Going-to-the-Sun Road may open later than ever this year

Last July I visited Brandon in Polson, Montana and we took a trip to Glacier National Park while I was there.

You can watch day one and day two of our adventure and of course, don't forget Brandon vs. the goat!

On our trip we headed up Going-to-the-Sun Road. But this year visitors to the park might not be able to make that trip.


The Great Falls Tribune ran an article yesterday about how the road may not open until very late this year.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK — Only twice in the history of the Going-to-the-Sun Road has the scenic drive in Glacier National Park opened for the season after July 4.

This year will mark the third year the alpine section of the Sun Road isn't open on Independence Day.

In 1933, the road had its inaugural opening on July 15. In 1943, the road opened on July 10 because of reduced staffing during World War II.

It appears that 2011 will go down in history as one of the latest openings of the Sun Road.

The reason for the late opening this year is a heavy snowpack and cold, snowy weather late into spring.

You can read the rest of the article over on The Great Falls Tribune site.

Happy Groundfrog Day!

Today was Groundfrog Day.

Not sure what that is? It's the Northwest's version of Groundhog Day.

Today the Northwest Frognostication Ceremony took place in Snohomish, WA.

Much like Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather for the next eight weeks, so does Washington's very own Snohomish Slew the bullfrog. And Slew gets his prediction out a few days before Phil.

Snohomish Slew, who also goes by the title of Meteorologist Frognosticator extraordinaire, will come out tomorrow to make a prediction if the Northwest will be enjoying spring soon or another eight weeks of winter.

His predictions are of course announced by his scribes.

The question is, did he see his shadow?

Around my house in Issaquah we didn't. But then again it seems like spring has been here for a few weeks.

Oprah & Gayle's Ultimate Camping Adventure

See REI and first-time campers on The Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday, October 29 and Wednesday, November 3, as part of “Oprah & Gayle’s Ultimate Camping Adventure!”

Oprah and Gayle head out on a camping trip to Yosemite National Park. I'm sure it will be very interesting.

View the preview video on the page here.

Gerber Bear Grylls knife

Earlier this year I told you that Gerber and Bear Grylls were teaming up to make "the ultimate knife."

That knife is now available and Bear is promoting it. The thing does look very sweet. Check it out:



I haven't seen the knife in person yet but personally like a number of the features. I think the built in flint in the sheath is great. Saves you from having to bring your own. I also really like the two holes in the handle in the event you ever needed to lash it to a stick to make a spear.

Here's the specs on the knife:

• Open length: 10.0"
• Blade Length: 4.8"
• Weight: (with sheath): 14.7oz.
• Weight (no sheath): 11.2oz.

The knife will be available at Cabela's, Amazon.com, Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports and Outdoors when the knife is released on November 15th. It will sell for about $60.

However the best pre-order deal I found while searching for the release date, was through a company called Rocky National and they are selling it for $50.

National Park free weekend

This weekend, August 14 and 15, the National Park Service will waive entrance fees to help encourage all Americans to visit the national parks.

"This fee-free weekend provides an opportunity for individuals and families alike to take an affordable vacation or to explore a nearby park they have never visited before," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free admission to visit not only our greatest natural wonders but also our nation's historic and cultural icons."

There are 391 national parks in our national and many offer views that can only be seen there. So if you haven't visited a national park lately, why not head out there for free this weekend?

Also, please note that the fee waiver is only for the entrance fees. Any camping fees, reservation fees and special bus tour fees are still in place.

Epic Video: Strange RV commercial

I saw this video today. So very strange. But sure makes me want to go camping.

Visit a National Park for FREE!

That's right, during April 17 to April 25 all 392 national parks will have free admission. This is in honor of National Park Week.

National Park Week, a program of the National Park Service, is an opportunity to engage families and communities in America’s Great Outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating close to home opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun.

“National parks preserve our heritage, promote recreational experiences, and provide places of quiet refuge,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “Most people live within a short drive of a national park so I encourage everyone to spend some time enjoying America’s Great Outdoors during National Park Week.”

There will be hundreds of family friendly events on Saturday, April 24, for National Junior Ranger Day. Each child participating in Junior Ranger activities will receive a certificate, patch, or pin.

So make sure to head out to a National Park. And if you do, let us know how it went.

(This is from Just Northwest)

National Geographic Adventure is back. Kinda.

A few months ago I posted about how National Geographic Adventure was closing.

Today I found out some great news though. While making my daily trip to The Adventure Blog, I saw that National Geographic Adventure has lived on. Just not in magazine form.

Instead, it has survived in blog form.

I was glad to see that at least the information that was in each issue would still be available.

And while browsing the site today I found that they had some great content on there.

I guess this is just another sign of the changing times of journalism. As more content moves from traditional print to online.

(This is from Just Northwest)

Ground Frog Day

Are you looking for something interesting and new to do tomorrow?

Why not head out for Ground Frog Day.

Everyone talks about Groundhog Day, but the Northwest has their very own version of this day.

Tomorrow, Saturday January 30th, the Northwest Frognostication Ceremony will take place in Snohomish, WA.

Much like Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather for the next eight weeks, so does Washington's very own Snohomish Slew the bullfrog. And Slew gets his prediction out three days before Phil.

Snohomish Slew, who also goes by the title of Meteorologist Frognosticator extraordinaire, will come out tomorrow to make a prediction if the Northwest will be enjoying spring soon or another eight weeks of winter.

His predictions are of course announced by his scribes.

The festivities begin at Ferguson Park at 10:30 AM. This years GroundFrog Day will also feature a park bench dedication that honors Daryl Bertholet. Bertholet was the founder of Ground Frog Day five years ago, but passed away in July.

Following the weather forcast and the dedication ceremony, the festivities will continue at the National Guard Armory for lessons on living green, vendor booths, games, demonstrations and live entertainment.

For more information visit the official Ground Frog Day site.

(This is from Just Northwest)

Outdoor goals for 2010

My blogging friend Paul, over at Washington Adventures, had a great post the other day called adventure goals, dreams, plans for 2010.

In this post Paul listed a few of his goals for the year.

And that got me thinking, what are my outdoor goals for this year?

My big goal is to complete the Wonderland Trail this summer. But besides that, here's some of my list broken into groups:

Backpacking

• Complete the entire Wonderland Trail
• Complete 3 weekend trips prior to the Wonderland Trail

Hiking

• Go on a longer hike at least once a month
• Hike one day each week after work

Bicycling

• Mountain bike more
• Mountain bike at Galbraith Mountain
• Commute to work at least 3 days a week, each week

Kayaking

• Buy a kayak (I've always just used one of my dads)
• Make one trip a month even if it's just a day trip

Other (I'm going to Hawaii in September)

• Learn to surf
• Hike to lava flows
• Snorkel
• Kayak in Hawaii
• Take in a University of Hawaii football game (Hey, it's outside)

Oh, and of course film all of this for more Northern Ranger adventures!

Alright, well there is some of my list of things to do. I have many more, but don't want to ramble on. What's your goals for this new year? Hope you have your list made and can start checking items off.

(This is from Just Northwest)

Best stove for winter camping

I have said before that winter is my favorite season to camp in. Sure summer camping is easier as you need less gear. And if you fall in a river, you can easily dry out.

But winter camping. Now that is a great experience.

A popular question that is often brought up is what is the best gear for winter camping? I'll start going over the gear that I bring when camping in the snow over the next few weeks.

But lets start off this discussion with a great post by our blogging friend Scoutmaster Jerry.

He has a great post from yesterday discussing the best stove for winter camping.

You can view this post here, as well as the rest of his blog.

(This is from Just Northwest)

Northern Rangers: How to make a campfire

Fire. Without it you can't roast marshmallows.

It doesn't seem like camping with one.

And as Bear Grylls always says, fire is an instant moral booster.

But how do you make a good, sustainable campfire?

You know, one without gas.

Well don't worry. The Northern Rangers are here! Check it out below:

Northern Rangers: The Ape Caves

This week the Northern Rangers headed down to Mount St. Helens to hike, camp and explore.

One of the attractions of the active volcano is the Ape Caves.

Facts about the Ape Caves

• This cave is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States.
  
• There are two different routes to explore. The upper cave and the lower cave.
• The lower cave is an easy hike and about 3/4 of a mile long.
• The upper cave is about 1 1/2 miles long.
• The upper cave also includes obstacles and is much more difficult.
  

Driving Directions

• From Interstate 5 take Exit 21, the Woodland Exit
• Travel east on Highway 503 and USFS Road 90 for about 36 miles
  
• Turn left onto USFS Road 83 and proceed another 2 miles to the junction of USFS Roads 83 and 8303.
• Turn left onto USFS Road 8303 and proceed about 1 mile to the parking lot of lower entrance to Ape Caves

One thing we did notice about the caves was the amount of garbage in them. Please, if you do the hike, don't litter. If you pack it in, pack it out. It's that simple.

Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier Preview 2

Welcome to the second preview of the Wonderland Trail.

The Northern Rangers set off on our adventure on the trail on Friday, August 7.

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 Dick Creek. Distance- 9 miles.

Day 2- Dick Creek to Sunrise Camp. Distance- 12 miles.

Day 3- Sunrise Camp to Summerland. Distance- 11 miles.

Day 4- Summerland to Maple Creek. Distance- 14 miles.

Day 5- Maple Creek to Pyramid Creek. Distance- 15 miles.

Day 6- Pyramid Creek to Klapatche Park. Distance- 14 miles.

Day 7- Klapatche Park to Golden Lakes. Distance- 8 miles.

Day 8- Golden Lakes to Mowich Lake Trailhead. Distance- 10 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.

Epic Photo: Escape to the weekend

That's right folks. It's the weekend. Try to escape early.

JustSON Product Review: Sunrise Deck

A deck while camping? Yes, they do exist.




View more at the Sunrise Decks & RV Products Web site by clicking here.

CAMPING!!!

This weekend I'm out camping. I actually am writing this from the local library in a town that has only one computer and this computer is still connected via dial up. And thus, it has taken me about 43 minutes to post this.

This weekend I'll be taking a lot of video for the Northern Rangers as well as writing some stories. I'll try to get some of them up, but we will see.

For now I leave you in the hands of Brandon Hansen.

Memorial Day weekend in Washington

This weekend is Memorial Day. That means an extra day of freedom. What are you're plans?

Well, if you're a last minute decider, I ran the numbers, Googled the results, and added my own bias into the mix and in no paticular order, here are the JustSON Top 10 Washington state destinations for the extended weekend.

1. Paradise, WA - Nothing beats Mount Rainier in my opinion. And for a long time I wanted to be a park ranger. Still might try it if this writing thing never pans out. I haven't been up to Paradise since they opened the new vistor's center. If you live in the area, and have never been up to the mountain, you're missing out on a lot.

2. Cougar, WA - Explore Mount St. Helens. There are a ton of great stuff around the area to discover, from the visitor center to the ape caves to the lava canyon.

3. Anacortes, WA - Ferry to the San Juan Islands and you won't be disappointed. This is a great trip with plenty to see. Some of the highlights include: ferry ride, scenic views, great dining, whale watching, histroic landmarks, Mount Constitution, and sea life.

4. Mazama, WA - Take a drive in the North Cascades. This 132 mile drive throught the Cascades Mountains allows breath taking views of high mountain peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers and dams. Also, get out and go for a hike in the area.

5. Seattle, WA - If you're more a one-day event person, why not hit up the city? Go to the zoo, the shops, Pikes Place Market, enjoy lunch on the waterfront, catch a Mariners game or a trip up the Space Needle.

6. Snoqualmie, WA - The Snoqualmie Falls provides a great backdrop for pictures and you could eat lunch at the lodge. Or, if you're rich, stay there. There are tons of hiking trails around the area and lots of campgrounds. Take a trip up Mount Si in nearby North Bend, or if shopping is more your thing, then check out the North Bend Outlet Mall. Also, if you like to hit the slots, you can head over to the new Snoqualmie Casino.

7. Port Angeles, WA - The Olympic National Park offers a huge range of items. This area can be explored by bike, car, foot, trail, path, kayak, canoe or even motor boat. There is so much to do here.

8. Lake Chelan, WA - The home Web site of the lake promotes 101 things to do while visiting. On this list is wineries, boating, golfing, river rafting, music, fishing, need I go on. This is one awesome place to visit.

9. Long Beach, WA - Beach. Right there. All you need to know.

10. Leavenworth, WA - Tucked in the mountains is a great little town called Levenworth. Thjs town is rich in history and caters to tourists.

Honorable mention - Brandon's house, Spokane, WA - Joking aside, Spokane is a great place to go for a weekend. The mountains are close by, golfing is all around, Spokies provide excellent entertainment and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is just down the road.

Close call - Pullman, WA. Hanging out with Ryan Leaf. Wait, this is the BEST places to visit for the long weekend. Scratch that. I vote we just give the Pullman area to Idaho.

How to camp in the rain

We live in Washington and that means most of the spring is wet. If you want to go camping during this time, then chances are, you will get wet as well.

But a little rain doesn't have to ruin your weekend.

Here's the JustSON Top Ten things to do while camping in the rain:

10. Jump in puddles.

9. Chase ducks. Ducks love the rain. Ducks do not like be chased though.

8. Time how long your tent stays waterproof.

7. Bandage your duck bites. As I said, ducks do not like to be chased.

6. Continuously annoy the rest of camp with phrases like, "I'm melting!" or "Rust forms from water!"

5. If it's too rainy, or if those ducks are still chasing you, you can hide in a Honeybucket.

4. Sit in your wet sleeping bag and cry because your cheap tent proved to only be waterproof for only 15 minutes.

3. Put up a blue tarp over the camp. Stare up at it and pretend it's blue sky.

2. Try to count the rain drops as they hit your tent.

1. Say, "Heck with it. I'm from Washington. This is great weather." And go for a hike.

Epic Video: 2 second tent

Now this is some quick tent set up.