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We do one of two things when it comes to buying outdoor gear for our newest sport. We either go all out and buy the most expensive gear, including matching clothes after trying the sport once. Or, we beg, borrow, or buy the cheapest stuff available. Either way, we’re in for some problems. Keep scrolling for how to know when to buy, rent, or steal.
Continue reading “Need Outdoor Gear? When to Buy, Rent, or Steal”
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When we picture the oldest trees in the world, we often think of the giant, stately redwoods. However the rugged bristlecone forests of the high desert landscapes of America’s West make the redwoods look like teenagers. For thousands of years these gnarly trees have grown oblivious to the rise and fall of countless civilizations. Click on to find out where to discover these wonders.
A tweet went the rounds this week quoting an accomplished female athlete. She was asked in an interview if there was anything she didn’t play as a child and her derisive response, “Dolls.” As my finger hovered over the retweet button, I thought, But what’s wrong with playing with dolls?
Lately in society we are presented with two type of women: the princess type with a hair never out of place who wears heels everywhere and the nerd or athlete who eschews all things feminine. Continue reading “Being Athletic and Feminine”
When people find out I ski, do triathlons, and a host of other outdoor stuff, they say, “Wow, you’re so athletic. I wish I could do that.” Here’s my deep down dark secret, I’m not athletic at all. When I hit my first steep turn mountain biking, I panicked, slammed on my brakes and tipped over. It took two months for me to get up on water skis. My triathlon swims usually end with me belching my way through the bike ride because of all the water I swallowed. The first season I skied, I was the only one in class who could tip over standing still. Here’s a little something I learned about becoming athletic. Continue reading “Becoming Athletic”
On August 14, 2013, my grandmother Arlene Dymock passed away unexpectedly. As I sat at her bedside, I searched my mind to recall all of the good moments before they faded. I realized that most of my outdoor childhood memories contained her. Whether hiking the trail to Angel’s Landing or four-wheeling in Moab, she was there.
In honor of Memorial weekend, we celebrate the horribly hilarious family road trips that could only result from the no seatbelt laws from our childhood.
It’s been a week since I’ve strapped on skis, far too long. The season is coming to an end and the tourists have exited, leaving the mountain to the locals. I am still carving first tracks at ten. As the wind hits me, I hold out my arms to feel it rushing over my shoulders and push myself faster down the hill. It’s as if it’s the first time I’ve breathed all week. I am in my happy place.
I stand at the top of a small ravine, my skis perched on the edge. “Hey,” I call out to my 11-year-old nephew behind me. “This looks way fun.” I push off, traversing the edge through a few trees before spotting a a stretch of of untracked powder. I make hard left straight down the ravine, through the powder, and up the other side, landing back on the run with a bit of a jump.
10. The early skier makes first tracks.
9. Take a ski lesson. It’s important to ask an expert for help.
8. Talk to people on the lift. It’s a good chance to make a new friend who you already have something in common with.
10. Do we have exfoliating soap? I need to scrub the race number off my arm.
9. I would buy new clothes, but I’m saving for skis (or harness, or bike, or other favorite toy).
