If you spend enough time in the outdoors, you are likely to experience a close call with death. Whether it’s a bear encounter, loss of footing on a steep slope or simply unexpected weather, every smart person who chooses to experience the inherent risks of outdoor adventure must be prepared – physically and mentally – [...]
Read the full article…From the August 2009 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
You know how it is. Five, maybe seven, even two and a half miles into a backcountry campsite, perhaps somewhere only your GPS knows. Your feet hurt, and legs ache. After pitching your tent, it’s dinner time. Those who know backpacking understand the key essentials for survival: food, water, shelter. Besides scenery, good food is [...]
Read the full article…From the May 2009 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
Locavores and foodies take note: Paul Roberts is coming to Spokane April 15-16th to talk about his newest book, The End of Food, for Eastern Washington University’s annual Get Lit! Festival. After growing up on Orcas Island, Roberts now lives in Leavenworth and has earned notable acclaim as a journalist covering economics and energy issues. In [...]
Read the full article…From the April 2009 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
Everyone can have a “lake place” if you consider all the public campgrounds and backcountry alpine lakes that are available for little to no cost. Only a two-hour drive from Spokane, Priest Lake is one of mine. It provides an easy, low-cost retreat even for minimalist outdoor recreationists—you don’t need a boat to have fun. [...]
Read the full article…From the September 2008 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
Hiking two miles an hour into the wilderness with forty pounds on your back creates its own type of Zen state. And the most pure way to explore Glacier National Park (GNP), in Montana, is by venturing into its backcountry. Only a five-hour drive from Spokane to West Glacier, GNP is not for the casual [...]
Read the full article…From the August 2008 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
Growing up in Western Washington, I took old-growth trees for granted. I assumed every forest had huge, gnarly trees. SKINNY ONES WERE WEIRD. BUT IN Eastern Washington, old-growth is more rare, more precious and more vulnerable to disturbances like logging and fire. “Current old growth in Eastern Washington exists because they were put in reserve [...]
Read the full article…From the July 2008 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
NOTHING PINK, NOTHING DAINTY. When venturing outdoors with your four-legged friend, there are serious gear options to consider. The frugal-minded might wonder why a collar and leash aren’t good enough for a camping or backcountry adventure. Well, imagine no longer carrying your dog’s food, water, treats and other necessities. Ruff Wear makes some of the [...]
Read the full article…From the May 2008 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
DIRT PROVIDES RESPITE for a runner’s body, while road is unforgiving. “Trail running is so much softer on joints and bones; I could not put in nearly as much mileage if it was all on pavement. Also, just the beauty of it and getting out of the city and back to nature,” says Chris Zeller, [...]
Read the full article…From the April 2008 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
Snow camping separates the die-hard backpackers from the rest of us who simply tolerate it or enjoy it for its best moments of adventure and serene wilderness. Those that love it with a particular zeal, however, share an unbridled passion for winter splendor-shoveling a level spot for pitching a tent, digging into snow to build [...]
Read the full article…From the March 2008 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
Among Nordic ski aficionados, the Methow (properly pronounced as ‘Met-how’) Valley is revered as Washington State’s mecca. And Sun Mountain Lodge, a 15-minute drive from the town of Winthrop, is a AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort with front door access to more than 200 kilometers of machine-groomed Nordic ski trails surrounded by over a million [...]
Read the full article…From the December 2007 Issue. Magazine Article | Comments Off
