Built For The Mountain Life

Wanna Trade Air Quality for Money? Wyoming Does

MK Dealer Services Rep Jessica Hoffmann expresses her feelings regarding the energy exploration in the Rockies:

Photo Courtesy of EcoFlight

I recently felt pretty disgusted to learn about the expansion of drilling for natural gas throughout the Rockies when I watched the documentary A Land Out Of Time.  That feeling has increased thanks to a radio commercial currently running locally in Jackson, pleading to act against the BLM moving forward to permit additional drilling in the Pinedale area.  I heard a Pinedale resident shockingly comment that since the drilling has begun, Pinedale has seen a rapid deterioration of air quality, despite being a no(*) stoplight town.

Wanting to take at least a meager step in the right direction, I emailed the state legislators, pleading them not to permit additional drilling.

Nature Deficit Disorder, Mountain Sprouts on the Radio

Josh Thomas, Principal of Topics Education and leader of health & wellness and sustainability practice areas, will be talking about Nature Deficit Disorder on Charlotte, NC local NPR affiliate station, WFAE 90.7 FM.  He, along with Meg Houlihan, a clinical psychologist, will be talking about why it is important for our youth to connect with nature and the long term developmental and social impacts that result.

Jen Taylor, Founder and Global Brand Manager of Mountain Sprouts, will join in on the discussion.  Jen will speak about the Mountain Sprouts Plug Into Nature campaign and elaborate on how nature deficit disorder has motivated her business.

They will record live tomorrow, 7/31, on "Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins" from 9-10am on WFAE, 90.7 FM.  You can stream it here, and the downloadable podcast will be posted here.

Boy Scouts Converge on Jackson Hole, Teton Pass

Beginning Monday 7/28 and lasting through the entire week, 800 Boy Scouts, all members of the group Order of the Arrow, will be in Jackson Hole to assist in a few different projects, including fence removal in critical wildlife corridors and construction of new trails on Teton Pass.  The event is being called the largest individual service project since World War Two. 

Over 1100 scouts and adult advisors are currently camped out at Jackson Hole High School, and their work throughout the week will leave us with a new cross-country mountain bike loop in the Phillips Ridge area of Teton Pass.  This is a massive project, and it's fair to say that never before have 750-800 people worked on one mountain bike trail at the same time.  The planning and coordination started well before the Scouts arrived in Jackson, and I know I'm not the only one who is thankful and looking forward to reaping the benefits of the new trail.

Photo of WY Governor Dave Freudenthal greeting the Scouts.  Photo courtesy of jacksonholeradio.com

Time to Paddle The World, Mate!

MK Ambassador and native Australian Jez Blanchard gives an update on his upcoming adventures:

I've booked my flight and have set down the plan to cram as much kayaking in over a relatively small period of time, starting today.  So here it is...

Starting in Sydney, Australia, I'll be flying for 19 hours to the Southeast USA to do some clinics, demos, and get involved in some of the Jackson Kayak Camp Instructional Tour.  Then it's off to Prague for the first part of the World Cup of Freestyle Kayaking.  In Prague I will be shooting footage as part of a new Skippy Films DVD while participating in the World Cup.  Hitting the road in the Czech Republic, we will make our way to Germany and Switzerland with the rest of the Jackson Kayak team.  My last World Cup Tour was by far amazing fun and I know this one won't be any different.

Finally I'll be flying to Nepal to paddle some of the most remote and amazing rivers in the world, just in time for the peak of their wet season.  In total I think I'll be flying for 60 hours, maybe more, however I really don't mind spending such a ridiculous amount of time on a plane, consideringthe adventure I'm about to partake in.  Gee, I hate my lifestyle.  :)

Barkley Robinson Continues His Assault on the Competition

MK Ambassador Barkley Robinson isn't making his local Steamboat bike races fun for everyone else, as he continues to dominate the field and leave others in the dust.  Most recently, Barkley won a local race and received some good press for it.  See the article here.

Photo courtesy steamboatpilot.com

2nd Annual Pueblo Paddle-A-Thon

MK Ambassador and rippin' paddler Lauren Burress, who recently moved from Tennessee to Pueblo, Colorado to be around more whitewater, reports on a recent charity event she took part it in:

The 2nd annual Pueblo Paddle-A-Thon was held this weekend to send young adults with cancer to Sweetwater, a 6-day kayak camp.  The whitewater park was packed with spectators, everyone there to support the cause.  The way it worked was each lap raised more money for the benefit, and it didn't matter how you got down the river; kayak, raft, or even swim!  I personally did a couple runs in my boat, played on a body board and for the first time, did a run with my dad in the ducky.

Premiere of "Downunder the Horizonline" at Diamond Brand

Below is an announcement from MK Ambassador and Team Jackson Kayak member Jez Blanchard:

Diamond Brand Outdoors of Asheville, NC will be holding a free premiere of our new film, Downunder the Horizonline by Skippy Films on July 31st at 7:30pm.  The folks at Diamond Brand are organizing a very cool night with some food and giveaways.  This is a truly independent film made with no financial assistance from sponsors and is the first whitewater kayaking film to feature Australia.  The film includes footage from all over the world including Canada, Norway, USA and more.  So come along and check it out, and maybe even buy a copy for yourself.

Cheers mate, hope to see you all there.  - Jez

www.skippyfilms.com

Hype It Up: New Revised Women's Fit

New Women's Fit available in mid-August

Bicycle Racing Season in Full Swing

MK Ambassador and highly accomplished rider Barkley Robinson checks in with an update on the season thus far:

I've been racing quite a bit over the last month or so, but have had a series of bad luck with multiple flats and other mishaps.  Had to walk out of a few courses after using all my spare tubes.  My form has been really good though and I came back strong this last week and set a new course record in our annual hill climb up the Steamboat ski area.

Our local cycling season has been awesome this year.  The group rides are bigger and better than ever and we have a really competitive group again this year in our local race series.  The participant numbers have been up this year as well in the mountain bike series, with around 200 riders each race.

Winter Wrap-Up from Lorin Paley

MK Ambassador and accomplished telemark racer Lorin Paley checked in recently with news from her busy winter season:

I hope your winter was as full of powder days as mine.  Between races and training, there was always new snow dumping!  Although the conditions for racing were very difficult with all the soft snow, this year turned out to be a great success.  I was introduced to the Telemark World Cup circuit and during my world cup debut race in Vermont I consistently placed top ten.  It was a good showing for my first World Cup event and the experience I gained will help me attain even better results next year.  Along with making my World Cup debut, I placed second overall at US Telemark Nationals.

International Climbers Festival - Recap

MK Dealer Services Rep and recent road warrior Jessica Hoffmann steps in with a recap:

After visiting some great MK dealers in the area, I got to attend the 15th Annual International Climbers Festival in Lander, Wyoming.  This was my first time climbing at Wild Iris, which at about 9000 feet elevation, is some of the most beautiful and remote-feeling sport climbing I have done.  We chased the shade as much as possible on pumpy, pocketed classics amidst buff climbers sporting MKs, and attended the festivities in Lander put together by the IFC crew, and many folks from NOLS and Wild Iris Mountain Sports. 

MK Partners Up With Rusty Baker Outdoors

In our quest to conquer the world of pants, we look far and wide to reach the immense demographic of people who wear pants.  One thing we know for sure: everyone wears pants.  And you don't have to live in the mountains to appreciate a pair of Mountain Khakis.

On that note, we're excited to announce a partnership with Rusty Baker Outdoors for 2009.  Rusty is a native of San Antonio, Texas and has been hunting and fishing his whole life.  Rusty currently has an established radio show on ESPN Radio and talks about, you guessed it, fishing and hunting.  Starting in 2009, the Rusty Baker Outdoors television show debuts nationwide on the Sportsmans Channel.  Tune in to catch the crazy adventures as Rusty travels across the United States, and from Canada to Central America.  He'll be joined by superstar guests, from professional athletes to famous singers and more.

We've also been invited to attend the Rusty Baker/Josh Beckett Celebrity Invitational Hunt for Charity at the legendary Herradura Ranch in South Texas.  Check back soon for more updates.

Continental Divide Trail Alliance presents TrailFest 2008

With summer in full bloom and warm days upon us, the timing couldn't be better to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Continental Divide Trail at TrailFest 2008 in Buena Vista, Colorado on Saturday, July 19th.  This is one of the best trail-oriented events in the region and helps raise money for the Continental Divide Trial Alliance.  The day includes 15 different guided hikes, ranging from leisurely valley hikes to strenuous 14ers.

Base Camp will be located in town, at McPhelemy Park, and will include booths, free gear demos, clinics, games for kids, music, food and more.  Be sure to check out the silent auction and raffle and take a shot at winning some great prizes.  All proceeds benefit the Trail. 

seed sucker - organic apparel with a conscience

 

Brent Boone, co-owner of Tailwaters Flyfishing in Dallas, TX and a friend of Mountain Khakis, has announced the launch of his new t-shirt company called Seed Sucker.  The company was conceived with the idea of promoting environmental awareness through t-shirts made of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton.  Slogans and taglines on the shirts create awareness of recycling and other environmental issues. 

In addition to selling shirts, Brent and his girlfriend have created a non-profit organization, the Seed Sucker Foundation, that Seed Sucker sales will fund.  The mission of the organization is to donate mature trees to communities affected by natural disasters.  As the foundation grows the plan includes venturing out to other avenues of awareness, including environmental education and restoration.  Seed Sucker will donate mature trees that will instantly improve the environment and landscape, rather than simply seeding new trees.

Support Brent by browsing his website and purchasing a tshirt.  Rest easy knowing that dollars from your sale will support areas ravaged by natural disasters. 

Lauren Burress Featured in Knoxville Sentinel

MK Junior Ambassador and Jackson Kayak-sponsored kayaker Lauren Burress has experienced an incredible summer so far, with the best yet to come.  Lauren competed in Nationals at the FIBark Festival in Salida, CO and won her division, qualifying her for the World Cup competitions in Europe in August.  Lauren will be competing in the Junior Womens division, featuring three weekends of kayaking.  An article in the Knoxville Sentinel highlights Lauren's recent achievements.  Also check out Lauren's website for more information.

Looking Ahead to Winter

I realize it's only July, but those of us who yearn for cold, snowy days, deep turns, and faceshots never stop thinking about Winter.  With that thought in mind, this morning I was wondering how the construction of the new Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort was going.  Luckily, JHMR has a website devoted to the new tram, with photos and updates.  Seems like everything is more or less on schedule despite a wet and cold May and June and a lingering snowpack up high.  Crews work long hours and with the help of helicopters, cranes and snow shovels, the towers are beginning to rise.  Check the website for amazing photos, stories and video.  We're all keeping our fingers crossed around here, hoping that the Tram is ready to rock for opening day in December.

Wesley Horne Finishes Strong in Finland

MK Ambassador and professional golfer Wesley Horne played four consistent rounds en route to a +4 overall score at the SK Golf Challenge in Finland.  This tournament is part of the European Challenge Tour and Wesley's strong game made him the top American golfer in the tournament. 

When not in Europe, Wesley competes in the southeast on the Tarheel Tour and Hooters Tour and continues to play well.  The first two weeks of August will find Wesley in Ireland and then in Germany.  Good luck Wesley!

MK Ambassador Update

Congratulations to MK Ambassador Jari Kirkland and her team, Team Salomon/Crested Butte, for an outstanding and impressive 3rd place finish at The Turas extreme adventure race in Ireland.  This is one of the most challenging races in the world, and the 3rd place finish is amazing.  Next for Team Salomon/Crested Butte is the Mountain X Race in France.  Good luck.

MK Ambassador Jonathan Willy is in the mountains of Nepal at the moment.  He's fought dysentery and the abandonment of his climbing partner, but he'll be heading back up into the highlands of India for some climbing and a little R & R.

Sean McLoughlin, professional tournament angler, continues to hit the water.  With more tournaments coming up, we'll be sure to update you on his performance. 

Mike Tayloe and Kristin Peterson, owners of Katabatic Consulting, will be heading out on the road this Fall with their Everest Medical Expedition group to attend several wilderness medicine conferences.

Check back often for more updates on the MK Ambassador Team.

Built For The Mountain Life - Revisited (again)

Living in Jackson Hole requires the constant reflection upon the beauty and grandeur of this area.  I am reminded daily of why I choose the Mountain Life and what it means to Built for that lifestyle.  Having guests in town from another state always helps to remind us how lucky and fortunate we are to call Jackson Hole home.  And we never take it for granted.  Below are some pics from a few weeks back, hosting some guests from out of town.

Nothing beats familyAnother epic sunset on the Idaho side of the TetonsSquaretop Mountain

Salmon, Wolves and Bears, Oh My!

MK Ambassador Todd Calitri, who is the Lodge Manager at The Alaska Sportsman's Lodge in the summers, recently checked in with this amazing photo and an update that'd make anyone a bit jealous:

Well the season here in Bristol Bay is in full swing.  The king salmon are running the Nushugak River and the sockeye just started to pour in at home here on the Kvichak River.  Last night we had a large brown bear with cubs swimming down the river.  She looked just like a mini submarine.  But this morning Mary, who is one of our housekeepers, said she saw a wolf playing tug-o-war with one of the survey markers on our land.  We all thought she was losing it until a few other folks verified the sighting.  A beautiful silver wolf checking out the place.  In ten years here we have never seen a wolf on the property.

The fishing, flying and weather has been great up here, but winter is still showing its strength with a frost yesterday, July 1st.  I want to thank MK for the pants that have become like a new skin for me.  I'll be the first to admit that they are looking pretty worn in and have lost that "shine".  But no signs at all of breakdown or wear.  I wear 'em almost every day.  Thank again.  Until next time...

Todd Calitri

A Photo Worth a Thousand Words

A priceless photo.  This shot of our Original Mountain Pants is one that you just don't see every day, or at all, for that matter.  They still look good, even wrinkled up and around the ankles.  Wearing MKs and reading the Ski Journal on the pot...truly Built For The Mountain Life.

Photo courtesy TetonAT.com

Western Governors Wrap Up Meeting

Tuesday marked the final day of a three day Western Governor's Association meeting in Jackson Hole and consisted of comments from Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal and others.  Topics ranged from climate change to wildlife corridors to energy policy, with energy and climate change issues taking top priority. 

Western states plan to use more resources from local and regional universities in an effort to gain a better scientific understanding.  Utah Governor Jon Huntsman will take over for Freudenthal as the chairman of the association and will host next year's conference in Park City, Utah.

Western Governors' Association Convenes in Jackson Hole

Tom Brokaw and Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Daily

Jackson Hole will play host to the Western Governors' Association 2008 Annual Meeting from June 29 - July 1.  The meeting will consist of governors from the Western US states, western Canadian provinces and additional keynote speakers and moderators, including Tom Brokaw and Dick Kempthorne. 

The agenda for the meeting includes protecting wildlife corridors in the West, managing water in the West, electricity transmission and energy and climate concerns.  Discussions will include what to be done at the regional, state and national levels.

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced $1 million in funds for the pronghorn migration corridor from Bridger-Teton National Forest to Sublette County.  The money will go toward examining the impact of improvements to fencing, which can have an impact on other wildlife as well. 

We're glad to see these issues, the ones so important to those of us out west, being carefully examined.  We're even more excited to see action taking place.  Water and energy management, along with oil and gas exploration, will become ever more crucial as temperatures rise and gas and oil become more expensive in the future.  The West cannot do without these valuable resources, yet there's a lot to be lost from irresponsible energy development.  We'll keep you posted on related news.