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Monthly Archives: May 2008
The architecture of tents
We all have our favorite tents, whose designers have that first-hand knowledge of what makes a good tent. But who’s better-suited to make these temporary housing structures: Outdoorsy gear-designers, or disciplined architects?
We found an interesting discussion here, on where architecture does and doesn’t, should and shouldn’t, cross over into the design of tents and alpine porta-ledges.
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Splitting wood with a knife
Here’s a good technique for splitting wood if all you have is a knife. Still, I wouldn’t try it with a Leatherman…
via Uncooped.
Body by Iditarod
Researchers are studying the uncanny metabolism of Iditarod sled dogs, whose endurance among other creatures on Earth is almost unparalleled. In learning how the dogs can alter their own metabolism to “switch off” fatigue, the scientists hope to find a similar way for humans to better their endurance as well.
Me, if I had to eat semi-frozen Alpo for days on end, I’d find a way to switch off my metabolism, real quick too.
via Outside.
On sentencing for three BWCA shooting suspects
Probation to nine months’ jailtime for three of the BWCA shooters: Long enough? Not likely.
Three-year period in which they’re banned from entering the BWCA: Long enough? Thirty would be too short.
Blister Block stick: All the protection of a moleskin, in a roll-on?
An upcoming weekend of hiking the Superior Hiking Trail has me prepping my gameplan for footwear. And how to deal with blisters, if and when I get them. Typically, we’ve found that the moleskin remedy does pretty well. Today though, I came across Band-Aid’s Blister Block stick, which is applied over blisters. Judging from the buzz, people are going apey over the stuff like they did when Magic Erasers came out for housecleaning. Anyone out there in UpNorthica tried this Blister Block? Opinions?
Kettle River Paddlefest
The 2nd Kettle River Paddlefest was held at Banning State Park this weekend. In addition to the kayak race and several paddling (even paddle-making) workshops, folks were treated to a River Rodeo. Which was basically people doing tricks with their kayaks in the rapids, but cool nonetheless. In case you missed the fun, the video here captures a daring young feller taking the Wolf Creek Falls.
My mug runneth over
Seeing this photo reminds me of about a hundred perfect moments I’ve had in the BWCA.
New fishing regulations in the Quetico
If you’re planning on doing some fishing across the border on your next canoe trip, be aware of the new regulations that came into effect this past January. The use of barbed hooks, live bait and formerly live bait are now banned. Barbless hooks reduce the damage done by a hook and lower the mortality rate of fish. Barbed hooks may be present in you tackle box; just not on your line. Crushing the barbs to make them flush with the shaft of the hook is acceptable. Live and formerly live bait are banned to prevent the introduction or spread of non-native species. Yes, this means artificial bait only. A ban on the use of lead, while planned, did not happen this time.
The ban is outlined on the Quetico Parks page and more in-depth information is available on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources website.
Necky’s recycled kayaks: From pop bottles to paddling
Necky has begun to produce several lengths of their ’08 Manitou kayaks, using 100% post-industrial plastic. Better still, according to their site, these materials have stronger properties than their standard Manitou models. Awesome!
I also like that 1% of their gross sales are donated to the Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit that works to preserve our watersheds.
Via Treehugger.
Workouts for paddlers
In the weeks before our family trips to the BWCA, my dad used to warm up by portaging our canoe around the block. This wasn’t a bad idea, or even uncommon today. But the thing isn’t exactly street legal and it’s hard to hand-signal your turns.
So, earlier this year, I asked a trainer at my fitness club to customize a workout routine for paddlers. In addition to cardio stuff like my runs, I wanted one to improve tone and balance for lifting, portaging, hiking and of course, paddling. After a month or so at it, I can say it feels Good In A Painful Way. I’ve posted the workout here, on a site called Gimme20.com. The free site allows you to subscribe to, print off workout sheets, as well as track your progress over time. And of course, it has a big social networking spin on it. So when you’re not actually paddling, here’s a focused workout that should at least keep your fitness treading water.
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