Complaining about the weather is absurd. Not only does the race director have zero control over the weather, it also suggests that you failed to prepare for it. This doesn’t mean the weather wasn’t awful or the weather didn’t contribute to other problems. But ultimately racers need to remember their own hat and gloves, and […]
Three Complaints Every Race Director Hates Read More »
The Winter Solstice has past, and Old Sol returns. The bitter cold temperatures of January and February have been endured. Thankfully, colorful seed catalogues once again choke the post office boxes. And the tundra swans are coming! The Pend Oreille County Tundra Swan Festival is scheduled this year for Saturday, March 4. The swans historically favor the Pend Oreille River
Pend Oreille County Celebrates Return of Tundra Swans at Annual Festival (March 4) Read More »
Before I ever decided to procreate, I never would have believed that one day I would be pushing my 30-pound progeny through ice, slush and snow in a high-tech stroller/bike cart/jogging stroller that’s more structurally sound than most of the dirtbag cars I have owned in my life. But, as I’ve learned these past two
Winter Adventure Gear: Jogging Stroller Bar Mitts Read More »
“Hey, kids, want to float on some deep snow?” This question should get them excited for snowshoeing, one of the easiest and least expensive winter recreation options. Beccie White, of Spokane, and her husband, Chris, started snowshoeing with their two children four years ago, when the kids were 9 and 7 years old. As an
Family Fun on Snowshoes Read More »
The first time I slept in a snow cave, I admit I was cheating. I was with a large group at a small cabin, and when I found a ready-made snow cave just off the footpath that night, I couldn’t help but think it sounded nicer than claiming a small bit of floor space inside
How Not to Build a Snow Cave Read More »
As a bike aficionado, I’m not exactly hard to convince that I need another bike. Apparently owning a bike for every type of cycling in all kinds of conditions is an affliction that many bike lovers suffer (although perhaps the spouses of said cycling addicts do the suffering). I feel rather great joy whenever I
Rolling a Fatty: One More Way to Love Winter Read More »
How much gear does an outdoor family need to have fun and stay comfortable outside all year long without breaking the bank and focusing too much on flashy things? These five items top our list. 1) Dedicated play clothes: Equip children with a stash of used clothing for rugged outdoor playtime, including stained shirts, worn-knee
Five Must-Have Items for Year-Round Outdoor Families Read More »
This holiday season, OTM makes your shopping easy with our Local Holiday Gift Guide. There’s no need to search far and wide for gifts for your fellow outdoorsy folk and other loved ones who appreciate unique, locally-procured gifts. There are so many good reasons to shop locally for the holidays. We’ve compiled a wide range
Inland NW Local Holiday Gift Guide: Hiking Read More »
Feel that winter chill in the air? Like many, I run on trails year-round, and I adjust my clothing and gear with the weather. Some people like to wear slip-on gadgets for their running shoes, or clothing with the latest and greatest material. I have tried several types of clothing, running shoes, traction devices, screws
Dressing for Winter Running Read More »
Where were you on May 18, 1980? Longtime residents of the Inland Northwest remember that day that Mount St. Helens erupted, blowing 520 million tons of ash into the atmosphere and bringing darkness to the region in the middle of the day. Thirty-five years after the big explosion, I visited the famous summit with some
How Not to Climb a Mountain Read More »
