• Pay attention to how you feel as you gain altitude, particularly if you are not local to the area. Thin air can take some getting used to. If you feel light-headed or develop a headache, rest, drink some water, and only proceed (slowly) if you’re feeling up to it. Altitude sickness is no joke, and can be really debilitating if you’re suscpetible to it.
• Take breaks more often than usual during your hike. This will help both you and your pooch enjoy yourselves. Choose a shady spot and drink more water.
• Mountain creeks can be great spots for your dog to cool her paws or glug some water. But they can also be swift-moving and icy cold. Keep an eye on your dog when she takes a dip to make sure she doesn’t lose her footing and take a tumble. River rocks are slippery. You might also want to bring along a towel or an extra shirt to dry her off if she will be emerging into very cold air (don’t forget, it gets chilly at higher altitudes).
• It’s always great at the end of a hike when your dog is pooped and everyone is happily tired. However, strenuous hikes are not safe for every dog. Older dogs or very small dogs might not be up to the pace or the elevation changes of a hike in the mountains. Keep your dog’s size, health, age and experience in mind when you undertake a difficult hike, and be prepared to cut your trip short if she begins to lag and it becomes clear that she is not going to make it.
• Bring snacks. For both of you! First of all, who doesn’t like snacks? Secondly, a little food along the way will help your dog keep up her strength for those steep inclines or any tough downhills you might encounter on your hike.

Before you head up the trail, take the time to consider whether you - and your dog - are physically ready for the unique challenges of a mountain hike. If you’re not sure, then perhaps that day you should consider a meandering stroll through a flat field or forest. Those can be pretty great, too.

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It’s unfortunate the Bush Administration didn’t look to the outdoor industry to search for new energy solutions. If they had, perhaps we’d have avoided the current gas/energy crisis and be rolling to work in cushy solar cars. As it is, we’ll have to settle for new ways of powering our favorite gadgets and gizmos while out in the great yonder.

Now, I know you might be thinking that you hike or camp to escape the noisy technologies of modern living and enjoy the peace and serenity of the outdoors. You might not want to interrupt your quiet and solitude. However, some of your friends and significant others may not feel the same way. Being able to wake up and blend their favorite smoothie in the morning or brew a quick cup of coffee in a trailside coffeemaker might just be the difference between having your closest friends and family huddled around the campfire and reading your favorite book, for the fifth straight time.

Here are some innovative products designed to bring power to your favorite campsite or trail and allow you all those little conveniences that the modern world has made so vital.

Eureka!

Already a leader in campsite power products, Eureka! is expanding its 2009 line to offer all kinds of appliances that you never thought you’d be using in the middle of the wilderness. The cornerstones of its line of powered accessories, the E! Power Pak and E! Power Pak² are large, powerful rechargeable battery packs that serve as mini electric stations for your campsite, allowing you to plug in 12V chargers and accessories. In the past, Eureka! has offered reading lights, fans and even a wet/dry vac that plug into the Power Paks.

For 2009, Eureka! has taken campground comfort to a whole new level. They will be offering a coffee maker, hair dryer, bug zapper and even a blender. So if you’ve always thought a pitcher of margaritas was the perfect way to end a long day hiking the ridgeline, you can sit back in your camp chair and enjoy.

Eureka also offers a line of N!ergy tents, which have 3 built-in power outlets, that all operate via one Power Pak, so you can operate multiple appliances at once, all in the comfort of your own tent.

Powerfilm

PowerFilm was one of those vendors that wasn’t specifically oriented toward the outdoors. In fact, the company specializes in production of thin, low cost solar panels and cells for use in everything from homes to military applications.

You might wonder what PowerFilm was doing at an outdoor equipment expo.  Turns out, their line of foldable solar chargers could be very useful in outdoor sports. The foldable mat of cells provides power to a charger for all of those electronic devices that you rely on so much—GPS, cell phone, MP3 player, laptop, etc. The foldable cells fold right into a small carrying pouch and are slim and very lightweight, weighing anywhere between 6oz. and a couple of pounds. The pouch could easily slide right into your backpack, without taking up too much space or be carried separately if need be. The smallest of the bunch the F 15-300 could even fit in a jacket pocket.

Also of interest, although not currently applicable to outdoor consumers, PowerFilm also manufacturers solar field shelters, large tents that use numerous cells on their exterior to serve as mini-power stations. The shelters produce up to 1 KW of power and store it for use in lighting, communications systems operation and even operation of appliances as large as refrigerators.

Currently, the shelters are used solely for military field applications. However, one day perhaps we could see recreational solar tents that harness the power of the sun and allow us to power all kinds of useful items. How handy would a mini-fridge be on an extended camping trip? Interestingly enough, PowerFilm’s website mentions that it is partnered with Eureka! for the tent construction of its solar field shelters. Maybe it’s already in the works.

If you’re a techno-geek, or just like to mellow out to some Bob Marley while sitting at the overlook, PowerFilm’s foldable solar chargers offer an excellent way for you to enjoy access to your electronic devices no matter where you are or how far you’re going, assuming that you’re not getting rained on for days straight.

Clear Blue Hawaii

Clear Blue Hawaii’s line of crystal-clear polycarbonate and inflatable kayaks were an item that really stole their section of the show. Completely clear boats that allow you to see right down into the ocean below, they were some of the most aesthetic vessels I’d ever seen. So I didn’t even notice any of the other products that they offered until flipping through their catalog. That’s when I came across a line of solar products that are almost as cool as their boats.

Clear Blue’s Solarpac™ series uses similar solar cell pads to Powerfilm, only adapts them to specific sports such as hiking and paddling. Why not use the sun that’s already beating down on your entire body to allow you to charge your portable electronics? The series is comprised of the Blue Sun Solar Backpack, a day pack with cells up and down the length of the front, the Kahana Solar Waterproof Bag, for paddlers and water sports enthusiasts, and the Mana Solar Claw an attachable sleeve of solar cells that can strap right onto your existing backpack. Simply plug your electronic device into the module and let the power of the sun take care of the rest.

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For our adventurous readers and those in-the-know, carabiners are standard and important pieces of equipment for bouldering, mountaineering and a host of other recreational activities. Having the right carabiner for any of these sports is vastly important, however, the versatility of this handy little gadget in daily life is worth noting

I am curious as to how others use carabiners, so I am in the midst of conducting my own informal survey (and I do emphasize “informal”). There’s nothing scientific about my methodology at all; just simple probing. I have asked the adventurous and non-adventurous alike to share their carabiner experiences with me. To date, my unofficial survey has yielded a variety of responses ranging from the predictable, to the resourceful and creatively eclectic:

• “Securing tents and fly tarps.”
• “I hook it onto my fishing bait bucket while trolling the walleye hotspots”.
• “A keychain - - did I mention that it’s green?”
• “Keeping essentials together - packs, tools, gear, water bottles, made-for-carabiner sunscreen, and so on.”
• “My kids enjoy clipping these with jump ropes to form a train-like tether between their wagons, scooters and trikes.”
• “I never owned one, but a classmate jury rigged a sagging car fender using a couple of industrial grade carabiners that he had in the trunk.”
• “We’ve used them to connect cardboard boxes to make a portable puppet theater.”
• “My wife and I use it as a marital aid….”
• “It’s my business card.”
• “I wore one as an enlarged earring during my Goth-Emo-Punk phase.”

How about you? Share your favorite and unique uses of this invaluable little gadget by logging in CascadeGear.com!

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Columbia was one of the companies that I felt really got it right. They had an entire media room set up with all their latest gear and clothing to show to journalists, reporters and other interested members of the media. If every company was set up this way, my job would have been super-easy.

Given that they’re a large player in the outdoor market, and that they were so well-prepared to show us their products, we thought it only fair to give them a full feature.

Titanium Rapid Fire

This new jacket is a super-breathable, lightweight addition to Columbia’s Titanium line. It provides lightweight, water-resistant protection from wind and rain. A cool design feature is that the entire jacket folds up and tucks into the upper chest pocket, providing quick, compact packing. The jacket is great for weight-conscious backpackers. Retail is slated at around $80.

Women’s

Columbia is pushing a commitment to designing an outdoor line that fits true to the anatomy of women athletes. Among their new apparel, the Surefire Softshell features stretch sides that remain form-fitting, while retaining heat and knocking down wind.

The new Waypoint interchangeable line, features the Waypoint Shell, a rain coat designed to keep you dry under the heaviest of downpours and Waypoint Fleece which can button into the shell to provide extra weather protection on colder days. The Shell is made of 45% recycled polyester, while the fleece is 100% recycled, demonstrating Columbia’s commitment to the environment.

Henry’s Fork Fly-Fishing Pack

This innovative backpack was designed specifically for the fly-fisherman and includes a variety of handy features to keep you organized for a day casting on the river. One of the most useful features, the backpack includes square chest pack that can attach to the shoulder straps or detach and be used separately. The pack was designed specifically for storing flies, providing easy access to all of your different flies—because the fish won’t wait. The pack also includes plenty of storage space and compartments for all your needs. Retails at $150.

PFG Storm Seeker Parka

Also a part of its line geared toward fishermen, the PFG Storm Seeker Parka is a full-protection rain jacket composed of Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable fabric. The jacket features factory-sealed seams, a built in holder for your fishing rod and multi-purpose D rings on front, made to allow you to clip your gear right to your jacket for easy access. Retails at $150.

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In the northern states, we have some really great opportunities to play on water, on rivers, in lakes, and at the coast. Paddling, swimming, or surfing, kids take to water like guppies. But, there’s just no getting around the fact that it takes half the summer for all these beautiful bodies of water to warm up - especially this summer, when the road up to our favorite lakes was blocked by snow well into July. No kidding!

We’ve found the best way to extend the season is with shorty wetsuits. Some people prefer the full suit, with long arms and legs, but they can be exasperating to get in and out of, especially for kids. The other benefit of a shorty for kids is they don’t outgrow them quite as fast - kids’ torsos can squeeze in to the same size for a few seasons, even if they’ve gained several inches in height.

Wetsuits are bouyant as well, which is really nice for kids who swim well enough to not need a life jacket - it just gives them a little lift in the water. (They are no substitute for a life jacket however - or adult supervision!) But they definitely make water play warmer and easier for kids.

Few can swim on the Oregon coast without a wetsuit, and even splashing around on the edge gets pretty chilly. On our last trip to the coast, Will spent hours playing on his skimboard, long after the rest of us got chilled and retreated to the fire. A skimboard is like a mini-surfboard that skims along the water right as the waves hit the beach. It takes a bit of coordination to run with the wave, toss the skimboard down and hop on, then ride it out. The learning curve involves plenty of falls in to the water, so the shorty was put to good use!

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Paddle boarding has always been one of those distant, almost surreal sports that I’ve long equated with the traditions and mores of a distant culture, something that I’d expect to see firsthand only if I made a pilgrimage out to the islands of the Pacific, where water sports are a deeply-ingrained way of living. I’ve never seen paddle boarding practiced anywhere that I’ve ever travelled and I know little about it. While I have ridden nearly every type of board out there from snow to wake to skim, paddle boarding has remained a mystery.

That all changed pretty quickly at this year’s Open Air Demo, a two-day extension of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, where manufacturers have an opportunity to showcase their gear smack in the middle of the great outdoors where it was designed to be used. Apparently, paddle boarding has hit the mainland, and it’s hit pretty hard. Paddleboards were everywhere I looked throughout the demo. In every aisle a new company showed off a line of shiny boards in all shapes and sizes—composites, inflatables, kneeling, standing, long, longer, longest. Off every dock, someone had a go at paddling around on one of the big boards and it looked pretty damn fun.

The boards seemed somewhat out of place in northern UT and immediately evoked images of salt-tinged air and tanned hard bodies in red shorts running in inexplicably slow motion toward breaking waves. However, I spoke with various reps who described paddle boarding as an emerging craze that has taken on some serious momentum. They all went on to stress that much of their business has spread away from the coast and into the mainland where paddle boarders are hitting lakes and rivers. And here I thought they were still thousands of miles away in the middle of the Pacific.

Perhaps most surprising of all, paddleboards have gained some popularity in white water applications. When talking to a rep from ULI, he described a dedicated following of whitewater paddle boarders, specifically up in Wyoming on the Yellowstone River. If you thought guys that hit the rapids with a boogie board were nuts, imagine maneuvering a long, cumbersome paddleboard while striving to remain upright—the board that they offered for such applications was still 10 feet long. Sounds painful.

Of all the brands of paddleboards, none of which I’d ever seen previously, I had to pick Bark as my hands down favorite. From the minute I spotted them, Bark boards spoke authoritatively with an air of humble quality and tradition. They were sleek, fast and sexy. Another plus for the company—creator and craftsman Joe Bark was there to discuss his trade and line of boards. One of those timeless, pioneer athletes that wears the trials and tribulations of his sport on his face tucked in every wrinkle, Bark has been designing and building paddle boards for 27 years. His boards have won more competitions than any other, and he’s got a board for every possible application—racing, life guarding, touring, etc. If you’re in the market, be sure to check out Bark.

If you’re looking for something that you don’t need a hitch or roof rack to take to the reservoir two towns over, consider ULI’s line of inflatable paddleboards. These boards were super-sturdy to the touch, with a texture like plastic, but deflate them and the whole package can pop right into your trunk. Not quite as sleekly-designed as Bark’s but definitely easier to transport.

Potentially thrilling, sure to be fun, paddle boarding has emerged as the newest way to get out and enjoy the outdoors on America’s waterways. Although the sport is older than your grandfather, predating surfing by decades, it’s clearly taken on a vibrant new energy and could end your search for a new hobby. Keep your eye out for paddle boarders on your favorite body of water, or buy your own and blaze a trail.

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You’re deep in the arid grasps of the Sonoran desert. It’s been a fun backpacking trip exploring the canyons and scenery of the high desert, but day 3 has taken a dire right turn. You are dangerously low on water and there aren’t any clean sources for at least 20 miles—20 miles of exposed desert trail under a canopy of 100+ degree heat. You begin to conserve, but the sheer heat is overwhelming—every sip is vital. Your mouth dries and you feel your legs begin to cramp. An intense pounding fills your cranium and decisive dizziness sets in. You can hardly see two feet in front of you when you suddenly falter and fall to the side of the trail. Your buddies realize that you are suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. Heat stroke is a very real possibility. There is no shade or water in sight and the sun is relentless. Cell phones are useless. What are your buddies going to do now?

This scenario may seem extreme, but it’s very possible. As athletes of the outdoors, we are drawn to the most remote, dangerous reaches of the earth. It is there that we find our playing fields, where we are presented our greatest challenges and most thrilling triumphs. We do not fear the unknown. We cannot afford to—the very nature of our sport demands that we travel off the grid in search of bigger challenges and beautiful serenity.

Unfortunately, outdoor sports are also some of the most inherently-dangerous sports out there. The very essence of these activities often entails risk of the greatest consequence. Couple that with the remote locales incorporated in our ventures, and there is a recipe for real life disaster. Getting injured, running out of supplies or meeting with unexpected elements out in the middle of nowhere can quickly change your itinerary and leave you stranded.

The widespread use of cell phones over the past 10 years or so has helped, allowing communication in places where it was once unfathomable. However, there aren’t any cell towers in backcountry AK, or the arctic plains of Antarctica. No bars, no help.

To address this issue various companies have designed satellite-operated personal safety devices, which provide much deeper coverage and can relay your whereabouts in the case of an emergency. They can provide a proverbial life ring in all kinds of conditions and emergencies. In fact, there is nothing new about these devices—some have been around for decades and have been used by the military, pilots and ship captains. The question immediately comes to mind–which one is right for me? We take a look at 2 of the leading designs—the SPOT messenger system and ACR’s personal locator beacons and weigh in on the features and potential advantages of each. Decide for yourself which one meets your needs.

The Run Down

ACR Personal Locator Beacons

ACR Electronics personal locator beacons operate through the COSPAS-SARSAT system, an international cooperative among the United States, France, Canada and Russia that uses a host of satellites in location and rescue efforts. The system has been operating since 1982, utilizing two classes of satellites in its location efforts: LEOSAR, lower orbiting satellites and GEOSAR, more distant satellites. The use of dual types of satellites allows for very thorough coverage of the earth and quicker response time. Additionally, ACR PLBs use GPS satellites, which can help provide even quicker response time, depending on your location. Through Doppler shift processing and mobile low orbiting satellites (LEOSAR), the COSPAS-SARSAT system provides very thorough, reliable coverage so even if you are hundreds of feet down in a crevasse or stuck in a heavy blizzard you will be able to alert rescue. It is designed to offer 100% coverage and has served in the rescue of over 22,400 people around the world.

The operation of the PLB unit is quite simple. Purchase the device, go online and register for free, entering your personal information including any pertinent injuries, diseases and other medical history. Your PLB will be assigned a 15 digit ID number that will bear all of this personal information and relay it in case of an emergency. You can update your ID with trip information, other members of your party, etc. every time that you take a trip or are involved in an activity that you may need to use it.

If you find yourself in a crisis situation that requires rescue, hit the transmit button and the device will transmit a 5 watt microburst that will send your location (within 110 yards) and personal information via your ID number to local user terminals (ground satellites). The local user terminals send out information to Mission Control Centers where personnel can determine your whereabouts and information and send it out to the nearest appropriate rescue agency who can coordinate your actual rescue. Once you hit that button, the system is designed to begin mobilizing help within minutes. For a more technical breakdown of the COSPAS-SARSAT system visit http://www.cospas-sarsat.org.

ACR has 2 different models of personal locator beacons geared toward outdoor sport use. The Microfix is its latest, most compact model, weighing just 10 oz. It retails at $499. The original Terrafix is slightly larger, weighing 12 oz and retails at $399.

SPOT

Although its objectives are the same, SPOT is a much different device than a PLB. It is a pretty new concept in outdoor rescue devices, having launched about a year ago and really picking up its marketing campaign over the past few months. The device uses GPS satellites and a GPS chip, built into your unit, to determine your coordinates and enable you to relay them out.

The unit offers a variety of functions through 4 push buttons.

Alert 911—allows you to transmit your coordinates to public and private emergency responders, via GEOS International Emergency Response Centers, in case of an emergency requiring response and rescue

Check In—Allows you to let your friends and family know that you are doing well and where you are, forwarding them an email or text.

Ask for Help—Enables you to request help from friends and family in a non-emergency situation requiring assistance (i.e. car broke down on country road) via email or text.

Track Progress—Allows your contacts to track you, as you travel on your journey, using Google Maps. Currently, being used by Karl Metzler on his voyage down the Appalachian Trail.

SPOT is a very compact unit at only 4.38 x 2.75×1.75 inches, weighing in at under 7.5 ounces. The unit itself retails for around $170 and requires a yearly subscription at $99.99 for basic plan, similar to a cell phone subscription plan. The Track Progress feature requires a separate yearly subscription of $49.99.

The Bottom Line

It is difficult to discern one of these systems as better than the other. Although, they have the same ultimate goal they use very different means and features to reach it. ACR PLBs appear to be best suited to the serious excursionist. If your travels take you to all remote ends of the earth, under all kinds of extreme conditions and circumstances, where you may need a full rescue, a PLB is your best option, offering fuller coverage in virtually any condition. The beacons are also advantageous in that they are more expensive to buy, but don’t require a subscription or any additional service fees. They are designed to sit idle for years and work that 1 time where you may need help. Period.

On the other hand, a full-on rescue is all the ACR beacon is going to help you with. You won’t be able to touch base with your friends and family and let them know you’re ok, if you’re outside of cell phone service areas. You won’t be able to get help in a non-emergency situation, without wrongfully enlisting the help of emergency responders. In fact, ACR relates the use of its devices as follows on its website: “A PLB is a satellite signaling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self rescue have been exhausted, where the situation is grave and imminent and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance.” Essentially, you better be facing death before hitting that button. Depending on your intended uses, this might be a little bit limiting and render a PLB an unnecessary expense.

SPOT on the other hand offers a broader array of services for the novice outdoorsman. If kayaking around Greenland or trekking through Patagonia aren’t in your near future, and you prefer to do most of your adventuring in the mountains and forests of the US, SPOT can offer a great way to stay in touch with the outside world and ensure you’re able to get help if and when you need. It’s smaller, lighter and more convenient and offers full coverage in the lower 48 and the majority of North America, nearly-universal coverage of Europe and Australia, and partial coverage of Africa, South America and Asia. The service will undoubtedly continue to expand its coverage as it grows. It definitely offers more options for communications and has the potential to be a fun item, as well as a serious safety device.

One bonus for SPOT—they have Les Stroud, Discovery Channel’s Survivorman, in their corner due to start advertising the service this December. Personally, I prefer Bear Grylls, but Survivorman puts on a pretty mean survival face too.

When it comes down to it, these devices are both great ways of being prepared. Dangerous situations can occur even during the most mundane hike or camping trip, and no matter how much you pack or how prepared you think you are it’s impossible to plan for every situation. Having access to a lifeline via an ACR PLB or a SPOT messenger could prove vital. Let’s face it—our world is an unstable, unpredictable place and a little protection couldn’t hurt.

During the next few weeks, Cascade Gear will be testing out a SPOT unit to see how effectively it works and how easy it is to use. Obviously, we won’t be testing the emergency function but we’ll be trying the other functions and reporting back with our results. Unfortunately, the emergency nature of ACR’s beacons make them difficult to test, so we won’t have a direct comparison.

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People in my town love dogs. It’s rare to see a car driving down the street without a lab hanging his head out the window, or to take a walk on an area trail without running into friends getting some exercise with their furry companions.

Ginger Ferries is one local who has taken her love of dogs and her love of the outdoors and combined them to create her successful dog care service, Hound Around. Her business has been up and running for about seven years now, and her services range from doggie hikes to canine massage therapy.

How did you get into taking care of dogs as a profession?

I loved spending time with my dog Crosby, who was my best friend and hiking companion for 13+ years… She was with me at work and on the trails every day until my husband and I moved to Portland, OR. Living there, Crosby had a litter of pups - one of which we kept, but unfortunately I couldn’t take the dogs to work. I hated leaving the two of them at home during the day even though we had a dog walker come and hike them. Her job sounded like so much fun, hiking with dogs for a living. It was then that I started researching the dog walking industry and ended up getting a canine massage certification. My husband and I moved back to the Wood River Valley which was the perfect time and place for me to start this business, one that would enable me to be with my own dogs every day.

What do you like most about your job?

Being able to hike on the beautiful trails of our valley each day with dogs who always have such positive and playful energy.

This spring you were involved in a major trail clean-up effort. You really set an example for responsible dog ownership, cleaning up after dogs when others neglect to do so. How important is it to pick up after your dog - is it necessary even while hiking in the backcountry?

It’s very important. People don’t realize the impact it really does have on the environment and on the health of other dogs. Not only that, but if people don’t act responsibly by picking up after their dogs, we may eventually see some trails closed to dogs altogether which would be such a shame.

Do you have any advice for people who want to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly with their dogs?

Always carry poop bags. Make sure there is water along the way so your dog(s) can hydrate throughout your hike. Know the area and whether or not you need to be aware of wildlife (which is almost everywhere in our valley). It’s not a bad idea to put a bell of some sort on your dog to announce your presence. If you’re going on a longer hike, carry a first aid kit for yourself and your dog, as well as a canine first aid book. When applying bug spray to yourself for buggy hikes, remember your dog, too. Mosquitoes and horse flies love dogs. A few natural bug repellents to try are essential oils of citronella, peppermint and lemongrass. Dogs don’t like the smell but neither do the bugs!

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I wish I could say this was a carefully calculated and researched purchase, but in reality it wasn’t. My husband and I were looking for new bent shaft whitewater paddles and Great Outdoor Provision Company only had one Werner Sherpa bent shaft paddle, a classic downriver paddle and my husband’s choice. We were ready to buy and next to the Sherpa hung the Player, the Corvette of the Werner line. So, we came away with our paddles, my husband (the really good kayaker) with the Sherpa, and me with this little orange sporty job.

How that paddle has saved my butt. The midsize, downturned blades enter the water sooner and give you more initial power on the first stroke. As one who tends to hesitate, especially when the horizon line looks (to me at least) like Angel Falls, this great paddle digs in on that first stroke and gives you an instant response. The Player is a favorite of play boaters in the some of the biggest play spots on earth and the number one selling paddle for Werner.

The Player comes in a variety of options for a personalized fit including straight shaft for a more traditional feel versus bent shaft (my choice) with mucho ergonomic benefits. Available in a variety of lengths, it even comes in a narrow shaft for those of us with small hands and in carbon for added strength.

The Player is available from NRS for around $308.00. More information on Werner paddles and the Player can be found at Werner’s website.

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It’s at these spots that you can climb all day and never see another person, have the whole area to yourself, and never have to wait your turn. Hopefully they’re close to home, but even if they’re not, you think fondly of the times you’ve spent there and eagerly await your chance to go back. Everybody’s got a secret garden.

"The Bridge" is one such location. It’s only known by a few folks around here, so we don’t have to fight any crowds. It’s just a few miles from downtown and it has a great variety in features. The climbing area is beneath the bridge of a popular local trail, and the retaining walls are huge blocks of eroded stone that make up a great selection of edges, pinches, and finger pockets.

The bridge blocks out the worst of the sun and makes for an interesting roof section. For such a small area, there’s a huge amount of wall to play on. It’s tall enough to top-rope, but there are enough features to support a few hour’s worth of bouldering if you’re alone.
The retaining wall looks as if it was designed for climbers with features ranging from beginner to expert, with just about every skill level in between. I learned to climb on it and have felt the exhilaration of climbing the harder routes and shouting in triumph from the top. Over time it became more than just a climbing spot-it’s a place to invite people to join our climbing culture, a place to get away from daily life, a place to have some deep talks. It’s a private resort five minutes from home.

As a kid, it’s a prerequisite to have a secret clubhouse for you and your friends, a place to get away from it all, a place where you need a secret password to get in.

If you’re lucky enough, you can find one when you’re grown up.

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