General | Outdoorzy.com...the blog

Posts filed under 'General'

Summit Golfing Mishap

http://view.break.com/547643 - Watch more free videos

Add comment August 6th, 2008

A hiker on Sauk Mountain in Washington was shot and killed by a bear hunter this past weekend. This is a rare occurance but is still a real threat for backpackers who head in to the wilderness during hunting season. Another layer of tragedy to this story was that the hunter who shot the hiker was only 14-years-old. No charges have been filed yet, but I think the victims neighbor said it best; “You look into a scope you know what you are firing at — and really and truly that’s all I got to say.” We all share our public lands, hunters and hikers alike. Hunter safety courses are immensely important. Educating our young hunters is paramount to ensuring we don’t have any itchy trigger fingers out there. Young hunters must know what is in their sites every time they pull the trigger. They must be 110% sure.

The CDC did a study for 6 years in the early 90s. Out of 125 people shot by hunters that were mistaken for game, only 6 were wearing hunter orange. If you are hiking in hunting season, at least get yourself a brightly colored shirt or pack. Or wear a bright orange bandanna or hat.

Sierra Blogging Post provided some great tips we can all keep in mind when playing in the backcountry during hunting season…

1. WEAR ORANGE. Wear a blaze orange vest, cap, shirt, shorts, whatever. Wearing bright orange, the color hunters wear to avoid being shot, is the best way to make your presence known. This universal hunter safety color will dramatically reduce your chances of being mistaken for game. (Don’t forget to dress your dog in orange, too.)

2. Avoid wearing white during hunting season. A flash of white in the woods can be (and has been) mistaken for the white of a deer’s tail.

3. Avoid wearing dark colors, like black and brown. Humans dressed in brown or black can be mistaken for large game.

4. Stick to established trails. Hunters should be aware of trails popular with hikers and be extra cautious in those areas. (Obviously, as with this case, that doesn’t always mean they will be.)

5. Consider hiking in places unpopular with hunters. Check with your local wildlife official, Fish and Game department, or local sporting goods store to see where the hunters are/are not.

6. Make noise while you hike and don’t hike alone. Alert hunters to your presence by talking, whistling, singing, or carrying bear bells.

7. As always, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

22 comments August 5th, 2008

The Shoes of Summer–Women’s CP Paragon Merrell

To be honest, the first thing I noticed was the stylish teal and gray coloring on Merrell’s newest running shoe the CP Paragon. The shoe was striking and extremely lightweight; little did I know they were environmentally friendly as well.

Merrell is working with a Starensier/Cosmo, a company that produces NatureTex 70 for shoe insoles. They use 70% recycled produces to create Merrell’s CP Paragon shoe insoles/strobel!! Pretty cool, huh. So of that 70% recycled material, 80% is from plastic bottles and 20% is from post-industrial material. Even the tag that come on the shoe is made with recycled paper; how can you get better than that? (well, I’m sure someone could think of how so reply and spread the word:)

So how does it feel to walk on recycled plastic bottles???? Pretty good over all:) I could feel the ground, unlike the Merrell’s Overdrive II shoes, but the wide toe box was very comfortable and I love the way these look!

Here are the Specs:

M-fit™ Gender Specific Anatomical Curve Last
Full Breathable Mesh Upper
Reflective Materials for High Visibility
T-cup™ Slip Resistant Heel Lining Construction
Waterproof Vamp and Tongue
Nature-Tex Recycled Strobel Board
Eco-etc Antifriction Sock Liner
iR3™ Rubber for Durability and Traction
Gait-Phase (g-Phase) Midsole Cushioning
g2-PHASE for pronation Control and Stabilization
Q-Form® Provides Extra Control for Women’s Unique PRonation Degree and Location Needs
Forefoot Protection Provides Metatarsal Support on Unstable and Aggressive Surfaces
Multiple Forefoot Flex Grooves
iR1 Carbon Rubber provides Superior Lateral Traction

Another feature I was impressed with on the CP Paragon was the ETC. lining. They lined the CP with friction reducing material that helps lower internal heat and moisture levels. Every runner can benefit from this technology.

I might be crazy, but I really thought that these shoes would make great adventure racing shoes or even water event shoes. They are crazy lightweight, the mesh on the sides and top of the shoe is very breathable, so they would dry quickly and they have the Q form soles for support.

1 comment August 1st, 2008

The Shoes of Summer - Merrell Women’s Sundial Cross

Merrell Sundial Cross When I first saw these shoes, I knew I would love them. The shape of the Merrell Women’s Sundial Cross sandals is perfect. The combination of the heel and the slight curve in the front makes them extremely comfortable to wear all day.

The style of these sandals goes with anything from shorts to jeans. I’ve also paired them khakis to wear to work. They come in Dark Roast (shown), Antique Brass, Tan, and Midnight. They seem to be a great quality so far. Usually, my favorite pair of sandals start showing wear and tear by this time, but these still look almost new.

Specs from Merrell’s site:

Full Grain Leather Upper
4.5mm Anatomical Antimicrobial Cita-XY™ Aegis™ Foam Padded Footbed
Nylon 6.6 Injection Molded Arch Shank
Q-Form® Triple Density Compression Molded EVA Footframe
Air Cushion EVA/Cork Midsole

Get them at:

Merrell.com $70

1 comment July 30th, 2008

Man Saves Bear from Drowning

Seriously… Somehow I missed this when it happened a few weeks back.

Okay, here is the short and sweet…

Black Bear wanders into residential beach neighborhood. Fish & Wildlife comes to tranquilize the bear and relocate it to a remote wilderness area. After being shot, bear runs into the gulf of mexico. Bear swims out and shows signs of distress. Adam Warwick swims out to sea and rescues the 375 lb bear!

Adam, a Fish & Wildlife biologist, said “It was just the spur of the moment,” he said. “I’d never be able to live with myself if he drowned.”

All I can say is…. your a better swimmer than me dude.

Read all the details at Tallahassee.com

Add comment July 23rd, 2008

The Meaning of Life

Yes folks, I’ve found it! I’d tell you, but I’m sworn to secrecy.

If you’d like to find it for yourself though just head up a trail on the nearest mountain. At lease that’s what a recent study suggests. Reuters did an article on this and here is what they had to say…

“Far from being a sport that just provides thrills for testosterone-fuelled risk-takers, mountaineering actually helps gives people perspective in their lives, according to Lee Davidson, senior lecturer at the University of Victoria’s museum and heritage studies program.

“It’s a way to look for meaning in life, it gives people a sense of focus, makes them see what’s really of value,” Davidson, a climber herself, told Reuters.”

I’d have to agree with the article. There is a serenity and peace that can be found in remote wilderness areas, in the mountains, that is difficult to achieve in a world of concrete and steel. Sitting and watching a sunset crawl below the snowy peaks with only one sound in your ear, wind, can be deep. When mountaineering or backpacking comes up in conversation, people think I’m some crazy Xtreme person for taking part. They simply don’t understand that it’s more about slowing down, clearing your mind, and pushing your body to reach a place that most people will never see. The view from a mountain is sort of like putting a chair in the corner of your bedroom and standing on it. Looking around you see everything from a different angle. You gain new knowledge and appreciation for everything.

Get out.

via Sierra Blogging Post

5 comments July 22nd, 2008

Caution: Naked Climbers

For those “back-to-nature” type bachelors out there looking for ways to decorate their pad.

There really is some great photography here. (feel free to use that line on your wife…)

This Link not safe for opening if: you are at work, a married guy, have a girlfriend you like, or you don’t like art.

via The Piton

Add comment July 17th, 2008

The Shoes of Summer - Merrell Women’s Valetta

I’m a shoe girl. I loves shoes, especially sandals. But I can’t bring myself to love these. They’re just too weird looking.

I’m not sure what the reasoning was for the leather straps that line the heel. They don’t add to the looks at all, and they feel strange when you first put them on. I’ve worn them a couple of times to work (with pants to hide the back), and they were comfortable once I got used to the “heel cage.” If I could somehow remove all the straps, they might make a decent shoe.

Some specs:

Vegetable tanned footbed
Footbed wrap with rope
Aegis™ Antimicrobial Footbed
Q-Form™ Alignment System

Get them at:

onlineshoes.com $74.95
shoemall.com $74.95

Add comment July 16th, 2008

The Shoes of Summer - Merrell Waterpro Toro

I had the chance to test out the Merrell Waterpro Toro. At first glance, I thought I would wear them around for a weekend or two while I am running around to fly shops, visiting the future In-Laws, etc. But every time I needed to do all of the stuff above, plus run to the grocery store, check the mail, go to do wedding stuff, I found I was clasping the buckle on these very comfortable shoes to do the everyday stuff. I am not much of a fan of the open toe sandal, because I usually end up fishing in them and I like my toes to be protected from rocks and gravel, but these shoes are great for the boat, canoe, kayak or just any day when you feel like getting out and about. The shoes are easy to slip on and adjust with Velcro straps on the front and rear of the shoe and nylon buckle on the middle strap. Once the shoes are adjusted, you only need to use the buckle to secure the shoe to your feet. The Merrell Waterpro Toro sandal is my new “Go To” foot wear when I headed out to play.

Specs from the web:

• Webbing and synthetic leather uppers wrap feet securely and adjust at toe, instep and heel for a highly personalized fit.

• Once adjusted, use buckles on instep straps to get in and out; remove the padded heel straps to easily convert sandals to slides.

• Lycra® spandex and neoprene linings are soft against your skin and dry quickly.

• DeepDish™ contoured, compression-molded EVA footbeds cradle and center feet for action; Aegis™ antimicrobial treatment keeps odors at bay.

• Air Cushion® midsoles provide shock absorption and cushion for high-impact wear.

• Thermoplastic urethane stability posts provide rearfoot support.

• Injection-molded nylon forefoot flex plates supply flexible support and protection from sharp rocks.

• Nonmarking Vibram® Water Pro Plus Sandal™ outsoles with TC5+ rubber and razor-cut siping deliver amazing wet-surface traction.

• All synthetic construction is vegan-friendly

1 comment July 16th, 2008

41-Year-Old Qualifies for Olympics

Dara Torres is a 41-year-old mother who has had surgery on her shoulder and her knee in the past 8 months. She’s not someone you would think just qualified for the Olympics. Her fifth Olympics.

Torres will be competing in the 100 meter freestyle and 50 meter freestyle. While qualifying she overcame competitors half her age. Torres uses resistance training and focuses on her core. This strength training is what she and her doctors credit to her success. Most professional athletes are finished by her age, but she presses on.