One Hour No Power reminder

The day is almost upon us to join in on the One Hour No Power. I encourage everyone to participate, and to begin change!

On Sunday July 1, 2007 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. please join me in shutting everything off that you don't need. That means computers, cars, phones, everything that is not absolutely essential. In doing this we can show our support against climate change. Everything we use that is powered by electricity emits some form of "pollution". This pollution contributes to global warming and climate change. Please visit One Hour No Power to join in, find out more information, or spread the word. I urge you to encourage your friends, family, coworkers, bosses, and strangers to participate. Lets stand as a community and show that one hour of no power can begin to make a difference!

A Sleeping Beast

The Grand Canyon is pristine, breathtaking, awe inspiring, and most definitely a true wonder to this world. At nearly a vertical mile drop in elevation, the Colorado river snakes through the Canyon, carrying rafters and immense beauty. It lulls you with unlimited horizons and jaw dropping views, until it wakes. The grandeur remains throughout the unrelenting heat, throughout the brutal pack trip. It endures from top to bottom, and back up again. It has not claimed another victim. It rests, so peaceful, so serene, until we meet again.

A Well Spent Weekend

I spent last weekend with 150 moms and girls in Donnelly at a Girl Scout service unit's mom & me camp. I had the time of my life experiencing a taste of my aspirations. I had the good fortune to be asked to teach two workshops at this beautiful camp, as well as meet some amazing women and soon to be women. To my sweet surprise, the mothers enjoyed our activities and education as much as the girls! I can't wait for the next opportunity to share and spread the love for our environment so many of us carry, yet are unsure how to express.

Skillern Soaking

On the edge of the Sawtooth National Forest, 60 miles from Fairfield, ID lies Skillern Hot Springs. For 2.8 miles you'll hike above and along Big Smokey Creek, enjoying beautiful views.

I took along my trusty pack and a few friends for an overnighter. Primitive camping was abundant, and only 1/4 mile from the pool! We found two pools along the water, one was definitely soakable clocking in at 102 degrees. The other waterside pool was not as warm since creek levels were still high from winter run off. Perched upon a cliff edge, slightly tucked into a small cove, the main soaking pool was a toasty 104 degrees. Slight improvements had been made since my last visit in September 2006. Logs had been placed as a wind break, and the pool appeared to be slightly wider. The minature hot waterfall still cascaded into the pool lightly splashing its soakers. The water was clean, clear and free of algae. Tiny spiders scurried across the rocks throughout the source and hot overflows. I even saw a poor snake that had curled up to get warm, but alas, the water was too hot for it. The entire area was green and bursting with spring time life.

Skillern is a wonderful spring or autumn day hike or pack trip. Keep in mind that this area gets very warm in the summer months, the trail has little to no shade, and a great portion of the trail follows a ridge with no trees. This is a family friendly area, and you'll more than likely run into people throughout the weekend. We saw a few Saturday on our way out. Though the trip was short, the hike was great, the pool relaxing, and the company enjoyable.

Bog Hot Springs, Nevada