tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8403991290723214672024-02-01T21:53:50.258-08:00The Ohio HikerGet Out and Get GoingRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-33363978883907717012011-10-02T13:07:00.001-07:002011-10-02T13:54:42.126-07:00Winton Woods Campground Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o2xQr4QjiVQ00aR06h8-XWyTNF4uPGRxXRJQBw2iQGPnGbr3wDU4mtD_TMRB9swLwRoYdfX0ZQXQZjHZH1YBi-9mOW5jctlBnOpi3AR1_1mTwHRB5cUQ1N8dEAyHAQV794efAahfu49Q/s1600/047.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o2xQr4QjiVQ00aR06h8-XWyTNF4uPGRxXRJQBw2iQGPnGbr3wDU4mtD_TMRB9swLwRoYdfX0ZQXQZjHZH1YBi-9mOW5jctlBnOpi3AR1_1mTwHRB5cUQ1N8dEAyHAQV794efAahfu49Q/s320/047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658993203328241682" /></a>This past Friday, we kicked off our fall camping season with a stay at the <a href="http://greatparks.org/parks/wintonwoods.shtm">Winton Woods Campground</a> that is part of the <a href="http://www.greatparks.org/">Hamilton County Park</a> system in Cincinnati. It was just about an hour drive for us, and we were immediately impressed with how nice the campground was. The Hamilton County Park system is truly a gem for the Cincinnati resident. They currently sell entrance passes for $10 for one year, with a $5 rebate for available for residents. Otherwise, entrance fees are $3 per vehicle. <div><br /></div><div>We were able to get a campsite rather last minute when a lot of other parks and campgrounds were booked solid. Our campsite (#21) backed right up to the lake, and had a fair amount of level area to pitch a few tents. Sites were generously spaced apart too, so you did not feel like you were on top of one another. In the tent camping area, there were also plenty of tall, mature trees that really added to the camping experience (something many new campgrounds often lack). This campground was quiet, clean and family friendly. There was a playground for the kids and a nice sized bathhouse not too far from most of the sites. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a little windy and chilly during our stay (night time temperatures were close to 40 degrees F), but we stayed warm with <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/742003/smartwool-hiking-socks-womens">our wool hiking socks</a>, 20 degree REI down sleeping bags (which were super toasty and comfy), <a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-review-of-therm-rest-z-lite-regular.html">Therm-a-rest sleeping pads</a> and our <a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2011/01/rei-half-dome-4-person-tent-review.html">REI Half Dome tent.</a> We dressed our 15 month old daughter in lots of layers (for sleeping she wore 2 footed sleepers, the outer fleece, with a wool hat and mittens), and she stayed warm as well. We did actually forget our own gloves, but extra hiking socks helped with our cold hands during morning camp chores!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few things you should know if you plan to camp there:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. <b>Sites can be reserved online, and there are no minimum night stays</b>. This was important to us since we could only camp one night and it had to be on a Friday night due to Rob's work schedule. During our stay, the rates were $25 a night for the standard electric sites (30 amp), and there are no online reservation fees to mess with either. The nice thing about this campground is that you can <a href="http://greatparks.org/rec_camping/ww_electric.shtm">view pictures of each and every campsite</a> prior to booking! I LOVE this feature as I am all about getting the perfect campsite. Sites 8, 9, and 10 are very nice and spacious. Sites 22 and 23 are also very nice and preferable if you need multiple flat tent sites. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. The <b>new RV area is not shaded</b> in the middle section, so be prepared if you get a spot there. Sites 13F through 2F would probably be preferable if you were RVing it, since they back up right into the woods.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. <b>The campstore sells hot food</b>, including pizza you can order straight to your campsite (I guess this is handy if your campfire goes disastrously wrong, lol). They also have <b>firewood available for sale for $4.99 a bundle</b>. The firewood is not the greatest however, so bring your own (if you live in the area, otherwise <a href="http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/">don't move firewood!</a>) and plenty of kindling if you can. The campstore is really a very nice building and has all the basics stocked in case you forget something important. The hours were 10am-8pm during our stay, so a late evening arrival still allows you time to get what you need.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Reserve online and early. <b>Weekends book up fast</b>, especially during prime camping season such as early and mid-fall. We were lucky to get a site a little over a week in advance, but the next two weeks are already entirely booked through. So book early if you can!</div><div><br /></div><div>5. They also have <b>deluxe as well as basic camping cabins available </b>for those that prefer that route. I would stay away from the camping cabins 1, 2 and 5 though since they are in a very high traffic area. Although I didn't get to look inside, it appeared that the basic cabins had window AC units in them (check with the campground office though to be sure). This would be a really nice option if camping in the hot summer. The deluxe cabins are open year round, but the basic cabins are not. Price for the basic is $50 a night and the deluxe is $125 a night. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, our stay at the Winton Woods campground was enjoyable and surprisingly quiet despite its proximity to the city. We are looking forward to our next stay, as soon as campsites are available that is! This is definitely a favorite campground we'll be returning to again and again. </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-46501733207252129402011-09-29T16:51:00.001-07:002011-09-29T16:57:13.025-07:00Wildflowers in Bloom!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSK7QmWv6nqoSJcEdyA0JXiepoQ_uQmAR6vrwOuIw3bcsBeERYt9j_YfiDIUUEbECoTlGAJ7YDmXZF7PmK0rJHDr6SL0p-V4S_AbJrAFgBFuGf8EDFUTlGH3A-S2oq-5g9HlWMgNA6eKw/s1600/goldenrod_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSK7QmWv6nqoSJcEdyA0JXiepoQ_uQmAR6vrwOuIw3bcsBeERYt9j_YfiDIUUEbECoTlGAJ7YDmXZF7PmK0rJHDr6SL0p-V4S_AbJrAFgBFuGf8EDFUTlGH3A-S2oq-5g9HlWMgNA6eKw/s320/goldenrod_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657934879779069906" /></a>This is the perfect time of year to find a large array of Ohio blooming fall wildflowers along trails. Identifying wildflowers help connect a hiker to nature and gives them a sense of belonging. If you're new to wildflower identification, pick up a book or pamphlet such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0253219515/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=walwis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0253219515">Wildflowers of Ohio</a> by Robert L. Henn. <div><br /></div><div>Or read about some of the <a href="http://sugarloaf10.hubpages.com/hub/Ohio-Fall-Wildflowers?done">most common ohio fall wildflowers</a> to get your feet wet in flower identification.</div><div><br /></div><div>Good places to look for wildflowers include open meadows, grassy regions, along streams, creeks and riverbeds as well as marshy or damp areas. Take a minute to slow down your hike and you might be surprised at what you find.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-61016055577492171512011-09-29T09:02:00.000-07:002011-09-29T09:37:23.934-07:00Camping with Toddlers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEgd9oy95-z961lu4eU2_kodUu6voBekx85x7M2qzakRZlnYVAsVR5SP3uNsTfWnHDzmWea1XYIBTKflP4y8ETrgfgKdWewFS_a3as7d0AeTEvXkalQf1xo0bZlzD6MzICGmfwRr-pbcf/s1600/001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEgd9oy95-z961lu4eU2_kodUu6voBekx85x7M2qzakRZlnYVAsVR5SP3uNsTfWnHDzmWea1XYIBTKflP4y8ETrgfgKdWewFS_a3as7d0AeTEvXkalQf1xo0bZlzD6MzICGmfwRr-pbcf/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657813022553035634" /></a>Camping with toddlers presents its own set of challenges and frustrations, but if careful planning is done it can be a rewarding and memorable experience for everyone. The key to taking toddlers camping is remembering the art of adaptability and slowing down. <div><br /></div><div>We went camping with our young, extremely mobile toddler for 2 nights in the hills of Pennsylvania this past summer. We had a great time and learned some important lessons along the way too. Our next camping trip is scheduled for tomorrow night, so although we had some challenges with the first trip, it hasn't discouraged us from getting out again!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some tips to remember when camping with toddlers for the first time:</div><div><ul><li><b><i>Short attention spans</i></b> - Make sure you plan plenty of activity so that you're not just doing the same thing for hours at a time. Toddlers need constant activity change and usually only have an attention span of 15 minutes for every year of age. Choose a camping spot near playgrounds or bring a stroller or bike to keep them busy. A baby carrier is a must for mobile toddlers who might otherwise try to get into fires or mud puddles while the parent is working on camp chores. Don't attempt long hiking trails unless your toddler is accustomed to the time spent in the pack. The limit for our little one seems to be about 1 hour before she gets cranky and wants down for a bit. If you can, let your toddler out of the pack to walk with you rather than riding in the pack the whole time. Sure, you will go slower, but they will love exploring the world around them and it will teach you to slow down and appreciate the little things.</li><li><b><i>Changing body temperatures</i></b>- Toddlers, like all young children, get hot quickly and cold quickly. Camping does not provide a steady 70 degree environment, so bring lots and lots of clothing for layering. And remember they <b><i>will </i></b>get dirty, so bring more than one pair of pants! Make sure and bring appropriate clothing for the weather, and don't dress them entirely in cotton if it will be damp, rainy or cool. A properly dressed toddler is a happy toddler, and the last thing you want on a camping trip is a child complaining or crying over being too hot or too cold. Monitor their body signals and add or remove layers as needed. Don't wait until you are cold or hot to fix their clothing since little ones will likely be very uncomfortable by then. And note that if your toddler is not doing as much physical activity, such as riding in the back of a pack, they won't be hot like you are when hiking, so dress them appropriately. </li><li><b><i>Sleeping considerations</i></b>- Because of the different temperatures, sounds and lighting, sleeping may be more of a challenge than you planned on. Expect toddlers to stay up later and skip or reduce their nap times while camping. Do try to keep their routine as consistent as possible, but be aware that it probably won't work out that great. Make adjustments as needed. We found out our daughter would not sleep in the tent unless it was dark out. Since we were camping in the summer, it didn't get dark until after 10pm! She ended up napping a bit in the car and not sleeping until much later. </li><li><b><i>The need for munchies</i></b>- Toddlers are constantly growing and need lots of snacks to keep them fueled throughout the day. This is especially important while camping when they are likely to be exerting more energy than they would at home. Pack plenty of ready-to-eat snacks for munching on throughout the day. </li><li><b><i>Toys and Games</i></b>- It's a good idea to bring a few favorite toys, but restrain yourself from bringing the entire toybox. Your toddler will likely have so much fun exploring your campsite and the outdoors that they won't be interested in them. However, keep a bag of small toys available for when they need them. Books in particular are essential for our daughter and help her wind down if needed. Plan simple games such as looking together for rocks or sticks and identifying animals together. Get them involved in nature. Preschool books have lots of ideas for structured outside play that can be implemented even for younger toddlers.</li><li><b><i>A safe place</i></b>- Lastly, plan to bring a blanket, tarp and rain fly for a dry, safe playing area. This is crucial when the campsite might otherwise be wet and muddy or when it is raining. Teach your toddler to stay in the play area while doing essential camp chores. It's also a good place to set up the few toys you brought to keep them busy. Some toddlers might even prefer napping outside in this area instead of inside a tent!</li></ul></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-90248613565713009802011-03-28T08:36:00.000-07:002011-03-28T09:00:29.261-07:00Hocking Hills State Park<div align="left">This week, we are heading out to <strong><a href="http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/hocking/tabid/743/Default.aspx">Hocking Hills State Park</a></strong> for a little getaway. We've booked a cabin near the park and plan on doing lots of hiking throughout <a href="http://www.hockinghills.com/">this beautiful region</a>. Although we had originally planned on going camping, the weather turned cold again and we didn't feel it would be much fun to camp in below freezing weather with a 9 month old baby! </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Hocking Hills is a geological wonderland, an extremely popular hiking and camping spot in Ohio. The cabins fill up fast in the summer months, and crowds can be a bit of a problem if you go on a holiday or summer weekend. Last time we went, it was dead winter and we had the park practically to ourselves. This time, it's still the off-season, so we anticipate a pretty quiet park again.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1975/178/12/1429470036/n1429470036_30197948_6481.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><center>Grandma Gatewood Trail, Hocking Hills State Park, OH </center></span></p><br /><p><em>Some of the trails we plan on hiking include...</em> <br /><p><strong>Ash Cave to Cedar Falls</strong> -Last time, we hiked from Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls and back, a roundtrip of just around 6 miles. For a winter hike, it was beautiful and peaceful. We want to finish the Grandma Gatewood Trail and hike from Cedar Falls to Ash Cave this time. The roundtrip for this hike is 4 - 5 miles. <br /><br /><p><strong>Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve Gorge Trail</strong> - This 1.2 mile trek passes through a beautiful gorge with cliffs towering over 200 ft on either side. We are just doing the Gorge trail since the Rim trail can be a bit dangerous with small children! <br /><br /><p>Other trails we will decide upon as we see fit. <a href="http://blog.1800hocking.com/2011/03/12/hocking-hills-rocks/">Additional sites</a> we would like to see include Cantwell Cliffs, Rock House and RockBridge State Nature Preserve. I will post a trip report as well as trail reviews upon our return! <br /><br /><p><strong><em><span style="color:#006600;">Have you ever been to Hocking Hills? What is your favorite trail there?</span></em></strong>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-12428703466213374042011-03-19T17:26:00.000-07:002011-03-19T18:00:19.433-07:00John Bryan State Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1voalLdYElv51bcKEyn5UCeO1ZsW55WS8gXKNaIdVD021qrOUUQ-eRsbNFtJ2bLRq-45u8Jbtn2zAxYKP5iZZSl3oIoNNFCmqbGkS-S-bKuf4SMqWRc-Noy76dDXwEduNUSsD6qSDN8gQ/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585959670900461730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1voalLdYElv51bcKEyn5UCeO1ZsW55WS8gXKNaIdVD021qrOUUQ-eRsbNFtJ2bLRq-45u8Jbtn2zAxYKP5iZZSl3oIoNNFCmqbGkS-S-bKuf4SMqWRc-Noy76dDXwEduNUSsD6qSDN8gQ/s320/039.JPG" /></a><br /><div><strong><a href="http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/jhnbryan/tabid/750/Default.aspx">John Bryan State Park</a></strong> is located near the villiage of <strong>Yellow Springs</strong> which locals know as the "weird, hippie" town and also where we happen to spend our weekends when not on the trail. It's just a short hop from Springfield, OH and boasts some great hiking worthy of review. <div><div><div><br /><div>We hiked the <strong>North Rim Trail</strong> accessed from the <a href="http://www.johnbryan.org/">Wingo Picnic area</a>. Our original plan was to hike for 30 minutes and then turn back. We weren't prepared to make a loop hike since we were unfamiliar with the trails and the trail maps provided at the camp office were rather useless. Add to this several un-marked spur trails, and we felt better just sticking to what we knew. However, once we reached the first footbridge at the intersection of <strong>Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve</strong>, Rob decided he wanted to make a go for it and hike the bottom <strong>Pittsburgh-Cincinnati S<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxZQHRv0x7Hp-4GBhfNJsTMMGAQxBWrffXrih_DYX1WWEII_ecl-0JrGb7Qfd4li39ygk9KvarFQA5p9VymwgKrrbQBbffq4f83O2DLhjluU8tLEexu7sMlhwRNKJbzrVvnAwgl7s48t2/s1600/040.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585959662689659042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxZQHRv0x7Hp-4GBhfNJsTMMGAQxBWrffXrih_DYX1WWEII_ecl-0JrGb7Qfd4li39ygk9KvarFQA5p9VymwgKrrbQBbffq4f83O2DLhjluU8tLEexu7sMlhwRNKJbzrVvnAwgl7s48t2/s320/040.JPG" /></a>tage Coach trail</strong> back to the top. Since we felt pretty good and our 9 month old baby was enjoying the hike, we decided to press on. </div><br /><div>According to the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/jhnbryan/tabid/750/Default.aspx">trail map</a>, there should be an access trail linking the two trails (the rim and the bottom of the gorge). However, we found no such trail, so we believe the trail map t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLwEJ8FLxwh8SpmgdmiqGh0uN3rz8_7kfGWunO1YBic6Iw0rBAPU3QqxzeNr9w8nkYFKsN1JF_WEwhe_iIBM0PB0sl_zsUajzx6N_72keIBiw1lXLoP3TyhvZEQRZUrk43M1mYP_Wg-P7/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585959652312440706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLwEJ8FLxwh8SpmgdmiqGh0uN3rz8_7kfGWunO1YBic6Iw0rBAPU3QqxzeNr9w8nkYFKsN1JF_WEwhe_iIBM0PB0sl_zsUajzx6N_72keIBiw1lXLoP3TyhvZEQRZUrk43M1mYP_Wg-P7/s320/036.JPG" /></a>o either be outdated or incorrect. We hiked to the second footbridge and found an access trail that looped back to the North Rim Trail. It did, however, add quite a bit of time to our trek! By the time we reached our car, our baby was fussing after being angelic for the previous hour and a half on trail. It was the longest hike we've take to date with her, and I'm really pleased how well it all went!<br /></div><div>We ran into several other hikers, despite the nippy weather of the early morning. Several groups were out hiking and a few looked to be training for backpacking. We did see a camp of boyscouts in <strong>the campground</strong> on our way in, so it must have been them (we later ran into these boyscouts while lunching at <strong>Youngs Jerse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jnnm5gyU8yviHWro0Pc64DnVzgbZm69slqurS3EQkqrtBwm6X9Rve56cOoe1_yHT5uCz08vJxZi-5gLUrgxpjKrTdAVdlJhDJxk8h_fLrXYUvIJ9qDVFJiDH_WITqWT1N0ADQrY9eSVv/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585959637292614002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jnnm5gyU8yviHWro0Pc64DnVzgbZm69slqurS3EQkqrtBwm6X9Rve56cOoe1_yHT5uCz08vJxZi-5gLUrgxpjKrTdAVdlJhDJxk8h_fLrXYUvIJ9qDVFJiDH_WITqWT1N0ADQrY9eSVv/s320/030.JPG" /></a>y Dairy</strong> just a few miles from the park). There was even a class going on at the Rim for <strong>rapelling, </strong>which we passed during the beginning of our hike. </div><br /><div>We'll definitely be returning to John Bryan for more hiking and possibly some camping (the camground boasts spacious and well-shaded sites located throughout a hillside). Next time, we may venture into the Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve and over the <strong>Little Miami River</strong> for additional trails. </div><br /><div>With all there is to do both within the park and the surrounding area, John Bryan State Park is a worthy destination for any nature loving person or family.</div></div></div></div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-45387970789258473212011-02-21T09:09:00.000-08:002011-02-21T09:09:00.908-08:00Moving Again!<div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Well, it seems this blog is forever changing! Things have been in the works the past few months for us to move back to my hometown in Ohio. We have a lot of family up there, and have even purchased a nice little house for us all to roam around in! Consequently, the intent of this blog will once again be changing. The region we are moving to is right on the edge of both Southwest and Central Ohio, so I will be redirecting my focus to these areas. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Much of what I covered while living in Cincinnati will still be applicable for this blog, and certainly the extended trips are still within reach. I am excited to explore a whole new landscape, as there are some great parks and trails not far from where we will be living. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1975/178/12/1429470036/n1429470036_30197961_9698.jpg" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo: Hocking Hills, Old Man's Cave, OH</span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></p></span></em>I have as such decided to change the name of this blog once again, to <strong>The Ohio Hiker</strong>, which will not only give me a broader area to cover, but will also appeal to more readers.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks so much for following along and being a part of this blog through the many changes!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-55285689728298080342011-02-18T08:22:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:06:53.137-08:00Spring is in the air!I don't know how long this good weather will last, but it seems to me that spring is definitely in the air! It makes me think of all the wonderful times we spent camping, hiking and backpacking during past spring and fall months! Since we live in KY, spring definitely comes earlier than I am used to, but I'll take it! Even if the temperatures dip back down below 50 degrees, it seems as though the cold frigid months have been left behind for good.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575066857394167954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkvh9XVxDOBcawYhb7qddvzwktU9_ofKjYUfXNlMI6iLCCg6acVo3vwaWE0o8LO9Cm6oyFTQrT5ZLXBri2hX7KbEuKrWe5AlBdpK8ycEtimJxLZI75f-N4bCElrKEJ7QaOqK9oEFiroK3/s320/park+in+feb+003.JPG" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo: Brown Park, Louisville KY</span></em><br /></p><p> </p><p>I love hiking in the early spring and witnessing all the little wonders of life poking through the previously barren ground. We're planning a short daytrip out to Jefferson Memorial Forest tomorrow, to really get a good hike in and make use of our new child backpack carrier. </p><p>We are still searching for a <a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2011/01/backpacking-with-baby.html">carrier we can take with us on a backpacking trip</a>, but we got a great deal on a used daypack from craigslist. The Kelty Kids 2.1 Carrier:<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.fast-autos.net/diecast-cars-models/diecast-car-image-large/kelty-kids-tc-2-1-green-child-carrier-backpack-new_270672936121.jpg" /><br /><p>After we bought it, we realized it was missing the front removable daypack piece, but we figured we would hardly need it anyway. It will just force us to pack light on trips! After trying it on with our daughter inside, we found it was really comfortable, and for only $50, you can't really beat that! Since we saved so much money on the daypack, we can now invest more into a quality <a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2011/01/backpacking-with-baby.html">backpacking carrier </a>that will last us through the years. </p><p><strong><em></em></strong> </p><p><strong><em>Has spring started to arrive in your neck of the woods? If so, have you got out to enjoy it yet?</em></strong></p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-40502842857317074712011-02-17T13:54:00.000-08:002011-02-17T13:59:04.642-08:00Taking Babies CampingEver wonder how some parents manage to camp with their entire families, babies and all? We've been camping with our little one a few times now, and I'm here to tell you that camping with babies is not only possible but wonderfully fun as well.<br /><br />Read More. . . [<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Planning-a-Camping-Trip-Camping-with-Babies">Planning a Camping Trip: Camping with Babies</a>]Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-75672054229997356032011-01-31T06:25:00.000-08:002011-01-31T06:58:36.390-08:00REI Half-Dome 4 Person Tent Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5mks18He5D0GE9oWYsL3rcFMy4lsHoZ-ixdsExa6AxDfxIrKP2P2aX5MY6qqS3ET4qk9uFXmI_krSBo3sFhsa8dfF6enJyqlp7SbaOON3SYhIqfKJw-PH5nHyusWR5UMBy_L4v72Gmd3/s1600/October+misc+012.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568363533484657954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5mks18He5D0GE9oWYsL3rcFMy4lsHoZ-ixdsExa6AxDfxIrKP2P2aX5MY6qqS3ET4qk9uFXmI_krSBo3sFhsa8dfF6enJyqlp7SbaOON3SYhIqfKJw-PH5nHyusWR5UMBy_L4v72Gmd3/s200/October+misc+012.JPG" /></a> I promised an updated review of the <a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2010/08/family-tent-for-backpacking-and-car.html">REI Half-dome 4-person tent</a> we choose for our family backpacking needs. Although I mentioned in the previous post that we would be going to Shenandoah National Park, that trip did not happen. Put simply, we were blessed with a baby who suffered from extreme colic for 4 months. She cried everyday for 4 months straight! So, we definitely did not feel comfortable enough to take her on a big trip like that. However, we did manage to try out car camping a few times!<br /><br /><div>The first car camping trip we tried was at <strong>Lake Jericho</strong>. This is a<strong> peaceful campground</strong> about 20 minutes from downtown Louisville, KY for reasonable rates. The big drawback to this campground is that it shares space with what appears to be permanent RVers. However, the tent camping area is located right by the lake away from the big rigs. </div><div><br /> </div><div>We set up camp fairly quickly - and the REI half-dome 4 person tent went up in a breeze. In some ways it was easier to set up than our old 2-person tent! The only thing we had trouble figuring out was the rainfly, but this was a nonissue since it was so clear that night. We were there about 2 hours, when we tried to get our daughter asleep unsuccessfully. The location by the lake meant we were quickly <strong>engulfed in humidity</strong> (even though it was the end of September, Louisville suffered from <strong>record breaking heat</strong> well into October this past yr!) - this made it hard for her to settle, and we were concerned her excessive crying would disturb the other campers. So, we packed out. Rob was able to tear down and pack up camp in less than 30 minutes in the dark! By then, everything was soaked from the humidity - not fun! I sat and waited in the air conditioned car with our baby who was finally able to fall asleep. We were glad we choose such a close location for our first camping attempt though, and at least we got to try out the tent for a little while!</div><br /><div>A couple weeks later, we decided to try again. This time, we choose to camp at <strong>Jefferson Memorial Forest.</strong> This campground was much more secluded and more "camping" like - plenty of trees and no RVers. It was probably <strong>one of the best spots we've ever car camped in!</strong> Luckily, someone left a nice stash of firewood, so we were even able to have a nice campfire going. The tent went up without a hitch once again, and we loved how much room it had! It felt like we were camping in a mansion - we could fit everything inside and still had room to spare. It actually might be a bit too large for just backpacking, but for car camping it's perfect. We all slept well that night - but at 4am that changed. Apparently, Jefferson Memorial Forest is extremely <strong>close the airport</strong>! From about 4am to 6:30am the air noise kept us up as we listened to one plane takeoff after another. Thankfully, our daughter didn't seem to notice and she slept soundly! It did get rather chilly though, and we ended up putting her in between us in our sleeping bags to keep her warm rather than having her sleep in her own travel bed. </div><br /><div>So, despite challenging circumstances - record heat and a colicky baby - we were able to get out 2 times in the fall, which I consider a success! This spring, we hope to take several trips and put our tent to some more use. But so far, <strong>I am very impressed with our purchase and would highly recommend it to anyone with children.</strong> It's perfect for car camping, but I think it will also work well for backpacking, especially once more children come along!</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-2329772955460175172011-01-31T06:03:00.000-08:002011-01-31T06:21:23.648-08:00Backpacking with Baby<a href="http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/large/DTR/DTR0009/KC3BLK.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/large/DTR/DTR0009/KC3BLK.jpg" /></a> Our daughter just turned 7 months old, and come spring, she will be more than ready for us to take her on her first backpacking trip! We are so excited and can't wait to share the great outdoors with her, fostering a love of nature. She's a bit on the small side, so we haven't had a chance to use a child backpack with her yet. I still carry her in the sling for errands and housework and the front carrier for short hikes in the park. However, we'll definitely need a new backpack for her to ride in for our first backpacking trip! So, we've started the process of reviewing different child carriers. The ones we are looking at currently include:<br /><ul><br /><li>Deuter Kid Comfort II</li><br /><li>Deuter Kid Comfort III</li><br /><li>Tough Traveler Stallion (mainly because we can get this one used at a great price)</li><br /><li>Sherpani Rumba Superlight</li><br /><li>Kelty TC 3.0 (for dayhikes)</li><br /><li>Deuter KangaKid (dayhikes)</li></ul><br /><p>So far, we really like the Deuter Kid Comfort III, but the price is steep. We tried on the Kid Comfort II, but since we'll be taking it out on extended hikes, we were concerned it wouldn't be large enough for comfort. Plus, we really would like a sunroof, and love that the III has a built-in roof. Our goal also is to save money on whatever we choose to buy, so its likely we'll end up buying used.</p><p>I'll be doing another post to update on what model we choose to buy and whether we bought new or used!</p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-22662609408359330172010-09-24T11:03:00.001-07:002010-09-24T11:03:09.268-07:00My Review of REI Halo +10 Sleeping Bag - Women's Regular<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/778167">Originally submitted at REI</a></p><div><img src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_products/06/43/4019422_100.jpg" class="photo" align="left" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0 0"><p style="margin-top:0">The women's REI Halo +10 goose down bag offers the perfect of balance low weight, high-quality materials and top performance—great for backpacking in cool weather.</p></div><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/778167" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">REI Halo +10 Sleeping Bag - Women's Regular</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">Quality at an Affordable Price</strong></p><div>By <strong>SugarLoaf</strong> from <strong>Kentucky</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2010924T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">9/24/2010</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -144px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">4</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Warm, Adjustable Hood, Lightweight, Packs Small, Comfortable, Roomy</p><p><strong>Cons: </strong>Zipper Snags Easily</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Backpacking, Car Camping, 3 Season Camping</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Casual/ Recreational</p><p><strong>What Is Your Gear Style: </strong>Comfort Driven</p><p><strong>Was this a gift?: </strong>No</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">I bought this REI down-filled sleeping bag for backpacking. I needed something that would pack small and tight but still wanted the comfort and the warmth that comes with bulkier bags. This bag does not disappoint! Best for 3-season backpacking (although a bit warm for summer) car camping and any other pursuit that has you sleeping outdoors. My husband bought the matching men's REI bag and we were able to zip them together to create a roomy 2-person sleeping bag during mild weather. The only downside to this bag is that the zipper gets snagged rather easily. You have to be careful so you don't rip the material. Also, since it is a warm bag, I would wear cotton at night to avoid feeling like you're sleeping on nylon. Other than that, it has been a great, reliable product. I would definitely order again!</p><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-58451628581538517032010-08-27T11:17:00.000-07:002010-08-27T11:26:50.832-07:00Family Tent for Backpacking and Car CampingSince our daughter was born, our lives have undergone numerous changes. One of these includes saying goodbye to the tiny 2-person tent my husband and I have enjoyed for the past 2 years. Although we will keep the tent for the occasional 2 person outing, we have now graduated to a 4 person tent!<br /><br />Why the bigger tent? We plan on taking all our kids camping with us. Before we bought the REI-Half Dome 4-person tent, I did quite a bit of research on larger backpacking tents. This one had the best reviews, and it is something that we can grow into. I love that is is lightweight enough to backpack with, but big enough to car camp in. The price can't be beat either!<br /><br />If you are considering a lightweight 4-person backpacking tent, I highly recommend this one. We will be taking it on our first camping and hiking trip next weekend to Shenandoah National Park. I will update with a review on the park and some the hiking trails as well as a review on how the tent worked out.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-58620888231836198312010-05-20T05:25:00.000-07:002010-05-20T05:28:58.397-07:00Organize Your Camping SuppliesGoing camping shouldn't be a stressful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">endeavor</span>. With the proper planning and organization in place, camping is easy and enjoyable again! Keep camping simple, the way it should be, by following these <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Planning-a-Camping-Trip-Packing-and-Organizing">helpful family camping tips</a>.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-56105434677877196322010-05-11T13:41:00.000-07:002010-05-11T13:46:02.312-07:00Camping Menus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M1OqYwFcyEzzWH695LUlV0sLauytXXHKbVxyqQwg55zuc8U4qYVrtKvlBheuxrJV-f4Fpu8_tY8ad4YOBozLdcxUlN4183auHqthQhwitChxm1mYzGLfJk1HAF22vHLaR8PTvzaHKmgp/s1600/Big+South+Fork+066.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470116375561023650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M1OqYwFcyEzzWH695LUlV0sLauytXXHKbVxyqQwg55zuc8U4qYVrtKvlBheuxrJV-f4Fpu8_tY8ad4YOBozLdcxUlN4183auHqthQhwitChxm1mYzGLfJk1HAF22vHLaR8PTvzaHKmgp/s320/Big+South+Fork+066.JPG" /></a>Camping food and backpacking food can be quite different. When you're backpacking, you want to pack light and nonperishable food. However, camping with a cooler allows one to bring perishables like dairy and meat and without a concern for weight.<br /><div></div><br /><div>For advice on how to plan a camping menu, a sample menu and essential camp kitchen equipment, read the below article.</div><br /><div><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Planning-a-Camping-Trip-Camping-Menus">Planning a Camping Trip: Camp Menus</a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-28834141928498151082010-05-10T10:36:00.000-07:002010-05-10T11:09:30.986-07:00Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSq8uF6Yz9FU-TjHfoSdO4D5lyG25h_uIsuC53NsJeb4DxfPgN-3kS-t4Iltr6EJID06aWfKl_ysiqaBOoLkKuHkQeanxrJog3Jropyzu71nAjXgoARroqDR46pxGWQmCt59Ar7pclx-G/s1600/Big+South+Fork+017.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469697465964635986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSq8uF6Yz9FU-TjHfoSdO4D5lyG25h_uIsuC53NsJeb4DxfPgN-3kS-t4Iltr6EJID06aWfKl_ysiqaBOoLkKuHkQeanxrJog3Jropyzu71nAjXgoARroqDR46pxGWQmCt59Ar7pclx-G/s320/Big+South+Fork+017.JPG" /></a>This past weekend, we camped and hiked at the <strong>Big South Fork NRRA in Kentucky and Tennessee</strong>. It was only a 3 1/2 hour drive from Louisville, KY, which makes it a great weekend getaway for those seeking an outdoors or wilderness experience. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC-COcbHbW5BWZKzXgR-txu3ZABBWHl5cQO07FRbsfB61y4Otls7XBrfsyG1cGs16ZMrKcJbWcMm5XtL9STIrWN0MjVdwPWbd7KKgQqaN0oR5YAc7re3lmiOhMBykBNQFPwUvAvj8XTDU/s1600/Big+South+Fork+051.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469697454700451746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC-COcbHbW5BWZKzXgR-txu3ZABBWHl5cQO07FRbsfB61y4Otls7XBrfsyG1cGs16ZMrKcJbWcMm5XtL9STIrWN0MjVdwPWbd7KKgQqaN0oR5YAc7re3lmiOhMBykBNQFPwUvAvj8XTDU/s320/Big+South+Fork+051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The first two nights we camped at Bandy Creek Campground ($19 a night), which is very well-kept but lacks the charm of<a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2010/05/red-river-gorge.html"> Koomer Ridge in RRG</a>. Since we were one of the very few tent campers, however, it wasn't much of a problem during our stay. I wouldn't recommend staying here on a holiday weekend when it may fill. Same goes for Blue Heron campground ($17 a night), which isn't much better.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwWv_YXaMnG3AYHFkRjIPO4YZo8hT91M9BbC-f2HGXHu6dKcOv4b_o3qXPtCBlLGOpHaeEilmEM9kaYnnGz-dzmJj0o-H5bmAa__DN6UjoPvP85qEN3W5eoJzSnNs0d7WLX3b1jrXENlY/s1600/Big+South+Fork+056.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469697441333682482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwWv_YXaMnG3AYHFkRjIPO4YZo8hT91M9BbC-f2HGXHu6dKcOv4b_o3qXPtCBlLGOpHaeEilmEM9kaYnnGz-dzmJj0o-H5bmAa__DN6UjoPvP85qEN3W5eoJzSnNs0d7WLX3b1jrXENlY/s320/Big+South+Fork+056.JPG" /></a><strong>The Alum Ford primitive campground</strong> and the <strong>Pickett State Park campground </strong>are great choices for those looking for an authentic camping experience. And as a bonus, they'll save you a bit of money (Alum Ford is $5 a night; Pickett State Rustic Park is $13 a night).<br /><br />The north-west portion of the park is the best in terms of ruggedness, day hikes and backpacking trips. Many unique and challenging trails connect in this area.<br /><br />We used two guidebooks on our trip, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076271090X?ie=UTF8&tag=walwis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=076271090X"><em>Exploring the Big South Fork</em> </a>and <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=walwis-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0898866383"><em><strong>100 Hikes in the Big South Fork</strong></em></a>. Of the two, the latter was much more informative, as it included several hikes in the outer lying areas of the BSF as well as many unheralded treks. Exploring the Big South Fork tended to disappoint in the amount of hikes it covered, but it was nice to have a comparison. We also used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1566953545?ie=UTF8&tag=walwis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1566953545"><em>National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map </em></a>for navigation. I highly recommend carrying this map while exploring the area. The maps provided in both guides were truly inadequate, not to mention confusing.<br /><br />Some tips for hikers and backpackers seeking to make the most out of a trip to the Big South Fork:<br /><ul><li><strong>Make sure your car has plenty of gas</strong>. There aren't many roads that travel through the park, meaning you have to drive around it in order to get from one place to another. This can be frustrating for the day hiker, so <strong><em>plan hikes that are near each other</em></strong> to limit the amount of driving.</li><li><strong>Bring all your supplies with you</strong>. Unless you can properly stock up on supplies at Wal-Mart, you'll need to have everything with you <em>before</em> you enter the park. There are no outfitters nearby. Firewood is also hard to come by, so plan accordingly. (Note: if staying at the Bandy Creek campground, firewood can be purchased for $10. Pickett State Park campground provides free firewood for campers.)</li><li><strong>Be prepared for seclusion</strong>. Although it was a nice weekend, we only ran into one other batch of hikers, and each night we practically had the campgrounds to ourselves.</li><li><strong>Bring a map and guidebook!</strong> There were several confusing trails we encountered on our trip, and had it not been for the guidebook, we would have found ourselves re-routed to another portion of the park.</li></ul>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-15691410519495321422010-05-01T14:03:00.000-07:002010-05-01T14:27:19.594-07:00Red River Gorge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y27Y-hWUE0-0Ggi-LcZjnUbnukPuhr_V95gbI465TLR08yhdG3i5H2LUgaVJzOekmVPVKfp1vMi8AIF9n_fQ0QBpqrHG7dyPBhPPn3EgMfcsISIg4bw_yR-G1rtKSWpd52WIWyHHLIPa/s1600/redrivergorge+024.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466414493331654562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y27Y-hWUE0-0Ggi-LcZjnUbnukPuhr_V95gbI465TLR08yhdG3i5H2LUgaVJzOekmVPVKfp1vMi8AIF9n_fQ0QBpqrHG7dyPBhPPn3EgMfcsISIg4bw_yR-G1rtKSWpd52WIWyHHLIPa/s320/redrivergorge+024.JPG" /></a>The <strong>Red River Gorge Geological Area</strong> is a popular hiking destination just a mere 2 hours drive from Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH. The forest and scenery is beautiful and well worth the short drive whether it be for a day hike or a weekend backpacking/camping trip.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Since there are so many trails of varying degrees of difficulty and length, it's the perfect place for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. We ventered out to RRG this past weekend to do a little hiking for ourselves. Even though we were limited to shorter hikes (I'm 32 weeks pregnant), none of them were dull or boring and each one provided exceptional beauty. </div><br /><div>For those looking to explore the RRG area, I recommend purchasing two books: <a href="http://www.lostbranch.com/index.htm"><em>Red River Gorge Trail Guide</em></a> by Jerrell Goodpaster and <a href="http://www.lostbranch.com/index.htm"><em>Hinterlands</em></a>, also by the same author. These two books are the most up to-date guidebooks for the region. Since Goodpaster has hiked all the trails in the Gorge multiple times, he knows what he's talking about. Unfortunately, his books can be hard to come by, so you might want to order them directly from his website. We have already begun to wear through both of these books, so they're well worth the money.</div><br /><div>I highly recommend <strong>Koomer Ridge Campground</strong> for those who prefer car camping. The campground is very peaceful (although you can hear a distant hum of traffic from the Parkway), and pretty much all of the sites are spacious and private. There are some who might complain about the fee ($18 a night), but I consider this a small price to pay for such a nice and well maintained campground. Since many trails go around the campground, it makes for a great place to base camp and still explore the Gorge. </div><br /><div>While in the RRG, other notable hiking areas to check out are Natural Bridge State Park and Clifty Wilderness Area. Both offer an abundance of terrific hiking alongside RRG. As always, remember to practive <strong>Leave No Trace</strong> in all of these areas. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em>It is worth noting there is a history of vandalism and car break-ins around the Red River Gorge area. <strong>Use common sense</strong>! If you are extremely worried about your car being safe, one option is to park in the Koomer Ridge parking lot right next to the campground (or just stay in the campground) and take off on your hikes from there. Another option would be to park next to the Natural Bridge State Resort Park Lodge and hike from there (but note that backcountry camping is not permitted inside NBSP). These options might add a couple miles to your trip, but it could mean more peace of mind.</em> </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-39800951447828161672010-04-16T11:20:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:33:28.320-07:00Louisville Area Day HikesAs a new resident of the Louisville, KY area, I can't wait to discover the new trails that exist within the city! Here are a few I plan on reviewing. As soon as a post is up, the link will become active. <div><br /></div><div><b>E.P. Tom Saywer State Park</b> (Goose Creek Nature Trail)- Inside the city, this is a different type of state park, but it still affords many recreational opportunities. My husband and I have visited once, and discovered there are a couple miles of nature trails in the park.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Brown Park</b> - Although there aren't any hiking trails in this nature park, there is a nice paved walking trail that winds along a stream. It makes for quick and convenient access to nature when time is limited. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jefferson County Forest Trail</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Charleston State Park</b> (IN)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2009/02/backpacking-knobstone-trail-indiana.html">Knobstone Trail</a></b> (IN)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hayswood Nature Reserve Trail</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hike and Bike Trail</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cull Hollow Trail</b></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-75566096810675091992010-04-16T11:13:00.001-07:002010-04-16T11:20:26.863-07:00Spring is here!Spring has officially arrived, and for the outdoor enthusiast, this means it's finally time to get going again. After a long and cold winter, many people are getting ready to plan their first camping trips of the year.<div><br /></div><div>A few updates on this blog that are worth noting:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>My husband and I have moved from Cincinnati, OH to Louisville, KY. Many of the trail reviews I plan on doing are accessible from both these areas, however, since the two cities are only a short drive away from each other.</li><li>We are expecting our first child in June! This means our hiking and camping trips will be a little different, but we by no means plan on eliminating them. Be on the lookout for family friendly trail and park reviews!</li></ul><div>As of now, we are planning a weekend trip to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. I will post a trip report and review for the campground we plan on staying at as well as any trails we hike while there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy hiking!</div></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-37921504139883166462010-01-01T09:43:00.000-08:002010-01-01T09:51:17.133-08:00Guided Nature Hikes Offered in January<a href="http://ces.ca.uky.edu/campbell-files/naturalresources/natres1.GIF"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://ces.ca.uky.edu/campbell-files/naturalresources/natres1.GIF" /></a> Cold weather turns many people off from hiking, but the key to winter trekking is staying warm by dressing in layers. For some, winter is the best time to hike since the trails are deserted, meaning peace and quiet is easy to find.<br /><div></div><br /><div>If you're itching to get out and enjoy some of the fresh air, consider joining a free guided nature hike. Campbell County in Northern KY is offering 4 hikes this month that offer opprotunities to watch wildlife in their natural setting while also learning how they stay warm and how to identify plant and animal tracks.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The hikes are free and may temporarily cure the cabin fever that has set in among many outdoor enthusiasts. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-12818-Cincinnati-Staycations-Examiner~y2010m1d1-Beat-Cabin-Fever-with-Free-Nature-Hikes">Click here </a>for more information on these hikes, as well as where to register.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-55644780588606029362009-10-01T10:07:00.000-07:002009-10-01T10:11:18.959-07:00Guide to Waterproof Jackets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/pimages/100141/7366/product_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/pimages/100141/7366/product_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>With the cool fall weather, many people are finally able to go outside and take a hike. Some of you may be planning to take a trip or trek during autumn, and the one item that is essential during this time of the year is <span style="font-weight: bold;">a reliable waterproof jacket</span>. As a frugal backpacker and hiker, I can tell you from experience that a trash bag or poncho just does not work. They make you sweat like nothing else and provide little warmth in the winter- not to mention they puncture easily! Likewise, a Walmart jacket will not serve you any better, especially if you sweat a lot. Taking the time to find a good quality jacket will reap its rewards tenfold when you are out on the trail trekking through a fall storm but remain dry.<br /><br /><a title="Webtogs" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSWbBLraFPI&feature=related" id="qnrr">Webtogs</a> (<i>outdoor gear specialist</i>) has recently launched a video guide to <a title="waterproof jackets" href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/The_North_Face_Waterproof_Jackets__0/" id="a7xh">waterproof jackets</a>. The host explains the most important aspects of a waterproof jacket that need to be considered when making a purchase. Since not all outdoor activities are the same, not all waterproof jackets can be treated alike either. This stress on what type of activity you will be engaging in while wearing the coat is essential, because it determines what you need. For example, a hiker will benefit from a long coat while a climber will need a small coat that is close to their body so that movement is not restricted.<br /><br />Some other elements discussed in the video include:<br /><ul><li>Fabric- Why it makes a difference and what to look for. You don't want to be sweating like a pig! Look for membrane that lets water vapor through but stops the rain from coming in.</li><li>Features- What to look for in hoods, zippers and pockets. Since fall temperatures can fluctuate, a good pit zip should also be considered to allow airflow into the jacket while blocking most of the rain. I loved the idea of making sure you have a front chest pocket to store your map in!</li></ul>Although buying quality gear can be more expensive, it's certainly worth it in the long run. When you're climbing the Appalachian Mountains and are caught in a downpour, you'll see what I mean. <b>You can't put a price on dryness in the back-country</b>! As I've said before- "Good gear is gear that you can count on even in the worst of times".<br /><br />For more gear reviews,<a title="click here" href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/search/label/Gear" id="anof"> click here</a>.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-65415870545921656512009-09-29T10:13:00.001-07:002009-09-29T10:48:48.507-07:00Fall Hiking and Backpacking in the Cincinnati Area<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX4dCoQm75fB1D3BxOLQqMjwsvcVnzFbZH-WsB1gUSCGBTBvchNLCvMUhUtkSu-RAFyPhQ2B0JC1fFSqw2Q0ZbZdejzTS_ibZVbLuX7rPwoqVtoFmdwf1XeviZaZ_vTmzVy1FbGINEpWF/s1600-h/DSCN0209.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX4dCoQm75fB1D3BxOLQqMjwsvcVnzFbZH-WsB1gUSCGBTBvchNLCvMUhUtkSu-RAFyPhQ2B0JC1fFSqw2Q0ZbZdejzTS_ibZVbLuX7rPwoqVtoFmdwf1XeviZaZ_vTmzVy1FbGINEpWF/s320/DSCN0209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386944485430953762" border="0" /></a>Now that fall has arrived, hiking and backpacking are back on the agenda again! With the cool weather and beautiful foliage of the trees, fall is the perfect time to get out into the woods before the cold settles in for good. Thinking about planning a hike or an overnight trip? Here are some great ideas to help get you started.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/search/label/Mt.%20Airy">Mt. Airy Forest</a> </span>(OH) - This municipal forest, one of the largest in the country, has several trails worth trekking. Perfect for a free afternoon or weekend outing.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hueston Woods State Park</span> (OH) - Situated around a reservoir, this park has several trails fitting for fall day hikes. The colors of fall are most attractive next to the scenic lake.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/search/label/East%20Fork%20State%20Park">East Fork State Park</a> </span>(OH) - Only a 30 minute drive from Cincinnati, this park is centered around a reservoir. Although the forest is young, a large network of hiking and backpacking trails exist. If backpacking for one night, there are several camps available with 3-walled shelters.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Caesar's Creek State Park</span> (OH) - Travel north on I-71 to Caesar's Creek, a state park situated around a reservoir less than an hour's drive away. The park is large and the hiking opportunities are numerous. Backpacking options also exist, but camping is limited. Beautiful scenery and great terrain.</li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/search/label/Twin%20Valley%20Backpack%20Trail"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Twin Valley Metro Park </span></a>(OH) -Located near Dayton, this metropark recently opened a backpack trail perfect for those last minute getaways.<br /></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2009/03/tuesdays-trail-shawnee-state-forest.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shawnee State Forest </span></a>(OH) - If you want challenge, this is the place to be. Although views and scenic areas are limited, the backpack trail is the best in the state and can be traversed in one large loop or two small loops. Best for multiple night trips.<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"> (</span><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;" href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2009/07/shawnee-backpack-trail-trip-report.html">special notice</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">)</span></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2009/02/backpacking-knobstone-trail-indiana.html">Knobstone Trail</a> (IN) - This trail is best for overnight backpacking trips, but must be done as either an out and back or with two cars. The knobstone rivals Shawnee's terrain.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red River Gorge </span>(KY) - A favorite for Cincinnati hikers and backpackers for years, Red River Gorge, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is the perfect place to catch fall foliage. If you're into rock climbing, this is the spot to experience some of the best in the country. Since RRG can be crowded on the weekends, plan an overnight trip during the week for optimal solitude.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cave Run Lake</span> (KY) - Slightly north of RRG, Cave Run Lake offers several hiking trails that can easily be made into overnight treks. Catch the <a href="http://www.sheltoweetrace.com/">Sheltowee Trace Trail</a> nearby, visit the site of an old fire tower and camp by a lake with open skies.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mammoth Cave National Park </span>(KY) - <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBcxRqMUBENZAjeJgJWieks9KVxkIOPhHMbdfYk7zBkhyphenhyphenVEXYCCfg8CuVTBkQDZ9VeCtfSCvvs4HexnkAl814yGWgAtH7by4SAgQwv4pb9dOWgZ3_Iu1-_VwNqYTv8-uGt-cNgXKube1r/s1600-h/DSCN0302.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBcxRqMUBENZAjeJgJWieks9KVxkIOPhHMbdfYk7zBkhyphenhyphenVEXYCCfg8CuVTBkQDZ9VeCtfSCvvs4HexnkAl814yGWgAtH7by4SAgQwv4pb9dOWgZ3_Iu1-_VwNqYTv8-uGt-cNgXKube1r/s320/DSCN0302.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386946886823041794" border="0" /></a>As a three hour drive, it's definitely not a day jaunt but perfect for overnight and multiple day treks. The terrain is varied, but never too strenuous. A variety of trails intertwine allowing you to choose your own route. Some trails are frequented by horses, so watch your step! Camping opprotunies abound, many in very scenic locations. After you've had your share of the forest, explore one of the many underground cave systems the park was made for.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Great Smoky Mountains National Park </span>(TN) - For high wilderness adventure, it doesn't get any better than at GSMNP. As the second closest national park to Cincinnati (a 5 hour drive), it makes the perfect weekend getaway for the hard-care backpacker or hiker. However, remember to bring a bear bag and rope!</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">*Photos by Rachel Campbell; Left: Hueston Woods State Park</span><span style="font-style: italic;">/Right: Mammoth Cave National Park</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-76318807780323422542009-09-23T08:40:00.001-07:002009-09-23T08:40:02.094-07:00My Review of REI Nalgene Everyday Wide-Mouth Loop-Top Tritan Water Bottle - 32 oz.<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/776181">Originally submitted at REI</a></p><div><img src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_products/07/60/1391429_100.jpg" class="photo" align="left" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0 0"><p style="margin-top:0">Guaranteed leakproof, this REI wide-mouth water bottle in fun transparent colors is a must-have for camping or campus!</p></div><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/776181" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">REI Nalgene Everyday Wide-Mouth Loop-Top Tritan Water Bottle - 32 oz.</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">Best Hiking Water Bottle around!</strong></p><div>By <strong>Chiliman</strong> from <strong>Ft. Thomas, KY</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2009923T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">9/23/2009</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -180px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">5</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Gift: </strong>No</p><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Slim Design, Impact Resistant, Good Capacity, Retains Temperature, BPA Free</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Backpacking, Gym, Camping, Everyday, River Trips, Hiking</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Avid Adventurer</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">This bottle is the best thing on the market. It fits perfectly into nearly every backpack's bottle holders. This bottle retains the temperature of its contents very well, and does not suffer under brutal impacts. In addition, they have set the standard for the looks of water bottles.<br xmlns:pr="xalan://com.pufferfish.core.beans.xmlbuilders.xsl.Functions">Other imitations try to make cool designs, and use metal materials that dent when they are simply bumped into, but not the Nalgene! I have dropped them off the side of the mountain, and yes they survive without any damage.<br>When shopping for the right bottle to take with you on the stroll, to work, on a wilderness adventure, go for the Nalgene.</p><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-5939152646742701632009-08-14T12:58:00.000-07:002009-08-14T13:09:59.461-07:00Leki Trekking Poles Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31t5BZaYyWL._AA280_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31t5BZaYyWL._AA280_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />If you hike a lot, chances are you've either come across others using trekking poles on their hike or you may utilize them yourself. I'll admit, when I first saw others using them, I thought- How dorky! Who would want to use ski poles to hike- haven't they ever heard of hiking sticks?! But as I hiked more and more, I started to see the advantages of using trekking poles.<br /><br />They provide better footing, transfer some of the weight off your back, are easier on your knees and can aid in hiking over slippery or steep trail.<br /><br />When my husband bought me my Leki trekking poles for my graduation present, I was excited to finally try them out. When I did, I was astounded I did not want them sooner! I felt like I was flying down the trail with those poles! My husband commented that<span style="font-weight: bold;"> I hike much faster and more confidently than I ever did before</span>. Now, I won't go anywhere without them :-).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KVW41A?ie=UTF8&tag=walwis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002KVW41A">LEKI Luau Trekking Poles - Women's</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=walwis-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002KVW41A" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />These beauties are the best thing since sliced bread (ok, maybe just the best thing since hiking poles came out). What I love about my pair is that they are tailored to women (complete with a cool luau design). They are easy to close and adjust and sturdy (they don't ever collapse on me). Best of all? <span style="font-weight: bold;">LIFETIME warranty</span>. Meaning if you ever do manage to break these suckers, Leki will replace them for you free of charge!<br /><br />My husband paid over a hundred dollars for my poles, but right now they are <span style="font-weight: bold;">on sale at amazon.com for only $70! That's like over 40% off the original price</span>. I am a little mad mine cost so much more, but that's what happens when new and exciting gear comes out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KVW41A?ie=UTF8&tag=walwis-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002KVW41A">Click here to snag this amazing deal</a>!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-88023852670287905262009-08-07T18:11:00.000-07:002009-08-07T18:25:34.424-07:00Boy Dies In Death Valley National Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1812840-Death_Valley_National_Park-Death_Valley_National_Park.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 443px; height: 332px;" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1812840-Death_Valley_National_Park-Death_Valley_National_Park.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Many times, our technology can give the false illusion of safety. Increasing numbers of people have started to rely on GPS units in the back-country and for navigation. Although this can be a handy tool, basic map and compass skills are still a vital and necessary asset for survival.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,538323,00.html?test=latestnews">This Fox News article</a>, covers the recent death of an 11 year old boy who died from dehydration in Death Valley National Park. The story quotes:<br /><blockquote><p><strong>An 11-year-old boy died in the intense heat of Death Valley National Park after he and his mother became stranded in one of the world's most inhospitable areas and survived for several days on bottled water, Pop-Tarts and cheese sandwiches, authorities said Friday.</strong></p> <p>Alicia Sanchez, 28, was found severely dehydrated and remained hospitalized in Las Vegas a day after being found with her dog, her dead son and a Jeep Cherokee buried up to its axles in sand.</p> <p>She told rescuers in California's San Bernardino County that her son Carlos died Wednesday, days after she fixed a flat tire and continued into Death Valley, relying on directions from a <a itxtdid="11583928" target="_blank" href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,538323,00.html?test=latestnews#" style="border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important; padding-bottom: 1px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important; background-image: none; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt;" classname="iAs" class="iAs">GPS device</a> in the vehicle.</p><blockquote></blockquote><p></p></blockquote>The story goes on to say that<br /><blockquote><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT"><p>"<span style="font-weight: bold;">A </span><a itxtdid="11135807" target="_blank" href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,538323,00.html?test=latestnews#" style="border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important; padding-bottom: 1px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important; background-image: none; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; font-weight: bold;" classname="iAs" class="iAs">GPS</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> does not replace a map, a compass, checking in at the visitor center and letting people know where you're going to be</span>," Pennington said.</p> <p>He said searchers mistakenly looked late Wednesday for Sanchez in campgrounds in the Panamint Mountains, based on family members' reports that she planned to camp in free sites and visit the Scotty's Castle attraction in the far northeast corner of the vast national park.</p><blockquote></blockquote><p></p></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT"><p><span style="font-size:130%;">This story illustrates how vital it is to take precautions while traveling in the back-country. Always<span style="font-weight: bold;"> let someone know your itinerary</span> and check in with officials before starting out. Always <span style="font-weight: bold;">carry a map and a compass</span>. You never know what will happen in the back-country wilderness. </span>Do not rely on technology to save you. Rely on yourself.<br /></p><p></p><blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be prepared and give the wilderness the respect it deserves</span>. <a href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2009/07/shawnee-backpack-trail-trip-report.html">To read about how you can hone your back-country skills if you become lost, click here</a>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">We've had some close calls ourselves</span>.<br /><p></p></span></div><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT"><p></p></span></div></blockquote>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-840399129072321467.post-25657418079931014162009-08-07T09:07:00.000-07:002009-08-07T09:40:53.771-07:00Marmot Mica Jacket Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/pimages/101024/9766/product_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/pimages/101024/9766/product_full.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rain gear</span> is an essential item for the backpacker. Although there tends to be quite a bit of opinion regarding what is the best option for rain gear, there is no doubt that it plays a pivotal role for the hiker who is trudging through the wet forests of the eastern US. Key considerations when choosing rain gear are <span style="font-weight: bold;">weight</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">breathe-ability</span>. Many lightweight backpackers often find a hard time finding a nice medium of both.<br /><br />Enter the new <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Marmot/">Marmot</a> Mica Jacket.</span> A wonderful melting of breathable waterproof fabric that's completely lightweight. And it's not just lightweight- it's comfortable. The softness of the jacket makes it easy to wear even if only a slight drizzle interrupts your hike.<br /><br />Not convinced? How about a video showing off it's greatest assets? The <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec4DhVk7Cp8">Webtogs</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> video review of the Marmot Mica Jacket</span> (for men) gives you a short and informative high-quality overview of the jacket from a hiker's point of view. You'll get to see this jacket in motion as a member of the Webtogs team explains the specs in detail.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Highlights</span> of the Marmot Mica Jacket:<br /><ul><li>Lightweight (bulkiness cut down through use of waterproof seaming)</li><li>Breathable (constructed of MemBrain Strata fabric)</li><li>Adjustable (velcro cuff, elastic draw cords)</li><li>Zippered pockets</li></ul>The woman's version is similar, but it is known as the <b>Marmot Crystalline Jacket</b>, although the basic specs are the same. This jacket definitely stands up on the list of high quality rain gear. It's tough and it's rough and it will get you through any type of rain from downpour to drizzle, keeping you dry and comfortable along the way. And weighing in at only 7 oz., it's a lightweight and ultra-light backpacker's best bet.<br /><br />Although buying quality gear can be more expensive, it's certainly worth it in the long run. When you're climbing the Appalachian Mountains and are caught in a downpour, you'll see what I mean. <span style="font-weight: bold;">You can't put a price on dryness in the back-country</span>! As I've said before- "Good gear is gear that you can count on even in the worst of times".<br /><br />To read <span style="font-style: italic;">Cincinnati Hiker</span>'s <span style="font-weight: bold;">Berghaus hiking boot review</span>, <a title="click here" href="http://cincinnatihiker.blogspot.com/2009/07/berghaus-hiking-boot-review.html" id="lu4r">click here</a>. To watch more videos produced by <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Webtogs</span>, <a title="click here" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec4DhVk7Cp8" id="bo7w">click here</a>.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17092124950661014527noreply@blogger.com1