Alpen Light XT - Lightweight 4-Season Tent

“What hammer?” was not what I wanted to hear. Setting tent stakes was hard enough in this campground’s packed clay – without having to use a rock. After mashing a few knuckles, I decided I would have a better plan next trip.

One of the hardest parts of packing for a camping trip is gathering everything from throughout the house and garage without forgetting something. After considering a “master packing list,” I went one step further. We love to camp, a lot. For us the best option was to dedicate our camping equipment rather than take regular household items.

This method does a good job of saving time and can be economical. Once we put it in place, all we had to do was load three boxes and shop for food on our way out of town. We also found that we camped more often now that it was so simple. Continue reading »

Dark clouds flowing over the mountains discouraged most of our group from hiking to Mills Lake during our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park last month, but my aunt and I weren’t about to miss this hike. A Twitter friend, @RMNP4MS had recommended it highly.

We planned to hike from the Glacier Gorge Trail-head. The trail was initially crowded with families until we reached Alberta Falls 0.6 miles up the trail.

Alberta Falls

Past the falls the crowd thinned and I felt privileged to overhear a teenage boy tell his friend that this trail made him “want to paint a picture with words.” I felt inspired as well. This trail really is about both the journey and the destination. Just when I thought the view was as stunning as it could be – there was another around the corner that stopped me in my tracks.

The trail continued upward and entered a rocky basin bordered by shear rock faces. I was intrigued by how beautiful such harsh terrain could be. Throughout RMNP the contrast between harsh rock, vegetation and water combine to form beautiful landscapes rarely found elsewhere.

A Trail of Contrasts

As we approached Mills Lake the trail was under snow and then crossed a massive rock slab marked with cairns. Similar rock formations plunged into the clear water of lake providing a perfect lunch shot. Areas of snow along the shore added to the beauty. From here we had views of Longs Peak, Pagoda Mountain, and Chiefs Head Peak. Continuing up the trail to Jewel Lake which is bordered by softer terrain and grasses we noticed that the weather was returning. Time to head down.

Though this is an out and back hike, the return offered a new perspective just as enjoyable as the hike out. The rest of our group missed one of the nicest hikes of the week.

From the trail head to Jewel Lake is a 2.9 mile hike. This hike – at over 9900’- had me catching my breath in a few places. Especially on a set of steps just before the lake that I have dubbed the “Stair Master.” Over all this is an easy to moderate hike. The parking lot at the trail head fills up early – plan on parking at the park and ride. Pack a warm coat and a rain shell for any hiking in this area. The mountain weather changes fast.

To see a trail profile for this hike visit: The Spirit of th Rockies

Many thanks to @RMNP4MS for recommending this trail. Check out his forum RMNPFORUMS.com or follow him on Twitter for updates on Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rock Cairn

Mills Lake - Clouds are Rolling In

My parents did me a favor while I was young. They insisted that I take part in all of their adventures outdoors. Never did they say “We can’t go – we have a young child.” As far back as I can remember I was hiking, camping, flying or riding on Dad’s Harley.

When it came time to raise my own children I promptly dragged them outdoors to hike, camp and backpack. It was important to me that they grow up as I did. However, hiking with kids takes some planning.

This article has some great suggestions on how to have a fun adventure with kids in tow. Enjoy!

The Great Outdoors 2009: Hiking with Young Children, By Katie D.

Kids that hike become grown-ups that hike ~ Rocky Mountain National Park

Summer Calm on the Intercoastal Waterway

Venice, Florida, long the winter play ground of the “Northern Snowbird” has another personality during the summer. Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Venice in summer is like a gal who let her hair down – serene and casual.

Restaurants which normally sport long lines in winter now have water view seats ready when you arrive. One favorite this time of year is Sharky’s On The Pier. During the winter the wait for a table can easily be 45 minutes or longer – or you can stalk a party (near the end of their meal preferably) for a first-come-first-serve table outside. During our visit this Fourth of July, we walked in immediately. The view of the beach and Gulf were inspiring.

Our other favorite dinner spot is Farlow’s on the Water. A short drive down Highway 776 to Englewood, Farlow’s is always worth the drive. During the winter we plan to enjoy cocktails on the patio while we wait (no complaints – its gorgeous). During summer the thin crowds made this a great pick for dinner with our 14 year old son. No wait but the same quality food and service.

Another feature of Venice summers are wide open beaches and waterways. The water of the Gulf of Mexico feels like a bath. Catch an offshore breeze and it is just as calm. Float on a pool float watching for dolphin or walk along the beach collecting petrified shark’s teeth. I still don’t know why the shark’s teeth collect here but it’s a fun way to enjoy the beach anytime of year.

Heat makes morning and late afternoon the best time to venture to the beach or out on the water. When you do you will be greeted with – well not much. Not much of a crowd that is. Though I have never felt this area is crowded, I love lots of space. Summer is perfect for the crowd phobic. Cruising down the Inter Coastal Waterway this weekend, we looked around and realized there was not another boat in sight. The lack of traffic also makes this a great time to canoe or kayak. Don’t forget your fishing pole.

If you do visit during summer make time for some shopping. Many of the shops have summer sales to clear their inventory for the next season. Sun Bug and Frasier’s Island Gift Nook are always on my list for a visit. Venice retailers pride themselves on their unique inventory. You will find something special here that you can’t buy at your local mall. Most close on Sunday, especially during the summer.

Venice retailers aren’t the only businesses offering summer specials. Just search “summer deals Venice, FL lodging” and you will find discounts on places to stay during your visit.

It’s time treat yourself to the casual small town feel of Venice in the summer. Pack a book and sun screen, forget your IPhone, let your hair down and relax.

Venice Beach Flowers

During our recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) my husband and I had a fantastic time hiking and taking in the incredible views that almost litter the landscape. As common as mosquitoes in Florida, a jaw dropping landscape in RMNP is the norm.

I wonder if the people who live here get so used to this?? I can’t imagine it could be possible.

We tried to capture the landscapes with our little “point and shoot” camera but it never really did them justice. I finally looked up a local photographer in his studio just off of the main drag in Estes Park. At last I could find the awesome landscapes of RMNP captured on film. I dug through his collection of prints until I came upon a shot of one of my very favorite lakes in the park, Dream Lake. Here on film he captured the scene that had made my heart race when it came into view during my first hike here three years ago.

The harsh granite plunges down toward the tree line and the lake while clouds try to creep over the ridge. All of this reflected in the calm cold water. I purchased the print and had it shipped home for a very reasonable price. When it showed up on my front door a few days later, I was drowning in Florida heat and a little melancholy. The “Dream Lake” photo brought our trip rushing back to me and will now be a constant remainder of RMNP on my wall.

The photographer, Erik Stensland, has both the eye and the talent to capture all this on film. Check out his images at www.imagesofRMNP.com

This photo, which I took, pales when compared to Erik Stensland's work.

“Search and Rescue teams from two counties located a hiker late Saturday afternoon in the remote “Devils Causeway” area of the Flattops Wilderness, after he had been missing since midday Friday.” – Read full article published in the Vail Daily

Like many of you, I have more than one job. I do some corporate flying as a “second job.” Last week we had an assignment to fly to the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Soon, we found that this place is a lot of fun. Occasionally this job has some great fringe benefits!

View of Shady Gators from our room.

For those of you not familiar with this lake, it was formed when the Osage River was dammed in 1931. This formed a lake that winds for more than 90 miles and has numerous coves. It is sometimes referred to as the “Dragon Lake” for its unusual appearance from the air. The surrounding area offers several State Parks with hiking, camping and backpacking opportunities. There are even several caves to explore, another favorite hobby of mine.

If a little party action is more your speed, check out Shady Gators or the Horney Toad. Both offer live music, a lake view and very lively crowds! Sadly our flight schedule did not allow us to take in any of the festivities – this trip…

Instead we hit the lake in a boat and headed to the Four Seasons for breakfast. Cool ride. This lake is packed with every kind of water craft you can imagine. In fact we are told that on weekends this lake belongs to the “big boys.” Because of the steep shoreline, wakes reverberate creating a rough ride for a small boat by lunchtime.

We also noticed some VERY nice real estate along the shoreline. One cliff-top home sports two man-made waterfalls spilling over into the lake. Awesome!

It looks like this will be a regular trip for us from now on. Look for pictures, trip reports and more in the future. If your travels take you near The Lake of the Ozarks, take the time to visit. It will be worth your time.

“Virtually every single trail in Yosemite National Park is described in this guidebook, together with the scenery and natural history…. ” Read full article – Link to full article.

The American Hiking Society has an easy to search listing of events taking place in honor of National Trails Day which is June 6th, 2009.

Click here to search for an event near you.

National Trails Day - June 6th, 2009

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