Category: humour

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best hiker messing with Texas

For the first time ever, I made it to Texas for hiking.

Adventure Blogger Kraig Becker, had recommended in 2006 the new Government Canyon State Natural Area which, very close to San Antonio, has 40+ miles of hiking trails, ideal too for mountain biking and trail running.

Unbeknownst to Kraig and my good self, the Park is CLOSED in February except on weekends.

The wilderness closed?

That’s an oxymoron to a besthiker. I parked in a nearby residential development and headed cross-country to intersect with the official trails.

Unfortunately, turned out I was bushwhacking through PRIVATE PROPERTY. This was my first clue:

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original

I had visions of dumb redneck Texans, fiercely protecting their fences with weapons. I kept one eye open for Dick Cheney.

I did manage, finally, without getting shot, to reach the Park and had a great run on Lytle’s Loop Trail.

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Tim and Karen Hixon Visitor Center – GreenSource

Recommended – Government Canyon State Natural Area – official website

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do you wear a fanny pack?

Tom Mangan started quite the lively discussion in the comments on his Two-Heel Drive blog.

Don’t use the term “fanny pack” in the UK, or “Down Under”. The word “fanny” is rude. (As is the word “root”.)

Don’t use the unfortunate term “waist pack” either, or I’ll laugh at you.

Bum bag? (That may be worse.)

Hip belt? Hip pack? Waist pack?

Fanny Pack with Cell Phone Pocket by Everest

Fanny Pack with Cell Phone Pocket by Everest

I wear one every day. And often two while hiking.

Today I’m wearing the $15 MEC Travel Pocket Waist Pack. (Don’t laugh at me.)

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tips to make a good hiking trip, great

In the cold Canadian winter, the only hiking I can do is on-line. I’m dreaming of warmer weather.

On one of my favourite hiking sites (out of Australia), Frank posted this advice:

What do you need to prepare for a multiday hike so you have a great time and enjoy the outdoors? We have put together a “Top 7” list of ideas we always use whenever we head out into the bush.

Now the list, in no particular order……..

1) Good food …

2) Good companion(s) …

3) Know your route and expected hiking times …

4) Light weight …

5) Comfortable boots …

6) Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back …

7) Take shared gear

Our Hiking Blog: 7 tips to make a good hiking trip, great

Another good, original checklist was posted by Tom Mangan. Essentials for dayhiking:

1. NAVIGATION.
2. SUN PROTECTION.
3. INSULATION.
4. ILLUMINATION.
5. FIRST-AID SUPPLIES.
6. FIRE.
7. REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS.
8. NUTRITION.
9. HYDRATION.
10. EMERGENCY SHELTER.

The real 10 Essentials – Two-Heel Drive

Tom neglected to include a product I got as a Christmas from Garth: TowTabs.

Simply add water to a “tablet” … and it turns into quite a good towlet!

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details – TowTabs

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George Bush – National Parks video – pathetic

From everything I’ve heard and seen over the past 7-years, George Bush has been the worst President ever in terms of protecting the environment. National Parks, in particular, have been near lowest priority for his administration.

Just about every second day I get more bad news from the National Parks Traveler blog.

Now the White House has the nerve at the 11th hour to post a pro-Parks holiday YouTube video. At first I assumed it was an anti-Bush comedy clip. But it’s for real.

Like the Simpsons, George Bush has been reduced to self-parody.

Click PLAY or watch the President appoint his dogs to the rank of Jr. Park Rangers on YouTube.

This would be funny. If only it wasn’t so sad. Who’s advising those guys on how to flipflop to the green cause? This is viral marketing, bungled.

Americans — If you love National Parks, you should vote against the Republican Party.

(via Modern Hiker)

Read more details on the worst environmental President ever on the Get Outdoors blog.