At least that’s what Dr. John Castellani says. He’s an exercise physiologist and expert on environmental medicine. “The big question was, ‘Is it ever too cold?’” Dr. Castellani said. “The answer is no. People go to the poles, people are out there when it’s minus-50 degrees, people do incredible things, and safely. There really isn’t a point where you can tell people it is not safe anymore.”
Common Myths…
Bundle Up
Yes, wear enough clothing to keep you warm. Try not to leave too much exposed skin. But don’t overdress. Wearing too much can make you sweat and sweating can keep you wet and eventually cold.
Take Breaks
No way. Keep moving, this will keep you warm. Stopping will only slow your heart rate and make you colder.
It Can Damage Your Lungs
Wrong. By the time air reaches your lungs it is body temperature, says Kenneth W. Rundell, the director of respiratory research and the human physiology laboratory at Marywood University. However, cold air can sometimes be dryer. So if you experience any problems it is most likely due to the dryness of the air, not the coldness.
With all that said. Hypothermia and Frostbite are real. Don’t stay out too long or expose yourself to extreme conditions for long periods of time. But moderate exercise in cold weather is just fine. Well, there goes that excuse. I guess I should get outside and do something…
This is a very short, very concise video on how to properly cross moving water on foot. It’s key to bring trekking poles if you know you’ll be crossing moving water on your trip. They can add stability and quite a bit of confidence if you are worried about being knocked down by the current. And remember that if something looks unsafe or out of your skill level, it probably is.
Ever wonder what your favorite websites would look like if Cats had created them? Or have you ever dreamed of what your favorite social network site would look like if Cats were members? Sure you have!
Well dream no more my cat-loving friends…. LOLinator allows you to take any website and see what it would look like if cats ran it.
That’s what I said, out loud, when I saw the story about this on the Backcountry Blog. Apparently a group of climbers decided they’d take the equipment up to the summit of 15,771 foot Mont Blanc on the border of Italy and France. Part of me wants to say… “Dude I’m so jealous.” And another part of me thinks I’d be pissed off if I spent all night and morning working my arse off to get to the summit and these guys were partying when I got there. But you definitely have to give them points for creativity. And judging from the pics over at their site, this was no easy feat. Thinking about the logistics of it is actually a little fun. If you can ignore the fact that they were kinda missing the point of mountaineering.
With all the dumping going on in the high country, Campman has created a backcountry ski gear list of 10 things you need before heading out backcountry skiing.
Here are a few he listed…
1. Beacon - Don’t head out without one! If you don’t have it and you are caught in a slide you’re probably dead. Know how to use it too!
2. Fat Skis - Makes skiing powder easier and way more fun.
3. Skins - A good pair of good fitting skins makes travel easy.
4. Backpack - You need a place to keep you stuff. Make sure you can put your water bladder in it. Stay hydrated!
5. Chestpack - Keep everything vital right in front of you. Holds a radio, beacon, and cell phone. Snacks too.
Well 2008’s first mountaineering “news story” has come and gone. Two climbers on Mt Hood got caught in some weather, dug a snow cave and then headed on the next day. They missed the Timberline Lodge on their descent due to heavy snow and ended up about 1,000 feet below the lodge. They called out on their cell phone and reported that they knew about where they were and were on their way to the lodge. They are back safe and sound.
No radio locators were taken, but they vowed to take them next time. That is always a good idea folks! You never think you’ll need it, but the one time you do you’ll be glad you brought it.
I have never gotten turned around on a mountain and ended up 1,000 feet below where I thought I was….. okay maybe I did just that a few years ago. Yet it didn’t make the news. I guess the Obama-Clinton scuffle wasn’t exciting enough today.
According to legend (and wikipedia), Tapas began when Castile’s King Alfonso the Wise recovered from an illness by drinking wine and nibbling small dishes between meals. After regaining his health, the king ordered taverns to serve their guests food along with wine and the tapas became a good excuse for people to drink and eat alot… cough… I mean “heal.”
This is also a great way to do camp meals. We did this on The Great Float this past year. There were roughly 20 tents set up along a sandy island in the river. We all made our own dishes and then shared them. We didn’t really plan it that way, but everyone ended up eating a little of each persons food. That night I ended up eating spicy tiger shrimp, a little juicy steak, some chicken, a brat, a wrap, and the list goes on. It was a great way for everyone to share a recipe, try something new, and not have to bring a ton of stuff to cook. I think we might try this again it was such a blast.
Sierra Summits is offering up a gift pack with one of each of their great products for the latest Outdoorzy contest! Sierra Summits makes sunblock, lip balm, pet balm, and bug repellent. They are dedicated to saving your hide.
All you need to do is tell us your worst sunburn story. Were you lobsterized on the beach or on the slopes? Peeling for days or suffering for weeks? Give us the details of your worst burn and we’ll pick the best story. Then the winner gets a prize pack with one of each of the Sierra Summits products to protect their skin from now on. Pictures are encouraged but not necessary. The story is the important part. Go to this forum post to give us your story.
This will be fun. I’ve already put my story up, let us see whatchu got.
Serious, that’s what I have. Look it up. There is no way I could have been able to work the past 2 mornings.
I can officially say that after 10+ years of skiing/riding Vail, yesterday was the best conditions I have EVER seen,,, ever. Totally worth getting fired over. Snow report only said 8 fell (on top of the feet that had been accumulating all week) but the wind howled Wednesday night and filled-in everything. Amazingly, as soon as the lifts opened, the clouds parted and we were blessed with bluebird conditions all morning. The real icing on the cake was the lack of other people. This weekend could be a royal cluster, people come out of the woodwork for conditions like this… another 6 inches fell last night, and the hits just keep on coming, more snow accumulating through Sunday!
Quit your day job you freakin robots! Buy these, or this, come wash dishes and live on my couch for a winter. You’ll be glad you did.
So if you can’t get to Colorado this weekend, rent “Hot Dog… The Movie”, pour some out for Sir Edmund Hillary, and please think of me and my awful ailments. I’m sure by Monday morning I’ll come down with Raynoud’s Syndrome, or something of the like.
