How did it get started?
While snowshoeing has gained in popularity recently, it is believed to have originated more than 6,000 years ago in Central Asia. Our ancestors relied on snowshoes as a means of survival, to forage and move from one hunting ground to the next when the ground was covered by deep snow. By distributing a person’s weight over a wider surface area, snowshoes provided mobility and flotation in packed, dense snow, without sinking in. Thus they became a critical tool in both survival and migration as people explored and settled onto the varied landscapes of the Northern Hemisphere.
What you need?
Traditional snowshoes have a hardwood frame with rawhide lacings. Some modern snowshoes are similar, but most are made of materials such as lightweight metal, plastic, and synthetic fabric. In addition to distributing the weight, snowshoes are generally raised at the toe for maneuverability. They must not accumulate snow, hence the latticework, and require bindings to attach them to the feet. Most types of footwear can be worn with snowshoes, although hiking boots are the preferred choice among most recreational users.
It’s fun-
Today, snowshoeing has never been more popular, with roughly 5.5 million participants in the United States alone. Easy, accessible snowshoes have opened up a whole new world of winter, from snowshoe trail centers at ski areas and local parks to quiet hiking trails and distant snow-capped peaks with incredible vistas. Snowshoeing has come a long way from its early designs and uses, but there's never been a better time to explore winter. Snowshoeing extends your hiking or running season into winter. It lets you enjoy winter solitude and can be a social activity. All ages and ability levels can enjoy the sport together.
Where to purchase Snowshoes-
Looking to purchase your own set of snowshoes? There are multiple manufactures.
For the modern snowshoe:
Atlas Snowshoes-
The Atlas story began in 1990 when founder Perry Klebahn, who was looking to snowshoeing to help recover from a motorcycle injury, became frustrated with the designs of the time. Klebahn soon developed his own ideas, and created a revolutionary new snowshoe.
Redfeather Snowshoes-
Redfeather Snowshoes are manufactured and owned by ORC Industries, a not-for-profit company whose sole organizational mission is to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities. And one of those opportunities is to make the best snowshoes in the world. About 75 percent of our workforce is comprised of people who have a physical or mental disability. ORC trains these individuals, and provides vocational counseling, nutritional counseling, wellness training, and life skills with the goal of outplacing these folks in the general workforce at large.
For the vintage snowshoe:
Kaufmann-
Snow-resilient ash wood that steps silently. Hand-laced rawhide. Lasts forever. Pointed tails keeps strides straight for long cross-country treks. Iverson’s beavertail snowshoes are made for going far afield and breaking a trail. They are made for soft virgin snow and float better than aluminum snowshoes. The open rawhide lacing lets the snow filter through so your snowshoes don’t turn into shovels. The extended tail acts like a rudder as you cut through the snow, keeping your stride straight in long cross-country hikes.
Vermont’s Barre Army/Navy Store-
Traditional snowshoes are constructed from wooden frames, allowing for reduced noise and better buoyancy on the ice and snow than aluminum and plastic varieties. They are available in diverse lengths, widths and style preferences. Laced varieties can be easily maintained and become a keepsake item for generations over time.
For the ultimate experience that will leave you stress and anxiety free try a snowshoeing picnic. Pack a picnic and go for a hike in the snow. Find that ultimate spot in the forest with a spot of sunlight.Find a fallen tree, brush the snow off and open up your picnic and enjoy your stress free lunch in the peacefulness and serenity of the forest.
For an equally stress free vacation rental experience visit Mammoth Rental By Owner.com or call us at (818)883-2488
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( 3 / 3348 )The devastation in Oklahoma is inconceivable! The tornadoes were upgraded to F5! This is the worst of the worst. Lets all pitch in and donate to help the folks in Oklahoma.
Please TEXT 90999 to donate $10.00 to the Red Cross!
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( 3 / 7186 )MAMMOTH SPRINGFEST
Now through Memorial Day
While sunshine lures most spring breakers to the coastline, you may want to pack your bikini and swim trunks and head for the slopes of Mammoth Mountain.
We're kicking off the spring season this year with MAMMOTH SPRINGFEST - a month and a half of slope side events and pure mountain goodness. Nightlife, family fun, slope side parties, on-hill competitions - whatever you're looking for, we've got you covered! For the college crowd there are parties, contests, live music and drink specials. For the family there are games, parades, and playtime activities. Everyone gets to enjoy some of the deepest snow in North America - all while basking in warm temperatures under clear, blue skies.
To view complete details of events: http://www.mammothmountain.com/SpringFest
Stay with us for some sweet rental deals--->
http://mammothrentalbyowner.com/index.html
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( 3 / 7521 )Are you actually backpacking?
Do you really know what you are getting yourself into?
Backpacking combines hiking and camping into one. To fit the definition, a backpacker needs to spend at least one night in the out-of-doors and can only use what is in his/her backpack. If these requirements are not met, then it's most likely a day hike or camping trip.
Many would say that the history of backpacking began in 1920 with Lloyd F. Nelson's invention of the camping backpack. As the story goes, in an effort to make his carrying "pack" more comfortable, Nelson fashioned a rigid pack board, which not only gave structure to the backpack, but also made it easier to carry over long hauls.
Hiking has long been used as an exercise in military training programs but hiking has also become a popular recreational activity, both for itself and as a means to enjoy such other wilderness activities as camping and canoeing. In the US the National Scenic Trail Act of 1968, which made large tracts of land available to the public for recreational use, contributed greatly to the growth of hiking as a pastime. The act helped to set up a system of hiking trails that runs throughout the country.
Prior to Mr. Nelson's invention, the backpack (also known as knapsack or rucksack) was simply a loose sack with shoulder straps. The pack board created a division between the contents of the bag and the carrier's back. In addition, it distributed weight more evenly across the shoulders. To this day, the design remains relatively the same.
The essentials-
Anyone can backpack as long as you are in good physical shape. Backpacks vary in shape and sizes and the prices vary as well. It is always recommended to do some research about what type of pack would fit you best. When backpacking you should always have these essential items in your pack:
Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.
Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain.
Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body's muscles and organs simply can't perform as well: You'll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness.
Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.
Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a hat.
Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.
First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters.
Army knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear—not to mention cut cheese and open cans.
Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help.
Sun screen and sun glasses. You'll need sunglasses to prevent snowblindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Where to buy all the stuff you need?
There are some great retailers out there that can provide all the equipment you will need to backpack and then some.
ProLite Gear- ProLite Gear is a different sort of company. We are committed to supporting "prosumer" education to help you make smart buying decisions.* We will not sell our products based on believing manufacturer catalog copy or relying on mass media hype written by journalists who don't spend a lot of time outdoors. Instead, we bring you products that have been thoroughly tested in extreme conditions and represent the best in their class.
Ultralight Adventure Equipment- ULA is one of the few remaining U.S. based backpack companies who manufacture in house. Our factory in Logan Utah enables us to be extremely responsive to our customers ever changing needs. It allows us to adapt new technologies and materials in weeks rather than months, and also allows ULA to offer a level of customer service that is simply unmatched.
Merrell- at Merrell, we’re all about the great outdoors. Our employees don’t just sell outdoor gear – they put it to the test. From helping you find the right fit to recommending a new trail, we’re here to make sure you have the hiking boots, barefoot shoes, hiking clothing and information you need for your next adventure.
Now where do you go Backpacking? Why Mammoth Lakes of course!
Permits are required. Pick one up at the Forest Service station in Mammoth BEFORE you go. Some trails have quotas, so you might want to have an alternate plan. Weather in our area is fairly stable. The Eastern Sierra is generally mild and dry during the summer months. But it isn't unheard of to have snow in any summer month at the higher elevations, cold windy days, and some occasional rain/thunderstorm activity at times. So go prepared. Drink lots of water, eat well, don't hike too far in one day, and don't fall off the trail, and you will have a great time.
“Two guys are hiking in the forest when they suddenly come across a big Grizzly bear! The one guy takes off his hiking boots and puts on some running shoes!
His friend says to him "You're crazy! There's no use, do you know how fast Grizzlies are, you'll never be able to out run it!" and the guy says, "I only have to out run you!"- Be safe and have fun!
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( 3 / 7633 )Bodie began as a mining camp of little note following the discovery of gold in 1859 by a group of prospectors, including W. S. Bodey. Bodey (later changed to “Bodie” misspelled by a painter) perished in a blizzard the following November while making a supply trip to Monoville (near present day Mono City, California), never getting to see the rise of the town that was named after him. A mill was established in 1861 and the town began to grow. But while this town boomed, interest in Bodie remained lackluster.
In 1876, the Standard Company discovered a profitable deposit of gold-bearing ore (due to a freak mine cave-in), which transformed Bodie from an isolated mining camp comprising a few prospectors and company employees to a Wild West boomtown. Rich discoveries in the adjacent Bodie Mine during 1878 attracted even more hopeful people. By 1879, Bodie had a population of approximately 5000–7000 people and around 2,000 buildings. Over the years, Bodie's mines produced gold valued at nearly US$34 million. By then, the town of Bodie bustled with families, robbers, miners, store owners, gunfighters, prostitutes and people from every country in the world. At one time there was reported to be 65 saloons in town. Among the saloons were numerous brothels and 'houses of ill repute', gambling halls and opium dens - an entertainment outlet for everyone.
Hardships and violence aside, Bodie was a thriving, bustling place. However, like other boom towns, Bodie’s period of glory was brief, lasting from 1879 to 1882. The decline was slow, with the two major mines-the Bodie and the Standard-merging in 1887 and operating successfully for the next two decades. A disastrous fire struck in 1892 and with a steady decline in the interim, including additional mine closings and abandonment of the Bodie Railway in 1917, another devastating fire destroyed much of the town in 1932. Although Bodie was already dying, further decline having resulted from Prohibition and the Depression, some mining continued. However, there were no new strikes and companies eked out only minor profits, largely by using the cyanide process to extract gold from old tailings (i.e., mine refuse). By the 1950s even this recovery operation ceased and Bodie became a ghost town.
In 1962, after years of neglect, Bodie became a State Historic Park, and two years later the Ghost Town of Bodie was dedicated as a California Historic Site. It has also been designated a National Historic Site. Bodie is maintained in a state of what is termed “arrested decay,” which means the buildings are protected but not restored. Bodie is located in the Basin Range of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 13 miles East of Highway 395 in central California. Today you can visit Brodie and checkout this once booming town! Definitely a trip worth making!
Bodie is a rare example of the dry-summer subarctic climate, with warm summers and long, snowy winters. Winds can sweep across the valley at close to 100 miles per hour. Nights remain cold even through the summer, often dropping well below freezing. The harsh weather is due to a particular combination of high altitude (8,400 feet) and a very exposed plateau, with little in the way of a natural surrounding wall to protect the long, flat piece of land from the elements.
To experience Bodi with it's haunting beauty don't waste time come on up to Mammoth Lakes this summer and escape the LA heat and immerse your self in the natural and maybe even supernatural sights and sounds that are Bodi.
Need a place to stay during your visit to Bodi. Visit MammothRentalBy Owner.com for accommodations that won't leave you feeling haunted
http://mammothrentalbyowner.com/index.html (818)883-2488
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