Thursday, 31 March 2011

Otter Slide

On our recent hike into Gull Lake we passed tracks left by an otter.� Otters often travel overland far from water, but in this case a small stream is visible in the background.� The snow clearly shows prints that are ~3″ long with five toes on the front feet and five toes on the [...]

Source: http://www.wintercampers.com/2011/03/29/otter-slide/

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Tips for Cooking at Your Campsite

Camping meals should be easy to prepare and just as simple to cook. Here's how to prep your cooler for your next camping trip.

Source: http://feeds.active.com/~r/activecom/~3/VCXmuP52_rc/Camping-Cooking-Tips.htm

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BLM Adds Parcels in Bright Star Wilderness in Eastern Sierra to Preservation System

Using a little known provision in the Wilderness Act, BLM-California, with the help of the National Audubon Society and the Wilderness Land Trust, have expanded four Wilderness Areas for public use and enjoyment. Section 6 of the Wilderness Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the BLM to accept gifts of land adjacent to [...]

Source: http://www.desertusa.com/dusablog/news/california-news/blm-adds-parcels-in-bright-star-wilderness-in-eastern-sierra-to-preservation-system/

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Add This To Your Outdoor Equipment Gear ? Your Life Could Depend On It!

         In light of all the disasters that occur in the back country every year, one has to wonder why people don?t take precautions by adding a beacon to their outdoor equipment gear. Don?t let your outdoors fun end in tragedy! This simple device, for instance, is a great help in locating those unfortunate trekkers who have been buried by large avalanches or who are incapacitated in other ways, like finding themselves in personal danger in whiteouts or other horrendous weather conditions. It is called the ACR Microfix 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon and it is instrumental in quickly alerting search and rescue teams to your location via GPS if you are seriously injured. The Microfix GPS transmits your coordinates within 100 meters radius, via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, with your registered, unique, digitally coded distress signal, which allows the authorities to identify you by name. It sends two types of signals, a digital (new standard) and an analog signal that is recognized by satellites and aircraft with the SAR Homing Frequency signal. It floats and its battery capacity is for 24 hours continuous use in -20c and 8 hours in -40c. The life span of the battery is 5 years and the whole unit can be stored with no adverse effects for 11 years. It transmits under water and is operational for 10 minutes submersed in 10 meters of water and 1 hour submersed in 5 meters of water. It only weighs 283 g (10 ounces) so it?s no hardship to slip it into your hiking gear backpack. It comes complete with a holster and lanyard, which can be removed for mounting it on a backpack, a belt or a life vest. This little item could save your life. Don?t you think you?re worth it?

Source: http://www.campingandequipment.com/index/add-this-to-your-outdoor-equipment-gear-your-life-could-depend-on-it-

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Cole Haan Air Winter Vail Boots

Source: http://www.campist.com/archives/cole-haan-air-winter-vail-boots.html

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Top 1 accommodation Chiang Mai -- budget ? Sheffield, United Kingdom

Melaniebluesky's Great Adventure

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/kGm3fiBIyWU/tpod.html

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Cultus Lake

John Harvey Photo

Cultus Lake

Camping with the Baby



Stuff From The Car
Everyone told us we were crazy to go camping with a 4 month old baby. Maybe not everyone - my Mom took me camping when I was about that age, but my friends with babies thought I was nuts. Turns out it is doable - if you have enough stuff! We picked Cultus Lake because it's relatively close by - only an hour and half to get back to the city so if we failed badly it would take too long to get home. Cultus lake also has showers which makes people happy. Mark and Jeremy were game to join us so we had a trip!



Barred Owl From FrontBarred Owl From Side
So we got out to the camp site and disgorged the car. I setup our 10 person tent (no kidding) and Helen made sure the baby stayed warm. Mark and Jeremy arrived later in the evening but their puney two person tents took only moments to setup. We settle in to a little camp fire and started to enjoy camping.

That started a question - why go camping? The first part of the answer flapped it's way - to see wild life. An owl had skirted an edge of our camp site and setup pirch in a near by tree. I figure all the campers inadvertently feed mice and those mice are now feeding owls. The bird moved from tree to tree but was quite patient with me (and some invited guests) taking it's photo.


We retired to bed and had a good night. Turns out our 10 person tent (did I mention it can fit three queen sized beds and is larger than any room in our condo?) has lots of vents and not all of them can be zipped closed. We were effectly sleeping outside. Nara was fine - she had five layers of clothing on and she was warm everywhere when she woke up in the morning. Reason number two to go camping - kids love sleeping in tents. Nara really seemed to like looking at the tent. Perhaps it was the whole world being orange, or just the change from the usual, but she really like looking a the tent.

Waking Up In ATentNara Sucking FingerHanging Out At Camp

We got up and got on with our day. We had lots of gear - nice seats, a stroller that doubled as a bassenet and three different stoves. Jeremy cooked us pancakes and we got ready to see the world. Nara was surprised by bird sounds and spent a lot of time looking at trees.

Baby At CampNara Sleeping In Her Bassinet

Cultus Lake Saturday MarketJars Of Preserves
Cultus lake has a "Saturday Market" in the park behind the gas station. We were on our way to the Chillwack farmers market but I figured why not stop in? There was some locally produced items and a little locally grown food but their was a big component of flea market meets beach toy shop. The juxtaposition really threw me off, but if you are looking for a traditional farmers market, maybe this isn't what you have in mind.

Selling Plastic Junk

Turns out the Chilliwack farmers market was almost a no show - only 5 vendors and not much of a selection. We are spoiled in our choice in Vancouver (not as spoiled as Seattle though!) so I was a little dissapointed. We finished up the rest of our shopping and returned to camp.

Jeremy Holding BabyReason number 1 to take a baby camping. They make a great lap warmer! Nara slept in her pack and play, but she spent most of the days on someones lap. She really like the attention - we actually had some problems after the weekend because she got used to so much holding. Perhaps a little spoiling once in a while is a good thing.

Baby SleepingReading Nara AComic Book

I'm really not a fan of camp fires when camping. I like trees - not wood on fire. I don't like smoke. I don't find them particulaly warming (put on a tuque). I'm not a fan of roast marshmellows so that burning sugar on a stick thing doesn't do much for me. We took a vote - turns out I'm entirely wrong - everyone else loves camp fires and a nice camp fire is their number one reason for camping. My bad.

Jer And Mark Preparing MarshmellowsMark Cooking Marshmellows
Jeremy Poking FireSparks In Front Of Lit Tent

Would you drive an hour and half to go to Minigolf? I didn't think so. How about 5 minutes down the road? Perhaps the last great advantage of camping is the location - a home base to make exploring a new part of the world easier.

Mark And The Three Ball ProblemJer Starting GameMark With The Train Behind HimNara Hiding On The Green

Of course Mark won. Two holes in one - it's starting to be hard to call it a fluke!

Thanks Mark and Jeremy for joining us! We couldn't have done it without you.
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Cultus Lake

Source: http://www.johnharveyphoto.com/CultusLake/index.html

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Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Baked Farro Risotto

Here's something I don't think I've ever mentioned. And it may sound a bit strange. We have heat here in our apartment, we might even have air-conditioning. Never used either. I think what may have happened is this. We didn't use heat the first year we lived here, not sure why exactly - warm year? Beyond that, every time I thought about turning on the heat, I would consider the dust and god-knows-what-else accumulating in the vents and ducts. I would promptly put on a third sweater instead of reaching for the dial. The office has a fireplace, so I sit near that quite a bit. But the kitchen gets quite cold. So, when the weather cools off, I tend to bake. The oven keeps the kitchen cozy, and now and then I stand in front of it, crack the door, and let the hot air flow up under my sweater to warm me up. I baked this farro "risotto" last night instead of cooking it stove top, and it worked out nicely - lemon-kissed, bright tomato sauce, lots of Parmesan, and chopped fresh oregano. I use the term risotto loosely here :)

Baked Farro Risotto Recipe

So, here's what you do. Start the grains on the stove top, add all the liquid at once, cover, and transfer to the oven for the better part of an hour. If you have a medium/large oven-proof casserole, like a Le Creuset, you can go start to finish in the same pot/casserole. Although, I can't remember if the knobs on the lids of Le Creuset can handle a 400F oven? It may be too hot - you may still need to use foil to cover the pot.

Calling this a risotto is a bit of a stretch, it's not particularly creamy or loose. It won't run across a plate. But when I make it on a stove top, I use a risotto technique, so that's sort of how I think of it. If you think you might like a more oozy, cheesy version, use small cubes of good mozzarella in place of the Parmesan in the recipe below, or experiment with a blend. I mean, it's cheese - you can make it as cheesy or un-cheesy as you like. I was after something with cheese, but not over-the-top decadent here.

Continue reading Baked Farro Risotto...


Source: http://feeds.101cookbooks.com/~r/101Cookbooks/~3/41fa6u_X6NI/baked-farro-risotto-recipe.html

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The Diet Detective: 4 Healthy Recipes for Carb Lovers

Want to satisfy your carb craving without packing on the extra pounds? Here are some healthy, resistant starch recipes for you.

Source: http://feeds.active.com/~r/activecom/~3/g5wzpAYfFQw/The-Diet-Detective-4-Healthy-Recipes-for-Carb-Lovers.htm

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Eureka Timberline 2 Camping Tent

Source: http://www.campist.com/archives/eureka-timberline-2-camping-tent.html

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Open Question: does anyone know any good camping spots in New Mexico?

I am looking for a place that I can take my kids that is more secluded that also has some sort of water access for fishing or swimming I am located in Roswell and am looking for something in the mountains where it is a little cooler. I have a jeep so getting to most spots are not a problem. don't really care if the spots you know of are 4-5 hrs away, I just want a nice place to go to get away from here for a few days. thanks for any ideas.

Source:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110329135901AAtuJcz

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How to Choose Hiking Shoes for Women

Shopping for most women is all about finding something that?s not only comfortable to wear but also could make them look their best. That?s still possible when it comes to hiking shoes for women. Just don?t expect the shopping process to be quick and easy. It won?t be! Looks This may be bad news for [...]

Source: http://www.ndparks.com/hiking/how-to-choose-hiking-shoes-for-women.php

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Cuts for Idaho schools aren’t as deep as feared

Idaho will spend more general fund dollars on public schools next year under a budget OK’d Monday by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, but schools will see less money overall.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/IdahostatesmancomNewsUpdates/~3/gedkVvozHIg/cuts-for-idaho-schools-arent-as.html

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Preparing your body for sleeping warm

During the winter it?s important to be adequately hydrated. Your body demands more water in the winter as your lungs lose moisture humidifying and warming the dry, cold winter air. The average person needs about 1.5 to 2.5 liters per day, whereas a winter exertions may require 2.5 to 5 liters per day. In [...]

Source: http://www.wintercampers.com/2011/03/14/preparing-your-body-for-sleeping-warm/

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Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Hartz Tuff Stuff Strong Chew Toys for Dogs 1ea. Review

Review of the Day ? 03/25/2011 Review date: Mar.182011 Review by: Boston from Frederick, MD Not Tuff Enough! 1out of 5 Reviewer Comments: One day later.. Hartz Tuff Stuff Strong Chew Toys for Dogs 1ea. Toss around. Made in China. Originally posted at Buzzillions.com (legalese)

Source: http://feeds.buzzillions.com/~r/review-of-the-day/~3/zWEyMvGzXyc/

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2011 Cherokee Wolf Pack 27 WP @ Couch?s Campers RV Your Cincinnati Ohio RV dealer

www.COUCHSCAMPERS.com New 2011 Cherokee Wolfpack 27 WP at Couch’s Campers Ohio RV Dealer
Duration : 0:8:21
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Source: http://www.rvscamping.com/388/2011-cherokee-wolf-pack-27-wp-couchs-campers-rv-your-cincinnati-ohio-rv-dealer/

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4 Ways to Prepare for Opening Day

Here are a few tips to get your game ready for the start of the upcoming season.

Source: http://feeds.active.com/~r/activecom/~3/BOowHces8s0/4-Ways-to-Prepare-for-Opening-Day.htm

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How to Become a Better Fisherman Using Fishing Logs

Keeping a fishing log is something of a lost art among casual fishermen. The ironic thing about it, though, is that technology (things like laptops and smartphones) make recording your catch easier than it?s ever been. The idea behind fishing logs is that, aside from being able to prove your fishing buddies wrong about when [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LoveTheOutdoors/~3/xJ9JSqLCOiI/

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October 2010

John Harvey Photo

October 2010

It's starting to look more like fall.


Nara Discovers Her Feet

Smiling On Green Blanket On CouchKids are funny. They really don't see the world the same way we do. Obviously they don't have the cultural references or language yet, but they haven't really figured out everything about their bodies. One day Nara found her feet.

Finger Between Toes

We usually dressed her in footed sleepers so naked feet were only available at changing time. That mean that every time we changed her, her feet went in her mouth. Those little hands aren't that coordinated either so there are a number of misses, but she is obviously happy when it all comes together.

Handful Of Toes Aimed For The MouthToes In The MouthTouching Toes With Fingers

Thanksgiving On the Island


Knitted Hat On SideWhen you have a baby, it's important that you don't let the details of life chain you to your house and habit. Going to the Island (when it was just Helen and I) used to be an easy affair - we both pack some clothes and basically go. When you mix in a Baby, it becomes a car filling affair. Even with the effort, it's important to get out and visit people.

Family At Thanksgiving

We had brunch at the Kingfisher - the local spa/resort. It's an amazing spread so I'm always amazed that people agree to have their photos taken afterwards.

Jeff Diana And MarcusJohn Helen And Nara At KingfisherKayla And Justin On Swing

UBC Apple Festival

Nara Hanging Out With PumpkinsOne year, many years ago, David and I were biking around UBC and we stumbled onto the apple festival. At that point it was small, free and a cool find. Given that fall can be short or reasons to get outside, the Apple Festival turned into a bit of a tradition for me. This year we added Nara!

Nara With Giant Pumpkin

More...

October 2010

Source: http://www.johnharveyphoto.com/Life/10_2010/index.html

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