Out There Monthly August 2011

VOL.7 // NO.11 // AUGUST 2011 // www.OUTTHEREmONTHLy.cOm

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Out There Monthly / August 2011

In This Issue

September 4, 2011

p.6 / From the Editor

MONTHLY

Paying To Park At Parks

By Jon Snyder

Proceeds Benefit The Newport / Priest River Rotary Club

www.outtheremonthly.com

p.7 / Out There News Stickman Comes To Town, Ski Patroller and Green Beret Killed In Afghanistan

Out There Monthly / August 2011 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Jon Snyder jon@outtheremonthly.com Art Director

Kaitlin Snyder Managing Editor

p.9 / Book Reviews

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

Local Author Paul Lindholt and Take

Health & Fitness Editor

A Seat

By Jon Jonckers & Stan Miller

Dr. Bob Lutz senior writers

Jon Jonckers, Derrick Knowles

Raffle for Specialized Bicycle Package sponsored by Sandpoint Sports.

Contributing Writers:

p.10 / Sustainable Living Environmentally Friendly Beef

By Taylor Weech

Ben Greenfield, Sarah Hauge, Andrea Reid, John Speare, Taylor Weech Distribution Coordinator

Barbara Snyder To request issues please call 509 / 534 / 3347

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p.12 / Roadtrip Teiton River Flip Flop: Plan Now For September Whitewater Trip

By Jon Jonckers

p.13 / What’s Your Gear?

Blake Sommers: Rock Climbing

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

p.14 / TRAINING Tips Get Your Glutes Into Shape

By Ben Greenfield

p.15 / Everyday cyclist Backyard Pump Tracks Rule

By John Speare

Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box 559 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 534 / 3347 Out There Monthly is published once a month

by Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2011 Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly.

The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly.

www.gnwft.homestead.com Choose 15,30,50 or 85-mile route on paved country roads.

Includes food/water stops and a meal at the finish. Families welcome. Check-in starts at 7AM, September 4, in Newport WA City Park. For more info contact Melody Geddes: (509) 292-5099 or melody_geddes@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Inland Northwest PROUD MEMBER OF

p.16 / August INLAND NW OUTDOOR CAlendar & 6 Month Training Calendar Out There Monthly also supports

p.18 / Explore the Kettle River RangE Our GuideTo A Nearby Backcountry Hiking Bonanza

By Derrick Knowles

p.25 / Photo of the month And Roadtrip DJ

By Chris White & Andrea Reid

p.26 / Last Page The Case For Car Camping

By Sarah Hauge

On the cover: Sherman Peak photographed by James Jacobson. // Photo Courtesy of Conservation NW.

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From the Editor: Paying to Park at Parks Just bought my $30 annual Washington State Parks Discovery Pass today. Now I won’t have to pay $10 every time I visit Riverside State Park.

What you say? We shouldn’t have to pay to use state parks? Well, did you: - Vote for any Eyman initiative that dramatically reduced state revenue?

- Vote against the soda and candy tax?

- Vote for a politician promising to go to Olympia to slash “wasteful spending”?

Unfortunately one person’s “wasteful spending” is another’s “essential service.” Today State Parks are being treated as “wasteful spending” and the solution is a fee that charges you and I the same

amount as Bill Gates every time we enter a state park. But, honestly, I don’t see a better alternative.

Despite what you may hear, Washington State per capita spending is at its lowest level since 1986.

Meanwhile the basic costs of park maintenance including fuel and raw materials continues to go up, while state park employees are furloughed and laid off. If that’s not the definition of a revenue problem I don’t know what is. There really is no way to fix this situation without overhauling our state tax structure. Until then we have a fee that unduly impacts low-income park users that live near urban area state parks like Riverside.

For now, I will gladly pay this fee, especially

if it helps us avoid the fate of other state park systems. In Minnesota state parks are a political football. Iowa is trying to rely on all-volunteer maintenance. Oklahoma is closing 7 state parks.

California is shuttering 70. And in Florida state parks are going through monthly policy flip-flop.

First the idea was to close one third of all parks.

Then salvation was going to come from adding a massive new development of private RV camping. Now Florida is quietly privatizing big chunks of its park system, including attractions such as Weeki Wachee Springs—which is funny since this park was taken over by the state just three years ago after mismanagement by a private conces-

sionaire.

State Parks still remain a sensible place for public money according to the National Association of State Park Directors which reports that all 50 state park systems cost less than $2.3 billion in total to manage and operate, but generate $20 billion in economic impact. I’ll invest in that. // ----------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com P.S. Go to issuu.com and search “Out There Monthly” to see the online browser version of OTM.

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Out There Monthly / August 2011

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Out There News SKi patroller killed in afghanistan Green Beret Was From Colville

Staff sgt. wyatt A. Goldsmith in uniform. // photo Courtesy of 49 degrees north.

49° North Mountain Resort is saddened to announce that one of its ski patrol members from Colville was killed while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan this past week.

Staff Sgt. Wyatt A. Goldsmith, a medical sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), was killed in action on Friday in Helmand province when his unit was attacked by insurgents using rocket propelled grenades. It was Goldsmith’s third combat deployment.

A longtime member of the 49° North Ski Patrol, Goldsmith was remembered as someone who was always happy to be in the mountains when not serving his country.

“Whenever Wyatt was on leave, he would be up here on the mountain. Every time I saw him on the slopes, he had a huge grin on his face. He really loved skiing,” said Brad Northrup, Director of Sales and Marketing.

“Wyatt was just a great guy to have as a patroller and a friend. He always looked forward to having down time so he could come up to the mountain and get some turns in. He will be sorely missed, and our hearts go out to his family,” said Gary Deaver, 49° North Ski Patrol Director.

Born in Redmond, Wash. on September 21, 1982, Goldsmith entered the U.S. Army in June 2004 as a Special Forces recruit. In October 2004, upon completion of basic training, advanced individual training and the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Ga. he was assigned to the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. Goldsmith attended Special Forces

Assessment and Selection in 2005 and was selected to continue his training as medical sergeant in the Special Forces Qualification Course.

After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2008, Staff Sgt. Goldsmith was assigned to 3rd Bn, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Joint Base Lewis-McChord as a Special Forces medical sergeant.

Goldsmith’s military education includes the Special Forces Medical Sergeant Course, Military Freefall Parachutist Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Advanced Leaders Course, and the Warrior Leader Course.

His awards include Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab and Combat Infantryman Badge.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Goldsmith is survived by his parents, John and Lorie Goldsmith of Colville, and his sister, Nicole. // This new release and photo provided courtesy of 49° North.

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Out There News Stickman arrives in Spokane

Notable Figure Tapped to Head Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motorist Safety Education Campaign

wwwstickmanknows.org has great info for every mode of travel. // photo SRHD.

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When it comes to pedestrian and bicyclist versus motorist collisions in Spokane, it’s no secret to many residents that there is a certain amount of animosity on roadways. If you listen closely enough, you can almost hear the hum of negativity underlying each other’s beliefs about why collisions are happening. The irony being, if you look at the data, the responsibility is shared almost equally between all three users of the road—pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

So why are motorists so eager to point the finger at bicyclists and vice versa, and why is the same scenario happening with pedestrians and motorists? Is there someone who can connect with each user and help them determine his/her active role in reducing collisions?

The Spokane Regional Health District is hoping a notable figure—someone easily recognized in the community, who is a known champion of safety—can help residents identify their roles. That “person” is Stickman. You know Stickman. He’s the figure on pedestrian crossing signs. Sometimes you see him riding a bicycle. Stickman knows a lot about traffic safety and he’s being brought to life for an educational campaign from the health district. Under the name Stickman Knows, and through its associated website, stickmanknows. org, the campaign aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities by educating pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists alike about safe practices on Spokane area roadways.

“Bringing Stickman Knows to life has been an exhaustive process culminating in really important data about what is causing these collisions, where they occur most frequently, who the target audiences are and what they need to know,” said Dr. Joel McCullough, SRHD health officer.

Campaign research shows that on average, 20 pedestrians and bicyclists are hit in Spokane County every month. Of the 997 pedestrian and bicyclist collisions occurring between 2006 and 2009, 3 percent resulted in death, while 11 percent resulted in serious injury. Chief among the reasons collisions are happening—confusion for all users of the road on when to grant the right of way to another user.

Here are the facts on granting right of way, and other factors contributing to collisions: • When a pedestrian is at fault for a collision with a motorist, the main reasons are the pedestrian failed to cross in a crosswalk or at an intersection, and not granting right of way to the vehicle.

• When a bicyclist is at fault for a collision with a motorist, the two main reasons are the bicyclist did not grant the right of way to the vehicle and

the bicyclist was traveling on the wrong side of the road.

• When a motorist collides with a pedestrian the main reason is that the motorist failed to yield to the right of way to the pedestrian.

• When a motorist collides with a bicyclist, the primary reasons are the motorist’s failure to yield to the right of way of the bicyclist and inattention of the driver.

“Safer transportation is about more than just infrastructure. If our residents aren’t accountable for understanding the laws—or choose not to pay attention to them—it makes it that much more difficult for us to improve the overall biking and walking experience in Spokane,” said sergeant Eric Olsen, with the Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Target Zero Task Force.

The campaign will be visible in many parts of Spokane County including at stickmanknows.org; TV commercials, bus advertisements, print ads, and promotional items; and at community events, and in schools. There are also billboards and yard signs strategically placed in high-collision areas.

Additional funds will go toward law enforcement emphasis patrols, bicycle helmet distribution, and pedestrian and bicycle education in schools. The Spokane Regional Transportation Council board chose to fund approximately $200,000 for the Stickman Knows campaign via a Transportation Enhancement grant provided by the Washington Department of Transportation.

The media campaign will feature facts likes these, as well as rules of the road and safety tips.

The main messages being: Pedestrians: • always cross at corners or in crosswalks • before crossing a street, look left, right, then left again • make sure you’re visible to drivers, wear bright and/or reflective clothing.

Bicyclists: • always stop at traffic lights and stop signs • ride with traffic, not against it • make sure you’re visible to drivers, wear bright and/or reflective clothing • you’re safer when a driver knows what to expect. Obey traffic laws and ride like the vehicle you are. Be predictable.

Motorists: • bicyclists have all the same rights on the road as drivers • allow at least 3 feet when overtaking a bicyclist on the roadway • watch for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially at intersections and particularly when turning //

Book Reviews

IN EARSHOT OF WATER: NOTES FROM THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU Paul Lindholdt, University of Iowa , 2011, 162 pages

Take a Seat Dominic Gill, Mainstream, May 2010, 288 pages In June 2006, Dominic Gill set into motion one of the boldest and most creative adventures ever conceived. He decided to ride a tandem bicycle from the northern point of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina— nearly 20,000 miles—and simply ask for volunteers to ride with him along the way. In a nutshell, any stranger willing to ride a couple hours or a couple days was welcome to join him. Just as he had hoped, many of the strangers became friends, and the broad array of willing souls contributed so much to his trip that he actually toiled with the question about which facet had a greater impact: the nearly impossible, lonely miles or the countless strangers that opened up to him.

Take a Seat recounts the twenty-six months when Gill passed through fifteen countries on the west coast of the Americas. His adventure easily surpasses other modern day adventurers due to his clever initial premise of riding a two-person bike solo, while his stirring British wit delivers two years worth of bizarre encounters and unique “stoker” companions.

Gill pedals with a renowned PhD scientist.

He takes rest at a roadside bar that features women’s panties hanging from the ceiling. He is pursued by a man waving a machete. He recounts some of his failed relationships, visits a unique oasis in the middle of a salt lake, rides past very active volcanoes, and learns that it’s illegal to ride a bike across the Panama Canal.

Whenever he isn’t crossing a border or passing through drug-cartel territory, he’s sleeping on the floor of a fire station or making friends with thousands of admirers who can’t believe anyone would ride a bike so far.

Every chapter holds a fantastic story.

Although he isn’t a polished writer, Gill draws from a deep well of rich and astonishing circumstances. In the course of riding across two continents, he shares his tandem bike with over 270 riders and then proceeds to share the entire adventure in his book. This wasn’t an ordinary bike ride, and this isn’t an ordinary book. // Jon Jonckers

In this collection of fourteen essays, Paul Lindholdt reveals decades of observations of nature and human impacts on nature in the Pacific Northwest. The reader must keep in mind that these are “Notes from the Columbia Plateau” not about the Columbia Plateau. Don’t expect a lot on the shrub-steppe biome of the Plateau. Lindholdt does establish a powerful sense of the “place” we call home. Though Spokane sits on the northeastern edge of the Columbia Plateau, most of us extend our vision of “home” across the Cascades into Puget Sound and into the communities, lakes, streams and mountains of the Idaho Panhandle and even Western Montana. Lindholdt explores all these regions.

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Lindholdt weaves threads of father-son relationships, environmental activism and natural history into a complex cloth of personal awareness.

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Within and among these essays, Lindholdt weaves threads of father-son relationships, environmental activism and natural history into a complex cloth of personal awareness—including at least two of these elements in each essay, ties the collection into a cohesive whole.

Presented somewhat chronologically, the essays give us a view of Lindholdt’s changing life view engendered by his observation of nature and human impacts on nature. From hunting bear with his father to exposing his own young son to firearms, we see a willingness to allow the new generation to develop its own opinion of guns and their use. Through these essays, we see Lindholdt grow from one comfortable with manual labor to one needing the mental challenge of an academic career. Lindholdt bares himself in such a way that the reader can see competing motivational forces driving his personal and intellectual development.

At times some of the pieces become weighted down with academic details, but they each succeed in revealing a bit more of Lindholdt’s character.

In the end, Lindholdt laments the mental chaos caused by imposition of technology on our lives— noting that hours of exposure to the computers, phones and other electronic paraphernalia “make me ache to lie down within earshot of water.” In a way, reading these essays can convey that same sense of calm. // Stan Miller

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Road Trips

Tieton River Flip Flop

Plan now for a September class III/IV whitewater rafting trip / By Jon Jonckers Nothing beats the Tieton River for super fast whitewater fun at the end of the summer.

While every other river is running low, the Tieton receives a surge of water from Rimrock Lake and transforms into arguably the “fastest” whitewater in Washington State, with an average drop in elevation of 55 feet per mile. Given that most rivers drop at a rate of only 20 to 30 feet per mile, the Tieton truly offers continuous excitement.

Several unique conditions unite to create such a brilliant rafting and kayaking trip. First, the water released from the dam has been warming

Unlike other conventional pool and drop rivers, this is a nonstop flurry of waves and channels.

Kelly Ordner laughing and loving the Tieton River, prior to the Waffle Wall. // Photo by Jon Jonckers

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up all summer long. This is not freezing spring runoff or snowmelt; it’s reasonably warm water.

Second, the surge is dependable and steady. The Bureau of Land Reclamation opens the floodgates of the Tieton Dam, sending 2,000 cubicfeet-per-second (cfs) down the Tieton Valley.

Third, Highway 12 proximity alongside the river provides many opportunities for scouting, camping, put in/takeout, and very easy shuttles. Many parties will run the primary 12-mile stretch several times in the same day.

Spokane paddler Travis Nichols, when summarizing the September experience, says, “The river itself provides all of the energy you could possibly imagine from a whitewater trip. Unlike other conventional pool and drop rivers, this is a nonstop flurry of waves and channels that twist and turn from the Cascades into the flatlands of the Yakima Valley. Anyone from beginner to expert will finish [his or her] run wide-eyed and full of wonder from the action-packed race that spills from the reservoir. Off the river, the camping is simply some of the best in the State, and a fantastic place to wrap up an amazing summer of whitewater fun.”

After a pause and a grin, Travis adds, “Hit the annual Toga Party for a wild time that makes WSU parties look like a retirement home.”

Rimrock Lake is managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation and is controlled by the Tieton Dam, a 319-foot high structure built in 1925. In a nutshell, the Bureau begins its annual “flip-flop” operation in the Yakima Basin by reducing flows in the upper arm of the Yakima River and increasing flows in the Naches River via increased water releases from Rimrock.

The purpose of the flip-flop is to encourage spring Chinook salmon to spawn at relatively low flows so that less water is required during the winter to keep the egg nests covered. When flows from the Cle Elum Reservoir are gradually

decreased from over 2,500 cfs down to between 200 to 250 cfs, the flows from Rimrock Reservoir are increased from a trickle to about 2,000 cfs by mid-September. Sometimes, depending on irrigation demands and weather factors, flows can reach 2,200 to 2,400 cfs. By mid-September, the flow on the Tieton reaches its maximum and then starts getting squeezed by around 100 to 200 cfs a day.

During a swift trip down the river, oaks, poplars, alders, cottonwoods, ponderosa pines and even a few crabapple trees create a green ribbon that contrasts dramatically with the coppercolored basalt walls and golden-grass hills of the upper desert terrain. The days are still long enough while the temperature is no longer too hot to enjoy the scenery. However, do not seek out the river this time of year for solitude, or peace and quiet. Also, be aware that the same unique conditions that create the whitewater channel often create unique hazards.

Unlike a river that runs gradual with the snowmelt and then receives enough flow and steady recreational traffic to clear hazards, the Tieton endures such a dramatic change in such a short span that the banks are very brushy and log jams can form dangerously quick. The same conditions that create non-stop excitement, also significantly reduces recovery time. This is NOT a beginner river. Rafting with a guide service will assure the proper safety gear and support, plus most of the guides know the river well. Rafting companies will also provide wetsuits, paddles, helmets, life jackets, safety instructions and all transportation to/from the staging area—that’s a remarkable value.

Camping can prove difficult in this peak season but not impossible. You can make reservations at the prominent campgrounds (recommended), or if you’re rafting with an outfitter you may be able to coordinate with them. Finally, there is some free primitive camping. However, respect is paramount; be mindful of private property and pack out all trash and human waste in this desert environment. (Putting it under a rock doesn’t cut it, and you know what I mean.)

Even in a state filled with whitewater opportunities, this river run is second to none. The rewards inherent in most whitewater rafting trips are amplified on the Tieton, and this trip often serves as a remarkable finale to a wonderful summer or a brilliant introduction to an impressive autumn. // When You Go The Tieton River is located on the east side of White Pass, alongside Highway 12, roughly 20 miles from Yakima. The traditional put-in for the Upper Tieton portion is the Windy Point Campground which is approximately 4.5 hours from Spokane. Fill up the cooler in Yakima because, aside from weak beer and ice, it’s fairly slim-pickings once you’re situated in the narrow gorge.

What’s Your Gear: Blake Sommers (rock climbing)

PHOTo Lacey laduke www.ladukephoto.com

Blake Sommers may only be 19 years old, but he’s already becoming a semi-advanced rock climber after two and a half years, since a buddy introduced him to the sport. His secret: time.

Time to go climbing two to three times a week, either at Deep Creek in Riverside State Park or Dishman Hills during the summer, or at Wild Walls climbing gym during the winter.

Aside from getting him outside, Blake enjoys that rock climbing is about “overcoming something so hard, celebrating for a few seconds, and then moving on to another challenge,” he says.

“It’s so fun and is an easy way to work out, versus

going to the gym and lifting weights over and over.”

Last summer, he worked diligently—three hours a day, 3-4 days a week—to master a 70-foot climbing route at Deep Creek with a difficulty rating of 5.12b. “I understood what moves I had to do; it was about finding the strength to do [them],” he says. “It’s about finding a way to make the hard move possible and go from there.”

Blake’s climbing goal this season is to finish that route and then attempt a few more 5.12 routes, which he describes as “the bottom end of advanced.” To put the Deep Creek route’s difficulty in perspective, a rating of 5.0 is the easiest climb and 5.15 is the hardest climb in world, he says.

His all-time favorite place to climb is Smith Rock in Oregon, which is a state park about 20 minutes outside of Bend. “It’s kind of the mecca of climbing,” he says. “It feels like you could climb there every day for a month and a half and still not complete anything.”

Blake spent two weeks at Smith Rock with a friend last summer. “It’s tough to climb there in the heat of summer. My climbing shoes started to melt once—I looked down and my shoe left a little black smear. So you have to climb in the morning or late in the day,” he says.

Blake enjoys introducing people to the sport.

He takes friends to Q’Emiln Riverside Park in Post Falls for their first attempts, and he has volunteered as a trip leader for Peak 7 Adventures—taking groups of 9-10 youth to climb at Minnehaha. And when he’s not climbing, he likes to whitewater kayak, backpack and

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

ride his dirt bike.

Here is the rock climbing gear that Blake uses.

To put the Deep Creek route’s difficulty in perspective, a rating of 5.0 is the easiest climb and 5.15 is the hardest climb in world.

-----------------------------------------------------HARNASS: Black Diamond Momentum, which he describes as “cheap and fairly comfy.”

-----------------------------------------------------BELAY DEVICES: Petzl ATC, Petzl ATC XP (has features for multi-pitch and an autolocking feature), and Trango Cinch.

-----------------------------------------------------ROPE & ROPE BAG: New England Apex 10.5mm (60m) and Notorious Dirt Bag. -----------------------------------------------------HELMET: He doesn’t wear a helmet for sport climbing, but says he would wear one for “multipitch stuff.” And he’s worn one a few times when he’s lead climbing; however, he doesn’t personally own one. “At Deep Creek, most falls are into air,” he says, rather than against the rock wall.

“I’ve not hesitated at all to put a helmet on when the risk of falling is greater.”

------------------------------------------------------

CHALK & CHALK BAG: Joshua Tree Herbal Chalk (cinnamon scent) and Evolv chalk bag.

-----------------------------------------------------CARABINERS: He uses three different brands— Omega Pacific Dirt Bag (“They’re cheap and they work well, but they’re kind of heavy,” he says), Mad Rock and Alpine Draw.

-----------------------------------------------------CLIMBING SHOES: La Sportiva Miura VS, which he says is best for the type of “aggressive climbing” that he does at Deep Creek.

-----------------------------------------------------BACKPACK: Mountain Hardware Splitter Pack.

He says it “makes an unorganized person like myself very organized” because of its built-in tarp, gear loops and many pockets.

-----------------------------------------------------CLOTHING: “Climbing specific clothes are a great way for REI to sell products,” Blake says.

He’s not interested in climbing fashion; rather, if something dries quick and is stretchy, he’ll consider wearing it. He says, “When it’s cold, I wear Carhartts® [pants]. It saves my legs from getting destroyed and they last forever. During the summer, my outfit consists of my shoes and prAna® shorts. [No shirt.] During springtime, when it’s still cold, I’ll wear synthetic pants with a gusseted crotch.” He never wears jeans and a cotton t-shirt.

-----------------------------------------------------MISCELLANOUS: Petzl Tibloc (semi-mechanical ascending device for the rope); Mammut Dyneema 8-foot loop for making an anchor (“It’s thin but extremely strong,” he says). //

All photos: Jim Meyers

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We accept: Visa/Mastercard, Food Stamps (EBT), WIC

August-- 2011

/ Out There Monthly

11

GoGreen: Sustainable Living

Environmentally friendly beef

Local Grass-Fed Cows Have A Lot To Offer / By Taylor Weech

Cattle grazing at the Lazy R Ranch. // Photo- Jennifer Hall.

People have arguably never been as far removed from the food we eat as we are today.

Eating not only sustains life; it can also provide an opportunity to connect with nature, build community and enhance personal health. These benefits are taken for granted in our society, especially with an industrial food production model that focuses on profit rather than quality. This has led to staggering health issues and environmental devastation caused by factory farming, pesticides and soil erosion. Despite growing awareness about the importance of food choices, misconceptions and confusion still pervade the dialogue. Organic, local, grassfed, cage-free, free-range and natural are some of the labels consumers must navigate and compare. And they are constantly being coopted by big agriculture and watered down by the USDA. So how do we decide what to eat in order to help ourselves, the animals and the planet be healthy? Most of the growth in industrial agriculture can be attributed to meat production, which has doubled since 1970 and continues to rise with consumer demand. While meat contains many important nutrients, it is also a much less efficient source from a land use perspective.

The animals to be eaten by humans first need to be fed. Their food needs soil for its growth. More often, these animals are given food that humans could also eat. Albert Einstein said, “Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” From a land use perspective, this is certainly true. More people in industrialized nations have shifted to this lifestyle, but more farms are shifting to a better way to raise animals for meat.

Jennifer Hall of The Whole Plate, a local food education non-profit, explains why beef may be the best meat choice when raised responsibly.

“Beef gets a bad rap as environmentally unfriendly...but if you look at the animal as a whole animal, there is more efficiency in a large animal,” 12

Out There Monthly / August 2011

she says. Hall brings up an interesting ratio to consider in meat animals: protein per life sacrificed. “You have to add up a lot of dead chickens to get to a cow, nutrition wise,” she says.

Most beef in the grocery store comes from

“Beef gets a bad rap as environmentally unfriendly...but if you look at the animal as a whole animal, there is more efficiency in a large animal.”

cows fattened on grains and corn, which are not part of their natural diet. They have also been contained in close quarters, often in unsanitary conditions that necessitate the doses of antibiotics they routinely consume (which eventually the human consumers ingest). Grass-fed beef provides a healthier option for animals, human consumers and the land by returning these animals to their natural state.

Cows are designed to forage and graze on grasses and legumes; this is the biological reason for their four stomachs, which get the maximum nutritional benefit from the grass they eat. Hall refers to the past of our specific region where, she says, “buffalo used to be a very intensive part of our landscape and helped pound in the nutrients they were excreting...to become the nutrients in the soil, creating its own cycle. That same grass not only remains productive without artificial inputs, but will also become more productive and grow a greater variety. ” Sustainable cattle ranches now mimic this practice through using rotating paddocks where cattle will intensively graze and spread manure in

one small area at a time. In theory, this practice makes the land more fertile and the soil more rich every year that the cattle graze on it.

For consumers, grass-fed beef provides drastically better nutritional value than grain-fed. The meat is generally leaner, but also contains natural omega 3 fatty acids—a quality generally associated with seafood. The real factor in producing this nutrient is chlorophyll, present in all plant matter. Its concentration in seafood is a result of the algae diet of most fish, but grass holds the same benefits.

“If you think about it, why wasn’t seafood eaten as much before as it is now? The health community and many diets are focusing on it now, and the omega 3s disappeared from our natural diet when beef became industrialized,” says Hall.

“There are ways to get that in our diet without putting pressure on the ocean.”

Consumers who are ready to make the change to grass-fed beef should be sure to cook with lower temperatures and slower times since the fat that generally protects from overcooking and human error is absent. Spokane has relatively diverse options for sustainable agriculture and ever-growing sources of humane, environmentally friendly food. Local grass-fed beef producers include the following, many of which can

be found at local Farmer’s Markets and at the Spokane Public Market.

Lazy R Ranch: Lazy R is a fourth generation cattle ranch in Spokane County that sells beef by wholes, halves and quarters with pre-ordering on their website, lazyrbeef.com. They are sold out until August 15th, when they will resume taking reservations for orders.

Susie & David’s Cattle Company: At www. susiedavidsfarm.com, customers can also order whole, half or quarter-carcass grass-fed beef.

They also provide “variety meats” (such as heart, tongue, tail, liver and kidneys) and dog bones for no charge.

Earth Cycle Farm: Located in Edwall, Wash., Earth Cycle (earthcyclefarm.org) sells custom cuts of grass-fed beef processed by a locally owned humane butcher. They also operate a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program.

Rocky Ridge Ranch: Rocky Ridge raises grass-fed beef, pastured pork and free range poultry. They commit to direct relationship marketing and welcome on-farm purchases and visits.

Order forms and more information are available at www.rockyridgeranchspokane.com. //

GoGreen: Sustainable Living SUSTAINABLELIVINGCALENDAR (Ongoing) Spokane Farmers’ Market. When: Sat. & Wed. 8 AM - 1PM. Where: 5th Ave. between Division & Browne. We offer locally produced bedding plants, vegetables, fruits, berries, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, eggs, cheese and baked goods. Info: 509-995-0182, spokanefarmersmarket.org.

(August 19) Yurt Slide Show by Becky Kemery.

When: 6:30 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Covers “all things yurt” -- from history & practical concerns to more esoteric elements. Stories of people using yurts to design ideas. FREE. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com

Newport Autumn Bloom 5K & 10K Fun Run 9-10-11

Sponsored by the NHHS Foundation.

The fun run is one milestone toward reaching the 2011 goal of raising $150,000 to purchase new digital mammography equipment, benefiting the residents served by Newport Hospital.

(August 7) Free Film Showing of “Broken (August 20) Herbal Medicine Making Workshop.

Limbs”. When: 2 PM. Where: Sun People Dry When: 10 AM - 2 PM. Where: Sun People Dry

Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Join us for free organic, non-GMO popcorn while we take in this documentary filmed right here in WA! Discussion to follow. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods. com

(August 9 - 25) Yoga in the Park. When: 7 – 8 PM. Where: Webster Park. Take a 3 week yoga course in a beautiful setting. For beginners and more experienced participants with ability to move between floor and standing easily. Info: 509-6256200, spokaneparks.org.

Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. This class will cover medicinal berries & remedies to carry us through winter colds and flus, including tinctures, cordials, lotions and healing soups. $25 preregistration required. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com

(August 20) Unity in the Community. When: 10

AM - 4 PM. Where: Riverfront Park by Clock Tower.

Now in its 17th year, Unity In the Community is the Inland Northwest’s largest multicultural celebration. Info: 509-951-0329, nwunity.org

(August 11) Canning 101 Open House. When: (August 21) Free Film Showing of “No Impact 3 - 6 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 Man”. When: 2 PM. Where: Sun People Dry W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. A perfect opportunity to talk to local canning experts and ask all the questions you have about canning. Free. Stop by anytime between 3 & 6. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com

Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Colin Beavan leads his wife, Michelle, and their daughter on a yearlong crusade to make no net affect on the environment in this documentary. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com //

September 10, 2011 Saturday 9 a.m., TJ Kelly Park Newport, WA Registration $23 before Sept. 1 $33 after Sept. 1 register online at: www.active.com

August-- 2011

/ Out There Monthly

13

Training Tips

wild walls __________ spokane’s climbing gym & yoga studio

✓ Hiking ✓ Camping ✓ Running ✓ Cycling ❑ Climbing

Are you ready to try something new?

Getting Mountain-Goat Glutes Three Ways To Train / By Ben Greenfield If you’ve ever been out on a tough, hilly hike, you’ve realized from your sore butt the next day just how much you utilize your glutes when you climb. By training your glutes in the gym, you can significantly improve your hill climbing and create powerful hip extension capabilities.

Here are three exercises to get those mountaingoat glutes: 1) Step-Ups. Choose a bench or platform that is preferably at knee height or above. Place one leg up on the elevated surface and step-up, driving your opposite to your chest as you step. For added difficulty, place a barbell on your back or clutch a dumbbell to your chest. Do 3-5 sets of 8-12 reps for each leg.

2) Stair-Climber Strides. Get on a stair climber at the gym and hold a dumbbell in each hand. Put the machine on a relatively slow climb

I

My Bike

rate and climb 2-3 stairs at a time, focusing on pushing through the entire stepping motion.

Perform 3-5 sets of 2-4 minutes, and recover between reps by working a different non-leg exercise (such as core, arms, etc.).

3) Kick-outs. There are several variations of the kick-out motion, but each involves you bending at the waist and kicking out behind you with one leg, preferably with your heel going higher than your low back. You can get in a crawl position and kick-out (easy version), use a kick-out machine at the gym, or attach a cable or elastic band to your leg and kick-out. Perform 3-5 sets of 10-20 kick-outs per leg, focusing on knee drive to your chest followed by full extension of the leg.// Ben Greenfield has a free fitness blog and podcast at www.bengreenfieldfitnesss.com.

Maddie Speare

Coeur d'Alene & Post Falls Street Atlas INCLUDING

Hayden, Hayden Lake, Dalton Gardens, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes, Athol, Rockford Bay, Harrison, Worley, Bayview, Fernan, Hauser, Plummer, St. Maries, Fernwood, DeSmet, Tensed & Santa

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Zip Codes Township Range Sections Block numbers in Kootenai

Published by: Northwest Maps 10525 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Vly, WA 99206 455-6981 • Fax: 455-7544

www.nwmaps.com 14

Out There Monthly / August 2011

_________

photo by: photoramsey.com

YOUTH & GROUP PROGRAMS Spider Monkeys Wed. 5-7 pm $12 Single Visit $74 8-Punch Pass

Birthday Parties/Groups

$16 per person (minimum 4 climbers) Package includes: Rental gear 1 hr. climbing 45 min in the party room

Climbing Club $12 Single Visit $100 10-Punch Pass Yoga $65 Month Pass Wed. 6-8 PM Mon. 7:30-9PM Flow Yoga Sun. 6-8 PM Thurs. 8-9AM Holy Yoga Thurs. 6:30-8PM Holy Yoga Climb Team Donations of $8 to $10 $65 Month Pass encouraged by guests and members Wed. 7-9 PM

_____ _________

Sun. 7-9 PM

202 W. 2nd Avenue • Spokane, WA 99201

509.455.9596 wildwallsgym@gmail.com www.wildwalls.com

I love my bike because it’s the second Elephant kid bike in the world! Another great thing about my bike is that I can go mostly anywhere. The next thing I love about my bike is that is has 14

gears! My bike is also awesome because I can jump up on curbs on the sidewalk. That’s why I love my bike!! //

Everyday Cyclist

http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com

Backyard pump tracks rule

Interview With A Local Dirt Master / By John Speare A pump track is a dirt bicycle track designed so that the rider can roll through the entire track without pedaling. A good pump track has no level sections of dirt. The track is constantly changing: you pass over a bump, into a dip, around a berm, and into another dip, where

big dump truck, complete with backup beeper. I could still use more, though. When I’m out and about, seeing a nice pile of dirt always jacks my heart rate up by about 10 beats a minute.

OTM: How did you settle on a design?

I bought this rad e-book called “Pump Track Nation” from a guy named Lee McCormack, who’s like the undisputed pump track guru. Best ten bucks I’ve ever spent. Then I went online and watched way too much video. Then I was fortunate enough to be invited to look at an existing local track. At about that point, my confidence kicked in and I knew exactly what I wanted to build.

OTM: Any advice for someone thinking of building one?

Definitely. It will be twice as much work as you think it will be, and four times as much fun. Oh, and make sure you have a good plan. I think there are a lot of good-intentioned tracks that never get finished, which is a shame. The build process will burn you out if you’re not realistic.

OTM: Would you do it again? Any regrets?

Would you do it differently?

No regrets whatsoever about doing it. And surprisingly, I’m pretty happy with how it came out,

ROCKIN ON THE PUMP TRACK. // PHOTO PAT SPRUTE.

it may pop over another bump and then into a 180 degree turn. The “pump” part is that you must push your bike into the dips and corners to maintain and build speed. And even though you don’t pedal, the pumping requires a lot of aerobic output. The track is a loop, so riders can roll around the track as long as they have the lungs for it.

There are different styles of pump tracks. Some are designed for optimizing speed or jumping.

Other tracks may be optimized for improving cornering. In all cases, there’s no doubt that pump tracks build bike-handling skill. And all pump tracks can be fun for just about any rider.

OTM talked to Pat Sprute, who built a small track in the second lot on his property. Pat’s track is a great track for everyone to try: his after work “sessions” are popular with the obvious bikey crowd, but kids as young as 2 ½ have ridden the track. Everyone leaves with smiles.

OTM: Why did you build a pump track in your yard?

We have a large side yard and for quite a while (as in a number of years), I’ve had this fantasy about how cool it would be to have a small, banked-turn mountain bike track in that space. It was never anything more than a fantasy, until a friend of mine asked if I’d ever heard of a “pump track”. From the minute I first saw one on YouTube, it was all I could think about. The fantasy begged to become reality, and I was all in.

OTM: How much work -- how many man hours are in it? How much dirt?

Labor: I didn’t keep track and I’d rather not know. A lot. But it was a labor of obsession, so it was cool. If you’re needing a planning number, make it 40 hours. And then double it.

Dirt: Well, I immediately started eyeballing potential sources. It got pretty intense. There were some high spots in my yard that never stood a chance. Once I’d exhausted my onsite sources, I had 10 more yards hauled in. It came in a really

“It will be twice as much work as you think it will be, and four times as much fun.” considering it was a first attempt. There are quite a number of friends and acquaintances who have jumped on the track for the first time and bailed out after a few laps, gasping for breath, grinning from ear to ear. That’s extremely satisfying to see, so I must have done something right.

OTM: What’s the long term plan for your track?

At one time, I was all about lobbying my wife for more yard space, so I could grow the track.

But it takes a ton of time and effort to maintain a track, and I think it’s about the right size now in that respect. So I’m happy with the basic form, but what turns out to be pretty amazing is how much fun it is to tweak it - seemingly subtle changes to a bump or berm can affect the entire flow of the track. In the long term, I know I will definitely get to the point where it’s more work than it’s worth, but I hope that’s a ways down the road. I keep a list of people that I want to invite over and watch experience this “pump track business” for the first time, so that’s kind of my motivation in the short term.

OTM: Other stuff? What should people know about pump tracks?

It’ll build your balance and line-picking skills.

Madly. And also, that you’re gonna crash. It’s unavoidable if you want to challenge yourself, which you cannot not do. So you’ll be better and more sore. And all smiley. Guaranteed.

John Speare grew up and lives in Spokane. He rides his bike everywhere. Check out his blog at http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com.

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North Division Bicycle Shop • 10503 N Division • 467-BIKE(2453) August-- 2011

/ Out There Monthly

15

Outdoor Calendar CLIMBING

75 mile options. Info lcsnw.org/events

(August 1) Women’s Climb Night. When: 6-8 PM.

(August 8-12) Youth Adventure Camp: Biking Adventures. When: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Where:

Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Ladies, come out and practice your climbing, agility and balance skills in a safe, encouraging environment. We provide all the gear you need! Info: 509-328-9900, cchrist@rei.com

(August 6, 13, 20) Saturday Climbing. When: 1-4 PM.

Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Looking for a family activity on Saturdays? Climb our wall! We provide all the gear you’ll need. Co-op members climb for free! Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/Spokane.

(August 9 & 23) Discover Rock Class. When 6 - 8

Camp Sekani. Bring your bike and join us for a fun week riding local trails! During the ride we will stop for outdoor activities. Ages 7-13. Info: 509-6256200, spokaneparks.org.

(August 14) Mt Spokane Hill Climb. When: 8 AM.

Where: Mt. Spokane. The last race of the 2011 Inland Road Race Series will be decisive. Starting at Mitcham’s Barn, racers will climb the next 10 miles as the grade steepens from 5% to 15%, climbing over 3500 vertical feet, and then finishing at the summit of Mount Spokane. Following the race there will be an all-team BBQ and the series awards and prize presentations at Mitcham’s Barn. Info: info@spokanerocketvelo.com, 509-868-8604.

PM. Where: 2002 N. Division. Everything you need to harness up, tie in and belay with confidence. This class is for those who wish to get into climbing, as well as for parents wishing to get their young ones climbing safely. $20. Info: mountaingear.com/pages/ retailstore/retail.asp.

RUNNING/WALKING

(August 20) Top Rope Anchors. When 10 - 2 PM.

(August 14) Trail of the Hiawathas Ultra-Marathon.

Take your climbing to the next level and outdoors.

You’ll learn how to set up a top rope on bolts, equalize, and evaluate an anchor, plus you’ll climb on your anchors. Must have own harness, shoes and belaying system and be able to belay $40. Info: mountaingear. com/pages/retailstore/retail.asp.

CYCLING (Ongoing) WOW Cycling Spokane. Great cycling is

here and we’re out on the roads and trails! We’re now on FaceBook as Wow Cycling Spokane, friend us! Info: 509-951-6366, wowcycling.com

When: 8 AM. Where: Lookout Pass. Run through 10 tunnels and over 8 high trestle bridges along the famous Hiawatha Trail on a 15 or 30 mile course!

Info: 208-664-0135, expeditionidaho.com.

(August 20) Huckleberry 5K Walk/Run. When: 9 AM. Where: Wallace Idaho. Wallace Huckleberry Festival.

Pancake Breakfast. Free Live Music. Kid Activities.

Food & Handcrafted Vendors, Huckleberry BakeOff. I-90 Exits 60 & 61. Info: 208-753-7151, wallaceidahochamber.com

cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: 509-951-4090, facebook. com/bellesandbaskets.

(August 20) Expedition Idaho Road Run. When: 10 AM. Where: Silver Mountain Resort, 5k, 10k, 10 mile road runs around Kellogg and Silver Mtn in conjunction with the finish of Expedition Idaho!

Runners receive gondola pass for “Brewsfest!” Info: 208-664-0135, expeditionidahorace.com

(Ongoing) Spokane Bicycle Club. S.B.C. offers eight

TRIATHLONS

(Ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style your

weekly rides of various lengths and difficulty for members and non-members. Check the web site for ride details. Info: 509-747-5581, spokanebicycleclub.org

(Ongoing) Mountain Bike Rides. When: Varies.

Where: Spokane Area. Spokane BOMB (Believers On Mountain Bikes) is a non-denominational Christian group leading multiple monthly rides in the Spokane area. Everyone welcome, helmets required. Info: spokanebomb@yahoo.com, spokanebomb.com (August 6) 8 Lakes Leg Aches Bike Ride. 15, 30, 45,

Submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com and Montana, starting and finishing at Silver Mtn! Volunteers also wanted! Info: (208) 664-0135, expeditionidahorace.com

PADDLING (Ongoing) Learn to Row. When: 6 – 7:30 AM or

6 – 7:30 PM. Where: Spokane River near Upriver Dam. Learn to Row. Basic instruction in sculling and sweep rowing. Eligible to join the Spokane River Rowing Association following completion of course.

No experience needed. Must be 18 and able to swim.

Info: spokanerowing.org.

(ongoing) Masters Rowing. When: T,TH 6 - 7:30

PM, Sat 7:30 - 9:30 AM, Where: Spokane River near Upriver Dam. Masters rowing practices for experienced rowers and those who have completed Learn to Row. Sculling and sweep rowing. Recreational and competitive. Fully coached practices. Info: spokanerowing.org

(August 4) Kayak Paddle. When: 3:30 - 7 PM. Where: Upriver Dam to SIRTI. Paddle under towering cot-

CYCLING (September 10) Purpleride: Spoke d’ Alene.

When: 9 am. Where: Spokane to Coeur d’ Alene (Centennial Trail). Description: Ride 4, 14, 36 or 56 miles or walk 5K. Catered lunch, raffle, concert and kids’ activities at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’ Alene afterwards. Info: 509-990-9119, www. purpleride.org

(September 10-11) Bike MS: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. When: 10:00am. Where: Trail of the

Riverfront Park. Info: troikatriathlon.com

(August 6) Whidbey Island Triathlon (Langley, WA).

(September 11) SpokeFest. When: 9:30AM.

A great first tri on a scenic course. Info: whidbeytriathlon.com.

ADVENTURE RACING (August 14-20) Expedition Idaho!. When: Various.

Where: Silver Mountain Resort. A 6-day, 670K non-stop multisport race around northern Idaho

The only painter in Spokane who has completed an Ironman. Now that’s dedication!

tonwood trees into downtown Spokane serenaded by city sounds. ECO-Tour: Upriver Dam. $25 (SRF Member $15). Info: 509-535-7084, spokaneriverforum/meetmeattheriver

(August 4) Kayak and Wine Tasting, When: 5:30 - 8:30 PM. Where: Boulder Beach, Spokane River.

Paddle up this beautiful section of the Spokane River to the Argonne Bridge, where we will walk a short distance to taste some excellent wines. Info: 509-6256200, spokaneparks.org

(August 7 & 27) Recreational Kayaking. When: 10 – Noon. Where: Mt. Gear. Recreational kayaking is all about fun, and we’ll teach you how to get into your boat and to your destination with as little stress as possible. Class covers boat types, basic and some advanced strokes, appropriate clothing combinations, safety for self and others, gear, dry storage, and rigging. Currents and wind also covered. $30. Info: mountaingear.com/pages/retailstore/retail.asp (August 7 & 27) Tour Kayaking. When: 1 – 5 PM. Where: Mt. Gear. Tour lakes, coastlines, and islands

SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR

Coeur d’Alenes: Mullan, ID. 2 days, 150 miles on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to raise money for the Inland Northwest Chapter of the National MS Society. Info: (509)482-2022 or 1-800-344-4867, www.bikeMSnorthwest.org

(August 6) Troika Triathlon. Medical Lake to

Where: Spokane Falls Blvd. & Post Street.

Description: SpokeFest is a community bike ride for all ages and abilities. Four routes from 1 mile to 47 miles. Register at www.spokefest.org.

(October 1) CF Cycle for Life. 25 & 65 mile

options. Includes long sleeved shirt, breakfast, bike mechanics, well-stocked rest stops, ride marshals, lunch catered by David’s Pizza and Pedal Party, prizes and more! Info: washington.cff.org/ cycleforlifespokane

(October 1) Tour de Rock Mountain Bike Ride & 2nd Rough Ride 4000. 49º North. Info: www. ski49n.com.

MARATHONS (October 9) Spokane Marathon, HalfMarathon, 10k. When: 8am. Where: Spokane,

WA. Experience the beauty of Spokane in October by running the marathon, marathon

relay, half-marathon or 10k.Info: 509-624-4297, www.spokanemarthon.us

(November 5) Zeitgeist Half Marathon. Boise,

ID. Info: www.zhalfmarathon.com.

RUNNING (September 18) The Round”about” 5k. When: TBA. Where: Deer Park Physical Therapy and Sports Conditioning, Deer Park, Washington, 99006. 5k Walk/Run to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Info: 509-276-8811, ryan@ deerparkpt.com, deerparkphysicaltherapy.com (September 24) Wild Moose Chase Trail Run, 5km, 10km, and 25km courses. Info: 509-9940616, wildmoosechasetrailrun.com

(Sept 24) Harvest Hustle. When: 8:30AM check in 7:45. Where: United States. Rockford WA ( 16 miles south of Spokane valley HWY 27) Enjoy 5k run through the country. SE Spokane Country fair activities following. Come join in! Info: 509 291-3219, sespokanecountryfair.org (November 20) Jingle Bell Run/Walk, 8 AM Info: www.spokanejinglebellrun.kintera.org (May 6) Lilac Bloomsday Run, the 36th. Info:

www.bloomsdayrun.org

TRIATHALON (September 4) Annual Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon, Orcas Island, WA. Info: friendsofmoran.com

(October 1) Route of the Hiawatha Ultramarathon. Info: 208-664-0135 //

Have an Event You Would Like to List? // Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click the “Submit Your Event” link. // Events MUST be sent in by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the when, where format as seen in the calendar. Ongoing events need to be re-submitted each month.

16

Out There Monthly / August 2011

Outdoor Calendar

(August 11) Kayak Open Pool. When: 7 – 9 PM.

Where: Witter Aquatics Center. Bring your touring or whitewater kayaks and practice in the open pool session. Ages 15+. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

(August 13) Kayak Badger Lake by Moonlight. When:

6 – 10 PM. Where: Badger Lake. Paddle under the full moon on Badger Lake with guides and equipment provided. Discounts for REI members. Ages 18+. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

(August 13) Kayak and Coffee. When: 8 AM - 12 PM.

Where: Corbin Art Center. Join us for a morning paddle on the tranquil waters of the Spokane River followed by coffee and pastries from Rocket Bakery.

Ages 18+. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

(August 14) Kayak and Luau on the Little Spokane River. When: 1 - 5 PM. Where: Sontag Park. Take an easy, fun kayak trip followed by a Hawaiian family style dinner. Ages 10+. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

(August 17) Kayak and Dinner Bangkok Thai. When: 5 – 9 PM. Where: Bangkok Thai. Bangkok Thai food and a sunset kayak outing in right in the heart of Spokane. Ages 16+. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

(August 20-21) Kayak Whitewater Salmon Weekend.

When: 7 AM - 7 PM. Where: Mountain Goat, 12 W. Sprague. Join us for kayaking the Green canyon.

This is a beautiful fourteen mile stretch of river that has class II and III rapids. Ages 15+. Info: 509-6256200, spokaneparks.org.

(August 21) Kayak Paddle Lake Spokane. When:

(August 23) Basic Canoeing. When: 5:30 – 9 PM.

Where: Mt. Gear. This class is designed to get you into your canoe and to your destination with as little effort and stress as possible. $25. Info: mountaingear.com/pages/retailstore/retail.asp.

EVENTS/MOVIES/MISC… (Ongoing) Fast Twitch Sports Performance Program.

When: Mon, Wed PM. Friday AM. Where: Deer Park Physical Therapy & Sports Conditioning.

Sport specific training to enhance athletic performance. Programs include pre and post testing with development of an athletic profile used in college sports recruiting. Info: (509) 276-8811, www.deerparkphysicaltherapy.com

(August 10) What is My Dog Saying at the Dog Park? When: 6 - 8 PM. Where: REI, 1125 N

Monroe. For a suggested donation of $20 (benefitting SpokAnimal), experienced dog trainer Carol Byrnes from Diamonds in the Ruff will help to answer your canine questions. Info: 509-328-9900, spokanimal.org

(August 13) Adventure Family Night. When: 6 - 8

Live Music All Weekend

PM. Where: Adventure Dynamics. Get on the high ropes course with your whole family. Families will bond while overcoming various challenge courses and the zip line. Ages 8+. Info: (509) 625-6200, spokaneparks.org

Hand Crafted & Food Vendors Activities For The Kids!

(August 20) Archery Introduction. When: 9 AM - 12

PM. Where: Evergreen Archery Club. Learn the basics of archery by skilled professionals in a beautiful outdoor environment. Ages 15 and up. Info: 509625-6200, spokaneparks.org

5K Walk/Run Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast

(August 21 – 25) TRS Glacier National Park Camping Adventure. When: 8 AM - 8 PM. Where: Glacier

Huckleberry Hound & Sheriff Campaigns

National Park. Join us for an epic adventure in Glacier National Park. Boat cruise on Lake McDonald, hike nature trails through old cedar forest, & more! Ages 18+. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

Huckleberry Bake-Off Find the 5K Walk/Run sign-up form and much more on our website

(August 26) Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County Golf Tournament. When: 1 PM. Where: Highlands

Golf Course, Post Falls. Benefit golf tournament for the kids. Shotgun start scramble. Lunch, prizes, fun games on the course. Gourmet Prime Rib Dinner sponsored by Garden Plaza. Info: 208-665-1919, www.bgc-northidaho.org

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August 19th & 20th, 2011

(August 28) Rock Hound Boot Camp. When: 9 AM -

1 PM. Where: Livingstone Rock Ranch, Greenacres WA. Go rock hunting and then bring your stones back to the ranch to make jewelry, artwork and more. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org //

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9 AM - 12 PM. Where: Tum Tum to DNR Campground. Flat water lake paddle below pine covered basalt cliffs. Eco experts share latest on water quality. $25 (SRF Member $15) Info: 509535-7084, spokaneriver.net/meetmeattheriver

(August 11) Wakeboard School. When: 9 - 5 PM.

AUG 2011

with a complete set of boat-handling skills. Class covers personal and safety gear, kayak design, getting in and out of your boat, spray skirts, paddles and strokes, bracing, stopping and sweeps, wet exit, self and tandem rescue. After this class, you’re ready for the San Juans! $50. Info: mountaingear.com/ pages/retailstore/retail.asp:

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August-- 2011

/ Out There Monthly

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BY Derrick Knowles

Bald Mountain. // Photo Eric Zamora courtesy Conservation NW

EXPLORE THE KETTLE RIVER RANGE Our Guide to A Nearby Backcountry Hiking Bonanza

Hoodoo Canyon. // Photo James Jacobson courtesy Conservation NW The Kettle River Range Mountains are a beautiful and remote slice of backcountry heaven in our ever growing and developing corner of Washington. Nestled between the towns of Republic and Kettle Falls just south of the Canadian border in the Colville National Forest, the Kettle Range is a place where many go to relax for a weekend in a quiet Forest Service campground and hike along uncrowded mountain trails. Also known as the Kettle Crest or the Kettles, the mountains are a sub-range of the Monashee Mountains to the north, and have long been popular with hikers from the Spokane area looking for a nearby outdoor adventure fix.

Despite its reputation as a classic backcountry hiking destination, the Kettles still have the feel of an undiscovered wilderness Shangri-La. The hikes, camping, and other adventures referenced here are just a small sampling of the many outdoor adventures to be had in these mountains.

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Out There Monthly / August 2011

(See “Getting There—Driving Directions” near the end of this article to learn how to find each specific location listed here.)

DAY HIKES IN THE KETTLE RANGE

-----------------------------------------------------Many of the hikes in the Kettles, especially up on the Kettle Crest, can be challenging for the occasional hiker. But even a short walk up many of these trails can lead to fantastic mountain views, wildflower meadows that can rival Manito Park’s Japanese Gardens, humbling encounters with old-growth trees older than the U.S. Constitution, and the chance to watch all sorts of birds and spot other wildlife.

Most of the hikes in the Kettle Range are within a two and a half hour drive from Spokane, making them doable as day hikes, but more enjoyable when paired with one of the recommended backcountry campgrounds to make a weekend out of it.

13 Mile. // Photo James Jacobson courtesy Conservation NW > Columbia Mountain Lookout The occasional sounds of passing traffic at Sherman Pass below will hardly be noticed as you soak up the views of the dramatic summits of the Kettle Crest to the south, the Cascades far to the west, and the distant peaks along the Selkirk Crest east in North Idaho. A recently reconstructed historic fire lookout cabin that was first built in 1914, along with even better views, awaits those who push on to the top. Follow the Kettle Crest Trail north from the trailhead for about an hour and look for the spur trail on your right that accesses the summit and a loop around the mountain. Return the way you hiked up.

Round trip: 8 miles Elevation gain: 1200 feet Difficulty: Moderate-to-difficult Finding the Kettle Crest Trailhead at Sherman Pass: The trailhead is on your left as you drive the short access road to the main parking area,

a few hundred yards from where you will park your car. > Emerald Lake/Hoodoo Canyon After a several mile walk past towering Ponderosa pines and granite rock formations you will stumble upon aptly named Emerald Lake tucked down in this forested canyon. Take a dip or wander the shores looking for the tracks of moose, deer, bear and other wildlife. Start hiking at the trailhead on the east side of the Trout Lake camping area near the lake, and slowly climb for several miles until you reach the junction with the steep spur trail descending down to Emerald Lake on your left.

Return the way you came.

Round trip: 6.2 miles Elevation gain: 650 feet Difficulty: Moderate (great family hike) Finding the Trailhead: The trailhead is on the east side of the Trout Lake camping area near the lake.

> Sherman Peak Loop The Sherman Peak loop offers a crash-course in ecology for those who take the time to look, listen, and learn what undisturbed forests have to teach us. The 1988 White Mountain Fire left behind a forest of silver snags that are both hauntingly beautiful and part of a natural cycle of renewing wildfire that creates new habitat for wildlife—keep an eye out for owls, woodpeckers and small mammals that use these dead trees to survive. Other parts of the mountain remained unburned by the fire, and a forest of new trees are well established along the burned flanks of the mountain. The open country and bare-rock summit of Sherman Peak offer some of the best views in the region. From the trailhead, hike for about a half hour before reaching the junction with the loop trail and go left (east) up and around Sherman Peak, keeping to the right on the loop trail when you reach the junction with the Kettle Crest Trail that continues south. Continue on the loop trail around Sherman Peak until you return to the Kettle Crest Trail and head back to the trailhead the way you came.

Round trip: 5.3 miles Elevation gain: 900 feet (more if you scramble to the summit) Difficulty: Moderate-to-difficult Finding the Kettle Crest Trailhead at Sherman Pass: From the parking area, walk across Highway 20 to the south side and head east looking for the trailhead on your right a few hundred yards down the top of the pass. > Old Stage Trail to Copper Butte Hiking along the old wagon route up to the Kettle Crest, which served as Washington’s first state “highway” over 100 years ago, is a chance to experience a piece of our frontier heritage first

hand. For hikers fit enough to make the final push along the Kettle Crest Trail up to 7,135 foot Copper Butte, expansive views from the highest peak in the Kettle Range are your reward. Hike 1.7 miles from the trailhead to the junction with the Kettle Crest Trail, which you will hike on heading south for another steep 1.2 miles to the summit of Copper Butte. Return the same way you hiked up.

Round trip: 6.5 miles to the summit and back Elevation gain: 1,635 feet Difficulty: Strenuous to the summit, only moderate to the Kettle Crest Trail junction.

Finding the Trailhead: The trail starts near a trail sign, fence and outhouse—you can’t miss it.

GROUP DAY HIKES

-----------------------------------------------------Both Conservation Northwest and the Spokane Mountaineers have been offering volunteer-led conservation themed hikes in the Kettle Range and other wildlands of the Colville National Forest for years. So if you’re looking for a group

> KETTLE CREST BACKPACK TRIPS The best way to truly experience and appreciate the scenery and solitude of the backcountry is to immerse yourself in the place over a multi-day backpack trip—to wander the woods, ridges and meadows until your clothes smell like sagebrush and pine, and you find yourself invariably staring off into vast expanses of uninterrupted mountain and sky. The Kettle Crest, which includes well over a dozen peaks in the 6,000 to 7,000 foot range and nearly 45-miles of trail along the Kettle Crest National Scenic Trail, has enough wilderness real estate to keep you hiking for days. In addition to these two recommended trips on the Kettle Crest, there are many options for creating your own backpack trip routes by linking up various feeder trails with portions of the Kettle Crest Trail. > Kettle Crest North—Sherman Pass to Boulder Pass This 30-mile expanse of road-free hiking is a regional classic and part of the Pacific Northwest

------------------------------------------------------------------On a Multi-day backpack trip — wander the woods, ridges and meadows until your clothes smell like sagebrush and pine.

------------------------------------------------------------------of like-minded hikers to share a trip to the Kettles with, check them out online at conservationnw. org and spokanemountaineers.org. Or try one of several new hiking clubs that have started over the past few years, like the Burning Boots Trail Club (www.meetup.com/BurningBootsTrailClub) or Inland Northwest Hikers (www.meetup.com/ Inland-Northwest-Hikers).

Trail route. Plan to hike 3-4 days to really enjoy the trail and side peak scrambles. Navigation is relatively easy since you stay on the Kettle Crest Trail the whole way; however, there are a few sections where the trail tries to trick you, and other places where cattle have destroyed the trail tread with their own network of wrong turns. And finding water and planning your camps accord-

ingly will take some route preparation, so take maps and use your guidebook of choice. The best way to hike the trail is from Sherman Pass north to Boulder/Deer Creek Pass, which is a paved county highway halfway between the towns of Curlew and Orient. You will need two cars to run your shuttle. > Kettle Crest South—Sherman Pass to White Mountain This southern portion of the Kettle Crest Trail is a little less than 15 miles in length, making it an excellent weekend backpack trip option. The trail traverses several of the most dramatic peaks in the Kettle Range, including Sherman, Snow, Bald, Barnaby Buttes and White Mountain. The hike passes in and out of remnants of the 1988 White Mountain fire and unburned forest. This hike takes you by the Snow Peak cabin, a Forest Service rental cabin, as well as a couple of water sources. The highlights of this hike are the striking scenery, solitude and opportunities to stumble upon wildlife. Leave a car at the White Mountain trailhead, and start your hike from Sherman Pass Kettle Crest Trailhead.

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING IN THE KETTLES

-----------------------------------------------------One of the easiest and most relaxing ways to experience the wilderness character of the Kettle Range is to plant yourself for the weekend at one of these off-the-beaten path car-camping spots.

All three of these campgrounds are primitive, quiet, and beautiful, and offer hiking trails right out of camp. While facilities are limited to an outhouse, a few picnic tables and easy trailhead access (bring your own water!), they are also free and generally uncrowded or empty. For more

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Jackknife. // Photo Eric Zamora courtesy Conservation NW info on other campgrounds in the area, visit www. fs.fed.us/r6/colville/recreation. > Trout Lake Campground A beautiful camping area shaded by sweet smelling cedar trees on the shores of Trout Lake.

Hiking Hoodoo Canyon and fishing are the main draw (no gas motors allowed on the lake). > Jungle Hill Campground Campsites near the creek help drown out the occasional sound of trucks driving along Sherman Pass below. The dreamy lodgepole forest and views up towards the Kettle Crest are captivating.

Hike the Jungle Hill trail up to the Kettle Crest from here. > Wapaloosie Campground

There are fewer camp spots here, but the campground is farther from the highway, has a nice creek, a couple picnic tables, and access to the Kettle Crest right out of camp via the Wapaloosie Trail.

MOUNTAIN BIKING AND TRAIL RUNNING

-----------------------------------------------------If adrenaline and endorphins are more your thing, the Kettle Crest area trails provide plenty of adventure for outdoor athletes on bikes and in running shoes. All of the trails in the Kettle Range listed for hiking and backpacking in this story are currently open for mountain biking, although many of them are included in areas under consideration for wilderness protection—which would not allow motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles.

Hiking the Kettle Crest Trail. // Photo Shallan Dawson While mountain bike use in the Kettles has been relatively low since the first local cyclists began testing their mettle on the rocky trails nearly two decades ago, in recent years routes like the Jungle Hill loop, Sherman Peak loop, Taylor Ridge, and the Kettle Crest Trail have become more popular.

Most of the riding on the Kettle Crest would be rated difficult to strenuous by most riders.

For more information on biking routes in the Kettle Crest, visit the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance at evergreenmtb.org.

The Gibraltar Trail is a new mountain biking and hiking trail in the rolling mountains just south and east of Republic. It’s currently under construction and will offer some of the best biking around when the final 18-20 miles of trail are completed.

To learn more and help build the trail, visit www. columbiahighlands.org.

The trails in the Kettles also make for spectacular trail running, with stiff climbs, fast descents and scenery that will make you drool. The hiking routes listed here make excellent shorter runs, while the full 45-mile Kettle Crest Trail will keep you running all day.

GETTING THERE - DRIVING DIRECTIONS

----------------------------------------------------From Spokane, take state Highway 395 north through Colville and then through Kettle Falls (about 80 miles from Spokane). Shortly after crossing the Columbia River, turn left onto Highway 20 to reach Sherman Pass and Albian Hill Road. Continue north on 395 for 22 miles and turn left onto county highway #602 near the town of Orient, and drive up to the top of the Boulder/Deer Creek pass to reach the Kettle Crest Trail North.

-----------------------------------------------------> Sherman Pass and the Kettle Crest Trail trailhead: Marked as the Kettle Crest Trail on the south side of Sherman Pass, off Highway 20 between Republic and Kettle Falls. There is a large parking area, an outhouse, trail information and a few campsites.

-----------------------------------------------------> Jungle Hill and Wapaloosie Campgrounds: Between Kettle Falls and Republic, 22 miles up Highway 20 from the junction with Highway 395, turn right onto the Albian Hill Road #2030.

Travel north on road 2030 for 0.6 miles to trail sign and turn left (west) into the Jungle Hill campground and drive 0.2 miles to trail. To reach the Wapaloosie Campground, follow the same directions but continue past the Jungle Hill campground turnoff and continue heading north on Albion Hill Road #2030 for another 2.5 miles and turn left (west) into the signed Wapaloosie Campground and trailhead.

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Out There Monthly / August 2011

-----------------------------------------------------> Emerald Lake/Hoodoo Canyon Hike and Trout Lake Campground: At milepost 337 on Highway 20, between Republic and Kettle Falls, look for the sign for Trout Lake and head north on Forest Service Road 020. Drive for five miles to the Trout Lake campground and the trailhead.

-----------------------------------------------------> Old Stage Trail and Copper Butte: Follow the directions to Albian Hill Road #2030 as described for Jungle Hill and Wapaloosie Campgrounds, but drive 7 miles north from the junction with Highway 20 to the signed trailhead on your left.

-----------------------------------------------------> Kettle Crest Trail trailhead (north) at Boulder/Deer Creek Pass: Take county road 602 east from Curlew, or west from Orient/Highway 395, to the top of Boulder-Deer Creek Summit.

The trailhead is on your left.

-----------------------------------------------------> Kettle Crest Trail trailhead (south) at White Mountain: From Kettle Falls, drive west on Highway 395 across the Columbia River and turn left onto Highway 20. Drive 10.4 miles and turn left onto South Fork Sherman Creek Road #2020.

It’s 14.7 miles of gravel road to the trailhead. At mile 6.5, bear left onto Barnaby Cr. Rd. #2014.

Stay on Barnaby Cr. Rd. until mile point 10.4 and turn right at the fork onto road #250, and drive to the end of the road to the trailhead.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP: MAPS AND GUIDeBOOKS

-----------------------------------------------------The following guidebooks are indispensible to plan a safe, fun trip. For all of the recommended outings, you will need a Colville National Forest map, any topographic maps listed in the guidebook description, and a compass. A GPS unit doesn’t hurt as long as you know how to use it and bring paper maps as a backup.

-----------------------------------------------------> 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest, by Rich Landers. Includes info on most of the day hiking and backpacking trips listed here.

-----------------------------------------------------> 50 Hikes for Eastern Washington’s Highest Mountains, by James P. Johnson. Includes routes to the summits of all the day hikes listed here and many more in the Kettles.

-----------------------------------------------------> Hiking Washington, by Rod Adkison. Includes Old Stage/Copper Butte hike and others in the Kettles.

----------------------------------------------------- > Backpacking Washington: Overnight and Multiday Routes, by Craig Romano. A new guidebook that covers in detail both of the backpack trips listed here. //

Photo of the Month Food scraps: They’re not garbage anymore Now you can add: • most food scraps • cardboard pizza boxes • coffee grounds and paper filters • egg shells • “non-shiny” food-soiled paper

to your Clean Green yard debris

The cycle starts with you.

Partial funding provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

recycling hot line: 625.6800 www.solidwaste.org

PhotO: Chris white Tara White and Diane Eve kayak The Narrows, Priest Lake. Send your vertical, 3 meg. or less submission with caption to editor@outtheremonthly.com. Best photos entries will be picked for upcoming issues.

Roadtrip DJ: August ANDREA REID As an English instructor, I’m interested in the ways literature reflects life. A recent road trip to Seattle, however, reminded me life can be like a good short story: “INTO THE OCEAN” / BLUE OCTOBER / FOILED Leaving Spokane, listening to Justin Furstenfeld’s earthy vocals. . . as exposition, my all-time-favoritesong says all you need to know about this protagonist. I mean, a song about drowning? That’s beautiful, tragic, and deeply reflective?

“THIS IS YOUR LIFE” / SWITCHFOOT / THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN It’s around Ritzville, the necessary distance to the story’s central conflict: “Are you who you want to be?” This whole album asks tough questions, holds the mirror up. The protagonist thinking, now, about her very existence. . . long stretches of road. . .

“STUCK IN A MOMENT YOU CAN’T GET OUT OF” / U2 / ALL THAT YOU CAN’T LEAVE BEHIND The rising action that is U2 takes me through Vantage and crisis with “Stuck in a Moment”. The Edge’s back-up head voice with Bono’s syncopated counterpoint: And if your way should falter / Along this stony pass / It’s just a moment / This time will pass. Time for resolve.

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The services are provided completely without charge and all collected data is confidential. Several levels of assessment are available, ranging from a packet of information to an in-depth on-site consultation and survey.

For more information or to schedule a consultation: Call 625-6536 or email jhaynes@spokanecity.org

“YOU ARE MY KING (AMAZING LOVE)” / NEWSBOYS / ADORATION: THE WORSHIP ALBUM Cle Elum, heading towards the pass and the story’s climax—singing gospel and praise songs at high volume with the windows down. Apparently I’ve remembered why it matters. Mountaintop vistas on all sides.

“DEFYING GRAVITY” / IDINA MENZEL AND KRISTIN CHENOWETH / WICKED: A NEW MUSICAL SOUNDTRACK With this song, I’ve resolved to keep singing and forgo the falling action altogether. Seattle has no idea who’s coming—a protagonist victorious in the battle against self, ready for the sequel. //

Partial funding provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

August-- 2011

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Last Page

The Case for car camping

When you get outside, time expands, even if you aren’t in the backcountry. / By Sarah Hauge The list was befitting the items needed for a 13-year-old’s sleepover: Oreos. Glow sticks.

A life-size cardboard cutout of Twilight star Robert Pattinson.

In actuality, these were some of the things packed by my best friends and myself (all, ahem, in our late twenties and early thirties) for our annual “Friendship Reunion” camping trip last July. We met in junior high and now live hours apart from each other, so every summer we—and our assorted husbands, boyfriends and dogs—meet at Lake Wenatchee State Park for a weekend of camping.

Are you picturing a group of rosy-cheeked backpackers, purifying their drinking water, bathing in the lake, and whistling camp songs as they trot away from cell towers and sewer lines? You are mistaken. It’s not that we don’t love the outdoors, but “rugged” is not a word that describes our weekend. For our group, car camping—where you pitch a tent mere feet from where you park your car—is ideal. And I suspect car camping might be perfect for your group as well.

Get away—but not TOO far away— from it all Sure, camping could mean lacing up fancy hiking boots and setting off into the wilderness with little more than a compass and pocketknife. But it can also mean running water, well-lit paths to the communal bathroom, and real live toilet paper.

Where we camp, the setting is utterly gorgeous, a perfect outdoor escape: the expansive Lake Wenatchee framed with mountains, the trickling creeks, the tall, shady pines. But there are also modern amenities. We take walks through the woods and dip our toes in the frigid lake, but we also might head down the street to watch a World Cup match at a nearby tavern or use our car batteries’ power to pump up our air mattresses. We don’t even mock our friend Jordan very much when he spends what seems like hours sitting by the campfire…playing Oregon Trail on his iPhone (though I am still a little bitter about the fact that he let the “Sarah” character die last summer, saying I’d “walk off ” my typhoid). Car camping is the perfect way to get outdoors, even if you don’t want to rough it all that much.

The needed gear is minimal (and the possibilities are endless) Car camping is easy. Anyone can borrow a tent, sleeping bag and camp stove and pay a small charge for a night’s stay. Come torrential downpour or raging winds, the ill-prepared can always take refuge in their vehicle.

The minimal gear needed frees you to fill your car with a lot of non-essentials. This might mean a Pack ‘n’ Play to wrangle a toddler for naptime, the makings for a gourmet meal, or a ukulele to strum by the fire. For mine, it means lots of ridicu-

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Out There Monthly / August 2011

Sarah (on the right) and friends relax at the campsite on their annual trip to Lake Wenatchee State Park. Photo Brad Hauge. // Below: Adding some twilight to the 4th.

lous items that recall the carefree goofiness of our junior high days, which we’ve never managed to lose. Hence the cardboard Robert Pattinson (which Beth brought as a sort of prank for Twilight fans Autumn and Danyeal—he became our unofficial mascot, hanging out at the campsite and wearing red, white and blue accessories for Independence Day). The glow sticks were used in lieu of fireworks, and we pretended they lit up the night sky as we giggled and sang Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an American” on the beach. A great memory?

Absolutely. Completely silly? Of course. But that’s

It’s not that we don’t love the outdoors, but “rugged” is not a word that describes our weekend. the beauty of car camping: the items you’ll enjoy are limited only by your imagination and how many glow sticks (or fishing poles, or baby supplies, or whatever your case might be) will fit in the trunk of your car.

Create your own traditions With car camping, a good time is very repeatable and new traditions are easily made. Each year, our group builds upon the previous year’s experiences, repeating the elements we’ve loved best. We talk and laugh as we chop carrots and potatoes for “hobo dinners,” the decidedly un-PC name of the little foil-wrapped packets of vegetables and sometimes meat that we roast over the fire. We accidentally set our marshmallows on fire when we make “s’mOreos” (where an Oreo stands in for the graham cracker and chocolate) after the sun goes down. We flip through magazines and rescue the dogs, tethered to long lines, who constantly get tangled together. We wear the reunion T-shirts Beth designs for us, knowing full well it’s a little bit nerdy for a group of adults to walk around in

matching shirts (and ours feature a cartoon robot, no less), yet also knowing that’s one of the best things, part of what makes our trip our trip.

But the real best thing, and the reason why I think everyone needs an annual camping adventure, is the agenda-free time it offers. When you get outside, time expands. Camping is where, for once, I have hours upon hours to catch up with the friends I miss so much most of the year. It’s where I first felt then-pregnant Autumn’s baby kick and where I got to know Beth’s Oregon Trail-loving boyfriend, where I’ll go on a run with Ross, and where Danyeal and my husband Brad will play a mean game of Settlers of Cattan. It’s where I laugh so hard my stomach aches, but also where I have the good conversations that remind me why these friends have been my friends for so long. The broad expanse of time to spend with the people you love (regardless of whether that includes a cardboard vampire) is what makes even the least rugged of camping trips worth taking. //

WA L K • B I K E • D R I V E • S A F E LY S P O K A N E

True or False?

1.

20 bicyclists and pedestrians are hit every month on average in Spokane County.

2.

Drivers must stop for pedestrians to cross in crosswalks, but not at unmarked intersections.

3.

Bicyclists cannot be ticketed for violating traffic laws.

4.

Bicyclists may choose to ride on a bike path, bike lane, shoulder or travel lane.

5.

Pedestrians must walk on sidewalks when they are available.

6.

It is illegal to ride your bike on Division Street from N. Foothills to Newport Hwy.

7.

Pedestrians can’t suddenly leave a curb and step into traffic so that a driver can not stop.

8.

Drivers do not have to stop for a bicyclist in a crosswalk.

9.

On public roads, bicyclists can ride in pairs.

10. In Spokane County, 4 out of 5 cyclists injured in a collision were male.

StickmanKnows.ORG Watch our new TV spots Get great safety tips Link to pedestrian, bike, & vehicle laws Find maps of collisions in your neighborhood

ANSWERS:

View a calendar of local fun events

August-- 2011

/ Out There Monthly

23

1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. True

6. True 7. True 8. False 9. True 10. True

24

Out There Monthly / August 2011