Beyond the Sagebrush

Enjoy nature just a quick drive from the Vegas strip.
Red Rock National Conservation Area, Nevada

Adventure Resolutions

I was reading Backpacker’s January issue, I know you’re shocked, and their piece called The Backpacker’s Bible inspired me to come up with a few adventure resolutions for this year. I think I have a pretty epic summer ahead of me.

1. Hike Farther
The permit reservation is in! I’ll be hiking the first section of the illustrious John Muir Trail from Yosemite Valley to Devil’s Postpile. The longest backpacking trip I’ve been on so far is three days-two nights; the idea of seven days-six nights and 60ish miles of a granite-fest is incredibly exciting, but I’ll admit a wee bit intimidating. I want to be able to enjoy the experience rather than crashing every night as soon as we get to camp, so I’m enlisting in Backpacker’s suggested strength training, as well as running hills at elevation. Let me tell you, I’m already feeling the muscles rebuilding – better now than on the trail!

2. Get Out More
Snow isn’t even done falling yet and I already have most of my summer mapped out with the idea of balancing work with lots of play. I already have two permits reserved and a few dates set with hiking partners. Now I’m committed!

3. Go Solo
I’ve been on day hikes by my onesies, but have always had company for overnight trips. This summer I shall brave the wilderness alone, I think it would be a rewarding experience. I suppose I won’t be truly alone, I’ll have to bring my four-legged friend because it would just be mean to leave Aspen at home.

4. Fine Dinning
I will go on at least one backpacking trip this summer where there are no dehydrated meals allowed. I’m going to finally take a look at all of those recipes I keep ripping out of magazines and fashion some tasty backcountry meals.

5. Make Fire
Normally in the backcountry I go without, it’s just easier to wrap up in my sleeping bag. However, it would be nice to know I have the tools and ability to make a fire happen in the woods.

6. Never Get a Blister
OK, I nabbed this one from Backpacker, but who wouldn’t get on board with this resolution. First step – new high-top boots that are lighter weight and with more wiggle room in the toes. Let the hunt for my new Keens begin! Also, I vow to never ignore hot spots!

Now that I’ve put my resolutions in writing and put them out for the world (or our 13 followers) to read, I’m motivated to follow through. Watch for updates on how they’re progressing!

Do you have any adventure resolutions for this year?

Happy,
Trails

Leap Outdoors on February 29th

What are you doing with your extra day this year? Geocachers around the world are planning on taking advantage of this 366th day of the year. Geocaching.com has even provided extra motivation to get outside and geocache – a Leap Day souvenir to all accounts logging a cache or cache event that day.
I’ll let Geocaching.com tell you more about their Leap Day efforts:

“You'll also help in a record-breaking attempt. Last Leap Day, way back in 2008, some 36,696 distinct accounts logged an "Attended" or "Found it" on a cache. We're aiming to double that number this year with at least 73,392 distinct accounts logging a cache on February 29. In order to count toward the goal, people only have to log a single cache.

“More than 900 Event Caches are already planned for Leap Day. If the 25,000 adventurers expected to attend these events log their attendance on the 29th, we'll be more than 30% of the way toward our goal. But we still need your help in order to reach 73,392! So talk to your fellow geocachers, your friends, and your co-workers; tell them about going geocaching (and logging their find) on February 29. We will be reporting our progress toward the goal on the Latitude 47 blog and the Geocaching.com Facebook page.”

Even Flat Stanley is going to geocache on Lead Day!

Whether you’re a geocacher or not, get outdoors and enjoy this extra day of the year.

-Trails

Snacktime Inspirations

Adam Peak - February 2012

On a snack-size pack of Ritz Snack Mix I grabbed out of the cupboard this morning, I found a message: ‘Snacktime Inspirations - Enjoy the great outdoors. No matter the time of year, outside activities can raise your spirits and keep you motivated.’ I could not agree more with this statement and thank you Nabisco™, (a division of Kraft Foods), for attempting to bring this to the attention of so many people. For those of you who read the February Leaflet, NOS’s monthly newsletter, you might have caught me encouraging all of you to get outside and enjoy northern Nevada despite the date on the calendar saying it should be cold, wet and dark. Well, for continued inspiration and to prove that I live by my word, here is a picture of beautiful Adam Peak, in the Osgood Mountains of northern Nevada. Some friends and I summited this local gem two weeks ago and my spirits were indeed lifted. This might not have been the case though, if we had not ‘Planned Ahead and Prepared.’ Despite mild and sunny weather in the valley when we began, we found the summit to be freezing with a passing snow shower. Carrying that extra layer sure came in handy. So, pack your layers, winter car kit, extra water and snacks, and go enjoy! Then, tell us what outdoor adventures have lifted your spirits this winter?

-Juice

Trail Log

Along the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity." - John Muir

Somewhere on the Map: Thunder Mountain Monument

If you've driven on I-80 through northern Nevada past Imlay you've probably looked to the south of the freeway and said, "what the heck is that place?"


An interpretive sign at the monument says, "The most frequently asked question travelers stopped by the shear oddity of this conglomeration of junk secured by cement is, 'What is this?'" See you're not alone.

The extremely short answer: Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder built this monument from discarded items as a monument to the suffering and plight to the American Indians. Explore the monument for yourself and discover more history behind the motivation of Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder.

Happy Exploring,
Trails

Plan Ahead: Where are you going this summer?

Even though it’s only February, I’ve been fielding more and more calls, visitors, and mail regarding river permits, wilderness permits and campfire permits. It seems we have some folks practicing outdoor ethics!

Do you know what outdoor adventures you’re going on this summer? What have you learned about the area? Do you need a permit? Do you need a reservation? So many questions! So much fun to plan! If you’re thinking you have all the time in the world, well winter and spring anyway, to plan your adventure; that may be true if you’re back in Nevada where the outdoors are at your whim. However, if you say…plan to hike Half Dome in Yosemite this summer and only have one weekend open to do it; you’ll need to put in for the preseason lottery by the end of March because permits are now required every day of the week.

Not without a permit.

Permit or no permit, I’m excited for this summer’s adventures and can’t wait to ponder over a map or ten! Where are you going this summer?

Happy,
Trails