My Outdoor Adventures

Canon 5D Mark II Video Skipping

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Canon 5D Mark II Video Skipping

I recently upgraded to the Canon 5D Mark II DSLR and couldn't be happier that I did. But one of the first things I noticed with the camera was that the video skipped when I played it on my computer no matter what player I tried. I couldn't figure out what the problem was...

After a little research, I found the answer and it is the best possible answer you could get... the video is too big and too high of a resolution for my computer to actually play.

Great, so what's next???

Convert the 1080 HD video down to a quality that you can play. I use MPEG Streamclip, it's free and simple. I just convert it down to a 780p HD video and it's good to go! No more skipping!

SCA Idaho Workskills 2009

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: SCA Idaho Workskills 2009

I just finished up teaching SCA workskills along with three other instructors for the last week. I taught the tread and drainage station each day. We built waterbars(rock and timber), constructed reverse grade dips, cleared slough and reshaped backslopes. It was fun although as an instructor I would have liked a project that built on the previous days work rather than starting fresh each day. Here are some of the pictures of the SCA members hard at work. You can see more in my SCA Trail Workskills photo album.

Two Penny Bridge Slideshow

Justin Poehnelt — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Two Penny Bridge Slideshow

Is Expensive Photography Equipment Necessary

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Is Expensive Photography Equipment Necessary

Does it really matter what camera or lens is used for a picture? Yes!

My new lens, a 24-70 2.8 allows me to take pictures that a kit lens could not produce. I can use my camera in lower light situations and the depth of field allows me to have more artistic control over the photo.

My current camera body is limited by noise as I try to use higher ISO settings to capture movement or take photos in low light. ISO 800 is simply to noisy to be effective in most situations. As a result, the shutter speed is slower and images often are less sharp or worse. Not to mention the obvious image comparisons between an XSI and a 5D Mark II.

I am not saying that a photographer cannot take great pictures with a point and shoot. What I am saying is that high quality equipment allows a photographer to take great pictures in more situations and have some great pictures turn out amazing.

Photography Is Taking Over My Life

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Photography Is Taking Over My Life

It seems as though I am spending more time and money with photography these days. I am waking up to shoot at dawn or pull the camera out in the moonlight on long work days. When I am not working, I'm heading to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge or Wakulla Springs. I still have a bunch to learn, but I am having a great time with it and getting better. Much better glass has helped too!

My Gear:

I am currently using a Canon XSI with a 24-70 f2.8 for almost all of my pictures. I shoot this on the Gitzo 2440 Carbon Fiber Tripod with a RRS BH40 ballhead and L plate. I cannot stand using my older cheaper lenses anymore and will soon be getting a 70-200 f2.8 to compliment my setup. After that I will probably get some much needed accessories such as an external flash, polarizing filter, telephoto extender and neutral density filter before upgrading my camera body or purchasing a longer lens.

What I am currently trying to improve upon:

1. Setting depth of field
2. Increasing sharpness
3. Processing RAW images

New Photos

Combined Elevation Profiles: CDT, PCT, AT

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Combined Elevation Profiles: CDT, PCT, AT

Here is a great page comparing the elevation profiles of the three major long trails. It is an interesting perspective on the difficulties of each trail.

Check out the rest of Chris Johnson's maps at: http://parkaymaps.110mb.com/

War on Wildlife, Wildlife Services

Justin Poehnelt — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: War on Wildlife, Wildlife Services

If you have not heard about Wildlife Services, a branch of the USDA, you should read this report by WildEarth Guardians that is being presented to Congress and the President. Wildlife Services are the ones responsible for killing wolves, grizzlies and numerous other predators to often protect livestock grazing on public lands. It is costly and controversial and subsidizes an industry at the expense of a more natural ecosystem. In some situations, predators are targeted solely to increase the number of elk and other species for hunters. You can read about one such example at wolves.wordpress.com.

Authors of the 108-page report being presented to USDA, members of Congress and the White House on Tuesday described it as the first comprehensive, national, independent assessment of the agency in 40 years.

In sum, each year, Wildlife Services kills tens of thousands of wild animals and pets,endangers public safety and the safety of its own employees, and spends millions of tax dollars (local, state, and federal) to do so. The 1994/1997 PEIS upon which Wildlife Services relies is anachronistic. Despite the $100 million annual investment in killing over one million animals each year, the GAO, and independent researchers and an economist have shown that the program is ineffective, and the costs outweigh any perceived benefits. Wildlife Services kills wild predators by the thousands using controversial and dangerous methods in futile attempts to bolster the nation�s declining sheep industry.

Link to 108 page pdf

Wakulla River

Justin Poehnelt — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Wakulla River

I went on a riverboat tour of the Wakulla River at Florida's Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. The wildlife was amazing but the water was a bit too cold for much of a swim. On the boat ride, I spotted alligators, ducks, birds, fish, turtles and tons of other wildlife. I only wish it was more than an hour ride. Here are some of my favorite pictures:

See more pictures from the Wakulla River!

SCA Position Update

Justin Poehnelt — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: SCA Position Update

I am currently a month into my second SCA crew working on the Florida Trail. We are beginning work on an 80ft bridge next week. I have been extremely busy these last few months and haven't had time to post much and do not expect it to change in the next few months.

I have accepted a position with SCA for the summer at SCA's new Idaho Americorps Training Center on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It's a much larger program than I have done before and will last 6 months, have 3 SCA staff, and have many more SCA members. I am excited about new program opportunities and the chance to see some of my work from last year!

New Camera Equipment

Justin Poehnelt — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: New Camera Equipment

I have recently been upgrading my camera equipment due to a theft and have been spending all of my free time taking pictures. I haven't written much in a long time, but I have frequently been adding new pictures. You can check out my new pictures at www.justinwp.com/pics/.

Forest Service Trails Budget 2009

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Forest Service Trails Budget 2009

The trails program on Forest Service lands will be taking a serious cut in 2009 with overall funding down 33% for 2009. The overall Forest Service budget is facing a decrease of 8% from 2008 with Wildland Fire being the only program with an increase in appropriations. Some more data on trail maintained:

2007
Miles Maintained: 25,696
Miles Improved: 1,594

2008
Miles Maintained: 20,790
Miles Improved: 956

2009
Miles Maintained: 11,650
Miles Improved: 500

This is an enormous cut to a relatively low cost program that provides over 50 million visitor days per year. These budgets simply mean that organizations such as the SCA will play a larger role in the future trail needs of public lands.

Forest Service 2009 Budget Justificaion - pdf Trails is on page 284

Bushs Legacy on the Environment and the BLM

Justin Poehnelt — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Bushs Legacy on the Environment and the BLM

The Bureau of Land Management is currently starting a firesale of oil and gas leases without consideration of environmental and social impacts, specifically near national parks in Nevada and Utah.

The view of Delicate Arch natural bridge, an unspoiled landmark so iconic it's on Utah's license plates, could one day include a drilling platform under a proposal that environmentalists call a Bush administration "fire sale" for the oil and gas industry...
An examination of the parcels, superimposing low-resolution government graphics onto Google Earth maps, shows that in one case drilling parcels bordering Arches National Park are just 1.3 miles from Delicate Arch.
"If you're standing at Delicate Arch, like thousands of people do every year, and you're looking through the arch, you could see drill pads on the hillside behind it. That's how ridiculous this proposed lease sale is," said Franklin Seal, a spokesman for the environmental group Wildland CPR.

Fortunately the NPS was able to convince the BLM to back off some of the parcels on the park borders, however many other areas are still at threat.

Other leases certain to draw objections from conservation groups include parcels on high cliffs along whitewater sections of Desolation Canyon, an area little changed since explorer John Wesley Powell in 1896 remarked on "a region of wildest desolation" while boating down the Green River to the Grand Canyon.

Still others extend to plateaus populated by big game atop Nine Mile Canyon, home to thousands of ancient rock art panels.

"This lease sale continues to be a disaster in the making," said Stephen Bloch, a staff attorney for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. "The Park Service has concerns about a number of other parcels close to the national parks, and it seems evidence they were rolled, and couldn't maintain their opposition."

One of the biggest misconception about BLM lands is that they are desolate lands that have no value, but those same characteristics make it one of the best places to learn about our archeological and geological history. There are some truly amazing places on blem lands.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4896160
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081116/ap_on_bi_ge/national_parks_drilling

SCA Project Leader

Justin Poehnelt — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: SCA Project Leader

It can be one of the best jobs I could ever dream of, but at times it can be the most stressful, challenging, and lonely work. All it takes is a change in a couple variables; a crew member with bad judgment, a project that doesn't want to be completed, or a few bugs that are not visible to the naked eye.

My position, SCA project leader, involves leading 5 adults that have decided to volunteer and dedicate three months of their life to conserving public lands through trail work, important work that otherwise would not get done. I make sure the crew gets enough to eat, completes projects safely, is taught about the environment and conservation, and sleeps warm in a tent at night. It is a rare day that I am free from responsibility.

At the same time, my work takes me to some of the most beautiful places in this country. Some days I get paid to go hiking up a mountain trail or camp in the most pristine wilderness area. I wake up to mountains and impressive vistas. I go to sleep watching more stars in one night sky than some have seen in a lifetime. I see the growth in crew members as they experience this for themselves.

Most recently, my job has taken me to the swamps of Florida and work on the Florida National Scenic Trail. It is a tremendous change from the dry, open mountains of Idaho, the place of my last crew. I am still adjusting to the loss of the 'big sky' country, but the most difficult aspect for me has been leading a crew in a more urban setting, never more than a few minutes from a gas station or a half mile from a road. Such a situation brings added challenges that otherwise would not exist in a more remote setting.

These extra challenges and a few different variables can quickly change my job into a tiresome and lonely position. It has brought me into situations I have never dealt with and made me recommit to making the experience with my next crew more positive for both myself and my future members.

Five Year Travel Plans

Justin Poehnelt — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Five Year Travel Plans

Some places I want to travel to...

1. Hike the entire Continental Divide Trail in one summer
2. Travel across Central and South America for several months
3. Camp in the Caribbean for a month
4. Backpack Europe for three months
5. Extended canoe/kayak trip for three to four weeks
6. Spend a few weeks exploring the deserts of the Southwest US and Baja

SCA Bridge Video

Justin Poehnelt — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: SCA Bridge Video

Map of Summer Trail Projects

Justin Poehnelt — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Map of Summer Trail Projects

Now you can see where I was all summer...

View Larger Map

Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Down Bag

Justin Poehnelt — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Down Bag

I just purchased a down sleeping bag from Western Mountaineering that should keep me warm in the 15F to 40F temperature range, a range that I was missing a good down bag. Prior to this bag, I had a cheapo 15F synthetic that wasn't doing the job.

The Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Down Bag is definitely high quality and worth every penny. The build is just outstanding and it looks great.

Storing SPOT Locations on Embedded Google Map

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Storing SPOT Locations on Embedded Google Map

All summer I was using a SPOT device to have my crew check-in with my supervisor. I quickly saw the potential of the SPOT and the ability to have an embedded google map with all of the SPOT markers together labeled by date on my website. It would be an easy way for anyone to check my progress.

Getting to that stage is a little trickier though...

1. Get email to scripting languange

The easiest way seems to be using a pop3 class with php run with a cron job at designated times. Other methods involve directly piping emails to the script.

2. Insert lat, long and date data into mySQL database

3. Put data on embedded google map

Check out an example of a cdt trail map that I put together for my thruhike.

Salmon-Challis National Forest SCA Poster

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Salmon-Challis National Forest SCA Poster

I created a small poster highlighting the summer with my SCA trail crew on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Trail Work Resources

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Trail Work Resources

Trail Construction and Maintenance

Hand Drilling and Breaking Rock
for Wilderness Trail Maintenance

Handtools for Trail Work

Saws that Sing

Wetland Trail Design

An Axe to Grind

Conservation: Axe in Hand

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Conservation: Axe in Hand

On of my favorite quotes to share with my trail crews is one by Aldo Leopold. Trail crews often require an important balance between the impact of the work and the area protected.

I have read many definitions of what is a conservationist, and written not a few myself, but I suspect that the best one is written not with a pen, but with an axe. It is a matter of what a man thinks about while chopping, or while deciding what to chop. A conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke he is writing his signature on the face of his land. Signatures of course differ, whether written with axe or pen, and this is as it should be.

Stream Crossings in the Backcountry

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Stream Crossings in the Backcountry

One of the most dangerous activities while hiking or backpacking is crossing a stream or river. Many hikers will try to cross dangerous stacks of logs or jump from rock to rock. This often results in injury and is almost always done soley for comfort.

My trail crew recently built a bridge over a stream and it was amazing to see the risks that hikers took trying to keep their feet dry. Several people nearly wiped out on the old trail and a hiker had actually broken a leg a couple weeks earlier.

Some tips for safe stream crossings:

1. Scout the stream or river for safe crossing spots. Watch the water speed and depth and look for wide spots.

2. Face upstream while crossing. In groups you can cross in a chain with the strongest person upstream and the rest of the group in the wake of the first person. Another method is forming a triangle with three people.

3. Use a stick to form a tripod so that you always have two points of contact.

4. Wear shorts to reduce the drag.

5. Release your hip belt and sternum strap so that you can get out of your pack if you lose your balance and fall in the water.

Trail Work Portfolio

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Trail Work Portfolio

Salmon-Challis National Forest, ID - 2008

Major projects on the Salmon-Challis National Forest primarily involved timber turnpikes and a 22 foot span rustic bridge with a handrail constructed using mortise and tenon joinery and dovetail notches. All resources were obtained on location. Additional turnpike photos may be seen here and additional bridge photos may be seen here

Other work included waterbars, blowdown removal, tread restoration and trail relocation. Work was completed in backcountry and wilderness settings using minimal impact techniques.

Kenai Fjords National Park, AK - 2007

The project at Kenai Fjords National Park was the layout and construction of 1500 feet of new trail with a grade of less than 10 percent, 18 inch tread width, and numerous grade reversals.

Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway, VA - 2007

Projects included a 24 foot span dimensional lumber bridge and a 27 step rock staircase. The bridge is handicap accessible and replaced a smaller, old bridge. The rock staircase was completed using rock on-site.

Mojave National Preserve, CA - 2007

At the Mojave National Preserve, work was focused on tread restoration and trail relocation to slight sidehills from washes.

Wisconsin Wolves

Justin Poehnelt — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Wisconsin Wolves

Sightings of wolves in central Wisconsin have been becoming much more frequent now for a few years and just the other day we finally got some pictures near on my parent's land.

A wolf on my parent\'s land in central Wisconsin

A wolf and two coyotes at a deer carcass

A wolf in Wisconsin

Rustic Trail Bridge Construction

Justin Poehnelt — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Rustic Trail Bridge Construction

My trail crew recently replaced a bridge on Kane Lake Trail in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The old bridge had collapsed into the stream and a hiker had recently broken a leg trying to cross over it.

Old bridge that was removed

We started by removing the old bridge and then building two large timber abutments to reduce the length of the bridge from about 30 feet to 22 feet. This involved a large retaining wall made of timber and filled in with large rocks and crush.

Log abutments being placed

After completing the abutments and placing the sills, we started on the stringers. We made some amazing saddle notches in the stringers that were nearly 20 inches in diameter on the fat end.

A saddle notch on one of the stringers

Cutting out a saddle notch with a chainsaw

Alisha and Sophia working on saddle notches for the bridge stringer.

Straightening the stringers for the bridge with a chainsaw

Completed stringers

Completed two stringer bridge

The crew on the completed bridge

The crew on the completed two stringer bridge

Completed bridge

Summer Trail Work Update

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Summer Trail Work Update

It has been a busy summer for me leading a trail crew on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, but it has been one of the best in my life. We have done a bunch of cool projects and recently built a 50 ft turnpike with a 5 ft bridge over a stream. That project took the crew about 4 days to finish and by the end, we were pros at making saddle notches with the limited tools we carried (we didnt even have a chisel). Its quite amazing when looking at the pictures of our trail work.

Before

Building a turnpike

Crush being placed between the stringers and the bridge strings being shaped

First sills getting placed

Strings placed

Filling in the Turnpike

Bridge over the stream

Almost complete

For our last two work hitches, we will be building some rustic stringer bridges. It�s a lot of work, but it is extremely rewarding to see the finished project on something so complex. One of the bridges we will be building is on Kane Creek Trail, where a bike rider broke his leg trying to cross an old, blown out bridge. The other will be on Summit Creek Trail over a large see in a hillside; although, there is still a chance we might just build a log retaining wall instead.

When we havent been working the crew is often out climbing some spectacular mountains in the area. I have spent much of my off-time enjoying the peace and quiet of living an hour from any type of town. We did go to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for one break; however, I much prefer the solitude of Idaho mountains.

Only one more month before I head south to do trail work on the Florida Trail for the fall and winter!

Project Leader - Florida National Scenic Trail

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Project Leader - Florida National Scenic Trail

I just accepted a fall/winter position with the SCA as a project leader for two back-to-back crews on the Florida National Scenic Trail. The first crew will be in the fall and have a variety of projects ranging from reroutes to boardwalk while the second crew in winter will be constructing a suspension bridge for almost the entire three months.

SCA Trail Corps Mt. Rainier Training

Justin Poehnelt — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: SCA Trail Corps Mt. Rainier Training

I've been in the Mount Rainier area for two days now in preparation for the arrival of my crew and an eleven day training. It has been great but it will take a little time to adjust to the humidity and rain; hopefully Mt. Rainier will peak out of the clouds during the next couple weeks. I am definitely excited and anxious to finally meet my crew on June 3rd!

Update with Photos:

Frank Church: Lower Loon to Meyers Cove

Justin Poehnelt — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Frank Church: Lower Loon to Meyers Cove

I just went through seven of the most physically challenging days of my life in the most remote place in the lower 48, the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho. Ben, a forest service employee, and I were dropped off by plane on a short dirt landing strip at the confluence of Lower Loon Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

Our mission was to clear rock slides, cut trees that had fallen over the trail, and make the trail passable by human and horse. We had a rough twenty-five miles of trail to cover in just seven days; it should have been eight days, but our flight was canceled the day earlier due to a snowstorm and whiteouts. If successful, we would find a forest service rig waiting for us at Meyer's Cove, the trailhead to Camas Creek. The first ten miles of work would be on the Middle Fork trail and the last half would be on the Camas Creek trail, this is excluding a steep jaunt up Dry Gulch for a few miles.

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is one of the most rugged places I have ever been. The trail is often hanging on the edge of a cliff or on a fire-burnt slope that is ready to slide into the river. At some of these points the trail has sections missing that required Ben and I to try to cut a solid tread into the hillside that would still hold the weight of a horse. I definitely had the thought, "don't look down," going through my head as I was putting my weight into the swing of a pulaski.

Beyond the ruggedness, the pure physical challenge of carrying seven days worth of food and gear including the multiple tools is nearly overwhelming. At one point I had all of my normal backpacking gear for an extended trip, but also had a rock bar and pulaski attached to my pack in addition to the crosscut saw in my hands.

But at the end of the day, I would wash some of the black off from the burnt areas and the plain old dirt from everywhere else and look up at my surroundings. I would see a herd of elk moving across the hillside, a group of deer coming out of the cover to feed or an amazing mix of colors as the sun set over the mountains. No matter how exhausted I was or how difficult it was to pump water, it was all worth it to me. Although I may have captured some of these scenes with photographs, I will always remember moments such as these.

Home for the Summer: Wildhorse Guard Station

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Home for the Summer: Wildhorse Guard Station

I will be spending my off time out of the backcountry at Wildhorse Guard Station between Ketchum and Mackay, ID. It's a remote location and over 30 minutes from services of any kind, including cell service. It will be interesting to see how the crew handles the isolation on off time. Here is a picture, the road was still snowed over when I checked it out last...

Horse Creek Trail Maintenance - Frank Church Wilderness

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Horse Creek Trail Maintenance - Frank Church Wilderness

I recently spent an eight day work hitch clearing brush and cutting blowdowns with crosscuts on the Horse Creek Trail in the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. Horse Creek empties into the Salmon River about five miles down river from the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the Salmon River. We cleared brush for a little over 6 miles and my arms haven't been so sore for quite awhile. It was still a great time and we saw a ton of wildlife; elk herds daily, black bears, mountain goats within a couple hundred yards, and a wolf.

The elk herd was on the ridge in the distance.

Horse Creek

Lower Loon, Frank Church Wilderness

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Lower Loon, Frank Church Wilderness

On Wednesday, April 29th, I will be flying into Lower Loon Creek in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. I will be working with one of the backcountry patrols clearing a trail that was covered by an avalanche slide. I will be in the middle of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 for 8 days. It should be a great plane flight!

Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

On Wednesday I will be flying with two Salmon-Challis National Forest trail crew employees into the middle of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. I will be spending seven days clearing trails and doing basic trail maintenance along the middle fork of the Salmon River.

I'm excited to head into the wilderness and I hope I will handle it alright for my first backpacking trip of the year. At the very least, I should have some great photos to share when I get back!

SCA Project Leader Training

Justin Poehnelt — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: SCA Project Leader Training

I have spent much of this week in Boise, ID for the Student Conservation Association's project leader training. We have been covering topics ranging from conflict resolution to defensive driving and the 26 project leaders have had the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and concerns about the upcoming season. I am always amazed by the growth and leadership that can be fostered in the SCA experience.

I am one of the trail project leaders(trail crews rock), but there are many other crews working in the SCA Native Plant Corps, Wildland Fire Corps and Desert Restoration Corps. Next Tuesday I will be heading off to the Salmon - Challis National Forest to meet with the forest staff and plan for the summer. Hopefully I will have the crew hired by May and ready to begin crew member training in June at Mt. Rainier. I'm excited!

I have also been given some cool toys to play with. Who would have guessed a trail crew leader would be getting a Blackberry with an unlimited data plan and a laptop? It makes sense though since internet access will be difficult at times and it does not make sense to drive somewhere to get internet access.

Anyway, this must be one of the best jobs working outdoors. The pay is great, the people are great, and the experience cannot be beat.

Pictures Featuring My Tent

Justin Poehnelt — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Pictures Featuring My Tent

When showing pictures from my many backpacking trips, one of the parts I like to point out is my campsite location and what I wake up to in the morning. Here are some of my backpacking photos featuring a tent:

Washakie Pass in the Wind River Range

Another picture from the Wind River Range in Wyoming

Joshua Tree National Park after a little snow

Caramba Point Overlook near San Jacinto in southern California

My sleeping spot for nearly 8 months in the Yuha Desert in far, far southern California. Mt. Signal in the background is in Mexico.

Here is the rest of our camp in the Yuha Desert.

Thanks to TwoHeelDrive and Backpacker.com for the ideas.

Too Much Backpacking Gear

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Too Much Backpacking Gear

As I pack to fly out to Idaho for my job as a trail crew leader it has become obvious that I have way too much backpacking gear. While I often justify certain items for specific situations, such as a 32 degree sleeping bag for summer and a 0 degree bag for colder times, having to fit all of my gear into one checked luggage bag has forced me to realize what I actually need.

I'm only bringing one sleeping bag, one backpack, one shelter, one sleeping pad, one stove etc... Although I have four sleeping bags, my 15 degreee synthetic is best for an all purpose bag that can take a beating. It's much the same for backpacks, my Granite Gear Latitude Vapor may be lightweight, but my Arc'Teryx Bora 80 won't leave any question about having enough room.

Anyways, isn't backpacking about carrying only what is needed and maximizing the use of that gear? I think this experience may be a turning point in my gear addiction and if anything, I might be more inclined to create, modify or fix gear to get the most out of the least. My homemade alcohol backpacking stove may be just the start!

My Favorite National Parks

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: My Favorite National Parks

I have traveled to many different national parks in my lifetime and some have definitely made the list for return trips. Here are my favorite national parks in order.

1. Death Valley National Park, CA - I love the desert and this park has amazing contrast from Badwater Basin(lowest point in western hemisphere) all the way to Telescope peak(highest point in park at 11,000+ feet).

2. Wrangell - St. Elias National Park, AK - I didn't spend much time in this park, but the isolation and vastness are overwhelming.

3. Sequoia National Park, CA - Car camping among the giants and then backpacking out of Mineral King put my size into perspective.

4. Kenai Fjords National Park, AK - Waking up and see Exit Glacier glowing in the morning sunshine for 30 days was worth the back-breaking labor I did building a part of the Harding Ice Field Trail.

5. Yellowstone National Park, WY - I have a weak spot for wildlife. I need to return to this park now that I love backpacking.

6. Shenandoah National Park, VA - Great and easy backpacking. Working there for three months gives it a little boost.

7. Great Smokey Mountains National Park, TN - Only stayed in the campgrounds, but would have loved to get into some more remote areas.

8. Denali National Park, AK - I visited in late September after season and didn't see any wildlife, but greatly enjoyed the vastness.

9. Mojave National Preserve, CA - Is there anything cooler than a joshua tree forest?

10. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO - Had a great drive through, need to get away from the people and roads though.

Others not making the list that I have visited: Badlands National Park, Redwood National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Picture Rocks Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore, Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Top on the list for me to make my first visit: Glacier National Park, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park

No More Nalgenes For Me

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: No More Nalgenes For Me

I have recently switched away from Nalgene to SIGG water bottles. I did this for a couple reasons and am glad that I did even though it cost me my old, seasoned nalgene and a little over $20.

The main reason is that I would like to move away from using plastic in anything that touches food or water. Although it may be convenient and cheap, many plastics leach toxic chemicals over time, especially when heated. In the case of Nalgene water bottles, the chemical is Bisphenol A, which is disruptive to hormones and carcinogenic. If you do not wish to give up your nalgene water bottle, you can reduce the amount that is leached by keeping it away from heat, keeping out acids and replacing it frequently.

The other reason that I switched to a SIGG water bottle is that it doesn't leave a taste like my nalgene bottle did. It is quite the difference and is quickly noticeable. I recommend trying it for the taste alone.

Another brand besides SIGG that I would like to suggest is Klean Kanteen, the difference being a SIGG bottle is aluminum and a Klean Kanteen bottle is stainless steel. Both brands come in various sizes, shapes, and lids.

Update: Be sure to check out some great information posted in the comments below!

Inov8 Roclite 295 Trail Shoes - Gear Review

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Inov8 Roclite 295 Trail Shoes - Gear Review

I recently purchased some shoes from Innov8. I selected the extremely lightweight ROCLITE 295. I was immediately impressed with the weight of the shoes, a little under 12 ounces for a size 11 mens on my scale for one shoe. I have never had anything so light that wasn't a sandal.

I quickly put them on and took off for a short run/hike and am happy to report the flexible, but supportive feel that I prefer in my hiking shoes. The shoes allow me to feel the trail unlike hiking boots. The sole of the Inov8 Roclite 295 is very aggressive and will do great in muddy and slippery conditions; although, I haven't tested them out on wet rock so far. One negative is that they are not non-marking soles.

The shoes have a very breathable mesh upper that should strike a good balance between breathability and keeping rocks and or dirt out. These shoes are not goretex or waterproof.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with these shoes. The Inov8 Roclite 295s will be put to the test as I try to find an ultralight hiking shoe for my thruhike of the continental divide trail in 2009.

Backpacking and Hiking Podcasts

Justin Poehnelt — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Backpacking and Hiking Podcasts

Now that I have an Ipod, I have discovered the wealth of resources available as podcasts. I have also found several podcasts talking about the outdoors, backpacking, hiking, thruhiking and many other related topics and thought I would share these with you.

My Backpacking and Hiking Podcast List:

1. Wildebeat - The audio journal about getting into the wilderness.

2. Trailcast - Podcasting on foot.

3. Backpacking Light - Backpacking Light Podcasts introduce you to the gear, the people, and the stories that define the best of today's wilderness experience!

4. Practical Backpacking - Watch out for the ads!

5. Anthony's Audio Journal - Hiking and Backpacking podcast of Anthony's personal journals from hikes and backpack trips in and around the Southern California area and the Eastern Sierras.

6. Hike It All - Video Podcasts

7. SouthEastern Backpackers - Watch out for the ads!

8. ARHiker Trailcast - Descriptions of trails hiked.

Using the MSR Whisperlite Backpacking Stove

Justin Poehnelt — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Using the MSR Whisperlite Backpacking Stove

Understanding how a MSR Whisperlite stove works is essential to reducing flareups and effectively priming the stove prior to lighting. The most important part of the process is how the fuel, white gas, changes from liquid in the bottle to a gas that burns with an intense flame. New users are often intimidated by the MSR Whisperlite, but if taught properly, there should be no problem lighting the stove.

Pressurizing the Fuel Bottle
White gas is stored as a liquid and put under pressure in the fuel bottle. The pressure, created by the fuel pump, forces the liquid white gas through the metal tube into the stove. Pumping the fuel bottle until resistence is felt will result in adequate pressure. The number of pumps will depend upon the amount of fuel in the bottle.

Heat Feedback
If you look closely at the path of the white gas, you will notice a loop that takes the liquid fuel above the flame

when the stove is operating. This is an essential stage called heat feedback. Heet feedback means that when the stove is burning, the flame heats the white gas up to the point that it turns from liquid to gas, much like water changes to steam at water's boiling point. Here is a diagram of that change from liquid to gas.

This process occurs when the stove is already started and burning. But how do I get to that point, where the gas is hot enough that it changes from liquid to gas?

Priming the MSR Whisperlite Stove
This is where the primer cup comes into play. If the white gas is still in liquid form when it makes it through the fuel line, it will collect in the primer cup. The liquid white gas in the primer cup then should be lighted with the fuel valve on the bottle closed. Lighting this heats up the very end of the fuel line and some of the remaing fuel in the line, creating enough heat to change the liquid to gas. This heated gas rises up through the stove and starts making a slight hissing sound. You may have to experiment with how much fuel is allowed into the primer cup to do this.

Lighting the MSR Whisperlite Stove
The next step, lighting the stove, is often made much more difficult than is necessary. The easiest method is to simply wait for all the fuel in the primer cup to burn up, turn the fuel valve back on, and light the stove at the top, much like lighting any gas grill. The stove may burn with an intense blue flame right away, but sometimes the heat feedback, mentioned earlier, needs a little longer to be completely effective. The more difficult method is to turn on the fuel while there is still liquid white gas in the primer cup, but enough heat to for the hissing sound to be started. It is a matter of timing.

Advanced MSR Whisperlite Techniques
Simmering can be achieved by reducing the pressure in the fuel bottle after the stove has been started and heated up. Turn the fuel off, let the flames burn out, and twist off the fuel pump until pressure is relieved. Afterwards, simply pump the bottle fewer times than you normally would and light the stove again.

MSR Whisperlite Maintenance
The most effective and common maintenance for the MSR Whisperlite is to simply shake. At the very end of the fuel line is the shaker jet, a tiny needle that is free to move up and down. By shaking the stove, carbon buildup is removed. The shaker jet should make a slight rattling sound.

The second most effective and common maintenance for the MSR Whisperlite is cleaning the fuel line. Cleaning the fuel line consists of pulling out and pushing in the cable that is within the fuel line. This removes the carbon buildup that limits the flow of fuel. You can use different tools for this, but the one that comes with the stove

works well. If this is done regularly, it is a simple task and the cable will freely move. If not, it may take considerable effort to get it all the way back in, repeating the in and out until all carbon has been removed. Be careful not to damage the cable.

Safety Considerations
1. Watch for leaks from the fuel pump and check o-rings.
2. Do not step, lean, or reach over the stove.
3. If there is too much fuel in the primer cup, leave the stove and let some evaporate prior to lighting.
4. Always handle boiling water carfully.
5. Do not use water to put out white gas fires, smother the fire with whatever is available; dirt, aluminum wind screen, pot/pan, etc..
6. Keep food and fuel separate. Some fuel will remain in the fuel line after the stove is out and needs to be drained appropriately.

What Next?
If you have mastered the workings of the MSR Whisperlite stove, I suggest you try making a pop can alcohol stove that weighs about one ounce!

ArcTeryx Bora 80 Backpack - Gear Review

Justin Poehnelt — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: ArcTeryx Bora 80 Backpack - Gear Review

I have owned my Arc'Teryx Bora 80 backpack for over a year and am satisfied with the pack. It has met all of my expectations and then some in terms of durability, quality, and load bearing. I purchased the pack not for a desire to be ultralight, but for my job leading trail crews. I often have a huge load, well over 50 pounds, and I need a backpack that would handle the beating. I have also been using the pack on shorter backpacking trips where I was not concerned about the extra size and weight. It is an indispensable part of my collection of backpacking gear!

What do I like about the pack? The pack itself is of the highest quality. I have no rips, tears, holes or any other signs of wear. This durability is after I have slid the pack down a scree field in Death Valley NP, used it to carry various trail tools to job sites, and regularly used it as my checked luggage on cross-country flights. The attention to detail is what separates the Arc'Teryx Bora backpack from others. The quality zippers are just one example of that.

I find the large outside pocket extremely useful for keeping anything that I may need quickly or need to keep out of the main compartment; for example, a wet rain-fly. The 'brain', top compartment, is also large enough for my 'necessities'.

The most important quality of this pack has been that it performs exceptionally when loaded with a huge load. I can easily adjust the weight how I want and can transfer it to my hips without any problems. On a trips in the southwest US and due to water weight, I have carried 70-80 lbs as if it were only 40 lbs.

What don't I like about the pack? Not much really. I never use the side zipper. The shoulder straps and hip belt are a bit stiff. It is heavy, but that is expected and needed for a pack of this size and durability. Price. All of my complaints are relatively minor in my opinion.

This pack has seen some beautiful places... Lost Lake, Chugach NF, Alaska...

Granite Gear Latitude Vapor Backpack - Gear Review

Justin Poehnelt — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Granite Gear Latitude Vapor Backpack - Gear Review

The Granite Gear Latitude Vapor Backpack has been my lightweight backpack of choice for a couple years now. It weighs in at 2lbs and 10 oz and while not ultralightweight, it is respectable. It is a very simple pack that doesn't have a bunch of unnecessary pockets, straps, or loops.

Specs:
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
Capacity: 3800 cubic inches
Load Capacity: 30lbs
Retail: around $190

The backpack has decent support given its weight and I have carried much more than the maximum 30 lb capacity that is specified by Granite Gear... more on this in a bit. One feature I greatly enjoy is the full length double zipper that allows me to access the entire contents of my backpack compared to the standard backpack that is top loaded.

I have had some problems with this pack in terms of durability. I have busted the hip belt buckle and have noticed some serious tears that would render the pack useless without some repair. Some of the durability issues are my own fault as I have had more than the specified weight capacity in the pack; however, in my opinion it is still unacceptable. The most serious tear is where the padding on the back connects to ripstop nylon near the top of one of the shoulder straps. You can see it in this picture...

That is a very important spot and will be a pain to repair. Since this is my first lightweight backpack, I think I have learned some valuable lessons about not abusing my gear and selecting gear that will meet the demands I have of it. Thus is my reason for purchasing an Arc'Teryx Bora 80!

Here is a picture of me with this pack in the Gila National Forest on spring break. Gila Wilderness Backpacking Trip Report, Trip Info and Gila NF Slideshow. Overall, would I buy this pack again. Probably, but I would seamseal those corners with silicone.

MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes - Gear Review

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes - Gear Review

I purchased my first set of snowshoes, the MSR Denali Classics, this winter and and have enjoyed many miles of snowshowing. Luckily, Wisconsin had a far above average snowfall and over three feet of snow in many places. I also tried them out while I was in Montana in February in the Gallatin National Forest.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and the MSR Denali Classics perform at or above any other snowshoes I have tried. These snowshoes are tough, supportive and versatile. Perfect for the all purpose snowshoe with a great price.

I am most satisfied with the bindings on the MSR Denali Classics. I can easily attach the snowshoes with gloves or mittens. It is very easy to adjust the tightness and I have never had them come off. After watching others in cheaper snowshoes with poor bindings in Montana and experiencing the same problems with my father's old snowshoes, I think that bindings are the most important aspect for snowshoes and I couldn't be happier about the MSR Denali Classics.

After the bindings, the most important factor to me is the durability. The MSR Denali Classics are unlike many other snowshoes and have exceeded my expectations. The MSRs are formed out of a one piece molded plastic. Other than a few scratches, I have had no problems and expect them to last me many years.

Other bonuses: crampons and traction for icy hardpack sidehills, price, versatility with floatation tails.

Complaints: heavier than some snowshoes the same size, do not work well with small boots.

Specs: 3lbs 10 oz(manufacturer's weight), retail price $139.

Buy MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes - Backcountry.com affiliate link

Trail Building Job with the SCA

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Trail Building Job with the SCA

The SCA is taking applications for trail crews on the Salmon Challis National Forest including the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. I will be leading one of the crews! Here is the position summary from the SCA:

Help restore, protect, and enhance recent burned areas in the central Idaho mountains. SCA is looking for 10 energetic, adventurous, hard working, high spirited, individuals interested in getting their hands dirty completing a vast array of trail projects in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and surrounding areas. Project location will be the Salmon Challis National Forest. Term of service is 3 months and much of that time will be spent in various backcountry and front country settings, camping and living in a tent. Hiking and backpacking required. Plan, manage and complete trail construction projects, 80%; prepare for field hitches, 20%. A community spirit and teamwork is paramount to the success of the project.

I know that after looking at some of my trail work pictures, I can't wait to get back out there and do some work! I think it has to do with the incredible amount of effort and attention to quality that I put into these projects and the awesome results, not to mention the location of the work!

A rock staircase constructed on a hiking trail off of the Blue Ridge Parkway

New trail for the Harding Ice Field trail at Kenai Fjords National Park

Homemade Pressurized Alcohol Stove For Ultralight Backpacking

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Homemade Pressurized Alcohol Stove For Ultralight Backpacking

In the last few days I have been researching how to build a homemade alcohol stove out of pop cans for backpacking. I found directions for several different designs at zenstoves.net and decided to try making the pressurized type. Here are some specs and the pictures documenting the process.

Specs:
2 cups time to boil: ~5 minutes
time to prime: ~10 seconds
weight: < 1 ounce
capacity: 1.5 ounces
full capacity burn time: ~8 minutes
fuel used: denatured alcohol

The two cans that will eventually become my alcohol stove.

Tool used to quickly cut the root beer cans for my alcohol stove.

The three primary pieces to my alcohol stove. The top and bottom parts with the inner wall that helps hold it together.

A completed pressurized stove that burns denatured alcohol and weighs approximately ONE OUNCE! It has an inner wall, is approximately 35 mm tall and holds a little under two ounces of alcohol. I used jb weld to attach the bolt and nut, the fiberglass wick and the top and bottom pieces of the can. I finished it off with some paint that can handle temps up to 1200.

The stove in action boiling two cups of water in a titanium pot:

Travel, Change and the Outdoors

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Travel, Change and the Outdoors

A week and a couple days ago I left the stability and familiarity of a home in rural Wisconsin for a place I had never been. Although I was excited to live somewhere new and work doing something I loved, I had little idea of where I might live and who I would be working with for much of the next year.

As I sat behind the wheel of my car on the way to Bozeman, Montana, my anxiety grew as I was focused on finding a place to live. The plan was to meet my fellow coworkers at a backpackers hostel the weekend before our work began with the Montana Conservation Corps. Not one of us had spent any significant time in Montana, let alone Bozeman, but we were counting on finding a place in a day to call our own. While some, especially my mother and my girlfriend, thought the five of us were being careless, I had eventually decided that everything would work out just fine. After three nights at the hostel and one in a two bed hotel room, our luck finally began; if you do not count the fact that none of us snore.

My first impression of Bozeman was that I fit in far too well. It was an unusual feeling and I was almost disappointed. It seemed as though everyone went hiking, skiing, hunting or fishing in their free time. Fortunately, these concerns quickly dissolved as I was told about future MCC work projects across the entire Greater Yellowstone Region and how little I would be spending my time in Bozeman; although, today I find myself avoiding these activities for my own solitude as all my roommates and coworkers enjoy hiking in the nearby snow-covered mountains.

As I sat in our upstairs apartment last night as I watched the movie Into the Wild, I reflected on my own place in life and quickly built a desire to be free of paying rent and returning to a place of relative solitude in nature. As today progresses, I find myself anxiously awaiting my first work project with a crew in the backcountry of the Yellowstone region. I once again I do not know where I may be sleeping or who I may be working with, but I cannot wait for that day to arrive.

A Summer Building Trails

Justin Poehnelt — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: A Summer Building Trails

The Mojave National Preserve, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Kenai Fjords National Park are three of the places I have spent much of my summer working for the Student Conservation Association. I was a coleader for two crews and a member of one of the SCA staff crews. I built a bridge, designed new trail, chopped out that trail, moved huge rocks for a rock staircase and pulled hundreds of alder roots. These experiences have taught me quite a bit about trail work and a whole lot more about myself.

My first project early this summer was as a coleader of a 6 student SCA high school crew in the Mojave National Preserve. Our work was to be concentrated on new trail construction as much of the trail had been wiped out by fire and floods. We built over one mile of new trail and fixed the tread of almost another two miles in 21 days of work. The desert heat wasn't too bad and we only had a few days where it became an issue. Here are some photos of our work showing the new construction of trail:

For our recreational trip after the work, we traveled to Sequoia National Park. It was a long drive but I felt as though we needed to get out of the desert and find some water and trees. The crew also had a great time in the mountains and climbing up to high passes. Here is a picture of the crew:

After my crew in the Mojave National Preserve, I flew back home for a day and the flew out to Roanoke, Virginia to lead my second high school crew with my girlfriend, Ashley. This crew was going to be working much more frontcountry and deal less with the harshness of the environment I had in the Mojave, but we had terrific projects with the Blue Ridge Parkway NPS unit. The first and main project was replacing an old 26 foot bridge with a new, wider, and stronger bridge. The bridge took a little over a week to finish and was a terrific project. Here are some of the pictures at different stages:

After completing the bridge, we found another project building a rock staircase on a steep section of trail. The 16 step staircase took 5 days to build but should last for years. The crew did a great job making crush around the stairs and using heavy and appropriate rocks for stairs. Here are a couple pictures:

I am very proud of this staircase and think the crew did a tremendous job and put a lot of effort into a very difficult project. After completing these two projects, Ashley and I took the crew to the Great Smokey Mountains and Shenandoah National Park for environmental education and recreation. The crew participated in fish shocking in the Smokeys, backpacked in Shenandoah, and traveled much of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a great experience for all of the members.

When I started my first two high school crews, I was unsure what I would be doing when fall came around. One opportunity that Ashley and I had was to be a member of a staff crew working at Kenai Fjords National Park. The staff crew would be made up of six crew leaders from the summer and we would be putting in 1500 feet of new trail to relocate part of the Harding Ice Field Trail. The project would require working in temperate rainforest removing hundreds of alder stumps, walking through devil's club, and swatting biting red flys. Here is a picture showing the vegetation after a chainsaw had already gone through:

We worked extremely hard and made great progress. We knocked out 1500 feet of new trail and removed hundreds of stumps with nothing but a pulaski, pick mattock and loppers. However, I greatly enjoyed the lack of responsibility of being a crew member and being allowed to concentrate on work for several hours at a time. It was also a great opportunity for me to enhance my trail building skills, specifically designing trails. Here are some pictures of completed trail:

The opportunity to work in Kenai Fjords National Park was amazing. Every morning we had a view of mountains and glaciers such as this, taken 100 yards away from the cabin we were staying.

Working in Alaska also afforded us the opportunity to see much more of the state than Kenai Fjords National Park. Ashley and I made a week long road trip through Alaska traveling to places like Denali National Park and Wrangell St. Elias National Park. These two parks were two of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. Snow covered mountains and wide open spaces could be seen in the distance at any point along our route. Here are a few of the most beautiful photos.

Overall, I had an amazing time and traveled to awesome places this summer and fall. I definitely think I could continue doing this for a few years as I have no expenses while doing these jobs. The projects are also extremely fulfilling, especially when I had an opportunity to make an impact on a high school crew member. There isn't a much better feeling.

Going To Alaska

Justin Poehnelt — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Going To Alaska

Tomorrow morning Ashley and I will be flying to Anchorage, Alaska to work on a month long Student Conservation Association trail crew at Kenai Fjords National Park. Afterwards, Ashley and I will be road tripping through Alaska for another seven days.

I just finished leading two high school trail crews yesterday with the SCA; one at the Mojave National Preserve in California and the other on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Projects ranged from new trail layout and construction to building a bridge and rock staircase. Pictures from the crew on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be seen at sca.justinwp.com.

At Kenai Fjords, we will be rerouting a section of trail that was badly damaged and constructing retaining walls with rock. It's an adult crew with crew leaders that all just finished leading high school crews in the last week. Hopefully we can all work together and not be stuck doing things the way we as leaders have always done them.

Oh and we will be cooking and sleeping behind an electric fence while camping. So don't worry about the bears, but hope for good weather!

Desert Backpacking Gear

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This article can be found at: Desert Backpacking Gear

I was reading a forum discussing what to bring backpacking in the desert and felt as though I had some useful knowledge to share since I am often sleeping on sand. Here is what I wrote:

I'm lucky enough to get to camp out in the desert for 10 day intervals as part of my job. The challenging part is that I must camp 3 miles from the border in the Yuha Desert in southern California. My habits may vary based upon the fact that the Yuha is lightly vegitated and extremely windy.

What I have found is that the best way to sleep in the desert in the wind is without a tent. I just lay right down on a tarp and crawl into my bag. I have never had a problem with any type of animal. Sometimes I may opt for a bivy if it is cold and windy.

For clothes, I just make sure I have pants that will not get snagged by the desert flora. Lightweight ripstop nylon works great. I am a little lazy when it comes to shirts and often end up in a cotton tshirt. I do recommend a long sleeve shirt though.

My footwear has recently been limited to my keen sandles. I have strong ankles and have worn them for almost every backpack trip this past year in the southwest; the exception being the grand canyon due to the cold(snow). I have no problem with sand and sandles; although when I went hiking in the Algodones Dunes Wilderness, I went barefoot. The only scorpion sting there was from my friend sitting on one.

Again, this may vary for you depending upon which desert.

Saguaro National Park

Justin Poehnelt — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Saguaro National Park

Ashley just returned from a trip to Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. Here is a picture of her with a Saguaro Cactus.

Outdoor Books

Justin Poehnelt — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

This article can be found at: Outdoor Books

I definitely have an expanding library of books on the outdoors; from wilderness management to guides on national parks and I thought I might share some with you.

How to Rock Climb!, 4th (How To Climb Series)

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills

Wildland Recreation: Ecology and Management, 2nd Edition

Where the Waters Divide: A 3,000-Mile Trek Along America's Continental Divide

Lightly on the Land: The Sca Trail Building And Maintenance Manual 2nd Edition

A Sand County Almanac

Nols Cookery (National Outdoor Leadership School)

My Outdoor Adventures

Canon 5D Mark II Video Skipping

SCA Idaho Workskills 2009

Two Penny Bridge Slideshow

Is Expensive Photography Equipment Necessary

Photography Is Taking Over My Life

My Gear:

What I am currently trying to improve upon:

Combined Elevation Profiles: CDT, PCT, AT

War on Wildlife, Wildlife Services

Wakulla River

SCA Position Update

New Camera Equipment

Forest Service Trails Budget 2009

Bushs Legacy on the Environment and the BLM

SCA Project Leader

Five Year Travel Plans

SCA Bridge Video

Map of Summer Trail Projects

Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Down Bag

Storing SPOT Locations on Embedded Google Map

1. Get email to scripting languange

2. Insert lat, long and date data into mySQL database

3. Put data on embedded google map

Salmon-Challis National Forest SCA Poster

Trail Work Resources

Trail Construction and Maintenance

Hand Drilling and Breaking Rock for Wilderness Trail Maintenance

Handtools for Trail Work

Saws that Sing

Wetland Trail Design

An Axe to Grind

Conservation: Axe in Hand

Stream Crossings in the Backcountry

Trail Work Portfolio

Salmon-Challis National Forest, ID - 2008

Kenai Fjords National Park, AK - 2007

Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway, VA - 2007

Mojave National Preserve, CA - 2007

Wisconsin Wolves

A wolf on my parent\'s land in central Wisconsin

A wolf and two coyotes at a deer carcass

A wolf in Wisconsin

Rustic Trail Bridge Construction

Old bridge that was removed

Log abutments being placed

A saddle notch on one of the stringers

Cutting out a saddle notch with a chainsaw

Alisha and Sophia working on saddle notches for the bridge stringer.

Straightening the stringers for the bridge with a chainsaw

Completed stringers

Completed two stringer bridge

The crew on the completed bridge

The crew on the completed two stringer bridge

Completed bridge

Summer Trail Work Update

Before

Building a turnpike

Crush being placed between the stringers and the bridge strings being shaped

First sills getting placed

Strings placed

Filling in the Turnpike

Bridge over the stream

Almost complete

Project Leader - Florida National Scenic Trail

SCA Trail Corps Mt. Rainier Training

Frank Church: Lower Loon to Meyers Cove

Home for the Summer: Wildhorse Guard Station

Horse Creek Trail Maintenance - Frank Church Wilderness

Lower Loon, Frank Church Wilderness

Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

SCA Project Leader Training

Pictures Featuring My Tent

Too Much Backpacking Gear

My Favorite National Parks

No More Nalgenes For Me

Inov8 Roclite 295 Trail Shoes - Gear Review

Backpacking and Hiking Podcasts

Using the MSR Whisperlite Backpacking Stove

ArcTeryx Bora 80 Backpack - Gear Review

Hand Drilling and Breaking Rock
for Wilderness Trail Maintenance