TIPS AND TRICKS: HOW TO MAKE A SURVIVAL BRACELET

How To Make A Survival Bracelet...

We've all seen them. Those survival bracelets made from 550 parachute cord. Bear Grylls (as far as I can tell) brought on their popularity among adventurers and it has since become a fashion statement.

I wear one everyday.

I have heard a lot of fellow adventurers say that it's a waste, there's not enough cord there to matter, and various other negative statements about them. I have no idea why some people think that way. In a real survival situation, any resource is a good resource. Why wouldn't you want one?

Eight ot ten feet of 550 cord can serve plenty of purposes when the chips are down. You can use them to help lash a shelter, mark a trail, or hang your food. You can use the strands inside for fishing line, sewing thread, snares, and even dental floss.

In my mind, even if it's trendy, you shouldn't leave home without one. I subscribe to the old survivalists theory of "It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it".

So that poses the next two questions... "How do I make one?" and "Why make one when they are so cheap to buy?"

Let me answer these in reverse order. As to why you would want to make one... you might use the one you wear while you are on the trail and need to make another when you get back to base camp and your big roll of 550 cord.

As to how to make one... well Heritage Pride Firearms made a very detailed video on the subject... check it out below. Then make one for yourself...

GEOCACHING: FUN MICRO ADVENTURES

Geocaching - Fun Micro Adventures...

So you are dying for an adventure, but you are short on time and/or money. Maybe it's just not possible for you to get away for the weekend, but you have several hours you can burn. Maybe you should try geocaching.

What is this crazy phenomena know as geocaching, you ask? Well simply put, Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. It's kind of like land navigation meets treasure hunting meets hiking, biking, or skiing. It can be a lot of fun for you, or your family. In fact, there is an entire world-wide community of geocachers out there.

A geocache, in its simplest form, always contains a logbook for you to log your find. Larger caches may contain a logbook and any number of items. These items turn the adventure into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the cache owner or visitors to the cache may have left for you to enjoy, if you take something, leave something of equal or greater value in return. 

Pretty simple huh? If you are interested in Geocaching and want to become part of a world-wide community of adventurers, then check out http://www.geocaching.com/ for more details, instruction, sign up, and everything else you need to know.

Below is a small video by Geocaching.com to help you out...

Enjoy!!!

CAMPFIRE COOKING: ROCK CHICKEN RECIPE

Campfire Cooking: Rock Chicken Recipe...

One of the best things about being in the wilderness, in my opinion, is eating a tasty meal around the campfire. Maybe it's the feeling of being primitive, or the open air, or maybe even a little dirt that always seems to find its way into the food, but for some reason food just tastes better in the bush.

One of my favorites is "Rock Chicken". it is a great meal when prepared properly. The use of hot rocks allows the chicken to roast slowly and the meat is quite tender and succulent. In cold weather, you can even prepare it and toss it into your backpack and it will help keep you warm on your trek... a warning for this though, DO NOT carry it in your backpack in areas frequented by bears!!! The last thing you need is to get mauled by a bear while hiking through the woods.

Here is my recipe for Rock Chicken...

It is an easy recipe that you can start and forget about for several hours. Here’s how it’s done, and yes, it’s primitive cooking.

 

1. Find three good-sized rocks about the size of softball, and place them in the campfire to get hot. Sometimes you get a rock that will crack when heated so it is wise to place a couple of extras in to heat, just in case. The rocks have to get very, very hot.

2. While the rocks are getting hot take a whole chicken and clean inside and out, then rub it down with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. Stuff 2 whole celery sticks and 1 whole onion into the chicken.

3. After the rocks are HOT, stuff one of the rocks into the chicken with the celery and onion. Place the chicken on a large sheet of tinfoil and take the other two rocks and place one under each wing.

4. Now wrap the chicken in several layers of tinfoil. If you don't use enough foil the rocks may burn through and you will lose too much heat to cook the bird.

5. Then take wet newspaper and wrap it around the tinfoil. Also make sure you wrap at least 10 to 20 layers of newspaper around it, the more the merrier. This will hold the heat of the rocks in extremely well.

6. Let the chicken cook. The heat of the rocks will cook the chicken in about 3 to 5 hours.

NOTE: it might be best to try this recipe at home before going into the wilderness... you want to make sure you have it right.

We hope you enjoy it!

VIDEO: IGW 2014 PROMO

IGW 2014 Is Coming...

Time is coming soon for the 3rd annual International GoPro Weekend. Our friends at The Goworld Project are already setting the stage for what is quickly becoming one of the biggest yearly events in adventure sports.

Read this blurb from their website...

What is International GoPro Weekend? IGW is an annual 3-day event in which we ask GoPro fanatics from around the world to film something using their GoPros. We then compile the footage they contribute to make a movie that shares our concurrent experiences from this 72 hour window… International GoPro Weekend! For IGW2012 we had 37 people from 14 countries submit content! For IGW2013 we had 127 people from over 40 countries. IGW2014 promises to be even bigger!

When is International GoPro Weekend? The 3rd annual IGW (aka IGW2014) will be held March 14, 15, and 16. Holding the event over a period of three days gives everyone the flexibility to pick a day to film that’s most convenient for them. However, it is NOT a requirement that your clip be filmed during this period; we just strongly encourage you to film on these three days, so that we can share our concurrent experiences.

How do I participate? To officially sign up, please send an email request to: IGW2014@GoWorldProject.com. We will respond with more details about the event, specifics about the content desired (resolution, fps, subject nature), general guidelines and how to go about submitting your clip(s) once IGW2014 has taken place. DON'T FORGET... we give out a ton of prizes at random for participation. In years past, we've given out: SD cards, GoPro accessories, stickers, posters, a HERO3 Silver and Black Edition!!! (Shouts out to GoPro for hooking up the cameras and gear!)

Check out the Promo Video Below!!!

LAST MINUTE GIFTS FOR THE ADVENTURER

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Adventurer

With Christmas less than 2 weeks away, one question comes to mind... What to get for the adventurer?

There are many, many ideas... from backpacks to ski poles to climbing ropes, but here are a couple of ideas (3 to be exact) that you might not have thought about, with a bit of uniqueness to them.

1. Biolite Camp Stove

The BioLite Wood Burning CampStove combines the benefits of a lightweight backpacking stove and an off-grid power charger so you can cook a meal while charging your gadgets. The Campstove is the perfect solution for both the backcountry campsite and also Emergency Preparedness Kits.

No Fuel to Buy or Carry: Our stoves cook your meals with nothing but the twigs you collect on your journey or in your backyard, eliminating the need for heavy, expensive, polluting petroleum gas. Quick to light, fast to boil and easy to use.

• Charge your Gadgets: By converting heat from the fire into usable electricity, our stoves will recharge your phones, lights and other gadgets while you cook dinner. Unlike solar, BioLite CampStove is a true on-demand source.
• Stay Green: By using renewable resources for fuel instead of petroleum, you're reducing your carbon footprint. You'll also keep fuel canisters out of the landfill.
• Be Prepared: The CampStove isn't just for camping; it's great to have when the power goes out in a storm or other natural disaster. You'll be able to cook and keep electronics charged while power lines are down. No need to worry about your local store being sold out of propane, the CampStove is designed to run on any biomass.
• Support a Better World: We're using the same technology inside the CampStove to bring clean, safe energy to families across the developing world.
• Have Fun: Like a campfire, you can sit around the CampStove and watch the flames dance as you roast marshmallows and tell stories with friends.
• How it Works: Using BioLite's patented thermoelectric technology, the BioLite CampStove converts heat to electricity that powers a fan to make the fire ultra-efficient. Extra electricity can be used to charge small electronics like mobile phones and LED lights.

You can find it HERE

2. Solar Powered Illuminating Bottle

This innovative bottle may be the ultimate travel multitasker. The one-liter, TritanTM, BPA-free plastic bottle is perfect for carrying water, but its wide mouth also makes it an excellent water-tight container for your valuables, and the volume scale printed on the side makes it handy for mixing.

But the real twist is in the lid: sealed inside the cap are four super-bright LEDs and one red LED (for night vision), along with a reflective lens that turns your plastic bottle into a brilliant camp light.

It's powered by a small, high efficiency FastSolarTM panel, so there are no batteries needed - ever! Features adjustable wrist or bag strap. Made in China. Available in red or smoke color.

You can find it HERE

3. MSR Quick 2 Cooking System

COOK LIKE A THREE-STAR CHEF AND EAT LIKE A KING.

You and friend can eat like kings when you pack the MSR Quick 2 Cooking System along on a backpacking trip. A combination of uncoated and nonstick hard-anondized aluminum pots allows you to pick the right tool for your particular cooking style, and the included bowls, plates, and mugs give you the tools to enjoy your feast. Nest all the small components inside the 2.5L pot, throw the lid on, and the whole deal fits nice-and-neat inside your pack.

• Hard-anondized pot is highly durable, lightweight, and big enough to store the entire eating system nested inside
• Hard-anondized non-stick pot combines the benefits of lightweight material with the cooking advantage of a non-stick coating
• Pot lid has a built in strainer to make cooking pasta or veggies even easier
• DeepDish plates keep big meals or soup contained, and the polypropylene material is easy to clean
• Talon pot handle makes it safer and easier to grab the pot while cooking
• Insulated mugs keep hot beverages hot, and include lids have built in sipping spouts
• System includes a single 2.5-liter pot with strainer lid, a single 1.5-liter nonstick pot, two polypropylene plates, one pot handle, and two insulated mugs with lids.

You can find it HERE

Hope fully we gave you a few ideas... now go get something for the adventurer in your family... or for yourself!

ROAD TRIP: SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Courtesy - Mexicotime.net

Time to Hit the Road...

I love a good road trip! Hitting the road to a destination that will bring fun and adventure is a part of the human spirit. 

The road calls us. It beckons us. Indeed it is etched in our spirit just as it is etched into the landscape.

This weekend a road trip will lead me to South Padre Island for a weekend of fun and adventure on the white sandy beaches of South Texas. Adventure awaits with a decent surf forecast, blue waters for snorkeling, and maybe even parasailing if the opportunity presents itself.

Will update later with pics and a wrap up of the trip...

Mahalo!

INTERVIEW: 10 QUESTIONS WITH IGW FOUNDER MIKE COOK

International GoPro Weekend Founder Mike Cook

Interview - IGW Founder Mike Cook

Today marks the release of Trailer #2 of the upcoming IGW2013 movie. International GoPro Weekend movies have become a great benchmark in adventure films and we here at Human Spirit of Adventure are fortunate enough to score an interview with IGW's founder Mike Cook.

Mike is an adventurer/filmmaker out of Colorado who we at HSA consider ourselves lucky enough to have developed a friendship with over the last several months... Read the interview and see the new trailer below...

1. Tell us, what is the IGW? In a nutshell, IGW is an annual 3-day event where GoPro fanatics from around the world capture something with their camera during this 72 hour window. They then submit their footage and I make a movie that shares our concurrent experiences from this one weekend… International GoPro Weekend. IGW is the most central event of our community, the GoWorld GoPro Project. Our community is here to have fun together, all while sharing our stories with the world using GoPro cameras. IGW is one of those avenues.

2. What inspired the IGW? In 1986 David Elliot Cohen made a book called “A Day in the Life of America.” The theme: photographers, professional and amateur, all take a photograph on the same day. He then complied the photos and made a book showing what was going on in America on this one day. It was a really simple premise, but it always struck me as powerful. That, and well, I’m actually in one of the pictures. My older sister submitted a photo that made the final cut. I decided to borrow this theme, only using GoPro cameras. As for this theme of sharing concurrent experiences during a specified duration of time, it has gone on for a while. In 2011 Ridley Scott, YouTube, and National Geographic made an online movie called, “Life in a Day”, that had this same theme, but using video. “Life in a Day”, hmmmmm, I wonder where they got that name and idea?

3. When is the IGW2013 film set to debut? July 15, 2103

 READ MORE AND SEE THE TRAILER AFTER THE JUMP

CAMPING - The Rite of Passage

CAMPING – The Rite of Passage

Ahhh summer is drawing near. The air is getting warm, school will soon be out, and millions of families will answer the call of the wild and brave the great outdoors in the ritual known as camping.

Growing up, my mom and dad would gather us up; load up the car and off we would go on an exciting journey. As kids we looked forward to cooking hotdogs and roasting marshmallows on the open flame, hiking all day to a nice and cool swimming hole, and tell ghost stories around the fire.

As adults, when we look back, we forget the snakes, scorpions, bugs, and mosquitoes, but we remember the time that dad fell in the water and mom forgot the popcorn. Summer camping is a ritual, a rite of passage that is fun, memorable, and at times disastrous.

So as summer descends on us, whether we are backpacking through the outback, or car-camping in a campground, let us not forget certain essentials that will make the trip more bearable and fun, and give great memories that will last a lifetime.

Below, we have compiled a list of some essentials… this is a broad list that can be narrowed down for solo backpacker, or expanded for the car-camping family of city-slickers... Oh yeah, don’t forget the popcorn!

CAMPING LIST AFTER THE JUMP...

Adventure Week - Day 2... VAS

Courtesy - PeriscopeFilm.com

So I awoke on Sunday morning in hopes of good surf, but I knew the moment I stepped outside that there would be too much onshore winds for anything good. But alas, Texan surfers have a saying... "You won't know if you don't go", so I went.
I loaded up the jeep with my surf gear, called up a buddy, and tried to hit up a dawn patrol. My friend who arrived before me called as I was nearing the beach saying it was total choof, but a few guys were giving it a go.

Being like I thought, I decided I was in no hurry and stopped for a cup of coffee, then pulled onto the beach. I took a stroll down the jetty to find my friend looking sad. The surf was big, choppy, and wind-blown... and the cold front hadn't even arrived yet. Most of the better shortboarders were getting a drop and maybe a turn before the wave totally closed out.

Since my friend hadn't paddled out in a while, we thought we'd give it a go anyway. It was for naught. Being a longboarder makes for real difficulty in that kind of wind. Not to mention the steepness of the waves. I pearled the first two tries, stood up finally on the third wave which closed out as I hit the bottom. This went on for an hour or so before I said "Screw it" and went on in. It was a good thing too because not fifteen minutes later the from hit, kicking winds up to about 45mph.

I spent the rest of the day hiking a bandit biking trail, searching for good camera placement spots for the documentary.

Such is life as a Texan surfer...

Water... The Most Precious Resource

Photo: People Are Awesome

What is the world’s most precious resource?

Some might say oil. Others might tell you that it is energy. But the cold hard truth is that water is the world’s most precious resource… and we are in danger of losing it.

How can we be in danger of losing it when the earth is 70% water?

The truth is we are nearing a point of no return. Oceans, rivers, and lakes are contaminated every day. Many nations around the world struggle to find clean drinking water. The ocean has become a dumping ground for toxic waste, trash, and plastic.

Consider this… [READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP]

Sick Mountain Biking Video...

Courtesy - fatman2ironman.com

When the urge hits, but due to work or whatever reason I'm unable to get out and ride, I just love to scour the web for sick mountain biking videos.

I stumbled on this video on such a day. I found it on YouTube and I've watched it at least a dozen times.

This video is very well shot and has 4 sick riders just tearing it up...

Check it out below!

President Picks Adventurer Sally Jewell for Interior Secretary...

Photo Courtesy of University of Denver

We here at Human Spirit of Adventure prefer not to delve into the political arena. We believe that Adventure Sports should be for testing a persons intestinal fortitude instead of political gain. However, we cannot help but notice that President Obama has picked Sally Jewell to replace Ken Salazar as Interior Secretary.

Jewell, an avid adventurer who counts kayaking and climbing among her favorite adventure sports, is president and CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), one of the nation’s largest outdoor and recreational retailers. She’s on a handful of corporate and nonprofit boards, including the National Parks Conservation Association.

The Interior position is usually held by a politician from a Western state. Jewell is not a politician, but she is a Westerner and grew up in an outdoorsy family in Washington State.

As top-dog of an outdoor supply company that counts millions of hunters and fishermen as customers, Jewell represents a conservation agenda that could unite political parties. When it comes to protecting the environment, environmentalists and sportsmen groups often join efforts to protect America’s wilderness areas, which is something most, if not all adventurers can agree needs protecting.

So congratulations to Sally Jewell, we hope that political office will not uproot your love for the wilderness, environment, and the trail.

Backpack Review - Gama 8.0 Internal Frame Pack

So I finally decided to retire my 25 year old Army issue ALICE pack and get myself a new bag for 1-to-3 day hikes. I was skeptical about buying a budget-pack from Wal-Mart, but so far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with its performance. The Outdoor Products Gama 8.0 Internal Frame Pack is designed to provide a great pack for hiking or shorter backpacking trips. It has all of the modern conveniences that a good pack should have. For anyone who wants to use this pack as a street bag, you may not be happy with it. It has an over-sized waist belt and comes in 2 ugly colors… olive green (shown) and orange. I chose the olive green because I’m not thrilled about standing out on the trail… however I do live in Texas and the orange one might be better for protecting me from drunk, gun-toting rednecks (That was a joke so lighten up people). I took this 39.1L pack for a 2-day tryout and I must say that it met the test. I've not tried it on a longer trip or in overly rugged terrain, but for a low-budget pack I still feel pretty good about it.


For my overall assessment of this pack, READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

Black Bear Sightings On The Rise In Texas...

Photo courtesy of Animal Planet

Black Bear sightings are on the rise in Texas according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.
Usually black bears are only seen around the Big Bend area but this year they seem to have migrated in from Mexico.
Hikers, backpackers, and many outdoor enthusiasts have learned to coexist with these magnificent creatures while having a heavy respect for the dangers involved.
Hill Country residents are now having to increase their awareness.

Read the press release from TPWD below...

Nov. 27, 2012
Black bear activity on the upswing in the Hill Country and South Texas
AUSTIN -- Black bear activity in the Hill Country and South Texas along the Rio Grande from Del Rio to below Laredo is increasing, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists.
Though historically it has been very rare for bears to be sighted south or east of Val Verde County, so far in 2012 there have been a dozen such sightings.
"This is likely a result of a growing number of bears in Mexico dispersing and searching for food after severe droughts and wildfires," says TPWD biologist Jonah Evans of Alpine, the department's bear coordinator. "Whether these sightings signify a permanent recolonization of Central and South Texas remains to be seen."
While black bears are native to all of Texas, in the early 1900's, heavy hunting and trapping completely eliminated them from the state. Currently, the only established breeding populations are in the Big Bend area of West Texas.
"Black bears are generally not a risk to humans," Evans says. "But they can become a nuisance if they gain a taste for human food, pet food, or trash. We've recently received several reports of bears tipping over and damaging deer feeders and a few raiding trash cans along the border."
Evans says the department's goal is for people and bears to coexist peacefully.
"By eliminating food rewards, we eliminate most of the problems," he says. "Many communities in bear country have effectively adapted to live with bears, but it takes everyone working together and doing their part."
The most effective strategy is for residents along the border to secure their trash, bird feeders, and pet food, so bears don't become habituated to easy meals, Evans notes.
"This cannot be overstated," he continues. "The saying 'A fed bear is a dead bear' is absolutely true. If a bear becomes habituated and food-conditioned, there is little we can do to save it. It will likely have to be destroyed."
TPWD is asking for people to report all bear sightings. If a bear is causing a nuisance, TPWD will work with residents to secure attractants and may attempt to haze the bear. In extreme situations, the bear may be relocated. Biologists are also available to give talks and educational programs on living with bears. Since black bears are a threatened species in Texas, they cannot be legally hunted or harmed.
If you see a bear, please report it to Jonah Evans at (432) 837-2051 x228.
Bear activity reported so far this year includes:
--Maverick County -- Jan. 26 -- Sighting
--Starr County -- July 30 -- Relocated
--Kimble County -- Aug. 6 -- Sighting
--Menard County -- Aug. 8 -- Sighting
--Schleicher County -- Aug. 8 -- Sighting
--Sutton County Aug. 12 -- Sighting
--Webb County -- Aug. 27 -- Killed on road by vehicle
--Uvalde County Aug. 31 -- Sighting
--Kinney County Sept. 25 -- Sighting
--Maverick County -- Oct. 14 -- Relocated
--Val Verde County -- Nov. 3 -- Sighting

--Edwards County -- Nov. 5 -- Sighting

Be Adventurous... Get Out and Do Something!

Every day there are people pushing themselves to the edge, seeing how far they can go, testing the boundaries, and exceeding their ouwn expectations.

Too often we sit at our desks, or on the couch, saying that we want adventure. There are few of us who actually seek out the adventure. We don't have the time, we're too busy, or we're too lazy... plain and simple, we are not motivated.

No matter what it is you like to do... hiking, biking, surfing, climbing, or riding motorcycles... there should always be an element of adventure. Adventure is what makes humans go farther.

One of our Facebook followers posted this video. It is very inspirational and adrenalizing. It is quite simply motivating. So watch it... then go outside and get your adventure on!

Good Knives Save Lives...

Copyright 2012 - Human Spirit of Adventure

I love a good knife. In a survival situation, a good knife will save your life.

They are such handy tools to have around in everyday life, not to mention during the course of an adventure. In survival situations, they will help you with building shelter, finding food, first aid, defense, and a myriad of other things that pop up.

When I was in the Army, I once had a Platoon Sergeant who made the comment "Good knives save lives" and I have found that to be true on more than one occasion. In fact, the very first time I used my Gerber Mark I was to cut a suspension line away from my parachute that had wrapped over the canopy and was causing a "Mae West". Once the line was cut, the canopy inflated fully and I safely landed without injury.


I have a vast collection of blades... literally hundreds of them. But in survival situations, there are really four of them I depend on most.

The first is my Gerber Mark I (Pictured left above). This knife has been with me for over 22 years. I first acquired it when I was in the Army. A gift from a girlfriend. As mentioned earlier, this knife saved my life several times and I will never leave home without it. Gerber makes one of, if not the finest blades available.

The second is my Victorinox Swiss Army knife (Pictured above at bottom). Not enough can be said about the Swiss Army knife. It is likely the most versatile knife ever made. This blade has been used by campers, hikers, outdoors-men  and military units all over the world. It is the forerunner to most popular multi-tools on the market today.

The third is a no-name brand, Chinese-made blade that I bought for $5 at a flea market (pictured center above). I never expected the knife to hold up under any condition, nor hold an edge for very long. Amazingly, it has surpassed every expectation. I have cut rope, vines, paracord, meat, and a list of other things with it and the blade has never dulled, corroded, or rusted. I have used it as a screwdriver and a pry bar with no damage. Who knew that it would hold up so well? I don't think I would want it as my only option in a survival situation, but given that it has proven itself  it is a better option than many other brand-name knives that I own.

The fourth is a knife I carry every day for use at work. It is a Ka-bar folding knife (pictured right above). very sharp, hold a good edge, and is versatile.

When it comes to survival knives, my suggestion is to do your research, find the knife that fits your needs, and experiment with it at home before taking it on the trail. You don't want it to let you down when you need it most.

Extreme Adventure Vehicles Pt. 1

Photo Courtesy of Sportsmobile.com

One item that every adventurer dreams of owning is the ultimate adventure vehicle. The very thought of being able to access the inaccessible is one of the driving forces in an adventure.

Have you ever wished that you could have the conveniences of an RV, but knew there was no way your Winnebago was going to make it through that rough outback trail? Have you ever spent hours thinking of how to build the perfect vehicle for your adventure needs? Have you ever wished there was a vehicle on the market that would satisfy your taste for adventure? Well, there is.

This is the first of a series dedicated to Extreme Adventure Vehicles. These are not your average 4X4... no, this is a salute to the truly EXTREME!

One such vehicle (if you have an extra $80,000) is a custom Sportsmobile. These things are great. They are a 4X4 van with many options for customization. They can be as comfortable as they are rugged and will definitely get you where it is that you want to go. It's all up to you!

These vehicles passed the test in MOAB and Baja... they just might work for you.


Check out their website and all of the custom options HERE

2012 Winter Outlook for Adventurers

With winter weather approaching in many U.S. States, outdoor adventurers are keeping an eye on whats going to happen with the "Elusive" El Nino.

Weather Prediction experts expected El Nino to begin by now, but that hasn't been the case. That makes this years outlook less certain than in previous years. The western half of the U.S, along with Alaska  is expected to be warmer, while Florida and Hawaii are expected to be cooler. The eastern half looks to be about normal conditions. This could be good news for many adventurers and climbers, but not so great for skiers and winter-sports enthusiasts.

What can you say? If you don't like the weather, just wait an hour and it will change.

To read this years outlook from NOAA, click HERE... or check our Sidebar for more info.

EXPEDITION: Big Bend - Pt. 1 - The Destination

Photo courtesy of: Texasexplorer.com

OK, for the last month or so I have been trying to decide the destination for my next expedition. I have known for awhile that I want a multi-themed adventure but not entirely sure what I wanted to do, nor where I've wanted to go.
The foremost thought on my mind has been a hiking expedition. I'm talking about a rugged, nasty hike that will sap the strength right out of you... maybe throw in a rock climb or two and viola... the perfect getaway.

I have finally chosen the destination and set the time frame for such an excursion. I have decided that Big Bend Natl. Park shall be the destination, and the week of March 10, 2013 will be the time.

The main reason that I have chosen Big Bend is because of diversity. Big Bend has a multitude of choices for hiking. From desert hikes, to mountain hikes, to river hikes, Big Bend has it all. According to research from the National Park Service's website, "Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. Elevation changes produce an exception variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas. Generally, hikers can expect a 20°F temperature difference between low and high elevation hiking areas." There are more than 150 miles of trails in a large desert expanse, each filled with adventure, just waiting to challenge me..

Yes... I do believe this will be a most glorious adventure. I will provide regular updates on planning the trip, preparing for the trip, and much more. Stay tuned for EXPEDITION: Big Bend!