Doing Stuff Outdoors

Doing Stuff Outdoors-110

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:34:00 GMT

On today's show Gary gets educated about the sport of cyclocross. If you are unfamiliar, cyclocross is what happens when road biking and mountain biking collide. Races consist of repeated laps over the course of 30-60 minutes. The laps can include anything, road, grass, dirt, sand, stairs, gravel, snow, as well as numerous barriers. The barriers, usually foot high boards, force racers to dismount their bikes, carry them over the barrier and remount them. Races are somewhat technical and are exciting for both racers and spectators. There are usually plenty of crashes too. Our feature interview is with cyclocross racer Ian Marks.

We also have your stories and comments about close encounters with sharks. Gary talks about some changes coming to DSO including a new webpage and iPhone App. The show has also been nominated for a Peoples Choice Podcast Award in the Health & Fitness category. You can place your vote until November 30th.

Featured music is this show is by Brian Fitzpatrick and the Band of Brothers. Contact us with your comments and stories of outdoor adventure at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-109

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 19:39:00 GMT

On this show Gary shares a 'once in a lifetime' adventure he had while kayaking this fall in the Bay of Fundy. He and his son Brendan were paddling with Bruce Smith of Seascape Kayak Tours when an 8-foot shark bumped their kayak. With jaws wide open, it slid along the side of the kayak just inches away from the surprised paddlers. Listen to the story and the feature interview with Bruce Smith.

Eric Hendrickson of Presque Isle, Maine spent a week cycling solo around New Brunswick and Maine this fall. He shares Part-1 of his biking journal with us.

Gary talks about the alarming story of a young woman attacked and killed by coyotes in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Music on the show today from The Gremmies and The Zero Five. Send your comments, suggestions, outdoor adventures and tales of close encounters with sharks and coyotes to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-108

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:25:00 GMT

Two stories on the show today about people on a journey. The first, about a man cycling across Canada to raise awareness about mental illness. The second, about a runner whose goal is to complete a marathon in every US State and every Canadian province and territory. When Gary spoke with them, both were close to reaching their goals.

60-year-old Mel Thompson spent the summer on a 100 day journey across Canada. Thompson, along with his wife Carol and daughter Lindsay participated in The Ride for Mental Health to raise awareness about mental illness and get people talking about the issues surrounding it.

Although mental illness affects one in five Canadians at some point in their lives, there is still a social stigma attached to mental illness that keeps many people from seeking the help they need. It is the disease that no one likes to talk about, but it has a devastating impact on people who suffer from it, their families and society in general. The Ride for Mental Health aims to bring the issues of mental illness out in the open, get people to share their own experiences with it, and debunk the myths and misconceptions of mental illness. In addition to raising awareness, The Ride for Mental Health aims to raise $250,000 to support mental health programs across Canada.

Mel Thompson understands first-hand the struggles of dealing with mental illness. His ride is inspired by his daughter Lindsay, who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as a teenager. âNo one is immune from mental illness and when it hits you, or someone you love, you are never prepared,âsays Thompson. âBut there is treatment and recovery and that is how our family stays optimistic. Lindsay hopes to one day be able to return to school and work and we hope these dreams will come true.â

68 year old Charlie Viers from Louisiana loves running, especially in marathons. He's completed a marathon in every state and has almost bagged a marathon in every province and territory in Canada. Charlie is a member of the 50 States Marathon Club. So what keeps this guy running? That's what Gary wanted to find out when he spoke with Charlie in our 'Runners' segment.

We'll also check in with Gidzilla in Florida through her Mullberry Bush blog. The music featured in this episode is by Uncle Seth. Please take a few minutes and fill out the Association for Downloadable Media survey and email us with your comments and stories of outdoor adventure at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-107

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Rancho La Bellota is a 2800 acre horse ranch located just 40 miles south of the Tecate, California border and 75 miles south of the San Diego, California border in Baja California, Mexico. The ranch offers exciting trail rides and scenic exploration for all levels of riders, all of which are geared towards specific scenic destinations. Ride through shady oak groves, hidden water pools, quiet secluded valleys and vast mountain ranges as you step back in time to the days when man needed only a good horse, his dog and the simplicities of nature to round out a good day. Our feature interview today is with Caroline Aguiar of Baja Rancho La Bellota.

In our 'Runners' segment Gary meets a former runner who is now a hard-core Nordic Walker. He had to quit running after an injury and now more than makes up for it with his 'pole walking'.

Gary also talks about his recent three day hike of the Dobson Trail in New Brunswick and we have music on the show by Cameron Latimer of British Columbia. Contact Doing Stuff Outdoors with your comments and outdoor adventures at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-106

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 13:03:00 GMT

Something completely different this time on DSO. Gary introduces you to the world of high power rocketry. It's not your typical outdoor activity but it's definitely done in the outdoors and involves chasing these rockets across the countryside. Here's a write up about the event:

They came. They camped. They blasted off. They are members of a small but passionate group of rocketry enthusiasts. About 50 members of the NB Rocketry Club and other groups from the region, along with a handful of spectators, spent two days recently under 25,000 feet of open sky on a hill top in the middle of Base Gagetown. This was the Rage in the Gage Rocket Launch held annually on the Labour Day Weekend.

Tom Raithby of Willow Grove is one of the organizers of the event. He says this is the biggest launch of high power rockets they have every year. To fire off these bigger rockets they need permission to use the airspace and the operators must be certified. These rockets are not toys even though these enthusiasts are all amateurs and hobbyists. For them building and launching rockets is what the hobby is all about.

You may be familiar with the model rockets that kids build and launch, sometimes in school or Scout programs. These things are impressive and can go as high as a thousand feet. There were plenty of model rockets at Rage in the Gage but this was really a vehicle for the big boys to show off their work. High power rockets come in various sizes and with different engines but they're capable of reaching altitudes of 10,000 ft. or more and velocities in the supersonic range. Many of these rockets have complicated electronics in them that transmit the altitude, speed and location of the rocket. This is essential to find them because the rockets employ a parachute to gently bring them back to earth and sometimes the rockets can land far from the launch site.

"I really like that I can send something that high and I can build it myself and I can get it back without breaking it," says Raithby. "It's really satisfying to send something up against the elements and bring it back unbroken."

Of course some times accidents happen and rockets crash but that's all part of the hobby. With all rocketry you're dealing with explosives and sharing air space with planes so safety during the launch and decent is the most important thing. All rockets must be inspected before launch and the range is tightly controlled by the launch director during any flight.

Greg Gollan from Windsor, Nova Scotia has one of the largest rockets this year at Gagetown. His rocket called Dragon Farts is 9 feet long and weights 37 pounds. It has five motors on it with a combined burn time of 9.5 seconds that can produce 1,125 pounds of thrust. It can reach an altitude of 7,000 feet and best of all, the rocket has an onboard video camera to record the whole flight. Gollan says he built the rocket for 3 or 4 hundred dollars and he has about $300 of electronics on it. He says the propellants to launch the rocket cost about $400 every flight and it takes about five hours to prepare the rocket for launch. "It's awesome....what a rush," says Gollan after the successful first launch of Dragon Farts at Rage in the Gage.

We have music on the show this week from Nasty Boy and Art Hodge. Email your comments and story suggestions to us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-105

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:13:00 GMT

Our feature interview today is with Dennis Blanchard of Florida. He's an outdoors enthusiast whose main interests are hiking, mountain bike racing and riding and occasional kayaking. In 2007, at the age of 60 he set out on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. He even brought along some portable ham radio equipment to make radio contacts from every State the trail goes through. But partway through the hike something happened. Unfortunately (or fortunately for him, as the case may be) he had to take 300 days off for a six-artery heart bypass surgery. As soon as the doctors allowed him, he got back on the trail and finished last October 1st. He's 62 and feeling great and his story is inspirational. In fact he's writing a book about the experience called "300 Zeros."

Also on the show more of your comments from Facebook and email. We hear about a hike up Mount Carleton in New Brunswick and experience the first snows of the year. Gary also wades into the touchy area of public health care and the impact it has on outdoor enthusiasts. Email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-104

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:22:00 GMT

Our feature interview today is with potter Darren Emenau of New Brunswick. When this talented artist isn't working in his studio, he's playing in the outdoors. Gary talks with him by the bank of a stream that runs behind his home. Darren recounts how he dodged bus size chunks of falling ice while skiing in Tuckerman Ravine in New Hampshire this past spring. He talks about a recent canoe trip from hell and how he combines his love of the outdoors with his art.

Normally we stay away from gas engines and spark plugs on DSO but Gary couldn't resist talking to Peter Herbruck about his classic wooden boat. Gary met him this summer in Muskoka cottage country in Ontario. Peter is from Ohio and for many years his family has spent summers on Lake Rosseau. His pride and joy is a 22 foot Chris Craft Cadet. This classic wooden boat with the original inboard engine was built in the mid 1920's.

Music on the show this week from Clayton. Send along your comments and story suggestions to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-103

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Lorne Blagdon experiences some real Trail Magic on this edition, those random acts of kindness, those good things that come to you when you least expect it. They're on the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee, hear gunshots in the night again and see a wild turkey. But Trail Magic finds them in the form of a hamburger the size of a saucer and Lorne is given a free bottle of rum and offered some real Tennessee moonshine. It was a good day on the trail.

Also today a field report from Adam Fox in the Coast Range Mountains of Western Oregon. Adam is going on his second run in about ten years and takes us along with him. He follows a forest trail in the foothills of the mountains.

Podsafe music today from a California band called The Brew. Send your comments, story suggestions and accounts of outdoor adventures to Gary via email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-102

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:22:00 GMT

We're going to Montreal on today's show to talk about cycling. Herveâ Grosdemanche and Victoria Burns live and bike in Montreal. They say the city is bicycle friendly and a great place to ride. They have a number of bikes and use them as their major means of transportation. Herveâ and Victoria ride to and from work every day, use them to go to the store and they bike for recreation. They love going on long rides. These two cycling enthusiasts say everyone should ride a bike every day.

We have more of your comments, outdoor adventures and story suggestions. Podsafe music this week from Steve Dreher and Friends. Contact Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-101

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:48:00 GMT

We have two stories on the show today. We'll meet up with a group of kids in the outdoors as they release butterflies they raised from caterpillars. Our feature interview is with Carl Schwab, one of the creators of the Great Minnesota Race. It's an Urban Scavenger Hunt across the metro area of Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota on Saturday, August 29th. Think of it as an adventure race for beginners where you are racing around the city vs. the countryside. It's a little like the Amazing Race, but scaled down to one or two cities and for a few hours instead of a week. Urban Scavenger Hunts are geared more toward the casual outdoor enthusiast though anyone with a sense of adventure will find them enjoyable.

We have more of your outdoor comments and music from Scott Mclean and Josh Woodward. Contact us by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-100

Sat, 8 Aug 2009 15:08:00 GMT

This is the 100th edition of DSO. Gary had hoped to produce a special anniversary show complete with balloons and fireworks to celebrate. Well it isn't going to happen, on this show at least. But plans are underway for a special anniversary edition of DSO down the road and you can learn more about it on today's show.

Also today, a road report from cyclists Eric and Elaine Hendrickson from Presque Isle, Maine. And on the 'Runners' segment Gary talks to 70 year old Frank Kelly and his daughter Marta. He started running in his late 60's and wore a pair of hiking boots on his first race. Frank must have caught the running bug because he and Marta ran the Boston Marathon together this year.

We'll tell you about a new podcast called Rock and Trail Tales. Music on the show this week from Grayscale and Sickboys and Lowmen.

Send along your comments and stories of outdoor adventure to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-99

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:43:00 GMT

Eric and Elaine Hendrickson are active, outdoors people in their mid 50's. They live in Presque Isle, Maine. They ski, hike, paddle, go geocaching, mess about in caves and much more. They love outdoor adventures and Gary met up with them part way through a cycling trip of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Maine. We also have a comment about an unusual outdoor event in Tulsa, Oklahoma and music from Sean Fournier.

Send in your comments and outdoor adventures to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Next time.... show 100.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-98

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:39:00 GMT

Today we're going bass fishing on the St. John River in New Brunswick. Here a print story that Gary wrote about the adventure:

Years ago when the kids were younger I took them fishing. We went under the Nerepis Bridge and on my first cast I caught a nice bass. That was the last bass I pulled from the river until this summer. I recently had the chance to so some serious bass fishing with a pair of tournament anglers from the New Brunswick Sportfishing Association. Dennis Sennett lives in Grand Bay-Westfield and is the vice-chair of the organization. Bert Beek is the chair and he lives in Ripples.

First of all, bass are not native to new Brunswick. The species was introduced years ago and they're thrived. Now we have one of the best sport fisheries for smallmouth bass around. Tournament fishing isn't as big here as it is in the United States but it is very competitive. In fact some top prizes go as high as $10,000.

Bert and Dennis spend most of their weekends fishing in tournaments but on this day we were just out for some fun fishing. We met Bert in Oromocto and loaded our gear into his 18 foot Crestliner. We tried a few spots along the river including the mouth of the Nashwaak River in Fredericton. The fishing wasn't terrific but we all managed to catch a few fish, even though Dennis was a little slow off the start.

"Smallmouth are one of the most fun fish to catch," says Dennis. "I've fished for salmon and trout but if you catch a 3 or 4 pound bass it beats salmon." Bert calls fishing his way of relaxing. "You get away from everything, all the struggles of daily life," says Bert. "It's calm and quiet and gives you a chance to be among friends and tell fishing stories."

And every angler has a story. Bert says one day last year he and his father caught over a hundred bass in a tournament. It's always 'catch and release' and the top five biggest fish win. But Dennis says you don't need to be in a tournament with a fancy bass boat to enjoy fishing. Just drop a line anywhere you can and enjoy.

The River Valley has many great fishing spots. Some anglers have a lot of luck just fishing off the Westfield Wharf or where I caught that bass by the Nerepis Bridge. Further up river the fishing is great around Gagetown, especially if you can get in a canoe and paddle around some of the islands. If, like me, you haven't gone fishing in a few years, why not give it a try this summer. After all, as Bert says, a bad day on the water is better than a good day at work.

Music on the show by Bill Kahler. Email in your comments and summer outdoor adventures to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-97

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Today on the show we have another edition of Trail Magic with Lorne Blagdon. A few years ago Lorne and his daughter Naomi walked the entire Appalachian Trail. He's written an account of that adventure and joins us from time to time to talk about it. Today Lorne tells us about the 60 plus pound pack he carried around (why, he doesn't know) and being sprayed with Skin-So-Soft to protect him from the bugs. Also fears of being eaten by a bear, hearing gunshots at night and enjoying espresso coffee by the campfire.

Also today we begin a new summer segment on DSO called Runners. Every runner has a story and we're going to hear some of them beginning with Ken McIntosh, a new runner who just finished his second 5 km race. He started running a few months ago after giving up a 34 year smoking habit. He's changing his life and running is a big part of that transition.

Music on the show from Josh Woodward of Ohio. Send in your summer outdoor adventures to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. Next time we're going bass fishing in New Brunswick.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-96

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:45:00 GMT

Our feature interview today is with Dan Coons of New Hampshire. This spring he and his wife spent a week in southwestern France. They rented bikes and toured the countryside, visiting medieval hilltop towns from the 13th century. They found that traveling around by bicycle opened up interaction with the locals that they would never have seen had they confined their traveling to rental cars and walking around the towns.

Music on the show from a French band called Fresh Body Shop and comments about climbing Maine's Mount Katahdin in winter and spending time in the outdoors with your dog.

Send along your comments, story suggestions, outdoor adventures and favorite outdoor books to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-95

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Today on the show a feature interview with outdoor writer, consultant, wilderness guide and very nice guy Cliff Jacobson. Here's his bio from his website:

Cliff Jacobson is one of North America's most respected outdoors writers, wilderness guides, national and foreign consultants, and is the most published canoeing/camping writer of this century. He is a professional canoe guide and outfitter, a wilderness canoeing and camping consultant and the author of over a dozen top-selling books on camping and canoeingâ numerous titles have been translated into Spanish, German, French and Turkish with sales approaching one million copies. His video, The Forgotten Skills, details the most important campcraft procedures.

Cliff's methods are proven by the sweat of pack and paddle and are reminiscent of the days when skills were more important than things. A retired environmental science teacher (34 years!), Cliff is respected by educators for his backcountry ethics, water quality, and wilderness navigation curricula. The Wilderness Meal, an outdoor ethics unit he wrote for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNR), is among the most successful environmental education activities of all time. You'll find a copy in his book, Boundary Waters Canoe Camping With Style.

The book entitled, The 20th Anniversary Edition: Expedition Canoeing is the authoritative resource for wilderness canoe expeditions. The map & compass curriculum developed for the MNR, and Water, Water, Everywhere, But...-- an environmental education project was authored in cooperation with HACH chemical company--is used in hundreds of secondary schools and community colleges throughout North America. Contributing editor, Canoe & Kayak Magazine. Consultant to Eckerd Family Youth Services and the Boy Scouts of America (canoeing section, Scout Field Book). Cliff is also a national and foreign outdoor tactics and equipment consultant whose speaking and consulting expertise have brought him to the Canadian Arctic, Norway, Sweden, Costa Rica and many of the 50 states. Cliff has also been hired to render expert opinions. An accomplished canoeist in his own right, Cliff was recently recognized by the American Canoe Association (ACA) which presented him with the Legends of Paddling Award and inducted him into the ACA Hall of Fame.

Contact Gary by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-94

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 15:51:00 GMT

Today on DSO we join Adam Fox and his nephew Nate as they go tracking with members of the Portland Tracking Club. They get together on the last Sunday of every month. On this trip they met at Oxbow Park, just east of Gresham, Oregon and went tracking across the floodplain. Adam brought along a digital audio recorder and recorded the adventure for us. He also took some photos that are posted here and this is what he wrote about them.

As you listen to the MP3's keep in mind that the same questioning process I use with Nate can be used by anyone to help figure out what made a certain track. Questions like, How many toes? Are there any claw marks? Do the tracks look like any other animal tracks I know? Having a copy of Peterson's Field Guide to Tracking by Olas Mauree is also really handy. I did not have my copy with me on Sunday. The cougar track photo is really a nice one. In this picture you see the left front track has been stepped into almost but not quite perfectly by the left rear foot. The cougar jumped up onto a log, looked around and jumped back down. This picture is of the jumping up track. There are claw marks in this picture. Cougars rarely show their claws but it used them in this case because it wanted extra traction for the jump. Note the slight amount of sand pushed back at the rear of the track, that indicates the cat pushing off to jump. Also note the AA battery used to indicate scale, keep in mind most cougars have front feet that are almost 1/2 an inch larger than the rear. That's a rear track you're looking at, get a battery and do the math. Here kitty kitty, nice kitty. The Blacktailed deer track is nice too because it was just an hour or so old. Note that it shows the dew claws at the back, something you don't always get to see in a deer track.

We have some music on the show from a German band called Loudog and a comment about Canine Search and Rescue Teams. Contact us a doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-93

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:08:00 GMT

In this edition we finish a story we started last year. We first spoke with Kimber Sider on DSO-45.

On April 28, 2008 Kimber and her horse Kat rode west from Trenton, Nova Scotia with a goal of the Pacific Coast of Canada, 6,000+km and 5-6 months down the road. Her driving inspiration is Barbara Kingscote's 1949 journey from Mascouche, Quebec to Vancouver, British Columbia. Is it still possible for a lone woman in her twenties and her horse to make it across Canada almost purely on character and the hospitality of the Canadian spirit?

On October 4, 2008 Kimber and Kat found themselves facing west with their feet salty and wet. They had made it to the Pacific. And more importantly they had found not only the "generous heart of my country" that Barb had found, but also an inspiring pioneering spirit. It had taken them 160 days, during which they had been taken in by 112 families and been supported by hundreds of Canadians coast to coast.

"Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History" is two Canadian women, two generations apart, going against convention with a unique, yet shared sense of adventure, a simple equine mode of transportation and, most importantly, a desire to discover the Canada of their day.

Our feature interview today is with Kimber Sider. Also on the show comments about snow in Alberta in May and the joys of longboarding and freebording. Music by the The Acousticals. Contact us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-92

Sun, 17 May 2009 12:17:00 GMT

We're going kayaking with Bob Collins of Delaware on this edition of DSO. Bob brought his audio recorder along with him as he went for a spring paddle on the Pocomoke River in Maryland, near Snow Hill. He did some flat-water paddling for almost 20 miles on this cypress lined river, all the while telling us about the vegetation and wildlife he encountered along the way. The âPoke-Mokeâ starts in Delaware, in the Great Cypress Swamp, and flows almost due south for some 40-50 miles into the Chesapeake Bay.

We have music on the show from Allison Crowe and more of your outdoor comments about tour skating and cycling in France. Contact Gary by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-91

Thu, 7 May 2009 18:04:00 GMT

Today on the show we'll experience Paddle Boarding, the YOLO way. Our feature interview is with Jeff Archer, the co-founder of paddle board manufacturer YOLO which stands for "You Only Live Once". After extensive research and development, they determined that there was a need for more of a hybrid style stand-up paddle board--one that not only has its roots in traditional surfing but also in other related paddle sports such as canoeing and kayaking. Standing up and paddling offers a whole new point of view: from paddling with dolphins, to sneaking up on blue crabs, to dropping in at your favorite surf-break, the act of YOLO-ing or stand up paddling has evolved from its surfing roots to a far more extensive means to enjoy time on the water from a new perspectiveâanywhereâanytime.

We also have more of your comments including an outdoor adventure tale of fossil hunting in Alabama. Music this week from Alexander Blu and the Verandas from Germany. Contact Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-90

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:04:00 GMT

Today another episode of Trail Magic with Lorne Blagdon. We'll hear about an AT tradition where thru hikers hike naked on the first day of summer. So did Lorne shed his clothes? You'll have to listen to find out. He also has encounters with a horse on the trail, a horse that kept following him. Also the joys of Tennessee whiskey, sleeping in the highest shelter on the trail and how to hang your pack to keep the mice away.

The Canyon Man shares a recent family adventure to the Buffalo National River in Ponca, Arizona. Gidds scolds Gary about his tendency to enjoy 'little beers' while he tries to shed the fat. We'll look at a theory on why cross country skiing isn't more popular and a family from Maine tells us about a 7-day, backcountry spring skiing trip in Gaspe, where the snow is still deep.

Music on the show from the Skating Teenagers and Sean Fournier. Email Gary with your outdoor adventures at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-89

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:02:00 GMT

It's our last kick at the winter can this week on DSO. We're going to take you Nordic Skating in Sweden. It's like cross country skiing on these special skates that allow you to travel long distances over frozen lakes and rivers. There are many names for the sport including tour-skating, trip-skating, cross-country-skating, backcountry skating, nordic skating, long distance skating and even wild skating. It's hugely popular in Scandinavia, especially Sweden. Gary first heard about the sport through an email from Stephanie, a listener in Sweden who skates. Stephanie introduced Gary to her skating neighbour, Bengt FurenÃs. He's a tour leader, 'ice reporter' and has been skating for many years. Our feature interview is all about Nordic Skating with Bengt, who just hung up his skates for the season.

We also have more of your comments about trail food, hiking and facebook. And some fun surf music from Sweden by The Great Pharaos. doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-88

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:03:00 GMT

Today Bob Collins of Bethany Beach in Delaware takes us along for a paddle. He was supposed to go on an outdoor adventure in search of a wild horse called 'Charcoal' in Assateague National Seashore in Maryland. (That's another story that hasn't happened yet but will soon) Instead Bob put his kayak on the truck and went for a mid winter paddle in Trussom Pond just outside of Laurel, Delaware. Laurel is well-known for its water recreation opportunities including Trussom Pond which is home to the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees in North America.

Also on the show, Gary brings us up to date on his struggle with the P90X extreme home fitness program and trying to set up a DSO account on facebook. We have comments from listeners about kayaking, hiking to the top of mountain peaks and using signal mirrors to flash signals from one peak to another, the fun of Urban Scavenger Hunts and much more. Plus music from All Mankind of Sydney, Australia.

Contact Gary by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and check us out on facebook and twitter.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-87

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 16:31:00 GMT

Today on the show we have a feature interview with Kent Zotter (trail name Toothless) At the end of April he's leading a group of hikers along a section of the Appalachian Trail. This group of about 50 people in total have been doing sections of the AT since 1998. So far they've completed over 600 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Virginia. They hike four trips a year, two in the spring and two in the fall. The group consists of mostly professionals who live in North Carolina. Some are retired, most are still working with the oldest being 65 and the youngest 30. They hike an average of 30-40 miles per trip. The group recently hiked 75 miles in one leg. Kent is the coordinator of these section hikes. He also produces his own audio and video podcast called ATHiking as well as the blog AT Hikers.

Also on the show an interesting comment from Adam in Oregon, music by Brad Sucks and Gary talks about his social media incompetence. Email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. Visit our website and check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-86

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:05:00 GMT

On today's show we return to the Chic-Choc Mountains of Gaspe in the Province of Quebec. (See the show notes from Doing Stuff Outdoors-83 for a detailed description of the area and an account of Gary's backcountry adventure there this winter) One night they shared a hut with a group of skiers from Montreal. They had alpine touring gear, telemark and one of them used a split-board. Some had been coming to the Chic-Chocs for years. For others this trip was their first taste of eastern powder. That evening in the hut Gary talked to them about backcountry skiing in the Chic-Chocs.

Also on the show, comments from Gidds the Outdoor Gal and podsafe music from Blind Alley. Email us with your outdoor adventures, your favorite outdoor books and tell us how the recession is affecting your pursuit of outdoor recreation.

doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-85

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:42:00 GMT

On the show today a feature interview with Rob Thomson, a young New Zealander who just finished cycling and skateboarding 20,000 km solo around the world. Here is Rob's description of his adventure from his webpage, 14 Degrees Off the Beaten Track.

A JOURNEY OF OPPORTUNITIES - Welcome to my website about my journey around the world by bicycle and skateboard. I am an ex-office worker, and I never intended to travel all the way around the world. I certainly never expected to end up breaking a long distance skateboarding world record!

What started as a 12,000km cycle journey across the Eurasian continent quickly became a very different kind of challenge.

I began in July 2006 by cycling 12,000km from Japan to Switzerland across some of the most remote and hostile environments I had ever experienced. I endured -23 degrees Celsius daytime temperatures, cycled over 4,600m high passes, and put up with some of the most frustrating bureaucracies perhaps in the whole world.

However, on the 25th of June 2007, almost a year since I set out from Japan on my recumbent bicycle, I sent my bicycle home and started out again on a longboard skateboard.

I ended up successfully doing what had never been attempted before; I skateboarded solo and unassisted across Europe, North America, and China. On the 28th of September 2008 I finally arrived in Shanghai after skating just over 12,000km (7,500 miles). The previous world record for distance skateboarding was 5,800km.

I started this journey in 2006 hoping to experience the world at large in it's most raw forms from a bicycle seat. What I got was a humbling, often exhausting, and always challenging journey into my own soul. These two years were physically, mentally, and emotionally the most difficult years of my life.

Also on the show, comments from Mark Coughlin about skiing in The English Lake District. Check out the video. And music from Blake Morgan.

Contact us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-84

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:38:00 GMT

Our feature interview is with Holly Johnson, a busy mother of five who started working out and loosing weight in preparation for a half marathon. This is the second part of her story and the following is a written account that appeared in a local paper:

Tears well up in Holly Johnsonâs eyes when she looks at the Donald Duck Medal presented to her by the kids and teachers at Tiny Treasures Learning Centre. It was their version of the medal Holly worked so hard to achieve and so desperately wanted but in the end was just out of her reach. âI canât put into words what these kids have done,â said Holly fighting back tears. âIf they can even take a little of this and realize how important it is to look after yourself and eat healthy and exercise, theyâll be OK and they wonât be where I was and learn at 37 that you have to do something.â

Holly Johnson of Grand Bay-Westfield, a busy mother of five young children, took on the challenge of her life in January. Until a year ago, she never exercised or dealt seriously with the weight issue that has plagued her all her life. That all changed after the birth of her twins when Holly realized she had to do something about her health. She went to Weight-Watchers and started exercising for the first time. She lost over a hundred pounds and decided to join Team Diabetes and enter a half marathon in Disney World. She trained and worked hard raising the $4,500 required to enter the event. Holly and her family went to Florida in January for the race. In the end Holly was 30 seconds behind the cut off time for the first five miles and was forced to pull out of the race. She said Disney officials, rounded them up, put them on the bus and drove them to the finish line. Holly said it was humiliating and people inside the bus were crying.

(I have to wade in here with a comment about this ridiculous Disney policy. Iâve run in a number of half marathons and everyone who can, finishes the race on their own. Thatâs what itâs about. It doesnât matter how long it takes. These arenât elite athletes running in the Boston Marathon. Disney World, of all places, should know better.)

Disney Worldâs ridiculous rules aside, Holly still feels good about what she accomplished. Together with the rest of her team, they raised a lot of money for diabetes research. Hollyâs challenge also touched many people included the teachers and children at Tiny Treasures. Hollyâs son attends the school and when they heard what she was doing, they all agreed to raise money for the cause. They collected pennies and coins and some kids made a withdrawal from their piggy bank every time they came to class. In the end, the children and staff presented Holly with an ice cream bucket full of rolled coins totaling almost 211 dollars.

After taking a couple of weeks off, Holly is back into the exercise routine. Sheâs going a fitness class at the gym and she and her husband are talking about getting bikes in the summer so they can all be active together as a family. Holly says sheâs come too far to quit now. She canât go back to the lifestyle she used to have. Holly says these three and four year old kids at the school are truly an inspiration for her and we can all learn from them.

âThis medal is way nicer than anything Disney could provide,â says Holly. âItâs made by teachers and kids and I will treasure it forever.â

Also on the show, more of your emails about outdoor adventures from spear-fishing through the ice to hiking the Grand Canyon and more outdoor book suggestions including an audio book review from Anthony of Anthony's Audio Journal.

doingtuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-83

Sun, 8 Mar 2009 23:29:00 GMT

In this edition Gary brings you the Chic-Choc Journal from his recent 5 day hut-to-hut backcountry ski trip in the mountains of Gaspe, Quebec. Here's an account of the adventure:

I know you're probably sick and tired of snow and everything to do with winter but I have one more wintery outdoor adventure to share with you. It's about snow and snow and more snow. It's about the most snow I've ever seen in my life. I experienced it in late February on a week long, hut-to-hut backcountry skiing trip in the Chic-Choc Mountains of Gaspe.

I've written about this incredibly beautiful and unique area before. This mountain range in the central region of Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula has 25 peaks with an elevation greater than a kilometer. The highest is Mont Jacques Cartier at 1,268 m (4,160 ft). Caribou graze in the alpine regions and the steep slopes are prone to avalanches. We go there at least once every winter for some of the bestbackcountry and telemark skiing you can find east of the Rocky Mountains. This year when we were there, to our delight, the area surpassed even the west in terms of deep powder.

Our trip started at Le Relais Chic-Chocs, a lodge and cabins that in the winter cater mainly to skiers and snowmobilers. We woke up to sunshine and began our ski to the Le Huard hut. With sleeping for 16 it's the largest hut in the system. There is no running water or electricity but we arrange for a snowmobile to bring in our heavier packs and food so we can ski with a lighter day-pack. That afternoon the nice weather allowed us to ski to the summit of one of the nearby peaks and take in the breathtaking scenery. The run back down to our cabin made the climb up worthwhile.

The next day we headed for a two night stay at La Nyctale hut in the shadow of Mount Logan. What started as light snow in the morning soon developed into a full blown blizzard, a common occurrence in the Chic-Chocs. Five hours later we arrived at the hut in near whiteout conditions, after trudging through waist deep snow in some places. Thankful for shelter, we settled in and didn't leave the hut for the rest of the day. Heavy snow and howling wind continued all night and through the next day but we did venture out to play a little in all that new snow. We found a sheltered slope in the trees not far from the hut and attempted to make a few turns. I say attempted because the snow was so deep we could barely get through it, even on the steeper pitches. One member of our party has been skiing there for the last 15 years and he's never seen the snow so deep. We sunk to our waists and the powder was truly bottomless. Looking down a tree-well we saw what looked like the base of the trunk 15 to 18 feet below us. That's how much snow had accumulated so far this winter. When the storm finally ended the next morning we guessed it must have dumped at least 70 more cm of snow.

We awoke to a white, winter-wonderland. In the higher elevation where we were, the trees were so coated with ice and snow you couldn't see any branches. The white shapes they formed are called 'snow ghosts' and they look like frozen people. I've seen this many times before in alpine areas but never to this extent. It was surreal. We took our time skiing to our final hut, enjoying the incredible scenery and warm sun. We were at a lower elevation and that afternoon the snow had settled enough for us to play on treed mountain behind the hut. We skinned up and skied down through waist deep powder, finishing the run on the frozen lake beside the cabin. The snow was so deep, some of us even skied off the roof of the hut. It was an incredible day at the end of a truly memorable trip.

It's always a great experience in the Chic-Chocs but this winter was special, mainly due to the extreme snow. We're talking about going back in late April for more telemark skiing. This season I'm sure the snow will be still be deep on those slopes through May and well into June.

Also on the show some podsafe music from Jeff Hightower and more of your comments about outdoor adventures and favorite outdoor books including emails from the Wandering Knight and the Canyon Man.

doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-82

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Today on the show Gary talks to Kevin Earley of the 'Church Club'. Here's Kevin's account of their latest outdoor adventure:

Church Club â Grand Canyon Adventure

We are group of 40 something guys busy with family and careers living near Philadelphia. We mountain bike early on Sundays, often meeting at 6 AM for a couple of hours of adventure. Weâre home before noon ready to tackle the day and spend some time with the family. When our children were young they would ask where we went. âDadâs churchâ was our excuse, but in many ways it was our time for spiritual reflection. Church Club was formed and is indeed religious for each of us.

Besides the weekly Sunday services, every year we plan and enjoy a big adventure that is typically sold to our families as a long weekend out west, simply for exercise and health purposes. Typically we look for peaks to bag like Mt. Elbert in Colorado, ormulti -day mountain biking trips like the Centennial Trail in the Dakota Badlands. We typically combine a couple of activities (river running, biking, hiking, and camping), and we jam it into 3 or 4 exhausting days. In September, 2008 we tackled a grand Grand Canyon adventure.

The trip took months of planning and training. Kevin, Jim, Frank, Chuck, Drew, Steve, and Cliff met in Flagstaff, AZ on a Wednesday evening. Thursday we drove to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, looked at the big hole, and boarded a shuttle van for a 5 hr drive to the north rim. We camped at the north rim and awoke early in the morning for our big hike across the canyon in one day. We dropped our camping gear at the general store where the shuttle service promised to return our stuff to the south rim that day. The 7 of us hit the trail by 6:30 AM âat an air temperature of 35 degrees it felt good to be a live. Beginning at the NorthKaibab Trailhead , We hiked 14 miles and dropped 5,850 ft. to the bottom of the canyon where it was about 90 degrees when we arrived around 1 PM. We ate lunch at Phantom Ranch and walked to the Colorado River for a dip in the frigid river. Some time around 2:30 PM we crossed the bridge and headed for the south rim up the SouthKaibab Trail. The Bright Angel Trail up to the south rim is easier and more popular because there are three water sources. But we opted for the challenge of no water, more scenery and solitude.

The route we took required 7 additional miles and a climb of 4,800 ft to get to our cars. Our group which had hiked to the bottom as one group, broke into 3 groups traveling at slightly different paces. As the sun set the vistas and views were spectacular and spiritual. Storm clouds arrived as the sun set and we were all trudging along in our own trance. We were feeling the impact of the elevation gain, as we each carefully tried to keep hydrated and fueled. As darkness approached we knew the trip was epic and we also knew we would get out of the hole. Except one of us was suffering from dehydration and made our climb a scary adventure. Drew was one of the fittest in our group, and was drinking regularly and even took salt tablets at the river bottom. For whatever reason, he got sick and his progress slowed to a crawl. Fortunately we were all in small groups, and Cliff made sure Drew was OK. Close to the top, Drew vomited on the trail, and with the teamâs help he made it out, in the dark. It was a brief scare but fortunately Drew was back in form the next day. We all hiked out with our lights, and experienced a rare thunderstorm. It is hard to describe the sublime and surreal experience that night as we completed an epic 14 hour, 21 mile canyon crossing in one day ending with rain, lightening and beautiful darkness.

Like all of our adventures, we did more. After a rest day, we tackled the highest point in Arizona, Humphreyâs Peak â 12,633 ft. It was easy for us, a 10 mile round-trip scenic hike with about a 4,200 ft vertical gain from Arizona Snow Bowl. The hike throughPonderosa pines and then onto volcanic rocks with great views was just magical. We didnât want it to end, we were having fun. As usual, it was very windy at the top of the world. With this climb finished, we satisfied our goal of going from the Colorado River to the top of the world (9,000 vertical feet) in 48 hours â not bad for some middle-aged 45+ old men from the east coast.   And we knocked-off one more high peak (we have a secret desire to bag all of the high peaks in the US).

The long weekend was completed with some mountain biking near Sedona and beers at the Weatherly Hotel â and Zane Grey Ballroom in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was an exhausting trip, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The adventure is just one of many more to come as we live our life motto:

âLife is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaimingâ WOW What a ride!â

In 2009, we are contemplating another extreme adventure â this time our goal will be to go from Badwater (the lowest point in the northern hemisphere at -282 ft below sea level) to Telescope Peak (11,049 ft) in Death Valley. This is the warm-up, we really want to get on top of Mt. Whitney (14,500 ft), the highest point in the continental US, in the same trip, is it possible? I donât know, but I didnât think we could cross the grand canyon in one day. Iâm betting that the Church Club, will pull it off.

Also on the show, more comments from listeners about their own outdoor adventures and favorite adventure books. Check out the websites 'The First 13,1 Miles' and 'Southern Ontario Outdoors'. Podsafe music this week by Great Big Sea.

doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-81

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:41:00 GMT

Today on the show Gary explores the world of ice fishing. It's a popular winter pastime. We'll meet some of the people who just love spending a day sitting in a makeshift hut on a frozen lake or river, dropping a line through a hole they make in the ice. Here's an account of Gary's ice fishing adventure:

I was on my way to Gagetown when I saw the fishing huts on the river at Public Landing. There must be about 15 of them, in two clumps on the ice not far from the wharf. This is where the smelt are and every winter a small village of wood and plastic shelters sprout up on the ice. I pulled the car over and walked down the bank and onto the frozen river to investigate. I wanted to find out what the appeal is of sitting in a tiny, makeshift shelter for hours on end, staring at a hole cut in the ice.

The first hut I came to was occupied by two men from Burton. Gerry Moore and Errol Kennedy have been coming here for years. Itâs a long drive downriver from Burton but Errol says this is the closest place to catch smelt. They were doing a good job of it while I was there. One after the other they were pulling the small fish out of the round hole drilled in the ice. They had about 35 fish between them and Gerry said it was an average day of fishing. Thy were using shrimp for bait and the only complaint I heard was over the bait costing more than the smelt.

Next door in another hut I found Bill King, also of Burton, staring down at his line. The story was much different here. Even though the two huts were only separated by a few meters, there were few smelt to be caught here. King had been sitting for about an hour and didnât have a fish to show for it. He told me thatâs the way ice fishing is. You can have two holes side by side and pull fish out of one and not the other. He said it depends on the depth of the water at that location and the current. The tide was going out and he said fishing is better on the incoming tide.

Ron Pilgrim also of Burton wasnât having much luck in his shack either. He told me he fished for two hours last Sunday and pulled out 61 smelt but after an hour today all he had was two fish. He said the current could be steering the fish around his hole. He didnât seem to mind though. Pilgrim said he just liked getting out of the house and fishing. He said heâs an avid angler but the odd thing is he doesnât like eating fish all that much, or maybe just smelt. He told me he gives away most the fish he catches. Just as I was leaving he pulled out the biggest smelt Iâd seen so far that day. It had to be about a foot long.

In the last hut I visited I discovered two ice anglers who also donât really care if they catch fish or not. Neil Lingley of Grand Bay-Westfield and Greg Shannon of Hoyt just like being there. Shannon said itâs peaceful and quiet sitting in the hut and the sun keeps it nice and warm.Lingley told me he enjoys watching the bald eagle that hangs around on the ice waiting to grab any fish that might come his way. He said they talk about everything when they fish and by the end of the day, theyâve solved most of the worldâs problems.

With that I walked back to the car with a better understanding of what the attraction is for ice fishing. Iâd enjoy the camaraderie and the fishing, especially if we caught a few. But when it comes to the eating, like Ron Pilgrim, I think Iâd be giving most of my smelt away.

Also on the show, more of your comments about the program, favorite adventure books and outdoor adventures of your own. Podsafe music this week from Bill Kahler of Atlanta, Georgia. Email the show at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-80

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 22:17:00 GMT

We're a little late with this week's show because Gary had a bad case of laryngitis and couldn't talk. So he kind of croaked out a shortened version of the program.

After a couple months absence, Lorne Blagdon and his Trail Magic series returns to DSO. We just haven't been able to connect to record more segments until now. Lorne picks up the story of his 2003 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Last time we left him in Hot Springs, North Carolina where a noisy rooster and a demon in the hot spring chased Lorne and his daughter out of there. This week Lorne shares stories of broken ankles on the AT and doing twenty mile days on the trail. He also experiences some 'trail magic' on his way to an 'all you can eat' Pizza Hut for lunch.

Gary plays a song by Christine Kane that he first heard on Anthony's Audio Journal while out cross country skiing one afternoon.

Email your comments and suggestions to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-79

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:04:00 GMT

Our feature story today is about Holly's Half Marathon. It's an inspiring interview with a busy mother of five who decided to lose weight, get into shape and walk in a Half Marathon in Florida. It's about changing your life for the better. This is part one of the interview recorded before Holly went in the event. Below is my story about Holly, reprinted from the local newspaper.

When I met up with Holly Johnson she had already been walking on the treadmill for over two hours. She had covered just over seven miles. This day she wanted to put in three and a half hours, non-stop on the treadmill. Itâs the time she has to make when she tackles her first half marathon at Disney World in January.
Holly spends much time these days walking and working out in the gym at the Human Performance Centre in Grand Bay-Westfield. Until the cold and the snow arrived she was putting in the miles walking around the new running track beside the arena. Sheâs a woman on a mission and nothing is going to stop her from reaching her goal.
âYou have a choice.â Says Johnson, âYou can get healthy or you can get sick and thatâs the way I was headed and I love my kids and my husband too much to let that happen.â
Holly has had an issue with weight all of her life but it wasnât until the birth of her twins a year ago that she decided to really do something about it. She says it sounds corny but she realized she might not be around for her family if she continued the way she was going. Johnson says diabetes and heart disease runs in her family and she knew she was at the point where something had to be done. âI could keep going on eating the way I was and not moving or I could start living,â she says. âThis is like a rebirth.â
Johnson began her rebirth by going to Weight Watchers with a friend. Sheâs stuck to it and has lost over a hundred pounds. The exercise didnât become part of her routine until about six months ago. She says she was 37 years old and had never exercised before in her life. An email from the Canadian Diabetes Association informing her about the event in Florida persuaded her to become part of Team Diabetes. She got to work raising the $4,500 required for the event and whipping herself into shape to complete the 13 mile course. With the added exercise of walking the track and treadmill and working out in the gym, Holly figures sheâs about a 150 pounds lighter than her peak weight. She says she feels a lot better and the change has affected not only her life but that of her entire family.
âIt used to be the kids would ask are we going to MacDonalds?â says Johnson, â Now itâs are you going to the gym?â Holly says her five year old son says they shrink her when she goes to her Weight Watchers meetings. She says losing weight, being active and getting healthier is the best thing sheâs ever done personally and itâs great for the entire family. Johnson says they talk about eating healthy food and now check the ingredients of the food they eat.
She says itâs the little things that really make a difference. Just the other day she was in a fitness store trying on some new clothes and running shoes and she says sheâs never had the confidence to do that before. She says people who donât have weight issues take it for granted that you can go into a fitting room and try on anything. Holly says this has been like a rebirth for her.
âLifeâs too short,â she says. âYou only have one body so take care of it and I sure didnât do that for 36 years.â

We'll have part two of our conversation with Holly on a future episode of DSO. Also on the show today we have more of your comments and emails about favorite outdoor adventures and some podsafe music from Great Big Sea. Contact us by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-78

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:55:00 GMT

In this edition we meet outdoor adventurer, expedition leader and author Maria Coffey. She's written eleven books published in six different countries and her articles have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines including The New York Times, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, SeaKayaker Magazine, Action Asia and Outdoors Illustrated. Maria and her husband Dag Goering operate ' Hidden Places', a "boutique" adventure travel company offering high quality guided expeditions in some of the world's most inspiring places. Maria's latest book looks at what compels extreme adventurers to push the boundaries of human ability and what they discover when they do. In 'Explorers of the Infinite', Maria interviews mountaineers, snowboarders,kayakers, surfers, base-jumpers and other extreme athletes. They reveal some extraordinary spiritual transformations and paranormal experiences. Shortly after this interview was recorded Maria was also interviewed by Oprah Winfrey.

Also on the show a podsafe song from Alison Crowe and an email about a powder day on the slopes from our buddy Warren in Alberta. Send Gary an email about your best outdoor adventure. It doesn't have to be extreme, just a fun day skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, climbing, kayaking.... whatever. What kind of stuff do you do in the outdoors? We want you on the show. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-77

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 15:18:00 GMT

Happy New Year and welcome to the first Doing Stuff Outdoors of 2009. On today's show we take you along as Gary joins a pair of avid birders for the annual Christmas Bird Count. This started over a hundred years ago when a small group of conservationists decided to count the birds instead of shooting them during the regular holiday hunt. Today thousands of volunteer birders armed with binoculars and checklists go out on a certain day during the Christmas period to record all the birds they see. Gary goes outdoors with Richard Blacquiere and Harvey McLeod as they count the birds.

We also have a nice comment from Podcast Bob and podsafe music from Kensington Prairie. Next time on DSO, a feature interview with author Maria Coffey about her latest book 'Explorers of the Infinite'.

Send your comments, ideas and suggestions to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-76

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:17:00 GMT

This is our Christmas show and the last DSO of 2008. We thought we'd take you sailing instead of the predictable winter outdoor activities you do at Christmas. Back in the fall, Gary went out for an evening of sailboat racing on the St. John River. These are big boats, the kind you find in yacht clubs and the sailors take their racing pretty seriously. But there's still room for a lot of fun. Join Skipper Danny and his crew of Smitty, Mike and Gary on an almost windless night as they tackle the challenge of light air racing.

We have a Christmas comment from Mike in Illinois and seasonal podsafe music from Dusty Hughes. Email your comments about the show and story ideas to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

We're taking a brief holiday break and will be back with a new show in January. Thanks for listening and downloading over the past year. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-75

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:48:00 GMT

We return to Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail again this week. Avid hiker Kurt Papke tells us about his relationship with the trail. He's hiked all 205 miles of the trail in three sections and he's covered several sections multiple times. He's also tackled the trail in the winter on snowshoes. He's written a detailed trip report of a through-hike of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area trail, the "Border Route" with the northernmost section of the SHT to create a 1-week 100 mile wilderness hike. Kurt is also a tester for Backpackgeartest.org. He knows the trail, its history and plans for its future. He's passionate about the Superior Hiking Trail.

Also on the show we'll tell you more about the sport of tour skating. It's big in Sweden and Scandinavia but almost unheard of in North America. And we'll share a heart warming email with a listener in New Jersey who on a recent vacation in Maine, rediscovered his need for the outdoors in his life.

Podsafe music this week from The Los Dos Bros. Next time on DSO, we'll go sailboat racing and celebrate Christmas. Contact the show at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-74

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 22:18:00 GMT

Our feature interview today is with a guy who went on a 5 day hike on the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota which runs along the north shore of Lake Superior from Two Harbors all the way to the Canadian border. Jason Francis of Stevens Point, Wisconsin hiked about 45 miles of the 205 mile trail by himself. He says it was some of the most beautiful country he's ever seen. We'll talk to Jason about his adventure and then next time on DSO we'll have another interview about the trail, this time with avid hiker Kurt Papke.

On a previous show we spoke with Gord Maddison of Ottawa, Ontario. He's a high school teacher and outdoor enthusiast. On the same show we read an email from a listener in Sweden. Well, it turns out this listener and Gord have a connection and we'll fill you in on this 'isn't it a small world' coincidence. Gord also tells us about his new podcast about a hike in the Lower Great Range of the Adirondack Mountains.

Enjoy some Podsafe music from Damh the Bard and email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-73

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:09:00 GMT

Our feature story today is about a guy and his boat. It's about a man who is passionate about wooden boats. We'll meet Skipper Charlie Creaser on board his 88 year old sardine fishing vessel the 'Brunswick Maid'. It's a living and breathing piece of New Brunswick maritime heritage. This isn't your typical outdoors story, although the lifestyle is similar. I think you'll enjoy it.

We have comments about a Turkey Trot in Utah, the rocky trails of Pennsylvania and we'll find out what ever happened to our buddy Warren in Alberta.

Podsafe music from Joshua Kobak & Swim and The All Girl Summer Fun Band. Contact the show by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-72

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:05:00 GMT

Gord Maddison is an outdoor enthusiast from Ottawa, Ontario. He runs, hikes, paddles, camps and likes spending time with his family in the outdoors. He's a regular listener who emailed a while back about his participation in the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Footrace in New York. In our feature interview we talk about that event and about his outdoor family adventures this summer. Gord tells us about their trip across Canada with visits to sites like the incredible Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, a world heritage site. We find out about an intense summer storm that snapped tent poles throughout the campground and we talk about life in an outdoors family. Gord also has plans to start his own podcast about Dad's and Kid's in the outdoors.

Also on the show we hear from a homesick listener in Sweden, talk about Ray Mears and his BBC TV Show on Bushcraft and we check in with David Leach, a former guest on the show who wrote the book 'Fatal Tide' about a fatality during an adventure race. He was awarded a Special Jury Mention at the recent Banff Mountain Book Awards. Podsafe music on the show this week from Great Big Sea.
Email your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventure stories to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

DoingStuffOutdoorsTV-02

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:40:00 GMT

Welcome to the second video edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. On today's show we're going to the second annual Reverse Freestyle Kayak and BoaterX competition held at the world famous Reversing Falls in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. This event brings together the top freestyle, whitewater paddlers from the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and Maine.

The BoaterX competition sees kayakers racing through the rapids around a course at low tide. The Freestyle event has paddlers doing flips and cartwheels on the huge standing waves created by the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy, (the highest in the world) combining with the powerful flow of the mighty St. John River. At high tide the water through these rapids actually reverses and flows upstream. Many locals still consider it suicidal going anywhere near these waters at low or high tide.

Weâre going to get in on the action by talking to some of the paddlers who will explain what itâs really like being in these raging waters with whirlpools large enough and powerful enough to pull a boat underwater and hold it there. We'll meet long time paddlers like Harold Cox, the manager of the Canadian Freestyle Kayaking Team. Weâll find out why these kayakers have such a passion for extreme white water.

For more on the Reversing Falls and kayaking in Atlantic Canada check out Atlantic Kayaker. Podsafe music by AjT.
Email your comments to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-71

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 22:17:00 GMT

The Fundy Footpath is a rugged, wilderness hiking trail that hugs the Bay of Fundy shoreline in the province of New Brunswick. It's a tough trail with lots of ups and downs and switchbacks. Usually this 50 km trail is a three day hike. Our feature interview today is with two guys who along with a few others, ran this trail in 13 hours. Their names are Lloyd English and Darrell Travis and they're no slouches. Both run marathons, in fact Darrell has run Boston 12 times. And they both agree, running the footpath is the toughest thing they've ever done.

The start of the ski season is just around the corner if it hasn't already began where you are. We have a comment about skiing in North Carolina in October. (Who knew you could ski that early in the southeast.) Gary goes to the annual ski swap at his local ski hill Poley Mountain. Ski swaps are the best places to find bargains on ski gear. And a listener wants to know more about outdoor gym equipment in public places.

Podsafe music from The Crash Moderns. Email your comments to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-70

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:22:00 GMT

Maria Coffey and her husband Dag Goering own an outdoor adventure company called Hidden Places. Together they lead sea-kayaking expeditions around the globe. He's a photographer and she's an author. Maria has written a number of books, most with an outdoor theme. (In a future program we'll feature an interview with her about her latest book) On this edition we talk to Maria about her love of the outdoors and how she came to share that passion with others.

Also on the show... remembering arctic pioneer Ralph Plaisted and thoughts on buying new running shoes and testing a little kayak in rough water. We have more comments on the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota and Gary gets a few tips on losing weight for his ongoing fitness challenge.

Podsafe music this week from David Usher and Smallfish. Send comments and outdoor stories to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-69

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:45:00 GMT

We go mountain climbing on this edition of DSO. Gary and a group of outdoor enthusiasts head to Baxter State Park to climb the highest mountain in Maine. Mount Katahdin stands at 5,267 feet and is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Katahdin is a popular hiking and backpacking destination and the centerpiece of the park. The most famous hike to the summit is called the Knife Edge, which traverses the ridge between Pamola Peak and Baxter Peak. Katahdin has claimed over 20 lives in the past 40 years mostly from exposure in bad weather and falls from the Knifes Edge.

Our climb to the summit takes place just before access to the mountain is restricted in mid October. Already higher elevations have seen snow and ice and during the climb, patches of snow are still visible. The group chose one of the more challenging trails to the summit that was still open because of the high winds. That day we experienced sustained winds of 60 miles-per-hour with gusts to 80 mph. So come along on the climb with Gary and the other members of his party. He also stops and talks to other climbers they meet along the trail, including some thru-hikers completing a seven month Appalachian adventure at the summit.

Podsafe music this week from Lisa Redford of the UK. We'll also hear updates on Gary's fitness challenge to lose weight and news about putting a new kayak through its paces. Also an email about 'Becoming an Outdoorswoman'. Contact the show at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-68

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:04:00 GMT

Elizabeth Underwood and Philip Nelson are a couple who run and train together. Gary met up with them this summer at a ten mile race they both competed in. They got talking after the race about they how they train together given the demands of busy schedules and shift work.

Lorne Blagdon takes us to Hot Springs, North Carolina on today's episode of Trail Magic. He says he finds Hot Springs a weird kind of place. Something didn't feel right about it. The problem started with a loud rooster at a campground that woke everyone up at the crack of dawn. Then Lorne discovers he has lost 30 pounds during the last month on the trail. And then it gets even weirder when he starts hearing stories about people seeing demons. That was it...they leave Hot Springs as fast as they can.

Also on the show... comments about a 5 day hike on the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota and about Jesus Rocks that make you look like you're walking on water. We have an update on the Bruce family fall canoe trip, an interesting version of the classic poem 'The Cremation of Sam McGee' and a podsafe song from Allison Crowe. Next time on DSO, climbing Maine's Mount Katahdin.

email: doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-67

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 19:35:00 GMT

We have a busy show on this edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. Our feature interview is with a family that enjoys spending time together in the outdoors. Every year Tom Bruce and his four kids ranging in age from about 16 to 31, go on a wilderness canoe trip together. It's just Dad, Alex, Eric, Adrienne and Ian. Mom stays home. They all look forward to it every year. Gary met up with three of the Bruce clan, who also happen to be his relatives, and they talk about their annual escape to the outdoors.

Gary updates us on the visit by Hurricane Kyle and his fitness challenge to lose weight by Christmas. Enjoy some podsafe music by The Manatee Man and Adam from Oregon shares a tale of instant camouflage. James Kehoe of Arizona comments on the high price of gas and shares his honeymoon video with us. (no not that, a video of outdoor adventures) Ken Knight, a legally blind backpacker, kayaker and snowshoer tells us about his new podcast The Wandering Knight and about his participation in the 29th Great Outdoors Challenge in Scotland. And finally Anthony of Anthony's Audio Journal checks in with some comments and photos of a recent hike to Goat Canyon Trestle, one of the highest and longest, curved, wooden train trestles in the world. And somehow millionaire adventurer, the late Steve Fossett comes up in the discussion.

Comment Line: 206-600-4557 email: doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-66

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 20:40:00 GMT

We have a different sort of outdoor adventure on today's show. It's a combination of historical treasure hunt, geocaching and good old fashioned hiking. Gary joins four model railroad and train enthusiasts, Lou McIntyre, Mike Gerrits, Lawrence van der Meer and Bob Henry as they follow the route of an old, abandoned rail line. The Hampton and St. Martins Railroad operated from 1876 to 1940 in southern New Brunswick. Most of the old rail bed still exists and following it turns into an all day adventure.

Also on the show... some comments about 69 year old runner Frank Kelly we featured on DSO-65 and podsafe music from Dave Potts.

Comment Line: 206-600-4557 email: doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-65

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:22:00 GMT

Frank Kelly is an avid runner who took up the sport at age 67. He ran his first race in work socks and hiking boots. Now at 69 he runs in events every weekend. Our feature interview with Frank Kelly is an inspiring story and it's not over yet. He's heading to the Boston Marathon.

On Trail Magic our Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Lorne Blagdon is still in the Smoky Mountains and he says they get their name for good reason. In this episode Lorne experiences MUD's (mindless up and downs) more rain and beautiful waterfalls cascading down the mountain. He meets a four foot long black snake crossing the trail and finds more snakes in the shelter which is good because they eat the mice. Our intrepid hikers achieve their first 20 mile day on the trail and we end this segment of Trail Magic as they approach Hot Springs, North Carolina.

Also comments from you about using mp3 players in the outdoors, Andrew Spender in the UK writes to suggest I get in touch with a friend of his, Pete Wilson who is traveling around Australia with his family and we have a comment about outdoorzy.com. Plus podsafe music from Big Rain.

Comment Line: 206-600-4557 email: doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-64

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:37:00 GMT

Just a single interview on today's show but probably the most significant and important program we've produced so far. Nick Reese is a climber, skier, blogger and outdoor enthusiast in Canberra, Australia. He's been on the show before. A few weeks ago, he emailed Gary and told him about a weekend backcountry skiing trip he'd been on that ended in tragedy. Nick and his buddy were witnesses to an avalanche that resulted in the death of a young skier. It was just the third avalanche fatality in Australia in the last 50 years. Nick was involved in the search for this skier. He's written a detailed and compelling account of the tragedy in his blog 'Wild Adventure' and on the Australian climbing site 'Chockstone Forum'

If you're a backcountry skier or boarder or if you spend time in the mountains, you owe it to yourself to listen to this interview.

Comment Line: 206-600-4557 email: doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-63

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:57:00 GMT

The remnants of Hurricane Hanna roared through Gary's town, flooding streets and washing out rail-beds and turning Gary into a big wussy. He was supposed to run in a 5 mile race that morning but the torrential rain and wind made him think better of it. So he stayed in bed late and instead of running he recorded today's program.

We have a feature interview with a man named Rafe Hooper who operates an outfitting and canoe/kayak rental business called Osprey Adventures. He's always loved the outdoors and being on the water and now he truly has the lifestyle he's always wanted. What could be better than doing what you love to do outdoors for a living.

Gary introduces us to an outdoor activity that is unlike most of the ones we cover on Doing Stuff Outdoors. And yet thousands and thousands of people do it every weekend. We're going to take you 'Yard-Sale-ing'.

Podsafe music on the show this week from Blake Morgan with some help from Lennie Kravitz. And we have some comments from Gord in Ottawa and an update on the active couple we spoke with last time on DSO. Smitty from nlrunning.com tells us how Jim and Kathy Whelan made out in the Triathlon and Ironman Competition this summer

Email: doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca Comments Line: 206.600.4557

Doing Stuff Outdoors-62

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 20:56:00 GMT

Our feature interview today is with a family that lives an active, outdoors lifestyle. Jim and Kathy Whelan have four children and live in St. Johns, Newfoundland. Jim and Kathy compete regularly in triathlons, bike races and cross country ski marathons and they encourage their children to do the same. Gary met them at a run this summer where their oldest son, 13 year old Marty was competing in his first 5km race. The Whelan's talk about the importance of being active in the outdoors and how they encourage their kids to follow their example.

Adam from Oregon calls in with a comment about the growing popularity of wilderness survival courses like Practical Primitive. He says they're meeting a need in these fast paced lives we all live. In the UK it's called 'bushcraft' and Bob from the Outdoors Station has done some terrific podcasts on this topic. Check them out.

We have podsafe music from an interesting band out of California called Holiday and the Adventure Pop Collective.

Comment Line: 206-600-4557 Email: doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-61

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:14:00 GMT

On July 1st, 2008 Patrick Stark of Toronto set off by himself in his kayak to circumnavigate Georgian Bay. The expedition took him 40 days and covered approximately 1000km. His goal was to raise $5000 for the Georgian Bay Land Trust, a non-profit group working to protect the Eastern shore and North Channel of Georgian Bay. When it was over Pat raised over $7,000 with donations still coming in and he experienced an adventure of a lifetime.

Pat Stark is our feature interview on today's show. He'll tell us how the adventure started and why he dedicated his summer to this project. We'll hear about his encounters with wild weather, rolling waves, funnel clouds, lake freighters and even bears. Pat tells us about the wonderful people he met on this paddle, the history he learned and how he appreciates the beauty of the bay even more now.

Pat sent along a number of photos from the trip, a few of which I've posted here. If you'd like to comment about Pat's trip call our comment line at 206.600.4557 or email me at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-60

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:22:00 GMT

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Our feature interview today is with Wade Heflin of Kentucky. He's one of 3 founders and owners of Outdoorsy.com, a social networking site that allows outdoor enthusiasts to connect online. It provides the tools to help them prepare for and improve their outdoor experiences. Wade is also an outdoors guy who has had adventures all over the world and shares them online.

Lorne Blagdon picks up the tale of his through hike of the Appalachian Trial on 'Trail Magic'. Today's story starts in the Smoky Mountains at the highest point on the trail and goes quickly downhill from there. Lorne tells us about the mice infested shelters, the fascination with trail log books and walking the trail with one foot in Tennessee and the other in North Carolina.

We have some podsafe music from a British Columbia band with a great name... 'The Great Outdoors'. Great music too. Next time on DSO a feature interview with Pat Stark who has just completed a 40 day paddle around Georgian Bay in his kayak. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or call the comments line at 206.600.4557.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-59

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:13:00 GMT

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This show is recorded live at Gary's family cottage near Parry Sound, Ontario. He's been on vacation for the last four weeks and has been offline for most of that time and quite enjoyed it. This is a holiday show. On the way to Ontario, Gary met a Cub Pack from Essex, Vermont on their way for a day of outdoor adventure at Ausable Chasm in New York State. You'll hear that interview and then we'll take you to the horseshoe pit at the cottage where we'll hear about the fine art of playing horseshoes during family gatherings. It's all about tossing horsehoes while enjoying live music and cold beer.

Podsafe music this week again from Anna Coogan and North 19. Call the comments line 206.600.4557 or email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-58

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:49:00 GMT

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Gary was out kayaking earlier this summer and he came across three women also in kayaks returning from a long days paddle. He met up with them as they were taking their boats out of the water and had a chat. It turns out these three adventurers know a thing or two about the outdoors. Linda Adams, Joanne Hansen and Jane Goudreau are not what you would call kids. They have a lot of adventures under their belts including long paddles, hikes, building and staying in a teepee in the winter and one of them is headed to the Himalayas' this fall. They love the outdoors and having fun together and you're going to love this interview.

We also have a podsafe tune from Anna Coogan and North 19 and a tale about a long paddle from Adam in Oregon. Call the comments line at 206.600.4557 or email doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-57

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:57:00 GMT

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Our feature item on today's show is about kids and fishing. Gary went for a bike ride to a favorite fishing spot and discovered a fun, family fishing derby underway. Most of the participants were in boats but he found a few fishing from the shore. We'll meet John Clark and his five year old daughter Alexis. It's her first time fishing and she's armed with her pink Barbie fishing rod. As you'll discover, there's something special about taking your child on her first fishing trip. We'll also talk to Deborah Walton and her son Colin. He wanted to enter the derby and spend time outdoors with his mom. Do they catch anything or does it really matter? You'll have to listen to find out. We also have a great podsafe fishing tune from Paul Sachs.

We have an audio comment about the price of gas and the impact it's having on outdoor recreation. This comes from Rylan and Golden from the Southeastern Backpackers Podcast. Call in your comments to 206.600.4557 or email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Next time we'll meet three interesting women who love the outdoors and have fun kayaking, hiking and even building teepee's together.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-56

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 21:09:00 GMT

It's a hot and humid summer day so Gary records the show out on his deck complete with a fake babbling brook. He'll explain. Our feature item is another segment on rock climbing. We'll meet up with two buddies as they prepare to climb a particularly challenging route. We'll find out why they do what they do and what the sport means to them.

Also on the show your comments on the high price of gas and the affect it's having on your ability to get to outdoor places. We'll hear from a listener who has taken up running and shed 30 pounds in the process. Another listener calls in a comment about the use of mp3 players in the outdoors. Gary has the story of an Oregon man who completes a 320-kilometre flight in his lawn chair and some good news for older runners concerned about their knees. And we'll feature a podsafe tune from Barb Carbon.

Next time on the show.... kids and fishing. Call the comments line at 206.600.4557 or send an email to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-55

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 20:27:00 GMT

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What's that they say about the family that rock climbs together... stays together? This week on DSO-55 Gary meets Greg Hughes and Stacy Couturier and their young daughters Megan and Emily. This family lives the outdoors lifestyle and we'll meet them as they get ready to do some climbing.

On Trail Magic Lorne Blagdon takes us into the Smoky Mountains where the rains were torrential. He has encounters with wild boars, black bears and sees a wild turkey while climbing to the peak of Rocky Top in Tennessee, made famous by the song. Also on this leg of the hike they climb the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail, Klingman's Dome at 6,643 feet.

Enjoy some podsafe music from The Ones and we'll hear some of your comments on the outdoors, recording audio in the field and a tv show and video podcast about California Gold. Next time on DSO our final segment on rock climbing and some thoughts on why we shouldn't listen to our mp3 players in the outdoors.

Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-54

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:17:00 GMT

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Many years ago Gary was introduced to rock climbing by a climber named Steve Adamson. He's climbed mountains all over the world including the Himalayas and he's organizing a trip to Everest. He still does rock climbing and ice climbing and is still introducing new people to the sport he loves. On this edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors we meet up with Steve at one of the best rock climbing sites in the maritimes as he takes a group of scouts up the rock face for the first time.

A former guest on Doing Stuff Outdoors who produces a TV show called The Fishing Musicians is doing a new HD program about outdoor adventures in New Brunswick. We'll get a sneak peak at the new show and some of the outdoor delights to be found in Gary's home province.

Also on the show... podsafe music from the Great Bloomers and some comments about recording audio in the great outdoors. Call in your comments at 206.600.4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on the webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com.

Next time...more rock climbing. We'll meet a family with young children who all climb together and we head back to the Appalachian Trail with LorneBlagdon.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-53

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:24:00 GMT

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On June 1, 2002, sixty-eight after-work athletes and other âweekend warriorsâ set off from Saint John, New Brunswick, for a sweaty day of competitive adventure: 15 kilometres of trail running, 40K of mountain biking, and 12 kilometres of sea kayaking on the legendary Bay of Fundy. However, as a storm swept across the final paddling section, what began as a fun introduction to the sport of adventure racing soon turned into a tragedy that would haunt many of the participants for years to come.

That's the summary of a new book by David Leach called Fatal Tide: When the Race of a Lifetime Goes Wrong. It tells the story of the first death of an adventure racer in North America and the impact this tragedy has had on the sport and even on reality TV. Our feature interview on this edition of DSO is with investigative journalist, author and assistant professor of writing at the University of Victoria, David Leach.

Also on the show podsafe music from Denis Kitchen and more of your comments about your longest paddle ever. We'll hear about a difficult trip in low water in a wilderness area of New Brunswick, a three day trip to the Assateague National Seashore in Maryland and a week long kayaking/camping trip to Barkley Sound on the west coast of BC.

Call in your comments to 206.600.4557. Email me at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on the webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com.

Next time on DSO... we'll take you rock climbing.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-52

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:09:00 GMT

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On this edition of DSO we meet best selling author, founder and CEO of the Running Room, John Stanton. He's written four books on running, run more than 60 marathons, hundreds of road races and numerous triathlons. Stanton was introduced to running as an overweight, out of shape, smoker who then went on to start a chain of running and walking specialty retail stores across Canada and in the U.S. His goal is to encourage others to get active and he's helped thousands of people to lose weight, improve their health and fitness level and truly change their lives. In just a few minutes he diagnosed and fixed a running problem that had plagued Gary for a long time. John Stanton is our feature interview today on Doing Stuff Outdoors.

Also on the show, a great podsafe tune from a band called Sunspot and more of your comments. Gord writes about a race to the top of Whiteface Mountain, Lloyd tells us about a blog that focuses on relevant events and issues that impact wildlife and their habitat and Warren says goodbye, at least for a while.

Next time on DSO a feature interview with the author of a book about an Adventure Race that went terribly wrong. A young participant died of exposure while kayaking in the race. David Leach covered the tragedy for an outdoor magazine and has written a book about it called, "Fatal Tide: When the Race of a Lifetime Goes Wrong". He says the accident has had a major impact on adventure racing ever since.

Also on the show we'll have more stories of your longest paddle ever. Call in your comments to 206.600.4557 or email doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment at doingstuffoutdoors.com

Doing Stuff Outdoors-51

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 19:10:00 GMT

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Last January world-class Canadian runner Alison Wiley and 11 other women in their 40's from the Toronto area stood on the summit of Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro. Their six day climb was an adventure of a lifetime for all of them. It was also a way for Alison to help street kids in the nearby town of Moshi, Tanzania. The women used their climb to raise money for Amani Childrenâs Home, a facility that offers local kids food, clothing, love and hope. Our feature interview on this edition of DSO is with Alison Wiley.

If you're interested in learning more about climbing Kilimanjaro check out this video from Tusker Trail. We have some great podsafe music on the show from Africa by African Cream Kids. Also some comments from Amy and Warren. And Gary talks about his longest paddle ever, three days on the St John River. If you want to tell us about your longest paddle or your latest climb up a mountain call out comments line at 206.600.4557, email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on our webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com.

Next time on DSO, a feature interview with John Stanton, author and founder of the Running Room.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-50

Wed, 28 May 2008 19:50:00 GMT

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Our feature interview this week is with Patrick Stark of Toronto. On July 1st he's beginning a challenging solo expedition in his kayak. Pat is circumnavigating Georgian Bay. The bay is an incredibly beautiful and environmentally sensitive part of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. Patrick will paddle his kayak over 1,000 km in a trip that's expected to last about 40 days. He'll experience some of the best kayaking to be found anywhere but at the same time he'll have to be prepared for storms and crashing waves along a coastline that has claimed many ships over the years. He's paddling to raise money for the Georgian Bay Land Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting this important body of water.

Lorne Blagdon returns with another edition of 'Trail Magic', his journal about hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. We pick up the story in North Carolina at Fontana Dam, one of the few places on the trail where you can get a nice hot shower. Lorne tells us about a legendary, twisty road in the mountains called the 'Dragon'. Also a hiking tip on how to use the US Postal Service to carry some of the load by sending a 'Bump Box' along the trail.

Also on the show some podsafe music from Youth Reference and more of your comments. Don't forget to call in and tell us about your longest paddle. Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes. Check us out on twitter at 'doingstuff'. Next time we'll climb Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-49

Wed, 21 May 2008 16:24:00 GMT

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I'm sure all lovers of the outdoors would agree we need to protect and preserve as much of the wilderness as we can. Wilderness areas everywhere in the world are being threatened by development and even sometimes by recreational use. Our feature story on today's program is about a unique initiative underway in Canada to protect wilderness areas. It's called 'The Big Wild' and the goal is is to keep at least half of Canada's public land and water wild forever. We talk to Roberta Clowater of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in New Brunswick about the program, how it works and how you can get involved.

We have some podsafe music from Dave McCormick of West Virginia questioning where all the trees have gone. And more of your comments about the outdoors and the program. We'll hear from a listener in Texas who thinks we should do something on mp3 players and what people listen to in the outdoors. Good idea! And we'll hear from another listener in New Hampshire who loves hiking, camping and canoeing but also likes ATV's and 4X4's and believes an outdoors person can enjoy both. Also a DSO anniversary message.

Contact us by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or call the comments line at 206.600.4557. Leave a comment at doingstuffoutdoors.com or on outdoorzy.com. And help me figure out how Twitter works by contacting me there at 'doingstuff' and telling me what you're doing in the outdoors. Next time on the show more Trail Magic with Lorne Blagdon and we'll climb Kilimanjaro.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-48

Wed, 14 May 2008 16:54:00 GMT

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We're going to take you paragliding on this edition of DSO. I know I said I was finished with snow for a while but I couldn't resist running this feature. When I was skiing at Panorama Mountain in British Columbia back in March I came across a group of paragliders. They were holding their annual Easter Paragliding Festival. I hung around and watched for a while and got talking to the organizer Max Fanderl. He was born in Germany and came to Canada in 1992. This guy lives for flying and he flies everything... airplanes, gliders, ultra-lights, hang gliders and of course paragliders. They're those things that look like a cross between a parachute and a kite. In the winter they take off on skis and in the summer they just run and jump off mountains. I had an interesting conversation with Max at the launch site on the mountain, about the sport, the appeal and the risks involved. We also talked to Max about his upcoming participation in the X-Alps, said to be one of the toughest Adventure Races in the world. (Look for this paragliding feature as an HD Video segment of Doing Stuff Outdoors in the fall)

We'll also have more of your comments about the program and about outdoor things. Roman from the Lighthiker's World blog sends along a nice note and Anthony Jones of Anthony's Audio Journal sends us an audio comment. We've thrown in a great cut of podsafe music from Blake Morgan. I've also started a Twitter account. It's called 'doingstuff'. I couldn't fit the word 'Outdoors' into the title. Anyway... don't know much about all this social networking stuff but I though Twitter might be a good way to keep in touch with listeners and a way for you to let me know what you're up to in the outdoors. So follow me and I'd like to follow you on Twitter.

You can also call your comments in to the comments line at 206.600.4557. Email me at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on the webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com. Next time on the show we'll tell you about a new program designed to protect and preserve wilderness areas called 'The Big Wild'.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-47

Wed, 7 May 2008 16:44:00 GMT

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In this edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors we're going sailing....or at least we'll talk to a man who lives and breathes the sea. It took him three years but he built his own day-sailor out of wood following traditional boat building plans. We'll talk about the joy you get from sailing in a wooden boat that you built yourself.

And we all have visions of the mighty Nile River. Thanks to our friends at the Outdoors Station we'll hear about a tour operator who organizes amazing kayaking expeditions along the Nile.

Also today... more of your comments including a look at a new product that allows you to create your own 3D trail maps of routes in the Canadian Rockies. And we'll talk a little about getting outdoors with kids. Plus more podsafe music from Great Big Sea.

Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes.
Next week we'll take you paragliding in the mountains.....

Doing Stuff Outdoors-46

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:56:00 GMT

We take one last look at skiing and snow on this episode. Gary and a group of his regular gang of backcountry skiers sneak away for a late season weekend of skiing in the Chic Choc Mountains of the Gaspe Peninsula in the province of Quebec. This area and these mountains are a hidden gem. They're a continuation of the Appalachian Range with the highest peak a little over 4,000 feet in elevation. But these hills have a big mountain feel to them. Much of the terrain is above tree line and the area is known for it's abundant snow and fabulous backcounty skiing and hiking. But the secret is getting out, especially the popular hut to hut ski treks. Gary ran into a group of mainly first time Chic Choc skiers from New England. They talk about their adventures in the area and late season skiing, not just in Gaspe but also the legendary Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

Lone Blagdon has more Trail Magic for us. He picks up his Appalachian Trail adventure at the Nantahala Outdoor Centre in North Carolina where he meets a thru hiker who has to quit the trail and passes on some goodies to Lorne and his daughter. Also in this account... revenge of the chili dogs, dry beans for breakfast, the luxury of a hot shower and beware of falling trees.

We'll also feature some of your feedback including another 'Where To Get Stuff' suggestion... Campmor. Podsafe music from the popular Atlantic Canadian band Great Big Sea.

If you'd like to recommend your favorite place to get outdoor gear or your favorite trail or place to hike contact us by email at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or call our comments line at 206.600.4557.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-45

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:26:00 GMT

In April 2008, Kimber Sider and her horse Kat are embarking on an incredible adventure. They'll ride west from Nova Scotia with a goal of the Pacific Coast of Canada, 6,000+km and 5-6 months down the road. Her driving inspiration is Barbara Kingscote's 1949 journey from Mascouche, Quebec to Vancouver, British Columbia. Our feature interview on the show is with Kimber Sider.

Bob Cartwright from The Outdoors Station sends along an interview he did at the recent Canoe Expo in Stoneleigh in the UK with one of the owners of Ocean Paddler Magazine.

Gary talks about the post he found in the Lighthiker's World blog listing some favorite outdoor podcasts including SNEWS Live, the Dirtbag Diaries and DSO.

Podsafe music this episode from The Wyrd Sisters, aptly named âCanada's First Ladies of Folkâ by international music critics.

Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes.

Next week on the show more Trail Magic from Lorne Blagdon and a final backcountry ski trip to the Chic Chocs.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-44

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:55:00 GMT

Gary winds up his skiing adventure in British Columbia with a visit to Panorama Mountain Village near Invermere. Panorama is an immense mountain with 4,000 feet of vertical, awe inspiring views everywhere you look, uncrowded slopes and amazing backcountry style skiing right off the lift. We'll meet some folks who live year round at the mountain and enjoy that west coast, outdoors lifestyle. We'll hear about the early days of skiing on the mountain and explore the backcountry opportunities that surround the resort. Skiing is now over for the season at Panorama but the outdoor adventure continues through the summer. Check out the website.

Next time on the show we'll meet a woman with a passion for horses who's about to embark on a 6,000 km plus ride across Canada from coast to coast. Call in and record your comments at 206.600.4557 or email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Be active... be healthy and enjoy the outdoors.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-43

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 23:55:00 GMT

On this special edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors Gary goes to Purcell Mountain Lodge in British Columbia. It's a slice of heaven nestled in an alpine meadow surrounded by towering summits and tumbling glaciers. This luxurious, wilderness alpine retreat is accessible only by helicopter. It's a magical place, completely off the grid with its own water treatment plant and power generation from a nearby stream. Only a limited number of visitors are permitted each year. They come for hiking in the summer and the champaign powder in the winter. Guests can choose from backcountry touring with skis or snowboards, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or even tobogganing. It's a winter wonderland.

Gary joined five others for a four day telemark backcountry adventure. There were plenty of fresh tracks through knee deep powder every day. They experienced 2000-foot descents through treed glades and in alpine bowls. And there were some surprises thrown in as well. Gary recorded an audio diary every day with all the skiers, the two guides and lodge staff. You'll hear about all the experiences, all the stories and adventures... it's like being at Purcell Mountain Lodge yourself. Enjoy.

Next week Gary wraps up his BC skiing adventure with a visit to Panorama Mountain Village. Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-42

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:37:00 GMT

Gary is back from his skiing adventure in British Columbia. He'll share the trip with you over the next three programs. We'll begin in the town of Golden, BC at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This is one big mountain. Kicking Horse boasts the longest vertical in the Kootenay Rockies at 4,133 feet. It has 106 runs, 70 inbound chutes and 2750 acres of terrain. We'll learn about the history of the ski resort and the railroad town of Golden. We'll meet some of the local characters who ski here including a young telemarker from Calgary and a 72 year old skier who loves the steeps and skis with a camera on his helmet. We'll visit with some first time Kicking Horse skiers from Toronto and a member of the trail crew who works on avalanche control.

During his time in the area Gary stayed at a fabulous Bed & Breakfast in Golden called Home Lodge. We'll meet the owners Simon and Lynn who escaped to the mountains of British Columbia a few years ago from Britain. And finally we'll get to know a guy from the U.S who's been coming to to Kicking Horse every winter for the past six years.

Next week Gary takes us to Purcell Mountain Lodge for some of the best backcountry skiing in the world. Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes.

DoingStuffOutdoorsTV-01

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 21:29:00 GMT

Welcome to the very first full video edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. We didn't know what to call it so we picked the incredibly original title of DoingStuffOutdoorsTV. (We had to call it something different from the audio version) This first episode is all about the sport and art of ice climbing. This is where people armed with ice axes and crampons tackle a frozen waterfall for fun. We went to the annual Ice Festival held on an island in the Kennebecasis River near Saint John in New Brunswick. Some of the best ice climbers from the region gather for this event and it attracts many beginners too.

We interviewed three climbers, Joe Kennedy, Denise Hamel and Steve Adamson. Steve is known as the grandfather of climbing in this area with many mountaineering expeditions from all over the world under his belt. They tell us what the experience and adventure of ice climbing is all about and why they do it.

We hope you enjoy the program. If you do let us know by calling our comments line at 206.600.4557. You can email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment here on this page. And if you like the stuff you find here be sure to subscribe to Doing Stuff Outdoors in iTunes and encourage your fellow outdoor enthusiasts to do the same.

Gary is out in the Canadian Rockies right now skiing and gathering more video and audio content for DSO. He'll be back in two weeks with another audio edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-41

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 02:03:00 GMT

It's all about ice this time on DSO. First Gary and a group of his backcountry skiing buddies explore a frozen river in New Brunswick. It's a trip they do every year, venturing through a wilderness area to reach the headwaters of the Kennebecasis River. It's always an amazing ski through some breathtakingly beautiful scenery but skiing on a frozen, fast moving river presents some unique challenges, especially if the ice is unstable. Listen in as the group recounts the adventure as they take a break beside an old covered bridge.

From a frozen river we go next to Jasper National Park in Alberta for an icewalk along the floor of the Maligne Canyon, one of North Americaâs deepest. Warren Isbister tells us about the guided trip he took past frozen waterfalls with 'Beyond the Beaten Path'.

And finally on this program we link up with Bob Cartwright of The Outdoors Station in the UK. Bob is the producer of some fabulous outdoor audio and video podcasts. He sent along an interview he did with Ed Bassett of EB Adventures at the UK's first Canoe Expo. EB Adventures is an adventure travel company that specializes in kayaking trips and expeditions.

Next week you should be able to watch the very first full video edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. It's a program about ice-climbing. We'll be back with another regular audio edition of DSO in about three weeks. Gary's going to be in British Columbia doing some backcountry telemark and lift skiing and collecting audio and video content for future programs.

If you have suggestions for the show or stories youâd like us to do call our comments line at 206.600.4557, email me at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on our webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com. And if you havenât done so already, subscribe to Doing Stuff Outdoors in iTunes and other podcast directories. And enjoy the outdoors.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-40

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:56:02 GMT

The Cross Country Ski Areas Association has been around for 30 years now with a goal of promoting x-c skiing at resorts. Gary continues his conversation on this show with Chris Frado, the Executive Director of the association. They talk about promoting the sport in the digital age, how x-c skiing has changed with the introduction of the skating technique and snow making at nordic centres and where the sport is headed in the future.

Lorne Blagdon is back with more 'Trail Magic', adventures from the Appalachian Trail. This time he tells us about his second encounter with real trail magic. Someone hiked along the trail and just left a cooler there full of soft drinks, candy bars and other tasty goodies. It was another random act of kindness encountered on the Appalachian Trail.

Gary also talks more about some of his favorite outdoor podcasts including content coming from The Outdoors Station in the UK and a hiking podcast called Anthony's Audio Journal. Next time we'll go ice walking in Jasper, ski up a river in sometimes challenging ice conditions and preview an interview from the UK about taking a vacation in an exotic country in a kayak.

If you have suggestions for the show, stories youâd like us to do call our comments line at 206.600.4557, email me at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on our webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com. And if you havenât done so already, subscribe to Doing Stuff Outdoors in iTunes and other podcast directories.

Be active...be healthy... and have fun in the outdoors.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-39

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:47:00 GMT

We have two interesting interviews on the program today. First we go to Australia for a conversation with Nick Reese. He has an outdoor blog called Wild Adventure, stories of outdoor adventures in Australia. Last summer we spoke with Nick about his skiing adventures during the winter season in Australia. Today Nick tells us about his favorite summer activities of rock climbing and bouldering. He's a great photographer and sent along some pictures that I've posted here.

Our second story is about x-c skiing. I have a chat with Chris Frado of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association. We find out about the organization, what it does and have a fascinating conversation about the early days of the sport in North America. Back in the 70's x-c skiing was booming. Everyone was doing it. But something went wrong. We'll talk about that and where the sport is today.

I found my interview with Chris so interesting we broke it in two and will feature the second half next week. We look at the future of cross country skiing, why trail grooming is so important and the increasing use of snowmaking at nordic resorts. Also next time, Lorne Blagdon will be back with more 'Trail Magic'.

Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-38

Sat, 9 Feb 2008 02:31:03 GMT

In our feature interview today we meet a former teacher of outdoor education who continues to share his passion for the outdoors with children. When Gig Keirstead retired he and his wife started an outdoors centre in New Brunswick called Elmhurst Outdoors. They provide maple sugar tours and meals, groomed x-c ski trails and outdoor education programs for schools. Gig talks about how important it is to get kids connected to the natural world again by doing things like building snow houses.

Listeners have wondered where Lorne Blagdon and his Trail Magic series disappeared to. Well he's back with another tale from the Appalachian Trail. Lorne and his daughter hiked the full trail from Georgia to Maine a few years ago. He has another hiking adventure to share with us.

Also on the podcast... comments about last weeks free advice on free-heel skiing, podsafe music from Pl@stic Soul, terrific outdoor podcasts from The Outdoors Station and squiggly ski tracks through the tombstones. Next week on the show... rock climbing and bouldering in Australia.

Call in your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventures to the comments line at 206-600-4557. Email Gary at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and subscribe to DSO in iTunes.

Doing Stuff Outdoors - 37

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 14:25:00 GMT

Gary was exploring a trail on snowshoes recently when he met Edwin Melanson. Edwin had an old pair of wooden snowshoes on and was out inspecting the trail. He's 75 years old and he calls himself a trail builder. Edwin is a long time outdoor enthusiast and the trailmaster of the Dobson Trail. He was also instrumental in the development of New Brunswick's spectacular Fundy Footpath. Gary talks to Edwin about his life as an outdoors trailblazer.

And Gary answers a listeners question about free-heel skiing. What's the difference between cross-country, backcountry and telemark? Gary brings us along on one of his solo x-c ski adventures to try and figure out why he enjoys the sport so much.

In the weeks to come on the program we'll go rock climbing in Australia, hiking in Jasper National Park and visit an outdoor education centre with some fabulous ski trails.

If you have suggestions for the show, stories you'd like us to do call our comments line at 206.600.4557, email me at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on our webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com. And if you haven't done so already, subscribe to Doing Stuff Outdoors in iTunes and other podcast directories.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-36

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:46:00 GMT

It's all about snowshoeing today on the podcast. Gary and his buddies go to Adair's Wilderness Lodge in the wilds of New Brunswick. Gary packs his trusty skis along but soon discovers the snow conditions and the terrain are better suited to snowshoes. He gets a taste of a winter mode of transportation that goes back thousands of years and is becoming more popular than ever thanks to a new breed of lightweight and versatile snowshoes. Join the group as they snowshoe along a wilderness trail past waterfalls and spectacular scenery. If you want to get a taste of what snowshoeing is all about this podcast is for you.

Be sure to check out the Doing Stuff Outdoors website for regular blog posts and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes . Call in your outdoor adventures and story ideas to the comments line at 206-600-4557 and email the show at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Next week a trail builder in his 70's who still gets a charge out of being in the outdoors.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-35

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 02:11:00 GMT

Some sobering content on todays program. This is a record year for avalanche fatalities across western North America. The snow pack in many mountain areas is unstable creating dangerous conditions for outdoor enthusiasts venturing into the backcountry. In our feature interview we check in with the Canadian Avalanche Centre. Poor winter driving conditions are also to blame for the deaths of eight people recently in a horrible highway accident in New Brunswick. The tragedy struck close to home for Gary and he talks a little about that.

Running guy Alex Coffin is back with a conversation about some of his most memorable runs. We have more of your comments about the show including praise for a climber who sometimes gets forgotten in the story of Mount Everest and comments about Gary's rant last time concerning access to the outdoors.

If youâd like to leave a comment about anything you hear on the show call the comments line at 206-600-4557 or email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on our webpage. Be sure to check out the Doing Stuff Outdoors website for regular blog posts and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes .

Doing Stuff Outdoors-34

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 01:22:00 GMT

Today we'll tell you about a hidden gem high in the hills of Cape Breton Island. It's a backcountry and telemark paradise called Ski Tuonela. A network of trails for skiers of every ability criss cross the mountain and Tuonela even offers the only lift serviced telemark skiing in Atlantic Canada. Skiers can stay for extended periods in a village, complete with cabins, dining hall and a wood fired sauna, located about half way up the mountain. The resort is only accessible by skis or snowshoes. It's a wilderness, winter wonderland.

Also on the show more listener comments from Toronto, Edmonton and Wales, a tribute to the first man to climb Mount Everest Sir Edmund Hillary and Gary winds things up with an outdoors rant about clear cutting and access to outdoor trails.

Next week some memorable runs from running guru Alex Coffin.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-33

Sat, 5 Jan 2008 00:44:00 GMT

On the first show of 2008 Gary talks to some avid skiers and snow boarders who braved a blizzard to play in some fresh powder snow. He's buried in the white stuff this winter and having a blast. Gary visits Poley Mountain, his local ski area in southern New Brunswick.

"Where to Get Stuff" is back and we'll hear about a paddling shop that's been called the 4th best in the world by National Geographic Adventure magazine. It's called White Squall and it's located near Parry Sound, Ontario.

Also today more of your email comments about the show. We'd like to hear from you. Contact us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or call the comments line at 206-600-4557. Next week we'll take you to a back country and telemark paradise on Cape Breton Island.

DSO-Video Promo

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 02:25:00 GMT

As promised here is our first video edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. Actually it's not a full show but more of a promo of what DSO is about. It features snippets of outdoor adventures on video. Some will be featured on full video editions of Doing Stuff Outdoors in the future. Hope you enjoy this sneak peak.

We'll be back with a new audio podcast next week. In the meantime have a safe and happy NewYear.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-32

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:17:00 GMT

On 'Where to Get Stuff' Gary takes us to one of his favorite outdoor gear shops. It's a store called Radical Edge in Fredericton, New Brunswick. It's one of those places where you can usually find what you want and if you can't they can get it for you. Gary talks to owner Mike Davis as he works on a pair of skis. Actually they're Gary's old downhill skis that are being flipped over for telemark use. Listen in as Mike talks about his passion for the outdoors.

Our buddy Warren Isbister from Edmonton is back with part three of his audio trail journal. He talks about a hike he and wife did last fall in Yoho National Park in beautiful British Columbia.

And in his Outdoor Ramble Gary talks about giving the gift of the outdoors this year for Christmas.

Podsafe Christmas music this week from Doug Boldt. Be sure to check out the Doing Stuff Outdoors website for regular blog posts and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes . Call in your outdoor adventures and story ideas to the comments line at 206-600-4557 and email the show at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

There won't be an audio edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors next week because Gary is taking a Christmas break and hoping to do some telemark skiing on his recycled downhill gear. But he is planning to post the first Doing Stuff Outdoors video content. It's a short promo for the show. Watch for it on the webpage and in iTunes.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-31

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:09:00 GMT

On the show today a feature interview with Andrew Cameron of Ottawa, Ontario. He spent five months this year riding his bike the length of Africa. He competed in the Tour d'Afrique, a 12,000 km bike race from Cairo to Cape Town. He says on the way he took the time to smell the roses and got to see and experience the real Africa. And it changed his life. We'll hear about his adventures on the longest bike race in the world.

Our buddy Warren from Edmonton, Alberta has another segment of his audio trail notes from a hike he and his wife enjoyed last fall in the spectacular Yoho National Park in BC. Also on the podcast some comments from listeners in Australia, Wales and California.

Weâll also tell you more about our âWhere To Get Stuffâ segment that weâve just launched. Weâre asking you to tell us your favorite place to get outdoor gear. Where do you find good quality, good service and a good price? Weâll feature your picks on the podcast. Email your suggestions to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. Call the comments line at 206-600-4557. Or leave your comments on our webpage.

Next week listen for Part Three of Warren's trail journal and the gift of the outdoors for Christmas.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-30

Sat, 8 Dec 2007 01:38:00 GMT

We're going telemark skiing on this edition of DSO with the gang from New England Telemark. They travel around promoting telemark skiing, giving lessons and introducing people to the sport. They hold clinics and host telemark festivals. It must be working because tele is one of the fastest growing segments of the sport. Gary met up with one of the directors, Matt DiBenedetto at Sunday River in Maine.

Warren Isbister is an outdoor enthusiast from Edmonton, Alberta in western Canada. He and his wife recently went on a three day hike in Yoho National Park. He kept a trail journal of the trip and sent it along in audio form. We have part one of Warren's journal.

In our 'Where To Get Stuff' segment Rex McInvale recommends the bike shop at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina. And running guy Alex Coffin has a suggestion for runners who don't like the winter. How about running in a swimming pool?

If youâd like to recommend an outdoor store or leave a comment about anything you hear on the show call the comments line at 206-600-4557 or email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on our webpage. Be sure to check out the Doing Stuff Outdoors website for regular blog posts and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes .

Next week, part two of Warren's trail journal and we'll meet a young cyclist who rode 12,000 km, the length of Africa, from Cairo to Cape Town.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-29

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:15:00 GMT

Our feature story today is about the absurd adventures of William Jans. He's a professional photographer from British Columbia who travels the world seeking out of the ordinary adventures. And he usually finds them. William puts it all together in a live multimedia show that gets rave reviews where ever he goes. From trekking in Tibet to chasing his luggage across the globe to the worst train rides in the world, he documents them all in his unique story telling style. If you crave outdoor adventure on the unusual side you'll enjoy this interview.

Also on the podcast we launch our 'Where To Get Stuff' segment. This is where you tell us who your favorite outdoor retailer is. As outdoor enthusiasts we all need gear. Sometimes it's difficult finding the stuff you need. So if you have a favorite shop, either local or online, where you get great service and a good price we want to hear about it. Today we feature a shop called Pack and Paddle in Louisiana.

If you'd like to recommend an outdoor store or leave a comment about anything you hear on the show call the comments line at 206-600-4557 or email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca or leave a comment on our webpage. Be sure to check out the Doing Stuff Outdoors website for regular blog posts and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes .

Next week we'll hear about an organization dedicated to promoting telemark skiing in New England and we'll listen in to an audio trail journal of a three day hike in Yoho National Park in British Columbia.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-28

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:16:00 GMT

On this edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors we go to the Sunday River ski area near Bethel, Maine for some early season sliding. Sunday River was the first area to open in the northeast with skiing on Halloween. They opened for the season a short time later. Gary and his skiing buddies wanted to get in some early turns so they traveled to Sunday River for the weekend. Gary speaks with Sunday River's marketing guy who gives him an overview of the area while riding up the chairlift. Gary then talks to skiers and boarders who came for as far away as San Diego for some early season snow. Finally Gary and his buddies review the weekend on the drive home. If there was one theme that came up again and again it was the growing popularity of telemark skiing everywhere this year including at Sunday River. If you haven't been able to get some skiing or boarding in yet this year you'll enjoy this little teaser of what's to come.

We'll also tell you more about our 'Where To Get Stuff' segment that we've just launched. We're asking you to tell us your favorite place to get outdoor gear. Where do you find good quality, good service and a good price? We'll feature your picks on the podcast. Email your suggestions to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. Call the comments line at 206-600-4557. Or leave your comments on our webpage.

Also on the show podsafe music from living in a loop and an email about the Hood to Coast Relay.

Next week we begin 'Where To Get Stuff', audio notes from a trail journal and absurd travel adventures.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-27

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:05:00 GMT

Today on the podcast we meet a man from Virginia who looks at a backyard and imagines a ski hill. Travis Roberts has a website called skiingathome.com. He is an advocate of doing your skiing at home and making your own ski runs and lifts. He's had his own backyard ski hill since he was a kid growing up on the family farm. Now with his website he helps others do the same. He's also into backyard snowmaking. We have a feature interview with Travis on todays show.

Last week Rex McInvale of Georgia told us about his fabulous outdoor adventure hiking in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. He took some incredible photographs and you can view them at Rex's Public Gallery. On this podcast we hear from Rex again with more of his thoughts about the outdoors and being an outdoor enthusiast.

Also today more of your comments and suggestions about the show. We also launch a new segment and we need your assistance. It's called "Where to Get Stuff". We all need gear in order to participate in the outdoor activities we enjoy. The more you do, the more gear you need. As we all know, outdoor stuff can be expensive and difficult to find. We want to know the best places to get those backcountry skis, snowshoes, packs, bikes, kayaks, sleeping bags and so on. Where do you find the best prices, quality and service? Is it a major online retailer or a small specialized local shop? Where do you get your gear? Call or email us with your picks and we'll feature them on the show. Our comments line is 206-600-4557 and our email is doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Podsafe music this week from Justin Gordon. Be sure to check out the Doing Stuff Outdoors website for regular blog posts and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes .

Next week I hope to have a feature program from Sunday River in Maine.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-26

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:50:00 GMT

Our feature interview today is with Rex McInvale of Canton, Georgia. He tells us about an outdoor experience he had in Wyoming. Here's the way Rex described the trip....

Last August, five friends and I hiked a modest loop in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. (We were just south of where the fellow mapped the section for Backpacker.) We started from the Big Sandy trail head and hiked through the Cirque of the Towers over Jackass Pass and Texas Pass. For most hikers, the Cirque is a destination, or something you pass by. I found a few references to an unmarked trail over one of the high passes and decided our trip should cross the Continental Divide twice.

Living -- and playing outside -- in the North Georgia mountains, all of us were accustomed to hiking well used and established trails. A cross country route, with a known beginning, a known end, and lots of question marks in between was exciting to say the least. Plus, it gave us the opportunity to pack as much "wow" into our limited time as we could.

As the trip planner, I was the most familiar with the route. When we arrived in the Cirque for our first night's camp, we were beaten down. Altitude and a very strenuous hike over extreme terrain and the largest boulder field I had seen to that point (It would be bested the following day.) had taken their collective toll on our weary band. I had hiked the last few miles with the least experienced of our group -- an avid cyclist, but he was on probably his fourth hike ever. I showed him the snow covered pass on the far side of the Cirque that we would go over the following day. Later that night he went to pump water from Lonesome Lake, which we thought to be 200-400 yards away. It turned out to be closer to two miles away. As he and another of our group pumped water, a deer ambushed them and spooked them pretty badly. While they were recovering from the scare, he confessed that I had shown him where we were going the next day and said, "Dude, we might die.". They made their way back in the dark as, in camp, the rest of us plotted the progress of the tiny flickers of their headlamps.

The day that followed was one undoubtedly the best day of hiking I have ever experienced. I am not a climber, but I love to hike up mountains if I can do it safely. After making our way around Lonesome Lake and stopping there for lunch, we started one serious climb from 10,100 feet to 11,500 feet. We started out in low brush and stunted trees. That gave way to grass and then to the most unbelievable boulder field I have ever seen. There were house and car sized boulders for at least 1,000 vertical feet up. We had to follow ducks (cairns) and frequently had to backtrack to the last duck to find the next. If you've ever looked for a stack of granite in a huge sea of granite, you can understand the challenge. Eventually, we reached several high meadows before the grass and wildflowers gave way to snow and finally Texas Pass on the Continental Divide. Standing on the Divide for the second time in as many days is awesome! Then the really scary part started.....

We now had to get back down to 10,700 feet and the valley floor on the other side of the pass. We had to lose almost as much vertical as we had just climbed, but in less than 1/4 of the distance. The north side of Texas Pass is essentially a scree field on about a 60 degree slope. A secure footing could almost not be found. We slid from switchback to switchback for most of the distance. Again, we had to find the ducks previous hikers had left and work out for ourselves the best way down. Doing this with a pack does not make for a confident hiker! When we finally reached the valley floor and Texas Lake, one of our group stripped to his underwear and leaped off a house sized boulder into the lake.

We camped at Billy's Lake that night. The following morning we broke camp early and tried to beat the thunderstorms to our final camp at Dad's Lake. Now facing west, looking out over Wyoming's high desert for hundreds of miles, we could watch the weather roll in. Storms in the Cirque and the Washakie basin to our north sounded like military artillery. It was surreal. But, we made it to our camp and amazingly dodged the bullet on the weather. The rest of the trip was a relatively easy, slow descent back to Big Sandy.

We begin a new feature today called 'Where To Do Stuff'. We'll check in with Sunday River ski area in Maine, the first to open in the northeast for the season.

Podsafe music on the show from Bob Hughes and some of your comments including one from Claire Walter about Nordic Walking.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-25

Sat, 3 Nov 2007 00:31:00 GMT

Just one story on the show today. Gary and buddies Dennis, Carl and Doug go for a hike and you're invited to join them. They travel to the rugged Bay of Fundy coast in the province of New Brunswick in Atlantic Canada. They hike to the mouth of the Little Salmon River and from there travel up river to another stream. Walking in the water with sandals on they continue through a narrow gorge with towering cliffs until they reach a spectacular waterfall. On the way they encounter deer and other wildlife and learn a little about the history of the area, all the while surrounded by the forest at the peak of fall foliage. Eventually they rejoin a trail that climbs up to an incredible lookout giving them a view of what's called 'The Grand Canyon of New Brunswick'.

Enjoy some podsafe music along the trip by these artists: Justin Gordon, Andrew Pfaff, After Touch and Christopher Wright.

Find out more about the area on the following websites: Fundy Trail, Bay of Fundy Coast, Fundy Footpath.

Next week on the podcast we'll take you on another hike, this time in the Wind River Range of Wyoming.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-24

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:37:00 GMT

We're going fishing on this edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. Angling is a popular outdoor activity but one we haven't talked about yet on the show. That changes today when we connect with Glen Ferguson. He's the producer and host of the Fishing Musicians television show. It's seen across North America and available online. Glen combines his love of music and fishing and outdoor adventure in a TV show that takes him around the world.

Running guy Alex Coffin is back with more tips... today the topic is interval training, what it is, what it means and how it works. Gary reads through some of the comments about the show he's received on the web page and we have some Podsafe music from one of the hottest bands in Taiwan .22.

And finally on his Outdoor Ramble Gary wonders why we hate trees so much that we always want to cut them down.

Next week on the podcast we'll take you on a hike to a special place called 'The Grand Canyon of New Brunswick'. It's a wilderness area with towering cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and wild rivers. Be sure to listen to DSO-25 and don't forget to subscribe in iTunes . Call in your outdoor adventures and story ideas to the comments line at 206-600-4557 and email the show at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. Enjoy the outdoors.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-23

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:29:00 GMT

Today on the show we look at the sport of Orienteering. Itâs a running activity involving navigation, usually in the woods with a map and compass. Itâs a huge sport all over the world, especially in some European countries but Gary, like many North Americans, doesnât know very much about it. So he hung out at the Provincial Orienteering Championships held recently in Rockwood Park in Saint John, New Brunswick. People of all ages participated in the six courses set up for the event. Gary spoke with many of them and the president of Orienteering New Brunswick.

Also on the podcastâ news of an early season dump of snow in the mountains and podsafe music from âliving in a loop?

Be sure to check out the Doing Stuff Outdoors website and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes . Call in your outdoor adventures and story ideas to the comments line at 206-600-4557 and email the show at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Next time on Doing Stuff Outdoors weâll meet the Fishing Musician, Glen Ferguson, the host and producer of a TV show that combines fishing and making music.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-22

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:47:00 GMT

On the show today we have a feature interview with Don Peer a 73 year old sailor and wooden boat builder from Nova Scotia. Gary met up with him earlier in the summer when he was out sailing in a maritime built wooden work boat he rigged up with sails. They talk about the joys of sailing and being on the water and cruising the Mediterranean Sea in a boat he designed himself. Don also tells Gary about the art of sculling with a single oar.

Gary and his wife Teresa also try out the sport of Nordic Walking with some old ski poles they found in the basement. And Gary's kayaking buddy Dennis Hickey is driven to poetry by a particularly inspiring outdoor adventure.

Podsafe music this week from the Dust Rhinos and the Redding Brothers.

Next week ... a special show all about Orienteering.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-21

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 22:30:00 GMT

On the podcast today Gary recovers from his half marathon run by doing some serious walking with his wife. We'll hear about their encounter with dogs on the trail. We'll also hear an inspirational story from a listener in North Carolina who has overcome some physical obstacles in her life to rediscover the outdoors and running. Our feature interview today is with Nick Reese of Canberra, Australia. He's an outdoor enthusiast from down under who writes a terrific blog called Wild Adventure. He tells Gary about the fantastic skiing season that is just now coming to an end. If you're a cross country skier who loves the backcountry and telemark skiing, you'll want to listen.

Also on the show some podsafe music from Denis Kitchen.

Call the comments line with your favorite outdoor adventure story or suggestions for the show at 206-600-4557. You can email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. And if you havenât done so already please subscribe through iTunes .

Doing Stuff Outdoors-20

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:26:00 GMT

This is the marathon edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. If you've never run a full or half marathon before this podcast will give you a taste of what it's like. Gary is running the half marathon event at Marathon by the Sea in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. He takes his audio recorder along to capture some of the behind the scenes excitement as competitors wait at the starting line for the race to begin. We'll meet first time runners, nordic-walkers, even a family running the 10 km event while pushing their baby in a stroller. Gary also records his comments as he runs the 13 mile course and after the race he'll talk to fellow runners and the winner of the full marathon. It's someone regular listeners to this podcast will know.

Call the comments line with the story of your best or worst race at 206-600-4557. You can email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.
And if you haven't done so already please subscribe through iTunes.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-19

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:02:00 GMT

On the podcast this week we join Andrew Spender of the UK for an account of his multi-day walk through the English countryside. He traveled a total of 146 miles from his home town of Stratford on Avon to London to raise money for a local hospice. He followed the same historical route dating from the time of Shakespeare, a famous fellow who just happened to live down the street from Andrew, Check out Andrew's blog Redneps for a terrific account of his journey and for some fabulous photographs.

Also I go shopping for a new pair of running shoes with the help of running guru Alex Coffin. And as the marathon approaches I get a few last minute pointers on how to survive a half marathon.

Next week a special podcast about running the race. I'll take you with me as I run (or attempt to finish) the 13 mile event. We'll also talk to other runners and walkers and take in the party that is Marathon by the Sea.

If you have audio comments, suggestions or questions about the show call our new 'Comments Line' at 206-600-4557. Tell us about your favorite long walks or runs, You can email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. And if you haven't done so already please subscribe through iTunes.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-18

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Thanks for clicking and downloading this edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. On this podcast we check in once again with artist, film maker and outdoor adventurer Cory Trepanier. He's just completed a month long expedition on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. There he encountered icebergs, kilometer high fiords, glaciers, polar bears and the native people of the north. Cory is sharing this experience through his paintings, video journals and more. We caught up with him in Iqaluit just as he was preparing to return to the south.

As I continue training for my half marathon run we'll talk again with marathoner, coach and running guru Alex Coffin. Today Alex talks about marathon tourism and tells us about some of his favorite marathons including Big Sur, California on the Pacific Coast and the Cabot Trail run on the Atlantic Coast.

Brent Kimber explains the concept behind his blog mygeosports.com. His idea of keeping it simple and just getting outside is in keeping with my philosophy about outdoor adventure and what Doing Stuff Outdoors is all about.

Podsafe music this week from AjT.

On next weeks show Alex Coffin will give me a few last minute pointers on running a half marathon and we'll go shopping for a new pair of shoes.
And I hope to have an interview with Andrew Spender from the UK about his long walk across part of England this summer.

If you have audio comments, suggestions or questions about the show call our new 'Comments Line' at 206-600-4557. I'd also love to hear about some of your outdoor adventures. You can email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. And if you haven't done so already please subscribe through iTunes.

Have a good week,

Gary

Doing Stuff Outdoors-17

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 23:07:00 GMT

Hello Outdoor Enthusiasts,

Thanks for clicking and downloading the podcast. The theme for DSO-17 is 'Kids and the Outdoors'. Brent Kimber of Utah is a father of three young children. Before the kids came along he used to enjoy endurance sports. But now he's turned his attention to outdoor activities he can do with the children as a family. Brent has a few tips on how to introduce your kids to the outdoors.

Spending time with children in the outdoors doesn't always have to be about organized hikes or skiing trips. Sometimes it's just about spending time together doing simple things. We'll meet a grandfather and his grandson enjoying each others company at the beach flying a kite.

My 'Outdoors Ramble' today is related to this. It's all about the importance of play for kids and adults too. It was posted in the blog at doingstuffoutdoors.com on July 28th.

Also today on the show some podsafe music from Denis Kitchen of New York.

If you have audio comments, suggestions or questions about the show call our new 'Comments Line' at 206-600-4557. I'd also love to hear about some of your outdoor adventures. Call them in to the podcast. You can email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca. And if you haven't done so already please subscribe through iTunes.

Next time on Doing Stuff Outdoors we'll check in with artist and film maker Cory Trepanier in the Canadian Arctic.

Thanks for listening,

Gary

Doing Stuff Outdoors-16

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 06:10:00 GMT

On DSO-16 we meet a family who loves to sail. Rich and Pam Eyram and their children Mattias and Jenna spent two years living on their sailboat and cruising in the Caribbean Sea. Gary found them sailing into Parry Sound Harbour on Georgian Bay in Ontario. Hear about their adventures living on board and the excitement of life at sea.

Lorne Blagdon is back with the second part of his interview about hiking the Continental Divide Trail in Wyoming this summer. After he and his daughter finished mapping their section of the trail for Backpacker Magazine they did some exploring of their own. They ended up on a challenging mountain climb where Lorne's backpack made it to the bottom before he did.

And Gary's "Outdoors Ramble' today is about the balance between taking risks and being careful in the outdoors.

Check out the blog at doingstuffoutdoors.com and email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about anything you hear on the podcast or if youâd like to tell us about your latest outdoor adventure call our comments line at 206-600-4557

Doing Stuff Outdoors-15

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 11:51:00 GMT

We're back to a weekly schedule for Doing Stuff Outdoors. This week a feature interview with Lorne Blagdon who has returned from hiking a segment of the Continental Divide Trail in Wyoming. He joined his daughter Naomi for the trip and they were part of a team mapping the trail for Backpacker Magazine. Close encounters with grizzly bears made the hike even more exciting. Listen to part one of this high country adventure and check out Naomi's podcast from the trail at the Backpacker CDT Project.

Running guy Alex Coffin is back with advice on how to make your regular run and race training fun. This is especially good to hear since I'm preparing to run a half marathon in a few weeks time. And I'm not ready yet.

Our 'All Things Outdoors' segment features news about an 83 year old skydiver making his 100th jump, the new wave of summer tubing at ski resorts and little skis for baby strollers.

We have podsafe music on the show from Angel Vivaldi.

I invite you to check out our website at doingstuffoutdoors.com and if you enjoy the podcast please subscribe in iTunes or any other directory. And be sure to email us with your comments and suggestions at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca.

Next week part two of my conversation with Lorne about hiking the Continental Divide and we'll meet a young sailing family who spent two years living on their boat and sailing in the Caribbean.

Thanks for listening.....

Gary

Doing Stuff Outdoors-14

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:58:00 GMT

This summer edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors is all about running. Gary has finally decided take the plunge and run the half marathon distance in Marathon by the Sea in Saint John, New Brunswick in September. To prepare he went to a Half Marathon event held in Grand Bay-Westfield earlier in the summer. He talked to a number of runners ranging in age from 12 to 63. Gary asked them why they run and why they put themselves through the agony. He wanted to discover their motivation and their passion for long distance running. If you're a runner or want to be, you'll want to listen to this special edition of DSO.

Also on the podcast more podsafe music from Brothers in Stereo and Gary begins what he calls his 'Outdoors Ramble'. Today it's a commentary about what Doing Stuff Outdoors is all about.

Check out our webpage at doingstuffoutdoors.com and email your comments, suggestions and outdoor adventure stories to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-13

Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:42:00 GMT

This is a special summer edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors. Today we look at only one topic, the relatively new fitness craze of Nordic Walking. It's like cross-country skiing without the skis. Nordic Walking is a low-stress exercise technique that involves the use of walking poles to engage the legs and upper body in a total body workout. The activity has clinically demonstrated physical and psychological benefits.

We'll talk to Daryl Steeves, a coach and trainer who's been advocating Nordic Walking as a fitness activity for a long time. We'll also meet two Nordic Walkers, Marilyn Inch and Denise Meahan who are in training for a Nordic Walking Marathon.

Also on the show some podsafe music from Brothers in Stereo.

Contact us with your thoughts and comments at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca and be sure to check out our website at doingstuffoutdoors.com

Doing Stuff Outdoors-12

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 23:54:00 GMT

On this edition of DSO we'll meet the Babes in the Backcountry, or at least the woman who started this 'just for women' outdoor adventure company ten years ago in Colorado. Leslie Ross will tell us why she wanted to introduce more women to her world of telemark skiing, mountain biking and hiking and how the experience has changed the lives of many of these women.

Lorne Blagdon, our Appalachian Trail hiker drops by with news of another adventure he and his daughter are doing this summer. Later in July they'll be part of a team put together by Backpacker Magazine to map the Continental Divide Trail.

We also have podsafe music from 2006 Pl@stic Soul and some kind words about the podcast from Brent at mygeosports.com

Check out our website at doingstuffoutdoors.com and email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-11

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 02:14:00 GMT

We have a little bit of everything on the show this week. Our feature interview is with Mike Doyle. He is a marathon runner and race organizer. Mike played a big part in creating the very first Marathon by the Sea in Saint John, New Brunswick. It is one of the largest and most successful marathons in Atlantic Canada. Listen as Mike tries to talk Gary into running the marathon this September.

Vernon Woolsey undertook a long bicycle ride to raise money for charity. He's a mountain biker who had the chance to ride a smooth, fast road bike in the event. He'll tell Gary about his experience.

And we will wind things up with another edition of Trail Magic. Hiker Lorne Blagdon tells us about some of the characters you meet on the Appalachian Trail.

All Things Outdoors: Bikeboard & RipStik Caster Board

Podsafe Music: Christopher Wright

Contact us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & BLOG

Doing Stuff Outdoors-10

Fri, 6 Jul 2007 22:12:00 GMT

It's our tenth show and to celebrate we have a special edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors for you. We're going to the second annual Reverse Freestyle Kayak and BoaterX competition at the world famous Reversing Falls in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. This event brings together the top freestyle, whitewater paddlers from the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and Maine.

The BoaterX competition sees kayakers racing through the rapids around a course at low tide. The Freestyle event has paddlers doing flips and cartwheels on the huge standing waves created by the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy, (the highest in the world) combining with the powerful flow of the mighty St. John River. At high tide the water through these rapids actually reverses and flows upstream. Many locals still consider it suicidal going anywhere near these waters at low or high tide.

We're going to get in on the action by talking to some of the paddlers who will explain what it's really like being in these raging waters with whirlpools large enough and powerful enough to pull a boat underwater and hold it there. We'll find out why these kayakers have such a passion for extreme white water.

For more on the Reversing Falls and kayaking in Atlantic Canada check out Atlantic Kayaker.

Subscribe to Doing Stuff Outdoors in iTunes
Email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-09

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:30:00 GMT

In this edition of DSO, the adventure podcast for outdoor enthusiasts we're going to meet a man who combines his love of art with his passion for the outdoors. Cory Trepanier is a painter who throughout his career has expressed his artistic vision by painting some aspect of the outdoors. Often he brings his whole family with him on these excursions into the wilderness. His latest project is a three year expedition into the Canadian north. It's called 'Into the Arctic: An Artists Journey to the North'. He's also produced a television documentary about his family adventure that includes spectacular scenery, frightening storms and encounters with grizzly bears. Cory Trepanier is our feature interview today on
Doing Stuff Outdoors.

Lorne Blagdon returns with another edition of Trail Magic, his ongoing series about life hiking the Appalachian Trail. This week he talks about how bad thru-hikers smell after days and weeks on the trail. He comments on the pain of blisters and how some stores along the trail try to gouge hikers. But when the going gets tough is when the real trail magic happens.

Next week we have a special tenth anniversary show on DSO. For program number ten we're going whitewater kayaking in the world famous Reversing Falls in Saint John, New Brunswick. It's the second annual Reverse Freestyle Kayak and BoaterX competition bringing together the best freestyle kayakers from the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and Maine. We'll take in the action and meet some of the paddlers. Be sure to join us on the next edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-08

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:44:00 GMT

Today on Doing Stuff Outdoors, the adventure podcast for outdoor enthusiasts, we meet a man who's experienced adventure close up. Ray Zahab is a Canadian adventure racer, ultra-marathoner, rock climber, coach and motivational speaker. In 2006 Ray along with two others embarked on an epic 111 day, 7000 km run across the Sahara Desert. It's an amazing story and Ray Zahab will share it with us on this podcast.

On All Things Outdoors we'll tell you about a new highway being built to the base camp of Mount Everest, we'll talk a little about hiking sandals and we'll tell you about the 'Patch', a special place in the mountains where snow lingers late into the summer.

We also have interesting correspondence from listeners in Australia and the UK. If you want to contact DSO with your comments, story suggestions or just to say hi, you can reach us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-07

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:53:00 GMT

On this weeks show we'll take you for a kayak paddle on the mighty St. John River in New Brunswick, Canada. For part of its run this river forms the border between Maine and New Brunswick before it empties into the Bay of Fundy, home of the highest tides in the world. Gary introduces us to his home-made sea kayak and his favorite river.

Also this week running guru Alex Coffin is back with some advice for people who want to make the switch from walking to running. He'll have some tips on how to make the transition without injury.

On 'All Things Outdoors', the new name of our news package we'll look at one possible impact of global warming.

And we'll share an email with a listener from Australia who's getting ready for the ski season down under.

Featured Podsafe Music this week is from Brian Turner.

Next time on Doing Stuff Outdoors we will have a feature interview with a man who ran across the Sahara Desert.

Send along your comments and suggestions to doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-06

Thu, 7 Jun 2007 17:41:00 GMT

In this weeks show we go to Scotland for a feature interview with Cameron McNeish. He's a wilderness hiker, backpacker, author and broadcaster. With 16 books to his credit and appearances on many outdoor radio and television programs for the BBC, Cameron is one of the UK's best known mountain walkers and commentators. In this edition of 'Doing Stuff Outdoors' Cameron talks about his life in the Scottish Highlands, his love of wild places, his work as an environmentalist, his many adventures in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and his joy of being able to walk in the footsteps of his role model, John Muir. Check out his website and podcast at The Wilderness World of Cameron McNeish.

Also on the program Lorne Blagdon shares some more Trail Magic with us. This time he takes us to Springer Mountain in Georgia for the start of his through-hike on the Appalachian Trail. He'll tell us how to survive encounters with poison ivy, heavy rain and big bears.

Also outdoor news about the sale of two major ski areas in Maine, Sunday River and Sugarloaf USA. And we'll tell you how you can be a part of the show. We want to hear your stories of adventure in the great outdoors. Tell us about that mountain you climbed, that beautiful trail you hiked, your last kayak trip or the crazy thing that happened to you when you went for a walk in the park. Just email us and tell us how to get in touch with you and we'll give you a call. We want you to be on 'Doing Stuff Outdoors'. It's your show about your outdoor adventures.

Email us at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

And don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Odeo, Podcast Alley or other podcast directories.

Doing Stuff Outdoors-05

Sat, 2 Jun 2007 13:03:00 GMT

We're trying to get the show out a little earlier each week so it's available by the weekend; since many of the topics we cover on Doing Stuff Outdoors are activities many people do on weekends.

So on this edition... a feature interview with Lou Dawson. He is a writer and photographer who specializes in writing about backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering, and is well known as the first man to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks. Lou is the author of Dawson's Guides to Colorado's Fourteener's, several other books, and numerous magazine articles. In 2005 Lou was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame. Lou Dawson's popular website and blog is called www.WildSnow.com. In the interview Lou tells Gary about his early morning backcountry ski trips into the mountains and his life as a 'total outdoorsman'.

Alex Coffin is back with another running tip. He has some suggestions for those fair weather runners who hibernate all winter and then grab the sneakers come spring.

In outdoor news we have the story of a hero on Mount Everest and good early season snowfalls in Australia.

Our music this week includes two good podsafe tunes from Citizen Six and Brain Bucket.

Next time on Doing Stuff Outdoors we'll visit the Wilderness World of Cameron McNeish. We'll have a feature interview with mountaineer, lecturer and author Cameron McNeish, long recognised as one of Britain's best-known outdoor commentators.

My Odeo Channel (odeo/afb3f9a25cec05c3)

Doing Stuff Outdoors-04

midwoodmedia@gmail.com — Sun, 27 May 2007 15:42:00 GMT

This week on the podcast Gary talks to someone near and dear to him who has just returned from an extraordinary outdoors adventure. Rory Mittelholtz is Garys 20-year-old son. He spent the winter working and snowboarding in British Columbia at Panorama Mountain. For part of that time he was working at a heliskiing operation and got to go out on a few trips. Listen as Rory makes his father jealous by describing all that untracked powder he discovered in the mountains of BC.

We begin a new segment on Doing Stuff Outdoors about running. Alex Coffin is our guide. He is a competitive runner and marathoner, a coach and trainer. Alex owns two running stores in Saint John, New Brunswick called Alex Coffins Fitness Shop. Today Alex talks about his love of running.

Lorne Blagdon and his daughter hiked the Appalachian Trail. Every week he comes by to tell us more about the adventure in a series called Trail Magic. Today they get ready to begin the trek in Georgia and they come up with their own trail names.

In Outdoor News learn more about a new exhibit detailing the history of the National Ski Patrol. And meet a 75 year old who is one of the oldest and the first black woman to visit the North Pole.

Next week on Doing Stuff Outdoors we have a feature interview with mountaineer, writer and photographer Lou Dawson.

Podsafe Music Links

Charlie Crowe
Bob Hughes

My Odeo Channel (odeo/afb3f9a25cec05c3)

Doing Stuff Outdoors-03

midwoodmedia@gmail.com — Mon, 21 May 2007 16:23:00 GMT

We begin a new series in this edition of DSO called 'Trail Magic'. In 2003 Lorne Blagdon and his daughter Naomi hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Lorne wrote a series of newspaper columns on their adventure and every week we'll talk about a segment of the trip beginning today with a definition of trail magic.

Gary gets frustrated with the lousy spring weather in his part of the world so he searches for summer by calling to Florida where the sailing is great.
We also get a detailed account of why the May long weekend in Canada used to known for firecrackers.

Looking through the outdoor files we'll tell you about a see-through boat, grass skiing in Britain, the first woman to hike the AT and a reality TV show about the outdoors that's now a podcast.

Podsafe Music

Christopher Wright
2006 Pl@stic Soul

doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca

Doing Stuff Outdoors-02

midwoodmedia@gmail.com — Sun, 13 May 2007 23:34:00 GMT

Welcome to episode 2 of Doing Stuff Outdoors, a magazine show featuring adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. In this edition we take you along for the first kayak trip of the season. We paddle along the Nerepis River in New Brunswick, Canada. It is a tributary of the mighty St. John River that empties into the Bay of Fundy. We encounter high water, wildlife and a motorized nuisance.

We will also check out two big mountains where the snow lingers and the lifts are still operating. Mark Nelson of the Outdoors Pro blog fills us in on spring conditions at Mount Bachelor, Oregon. And ski photographer Paul Morrison explains all the late season delights at Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia

Also on the show outdoor news, music and more.

Links:

Outdoors Pro
Denis Kitchen
Whistler-Blackcomb

Doing Stuff Outdoors-01

midwoodmedia@gmail.com — Sat, 5 May 2007 20:22:00 GMT

Welcome to the first edition of Doing Stuff Outdoors, audio and video content for the outdoor enthusiast. In this episode we'll introduce you to the show and the idea behind it. We'll tell you about some outdoor news and bring you along for the last ski of the season. Join us for some telemark sking at a closed downhill ski area.

Links:
The Wilderness World of Cameron McNeish
Derek K. Miller

Visit our webpage.
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