I have a friend from Hawaii coming for a visit in August. She would like to do a 3-4 day backpacking trip while she is here. I've done these with her before but our trips have been pretty close to sea level. She would like a trip that gets us up into the mountains but is not a difficult trek. Long hikes are not a problem, but steep elevation would be for her. Any suggestions? I'm also willing to consider southern Colorado. Thanks.
I have a favorite spot on the Kenai River where I fish for sockeyes. It's a pretty good hike from the river back to the car. Have any of you found an "easy" way to carry your fish. Sometimes it's three fish, sometimes it's six depending on daily limits. Thanks!
He was the last finisher, with 69 seconds to spare. Age 68, 254th 100-mile trail run finish. Way to persevere.
If you've used a physical therapist in Santa Fe to treat hip bursitis and were happy with the outcome, I'd love to know who you used. Thanks.
Having crewed a lot of 100-mile trail races, I've developed a fondness for certain crewing items beyond the basics of food, hydration and something to occupy hours of waiting. The list varies depending on the crewing/racing conditions. Here are some of my favorites:
* a small Yeti lunchbox cooler -- I use it to keep food hot for my runner. I usually have a big cooler in the crew vehicle for cold stuff.
* hand warmers - in addition to keeping your hands and feet warm these things are great to tuck around food in that Yeti lunchbox to really keep the heat on hot food
* emergency blankets - in addition to their "usual" use, if you wrap that hot food in hand warmers and then an emergency blanket and put it in that Yeti lunchbox, you'll keep hot food hot for hours. Over the years I have developed several resourceful ways to heat food.
* a mini crockpot and a power inverter to use in your 12 V plug in the crewing vehicle. I've had mini crock pots in the past that plug directly into the 12V, but I've melted two 12V outlets in our truck - so I now use a power inverter to run it. This is another way to keep hot food hot and/or to heat food up for you or your runner.
* an inflatable bed for the back seat of the truck/crewing vehicle. On races where I'm spending the night on the course an inflatable bed and warm sleeping bag makes a pretty comfortable sleeping spot. On really cold nights, I put some hand warmers in the sleeping bag around my feet.
* a portable battery charger/power bank. I use one that can charge the battery on the crewing vehicle (been there, done that) and all of your electronic devices. If we are driving to a race, I also bring a portable tire inflator. Have you ever changed a flat tire while crewing? It sucks.
* a collapsible solar lantern - this will light up a large work space in/around your crew vehicle.
* a washable seat cover - lots of races are giving these as part of their race swag. When your dirty runner climbs into your vehicle your seat will be totally protected. The good ones are even waterproof.
* a super light backpacking chair - like a Helinox chair. They are small enough that you don't mind carrying one to an aid station that you have to hike to while you are carrying tons of other crewing supplies.
What are some of your favorite crewing supplies?
Is it still open and hosting dozens of hummingbirds?
We’ve been to Mace’s Hideout 100 in Beulah, CO a few times but this one was a doozy. Typically runners deal with residual snow pack (elevations in the race go up to 11,659) and “sporty” creek crossing guaranteed to keep your feet wet. Not this year. At the briefing, the RD said “no snow but I think you’ll pay for it in heat.” He nailed it. 25 runners started and 11 finished, with four of the finishers crossing the finish line in the last hour. Anyone looking to test their mettle in a mountain race, look into this race. It has so much to offer including talented, engaged RD’s, great aid stations, awesome volunteers- many of whom are runners (some who have even run this race), incredible scenery, and a course that will challenge you. Wondering how to crew it? Ask me. Put this one on your list for 2027.
Has anyone been treated for rheumatoid arthritis here, and if yes, what was the outcome?
I have owls that live and nest on my property. After the owlets fledge and move out into the trees, I’d like to be able to locate them to document their growth and (hopefully) survival to adulthood. I’m thinking about purchasing a thermal monocular to help me locate them. Does anyone have one they recommend that works well finding birds in trees? Thanks.
https://reddit.com/link/1tf3uqj/video/dkr1bh0l1k1h1/player
Full bellies and seriously sleepy.
https://reddit.com/link/1tf3ry7/video/kgjypawy0k1h1/player
These Long Eared Owlets have full bellies - sleeping is not a challenge.
Two of Iris's owlets have left the nest and moved out into the nest tree to start their limb hopping stage of development. The youngest owlet never grew or thrived, and she died yesterday morning. She was being fed and cared for but something just wasn't working. Nature can be cruel sometimes. The last two owlets are still at the nest but should be heading out into the tree within days. Here is a link to the livestream of the nest - enjoy before they all fly the coop!
(1) Long Eared Owl Nest - Iris and her owlets (livestream) - YouTube
Yesterday was a hot day at the nest. The owlets (Long Eared Owls) pant to cool down. This little guy demonstrates the method for you.
I finally figured out how to livestream the nest to YouTube. Click on the YouTube link below to watch the nest as much as you can stand. I think if you subscribe you'll be notified when the nest cam is live. Enjoy!! The owlets will only be around for a couple more weeks.
These Long Eared Owlets seem unfazed by the wind rattling the nest.
This little guy was making good time until he discovered the jelly beans and peanut butter M&M’s at the Pipeline aid station.
This video shows the two oldest owlets. They are very curious about what’s happening around the nest.
Otto stopped by the nest this morning with food - a departure from his typical nighttime deliveries.
The three oldest have opened their eyes. The youngest one is on the right. Watch for the big yawn at the end of the video.