MLS First Kick 2011

The Sounders have been members of the MLS for three years, and in each of those years they have brought in the new season of soccer by hosting the MLS First Kick. Relive the victories in 2009, and 2010 in this video mash-up.



And the Northern Rangers were at that first game in 2009. Here's our video from it:

The Northern Rangers go HD

For 2011 the Northern Rangers have decided to go HD. That's right, all of our adventures will now be in High Definition! So tune back in as we show you everything that we see, only now, it will be crystal clear.

To start off the HD Northern Rangers we decided to show you one of our favorite hikes, Poo Poo Point, and the views from the top. Check it out:

Eastern Washington University football playoffs

It's playoff fever around Cheney, Washington today!

Eastern is the number one team in the nation and the number five seed into the FCS playoffs.

Check out this video that Brandon and I made about the Eastern gameday experience last year.

Go Eagles! Defend the Red Turf!

Snow hike

If you're not in the Northwest then you might not know about the arctic freeze that hit our area the last few days.

Well, yesterday while most of the Seattle area was scared stiff cause of the ice and the snow, the Northern Rangers headed up Poo Poo Point for a hike.

And it was very much worth it.

The weather was sunny but in the 20's. However, the view was awesome. Snow all through the valley.


One thing that did surprise us was that when were up there, two paragliders showed up. They were getting set up when we headed down and we saw them land in the snow right as we finished our decent. Check it out:

Rattlesnake Mountain hike

Yesterday the Northern Rangers headed out to enjoy the colors of fall on a hike on Rattlesnake Mountain near Snoqualmie, Washington.



View our previous hike report of Rattlesnake Ledge from earlier this year here.

People's Coast Classic videos

Here's the week of the People's Coast Classic in videos taken by the Northern Rangers. Thank you again to all who donated to the Arthritis Foundation. As at team we raised more that $7,500! Thank you again! Hope you enjoy.

(BTW Day 5 is probably my favorite)

Day 1: Astoria to Garibaldi



Day 2: Garibaldi to Lincoln City



Day 3: Lincoln City to Yachats



Day 4: Yachats to North Bend



Day 5: North Bend to Port Orford



Day 6: Port Orford to Brookings

People's Coast Classic: Day 1

Today my dad, Jeff and I started on the People's Coast Classic.

We started in Astoria and boy was it cold. (See Jeff in blanket) He rode with the blanket for a ways, and it turned into a cape. I pretended that I didn't know him.

The ride today was a little over 58 miles. The sun eventually burned off the clouds and we rode the final part in the sunshine. Now it is sunny at our camp in Garibaldi.

Tomorrow is the longest and toughest day of the ride which should be about 70 miles and offers a number of hills. Here's to hoping that Jeff doesn't have to pull me up them.

We shot some Northern Rangers videos along the way and I'll get those up when we get back.

But for now I'm going to go find some dinner and then probably go to sleep.

The People's Coast Classic

I've been off the radar lately (actually I've been Hawaii). So I apologize for the lack of posts as of late.

Tomorrow I take off for the People's Coast Classic. If you've been reading the blog then you know all about how each rider had to raise $2,500 in donations for the Arthritis Foundation. There's still time to donate if you didn't get a chance before!

You can visit my donation page and follow the directions there.

Make sure to check back daily on the blog as I'll be updating along the way. Perhaps even some Northern Ranger videos!

Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail Preview 3

It's time for preview number three of the Wonderland Trail.

The Northern Rangers take off on our great Wonderland Trail adventure tomorrow.

The last two days I've previewed the history and facts about the Wonderland Trail and about wilderness permits and campgrounds on the trail.

Today I'll cover the gear that we'll be packing on the trip.

Gear for the trip

Like any mountain, the weather on Mount Rainier can change very quickly. And storms are a normal occurrence. Because of this, we have to plan ahead and use the Boy Scout motto. Be Prepared.

Here's what we will be bringing on the trip:

BACKPACK

• 1 backpack
• 1 backpack rain cover

CLOTHING (this includes what I will be wearing)

• 2 long sleeved shirts (synthetic, polyester material)
• 1 pair of hiking pants (Bear Grylls style)
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
  
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 4 pairs of smart wool socks
• 3 pairs of liner socks
  
• 1 pair of hiking boots (pre-broken in)
• 1 pair of sandals (or camp shoes)
• 1 brimmed hat
• 1 fleece
• 1 raincoat
• 1 stocking hat
• fleece gloves
  

OUTDOOR GEAR

• 1 pocket knife
• 1 first aid kit
• 1 stainless steel water bottle
• 1 headlamp (spare battery)
• 1 compass
• emergency blanket
• 1 canister bear spray
• trekking polls
• map
• small journal and pencil
• wallet-sized waterproof container (put in cash, credit card and photo ID)
• 1 roll duct tape
  

COOKING

• 1 camp stove
• gas for stove
• waterproof matches
• food (enough for trip, plus two emergency meals)
• water filter
• 1 heavy duty plastic spork
• snacks
• Gatorade powder
• 1 cooking pot
  

BED/SHELTER

• 1 tent (mine is REI quarter-dome three backpacking tent)
• 1 sleeping bag (temperature according to area)
• 1 sleeping pad (foam inside for insulation)
• 1 travel pillow

PERSONAL HYGIENE

• 1 tube toothpaste
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 roll toilet paper
• 1 stick deodorant
• 1 container dental floss
• 1 bottle fashwash
• hand sanitizer
  
• quick-dry towel
• 1 bottle sunscreen
• 1 bug spray
  

Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail Preview 2

Welcome to the second preview of the Wonderland Trail.

The Northern Rangers set off on our adventure later this week.

Until then, here's today's preview about how to obtain permits for the hike, as well as the campgrounds on the trail.

Wilderness Permits and Campgrounds

Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping year-round. These permits help to disperse traffic and keep track of users of the trail.

To obtain your permit, you must submit your application early. The first day the park starts accepting them is March 15 each year. However, the rangers don't begin processing permits until April 1. The way it works is all of the permits received between March 15 and April 1 are processed first, then the permits are gone through by date received after April 1.

For more information on how to apply for a permit visit the Mount Rainier National Park Wonderland Trail permit web site.

The Wonderland Trail has eighteen wilderness camps and three non-wilderness camps. Each campsite has designated tent sites, a vault toilet and water nearby (aka creek, river, stream).

The Mount Rainier National Park site lists each of the campsites and their elevation.

Hiking from Longmire in a clockwise direction, they are:

• Pyramid Creek- (no group site) 3,765 feet
• Devil's Dream- 5,060 feet
• South Puyallup River- 4,000 feet
• Klapatche Park- (no group site) 5,515 feet
• North Puyallup River- 3,750 feet
• Golden Lakes- 5,130 feet
• South Mowich River- 2,605 feet
• *Mowich Lake Campground- 4,929 feet
• Ipsut Creek Campground- 2,330 feet
• Carbon River- 3,195 feet
• Dick Creek- (no group site) 4,185 feet
• Mystic Camp- 5,570 feet
• Granite Creek- 5,765
• Sunrise Camp- 6,245
• *White River Campground- 4,280 feet
• Summerland- 5,940 feet
• Indian Bar- 5,120 feet
• Nickel Creek- 3,385 feet
• Maple Creek- 2,815 feet
• Paradise River- 3,805 feet
• *Cougar Rock Campground- 3,180 feet

* denotes non-wilderness campground

For the hike, we planned our route based on distance, as well as our own personal abilities in hiking. Since we are in hiking shape, this is how our trip itinerary turned out for campgrounds:

Day 1 - We'll leave the Mowich Lake Trailhead and set up camp at Carbon River Camp. Distance- 9 miles.

Day 2- Carbon River Camp to Granite Creek Camp. Distance- 9 miles.

Day 3- Granite Creek Camp to White River Camp. Distance- 9 miles.

Day 4- White River Camp to Indian Bar Camp. Distance- 9 miles.

Day 5- Indian Bar Camp to Maple Creek Camp. Distance- 13 miles.

Day 6- Maple Creek Camp to Pyramid Creek Camp. Distance- 14 miles.

Day 7- Pyramid Creek Camp to South Puyallup River Camp. Distance- 8 miles.

Day 8- South Puyallup River Camp to Golden Lakes Camp. Distance- 12 miles.

Day 9- Golden Lakes Camp to South Mowich River Camp. Distance- 7 miles

Day 10- South Mowich River Camp to Mowich Lake Trailheads. Distance- 3 miles

Total is 93 miles. Man am I excited.

Check back in tomorrow for another preview of the Wonderland Trail, with the gear to pack on the trip.

Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail Preview 1

Thursday the Northern Rangers will set off on our great adventure of 2010, the Wonderland Trail.

Our trip will last from July 22 - August 1. Each day this week, I'll be previewing the Wonderland Trail in preparing the readers for our trip.

On Thursday we'll head up to Mowich Lake and camp. Getting up early on Friday we'll hit the trail.

(And you can bet that there will be some great Northern Rangers videos when we get back)

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Today the Northern Rangers headed up Rattlesnake Ledge Trail outside of North Bend, Washington.
The hike starts at Rattlesnake Lake and has an elevation gain of 1,175 feet over two miles. So it's fairly steep but by no means difficult to the average active person.

Following the trail you'll find a number of switchbacks and a fairly constant uphill grade.
However, you'll also find a large number of people on the trail because of how close the trailhead is to Seattle and I-90.

The picture to the left shows Rattlesnake Ledge overflowing with people.

However, the trail doesn't end at Rattlesnake Ledge and as of 2007, now goes all the way to the old Snoqualmie Brewery at Exit 27 off I-90. So for a bit more peaceful turnaround point hikers can follow the trail up a little higher and still enjoy the great views but without the circus shown in the other picture. (see below photo)

Hiking Time to Rattlesnake Ledge: 45 mins to 1 hour
Miles: 4 Round trip
Elevation gain: 1,175 feet

How to get there

On I-90 east take Exit 32 (436th Avenue SE) just past the exits to North Bend. Turn right off the exit, heading south on 436th Ave SE which turns into Cedar Falls Road. In about three miles you'll see the parking lots. Follow the signs posted for Rattlesnake Lake.

Backpacking Middle Fork of Snoqualmie

The Northern Rangers headed out to the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River last weekend for a backpack trip. We camped, did some day hikes and took video of the trail/area.

Hope you enjoy the newest video!

Hiking Cougar Mountain

The weather right now might be like a monsoon outside, but last week we had some beautiful sun.

The Northern Rangers headed for a hike last Wednesday for a hike along some of the trails of Cougar Mountain. We didn't shoot a video, but did snap this photo by Doughty Falls. Yes, it's really just a big rock with water running over the moss.

Don't worry, we'll be getting some videos going again here soon.

Duthie Hill mountain bike park

In case you missed it, yesterday the Seattle Times had a great article about a new mountain bike park that is going in near Issaquah, WA.

You can read the full article here.

Since I'm currently located in the Issquah area, I was stoked to read this article. The place sounds awesome.

It features the world's longest log ride, a boardwalk, huge drops, wooden structures and varying levels of difficulty throughout. That means both the expert and the beginner can have fun at the park.

The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance worked to get the park built in cooperation with King County Parks. Currently EMBA members have volunteered over 6,000 hours of work on the park. I also found out the schedule and we're planning on heading out there to help.

The grand opening of the park is on May 22. But that will just complete Phase One of the park. Phase Two is expected to be completed in April 2011.

And you can bet that in the near future the Northern Rangers will be out there for a ride and video.

(This is from Just Northwest)

2010 Eastern Washington football schedule

The Eastern Washington University football schedule for the upcoming season was released today. Here is a look at it:

2010 EWU Schedule
9/2 - at Nevada
9/11 - Central Washington (site to be determined)
9/18 - Montana
9/25 - at Montana State
10/2 - at Weber State
10/9 - Northern Arizona
10/16 - at Northern Colorado
10/23 - Sacramento State
10/30 - at Portland State
11/6 - Open
11/13 - Southern Utah
11/20 - Idaho State

The post-Matt Nichols era will begin with a big game in Nevada. Should start the season off on the right foot.

The reason that the game against Central is listed as "site to be determined" is that the two schools are trying to work out the game to be played in Qwest Field. Last season the Eagles took on Portland State in Qwest and it was an AWESOME game.

Now the big note is that the game against Montana is on September 18. That game will be HUGE! Not only is this always a huge game, but it also is Welcome Back Weekend with all the students returning to campus.

Oh, and it would be the first football game in history played on RED TURF. Pretty darn sweet. And you can bet your socks that the Northern Rangers will be out there.

Check out our video from last year about the Eastern gameday experience:



Man I wish football season was closer!

New Northern Rangers video tomorrow

I didn't get it finished tonight, so tune in tomorrow for a new Northern Rangers video from this weekend.

Poo Poo Point: South view

Today the Northern Rangers headed out for a hike on Poo Poo Point again. We showed you the views from the North, now here's what the views from the South are:

Afternoon hike in the Issaquah Alps

Today the Northern Rangers headed out for another afternoon hike. We were back at Poo Poo Point. And since we've shown you that hike a bunch we didn't shoot a video this week.

But we did snap the picture above.

The hike today was great. I was finally feeling in hiking shape again. However, because of the amazing weather that Washington has been having there were SO many people on the trail.

And not the normal crowd of paragliders. But just people out for an after work hike.

Normally the trail is spotted with paragliders making the trek to the launching point. And the two paragliders that we did see were hiking back down. I'm not sure why.

It was a great hike to say the least. But anytime you get outside is a good time.

Next Saturday the Northern Rangers are planning another big trip like we did Wallace Falls State Park last month. I'll keep you posted.

(This is from Just Northwest)

Stink at Nothing

My blogging friend Steven, over at My Life Outdoors, posted back in January about a contest to win a free anti-stink shirt. I figured, hey, I stink while going on the Northern Ranger trips, might as well enter.

Well, I found today that the people over at Agion Active must have also thought I stunk because they are sending me a shirt to test.

Now this isn't just any stink free shirt, this shirt is specially made. Only half of it has been treated with the anti-stink potion. That way you can really tell a difference.

They now will be sending me this special half anti-stink shirt to test. I'm supposed to try it out and then write back with a detailed evaluation of the shirt as well as a photo or video.

And obviously being the Northern Rangers we'll send in a video. (forgot to tell you, Jeff got one too)

Now the big catch is that if your review is the best, then you could win an all-inclusive outdoor adventure vacation for two.

I'll post more about this once my shirt arrives and the Northern Rangers hit the trail.

(This is from Just Northwest)