Campsite of the Year

On Tuesday, we asked our readers to vote for the most inviting campsite out of four choices, Long Key State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, and Monument Valley. We received 42 votes and the campsite of the year was Lake Wenatchee State Park with 23 votes. Monument Valley trailed behind in second place with 9 votes and Long Key State Park and Joshua Tree tied for third place with 5 votes each.


We stayed at Lake Wenatchee State Park in March of this year and it was a remarkable spot. The campground was still in winter mode, which basically means that you have a limited number of spots to choose from but there was still a heated bathhouse available (after a year on the road we have really learned to appreciate a nice, clean campground bathroom with hot water). There was only one other group at the campground, and as you can see from the photo the reflection of the snow covered peaks in the lake was simply breathtaking.



All the best,

Agata and Jason

New Leave No Trace Polo Shirts Are Here!

Leave No Trace Polo Shirts have Arrived!!

Campsite of the Year Survey

It's survey time! This year, we've traveled through 36 states and camped almost 100 nights. We've stayed at many different campsites and we'd like you to pick your favorite. Take a close look at the following four pictures, follow the link at the bottom of the blog, and choose the campsite that is the most inviting to you.

Long Key State Park, FL

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Lake Wenatchee State Park, WA

Monument Valley, AZ

Tell us what you think. Take the survey here.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

The North Face Endurance Challenge-San Francisco, CA

Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnzes prepares kids for the half mile Karno Kids Run.

The fifth and final stop of The North Face Endurance Challenge took place at the beautiful Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area just north of San Francisco. On Saturday, runners braved the elements as they tackled the Gore-tex 50 mile race, 50k race, or the full marathon. The athletes exhibited unbelievable endurance and strength as they, one by one, triumphantly crossed the finish line. An addition to the race line-up was the Karno Kids Run. Led by ultra-marathon runner and North Face athlete Dean Karnazes, who is best known for epic journey completing 50 marathons in 50 days, the Karno Kids Race challenged children to a 1/2 mile run around the festival grounds. The children had a blast running and receiving their medals as they crossed the finish line.

Sunday was dedicated to the half marathon, 10k, and 5k races. With approximately 2,000 athletes on the course over the weekend, The North Face encourages all participants to practice Leave No Trace during the race, and to pack it in, pack it out.

Whether you are an ultra-marathon runner or a once in a while jogger, The North Face Endurance Challenge embraces all athletes in their quest to "run farther than you ever have". Check out The North Face website for dates of the 2011 series!

Happy Adventuring...Kate & Tracy

Westfield State University

Earlier this week, we visited Professor Kevin Tatsugawa at Westfield State University in western Massachusetts. We met with four different classes, Wilderness Leadership Techniques, two sections of Wilderness Experiences, and Outdoor Experiences. After introducing the Leave No Trace program and the seven principles to the students, we talked about how the program is intended to develop an ethic of stewardship for the outdoors. In the photo above we have a discussion about "why we do the things we do" and how that applies to our enjoyment of outdoor recreation.

Thanks to Kevin Tatsugawa for hosting our very last event in 2010!

All the best,

Agata and Jason