Trailspace Blog November 2009

Back in October we reported that Alpinist—the magazine, website, film fest, and more—had shut down. Last winter it was bought by the publishers of Backcountry Magazine, and now the quarterly print magazine dedicated to world alpinism and adventure climbing is back, with Issue 26.

www.alpinist.com

Via Wild Snow

The long weekend has come and gone, and I hope you took advantage of it by doing something you enjoy.

If not, if you felt guilty about taking time for yourself, had the compulsion to stay virtually connected to work, or if you always feel like you can’t really get away, then read Michael Hodgson’s recent SNEWS blog, “Whatever Happened to Valuing Time Away From Work?”

As Hodgson writes so well:

If your days are so full that you feel you cannot carve out time to listen to birds, watch a sunset, revel in the sound of a bubbling stream or the laughter of little ones, walk with a loved one, or simply sit and let your mind wander creatively, then your days are too full of things that don’t really matter in the long run. ...

Another weekend approaches, and with it another chance to spend our limited time wisely.

Hike. Backpack. Climb. Bike. Build a sand castle. Sleep in a hammock. Make cookies. But do that thing, with the ones who matter, without trying to do ten other things at the same time.

The SNEWS View: http://snewsview.blogspot.com/2009/05/whatever-happened-to-valuing-time-away.html

Getting outside is #1!

It's Memorial Day Weekend. For many of us this means a three-day weekend, and the chance to get outside and hike, backpack, climb, paddle, or camp.

I admit that sometimes I think of Memorial Day Weekend as the unofficial start to the summer camping and hiking season. I'll wager that come Tuesday morning, when I return to my computer, there will be numerous e-mails asking how to set up/seam seal/fix a leaky/broken/confounding tent. (Here's my advance tip: Go to a specialty outdoor store and buy a decent tent. Then seam seal it.)

However, Memorial Day has a meaning far beyond tents, outdoor recreation, and barbeques. It's a day to remember the men and women who have died while serving our country.

Getting outside with the family and friends is a worthy activity, and one I encourage you to take. You can even bring along some new recruits, of any age, and introduce them to the outdoors. Sleep in a tent in the backyard. Hike to the top of a mountain. Paddle to a picnic spot. Run some new trails.

But, while you're enjoying the beauty of our country—its woods, mountains, and waters—don't forget those who have served and who can no longer enjoy its natural treasures. When put in that perspective, the view may be even more beautiful.

We’re looking for a few, talented, outdoorsy freelance writers to write profiles, gear news articles, and gear reviews and comparisons for Trailspace on assignment.

If you’re a detail-oriented writer who's passionate about backcountry recreation and the gear that goes along with it, you might be the right person for Trailspace.

Interested? Send an e-mail detailing your professional and personal qualifications to editor@trailspace.com. Please provide links to appropriate writing samples, if possible.

First there was the book (Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv). Then came the movement to get more kids outdoors. Now there's the bill—the No Child Left Inside Act (H.R. 2054/S.866)—recently introduced to Congress.

From the No Child Left Inside Coalition's press release:

Citing the critical need to improve environmental education across the country, The No Child Left Inside Coalition today applauded Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) for introducing the Senate and House versions of the historic No Child Left Inside Act (NCLI) on Earth Day 2009. The bi-partisan legislation, if passed, would mark the first environmental education legislation to pass Congress in more than 25 years.

“Passing the No Child Left Inside Act is a key step in improving the quality of our children’s education and preparing them for the complex challenges of the future workforce,” Senator Reed said.

Research shows that when environmental education is integrated into the curriculum, student achievement increases in core academic areas including science, math, and reading. Additional research finds that schools that teach the core subjects using the environment as an integrating context also demonstrate reduced discipline and classroom management problems; increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning; and greater student pride and ownership in accomplishments.

The bill authorizes new funding for states to provide high-quality, environmental instruction. Funds would support outdoor learning activities both at school and in non-formal environmental education centers, teacher professional development, and the creation of state environmental literacy plans.

• For more info visit the No Child Left Inside Coalition's website.
• If you want to support the bill, send a message to your members of Congress. You can do so directly from the NCLI Coaltion or National Wildlife Federation's websites.

Here in Maine, it's Commute Another Way Week, an annual event that promotes bicycling and walking, as well as carpools, vanpools, and public transit (bus, ferry, and rail) as cost-effective, healthy, and enjoyable alternatives to driving alone to work.

Try walking, hiking, biking, paddling, rollerblading, or whatever you enjoy to get to work, to school, or to run errands. If the distance is too far, consider driving or carpooling partway and walking or biking from a commuter lot.

You can save money and gas, reduce emissions, and be healthier.

Many other states and cities have similar events happening. So see what's happening near you. Or just try commuting another way on your own. It may become a new habit.

If you're already commuting other ways, congratulations!

For more info: www.gomaine.org/cawday/