FloridaHikes.com – new look

I like it. (The font could be larger, though.)

Congratulations Sandra!

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… hikes now have embedded Google maps, which you can print as you print off the hike information, and I’m learning how to embed my GPS tracks into the maps so they’re available too. The new website is more flexible, so I can post news snippets and articles as well as hikes, and I’ve added a much more robust forum for you to chat about Florida hiking.

Alas, because of the problems I had with forum spammers this summer, you must register to use the forum. However …. if you register, and send me a little detail about yourself (link to your own website, info about your hiking interests, etc), I will bump up your registration status to that of “author” so you, too, can submit your own pieces of content for the website: hikes, trip reports, articles, photos, whatever you like! You’ll see the option on the user menu after signing in.

floridahikes.com » Blog Archive » New season, new look!

I generally avoid hiking forums because of SPAM. Your new registration process will help.

Also DUMB. The misinformation posted by spelling-challenged morons. That is more difficult to restrict.

FloridaHikes.com

Banff Mountain Festival 2007, Oct 27 – Nov 4

I am planning to head out to Banff for the festival, my first time ever.

Though films are at the “heart of the festival”, there is much more happening. The Mountain Book events, for example. And the Adventure Trade Show for gear.

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The 32nd annual Banff Mountain Film Festival, presented by National Geographic and New Balance, brings you the world’s best mountain films and speakers. Experience the adventure of climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world’s last great wild places — all brought to life on the big screen. …

Banff Mountain FILM festival

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Banff Mountain Festivals 2007 SCHEDULE

I am still trying to decipher the ticketing page. They need fewer options.

Leave a comment if you are going to be there.

my long awaited hiking kayak – Alpacka Raft

For over 2yrs I’ve been researching inflatable and foldable kayaks I might carry for paddle hiking. Getting to good hiking routes by paddling across the lake rather than walking around.

It’s here. But it’s a raft. (Now to find the $800. Or a cheaper used one.)

Erin & Hig convinced me. They’re using Alpacka rafts on a 4 thousand mile charity journey from Seattle to Alaska.

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more Alpacka Raft PHOTOS

Alpacka rafts come in three sizes: Small (Alpaca); Medium (Yukon Yak); Large (Denali Llama). I want the smallest, lightest, the Alpacka, likely with spray skirt.

Total weight is between 4-6lbs plus paddle. I can carry that!

Always follow the packrafting rule of “don’t float it if you can’t swim it”. These boats are incredibly tough for their weight, but they can still puncture if you are not careful. Good packrafters try to avoid hitting obstacles. (A patch kit is included.)

If interested, check out these links:

Alpacka Rafts – about

Interview – Alaska businesswoman Sheri Tingey, Alpaca Raft Inc.

Alpacka packrat – June ’07 Canoe & Kayak Magazine

packraft – Wikipedia