Thursday, June 14, 2007

Big Sur Surf & Survival Trip - June 2007

Sometimes people ask us why we do what we do here at Adventure Out...

If you still don't know, then we probably can't help you. Surfing in Big Sur, Wilderness Survival Skills Instruction, Personal Massage Therapist on each Trip - Adventure Out Big Sur Surf & Survival.

Next Trip is On August 24th - See you there!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Eat Corn... with Corn! - Biodegradable Plastic!!!

Plastic sucks. Yep, we said it. Sorry Mr. McGuire, its the truth... (that's a Graduate reference for those of you under 40). We use oil to make it, which also pollutes the air, and then we throw it in landfills where it doesnt decompose. So lets review: Bad, Bad, Terrible. Now how much fun does that tupperware party sound? ...Not so much right?

Well don't fret! You can have you cake... er... Corn - and eat (with) it too! Check out biodegradable plastic made from corn and potato starch:
This cutlery available from Vegware (http://www.vegware.co.uk/) is just a small example. There are dozens (if not hundreds) of companies out there producing plastic alternatives. What does this mean? Well, in addition to being able to eat with a "plastic" fork without feeling like you're contributing to the "spreading of democracy" in the Middle East, you can just toss your fork in the trash or compost and watch it dissappear (given a few months of spare time).

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Anza Borrego Desert Survival Skills Trip

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of leading our Desert Survival Skills Backpacking Trip. This is one of my favorite trips that Adventure Out offers. Not only is the majesty of the desert utterly breathtaking (as you can see below in these pictures), but the uniqueness and vastness of the landscape offers an amazing training ground for survival skills.We had a great group of participants - all ready and willing to test their skills and have a great time. We practiced many native skills known to the area including traditional shelter construction, fire-by-friction, wild edible plants, water collection, and trapping.



We were treated with perfect desert weather - 70 degrees all day long, and mid to low 50s at night. The stars were abundant, the moon was bright, and the landscape bustled with wildlife. We watched raptors hunt, endangered Desert Bighorn Sheep feed, and drank from waterfalls every morning.



Since leading this trip, we've had numerous requests for a repeat trip. As much as we would love to fulfill all of these requests, we do feel the need to be responsible stewards of the environment. The desert, in all of its "rough and tough" harshness, is actually one of the most fragile landscapes in North America. With scarce vegetation, dry air, and relatively nutrient-less soil, things change slowly, and wounds are slow to heal. This trip will always be 1 TIME PER YEAR ONLY offering for Adventure Out. Please respect this decision.


Our next trip will be offered in April of 2008. Check here for more information on our Anza Borrego Desert Survival Skills Trip.


Cliff Hodges
Owner
Adventure Out LLC