Posts Tagged ‘scenic’

Taking Care of Public Spaces

Posted: February 23, 2013 in Giving Back, Parks, SB Tips, Uncategorized
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Today I felt like exploring. So I biked to The Mill Ponds in Seaside Oregon. The ground was soggy, so I had to pedal lightly to avoid getting sprayed with mud from my tires. Hearing the blue birds chirp relaxed me instantly. Beats traffic noise.

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Right before I got to my favorite spot, I noticed a park bench upside down in the water. I wondered where it went. It’s been a few months since I sat on it from the lookout. Without hesitation I laid my bike down, and tromped through the sticker bushes to get to it. I had seen 2 homeless teens camping there before, and I’m pretty sure they trashed the place.

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I yanked that bench out of the pond, and brought it back to its home. Now everyone can rest and enjoy that epic view again. The seat wasn’t in bad shape, or soaked entirely, so I chilled there for a few. Just another reminder that you can either make the world a better place, or screw it up for the rest of us. There aren’t many public spaces left, so treat them with respect.

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Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Mountain Biking The McKenzie River Trail

Posted: August 9, 2012 in Adventures, Health & Nutrition, Parks
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Yesterday Dad and I backpacked out of Pamelia Lake and headed towards the World Famous McKenzie River Trail. I’ve hiked part of it before, and have wanted to bike it ever since. That’s what I did the last two days. I lost a lot of sweat, and a fair amount of blood on the way.

We biked from the trailhead down to Clear Lake. It’s an easy ride higher on the river. Anybody can bike that section. However, on the way back to the truck I mobbed around Clear Lake. It was brutal. I had to peddle through lava fields in the summer heat. I carried my bike a good part of the way. There’s lots of loose lava rocks, and roots to mess with you. I made it around the beautiful lake, but I was exhausted. Next time I’m asking around about the trail, or hiking it before I ride. Do your homework. It took a lot longer than expected, but I loved it.

Biking on the McKenzie is not for beginners. It’s very challenging. It’s both rocky, and steep. I got caught going downhill when I hit a rock and flew over my handlebars. I hand planted on lava rock and rolled. I thought I broke my leg for a second, but its just swollen. I was wearing a helmet, but I have scratches everywhere. Dropping an F Bomb in the silent forest made me feel better. My hands were sticking to the rubber bike grips from the blood. Right after falling, my chain fell off. I finally got it free, and back on, but ended up greasing my wounds. I washed up in the river, and got back on.

You know it’s been a good trip when you’re as beat as I am now. It’s all sore. Time to rest, and regenerate. I’m going to the Belnap hot springs tonight. My dad is running there now on the trail, and I’m meeting him for dinner. I’ve never been to Belnap. I will have a review for you later.

Go prepared if you ever bike the McKenzie River Trail. Wear protective gloves, and a helmet. I carried a Camelbak hydration pack with a filter, so I could dip into the blue water. I took more photos today, but you should see it for yourself. I plan to raft the river next.

Now I have to attend to all my wounds. Cleaning dirty scratches and scrapes sucks. These are going to be a pain for awhile, but I’m glad I biked here. I’m more experienced. I went solo, but it’s smarter to go with a buddy or a group. Enjoy the pictures!

Cameron McKirdy

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Survival Bros Gears Up to Backpack The Pacific Crest Trail

Posted: July 25, 2012 in Adventures, Parks
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By Cameron McKirdy

Hey friends! In this blog I will detail my preparations for another exciting adventure. My Dad and I are going to hike part of The Pacific Coast Trail. Weather permitting, we plan to leave town in a few days. For three nights our accommodations will be a two man tent.

To physically prepare for this, I’ve had to mix up my training routine. I usually do low, or no impact exercises like swimming, yoga, walking, and biking. Now I have to prepare my body for impact. So lately I’ve hiked, with and without my backpack, and jogged trails too.

I’m incorporating in mixed martial arts training to confuse my muscles. I shadow box for speed, and smash the heavy boxing bag to build strength. Boxing builds my core, and is good cardio! In addition, I’m planning for hot weather, so I’ve been going to the sauna a few times a week. This will hopefully make me more comfortable when I’m outside, exposed to the Sun and the dry heat.

Lately I’ve been wearing my Vibram FiveFingers more. I plan to wear them half the time on our hike. They feel great! I’ve also broken in a new pair of Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear) boots. I bought them at the Nike Outlet store for only $29 on clearance. They’re rugged and cushy. I also have knee high Nike DriFit socks that are thick, and dry amazingly quick.

My backpack is still coming together. I’m really trying to simplify, and keep my pack light. I will probably end up taking the following main items, plus stuff already mentioned: DriFit moisture wicking shirts (long and short, light and dark), DriFit compression underwear, First Aid, wool socks, water, water filters, water disinfectant, bandana, sunglasses, hygiene kit, mosquito head net, Off, iPhone and charger, Energizer LED headlamp, Chapstick, sunscreen, hat or beanie, flashlight, lighters, matches, candles, tinder kit, compass, emergency blanket, Coleman +25 mummy sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, stove, cook wear, utensils, fuel, poncho, tent, Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival kit, and tons of food!

I’m mostly bringing camping food that doesn’t need to be cooked, or require hot water. I will eat fruit, seed, and nut bars, protein bars, granola bars, raisins, canned chicken salad and crackers, dark chocolate, etc. I also have Mountain House freeze dried food for warm meals like lasagna!!! That will be epic after hiking all day. I want to have lots of calories to snack on. I also have a packaged meal of raw veggie powder to mix with water, and protein powder with vitamins and minerals. I’m taking a mixed stash of instant coffees, including Starbucks and Folders. I wouldn’t recommend Folders coffee crystals, but I got seven single serving packets for $1. They’re for emergency only.

Filling my bag is the easy part. Carrying it about 13 miles a day will be challenging. Right now I’m concerned about staying hydrated, training hard, and putting the finishing touches my bag. My Dad and I have studied maps, and have a good idea of where we’re going. He’s contacted local hikers for advice, and been to the ranger station too.

Bring on the lakes, and new terrain. I will say what up to Three Fingered Jack for ya. Of course I plan to shoot pictures, and HD video to post here. Maybe one day I can backpack the entire trail, from Canada to Mexico. There’s even a parallel route for bicycles on roads that’s 2,500 miles, or 4,000 km!!! Pacific Coast Trail or bust! %^D.

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