, hikin’ on a trail
(repeat two more times)


Rock on!
Trails

Friday, August 17, 2012

Adventure Resolutions: Fine Dinning and More

I have been working on my adventure resolutions since March and have made some good mileage! Squirrel and I just got off our 60ish mile stretch of the John Muir Trail last weekend - hike farther check! I recommend weekend warriors take a few extra days off work and try an extended back-country stay. It's a whole different experience and worth the extra miles! Plus, oddly enough I was less sore after a week on the trail than I normally am from a weekend trip.

As for getting out more, the John Muir backpacking trip takes my summer total up to four trips! I am a big fan of taking advantage of exploring the awesome places I live while I'm there. If I had to move tomorrow, I could confidently say I took full advantage of living in such an amazing place.
Mac and cheese plus extras = new fav
Plus! In addition to pizza, I've added a new dish to my fine dinning recipe book - mac and cheese plus extras. Take your pick of macaroni and cheese (I opted for the Trader Joe's variety) and cook with water - no need for milk or butter. Then add your pick of extras. I've had dry salami/avocado and bell pepper/avocado - both amazing after a day of hiking.

Happy,
Trails

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Be Careful with Fire

The other day as I was driving through Reno, I noticed the guy in the car in front of me flick a cigarette out the window.  Unfortunately, this is something I see quite common, but with the current state of wildfires in the Western United States, this particular incident made me growl more than usual.  Then I noticed the license plate, Illinois.  We’ll skip over the fact that this guy is a litter bug, that’s a topic for another post, but he might also be ignorant of the fire dangers posed by a hot, drier than average summer in the driest state in the country.  The statistics go back and forth a bit, but humans are responsible for about four times* as many wildfires each year as lightning.  Looking out the window of my office today, the horizon is once again hazy with smoke, so I thought we might as well look at some of the ways that we can be careful with fire while recreating.

1.       Know the regulations where you are going.  Most state and federally managed lands post fire restrictions at certain times of year.  Right now, there are campfire bans across the board throughout the west.  I know many of us look forward to the campfire when camping or backpacking, but please think about the potential consequences of a mishap.

2.       Minimize campfire impacts.  At times and in areas where you can have a fire, keep them small and easily managed.  Use existing fire rings and make sure flammable vegetation is cleared from around the area.  Do not leave fires unattended and make sure your fires are dead-out before turning in for the night.

3.       Dispose of waste properly.  I’m talking about cigarettes here.  If you are planning to do more outdoor adventuring, sounds like a good time to quit to me.  However, if you must, make sure to extinguish your butts appropriately and please pack them out.

4.       Be careful where you park.  The first thing we all want to do after a long drive out to our favorite recreation destination is get out and explore, right?  That’s great, but first be careful about where you leave your vehicle.  Every year many fires are started when someone parks their truck, car, ATV, etc… in some dry grass or weeds.  Those exhaust pipes and catalytic converters get very hot and you could lose your ride home plus a whole lot more.  Another tip, even if you find a nice un-vegetated spot to stop, if you’ve driven through any tall grass or weeds on the way to your destination, check under your car for anything that may have gotten hung up underneath.

These are just a few tips.  There are many additional, creative ways that people have discovered to start wildfires, so be careful, use your head and we can all still have fun out there.


* http://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/fireInfo_stats_lightng.html


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Packing for the John Muir Trail

Squirrel and I are doing our final prep for our week-long backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail. After forgetting some key items (my hiking pants!) on my last trip I decided I needed a packing list - and I'm checking it twice. Feel free to use this list or check it against your own and adapt as necessary.

Group Gear:
- wilderness permit
- tent and tarp
- water filter
- stove
- 8oz fuel canister
- lighter and back up lighter
- bear canisters (make sure all scented items fit pre-trip!)
- sleeping pad patch kit
- cards
- first aid kit (which has a compass and water treatment tablets)
- map
- toilet paper
- biodegradable soap
- food

Resupply Box:
- 4 oz fuel canister
- yet another backup lighter
- food
- homemade cookies

Personal Gear:
- sleeping bag
- sleeping pad
- cook set (pot and lid/plate)
- headlamp
- pocket knife
- camera
- wallet w/cash to cover any fees
- phone
- medications
- plastic bag to pack out toilet paper
- wet wipes
- tooth brush and paste
- feminine hygiene products (just in case!)
- camel pack
- water canteen
- sunscreen
- bug spray

Clothing items - NO COTTON ALLOWED!
- hiking pants!
- t-shirt
- long sleeve
- sun shirt
- puffy jacket
- rain jacket
- rain pants?
- underwear
- sports bra
- socks
- bandanna
- knit cap
- hiking boots
- camp shoes
- long johns
- gloves

What did I miss?
Trails