My Leki Makalu Thermolite Trekking Poles

I (JD) recently had my FOURTH knee surgery on my right knee about 2 1/2 months ago.  I had never been much of trekking pole user during all my years of hiking (I have had a pair sitting in my gear room for about 2 years now), but decided after this last surgery that maybe it is time to try them out.

The White River in Missouri.

We have been in Missouri the last couple of weeks trying to finish up some hikes for our Best Easy Day Hikes Ozarks Falcon Guide and I decided to use this time as a trial for my Leki Makalu Thermolite Trekking Poles.  One word sums it all up for me, WOW!  I cannot believe the difference that a couple of lightweight sticks made for me.  Not only did I find that the poles transferred some of my load/weight over from my knees to the poles (as advertised), but I also found that my posture improved while hiking (helping my lower back to feel better after a long day on the trail).  I also took a lot less stumbles on the trail with the added balance (it was a stumble coming down Iztaccihuatl in Mexico that did me in last time).

Gettin my hike on!

It is pretty safe to say that I am sold on my Leki's.  The set of poles I used have the super locking system on them which I prefer over the newer speed locking system.  I like the idea of the speed locks, but have found that the current design (the small speed locking handles) is easier to get snagged on pant legs, bushes, etc.

I am looking forward to working on our Albuquerque guide so I can give my poles another workout!

Elephant Rocks - Braille Trail

Elephant Rocks State Park is well known to locals in Missouri.  The 1.5 billion year old granite rocks sit mysteriously on top of one another in the park.  Some of the rocks tip the scales at over 680 tons!

The Braille Trail is Missouri's first trail that has been designed for people with visual and physical disabilities.  The one mile trail circles through and around the large boulders of Elephant Rocks and guides hikers with braille interpretive signs and numerous natural features for people to get a hands on experience.

Elephant Rocks State Park is located just north of Ironton, MO on MO-21.

 A family attempts to move "Dumbo".  Over 680 tons of granite.

 Don't forget about the little things in the park.

More of the little guys.

Zevia Giveaway!!!

Now that summer has officially started, I'm hoping to start grilling out more.  I have some pretty tasty grill recipes (maybe I'll share a few with you all later), but sometimes I struggle with choosing something to drink.  Not much can beat an ice-cold soda on a hot day, but I'm not a fan of all the calories in the sugary drinks.  I try to stay away from the diet sodas because of the health risk associated with artificial sweeteners and truthfully I dislike that "fake sugar" taste.

Recently I had the opportunity to sample a selection of products the beverage company Zevia and I must say that I was really impressed.  This all natural, zero calorie soda is sweetened with stevia, a plant that is 100x sweeter than sugar.  While I liked all of the flavors, my new favorite is the Grapefruit Citrus, which I drank after a killer trail on a dusty, desert trail near my home.  The Grapefruit Citrus was light and refreshing...it actually tasted like grapefruit, which I appreciated.  It was not overly sweet like many of the other "citrus" sodas I've tried in the past.  I'm also a big fan of the Grape flavor.  I loved grape soda when I was a kid, and this totally took me back to those days.  Another bonus of this grape soda is that it is actually clear...so no sugar, no weird ingredients, and it won't leave purple stains (my mom would have been so excited).   

Anyway, I'm a fan and think these drinks make great, healthy drink options for the 4th of July.  Thanks to the folks over at Zevia, I will be giving away a coupon for a free 6-pack of Zevia.  Just leave a comment telling me which flavor you are most interested in trying and I will randomly choose someone on Friday, July 1, 2011.

Book Signing Dates

We have a couple of book signings in the works!  One signing and presentation is all set for July 16th at the Alpine Shop in Kirkwood, MO.  We will be signing copies of our newest Falcon Guide, Best Easy Day Hikes St. Louis.  Check out this link with more info: https://alpineshop.webconnex.com/booksign

The second signing is just now in the works and looks like it will take place at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show this summer.  We will be signing FREE copies of our Hiking Grand Staircase-Escalante & the Glen Canyon Region Falcon Guide.  Saturday August 6th is looking like the day!  VERY EXCITING! 

A Short Hiatus

After a quick knee surgery hiatus (JD'a 4th on the same knee, YIKES!), wrapping up a school year (Emily's 1st, DOUBLE YIKES!), and multiple trips to Provo Utah (nobody should be required to visit Provo 5 times in a year!) we are ready to hit the outdoors again!

We recently kicked off the summer with a three day float down the San Juan River in southern Utah.  We put in at Bluff, UT and rafted about 27 miles down to Mexican Hat, UT this last week.  Us and several staff that JD works with all hit the river for a laid back post Memorial Day celebration.  Check out a few pics:

Getting unloaded.

 JD and Emily at the River House Ruins.

 Desert life.

 Emily and Ashley at the Ruins.

 Willy Wonka's Chocolate River (AKA the San Juan River). We are still finding sand in our crevices!

Emily working the oars with the Mexican Hat in the background.

Mexico 2011

Here are a few photos from JD's mountaineering trip to Mexico last month.  Mexico was amazing and I cannot wait to go back on a personal trip with Emily and back with SJC in two years.

Enjoy!

North Carolina Highpoint

On May 29th, 2005 we made our way to the highest point in North Carolina.  Mount Mitchell towers above the Appalachian mountains in western North Carolina at 6,684 feet.  Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and within Mount Mitchell State Park, this highpoint offers plenty of scenery.

The Drive: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway northeast out of Asheville, NC for about 30 miles to State Route 128 at mile marker 355.  Turn left at the well signed Mount Mitchell State Park entrance.  Continue for about 4.2 miles on SR 128 until you reach the parking area.

The Hike: Take the well signed path past the museum/visitor center up towards the stone lookout tower located at the summit (only a 5 to 10 minute hike).

Here we are at the summit.