Call me crazy, but I have never been so anxious for the summer months as I am this year. Perhaps it’s because our delay of sunny weather has taken a toll on Oregonians. Or maybe it’s because I’m finishing up my degree in two weeks and moving on to bigger and better things. I have already developed a list of things that I am set out to do this summer.
First, (for my indoor time) I just purchased another domain for my photography & art blog. I’m very excited to get that going so I can finally showcase the work I have so far! The blog will contain a lot of landscape pictures including, of course, the Columbia River Gorge, the Sandy River, Mt. Hood, Downtown Portland, and Downtown Gresham. I’m also working on more portrait-like photography, especially since I am now the photographer for a band called Greenish Grey.
Secondly, I have committed to taking my bike whenever and wherever I possibly can. My old 1979 Schwinn is one of my treasured possessions, and it is truly apart of the equation for the perfect summer day.
The next thing I have decided to do is explore more hikes around the Washington/Oregon area. I have done every hike in the Multnomah Falls area, but I would like to venture out and actually complete a full-day hike that is about 12-15 miles. Especially since I just got my brand new, Dakine Apex Hydration Backpack, I’m ready to pack all my necessities and hike for a very long time. This backpack is equipped with everything a hiker could possibly need, no matter what length of hike they like to do. With a 100 ounce bladder, quick detachment for refilling, and comfortable bite valve, this hydration pack makes me even more excited to hike because of its features alone.
Other things on my list include: (but not limited to) wakeboarding, camping, running (and training for a July relay), work at the guitar more, write more songs, read more, take my dogs for more walks, visit the Hood River, Portland, and Gresham Farmers’ Market. I’m truly so excited for this summer! Hopefully the weather can behave and permit everyone to do what is on their lists too!
Most would agree that sporting goods can really cost us. The more I thought about this, the more angry I became. I thought about all the opportunities that an active, outdoor lifestyle bring to an individual’s life. Family time, healthy benefits, and a positive outlook on their environment—an active lifestyle should not be ran from because of the cost of products like shoes, warm clothing, or backpacks.
Purchasing a new travel backpack was a goal I had set out on about a year ago, but expensive prices from REI and other companies scared me away. Across the board, these backpacks seem to carry more than just your travel necessities—they seem to carry an insane price as well.
So when I came across this Osprey Porter pack, I was sold. Not because of its hauling capabilities or stylish look, but because of its extremely affordable price. Compared to some that can go for a whopping $300-400, the Osprey has a vastly comparison.
After purchasing the Osprey, I learned that,along with a great price, the pack was the total package. My backpack is very reliable, weather-proof, light and sustainable, and easily capable of carrying all my hiking necessities. :)
My husband and I decided that we were going to go on a camping trip for our vacation this year. We always try to take at least one vacation a year together and this year we decided we wanted to go camping for a few weeks in the mountains. Fortunately to get to the mountains from where we live it is only about a 45-minute drive. We both wanted to make sure that we had all the proper equipment before we left for our trip.
The first thing on our list was Luminox Watches. What is great about a Luminox watch is there tritium glow feature. This feature allows the watch to produce a bright glow that can last up to 20 years! Investing in one for each of us guarantees if we were ever with out light that we could find our way – it is a great safety feature. Along with providing a strong glow these watches are also very durable and considered some of the strongest watches in the world!
The next item on our list I am not a big fan of but my husband loves them - knifes. Now he does not like just any type of knife it has to be either a Spyderco Knife or Kershaw Knife. Spyderco Knifes are known for being top of the line in innovation when it comes to knifes. The great thing about these knifes are they are made with top quality materials and sell at a fair price.
Kersham Knifes are also known for being high quality and a great value. These knifes are known for there long lasting quality and endurance in any situation. They are also available in a variety of sizes and types so you are sure to find your perfect fit.
After shopping for these items and a few others we were ready for our trip. Before you go on a camping trip make sure to be prepared and always remember safety first!
What comes to mind when you think of sporting goods? Do you think of sports equipment? That is what I think of. I have a lot of sports equipment that I own but that does not get used as much as it should and sometimes I wonder if I should hold on to it!
For example for Christmas this year I got a brand new snowboard, boots and bindings. But because I broke my wrist one month into the season I was not able to use my equipment for the rest of the year! Now since I broke my wrist I am even having second thoughts of snowboarding next season! I know it sounds crazy but I am scared of breaking my wrist again!
The other sports equipment that I own includes a old softball glove, snow skis, some tennis rackets, a slalom water ski, a wake board, and some life vests. Now I know that this summer I will get to use all of my water ski equipment and even my wake board, but for the rest of the equipment it will probably just sit there for months on end!
I know for a fact I will not be playing softball anytime soon, and I have not player tennis in years! On the other hand I am glad I have held on to the snow skis because that might be a good alternative next year! So I guess you never know when you are going to need you old sporting equipment. Sometimes it is best to hold on to it because you never know when it will come in handy!
