No S'more is Worth it

Currently, firefighters in Colorado are battling yet another forest fire. Here's the setting less than 25 miles from where I live...the Indian Gulch fire. 

Our dry, mountain climate sets the stage for such events, but when combined with some areas of severe pine beetle damage and years of fire suppression, opportunity for a massive incident is almost inevitable. Would you believe that almost 460,000 acres have burned this year. It's only March. Check here if you're curious to see where these fires are.

 Seems only appropriate to have a conversation about fire...as we head into the season of family vacations and camping excursions with friends. A campfire is the highlight of such adventures for many. There's nothing quite like gathering around the warmth of a fire, gazing at stars, possibly even cooking your dinner. It doesn't take but a minute for the fun and frolic to turn into something far more dangerous. As with most accidents, you only have to miss one step...look away for one second. Let's prevent that from happening this year. Let's teach our friends and kids to be responsible with flame by setting the example. We can take it seriously. Remember that, as Smokey tells us, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!"

When to say NO
* If fires are prohibited in the area you're staying
     - check in advance with the park/rec area you're visiting to ask about policies
     - ask if firerings are already on site
* Weather conditions are dangerous
     - if there's excessive wind or you're visiting in a drought or heat wave, don't risk it.

Where to Build
* If fires are allowed and there's no fire pit
     - build at least 15 feet from trees, shrubs, tents etc
     - watch for low-hanging branches
     - be downwind

How to Build
     - clear around the site (about 10 ft in all directions)
     - dig a pit at least 1 ft deep
     - build up around the pit with rocks
     - make sure anything flammable is kept far away (extra wood, tents etc)
     - make sure you have water nearby (also a shovel/trowel)
     - always use pre-fallen wood

While it's Burning
     - NEVER leave your fire unattended. Even a trip to the port-a-tree can spell disaster for unattended fire.
     - keep an eye on kids and pets.
     - size matters. While fun for a while, a fire burning too large can become unmanageable too fast
     - don't ever burn aerosol or pressurized cans as they can explode

When You're Done
     - it's best to let your fire burn all the way down to ash.
     - don't just douse, drown all embers until the hissing stops
     - stir anything remaining in the pit until everything is wet and cold to the touch
     - don't leave logs. scrape embers away from them so as not to reignite

What if There's No Water Handy?
     - while water is preferred, you can use dirt with a few very important rules
          * mix dirt in slowly with your shovel/trowel
          * never bury a fire. it will continue to smolder underground.



Two Purses Both Alike in Dignity

In fair Granby where we set our scene...

 

I'm one of these girls who has been carrying the same purse for years. In fact, it's not even a purse. It's more of a satchel I guess. About 7 years ago, my brother gave it to me for Christmas. It's a North Face, magnetic-closure bag. I immediately fell in love with this thing that enabled me to lug around my junk while keeping my hands free. It's just big enough to hold my wallet, camera, chapstick and some interchangeable accessories (ipod, hat/gloves etc). It's sporty. Once I received it, I never looked back.

That is, until last year. Last June, my brother got married. She's an incredible SIL and I love her like crazy. She's fun, caring, compassionate, hard-working on-and-on-and-on. She's also quite fashionable (like, catalog-worthy)...and outspoken. In making one of the many trips back to Omaha in preparation for the wedding, she called me out on my little satchel. "When are you going to get a real purse?" she said to me. Huh. She said this in teasing (sort of) and with a sly grin but I knew somewhere in there, she was serious.

Was I using a kids bag? Was I so "sporty" that the femininity had been sucked from my wardrobe? Had I lost the balance between fashion and function? Did I care?

When I flew in for the the wedding weekend, my first stop was to find a more appropriate way to carry around my things. I found a more fashion-conscious hobo bag to accompany me to the festivities. I bought it, not because it really matters one way or another to me, but because I knew my SIL would prefer that I arrive in my black satin cocktail dress, black patent-leather wedge footwear and baubles...without my old North Face shoulder slinger. As I pulled up to the rehearsal dinner, I walked a little taller, knowing she would approve of my new purchase. It was a sort of wedding-gift-in-jest. She noticed right away.

Now I have both bags. I use them for different occasions, channeling the SIL voice in my head for dressier events while still using my old standby when the desire for function supersedes. No one I spend time with really cares what I throw my junk into but lately I've been thinking about the greater implications for identity and stuff.

We wear many hats, and carry many purses, in our lives. Wives, mothers, girlfriends, mentors, business-partners, outdoors-women etc. We are often expected to "have it all together" for all aspects of our personalities. We are expected to have event-specific handbags for goodness sake. I've heard men say they'd love a woman who can look smokin' in the little black dress while also being adventurous enough to hold her own on a ski slope...backpacking trip...rock climb. In all honesty, we probably look for the same versatility in men. We watch for the briefcase, the purse/wallet, the backpack, the fanny-pack (oy!). We use these thing to identify others, to characterize them as "sporty," "superficial," "fashionable," "practical." None of us are any ONE of these things, but a combination of them all.

It's interesting when something as unimportant as a purse can force a look at the varied aspects of our personalities and culture. All of which, by the way, are alike in dignity.

Betasso Preserve

 Last weekend, my boyfriend had an obligation in Boulder. Needing a random adventure, I opted to join him on the day-trip and planned quite the little escape for myself.

We left the pup with a dog-sitter for the day and hit the road bright and early last Saturday. After dropping him off at the East Boulder Community Center for the day, I hit the town alone.

The plan: CU Boulder's Natural History Museum for the mind. Bikram Yoga for the body. An afternoon hike at the Betasso Preserve for the spirit. Top it all off with a dinner with friends over my favorite black bean burger at Mountain Sun and that, my friends, is a GREAT DAY!

The Natural History Museum is small but worthy (and free! suggested donation $3). One of the many cool things in the collection is a triceratops skull. It made me giddy enough to rival the munchkins running around. The lower level boasted an incredible art display called Portraits of Mass Consumption. Imagine visuals that could drive home the number of cans, plastic cups, paper bags and plastic bits that get thrown out in a matter of hours in the U.S. It's staggering but well represented. A great reminder that while it seems as if one paper Starbucks cup a day isn't bad, it's awful when multiplied by all Americans. I've been much better at bringing my own mug this week, that's for sure. And I think I try avoiding those in-flight beverages. Here's a peek:

Running the Numbers: Portraits of Mass Consumption

Artist Chris Jordan

January 20 - April 30, 2011

      The portrait above depicts one million plastic cups, the number used on airline flights in the US every six hours.

Bikram at the College of India was.... well, it was Bikram. This was by far the largest studio I have been in and it made me miss the cozy atmosphere of One Tree back home. It was harder to feel as though we were all working as a unit here that it does at One Tree and although I liked that it was well lit, this added to the distractions to overcome while trying to focus in the middle of my forehead. Overall, it did what Bikram was supposed to do-it kicked my butt and made me feel completely great. It was nice that they had showers on site so I could clean up for the rest of the afternoon.

As M was done with his work at 2, I went right from yoga to pick him up for our hike at the Betasso Preserve. The 3.3 mile Canyon Loop Trail just outside of Boulder was the perfect length for late in the afternoon, particularly after the 1 1/2 hour workout I had just come from. We ambled at a leisurely pace, snapping pictures (I couldn't get the Stellar's Jay to sit still long enough to capture. Maybe next time) and looking for wildlife, greeting fellow hikers and smelling the sweet vanilla scent of the Ponderosa Pines. Other than being nearly run over by some mountain bikers (on a prohibited trail), it was a perfect stroll. I kept picturing it as a perfect after work trail run. If only it wasn't 2 hours from my workplace. 

Last but not least, we hit my FAVORITE hippie burger joint/brewery, Mountain Sun. The first time I ate here, with my friend Annalea, I ordered the black bean burger and became very confused by the lack of meat, having only expected it to come with black beans on it....not to be made of beans. No matter though, I was hooked at first taste. Good thing too, as I no longer partake of the meat varieties. Some friends came from Estes park to dine with us, which was a great treat.

A chai from The Cup , served by a guy with the coolest sleeve tattoo I have ever seen, and I was set for the drive back home. A great Colorado adventure day.

Shroud of Purrin: Part Two

 Here's where you get to find out what in the world the title of this post means. It doesn't really have anything to do with Texas whatsoever...other than it being the name of two of the items I snagged at the latest Backwoods sale while visiting Fort Worth.

 While in the store, I attempted to stay responsible with my money. I found a pair of Danskos for 1/2 off so, duh. I also found these softshell pants:

Nau: Shroud of Purrin Pants

 (not my butt)

Now, there was this amazing softshell jacket in the same line, also 1/2 off, but by the time I had decided on the pants and shoes, I was further in the hole than imagined...so I called it quits. That is, until a few days later, when BW offered an additional 14% off any item, including sale items, for Valentine's Day. Since the Omaha store doesn't carry this line, I immediately dialed up Fort Worth and ordered the jacket to match. I guess if you leave an item behind and are still thinking about it 3 days later, it's something you'd really like to have. So, here's the jacket I apparently couldn't live without:

Nau: Shroud of Purrin Jacket

I'm not typically a shopping nut but put me near technical gear and I have much less self control. I cannot bring myself to pay more than $10 for a cotton shirt, because it could never (should never) be worn for anything other than hanging out but, as most of you know, put some merino wool in front of me and that $45 shirt seems reasonable for all that it does (it will also last longer and probably has some sort of warranty on it).

Now that I'm back home in my winter wonderland, here's a list of what I love and don't love about these two items.

Pros 

* Almost 100% recycled and recyclable. how great is that?!
* Great look: Just as easily street wear as hiking
* Durable/ Heavyweight
* Wind/Water Resistant (it IS a softshell)
* Fleece Pockets for warming up hands
* Zippers on the ends of the sleeves make getting gloves on/off easy        
* High Collar to block out the wind
* Poly-fleece liner insulates and wicks away moisture
* Length- as us tall chicks know, getting sleeves and the back long enough is rare. What is it with midriff-bearing softshells?!    
* The pants come with built-in gaiters. Even better, they snap into your boots!
* VERY Flattering fit. The jacket could easily camouflage a muffin top while the pants could give anyone a shapely rear. I have never tried on a pair of technical pants that got a woman's figure right. Well done!            

Cons
* $$$- It ain't cheap to get nice-looking, form-fitting, recycled gear. Retail value on the jacket is $280. The pants $250. Ouch! Glad I didn't pay nearly that amount.
          (although I still might have for the pants. they're the most flattering pants I own right now. Period.)
* Heavy- The jacket is 24oz, the pants are 23 oz. This is a heavy set to consider packing for bigger excursions. I'd probably pack the pants and bring a lighter weight jacket.
* No ventilation- If I were doing a longer hike in this set, I might be concerned that there's no way to ventilate them. No leg, pit or pocket vents. Combine this with the heavy weight of the material and it could make for a very warm hike.

* This is nit-picky but I wish the zipper pulls were a little larger. It's a bit tricky zipping with gloves on.

As you can see, the pros drastically outweigh the cons so I think, all in all, they were worth the investment. What do you think?                       

Shroud of Purrin: Part One

 In mid February, I was asked to represent my employer at a trade show in San Antonio. This is the second time I've attended this particular show and while I'm not convinced we should be there, I enjoy the show for several reasons.
1. I get to leave the mountains and head for the Texas sunshine in February-right about when those winter blues begin to set in.
       a. I can wear my Chacos
       b. I can remember why I chose the dry mountain air over so much humidity
2. San Antonio is a very eclectic town that I thoroughly enjoy exploring (more on that later)
3. The co-worker who attends with me is a LOT of fun. She and I walk all over the place and love finding new attractions, especially if they're off the beaten tourist track.
4. For some reason, margaritas taste better in Texas.

This year, our trek added a few stops as we had clients to visit in other parts of Texas. Our itinerary called for us to visit Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney and Austin in addition to San Antonio. The addition of our rental car freed us up to mosey as we pleased in our off time.

 So, what do two Colorado girls do in Texas in their free time??? We visit gear shops, of course! It was a given that one of these stops be to my old stomping grounds (sort of) with a trip to the Backwoods Fort Worth store. Having never visited the pimped-out version of the Omaha shop, it was a must see. Lots of square footage, new fixtures, new brands...sigh. Being a firm believer that I should support the place that spent so many years supporting me, it became quite advantageous that there were still some sale items around! And how THRILLING that many of them were winter items (which, of course, serve little purpose in TX). I knew right away that my wallet was in trouble.

The loot I walked away with will be shared in the next post. For now, let me share a few of the pictures I took from our week on foot in Texas.

                                                         Market Square: San Antonio

Riverwalk Area

sorry for the lack of actual riverwalk pics

 Fred's Texas Cafe: Fort Worth (stamped by Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives)

 Amazingly, they offered a Portobello Burger...and I was told "You know there's no meat on that, right?" about 5 times when I ordered it.

To be continued...

Relating

This blog has nothing to do with the outdoors.


It's been a month. Over a month. What a long month it's been.
 
I guess I should apologize for falling off the face of the Earth when it comes to the blog. Fact is that I needed the break. Not because I don't love doing it or that I don't love you all who read it but because I've been in somewhat of a tailspin since my dad died.

Have you ever noticed that our society is not built to nurture relationships? We work and work and work and volunteer and have a million errands. We have homes to redecorate (ok, not me, but some people) and random tasks pulling us in every direction.We squeeze in coffee dates and quality time with those we love....if there's time in the midst of all the busy-ness. That's just kind of wrong.

Without anyone speaking a word, I returned from travel and dad's memorial services, feeling as if I was expected to hit the ground running. As if it should be no big deal to jump right back into work and social situations. Only, that's not the case and, in truth, I don't want it to be. If I were able to quickly recover from the loss of my FATHER, there would have been something seriously wrong with my commitment to that relationship while he was living.

We all come from different faith backgrounds and belief systems but it is my strong opinion that when we all go, the only lasting thing we ever get to "leave behind" are our relationships. The people we made time for, laughed, cried and planned adventures with. That's it. It's important to care about my work (I'm there too many hours not to) but really, I'm only preparing that work for someone to come after me. My apartment will not be my apartment forever. Someone will live there after me. So, why waste copious amounts of time in choosing the perfect pillow for the couch? It doesn't matter.

People matter. People. All of them. Treat them well. Listen to them. Make lots of time for knowing them and letting them know you. This little blog has meant a lot to me. A way to know and be known. I still think of great topics all of the time. I've just been making the time to enjoy the face-to-face company of others...and some time alone reflecting as well.

If you stick with me, I'll come around again. I really do love this forum and all of you real chicks...who are the people...the relationships...I do this all for anyway.

Ecola State Park

  In my opinion, there are few places as spectacular and stunning as the Oregon coast. To me, it is pure magic. I don't mind that the beaches aren't warm. It doesn't bother me that it's always a little overcast and chilly. I will still take off my shoes and walk barefoot. The Oregon coast is like a cup of Earl Grey tea...it's soothing, calming and almost makes you want to curl up on the sand and take a nap.
  To catch you up after these weeks of absence, when my dad passed away, the family trekked out to Washington state (he was there when he died) for five days while dealing with affairs, seeing friends and family, mourning and preparing to bring him home to Nebraska. It was a special few days to remember dad in one of his favorite places, which has also become one of mine over the years.
  About the middle of the week, we loaded up in the rental cars (shout out to the Town and Country) and drove from Grandma's house in Longview to the coast of Oregon. We stopped in three of the most perfect places I know, one of which was Ecola State Park. Because it didn't occur to me to grab my camera when packing for such a tragic event, I was left without photos of my own...although my sis-in-law was better prepared and snapped a few. I don't know why I worry about it though. Every time I visit this area, I attempt to capture on film was is really just meant to be seen with the eyes.

 (M and I acting out Titanic...cause that's how we roll)

(SIL Alissa, Mom, M and I)

  At this point, I'm going to let  Oregon.gov bring you up to speed on the history of this place:

 One of Ecola State Park's first attractions was a beached whale. In 1806, Capt. William Clark and twelve members of the Corps of Discovery climbed over rocky headlands and fought their way through thick shrubs and trees to get to the whale in what is now Ecola State Park. Today, a paved road from Cannon Beach makes your trek to the park much easier. Winding your way through towering Sitka spruce, you suddenly emerge upon a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to have your camera ready.


Ecola State Park offers year-round recreation for all types of modern day explorers. Stop for a picnic to feed your hungry adventurers before taking to the many miles of trails. At Indian Beach you can begin your own expedition on The Clatsop Loop Trail, a new interpretive trail you that gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of Capt. Clark and his men.

There's more to the park than this rich history. Surfers ride the waves at Indian Beach and tide pools await your discovery. Keep a watchful eye open for the many species of wildlife and birds that call Ecola home. Spot migrating gray whales during winter and spring. And after a long day of exploration, stop for an overnight rest on Tillamook Head in the park's primitive cabins, (cabins are small and very primitive) a 1.5 mile hike from the Indian Beach trailhead.

Thanks for that, guys. Really, the only way to experience a rainforest that drops into the ocean is to see it for yourself. Until you can get there, I suppose these will have to suffice:

(photo: royce bair)

 (photo travelpod.com)

 (photo: rolf hicker)

(photo: ann hornyak)

(photo: s.king)

 

As a side note, we ran into a few guys in Ecola that were prepping for filming. They're making a movie out of Blue Like Jazz....uuuhhhhhhhhhhh AWESOME!