As an outdoor apparel designer I often come up with ideal pieces in my head, my latest dream need has been the desire for a svelte softshell pant. Not the kind we generally make in the outdoor industry. My brain had imagined a piece made from a 4-way stretch double weave softshell fabric, something that would fit and look as good as a pair of lululemon pants meeting skinny jeans, something that I can wear a skirt over the top of, something I can backpack in, instead of those not so attractive brown pants that we are always offered. I wanted something I can fish in, wet wade in, and put underneath my waders too. Since this dream pant would be a softshell it would naturally be resistant to brush and burrs along the rivers edge, or while bushwhacking for that matter. This dream pant would also be equally at home on the street and on the town at the end of an active day. I wanted to take it from the river or the trail, to the bar.
Until yesterday it only existed in my head. I went into West End Bikes to talk about riding in the rain, as we discussed getting really hot while riding the co-owner Mark took me to the back of the store and suggested that I try on this pant from Outlier. I love Outlier, so I was intrigued, but hadn't yet purchased anything from them.
Imagine my surprise when the pant he pulled out was...my dream pant! In fact I was so in shock at first that I didn't even really get what he was showing me. It took a little while to sink in, maybe because they were $180 *gasp*, so I began to think about why I would pay $180, these were the dream pant, I quickly calculated that I would likely wear them a 100x (can you tell I'm excited) in just the first year that's $1.80/use, and if you factor in that they are a durable softshell, with Nanosphere, these pants are gonna last a long time, so if you average it out over say 3 years, that's .60 each time I wear them, practically a thrift store deal when you break it down properly!
So I left West End Bikes with a silly smile on my face went home and jumped into my new Women's Daily Riding Pant, still haven't wiped the smile off my face... The photos don't really do them justice, you have to try them on. These pants are also exactly what I have been asked for by climber girls that I have interviewed for design projects too, outdoor girl nirvana has been found, I love it when that happens.
During my recent three week road trip, we spent one night sharing our camp with a couple of rock climbers from France. They raved over dinner about their recent travels to Bolivia and highly recommended it as a place to visit. They talked about how kind the people were, and that the sights were simply amazing. This of course made me curious to learn more, see more, and well... maybe visit there too! Take a look at a small sampling of the beauty that is Bolivia.
The World’s Largest Salt Flat is located in Salar de’Uyuni, Bolivia. During the rainy season, the water turns into the world’s largest mirror. The reflection of the sky creates a sense of infinity, like you’re walking among the clouds. It’s called the Border between Heaven and Earth.
As if that weren't already enough to convince anyone of a visit to Bolivia there's more, the Death Road...alternatively known as Grove's Road, Coroico Road, Camino de las Yungas, El Camino de la Muerte, or Road of Death. It is legendary for its extreme danger, one estimate is that 200 to 300 travellers are killed yearly along the road. It seems only logical that the best way to enjoy it is via bike of course.
It is one of the few routes that connects the Amazon rainforest region of northern Bolivia, or Yungas, to its capital city. One of the local road rules specifies that the downhill driver never has the right of way and must move to the outer edge of the road. This forces fast vehicles to stop so that passing can be negotiated safely. Also, vehicles drive on the left, as opposed to the right like the rest of Bolivia. This gives a left hand drive vehicle's driver a better view over his outside wheel, making passing safer. - Wikipedia
I'm fairly certain I'd love to bike this, but also certain I'd never want to do it via car or bus.
One of the best parts of working for yourself in the outdoor industry is having more time and freedom for adventure. In that spirit, SY Design will be closed May 27 - June 19 for some serious outside play time. I'll be taking my four year old daughter, Bernese Mountain dog, and backpacking gear for a three week long adventure based out of our car. We don't have a set plan in place of where/when just a plan to be outside playing everyday biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, climbing and whatever else comes our way.
You can follow us along in our adventures or misadventures at Meandering Mamaour travel blog. See you soon!
If you missed it, too late now, but if you didn't, oh what an experience the Railroad Revival Tour was. I read about it first on Twitter, and then tickets were bought before I even knew if I could get to the event, I wanted to be there and was pretty certain I would find a way.
I think there were many things that made this event stand out: all the band members of Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, as well as Mumford & Sons + friends traveling via vintage railcars from venue to venue, the sweet unique tickets, and artist poster, serious artist collaboration on stage, equal billing, an event that spanned all ages and types of people, something cultural & different from everything else currently happening. For me as a designer it was very inspiring so I thought I would share some of the images with you culled from the RRT facebook page, and from the Flickr page with fan photos from the event. Looking forward to seeing what might happen next after the success of this event.
I read this last year on Brian Andreas' twitter feed, stumbled onto it again and had to share, he speaks the truth.
Tip #1: Don't ever think you can go behind their backs. It will backfire in VERY creative ways. Because they're smart & creative. Duh.
Tip #2: quit whining about why they're with you in the 1st place. They CHOSE you. So, get over your neuroses. Or at least shut up about them.
Tip #3: don't expect them to think what you do is interesting. If it was interesting, they'd be doing it. Just be sure it interests you. ( Note: If it's not interesting to you, don't tell them how it's driving you crazy. Because they'll ask Why the hell are you doing it then?)
Tip #4: DO NOT try & bend a smart & creative person to your will. It will go badly. It may take awhile, but IT'LL GO BADLY. Trust me on this.
Tip #5: Smart, creative people like presents (not always stuff) that intrigue them & say you thought about ways to make deeper conversation ( Note : If all you're doing is starting up a conversation by telling them the details of your day, you are killing them slowly)
**Tell them about the man you met who is trying to teach his canary to whistle opera. Or the lady who offered you 2 for 1 alien ray protectors.
Tip #6: Pay attention in your life. A smart & creative person is not there to entertain you. They are there to play with you. Big difference.
Tip #7. Chocolate & wine. Apply liberally. Be willing to laugh & dance & open more wine. This is the most useful tip
Tip #8: Be flexible & self-sustaining. Smart,creative people have an impetuous relationship with life, so their attention is not always on you
Tip #10: managing a smart, creative person is different than living with one... (Note that creative people don’t always follow the rule, hence no #9) You may THINK you can manage them. This is a delusion. The best you can do is lay it all out & ask what they want to do about it.... AND If you MUST manage smart, creative people, tell them about it up front & promise treats when they deliver. They work like demons for treats.
It's already been almost a week since I returned from the Wallowa backcountry with the rest of the Backpacking Betty's, (our team's name while on the trail)
It was an amazing time, and for all of you Summit For Someone climbers and BCM supporters out there, you can know that all that hard work fundraising and climbing really does make a difference, these trips are worth it.
It was my first youth trip with BCM and the four teenage girls from Portland's YEI, a big adventure for four city girls who had never backpacked before. Their trail names where Karma, Bobcat, Branch, and Clover, these girls carried the weight of the world on their backs during our 15-16 mile, five day trip in the Wallowa's. Through highs and lows they experienced many first's like: peeing in the woods (eeeew!), digging cat holes (we're gonna hold it all week long!), learning about respect for nature and in return respect for others too, they built their first campfire (even tried using Tapatio hot sauce to start it!), skipped rocks for the first time (at Aneroid Lake), slept out under the stars (and much to their disbelief were not attacked by bugs), laughed and squealed at the sight of bats, celebrated a 15th birthday in the wild (memory of lifetime), learned to navigate the trails on their own, enjoyed the splendor of watching the moon come up and then following it's path all night (hadn't noticed that it moved before that night), and delighted in the sight of shooting stars. It was an eye-opening trip, with some amazing memories for sure. These types of transformative outdoor experiences can only be made possible with the generous support of others like yourselves. With each trip that Big City Mountaineers is able to send out there are new hopes and dreams that are realized, strengths that were only imagined, and experiences like never before.
I'd like to finish up this journey by raising $2000 to help BCM, with the generous support of so many people already I have reached about $1850 thanks to everyone for your support, and if you have any change to spare, please give this a click for a secure donation.
Hugs from the trail, and thanks for your support.
Introducing the Backpacking Betty's.... with photos highlighting, camp life, our summit hike to Jewett lake, hiking out of our "frozen toes" campsite, building their first campfire ever on their own, learning the fine art of skipping rocks for the first time, the value of good nature wipe, smiles for miles at the lake, and a team shot en route to Jewett lake.
My first memories of camping started in this Prowler trailer, I remember how excited I was each time we made a journey down the road with my dad's Jeep Landcruiser charging the way. I remember the smell of the wood paneling inside, and waking to the smell of my dad percolating coffee on the stove in the morning. I remember the kind of camping that was simple, without TV's and dishwashers, generators, and air conditioners, with simple scenes like the one below taken near Jenny Lake in Wyoming.
I am very inspired by trailers and caravans from days gone by, so I thought it was fitting to share some with you that I have recently found. If you too are inspired by vintage caravans then I would also encourage you to visit the Belgian Oldtimer Caravan Club where you'll find a treasure trove of vintage material.
Leave it to German ingenuity to have come up with this Chateau Mobile by Brüderchen
Westfalia
Shasta-Exterior
Shasta-Interior
KIP Krielkip - 1965
Volkswagen Dormobile - 1971
Mostard Yvonne 304 HD - 1965
I have a particular love of red, navy, creamy colors, and khaki like colors right now too, making the colors of these trailers as inspirational as the trailers themselves.
Sprite Cadet - 1969 (sweeet!)
QEK Junior - 1965 and spec sheet below
Otten Speurder LS - 1968
I just love that little guy in the above photo, great colors, style lines, inspirational for pack and bag design too! Happy trails, hope you are finding time to get outside this summer, and maybe even some time to camp too.
I only learned about Gulmarg in the last couple year's but now that I know of it, I want to go.
Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country’s premier ski resort in the winter.
With views and skiing that looks like this combined with an incredible cultural experience how can you go wrong?
Wondering how you might get there? Here is just one idea for you... Extremely Canadian owned by Peter Smart and Jill Dunnigan whose home mountain is Whistler, offers guided skiing world tours and will be in Gulmarg Feb. 5-12 of 2011. Speaking from experience having skiied with them many times, they are really good guys/gals who are top notch and offer amazing experiences.
photo courtesy of Extremely Canadian
You can also learn a little more about Gulmarg via B4Apres through their cultural documentary as seen through the eyes of skiers. They traveled into the mountains surrounding the Gulmarg Ski Resort in order to capture the aesthetic beauty of the landscape and the livelihoods of a people eager to dispel the stigma that Kashmir is a dangerous place to travel.
We spent this past weekend at Eight Mile Crossing up on Mt. Hood, the views are bountiful, the camping is amazing, and this area has some of the best mountain biking you'll find. I realized just before skipping town that my most favorite biking shorts were nowhere to be found so it gave me an excellent excuse to head over to Bike Gallery to see if I could find something to replace them. I found a pair of sweet Townie Bike Shorts from Fox that I couldn't resist. The fixed waist fit amazingly well (I was skeptical of this) during my entire single track ride they stayed in place without me feeling like my drawers were drooping. Serious love for the yarn dye pattern, thanks for something that looks more fun and less like another pair of black riding shorts. So what if they get bike grease on them, it only gives them more character. I also liked that the inner chamois short was separate because these shorts actually look good and fit well when worn alone without the diaper look of the chamois underneath (added bonus for sure) Looking forward to giving them many rides and seeing how they hold up over time.
I couldn't think of a jersey in my closet that was going to be the perfect match up to these new shorts so I was delighted to find the Dakine Antic Short Sleeve to pair with my shorts. This picture doesn't do it justice by the slight gathering at the chest area and the subtle graphics are a nice touch, and I appreciated the use of Aegis anti-microbial finish to cut down on the stink factor too.
Perfect gear for a great ride on the 8 mile loop conveniently located 2 minutes from our camp. If you check out this ride try riding it backwards, or according to the sign the "easier" route. I've done it both ways, and much prefer the both the climbing and the downhill when rode according to the "easier" route. Otherwise you climb up for 900' in very low gears for about an hour straight, that part was a lot more fun to come down.
It's been coming on for the last 2 years if not longer, blame it on the recession if you like, but popularity of vintage Americana, blue-collar working class life, bringing things back home again, and farm to table eating, continues to grow in interest. I like it.
This was posted by a friend on Facebook today and it personifies this "trend" with the Burlesque girls, the vocals, and the way the video was put together, it almost looks like watching an old vintage reel film.
With this new found love of the old, canning, farmer's market shopping, gardening, baking, knitting, sewing, and crafting are heading towards mainstream, instead of making you seem like some geeky outcast lost in another time. Sites like Canning Across Americahave new found popularity, and I can't help noticing that every store from Target to Whole Foods is now carrying canning supplies.
Urban Chicken farming is becoming as common as having a garden for some, if you are handy you can build them yourself, but if not never fear there are places like Bake's Binster all over America that come right to you and get you all set up and ready to raise chickens.
In June I attended the Show of Awesome at the Doug Fir and found a space filled to capacity with hipster crafters, these aren't your typical craft shows and not the typical attendees either. While there I found finely crafted smoked almond butter toffee from Rose City Sweets. (sinfully delicious, and I loved the old candy dishes she uses here with tea towels)
Also of note was that the creator of these lovely treats was dressed in a 1950's era little dress, had a beautiful curvy figure and reminded me instantly of a pin-up girl... and that smoked flavor in her toffee, a signature new twist on a classic.
I've been reading about brands like Levi's, Pendleton, Woolrich (America's oldest apparel company), Filson, etc enjoying a new found popularity amongst a younger crowd. In fact I took on a big design project for Woolrich this winter overhauling their entire outerwear collection and working with them to restore vintage branding a labeling for 2011. I was thrilled to spend hours combing through their archives and getting my hands on vintage woolen jackets from the early 1900's.
vintage Woolrich
I find myself constantly in search of old "finds", some of my most recent scores were in Walla Walla, Washington at the Shady Lawn Creamery vintage store. Where I picked up this vintage Mt. Hood postcard, I paid $7.50 for it, youch! But...it's a beauty.
I also had some serious love for these too.
It's good see this happening and I look forward to seeing how it evolves.
