Friday, June 12, 2015
Anker Compact Car Jump Starter and Portable Charger Power Bank
Amazon.com: Anker Compact Car Jump Starter and Portable Charger Power Bank with 400A Peak Current, Advanced Safety Protection and Built-In LED Flashlight: http://ow.ly/NZQA8
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
What's a Ghost Moose? How Ticks Are Killing an Iconic Animal
By Christine Dell'Amore, National Geographic
PUBLISHED JUNE 01, 2015
EAST MOXIE TOWNSHIP, Maine—Lee Kantar crouches over a dead moose calf and pulls a clump of hair from its straggly shoulder.
A few days earlier, the sickly ten-month-old animal had waded through deep snow to this sun-dappled stand of spruce trees in western Maine, laid down, and died.
"See how white those hairs are?" says Kantar, a moose biologist for the state.
It's a telltale sign that the calf was becoming a "ghost moose"—an animal so irritated by ticks that it rubs off most of its dark brown hair, exposing its pale undercoat and bare skin.
With their skinny necks, emaciated bodies, and big, hairless splotches, these moose look like the walking dead as they stumble through the forest.
And in recent years in New England, ghost moose sightings have become increasingly familiar.
The reason is likely climate change, biologists say, which is ushering in shorter, warmer winters that are boosting the fortunes of winter ticks. The tiny creatures latch on to moose here in staggering numbers: One moose can house 75,000 ticks, which are helping to drive a troubling rise in moose deaths, especially among calves. (See "New Climate Change Report Warns of Dire Consequences.")
Mostly wiped out in New England by hunting in the 1800s, moose populations had begun rebounding in the late 1970s, thanks to a suddenly abundant food source—new spruce-fir forests that took root following a pest outbreak that wiped out much of the former forest.
By the late 1990s, about 7,500 moose were living in New Hampshire. But in 2013, the population there had dropped to 4,500. In vastly bigger Maine, which has about 60,000 moose—the densest population in the lower 48 states—there's a suspected decline, but there's less data.
It's unlikely that these leggy deer will disappear entirely from New England, but the surge in moose deaths has made investigating the causes a top priority for the region's scientists.
Though winter tick is the main culprit, scientists are trying to unravel the bigger mystery of what else is contributing to the deaths. Moose are highly susceptible to several kinds of parasites, and it's likely that many factors are at play.
What's a Ghost Moose? How Ticks Are Killing an Iconic Animal See Full Story Here
PUBLISHED JUNE 01, 2015
EAST MOXIE TOWNSHIP, Maine—Lee Kantar crouches over a dead moose calf and pulls a clump of hair from its straggly shoulder.
A few days earlier, the sickly ten-month-old animal had waded through deep snow to this sun-dappled stand of spruce trees in western Maine, laid down, and died.
"See how white those hairs are?" says Kantar, a moose biologist for the state.
It's a telltale sign that the calf was becoming a "ghost moose"—an animal so irritated by ticks that it rubs off most of its dark brown hair, exposing its pale undercoat and bare skin.
With their skinny necks, emaciated bodies, and big, hairless splotches, these moose look like the walking dead as they stumble through the forest.
And in recent years in New England, ghost moose sightings have become increasingly familiar.
The reason is likely climate change, biologists say, which is ushering in shorter, warmer winters that are boosting the fortunes of winter ticks. The tiny creatures latch on to moose here in staggering numbers: One moose can house 75,000 ticks, which are helping to drive a troubling rise in moose deaths, especially among calves. (See "New Climate Change Report Warns of Dire Consequences.")
Mostly wiped out in New England by hunting in the 1800s, moose populations had begun rebounding in the late 1970s, thanks to a suddenly abundant food source—new spruce-fir forests that took root following a pest outbreak that wiped out much of the former forest.
By the late 1990s, about 7,500 moose were living in New Hampshire. But in 2013, the population there had dropped to 4,500. In vastly bigger Maine, which has about 60,000 moose—the densest population in the lower 48 states—there's a suspected decline, but there's less data.
It's unlikely that these leggy deer will disappear entirely from New England, but the surge in moose deaths has made investigating the causes a top priority for the region's scientists.
Though winter tick is the main culprit, scientists are trying to unravel the bigger mystery of what else is contributing to the deaths. Moose are highly susceptible to several kinds of parasites, and it's likely that many factors are at play.
What's a Ghost Moose? How Ticks Are Killing an Iconic Animal See Full Story Here
Friday, May 29, 2015
A Walk In the Woods - Redford and Nolte
I am looking forward to seeing this in the fall.
I placed hiking the Appalachian Trail on my bucket list, and has been firmly planted there for the past few years. It will probably have to happen after I retire or win the lottery, but I will not stray from this adventure at some point down the road.
Redford and Nolte Take 'A Walk In the Woods'
The adaptation of Bill Bryson's AT memoir gets its first trailer. Robert Redford and Nick Nolte are set to hit the Appalachian Trail later this year in the long-awaited adaptation of Bill Bryson’s classic memoir A Walk in the Woods. Redford’s earnestness and Nolte’s barely comprehensible speech patterns look to provide plenty of laughs while Nick Offerman pops in as a sardonic REI employee.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters September 2nd.
Check out the first full trailer below:
I placed hiking the Appalachian Trail on my bucket list, and has been firmly planted there for the past few years. It will probably have to happen after I retire or win the lottery, but I will not stray from this adventure at some point down the road.
Redford and Nolte Take 'A Walk In the Woods'
The adaptation of Bill Bryson's AT memoir gets its first trailer. Robert Redford and Nick Nolte are set to hit the Appalachian Trail later this year in the long-awaited adaptation of Bill Bryson’s classic memoir A Walk in the Woods. Redford’s earnestness and Nolte’s barely comprehensible speech patterns look to provide plenty of laughs while Nick Offerman pops in as a sardonic REI employee.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters September 2nd.
Check out the first full trailer below:
Saturday, May 23, 2015
The Most Terrifying Mountain Bike Ride Ever
The Most Terrifying Mountain Bike Ride Ever
by Outside Television 4:47 mins
Via Ferrata is a short film about the first descent of a fixed-rope climbing-route on a mountain bike. "Honestly don't want to do this ride again. It's stupidly dangerous." FIlmed in the amazing Brenta Dolomites with a drone.
by Outside Television 4:47 mins
Via Ferrata is a short film about the first descent of a fixed-rope climbing-route on a mountain bike. "Honestly don't want to do this ride again. It's stupidly dangerous." FIlmed in the amazing Brenta Dolomites with a drone.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
As baby turtles emerge, some tips to keep them safe
Watch for snapping turtles, spotted turtles, and other species crossing roads from hibernation spots to their late spring/early summer habitats, a press release from the Center for Wildlife urges.
“We received three calls just today about people finding turtles crossing roads, wanting to know what to do. After they emerge from hibernation, female turtles go from their water source to a sandy upland habitat to lay their eggs; following the tracks of their mothers, grandmothers, and many other ancestors before them. We are moved by how closely connected our community is to these ancient creatures. If you find a turtle in the road this year and it is safe to do so, simply move the turtle to the side of the road in the direction they were facing. If you put them back in the water and they haven’t laid their eggs yet, they have to come all the way out and cross that road again” shares Center for Wildlife’s Executive Director Kristen Lamb.
Also, each year around Mother's Day in our region, turtle hatchlings the size of nickels and quarters will be emerging from their nests to make their first trek to water bodies. Although tiny, they are completely on their own from the moment their mother lays their eggs and covers them expertly in the nest. Incredibly, baby painted and other turtles in our climate hatch from their eggs in September/October, and spend all winter hibernating beneath the ground. When they emerge in the spring, they instinctually move toward the body of water their mothers came from.
What are some things you can do to help turtles this season? Follow these 10 tips to make a difference for a species that is facing rapid decline due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade: ...cont.... As baby turtles emerge, some tips to keep them safe - News - fosters.com - Dover, NH
Monday, April 6, 2015
Grit and wonder: 2015’s thru-hikers reflect on trail hardships and thrills
“A lot of people ask about what you’re thinking about [on the trail],” said Youngblood, an 18-year-old hiker whose off-trail name is P.J. Coleman, as he sorted through his just-opened box of mail drop goodies. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, you’re thinking about food.”
His buddy Gadget, 20, who’s also known as Robert Smith, holds up a hard-candy caramel in shiny gold wrapping. Those individually wrapped sugar rushes are the key to making it up the hard hills, he says. For his part, Youngblood has a stash of Now-and-Laters and Sour Punch Straws.
Don’t forget the coffee, peanut butter and trail mix, chimed in Jessica “Lemon” Romain, who was taking a zero day to recover from a rolled ankle. And also, those reminders of home. Mom’s cookies, a handwritten note, anything with a personal touch.
“A mail drop just reminds me I have people at home who support me,” said Youngblood, who chose to do the trail rather than going straight to college. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Shane Shelley, who works at the outfitter shop, has seen that sentiment play out again and again. He recently handed a package to a girl who opened it to find, in addition to the food she herself had packed, some postcards from her mom. The find made her teary.
“Something to get in their stomach but also to get in their heart,” Shelley said of the boxes. That day alone, they’d gotten 14 boxes delivered and will probably work up to 40 by the time thru-hiker season peaks.
Full Story....
Hiking safety tips as the season is upon us
• Don't hike alone. You are safest with a group; neither a single partner nor a dog is a guarantee of safety. Be creative. If in doubt, move on. Always trust your instincts about other people.
• Leave your hiking plans with someone at home and check in frequently. Establish a time you will check in upon completion of your trip, as well as a procedure to follow if you fail to check in. On longer hikes or thru-hikes, provide ATC's number, 304-535-6331.
• Be wary of strangers. Be friendly, but cautious. Don't tell strangers your plans. Avoid people who act suspiciously, seem hostile, or are intoxicated.
• Don't camp near roads. Be aware that anywhere people congregate — including shelters and designated campsites — may have greater risk. When tenting, find a location not easily seen from the trail.
• The Appalachian Trail Conservancy discourages the carrying of firearms.
• Eliminate opportunities for theft. Don't bring jewelry. Hide your money. If you must leave your pack, hide it, or leave it with someone trustworthy.
• Use the Trail registers (the notebooks stored at most shelters). If someone needs to locate you, or if a serious crime has been committed along the trail, the first place authorities will look is in the registers.
• In an emergency, note where you are and call 911. Report emergencies or incidents to ATC at incident@appalachiantrail.org or by calling 304-535-6331. Suspicious or illegal behavior should be reported to the local rangers or local law enforcement (911 usually works, but other phone numbers are on official AT maps) as well as ATC.
• Be mentally prepared for the risks you may encounter. If you encounter trouble, chances are a law-enforcement officer or ranger will not be nearby and a cellphone may not work.
• Always carry current trail maps and know how to use them.
• Stay alert. Pay attention to details of your surroundings and people you encounter, and look for anything that does not fit or sends a red flag. It is easier to avoid getting into a dangerous situation than to get out of one. Trust your instincts about strangers.
• Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides: Hikers needing to get into town should make arrangements beforehand and budget for shuttles or a taxi.
Weather-related hiking safety tips:
• Pay attention to the changing skies. Sudden spells of "off-season" cold weather, hail, and even snow are common along many parts of the Appalachian Trail. Winter-like weather often occurs in late spring or early fall in the Southern Appalachians, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
• Hypothermia: A cold rain can be the most dangerous weather for hikers, because it can cause hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of the body's core temperature due to exposure to cold, wind and rain chill. Dress in layers of synthetic clothing, eat well, stay hydrated, and know when to take refuge in a warm sleeping bag and tent or shelter.
• Lightning: The odds of being struck by lightning are low, but if a thunderstorm is coming, immediately leave exposed areas. Boulders, rocky overhangs, and shallow caves offer no protection from lightning. Sheltering in hard-roofed automobiles or large buildings is best. Avoid tall structures, such as ski lifts, flagpoles, power line towers, and the tallest trees, solitary rocks, or open hilltops and clearings. If caught in the open, crouch down on a pad, or roll into a ball.
• Heat: Dry hot summers are surprisingly common along the trail. Water may be scarce on humid days, sweat does not evaporate well, and many hikers face the danger of heat stroke and heat exhaustion if they haven't taken proper precautions. Wear a hat and sunscreen and stay well hydrated.
Source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy www.appalachiantrail.org.
Appalachian Trail Fest
The Appalachian TrailFest is April 17-19 in Hot Springs to celebrate the arrival of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers with bike riding, river rafting, music, outdoor crafts, hiking and more. For more information, call 828-622-9575 or email hstrailfestA@gmail.com.
• Leave your hiking plans with someone at home and check in frequently. Establish a time you will check in upon completion of your trip, as well as a procedure to follow if you fail to check in. On longer hikes or thru-hikes, provide ATC's number, 304-535-6331.
• Be wary of strangers. Be friendly, but cautious. Don't tell strangers your plans. Avoid people who act suspiciously, seem hostile, or are intoxicated.
• Don't camp near roads. Be aware that anywhere people congregate — including shelters and designated campsites — may have greater risk. When tenting, find a location not easily seen from the trail.
• The Appalachian Trail Conservancy discourages the carrying of firearms.
• Eliminate opportunities for theft. Don't bring jewelry. Hide your money. If you must leave your pack, hide it, or leave it with someone trustworthy.
• Use the Trail registers (the notebooks stored at most shelters). If someone needs to locate you, or if a serious crime has been committed along the trail, the first place authorities will look is in the registers.
• In an emergency, note where you are and call 911. Report emergencies or incidents to ATC at incident@appalachiantrail.org or by calling 304-535-6331. Suspicious or illegal behavior should be reported to the local rangers or local law enforcement (911 usually works, but other phone numbers are on official AT maps) as well as ATC.
• Be mentally prepared for the risks you may encounter. If you encounter trouble, chances are a law-enforcement officer or ranger will not be nearby and a cellphone may not work.
• Always carry current trail maps and know how to use them.
• Stay alert. Pay attention to details of your surroundings and people you encounter, and look for anything that does not fit or sends a red flag. It is easier to avoid getting into a dangerous situation than to get out of one. Trust your instincts about strangers.
• Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides: Hikers needing to get into town should make arrangements beforehand and budget for shuttles or a taxi.
Weather-related hiking safety tips:
• Pay attention to the changing skies. Sudden spells of "off-season" cold weather, hail, and even snow are common along many parts of the Appalachian Trail. Winter-like weather often occurs in late spring or early fall in the Southern Appalachians, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
• Hypothermia: A cold rain can be the most dangerous weather for hikers, because it can cause hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of the body's core temperature due to exposure to cold, wind and rain chill. Dress in layers of synthetic clothing, eat well, stay hydrated, and know when to take refuge in a warm sleeping bag and tent or shelter.
• Lightning: The odds of being struck by lightning are low, but if a thunderstorm is coming, immediately leave exposed areas. Boulders, rocky overhangs, and shallow caves offer no protection from lightning. Sheltering in hard-roofed automobiles or large buildings is best. Avoid tall structures, such as ski lifts, flagpoles, power line towers, and the tallest trees, solitary rocks, or open hilltops and clearings. If caught in the open, crouch down on a pad, or roll into a ball.
• Heat: Dry hot summers are surprisingly common along the trail. Water may be scarce on humid days, sweat does not evaporate well, and many hikers face the danger of heat stroke and heat exhaustion if they haven't taken proper precautions. Wear a hat and sunscreen and stay well hydrated.
Source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy www.appalachiantrail.org.
Appalachian Trail Fest
The Appalachian TrailFest is April 17-19 in Hot Springs to celebrate the arrival of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers with bike riding, river rafting, music, outdoor crafts, hiking and more. For more information, call 828-622-9575 or email hstrailfestA@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
In wake of death, Appalachian Trail experts highlight need for safety
ASHEVILLE, NC – Considering the enormity of the 2,189-mile long Appalachian Trail, which sweeps across 14 states and through some of the most remote and rugged country in the Eastern United States, hiker deaths, such as the recent one in Maryland, are surprisingly rare.
So say veteran Appalachian Trail hikers and officials with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the nonprofit that oversees maintenance and management of the trail.
Jason Parish, 36, of Philadelphia, died March 15 when a tree felled by strong winds crashed on top of him near the Ed Garvey Shelter near the southern end of the Maryland trail section. A hiking companion, Michael Sparks, said the tree was dead and had been marked with a pink ribbon, apparently meant to identify it for cutting.
Full Story: Citizen-Times....
So say veteran Appalachian Trail hikers and officials with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the nonprofit that oversees maintenance and management of the trail.
Jason Parish, 36, of Philadelphia, died March 15 when a tree felled by strong winds crashed on top of him near the Ed Garvey Shelter near the southern end of the Maryland trail section. A hiking companion, Michael Sparks, said the tree was dead and had been marked with a pink ribbon, apparently meant to identify it for cutting.
Full Story: Citizen-Times....
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Top 5 Waterfall Hikes | Finger Lakes Trail NY
The Finger Lakes region of New York State is known for its array of stunning, cascading waterfalls – some even call it a ‘waterfall mecca.’ Whether you’re thru-hiking the trail and want a place to pause for some meditation and reflection on how far you’ve come on your long-distance hiking journey, or you just want to cool off in a natural-fed swimming pool at the base of one of the area’s many falls, these are the top five waterfalls to visit along the Finger Lakes Trail:
- Upper, Middle + Lower Falls in Letchworth State Park
- Watkins Glen Waterfalls via Stone Stairs
- Shequaga/Montour Falls South of Watkins Glen
- Lucifer Falls + Lower Falls in Robert H. Treman State Park
- Buttermilk Falls in Buttermilk Falls State Park
Top 5 Waterfall Hikes | Finger Lakes Trail
Great New England Swimming Holes
If you do choose to visit any of these places, please Leave No Trace! Not only do you need to make sure to remove all your own trash, but we ask that you try to pick up any trash left by others. There have been dozens of swimming holes closed off to the general public over the last 20 years due to disrespectful visitors. These swimming holes are some of the most wonderful places in all of New England.
- ENDERS FALLS (CT)
- - - - - -
- BELLEVUE FALLS (MA)
- - - - - -
- FRENCHMEN'S HOLE (ME)
- GULF HAGAS (ME)
- HUSTON BROOK FALLS (ME)
- LEDGE FALLS (T4 R10) (ME)
- RATTLESNAKE POOL (ME)
- SMALLS FALLS (ME)
- STEP FALLS (ME)
- - - - - -
- DIANA'S BATHS (NH)
- EMERALD POOL (NH)
- FRANCONIA FALLS (NH)
- JACKSON FALLS (NH)
- LOWER AMMONOOSUC FALLS (NH)
- LOWER FALLS (ALBANY) (NH)
- POLLARDS MILLS (NH)
- SCULPTURED ROCKS (NH)
- SWIFTWATER FALLS (BATH)
- THIRTEEN FALLS (NH)
- UPPER AMMONOOSUC FALLS (NH)
- - - - - -
- BARLETT FALLS (VT)
- BINGHAM FALLS (VT)
- BOLTON POTHOLES (VT)
- BUTTERMILK FALLS (LUDLOW) (VT)
- FALLS OF LANA (VT)
- JAY BRANCH GORGE (VT)
- OLD CITY FALLS (VT)
- PIKES FALLS (VT)
- TERRILL GORGE (VT)
- TWENTY FOOT HOLE (VT)
- WARREN FALLS (VT)
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Plum Island Wind Storm Winter 2015
 |
| Winter Sunset during a 50 mph wind driven snow blinding white-out on Plum Island, Newburyport MA 2/15/2015 |
Friday, March 27, 2015
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Crystal Peatfield Comes in First at Mariner Invitational - Thomas
Peatfield Comes in First at Mariner Invitational - Thomas
BUCKSPORT, ME- Crystal Peatfield notched her first career first place finish at the Mainer Invitational, hosted by Maine Maritime Academy. Along with it being Peatfield's first career win, it is also the first career victory for the Thomas women's cross country program. Peatfield won the three-mile race by 1:29 over the second place finisher.
Also coming in the top ten for the Terriers were Samantha Felbaum, who came in sixth place, with a time of 26:24. One spot behind Felbaum was Nicole Ryderwho came in nine seconds after with a time of 26:33. Coming in last for the Terriers was Bea Parenteau with a time of 30:52.
Though Peatfield came in first it wasn't enough for the Terriers to score, because they didn't have the required five participants to score as a team, as result Maine Mairtime took the team point win.
The Terriers look to build on this week's performance and go into the North Atlantic Conference Championship meet hosted by Thomas. And they look to surprise some teams with a solid individual and team finishes.
The NAC Championship will be held next Sunday, November 3rd at Quarry Road in Waterville hosted by Thomas.
Article source: Thomas (College) Terriers #wearethomas
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