We spent the last 4 nights in the mountains of northern California. It is refreshing to be surrounded by the forest’s sights and smells. I am always encouraged when I see others camping with children. To teach our children about the wonders and pleasures of nature should be a priority and if for some reason the parent doesn’t know about the out-of-doors, then what a great family learning experience could be had.

Did you know?

Unstructured outdoor activity is down by half from the previous generation.

Children in the USA average just 30 minutes a week of unregulated time outdoors; however, their weekly electronic media exposure is almost 45 hours a week.

Visits to National Parks have been decreasing since 1987.

The amount of outdoor, environmental education programs offered in our local schools has been decreasing in the last 10 years.

The average American child can recognize 1,000 corporate logos but can’t identify 10 plants or animals native to his or her own region.

71% of adults walked or biked to school when they were children and only 22% of kids do today.

Approximately 16% of US children aged 6-19 are overweight or obese.  Childhood obesity has doubled over the past 30 years for preschoolers and adolescents and more than tripled for children aged 6-11.

I remember that walk to school bit . . . for me it was 4 miles through the snow, uphill in both directions . . . with no mittens . . . and no galoshes! Really! It was tough.

Calling all SMB vans and SMB Sprinters + any “B” Class Sprinter. Can’t get away for a long trip? How about a short week-end?

June 12 and 13 is the weekend run to Crandall Peak trail. The turn off is 2 miles north of Strawberry. The trail is 36 miles of unpaved road, Class 3 rating.

Most of the trail is a 2 with the 3 rating coming along Strawberry Ridge and the descent to the Stanislaus River.

Of course, turning around is always an option.We are planning to leave here around 11am and return on Sunday around 5pm.

We will camp along the route in time for cocktails, possible at the Sand Bar Flat campground.

If you can make it, please post here.

PS. Weekend Warrior Trip #2 is on July 18th – The Bad Beer contest at Stinson Beach.

Trail Rating
#1: The trail is graded dirt suitable for a normal passenger vehicle.
#2: High-clearance vehicles are preferred but not necessary. The trail is dirt with possible rocks, grades, water crossings or ruts that make clearance a concern in a normal passenger vehicle.
#3: High-clearance 4wd preferred but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. Expect a rough road, loose surface, rocks up to 6” in diameter. Roads will be wide enough for passing or have pull-offs.
#4: High-clearance 4wds are recommended although most stock SUVs are acceptable.
Ratings extracted from BackCountry Adventures Northern California, Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson. To order: Backcountry Adventures Northern California: The Ultimate Guide to the Backcountry for Anyone with a Sport Utility Vehicle

On February 22, a new law took effect that applied state firearms laws to national parks and wildlife refuges across America.

The implementation of the new law, which the National Park Service (NPS) has planned for since passage of H.R. 627 last May, has so far been without major problems. NPS management reports that it has worked with the 493 individual parks, promoting a consistent message on several key points:

Under the new law, every park is subject to all the firearms laws of the state (or states) where the park is located.

Park visitors must know and obey state laws, including knowing which state laws apply in parks (such as Yellowstone) that cross state boundaries. (For information on state laws, go to http://www.nraila.org/gunlaws/.)

The new law affects firearms possession, not use. Laws regarding hunting, poaching, target shooting or any unlawful discharge remain unchanged.

It will remain unlawful to carry in certain locations, under a separate law that prohibits possession of any firearm in a “federal facility.”

In common english, you can now carry a gun in a National Park just like you have been able to carry in a National Forest subject to the laws of the state where you are located. That means in a National Park you can carry concealed weapons if that is legal in that state. For example, in California, it is general illegal to carry a concealed weapon but you can carry a weapon in a holster for all to see – the same rule would be in effect for Yosemite National Park.

If you check the NPS website for the particular park you are going to visit, you can read their rule which will refer you to state law. Two important things; 1.)You have to know the state laws. The park will not post them or interpret them and 2.) Make sure you know what a federal facility is. The park will have those posted.

Yahoo! This is almost as good as getting the Bass Pro Shops Master Catalog! There is a lot of great stuff to have – I could have the Sprinter weighing in at 10 tons if I was in a crazy buying mood.

I know, I know – many of you would most likely get more excited over the Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Issue but for me, looking at new Coleman stoves is about as hot as it gets . . . and I can touch one of those without my DW getting upset!