Archive for the ‘Outdoor News’ Category

Celebrating the Summer Solstice – June 21, 2011

Friday, June 17th, 2011

Summer SolsticeThe longest day and shortest night of the year is almost here. The summer solstice, or Midsummer, occurs June 21 and marks the point at which daylight is longest (north of the equator, that is) just before the nights begin gradually lengthening again.

But if you think all of that sunlight means you won’t have a reason to pull out your LED flashlight, think again! With a few friends and an LED lantern or flashlight, you can put a high-tech spin on this ancient holiday. Here’s a look at what the summer solstice is and how you can observe it at home or while camping.

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5 Things Every Outdoorsman Should Know How to Do

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Mountain StreamThere are a handful of specific tasks you need to know how to do before you can carry the title of outdoorsman. Here are five things every outdoorsman—and some may argue, every man—should know how to do.

1. Find Your Way Back
First, anyone that calls themselves an outdoorsman must have both strong traditional path-finding capabilities and a willingness to use modern technology when necessary. Although an outdoorsman often has a great sense of direction, the more important characteristic is that he is humble enough to admit when he’s lost. That’s when the importance of preparation (including packing a rad GPS gadget or old-school map and compass) becomes crystal clear.

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3 Nighttime Picnic Spots in Portland

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

StarsA nighttime picnic is a great way to see the stars, get to know someone, or just enjoy a cool summer night. Fortunately, the Portland area offers many easily accessible spots for enjoying a nighttime picnic.

With the exception of an LED lantern and an extra blanket, nighttime picnics don’t require anything other than what you’d bring on a daytime picnic. So pack up your basket, grab a friend or lover, and head out to one of these great nighttime picnic destinations.

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Get Prepared – the Big One is Coming

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Oregon beachLife as we know it in Oregon will end for weeks or even months when the Big One hits the Northwest, earthquake experts say. Long blackouts, food shortages and fuel outages are on the horizon, as well as bridge failures and landslides that could potentially cut off the Oregon coast.

The predictions are based on a study of Japan’s recent magnitude-9 quake, which caused worse damage than was reported despite the country’s high level of preparedness, a team of Oregon experts said. A similar earthquake here would be even more disastrous, given that we’re behind Japan in terms of preparation, they added.

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Missing Hikers Could Have Used an LED Flashlight

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Wahkeena FallsTwo Portland hikers were airlifted from the Wahkeena Trail in the Columbia Gorge Wednesday afternoon after they became stranded on a steep cliff and couldn’t get back to the main trail. The 20-year-old men called for rescue Tuesday evening but had to spend the night in the gorge with no flashlight and no warm clothes.

They became stranded when one of the men fell in the mud and the other tried to help. Although they were described as “experienced” hikers, neither carried a flashlight and both were dressed inappropriately for the cold overnight conditions, officials said.

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Olympic National Park Seeks Marmot Counters

Friday, April 22nd, 2011
Marmots

Marmots

The National Park Service is looking for volunteers to help count Marmots at Olympic National Park in Washington.

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