Aug 28 2009
It’s that time of year again. The season of long shadows (thanks Dan!) is fast approaching. The light has a special appeal these days, particularly early in the morning and in the evening. Here’s a scene along a ledge drop along The River. I wouldn’t argue if every day was like this one.
Aug 27 2009
Staying found is mighty important to outdoor adventurers everywhere, whether they bike, paddle, or hike. Of course, it’s a lot easier if you have the right tools. And despite the proliferation of cheap, compact, and lightweight GPS receivers, the topographic map (aka “topo” or “quad”) is still a mainstay of backcountry navigation. If your favorite route lies south of the border—that’s the Canada-US border!—than no doubt you’ve long relied on the maps published by the US Geological Survey. While these no longer sell for 50 cents each, as they did back in 1968, they remain a bargain at the current price of eight or nine bucks a sheet. The bad news? A single quad is seldom enough, even for day trips, and the cost adds up quickly when you buy all the maps you’ll need for a longer expedition. Luckily, the USGS has now made cash-strapped paddlers, hikers, and cyclists an offer we simply can’t afford to refuse. How does free sound? Yes, free. Free as in “free lunch.” That’s a pretty good deal, right? Well, you don’t need to have an uncle in the business to qualify for this astonishing discount. Uncle Sam has seen to that. You just need a computer, a color printer, and a broadband connection. That’s all it takes to get topos on your desktop. Read more…
Aug 26 2009
If you’re like me, you’ll be ready to tuck into a good meal after you’ve been riding hard or pushing water around all day, and there’s nothing better than a high-carb dish to refill a cyclist’s or paddler’s empty tank. So how about rice pilaf? Or maybe pasta? Or better yet, have both—at the same time. That’s the basis for some of the most popular prepackaged main dishes on the HyperMart shelves. Rice-A-Roni is probably the best-known brand, but similar rice-and-pasta combos are sold under other names, too. Their popularity is easy to understand. They make convenient one-pot (or one-skillet) dinners, and the flavor isn’t bad, either. Still, the ones I’ve eaten are a little on the salty side for my taste. That’s why I’ve been testing homemade alternatives, and I think I’ve hit on a winner. You’ll want to begin with the Master Recipe… Read more…
