MyLifeOutdoors: December 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

My Life Outdoors: 2011 The Year in Review

Well 2011 is coming to a close and I find myself, once again, writing a Year in Review post, despite my strong dislike for such posts. But 2011 was a great year for me. At this time last year I was aggressively participating in a contest hosted by Active Agion to win an all expense paid trip to Glacier National Park. Shortly after 2011 began I discovered I had won that trip. It was a chance of a lifetime and probably the only way I was ever going to get to see Glacier National Park. It changed my life, and now I don't think I am going to be able to stay away.

Below, is my posts from our Glacier Trip we won.

Apart from that My Life Outdoors became MyLifeOutdoors.com when I finally obtained that domain. I got the chance to hike the South Rim Loop in Big Bend National Park. Large portions of Texas caught fire due to extreme drought. I received a long awaited SPOT messenger for Fathers Day and had to begin contemplating the Responsibility of such a device. In September I surveyed the outdoor blogosphere to determine the The Hiker's Choice Top Outdoor Blog. And eventually wrote some thoughts on Why We Hike. Now the year comes to and end and I believe I have made new friends in the Outdoor Blogosphere. At the risk of leaving someone out:

If your not on the list...I apologize...Its probably because I don't feel like you consider me a friend. So if I'm wrong...drop me a line and let me know how good of a friend you are. And I will make sure your on this list next year.

Most of all I want to thank you for reading and helping me feel like I have a voice in the Outdoor Blogosphere. I really enjoy writing My Life Outdoors and derive satisfaction from knowing someone is actually reading this stuff. Despite my dyslexia and grammar issues. Thank you again.

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Lower Falls and South Rim Trail - Yellowstone National Park

All my life, I have dreamed of going to Yellowstone National Park. So this summer after winning a trip to Glacier National Park we decided to drop south and visit Yellowstone for a few days. I was disappointed. Which may seem sacrilegious for an outdoors blog, but Yellowstone simply couldn’t live up to 30 years of expectations cooked up in my mind. Had I had time or energy to venture deep into the backcountry I might have felt different, but one thing is for certain, Yellowstone front country is sadly filled with gift shops, gas stations, parking lots and other “amenities” that detract from the otherwise breathtaking scenery. Having said that, however, there were still parts I managed to enjoy.

Lower Falls from Artist Point

Of all the attractions offered at Yellowstone, Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone proved the most rewarding. My family and I pulled up to the overflowing parking lot at Artiest Point. It took us hours just to get into the parking lot due to the clog of cars blocking the road to take pictures of an Elk. I regret to say I added to the part of yellowstone I hate by stopping myself and taking a picture of the same Elk.

Roadside Elk causing quite a traffic jam

Once we reached Artiest Point the views of Lower Falls and the Yellowstone River were simply amazing. The crowds present at Artiest point, however, rivaled those at Wal-mart on black friday. Desperately seeking escape from the crowds we ventured down the short South Rim Trail that was clearly marked as a Bear Frequenting Area. I was willing to take my chances if it meant getting away from the people.

Lower Falls from Artiest Point

Lower Falls from Artiest point

Bear Frequenting Area

The South Rim Trail proved very pleasant and practically isolated. We passed a few people as we hiked but that was all, a few. The South Rim afforded beautiful, up close views of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon with the occasional view of Lower Falls.

The surprisingly desolate South Rim Trail

Up Close views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Views along the South Rim Trail

Lower Falls viewed from the South Rim Trail

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone from the South Rim Trail

At the West end of the South Rim Trail we found Uncle Tom’s Trail. A brochure promised up close and personal views at the base of Lower Falls via 328 steps. Going down is easily deceptive and we all decided to go see the enormous falls.

Sign at Uncle Tom's Trail

Down, down, down the Uncle Tom "trail"

328 steps later we were close to the falls but hardly at the base. But we were rewarded by up close views of beautiful rainbows caused by the the falls billowing mist. Then punished by a steep climb back up the crowded steps.

Lower Falls from Uncle Tom's Trail

Yellowstone River from Uncle Tom's Trail

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Yellowstone River

Rainbow at the bottom of Lower Falls

All in all Lower Falls is breathtakingly Beautiful. Had this short hike been miles from paved roads and other signs of civilization I would have been beside myself. As it stands now the NPS has done a terrible job of upholding their mission to leave the Natural Beauty unimpaired. But if you find yourself in Yellowstone, as I believe everyone should at least one in their life, be sure to escape the crowds on this short, easy hike along the South Rim.

Map of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Monday, December 26, 2011

My Life Outdoors Now Available on Kindle

My Life Outdoors is now available in the Kindle Store for monthly subscription fee of $.99. I would have offered to you for free, but Amazon wouldn't let me. So if it is more convenient for you to receive My Life Outdoors on your Kindle, downloaded so you can read it even when you are away from your internet connection, it is now available for the low low price of $11.88 a year. Of which I will only receive 30%. But I'm not doing it for the money...I'm doing it for your connivence.

If you are interested you can search My Life Outdoors in the Kindle Store. Or follow this link: My Life Outdoors for Kindle.

If you are interested in publishing your blog through Kindle's Blog Service the process is simple. You will need to set up a Kindle Publishing Account and give them your tax ID and Bank Account info. Then provide your blog’s RSS feed, a description, a screenshot, and then wait for Amazon’s approval process. I was up in just a day or so...though Amazon never told me when I was approved...I just happened to look a couple of days after I applied and saw that I was already in the Kindle Store. Oh and Amazon sets the price they believe is fair for your Blog. Most of the ones I have seen are $.99 a month.

I got the idea from Hiking The Trail. Adam's in the Kindle Store too.

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Win a Free Tool Logic Knife - Merry Christmas

I wanted to post something special for Christmas, but not just another "Merry Christmas." And since Christmas is all about giving I thought I should give something away. So to celebrate Christmas with everyone who may be trying to escape their in-laws after Christmas lunch, I have a Tool Logic SL Plier up for grabs.

The Tool Logic SL Plier states: The look and feel of a tactical folder with the versatility of pliers. The knife features a three inch Carbon Stainless Blade on one end and spring loaded pliers (with wire cutters) on the other. One end has an interchangeable flat and phillips screwdriver bit with two sizes of each. The unused bit conveniently clips onto the side of the knife.

To win is easy. Simply mention @MyLifeOutdoors in a twitter post that says "I want to win a free Tool Logic Knife." Or use the tweet this button below.

I will give you until 8:00 pm (CST) tomorrow night (12-26-2011) to tweet. And then announce the winner on Tuesday. I hope you win.

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

When is it Appropriate to Post a Negative Product Review? - A Discussion

A free knife I received to review

“When’s the last time you read a bad product review on a blog?” This was the question asked by Chris Wallace on Twitter yesterday. It is a subject of quite a bit of concern. Bloggers have motivation to post positive reviews. For one, companies like to send us free stuff if we will write about it. I have thought, as I’m sure several bloggers have, “if I write a negative review, companies wont want to send me free stuff anymore.”

So the question is: are any blog reviews worth anything? I certainly hope so. Here at MyLifeOutdoors I make it my duty to only post honest reviews. In other words, I won’t say I like something if I really thought it was crap. But most of the reviews I have written have been positive, mainly because I think twice before posting a negative review. I admit (as does Brian at Brian’s Backpacking Blog) I have been guilty of not posting a product review because I didn’t like the product. A sort of “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.” But this could be unfair to my readers. After all, I honestly want to know if a product is crap before I buy. I’m sure you do too. So the question becomes... when is it appropriate to post a negative review?

Free gloves I received to review

My first response was to look at the company producing the product. Is the company in its early stages (an upstart) with everything on the line. A negative review could sink such a company. On the other hand, a huge company (with deep pockets)...a negative review wont even phase them. I have a harder time giving the former a negative review, and will easily give the latter what they deserve.

But the latter don’t need reviews, at least not often. They have made a name for themselves and will sell products with or without blog reviews. Only once have I been offered a product by a well known manufacture. And then the never sent it anyway.

Most of the products I am offered to review are from companies who are trying to get their name out into the outdoor community. They have spent their life’s savings on a small production run and are offering a handful to bloggers in hopes we can help publicize their product. Most of these offers I don’t even respond to, because I know they won’t like what I have to say.

But Chris brings up a good point. Are we doing the company a disservice by allowing them to go to market with a crummy product? Maybe what we bloggers should do is review the product and then send it to the manufacture for consideration before posting it publicly on our blogs. This would, hopefully, allow the company to make needed changes before a large production is made. I don’t know. Would a company even listen...I would say most are sold on their product the way it is. They might even become defensive.

But what I really want to know is what you think? After all you (my readers) are my first obligation.

When is it appropriate to post a negative review?

Should I post all reviews, even if they are negative?

And what I would really like to know from you...

Should I accept all products offered to me, no matter how small or silly, no matter how I think I might feel about them, and review them for you all to read?

I would really like to know what you think.

To see the whole twitter discussion please visit the Storify created by Tookie Bunten

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Baring Falls and St. Mary Falls - Glacier National Park

We were looking for a short hike that my parents and children could go on. We had spent the night on the east side of Glacier National park and had seen signs for “Sun Point” and "Sunrift Gorge" just off Going to the Sun Road. We were intrigued and decided to go see what it was, maybe a suitable place for a picnic.

View of St. Mary Lake from Sun Point

What we found was a short hike to three different waterfalls. It was only three miles to the furthest waterfall (Virginia Falls), and only 0.7 miles to the closest (Baring Falls). We decided to eat our picnic in the parking lot and then head off to see the waterfalls.

Just a short distance from the parking lot is Sun Point, the former location of Sun Point Chalet. Here a large metal plaque points out different mountains and other views. My family and I stopped to take in the many views from atop the large rock outcropping before heading down the trail to Baring Falls. From Sun Point it is a little hard to find the trail toward the falls. But just keep walking west and you will eventually find it.

St. Mary Lake looking East from Sun Point

looking across St. Mary Lake to a small peninsula. Looks like a great place to camp.

My daughter and mother at Sun Point

In no time we arrived at Baring Falls. We crossed over the small foot bridge. We sat in the shade while the waterfall covered us in mist. As an amateur photographer waterfalls are one of my favorite subjects. Regrettably Baring Falls was in direct sunlight making picture taking difficult. But I didn’t let that stop me.

View of St. Mary Lake from the trail.

My Father and daughter on the trail to Baring Falls

Baring Falls

After spending a few moments at Baring Falls we continued on to the second waterfall, St Mary Falls, just another one and a half miles down the trail. When we arrived we found St. Mary falls much more crowded then Baring Falls. But for good reason. It was much more beautiful too. My Family crossed over the large foot bridge to get a better view, while my daughter and I followed a short trail to the top of the falls.

Heading toward St. Mary Falls

St. Mary Falls

Looking down from the top of St. Mary Falls

We spent quite a bit of time at St. Mary falls, to the point that we didn’t have time to continue on Virginia Falls, which I understand is much bigger then Baring, and St. Mary Falls. Personally I would have liked to continue, but my family was ready to head back.

All and all these short trails are a great hike that gives you an opportunity to get out of the car and stretch you legs. Although it is far from secluded, the crowed was much smaller than those found on Logan’s pass or on Going to the Sun Road.

If you would like more information about Glacier National Park visit HikinginGlacier.com and corresponding blog The Huckleberry Hiker. Both are written by a friend and provide detailed information on the trails and park news.

Click here for Hiking In Glacier's description of Baring Falls Trail
Click here for Hiking In Glacier's description of St. Mary Falls Trail
Click here for Hiking In Glacier's description of Virginia Falls Trail

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My Life Outdoors Turned Two...Last Month

A testament to how busy I have been. My Life Outdoors turned 2 years old last month and I didn't realize or notice. My sincere apologies to anyone who reads on a regular basis. I do my best to post on a regular basis and miss blogging terribly when I am unable to write.

The early days of My Life Outdoors. We have come a long way since then. It took me forever to find this screenshot.

I still have tons of trip reports to share with you...many of them long over by now. I'm finding it hard to motivate myself to write about them as they seem so long ago. That and my mind is now on winter activities. But I promise to do my best and get some good trip reports up soon...maybe even a gear review or two. And if any companies out there would like to sponsor a giveaway...that would be great (hint hint).

To make up for my lack of posting lately...and just to reminise a little...here are some posts from the early days of My Life Outdoors.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me over the last couple of years. Even when I go missing for weeks at a time. Blogging just doesn't pay the bills. Thank you for being understanding. Its hard to believe it has been this long. Here's to many more years of great blogging.

Thanks For Reading
Steven

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Monday, December 12, 2011

Free $30 in Credit At Several Discount Gear Sites.

It seems everyone is giving away a free $10 credit if you will let me refer you to their discount gear sites. first up is Sierra Trading Post who offers tons of gear at 35%-75% off. Simply sign up via this link and you will get a free $10 credit if you are a new customer. Sierra Trading Post seems like a great company. I haven't taken the time to give them a proper review...but I did buy a ski jacket from them last year with no problems. Its worth a try.

The Cylmb is also giving away $10 in credit if you will allow me to refer you to their site. Once again simply sign up though this link and you will get $10 in credit toward your first purchase. The Clymb only does this every once and a while...the offer for $10 with referral wont last long...get it now while the getting is good. The Clymb is a great site, but requires a little patience when waiting for gear to arrive. I recently ordered a pair of gloves...still waiting for them to arrive...but I guess I'm in no hurry. Go here to read my review on The Clymb.

And last but certainly not least is Left Lane Sports. This has become one of my favorite discount gear sites...practically all the new gear I have bought over the past year has come from Left Lane Sports. In fact in just the last month I have bought four or five shirts, a soft shell jacket, a pair of ski goggles, and a knife. My new philosophy has become...If I want it...I should wait, because Left Lane will sell it cheap eventually. Keep your eyes out for their great sales...and act fast..supplies don't last long.

And as always...Left Lane is offering a free $10 credit for anyone referred by a friend. You and I are friends right? If so just follow this link and you will get $10 credit toward your first purchase (slight catch...your first purchase has to be over $50 or credits don't apply.)

Click here to read my review of Left Lane Sports...but also realize I have grown to love them much more since I wrote this review. They are worth giving a try.

Add it all up and thats a free $30 in credit. Just in time for Christmas. Happy Shopping.

Did you like this post? Please share it with your friends!

Read more >>

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Going to the Sun Road - Glacier National Park

As I write this, Going to the Sun Road is covered in snow, and only 21 miles are open to the public. Depending on the snowfall this winter...it could be next July before the entire 48.7 miles are open again. But I am dreaming of August 2011 when my family and I drove over Logan pass, crossed the continental divide, and took in some of our country’s most amazing views.

Wild Goose Island on St Mary Lake - Going to the Sun Road

Glacier National Park view from Logan Pass

Storm coming in over Logan Pass

For the nearly two million visitors that come through Glacier National Park each year, this road is the most of the park they will see. Glacier National Park consists of 202 square miles but has only one road (not counting hwy 2 at the Southern boarder) going through the park. For such a large park, that’s not much to see. But Glacier doesn't disappoint. Breathtaking views exist at every turn and are easily accessed from one of the many pullouts. Slowly travel toward the top of 6,646 foot Logan pass and encounter turquoise lakes, waterfalls, snow covered peaks, views of ancient glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

Overlook of St Mary Lake

One of many roadside waterfalls on Going to the Sun Road

Looking up at Logan Pass form Going to the Sun Road

Logan Pass Glacier National Park

The first chance I had to experience Going to the Sun Road was one day after I spent 5 days in Glacier’s backcountry. I was sure up close wildlife encounters would be common place. But nothing could compare to the encounters available at Logan Pass. Within minutes of reaching Logan Pass Mountain Goats and a herd of Longhorn sheep came within feet or my family and I. It was the closest wildlife experience we would encounter our entire time at Glacier.

Mountain Goat on Logan Pass

Long Horn Sheep on Logan Pass

Long Horn Sheep

Playing in the snow on logan pass

But Going to the Sun Road isn’t all positive...the sheer number of people can be overwhelming. As I said before Glacier has nearly two million visitors a year. Summer time and especially August is peak season. With very little paved access Logan pass becomes annoyingly crowded.

Large crowd on Logan pass. If you look closely you can see the line of people all the way up the mountain.

Another annoyance is vehicle traffic and construction on Going to the Sun Road. No one on Going to the Sun Road is in a hurry, everyone is looking out the windows at the scenery (and thus not looking where they are going) and the road is one lane each way. To make this issue worse harsh winters limit road construction is to just a few months a year...summertime. This requires frustrating flaggers with long waits as both directions of traffic are forced to use the same lane of road.

Waiting on a construction flagger on Going to the Sun Road

Even with the cons Going to the Sun road is a must do drive. If your not the hiking or backpacking type (and if your not...I don’t know why you are reading this blog) you don’t have much of a choice when it comes to Glacier.