Human powered sports, travel, and adventure.
NealIt’s April 14 and we’re getting another foot of snow here in Traverse City. I’m thinking that there has to be some redeeming quality to this. Maybe not. Seems that at least in the Northeast, this winter hasn’t had an impact on ticks. Ugh. A nice thick blanket of snow seems to insulate the bastards. …
North Manitou Island is located eight miles off the coast of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. To get there requires a ferry ride, an overnight stay, and planning. With that in mind, visitors often ask, “What are the things to do on North Manitou Island?” Backpacking and Hiking on North Manitou Island North Manitou Island …
Companies like Mountain House make great dehydrated meals. Yes, I said great. Some folks may have had bad experiences or perhaps recall their days in the service eating MRE’s. Well, dehydrated meals don’t have to be bad. Serious. Add a little extra water than called for. An ounce or two is all. Especially for meals …
What are Hiking Crampons? Hiking crampons are designed to add traction to hiking boots. Unlike mountaineering crampons, they are flexible to permit long distance walking. Strictly speaking, in the mountaineering world, hiking crampons don’t exist but rather they are called “traction devices”. But for the rest of us we call them crampons, trails spikes or …
In some circles, trekking poles are considered “Nerdy”. The fact is that they can help make your hiking or backpacking safer and easier on your body. Why You Need Trekking Poles More stability on ice, snow, mud, wet leaves, loose sand gravel, scree. Added power going uphill. Safer when descending hills, steps, and drop-offs. …
The Altra Lone Peak NeoShell is the water resistant, insulated version of the Lone Peak. While billed as a trail running shoe, the Altra Lone Peak has become a popular favorite in the ultralight backpacking community. Speaking of favorites, see how and why Altra became my favorite shoe. Using a waterproof yet breathable membrane fabric …
The Michigan DNR has agreed to convey 40 acres to Garfield Township. This lands adjoins the Grand Traverse Commons and will allow for official expansion of the trail system as the trails on the DNR land are already in use but are not sanctioned by the DNR. Garfield Township plans to integrate the land into …
It probably comes as no surprise that a recent study has found that spending time outdoors, away from crowds, and with friend makes you happier. Li, N. P. and Kanazawa, S. (2016), Country roads, take me home… to my friends: How intelligence, population density, and friendship affect modern happiness. Br J Psychol, 107: 675–697. doi:10.1111/bjop.12181
World renowned Greenland paddler Dubside is coming to Qajaq TC in 2017. Also known as the Michigan Training Camp, Qajaq TC is a small traditional or Greenland kayaking symposioum.Dubside is well known for his rolling abilities as well his Greenland ropes skills. Dubside is flat out amazing and anything I write will pale in comparison …
One evening after an easy three-mile walk, I began to limp. My left foot had developed a pain on the outside edge near the base of the little toe. This pain came out of nowhere. I was perplexed as I hadn’t done anything noticeable. I typically went for a three mile walk each evening after …
Hey, I’d Eat This At Home! When it comes to backcountry cooking and eating well, Michael Gray is the acknowledged expert chef. Dubbed the Eric Clapton of backcountry cooking, Michael is the owner and chief guide at Uncommon Adventures and author of Hey, I’d Eat This At Home! While most people who venture into the backcountry for a …
My Valley Nordkapp RM has little spare room for big feet. In the summer, this hasn’t been too much of a problem but during dry suit season, finding footwear that can accommodate the extra bulk of socks and the dry suit is a challenge. My solution is the NRS Freestyle wetshoe. Its not just a …
Stuff. Lots of stuff. Kayaking involves plenty of stuff. Carrying all this stuff from your car to your kayak and vice versa can be a logistical juggling act that even Tenzing Norgay would subcontract out. Since Sherpas and kayaking don’t really go together let us consider something a bit more practical, the IKEA Frakta shopping …
After having taken sea kayak classes and rented kayaks for a few summers, I decided it was time to buy a kayak for my very own. What I was looking for was a British design touring kayak. I also had a budget in mind so roto-molded boats were in, fiberglass versions were out. I settled …
My long time cycling friend Joe Holmes called me one day and asked me if I wanted to do a ride along in the Firefighters Cycling team car. Having regrettably declined Joe and his offer to me to be the team mechanic for the LeMond-Blender team at the US Pro Cycling Championship road race ten …