Make 2014 a Year of Happiness – Take an Adventure You’ll never Forget

Pack, Paddle, Ski wants to make 2014 a year of happiness.  In order to do that they’ve filled up next year’s schedule with trips from their staff’s bucket lists. Click here to view a selection of awesome world-wide adventures. If you find a trip that is on your bucket list, sign up before the end of 2013 and they will give you $50 off the trip. Just mention the code word HAPPINESS. So, go on, pull out your bucket list and see what you can cross off this year!

But you don’t have to wait until 2014 to let your happiness begin. Join them this year for one of their happiness retreats, spend a some time in the outdoors and find out where real happiness comes from.  Find out more at
http://www.packpaddleski.com/index.php?page=adventures&cat=North+American+Multi-Day&course=330622

I have been on Pack,Paddle, Ski trips to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and hike to visit tribes in Africa, paddling in Glacier Bay Alaska, and many others. They get you off the beaten path to experience real cultural adventures. They make a difference in the world. Take a trip with them in 2014 and change your life.

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New “Motivation Course” to Open 2013 at Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course

Adirondack Extreme Adventure is the largest AERIAL tree top adventure park in the United States. Have you found your inner monkey? Join them up in the trees in Beautiful Bolton Landing, NY. Click here to see photos on Facebook of the new Motivation Course that was recently built.

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Take A Balloon Ride at Fulkerson Winery on Seneca Lake

Liberty Balloon Co. has started offering hot air balloon flights at Fulkerson Winery.

Rides cost $285 per person for a minimum of two and a maximum of four people. A vehicle will pick people up after the balloon lands and return them to Fulkerson. The winery is at 5576 Route 14, Dundee, Yates County, on Seneca Lake.

To book a ride, call Liberty at (800) 777-2359 or by email at office@libertyballoon.com.

The company, based in Groveland, Livingston County, also books rides on other Finger Lakes and in the Letchworth State Park area. Prices start at $240 a person at some sites. For more information, go to libertyballoon.com.

source: D&C

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100-mile hiking challenge set for June in Allegheny National Forest

By Matt Martin, GoErie.com, link to original post

The fourth annual Allegheny 100 is scheduled to take place June 7-9 on the Allegheny National Forest Chapter’s stretch of the North Country Trail.

The Allegheny 100 Challenge is an endurance event in unsupported backpacking. It’s not a race, but an attempt by all entrants to finish the course in 50 hours. There also are 25-mile, 50-mile and 75-mile challenges on the same trail for those of differing skill levels or those who don’t want to commit to the longest course.

The coursewill extend from just south of Marienville, at Vowinckel, to Willow Bay near the New York border. The hike’s direction rotates every two years, giving short-distance hikers a chance to complete all 100 miles of trail over time; in 2014 it will run north to south.

Entry donation is $40, which includes membership in the North Country Trail Association, trail shuttle service and a T-shirt. Preregistration is limited to the first 100 hikers and closes May 31 at noon for shuttling service and T-shirts. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the event until 5 p.m. if spots remain open.

The challenge will start June 7 at 6 p.m. and continue until June 9 at 8 p.m. Hikers must bring their own food, drinks and gear. Leave-no-trace principles and safety will be discussed before the hike. U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, of Howard Township, Centre County, R-5th Dist., will release the hikers June 7.

There were 82 hikers who participated in the Allegheny 100 in 2012, a 382 percent increase in participation since the inception of the event in 2010. There were 33 hikers who attempted the 100 miles a year ago; 31 chose to hike the 50-mile option and 18 hiked the 25-mile challenge.

For event or sponsorship information, contact Karen M. Klos at 8320 Route 337, Tidioute, PA 16351-4318; (814) 484-7420; or nct001@verizon.net.

For hiking strategy questions,contact three-time 100-mile participant Michael Merry at michaelmerry@rocketmail.com.

For information on the North Country Trail, contact the North Country Trail Association, 229 E. Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331; call toll-free at (866) 445-3628; e-mail hq@northcountrytrail.org.; or visit northcountrytrail.org.

For information on the ANF chapter, contact chapter president Keith W. Klos at 8320 Route 337, Tidioute, PA 16351-4318; (814) 484-7420; or nct001@verizon.net.

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‘Treetop walk’ planned for Tupper Lake Wild Center

BY STEPHEN WILLIAMS, DailyGazette, link to original post

Officials at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake are pursuing regulatory approvals and conducting fundraising for a major new attraction described as a “treetop walk.”
The planned “Wild Walk” would be an elevated walkway located at treetop level in the woods at the center, known officially as the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks.
The walkway would offer a variety of hands-on activities that will appeal to adults and children, including a roped area meant to resemble a spider’s web and a swinging bridge. “It’s going to be so amazing,” said Marci Bencze, spokeswoman for the center.
The target date for opening the new attraction is 2015, though that will depend on the center’s success in raising funds to cover the estimated $4 million to $5 million cost, Bencze said.
The museum recently fi led an application for approval from the Adirondack Park Agency, which is currently taking public comment through March 21.
The plan has already secured significant state funding. Gov. Andrew Cuomo in December announced a $1 million grant was awarded to the project from his regional economic development initiative program.
The elevated walkway would be “a major added attraction at the Wild Center to support tourism development in the region,” he said.
In the application to the APA, Wild Center officials said the entire 490-foot walkway will be below treetop level and will be handicapped-accessible. While the museum is open year-round, the elevated walkway is expected to be a three-season attraction.
Over time, the project also includes removing non-native Scotch pine in the construction area and replacing it with native plant species.
The Wild Center, which opened in 2006, has so far attracted more than 500,000 visitors to the Tupper Lake region.

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Zoom Ziplines Introduces Ziplining/Snowtubing Combo Package For $85 Per Adult/$65 For Kids/Seniors

Zoom Ziplines has just the ticket for winter fun: a new Ziplining + Tubing Combo package. For one low price of $84.99 per adult ($64.99 for kids or seniors) visitors enjoy both a ziplining excursion from Zoom Ziplines AND snowtubing at the DropZone Snowtubing Park in Mountain Creek, New Jersey. A ziplining excursion alone is priced at $79.99 and when combined with the snowtubing, represents a savings of $20 per ticket.

The Zoom Ziplines Ziplining + Tubing Combo package is the perfect option for those who want to make the most of a winter weekend by enjoying the great outdoors. Just one hour from New York City and most of the Tri-State area, the Mountain Creek resort area is open year-round and provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a variety of winter activities.

The DropZone Snowtubing Park is considered America’s largest tubing park, with more than 30 lanes of fun for everyone. For those who have never snowtubed, it is like sledding – only easier, faster, more fun and you don’t have to hike back up the hill. And when combined with the 1.5-hour Zoom Ziplines’ tour, it makes for the perfect morning or afternoon of wintertime fun.  The Zoom Ziplines’ excursion involves four ziplines for a total combined length of 3,760 feet.  Zipliners start with a trainer line at the base of the mountain (line 1), which is approximately 200 feet long, followed by a ride up the mountain to the summit at 1,040 feet.  Participants then zip across three additional dual-ziplines (line 2 is 1,310 feet long; line 3 is 750 feet long, and line 4 is 1,500 feet long), cross a suspension bridge, and head back down the mountain. Zipliners can also rent a helmet-mounted video cam so that they can capture the amazing winter wonderland scenery as they are heading down the ziplines.  It’s also a good idea for zipliners to wear warm winter clothing because they will be outside!

To book the Zoom Ziplines Ziplining + Tubing Combo package, simply call 973-864-8880 or visit http://www.zoomziplines.com.  Participants must book a zipline time slot with Zoom Ziplines and then they will be given a snowtubing voucher in order to book their snowtubing reservation directly with DropZone Snowtubing Park. Guests should confirm the snowtubing times directly with the snowtubing park. Snowtubing vouchers are non-refundable. The activities can be booked for the same day or different days.  The snowtubing voucher is effective for any time during the 2012/2013 season (weather permitting).

For the exact days of Zoom Ziplines’ winter operations, please refer to the website.  They are open year-round and offer expanded hours 7 days a week throughout the summer.  Complete terms and conditions regarding Zoom Ziplines’ booking procedures are available by visiting http://www.zoomziplines.com/tours/mountain-creek-combo.

For additional information about Zoom Ziplines, visit www.zoomziplines.com or call 973-864-8880.

About Zoom Ziplines
Zoom Ziplines offers a nature-based, eco-adventure, gravity-fueled experience in Mountain Creek, New Jersey, approximately one hour from Manhattan.  The company is owned by Skyline, which not only operates zipline attractions but also builds and retrofits the ziplines themselves under the Skyline brand. Skyline built a zipline site in Calgary at the Olympic Park and it is the fastest breaking system in the world reaching speeds of 110 kmph at breaking and goes from 0 to 140 kmph in 3 seconds.  For additional information, visit www.zoomziplines.com or call 973-864-8880.

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My First Rattlesnake Encounter

I had a plan. But, like many plans made in the warmth of my living room, this one failed its first field test. I was backpacking for 6 months, hiking north along the Appalachian Trail with my husband Rich.

Eastern Diamondback Rattle Snake

After 2 months on the trail, we hiked along one sunny day through Virginia, traversing the side of a hill in lush spring foliage. Rich was in front when we heard the sound. Having never heard it live before, I was surprised at how unmistakable the rattle of a rattlesnake was. It stopped me dead in my tracks with instant recognition. I looked to the right and there, slightly uphill and about 3 feet away, was a coiled rattlesnake, staring at me eye to eye and loudly making his displeasure known. Rich had already passed, but the snake blocked my progress along the trail.

My plan was that if I saw a rattlesnake I’d simply hike off the trail & give it a wide berth. I surveyed my surroundings – the ground was obscured in thick foliage a foot deep. What if my rattler had friends nearby? Was 3 feet within their striking range? I could hear my heart pounding in my chest and Rich getting impatient, calling for me to ignore the rattlesnake & hike on. Yeah, right.

I waited patiently. Minutes passed; many minutes according to Rich. Eventually the rattlesnake lost interest in me, lowered his head and began side winding uphill. I chose that moment to bolt down the trail, running as fast as my blistered feet could carry me, backpack bouncing on my back. Rich just laughed.

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Anything Worth Doing – river raft guide adventures

Idaho author Jo Deurbrouck has been awarded a 2012 National Outdoor Book Award for “Anything Worth Doing” (Sundog), a true story that celebrates wild rivers via the lives and adventures of two Idaho raft guides named Jon Barker and Clancy Reece.

“In this highly creative and exceptionally well written account, Deurbrouck traces the lives of these two men: one an aging, bear of a man [Reece], a Vietnam era veteran and sometimes recluse river guide whose past includes boxing and ballet dancing;  and the other a fit, young man [Barker], a rising star among river runners, full of ideas and ambitions,” writes the awards committee. “You’ll find yourself glued to the pages as Deurbrouck deftly steers the narrative to a building climax. This is an impressive piece of work and a welcomed addition to river literature and lore.”

The adventures detailed in “Anything Worth Doing” center on Idaho’s Salmon River, the last long undammed wilderness whitewater river in the lower 48 states and one of the few remaining in the world. Not only is the 425 mile-long Salmon undammed, so are all its major tributaries. The result? A river that runs amok every high water spring, creating the opportunities Reece and his friend Barker seek.

Rivers and river runners are frequent subjects for NOBA winners. So are mountaineering, fly-fishing, trekking, sea kayaking, first descents and ascents, natural history and conservation.

The National Outdoor Book Awards has been highlighting exceptional outdoor literature since 1997. Past winners include Ted Kerasote, Greg Child, Farly Mowat, Joe Simpson, David Attenborough and Peter Heller.  Past Idaho winners include Cort Conley in 1998 and Matt Leidecker in 2006.

“Anything Worth Doing” was published by Sundog, an Idaho company formed by Deurbrouck and her husband after New York publishers turned the manuscript down. “I’m grateful for the chance to see ‘Anything Worth Doing’ evaluated on its merits, and I’m happy that a story important to many Idahoans is receiving such recognition,” she said.

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Can you ice climb a waterfall?

Click here to read: Can you ice climb a waterfall? (be sure to click through the multiple pages)

200 Waterfalls in Central & Western NY

Locally, the guidebook “200 Waterfalls in Central & Western NY” can be a source for waterfalls to climb in winter.

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Bears, oh my..

In the Land of Oz you have to watch out for lions, tigers, bears and even wicked witches. In the Adirondack Park it’s only bears we have to contend with. Oh lucky us.

Let me start at the beginning. Early one Friday morning 2 carloads of us (8 people) from Victor Hiking Trails headed up to the Adirondacks to climb Mt. Marcy (the highest mountain in NY State). We fully expected to get pummeled by a hurricane the first day, as Isabel made her way inland from the North Carolina coast. As we drove, we passed through some rain and several bouts of fast winds. But once on the trail we had a dry hike into our camping spot. Jane Luce and Marsha Bryant were staying in John’s Brook Lodge, a bunk cabin. The remaining six were going to set up camp in a lean-to by John’s Brook (a rarity to find it empty on a weekend – thank you hurricane). But, a ranger came along & told us that a mother bear had trained her two cubs to climb trees, shimmy out on small branches and get food bags. The shelters were on their nightly rounds. So we bagged the shelter idea & headed up a side trail then up a steep hill to a plateau well off the beaten path (to Larry Fisher’s secret spot) and set up camp with the hope that we wouldn’t be on the bear’s nightly rounds.

We did a very good job of selecting a tree with a high-outstretched branch & Dave Coleman managed to get our rope over it with a rock tied to the end. The preliminary attempts provided the rest of us with our nightly entertainment. Then we hoisted all our food, far above the forest floor. After dark we went to bed. Periodically big swirls of wind would blow through and it rained all night. Around 10 PM we heard strange honking sounds and snorts which sat me upright in the tent. It was momma bear giving instructions to her brood.

In the morning Dave Wright walked toward our hoisted food bag & brought back some remnants. The bears had totally ripped & ransacked all our food. Larry Fisher had kept his food in his tent so he was heating water & making us all some coffee/chocolate/whatever he had. Everyone was getting up & standing around taking about how we’d have to hike out & cancel our mountain climb now that we were foodless. I decided to go pick up the litter so I walked over to the scattered garbage area & began picking up scraps. All of a sudden I heard 2 snorts, the second closer than the first, and the sound of pounding feet. I ran like the blazes & crashed through the woods back to the group. They laughed at me and said, “wow, we didn’t think you could run that fast.” I never saw momma bear but the sounds were unmistakable. We scanned the treetops & found a black fur ball high in a tree just above where I was picking up littler. One of the cubs was still in the tree & momma was protecting it. We had a standoff. We couldn’t pick up the trash while the cub was there & the cub wouldn’t come down while we were there.

Dave Wright and Larry Fisher headed to the bunk house to tell Jane and Marsha our hike was cancelled & the rest of us began packing up with the intent of vacating the area for a while then circling back to see if the cub was gone. But while we packed, the cub straddled the tree and climbed down & off they went. Dave and Larry returned with the report that our hike was on. With the food of the three people (Jane, Marsha and Larry) plus donations of food from other bunk house people who were heading out, we had enough to do some communal meals. We cleaned up the litter & took 2 garbage bags full to the bunkhouse for daytime storage & hiked up Mt. Marcy.

It was fun having communal meals. Dave Wright made up a “menu” based on our inventory of food so for each break and meal we doled out equal portions of whatever was on the menu. Such as a ¼ apple to each, plus a granola bar. After dinner back at our tents, we had eaten all of the food. So we set the garbage in a pile where the bear had left it the previous night and went to sleep. The bears came back & rummaged through it again, licking it clean.

The next morning we picked up garbage again and hiked out to a restaurant for breakfast. I can report that bears do not like carrots, dried green beans, toothpaste or ibuprofen. They very much like apples, cream cheese, bagels, peanut M&M’s, cereal and most everything else.

Oh, by the way, it was a gorgeous 2 days of hiking with great views from the mountain top.

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