Posts Tagged ‘Yosemite Backpacking’

Stay Connected by Disconnecting

Thursday, 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.

Do I Need to Train to Prepare for My Grand Canyon Hiking Trip?

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

YES!!!!

Please train at least 12-18 weeks prior and this goes for ANY hiking or backpacking trip you will be doing!

Ask yourself…”Would I run a marathon, or would anyone run a marathon, without training?”  If you answered yes, please do NOT attempt to hike Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest, Mount Whitney or even the Breast Cancer Three-Day Walk.  Walking two miles per day is not going to cut it either.

Read our article on basic training for a backpacking trip.

And if you know anyone planning an active trip, please pass this along.

Time to Plan Your Summer Vacation…to Yosemite!

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Spring Break has just started for so many people nationwide, most of you haven’t even had a chance to participate in this year’s mischief yet, or even figured out what mischief to succumb.  And yet, here I am telling you that it is time to already start planning your summer vacation!  Well, as to not inundate you with too many ideas or bits of information, I am going to share some photos to just one place you must consider for a summer destination…Yosemite National Park.

With perfect summer weather (highs in the 80s and lower as you hike to elevation), gorgeous views and scenery, and the chance to stay active during your vacation, it doesn’t get much better than Yosemite!

So enjoy these photos as a bit of temptation.  BTW - all these photos were taken by Yosemite hiker extraordinaire, Laurel Smith.

Photo Friday: Yosemite in Summer

Friday, February 5th, 2010

The weather here in Phoenix is gorgeous now, so much so that we can’t help but look forward to our spring and summer trips. We’re particularly excited for some of our Yosemite adventures.  The park offers so much beauty for visitors.

These photographs are the work of talented photographers who share their images on Flickr for others to enjoy under Creative Commons licensing. If you wish to use these photographs, please visit the photographer’s page and review the image’s licensing terms.

 

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