A few years ago I participated in a weekend seminar called the Landmark Forum. Standing in front of a room of about one hundred total strangers I was describing what my life would look like if I achieved my potential. Speaking into a microphone, I was tasked with sharing a mission statement for my life.
Itโs an alarming yet well-known statistic in the world of agriculture that the average age of the American small farmer is 58. As our farmers retire, will there be younger farmers coming in to replace them? In many cases, offspring and heirs have moved from the farm and are not interested in returning. The next generation of beginning and aspiring farmers, many of them first-timers, face big obstacles to getting started and succeeding as farmers. The top two are lack of access to land and lack of access to capital.
Recently a select group of Yosemite visitors soaked in views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and every other stately Yosemite Valley landmark. This sightseeing tour happened without setting foot on a trail or driving a car, and no, they werenโt looking at Google Earth either. They were floating down the Merced River in kayaks and rafts. I was honored to be among them, and now that the rules have changed, you can do it too.
If flatwater stand up paddling isnโt providing the thrill it once did, take it to the river and test your finesse with downriver SUP. Before jumping in over your head, know that river SUP is a potentially serious undertaking because the water can be relentless and overwhelming.
I rolled the front tire of my mountain bike to the lip of the jump. Staring down at the edge where the dirt fell away, my eyes crossed over the deep divide to the landing. It was built up with massive logs that I envisioned my body crashing against if I failed to clear the gap. My heart raced. After retreating down the takeoff, I rode past the jump without hitting it. Continuing down the trail I was met with another jump, this one with a landing formed out of jagged boulders.
1. Believe in Yourself
First and foremost, you have to believe that you will succeed. Learn to silence the doubtful voices in your head and focus on believing 100% that you can do it!
Though hundreds of hikers per year attempt the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail, my cousin Zach Padlo and I hit the wall around mile 26. We werenโt rookies but the first days are always tough when starting at high elevation, like 9,624-foot Sonora Pass.
I wanted to quit. It wouldnโt be the first time and most certainly not the last. By this point in the 1996 Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race, nearly 15 of the starting field of 64 paddlers had already given in to the channelโs merciless conditions. In the end, only 38 paddlers would finish the race. The wind, the waves, the ripping southerly current, and the unseasonably cold waterโฆit was all just miserable. I had been paddling for over five hours and had only covered about 20 of the 32 race miles. I was in a cold-water hell.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop around Lake Tahoe. It traverses the side of lofty mountains, and meanders along ridgelines high above Lake Tahoe. It passes by sparkling mountain lakes and saunters through deep forests of red fir and western white pine. Itโs well worth the two weeks it takes to hike it. But wouldnโt it be cool to hike a 72-mile version instead?
Last weekend our writer @ellasuring joined @envirosports for a trail marathon in the Marin headlands! Filled with breathtaking views, single track trails and a supportive community, the event offered so much.
Thanks so much to @anavi._.d for capturing these amazing photos, and to @envirosports for making it happen. You can find more of these events at the link in our bio ๐...
Spring brings warmer days, but the skiing stoke doesnโt have to end! โ๏ธ
Dive into the heart of Nevadaโs Great Basin with @joshdaiek and his film โMountain State.โ From daring couloirs to remote ghost towns, this film covers the highs and lows of skiing in Nevada. ๐ป
Click the link ๐ in our bio to read Kurt Gensheimerโs article and discover the untamed beauty of Nevadaโs hidden ski gems.
OR watch โMountain Stateโ and โMountain State 2.0โ on @salomon TVโs YouTube channel. ๐ฝ๏ธ
All State Parks in Big Sur Area Closed Due to Highway 1 Road Slip Out ๐โ โ Due to the road slip out on Highway 1 at Rocky Creek in Monterey County, all State Parks in the Big Sur Area are now closed to day use and camping. โบ๏ธ That includes Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Limekiln State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Point Sur State Historic Park. โ โ State Parks will continue to work closely with Caltrans and CHP to assess impacts to the highway and will update closures as road conditions allow. ๐งAll camping reservations will be cancelled, and refunds will be processed. โ โ An exact timeline on when these parks will reopen depends on road repairs. For more on those repairs, please contact Caltrans. ๐ฅโ โ ๐ธ Road Closed by Sundry Photography & Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California Martina Birnbaumโ ------------...
Looking to beat the crowds this season for some spring skiing? Just 3 hours from the Bay is Bear Valley Mountain Resort. Our writer @ellasuring explored the area this weekend and was greeted with short lift lines and friendly faces to share in the stoke!
@bearvalleyresort is located between Tahoe and Yosemite and is the perfect casual ski destination for friends and families. With a variety of terrain levels, rentals, a lodge and lots of dining options, itโs the perfect winter getaway.
Weโre teaming up with @elevationoutdoors_mag @out_there_outdoors_magazine @biolite @lectricebikes @orukayak @geticybreeze @unchartedsupplyco @hollywoodracks @bearpawshoes @theprobar @luno.life to send one lucky winner home with an epic set of outdoor gear. If youโre ready for adventures this spring, visit the link in our bio to enter for a chance to win the prizes below.
Lectric eBikes XP 3.0 Oru Kayak โLakeโ Icy Breeze Platinum BioLite FirePit+ Outdoor Adventure Media Magazine Subscription Uncharted Supply Duffel, First Aid Plus, and Donโt Die Hat Hollywood Racks Destination E Bearpaw $300 Gift Card PROBAR $300 Gift Card Luno $300 Gift Card
Must be 18+ and a resident of the USA to enter. Winner will be contacted via email within one week of the close of the giveaway. This giveaway is not endorsed, promoted, or sponsored by Instagram. Visit the giveaway page for all rules....
Make your spring backcountry travels count! โท๏ธJoin @communitysnowobs to measure and report snow depths while adventuring. Urban snow data is equally crucial! โ๏ธ
Click the link ๐ in our bio for more information and learn how you can get involved.
Anytime, anywhere, your measurements contribute to real-time snow condition modeling.
๐ธ Embrace the vibrant magic of spring in California`s desert state parks! ๐ผ Get ready to be amazed by a sea of rainbow colors as the wildflower season blooms in all its glory. ๐โจ Don`t miss out on this impressive display of nature`s artistry! ๐บ๐ตโ โ โ Learn more about the bloom at the link in our bio!โ โ ยฉ California State Parks, all rights reserved. 2024.โ โ โ #SpringinCalifornia #WildflowerSeason #NatureAtItsFinest...
๐๏ธ As the popularity of dispersed camping grows, an increasing number of campers are leaving the beaten path. Picture the disappointment of arriving at your chosen adventure spot after hours of planning and travel, only to find it strewn with litter. โ โ ๐ฟ Let`s safeguard the unspoiled magnificence of our natural surroundings! โ โ Click the link in our bio ๐ for five essential tips to ensure your next outdoor escapade respects and preserves the beauty of our wild spaces. โ โ Photo and story by Krista Houghton...
Disconnect to Reconnect: James Murren shares his annual tradition of a โDigital Detoxโ in this issueโs Earn Your Beer column. ๐ต
This year, he turned to the deserts of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to reset. Read about his soul-refreshing experience. Cheers to adventure and unplugging! ๐ต
Featured Brews โ The Butcher by @societebrewing and Bigfoot Barleywine-Style Ale by @sierranevada ๐ป
The grand finale of the 23-24 @alpenglowsports Winter Speaker Series is THIS Thursday. Dave Nettle concludes the series with his presentation, โSki Touring the Tyrol.โ
๐น Event Details: ๐ Date: Thursday, March 7th ๐ Time: Doors open at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm ๐ Location: Palisades Tahoe Olympic Village Events Center ๐๏ธ Admission: FREE for all ages! ๐บ Livestream: Tune in via Alpenglow Sportsโ Youtube Channel
๐ See link in bio for more info.
Prepare to be transported on a journey through the stunning Tyrol region, filled with humor, expert tips, and breathtaking adventure. Plus, enjoy the lively atmosphere with bar offerings and giveaways, with proceeds benefiting @slowfoodlaketahoe, the nonprofit beneficiary for the evening.
Donโt miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event and support a great cause! RSVP for the livestream or join them in person!
Our latest article features badass @paulinap ๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธan adventure photographer, model and content creator. Read more about her journey and upcoming TV series premier at the link in our bio! ๐โ โ All photos credit to respective photographers on our site...