Author: Rick Mc

Career gymnastics coach who loves the outdoors, and the internet.
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Parks Canada … listens?

I was very pleased to get a personal email from Frank Grigel, Social Science Specialist, Monitoring, with Parks Canada.

He was responding to my complaints about the Parks Canada Listens program.

Seems Parks Canada really is listening.

Here’s the gist of my email reply to Frank:

… I understand much better your Parks Listens surveys — after your explanation. Thank-you.

Next time be sure to explain it from the start. For example, I did not know how many surveys would be happening. How LONG they would take.

The questions seemed well constructed but certainly the process could be improved.

I would suggest an on-going feedback online instead. As you know, government organizations are infamous for spending money on a one shot research project. Then shelving the report. Sometimes this is “theatre”. Politicians stalling to avoid actually making painful improvement.

I would suggest a more open, transparent, interactive process. It is better for Parks Canada to have a place where people can vent. (Every major corporation at this very moment is adding bloggers as they learn this lesson the hard way.)

The alternative is for Parks Canada to get the same feedback from independent sites.

I subscribe to these two blogs in the USA, for example:

  • National Parks Traveler
  • Park Remark

    • Certainly I would subscribe and contribute to a Parks Canada watchdog site. Even start one myself.

    The internet, I believe, will force Parks Canada to be more responsive to taxpayers.

    Regarding the surveys, people were frustrated not having more information. They wanted to be involved but could not easily find out how.

    Look at your website: ParksListens.ca

    No “about” link. No “contact” link. All I can do is download a .pdf file.

    All in all, it looks pretty intimidating. A “secret” contest of some kind.

    I dislike everything about your site … except the name: Parks Listens

    That is perfect.

    Good luck with the project, though.

    I really hope it results in positive change for Parks Canada.

    If I believed things were getting better for our National Parks, I would encourage people to pay for an annual pass — rather than go to the States instead, as I do now.

    I encourage Frank and anyone else to leave a comment below. This rant of mine then becomes a conversation: open, transparent, interactive, on-line.

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    tiny laptop, full keyboard, satphone

    It’s tiny (although bigger than a PDA), it looks great for expedition blogging. Connect it up to a solar panel and a satphone/3G/GPRS/WiFi connection and you’re away. I like it and I like it allot!

    There are no firm details yet other than it having a finger print reader for security.

    Geared Up includes a video clip of how it works.

    Team Geared Up Blog » Expedition Gadget: The Folding Laptop

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    camp free in B.C.

    Want a wonderful camping / hiking holiday on a very low budget?

    We recommend beautiful British Columbia, Canada. (Summer only, of course.)

    The best guidebooks are the Camp Free in B.C. series by Kathy and Craig Copeland.

    They guide you to the best B.C. Forest Service and community group campgrounds, the majority of which are free.

    Expect just the basics — pit toilets and drinking water. But some of the best, least visited hikes and paddles in Canada are accessible.

    The only downside is that normally you need your vehicle to get to them. Public transport and hitchhiking are poor in the wilderness areas of B.C.

    Central British Columbia

    Camp Free in B.C. Vol. Two: Central British Columbia

    Camp Free in B.C. – Vol. One: Trans-Canada Hwy to US Border, Vancouver Island to Rocky Mts.

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    Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

    UPDATE:

    Ruhaizad Daud contacted us with excellent information. He’s a Malaysian doctor from Sabah who is passionate about Mount Kinabalu.

    Ruhaizad is also the editor of Mount-Kinabalu-Borneo.com, a content rich site with everything you could possibly need to plan a trip. He confirms that "Anybody, I repeat anybody – can reach the summit – provided that they have the best information and preparation."

    We’ve subscribed to his blog and newsletter. Ruahizad even publishes a .pdf guidebook which you can download for a small donation.

    john.jpg
    St. John’s Peak 2005 – photo Ruhaizad Daud

    We’ve added Mt. Kinabalu to our list of best hikes in Asia and linked to Ruhaizad’s site.

    However, this is just the kind of adventure which tends to attract beginners who may get hurt or killed. A British teenager died there in 2001. Guides are mandatory but the quality of those guides is suspect.

    On the other hand, I really want to go to Kinabalu myself.

    At over 4000m (13,123ft) it’s South-East Asia’s highest mountain. The photos look very appealing.

    Malaysia is the most under-rated country in Asia, in my opinion. I definitely want Kinabalu on my own list of the best hikes in the world.

    kin.jpg
    photo – zbjernak

    more great Kinabalu photos on flickr

    ( via Adventure Blog)

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    Tramping in New Zealand

    One of our favourite hiking guidebooks has been updated for 2006.

    Hiking 3 months in New Zealand, this book was my bible.

    lpnzlarge.jpg

    Make tracks across the spectacular range of New Zealand landscapes. The deep valleys of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring beckon, the Marlborough Sounds call, the volcanoes of Tongariro are steaming … explore on foot the natural wonders of this country from coast to Cook. … 53 detailed trail descriptions for trampers of all levels

    Amazon.com: Lonely Planet Tramping in New Zealand: Books: Jim Dufresne

    For variety, trailhead transport, ease of access, cost — New Zealand is the best destination in the world for most hikers.

    best hikes in New Zealand – besthike.com

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    “adventure travel” insurance

    nomad.jpgEvery time I shop for travel insurance it hurts my brain.

    There are so many different options. Agents always try to up-sell me with cautious concern whether all my adventure activities will be covered.

    No more.

    We’ve affiliated with World Nomads, an on-line company out of Australia catering to the active traveller.

    Of the many different policies I checked for a 2007 trip to Australia, World Nomads was the least expensive and clearest in what is covered and what is not. Buying took just a couple of minutes. It could not be any easier.

    Prices are kept low because World Nomads is internet only with all referrals coming from sites like this. To sweeten the deal they offer additional benefits like free iPod language lessons and on-line travel journals.

    Check it out for yourself – World Nomads.

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    should we close Angel’s Landing in Zion?

    When I first saw Angel’s Landing from a distance, I wondered how anyone could get up there.

    A group exploring Zion in 1916 felt the same way. Frederick Fisher exclaimed, “only an angel could land on it.”

    angels.jpg
    photo by champy1013

    It’s a gain of 1700ft (518m) via Walter’s Wiggles, steep switchbacks blasted into the cliff. This is strenuous hiking, almost scrambling.

    Despite the narrow ridge walk at the top, sheer drop-offs on either side, this climb is safe for those experienced in mountain hiking.

    But it is not safe for the general public who have too easy access. After the death of 29-year-old Bernadette Vander Meer in August 2006, perhaps more safeguards need be added.

    Climb to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park and you’ll have an incredible view of Zion Canyon and the surrounding cliffs. You’ll also risk a spell of vertigo if you get too near the edge and glance into the void.

    In fact, reaching the top of the landing can be unnerving at times as you have to climb up some steep, and narrow, stretches of rock. The Park Service is well aware of the exposure on these sections and has anchored heavy chains into the most precarious spots so you have something to hang onto.

    Over the years five people have died in falls from Angel’s Landing. …

    National Parks Traveler: Woman Dies in Fall From Angel’s Landing

    On our list of the best hikes in the world, Angel’s Landing is the shortest we include. It’s a fantastic experience for a confident hikers. And only a hop, skip and a jump from Zion Narrows, an even better hike.

    I say keep Angel’s open — but do a better job of informing “tourists” of the risk.

    more photos on flickr tagged “Angel’s Landing”

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    waterproof camcorder – Oregon Scientific ATC2K

    For the second time in two days I hear raves for Oregon Scientific products.

    Very nice new gadget for the holidays. The ATC2K is waterproof to 3 meters, shock resistant, and easily clips to your helmet, head or handlebars via an accessory kit made for action sports. So you can surf with this. Ski with it. Climb with it. Whatever, and you don’t have to worry about sweat, rain, snow, or water. It takes full color digital video in 640 X 480 VGA at 30 frames per second, which is fine for the web, because really where does anyone watch video any more? And at $130 retail …, it’s good value, especially compared to the only competitor it has, the Samsung SC-X205L Sports Digital Camcorder.

    Get Outdoors – Oregon Scientific ATC2K Waterproof Camcorder – Getoutdoors.com Outdoor Blog

    Oregon Scientific ATC-1000 Hands-Free Video Action Camera - Play Hard, Record Everything!

    Oregon Scientific ATC-1000 Hands-Free Video Action Camera – Play Hard, Record Everything!

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    Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, Canada

    The reputation is that the Juan de Fuca is easy compared with the longer West Coast Trail. Not so. It is just as challenging though in different ways. (It’s even more important to hike at low tide on Juan de Fuca.)

    A personal, detailed and honest account of a physically challenging adventure, Mike Rocheleau posted this travelogue and excellent photos:

    Juan de Fuca Marine Trail – September 2006

    They spotted a bear a one point but had even more trouble bear-proofing the food at night:

    We chose the risky course of wrapping our two food bags in two garbage bags, putting them alone in one of our packs and then wrapping that pack in the tarp. We covered the tarp in large rocks so if a raccoon or something disturbed it we might know before it was too late.

    I’ve had to resort to that strategy in the past. You normally don’t sleep well wondering what animals are getting into your grub.

    Luckily, the food was untouched next morning. (Note to self: research the new Ursack system to prevent this problem in future.)

    In any case, Mike and his partner survived Juan de Fuca. They are even considering the West Coast Trail for next summer.

    The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is 47km (29mi) on the west coast of Vancouver Island close to Victoria. We recommend 5 days, 4 nights on the trail for an optimal experience. But you can easily vary the route for shorter hikes, if you are short on time.

    img_2814juan.jpg