Outdoor Sports Blog

Prince Albert from Monaco plans trip to the North Pole I just learned that Prince Albert II from Monaco is planning a trip to the North Pole . His goal is to raise awareness of world leaders for the need of more environment friendly policies. Prince Albert plans to travel to the pole by dogsled as part of a team of seven mushers. They'll start from Russia in April 2006 and hope to finish the 120 kilometer trip in seven days. Albert, who is 47 called the trip a "small step toward increasing awareness about climate change". (Source: Montreal Gazette, LA Times, Associated Press)

Mountain Tourism Declines Slightly This Year By Ujjwal Khatiwada, KATHMANDU: The arrival of foreign mountaineers in Nepal has not been as expected this year even after the start of the autumn season. Only 126 mountaineering expedition teams have registered for scaling mountains this year for spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. According to the Tourism Industry Division, 140 expedition teams had registered last year for the two most favourable seasons for the ascent of the mountains lining in the northern part of the Himalayan country. ”The rampant publicity of the situation in Nepal across the border has affected the overall arrival of tourists in the country, which left its impact on adventure tourism like mountaineering as well,” Section Officer of the Division Rajendra Dev Pandey said. >> Read full article.

Camping Food That Works for You by Nick Smith Even though winter - with all its snow, wind, and cold - is definitely upon us, it’s never too early to start thinking about camping this spring or summer. And for those outdoor enthusiasts who won’t wait for the snow to melt before setting out this winter, there is no better time than now to review a few useful tips to remember when planning your camp menu. Consider the duration of your trip. Plan on eating about as much while you’re camping as you eat when you’re at home. If you’re car camping and you have the extra space, it might not hurt to take a little extra food; but if you’re packing it in, every ounce counts, especially on long hikes. Be sure not to under pack your camping food – the only thing longer than a 20-miler is a 20-miler when you’re hungry. Starving your body while doing rigorous exercise, like hiking, could have adverse affects on your health. Plan a camping food menu that you’re willing to eat. Camping food for man

Approaches to Knee Pain Relief by Eddie Tobey You use your knees every time you walk, run, or move your lower body at all. Knee pain, therefore, dramatically affects the daily life of sufferers, who must use their knees throughout the day. Knee pain is the second only to back pain among American adult pain sufferers. Knee trouble is most often caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage that surrounds the two bones that comprise the knee joint wears away, sometimes causing painful joint-on-joint contact. There are many treatment options for knee pain. Under the care of a doctor, sufferers can select the most appropriate course of treatment to provide optimum knee pain relief. Over-the-counter and prescription medications including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin reduce pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation as well as knee joint pain. At-home remedies like ice pac

7 Steps to Protect Yourself from the Winter Sun by Roger Carr What outdoor activities did you do this past summer? Maybe you went on a vacation to the beach. Maybe you spent some time playing your favorite sports such as baseball, golf, or tennis. Maybe you went swimming or had a barbeque in the backyard with family and friends. Regardless of the outdoor activities you did over the summer, most likely you were aware that it was important to protect yourself from sun while outdoors. Now winter is approaching. I am turning my attention to putting away my summer items to make room for the winter ones; long sleeve shirts for short sleeve ones, corduroy pants for shorts, and boots for sandals. Most of the sports equipment I have been using is going to get put away as well. But what about those items I have been using to protect myself from the sun? Things like my sunscreens , sunglasses , and sun protective hats and clothing. You may be putting these items away and not using them durin

After yesterdays first major snowstorm much of Quebec and Ontario is covered under a wonderful white blanket of snow. Outdoor enthusiasts can't wait to get out on the weekend. The first winter outing is also an opportunity to shoot some pictures. Pristine winter landscape, a frozen lake, your snowshoeing partner braking a trail in deep powder, a snow ball fight, the list of potential motives is endless. Digital cameras which are already very common these days make it easy to share, print your images. If you're interested in winter photography I recommend reading the following article. Suggested Readings & additional resources: John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide Digital Cameras Overview ****************************** The beauty of Winter Photography by Joanna Gerber, www.winter-vacations-ontario.com Gorgeous landscapes, early morning fog lifting off the frozen lake, the glistening icicles on the tree branches. Photography opportunities meet you at eve

Nutrition Tips for Snowshoeing By Kevin Doberstein CFT Snowshoeing can be a very demanding exercise. It doesnt really matter if you are a seasoned racer or a weekend recreational trail user. Going through a deep snow draws both the glycolytic and oxidative energy systems of your body. The glycolytic system uses glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for short-term explosiveness actions. An example would be going up a grade of deep snow. The oxidative system uses oxygen to oxidize long-chain fatty acids, proteins and glucose for energy. Because a snowshoeing hike generally lasts longer that a 30 minutes, you want to plan youre snowshoeing nutrition accordingly. During the first 90 to 120 minutes of snowshoeing both glycogen and body fat are the primary energy sources. After that body fat is the primary source. To use body fat efficiently for fuel, the body must have some glycogen stored in the liver and muscles. Your target macronutrient ratio should be 15% protein, 25% fat,

Get ready for snowshoeing! The last leaves have fallen. Temperatures dropped below zero. The ground is frozen and already covered with a thin layer of snow. Soon there will be more snow. Time to get ready for snowshoeing! Did you know that... Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in North America? Snowshoeing burns some 50% more calories than regular hiking? Snowshoes are used by native peoples since more than 6000 years? Suggested Reading: The Snowshoe Experience : A Beginner's Guide to Gearin Up & Enjoying Winter Fitness Snowshoeing, A Trailside Guide Snowsoeing: From Novice To Master

Type of feeder, feed determine which birds will flock to your yard By MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE Knight Ridder News Service Birds remind us that nature goes on, even on those interminable winter days when we less hardy humans are stuck indoors. Making your yard hospitable to birds increases the chances they'll make regular stops there. That can be as simple as keeping a feeder filled or as involved as landscaping to improve the habitat. But it's best to start small, seasoned bird-watchers say. Choose a feeder that will attract the kind of birds that interest you. Common types include thistle feeders, which attracts finches, pine siskins, song sparrows and other small birds; tray, platform or hopper feeders, which can hold a seed mix that attracts bigger birds; and suet feeders, which attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, jays and starlings. Then choose a type of food that fits your feeder and appeals to the birds you like most. >> Read more >>

Sea Kayaking Kodiak, Alaska - Exploring an Island Paradise by Andy Schroeder Thousands of miles of awe-inspiring coastline have enticed a small, but growing, number of adventurers to discover the wonders of sea kayaking Southwest Alaska. At the forefront of destinations in this remote region is Kodiak. The island is the second largest island in the United States, yet, owing to it’s numerous fjords, no point of land on Kodiak Island is more than 15 miles from the sea. Don’t be deceived by Kodiak’s listing as the fourth-largest community in Alaska; it is still small enough to get by with it’s one traffic light turned off. Locals have long known of Kodiak’s natural bounty; native Koniag hunters used the qayaq or baidarka for thousands of years for hunting, transportation and recreation. Today, the community boasts more than 100 resident paddlers, young and old, and experience levels vary from recreational to expedition-ready. Despite its reputation as a fishing community, on the streets

Himalaya climbers can relax - 50% cut of royalties for mountaineers to climb peaks above 6,500 meters Cuts in royalty to boost mountaineering ISLAMABAD: The Tourism Ministry has decided to continue with its 50-percent relaxation in royalty for mountaineers intended to scale above 6,500 meter high peaks. It also upheld its decision to waive off royalty on up to 6,500 meter high peaks and charge only 10 percent of the total royalty on mountains in Gilgit, Chitral and Ghizar for the year 2006. The ministry has announced the decision through three different notifications. The first notification maintained that the 50-percent reduction in royalty for climbing mountains above 6,500 metre of height in the Northern Areas would continue. Teams comprising seven members fall directly under the relaxation entitlement but they have to pay $1,000, for each extra member to climb the world’s second highest peak K-2 (8,611 meter high) , $ 750 for each extra member to climb any of the four above-8

Snowboarding The Great White by Ashley Barnard Snowboarding has great similarities to surfing and skiing: It’s like surfing in that it is a board sport, and like skiing because it is performed in the snow. Snowboarders – or riders, as they are called – strap boards to their feet and slide down snow-covered slopes. It is an increasingly popular winter sport across the world, wherever there is snow. In 1998, it became an eligible medal sport in the Winter Olympic Games. Other major events include the U.S. Open Snowboarding Championship and the Winter X-Games in Canada and the United States. No one knows exactly when snowboarding was invented, but it is widely accepted that it was created around the 1950s by a mix of surfers, skateboarders, and skiers – who were able to transfer their skills to the cold mountains. Snowboarders during that time used hand-made boards. Because snowboarding was new and crude at that time, many skiers largely frowned upon the sport. In fact, many ski resorts

I'm sitting here in my office, looking out the window. The meadow is covered with a thin cover of snow. The temperatur hoovers around zero Celsius, or maybe a little below. If you're an ski-mountaineer like me, the following article might interest you. Mountaineering racing: An uphill, downhill battle By Christopher Solomon Special to The Seattle Times The sight of skiers dashing uphill while trading sharpened elbows usually signals an untapped powder stash ahead. These days another diversion has backcountry ski hounds charging up the peaks: ski-mountaineering racing, a sport that's generating a big buzz among the swelling ranks of backcountry skiers. Ski-mountaineering races combine the thigh-frying ascents of ski touring with downhill plunges in sometimes made-for-crampons terrain. At least seven races are scheduled around the West this winter, including one at Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia Jan. 7 and a Feb. 25 event at Alpental, near Snoqualmie Pass. Though com

Pacific Crest Trail – History and Hiking It by Rick Chapo The Pacific Crest Trail runs over the mountain ranges dividing the west coast and the rest of the nation. There is a lot of history tied to the trail and it offers great hiking. Pacific Crest Trail – History Running from the border with Mexico to the Canadian border, the Pacific Crest Trail was used by settlers in the 1800s looking for the good life in California, Oregon and Washington. This 2,500 mile trek offers a variety of environments including burning hot deserts and mountains peeks stacked up one after the other. Since most settlers came from the north, the trail area they encountered was definitely of the mountainous variety. While hikers of today will find it a beautiful and challenging trail, one can be sure many of the settlers had other opinions. Ironically, the Pacific Crest Trail is really a relatively modern name. Prior to 1993, it was known as a general collection of trails running the route with parts of

Post-Hiking Pain by Louise Roach Calves are burning, knees hurt and legs feel like Jello. After a major hike, the body is asking, “why the torture?” How to deal with post-hiking pain and recovery is something every hiker faces as they advance to more strenuous levels. For day-hikers, backpackers and trail runners, after-care for pain is a very real part of the sport. Injuries and lactic acid build-up can keep a hiker sidelined for days and make the simple act of going down stairs excruciating. Many precautions can be taken to ensure less stress to legs, knees and feet during a hike, but as every seasoned hiker knows, it’s not going uphill that’s the problem it’s coming down! Hiking down a steep descent places additional stress on knees and muscles that have not been conditioned for downhill activity. Joints and tendons become painfully inflamed. And pushing past ones level of ability and distance, increases the production of lactic acid, resulting in a burning feeling in leg muscles. D

Welshman earns title of 'Rob the Rubbish' for cleaning up Ben Nevis By Paul Kelbie, Scotland Correspondent When it comes to public service some people have higher ideals than others. Ashamed by the environmental damage caused by litterbugs on Britain's highest mountain , Robin Kevan, a retired social worker, drove hundreds of miles to tackle the problem single-handed. Now the 60-year-old Welshman, who spent two days cleaning up litter from the slopes of Ben Nevis in the Highlands of Scotland, has earned the affectionate nickname of "Rob the Rubbish". Mr Kevan, of Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, managed to fill six refuse sacks of waste during his 48-hour operation more than 2,000 feet up the mountain. >> More >>

Minnesota explorer brings notice to global warming By Aidan M. Anderson I’ll probably go down in history as seeing more lasts than firsts,” Minnesota native Will Steger said of his polar exploration career. Steger has visited several ice shelves in his life that no longer exist. The renowned polar explorer spoke on impending global meltdown Sunday at Cowles Auditorium. The problem of global warming goes deeper than simply losing the outdoor ice skating season, he said. Steger called for a grassroots initiative to begin pursuing alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power. Hybrid vehicles are a good start he said, but the next step is to replace their fossil fuel element with biodiesel. The government and media are partly to blame for misleading the public about facts surrounding global warming, he said. But the science behind the theory is in, and the technology to do something about it is here, he said. >> Read Full Article >>

It seems that trouble with knee joints when hiking becomes more and more common. Often the reason for knee pain is overuse. Just think about speeding downhill on a steep hiking trail – something you should really avoid, even if you don’t suffer from knee problems right now. What can you do to avoid and/or reduce hiking knee pain? Here are a some tips to consider: Wear proper hiking boots with good cushioning, or as an alternative... Replace the insoles of your hikers with high quality shock absorbing insoles (like the ones from Spenco or Superfeet) Increase knee support by wearing soft braces. You can get them in the local drug store or at specialized outdoor sports retailers. Do not underestimate the importance of keeping your leg muscles in top shape. Stretch you muscles before, during and after the trip. Use trekking poles , especially when hiking downhill. Trekking or Hiking Poles not only help to avoid or reduce knee pain when hiking but significant

Can't see The Eagles? Take a hike! Hiking made easy without huffing and puffing By Dan Carlin Desert Post Weekly Where do I begin?” That’s the first question I’m frequently asked by people interested in discovering the outdoors in and around the Coachella Valley. With literally hundreds of trails to tromp on between the spires of the San Jacintos in the west and the gnarled canyons of Mecca Hills in the east, where should a newcomer start getting to know the half-dozen different local hiking destinations? The best thing is to start slow, with easy trails that will acquaint you with the terrain, climate and scenery of each place. So here are seven time-tested, easy and accessible trails which will give newcomers and long-time residents alike an introduction to each of our wonderfully distinct wilderness areas. They can serve as jumping off points for further explorations or as a sampler: to help you realize that you prefer pine trees to Joshua trees, views of Lake Hemet to views of

Hiking to the top No peak is too high for the gutsy women, who have risked their lives in their dream to summit Mount Everest , writes Sudeshna Sarkar. Since the 1850s, when it was recognised as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest has meant different things to different people. It is the abode of the gods, the ultimate adventure destination, a symbol of courage and heroic endurance. The year 2005 adds a new significance: the 8,848 metre high peak is the new icon for women - a testament to the fact that more and more women are reaching the top. Literally. Read full story >>

Timberland agrees to pay $82m for SmartWool (The Boston Globe) Timberland Co. , a maker of hiking boots and outdoor clothing, agreed to buy SmartWool Corp. for $82 million to add socks and apparel. RAF Industries Inc. and Stripes Group LLC are the sellers, Stratham, N.H., Timberland said, adding that SmartWool will operate as a subsidiary. The acquisition will add 2 to 3 cents a share to 2006 earnings and will have ''minimum" impact on fourth-quarter 2005 earnings, the company said. (Bloomberg)

Great River Bluffs Park offers great views of Wisconsin By Gregg Hoffmann, Beyond Milwaukee Great River Bluffs Park (GRBF) actually sits in Minnesota, but it offers some of the most spectacular views of Wisconsin in the region. Located at the junction of Hwy. 61 and I-90 across the river from and north of La Crosse, GRBF hiking trails take you right along the bluffs hanging over the Mississippi River. To the east, you can see the bluffs of Wisconsin, La Crosse to the south, Trempelau County to the north, and the backwaters of the Great River along the Badger State's "West Coast." The drive you take into GRBF is called Apple Blossom Scenic Drive. It is one of two scenic drives in the state specially designated by the Minnesota Legislature. Naturally, the best time to take the drive is spring, when the apple trees are indeed blossoming. Winter offers groomed cross country (8.7 miles) and hiking trails (6.5 miles) in the park. Summer is beautiful, but you will encounter mor

Missing Hiker Safe After Cold Night In The Woods Amy Frazier, KOIN News 6 CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. -- A missing hiker is safe after spending a long, cold night on a trail in the Columbia River Gorge. Rescue crews had been searching the Eagle Creek Trail since Sunday evening when her friends reported her missing. Monday morning, she walked out on her own. The woman is shivering and wet but thankful to be alive. She's actually from France, visiting friends in Portland. Florence Roberts, 31, managed to make it to safety after spending a cold night alone. Read More...

Hiking Grand Canyon has ups and downs ADVENTURE TRAVEL: Take plenty of time and plenty of water before you attempt it Tom Uhlenbrock Knight Ridder So, you want to hike the Grand Canyon? No problem. Just take plenty of water and plenty of time. My first hike to the bottom of the canyon was a mistake. I carried all my food and camping gear and discovered, while soaking my weary feet in Bright Angel Creek, that a mule would have carted the load for a small fee. Hire a beast of burden and carry only your lunch and water. The most popular route down from the South Rim is the South Kaibab Trail, which is 11 km to the campground and Phantom Ranch on the Colorado River. The trail offers some of the most stunning vistas of the canyon. >> Full Story >> Additional resources for hiking the Grand Canyon

The Life of Carl Skoog Legendary Climber, Skier and Photographer by OutdoorNewsWire.com Staff In the world of fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled adventure sports, where competitors battle for the spotlight, Carl Skoog lived in quiet contrast. Without much fuss, the 46-year old made a name for himself as one of the Northwest's most skilled athletes and photographers over the years. According to an article in Seattle Post Intelligencer, Andrew McLean, a friend and ski partner said of Skoog, "Putting together interesting trips to cool places with interesting people...was more important to him than bragging rights." >> Read full story >>

A walk around Rainier: The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile challenge By Bob Keefer The Register-Guard MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, Wash. - The 93-mile Wonderland Trail that encircles Mount Rainier is like one of those M.C. Escher prints of monks walking around a parapet. It seems uphill every step of the way, as my wife and son and I discovered when we hiked this challenging trail in early September, even though by the end of the hike we had arrived right back at the same elevation from which we started. Actually, the trail goes downhill, too, and on some days the steep downhill walking is as bad as the steep uphill walking, pounding knees and quadriceps into aching jelly as your legs try to restrain you and your pack from complete free-fall. The Wonderland has been called the best long hiking trail in the nation by Backpacker magazine, which cited its scenery and wildlife. >> Full Story >> Click here for more resources on Mount Rainier National Park

Man attacked by coyote still hiking By Lisa Gentes / Daily News Staff NORTHBOROUGH -- Less than a month after he was attacked by a rabid coyote while hiking a nature trail, Northborough resident Arthur Cole is back walking in the woods. Only he brings a walking stick for his nature treks and goes with a friend. "I go with someone now other than my grandson...and I carry a walking stick now," Cole said from his Deacon Street home yesterday. On Oct. 5, the 76-year-old grandfather had been walking a trail behind his home at the Birchwood Community Development with his 4-year-old grandson when a gray female coyote attacked. The youngster ran for help while Cole managed to hold down the rabid, 40-pound coyote, which was later killed by police. >> Full Story >> >> Coyote Attacks >>

"Great Walks" - New Backpacking Trails in Queensland, Australia Queensland is not only known for the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and the Great Barrier Reef. It also has lots of spectacular wilderness, waterfalls and national parks. What some may not know is that it is also a exiting place for hiking and backpacking. Queensland invested more than 10 million dollar (AUS) in a network of trail called the GreatWalks. For the upcoming 2006 season, two new Great Walks will be opened. One of them is the 45 kilometer long "Great Walk Sunshine Coast Hinterland" north of Mapleton. The other is the "Great Walk Mackey Highlands" with a length of 50 kilometers. Both trails lead through ancient rainforests and offer unique flora and fauna. For more information visit the web site of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Click here for additional resources.

30th anniversary of ascent on Everest by Junko Tabei being celebrated The 30th anniversary of the first ascent of the Mount Everest by Junko Tabei, a Japanese woman is being celebrated amidst various program today and tomorrow. According to organizers Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), NTB and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in association with various travels trade associations and municipalities are organizing a series of programs today and tomorrow to commemorate the 30 anniversary of this landmark achievement made by Junko Tabei. >> Full Story >> Click here for more information on Mount Everest.