Archive for October, 2009
Congress increases National Park Service budget for 2010
The National Park Service was given an additional $130 million for their 2010 fiscal year budget by Congress on Thursday. That brings the total NPS budget for next year to $2.7 billion. While the increased funds would allow the Park Service to hire more rangers, address climate change issues, and purchase inholdings, the budget bill has received mixed reactions.
Review: Winter Hikes of Western Washington card deck
Winter HikesThe Mountaineers may be best known for their book, Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills, but they also publish the Outdoor Expert Series, as well as various guide books. One of their most recent releases is a conveniently-packaged card deck series titled Winter Hikes of Western Washington. Compiled by Craig Romano, the deck features 50 hikes located across the Western portion of the state.
Increased Climbing Fees for Denali
The National Park Service has been considering increasing the climbing fee for those attempting to climb Mt. McKinley (Denali). Currently, there is a $200 fee but the plan is to increase it 150%, to $500.
Review: Kamik SnowpassX
Kamik SnowpassxThe SnowpassX boots from Kamik are insulated full height boots made for days when you expect to encounter some nasty weather.
Review: Hi-Tec St. Moritz Luxe 200i
Are you looking for boots that will keep you hitting the trails, even after it starts to snow? These waterproof, insulated, and lined boots from Hi-Tec will keep your feet warm and dry through the winter months. Read our review for more.
The Diamox Choice
There’s a fantastic article regarding the choice to take the drug Diamox for high altitude adventures over here at the AAI blog. I took the drug on an expedition to Peru and have a bit of personal experience with it as a result.
The North Face and Climate Change Policy
On Thursday, The North Face announced a commitment to stopping climate change through partnering with Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), as well as supporting 350.org, the international campaign dedicated to inspiring “the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis.” In addition to these partnerships, The North Face urges their consumers to do the same.
A National Park for Delaware
In a move to make Delaware the 50th state to have a National Park Service unit, Delaware congressmen plan to introduce legislation that would establish a new national park. However, the proposed park wouldn’t boast majestic vistas or hidden beach coves; instead, it will be a “history-themed” park.
Google Street View: Coming to a trail near you?
Google Street View has added a new vehicle to their fleet–a 250-pound tricycle equipped with a GPS and camera. While their cars are hitting the streets across the country, the Google Trike will be collecting images in places where you can’t drive.
Paddle to Seattle
If you’re at all interesting in paddle sports or outdoor adventures, you might want to check out ‘Paddle to Seattle’. Two friends built their own kayaks and decided to paddle them from Alaska all the way to Seattle. The trailer went live yesterday and the film seems pretty awesome as far as we can tell.
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