San Francisco bans plastic bags

San Francisco has become the first US city banning the use of plastic bags made from petroleum products from large supermarkets and drugstores. By taking this environemtal stance, San Francisco will be helping to save 450,000 gallons of oil a year not to mention take a huge cut out of the amount of bags sent to landfills each year (about 1,400 tons!). Recycled palstic bags however will still be available for use. Hopefully this will intrigue other major cities to follow suit and ban plastic bags as well. We are still awaiting Mayor Newsom's signature of approval, but signs look good for the thumbs up. To read more on this issue, check out the cnn article, or for more facts on plastic, check out the Clean Paper Bag Co.

And remember, if you do have plastic shopping bags, reuse them! Check out how target has reminded their consumers to reuse their store's bags.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

After 3 years of construction, the Grand Canyon Skywalk has finally been completed and opened to the public. Extending 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, the skywalk features a glass floor, offering the closest feeling to floating over this National site, giving you a "bird's eye view". Some may be scared to venture out onto to this glass bridge however after tests conducted in May 2005, this structure shows to withstand the weight of 71 million pounds. This definately adds new interest to an already unique American experience.

Northern California Community Outreach - Career Day

A regular question that I get as the owner of Adventure Out is "Why?" I actually get it quite often, "Why do you do what you do?" And the answer I believe, is quite short. "Because I love it." It's as simple as that. So in a recent partnership with The Elemental Awareness Foundation, I've been travelling around California and working with Jr High and High School students to inspire young people to pursue their dreams.

We recently spoke at a Career Day at Shoreline Middle School in Santa Cruz, CA. The message of the day was: As long as you work hard, you can do anything. Follow your dreams, do what you love, and work for it. Give it all you've got!


It was a great event. And remember, Adventure Out staff is always available for this kind of outreach program. If you would like us to come to your school or community center, give us a call at 800-509-3954.


Cliff Hodges
Owner
Adventure Out LLC

Alternative Fuel

We've all noticed the rise of prices at the gas pump not to mention the increase of SUVs on the road. You can't help but look at these situations and wonder when more developments will be made for alternative fuel sources. Well San Francisco City College has taken a HUGE step. The US Environmental Agency has provided the college with a $200,000 grant to develop training programs for the manufacturing of biodiesel, a fuel made to run cars on plain old vegetable oil. These findings will then be shared throughout the state, including San Francisco, which hopes to shift all its mass transit to biodeisel vehicles.

Training and developing the next generation is the first step to the future. Congrats CCSF, we commend you! To read more on this program, check out this link http://www.ccsf.edu/Resources/ATT/Bridging%20the%20Biodiesel%20Gap.pdf

Head for the hills

Spring is on it's way. The days are getting longer and warmer, which to most ususally means one thing-- head to the beach. However depending on where you live or what else you have going on in your day, the trek to the beach may not fit into the schedule. So why not head to the hills? Here in the Bay Area we are surrounded on all sides by some great foothills and mountains offering everything from camp grounds to mountain biking trails, waterfalls to redwood forests to places you can bring your dog. Get outside and get moving in some fresh air and feel like you've traveled miles away from home, providing a much needed break from the monotony of the work week. Check out Bay Area Hiker for trails all around the bay as well Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation to find where to bring man's best friend or bike til your hearts content just to name a few. If your a bit nervous to start on your own and want someone else to do the planning, check out our mountain biking or hiking trips we offer.

Upcoming Pinacles Rock Climbing Trip!

Interested in rock climbing for the first time? Are you a more experienced climber who wants a new and amazing place to climb at? It doesn't matter what level you are at, the Pinnacles National Monument trip is for you. Learn the basics or choose a more difficult route to challenge yourself. Come explore and journey with adventure out on this amazing trip! For more details about dates and signing up, check out the Pinnacles climbing camp link below.
Climb A Rock!

My name is Josh and Im an Adventure Out intern. I have actually climbed at the Pinnacles when I was much younger. It was a truly amazing and memorable experience.

However, I have recently taken up the art of jumping rather than climbing...Be sure to look close and check out this mid air shot somewhere near Tahoe.

Winter in Anza Borrego

Winter Snow in the Desert!

This past weekend, I visited Anza Borrego Desert State Park. I love the desert and this is one of my favorite state parks, which is why we've chosen it as the site for our Ancient Desert Skills Backpacking Trip, scheduled for May 3-6, 2007. This is the first time we've run this trip, and we are VERY excited about the possibilites. The park is truly unique in that open-camping is allowed which gives us the freedom to roam, just as the Cahuilla Indians did for centuries. So, in preparation, I ventured back to Anza Borrego to scout the several campsites we had in mind for the trip. I was treated to a unique and rare gift. After arriving late, I was awoken the next morning by the sun rising over the desert, and 3-4 inches of snow!

As the sun moved higher in the sky, the snow began to melt and was gone by noon. However I was able to capture a few images on camera to share with the rest of you. It just goes to show, that heat is definitely not the only challenge we face in the desert.

For more info on our Desert Skills Trip, visit: http://adventureout.com/anza_borrego.html

We look forward to adventuring with you soon!

Cliff Hodges
Owner

Adventure Out LLC

The cold won't stop these surfers!

Surf 1 Clinic:

Early, cold and misty mornings won't stop these guys who took part in our introductory surf class this weekend. We all started off a little groggy, but the excitement of a new experience can wake anyone up.



Starting off with a quick demo of what to look for in a wave followed by some prcatice pop-ups on the beach, these determined participants got the hang of the move on dry land then charged into the water like pros ready to take on their first waves.




It may have taken a few practice tries but finally catching that first wave will be a memory that lasts forever! Check out our upcoming intro surf classes and add some new skills to your life!