Stay Connected by Disconnecting

September 2nd, 2010

000441One of the most common questions we get from back country hikers is if they will be able to get phone service while backpacking in places such as Grand Canyon and Yosemite.  While I hate to admit that there is limited service a few thousand feet into the canyon along Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails and in Little Yosemite Valley (depending on your provider of course), I prefer that this bit of information anyone getting away into the wilderness just forgets.  Aside from potential family emergencies, what could possibly be so important that you cannot stay away from texting, cell phones, voicemail and Facebook for just a few days or even a couple weeks?  The whole point of vacation is to vacation and get reconnected with your sanity and yourself.

Instead of regurgitating that which has already been written and stated, I encourage you to read a recent New York Times article written by Matt Richtel, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist for his series of articles “Driven to Distraction.”  This article, “Outdoors and Out of Reach, Studying the Brain,” is about a group of scientists studying how stepping away from our technological devices and rest our brains affects attention, memory and learning.

After you have completed your reading assignment, go to NPR.org to listen to a recent interview of Mr. Richtel on Fresh Air, discussing the effects - positive and negative - all our communication devices have on our brains and state of mind.

Hopefully this will get you prepared to enjoy the wilderness for all it has to offer - beauty, peace, adventure and connection.

Choosing Kayaking Gear: A Basic Breakdown

August 31st, 2010

If you’re new to the sport of paddling, selecting the appropriate kayaking gear may seem like a daunting task. By starting with some basic equipment, you can easily build upon this foundation and customize it to suit your preferences as you become more experienced.

Dressed for the Occasion
Obviously, you have to be prepared to get a bit wet. In anticipation of this, look for clothing that is water resistant, dries quickly, and has wicking qualities. In addition, consider the environment where you will be kayaking, it is a good idea to dress for the water temperature, not just the conditions [...] Continue Reading…

Mullein: the Lung Plant

August 27th, 2010

Mullein

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Verbascum thapsus, or Mullein, is an easily identifiable plant. It has a single stalk of yellow flowers emerging from a bush of green thick leaves. The most identifiable part of Mullein are the hairs on its leaves that give this plant an almost velvet like texture. In Arizona, Mullein is found between the ponderosa and pinion pine belts, and is thriving this time of year.

Mullein is an herb for the lungs and throat. A tea of the leaves is incredibly soothing to spasmodic coughs and tightened lungs. It is also antimicrobial and very useful in [...] Continue Reading…

The Lost Dutchman Mine: Arizona’s Own Superstition

August 24th, 2010

Superstition Mountains

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One of the most interesting tales that circulates through Arizona history is the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine. This mythical mine has been the object of many searches over the pas two centuries, however it has yet to be located in the modern era.

The story of the Lost Dutchman is set in the Superstition Mountains. Just to the east of the metro-Phoenix area, the Superstitions remain a designated wilderness today, preserving them in an undeveloped states. Through many versions of the tale circulate, there are several basic components that seem to be prevalent [...] Continue Reading…

 

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