I hinted at a treat for you last week and now it's live. Today Patagonia launched the Tin Shed, a multimedia mini-site (à la the Footprint Chronicles) that's loaded with dispatches from our friends and ambassadors traveling the wilder world -- in high-quality video, audio and the written word.

Head over to the Tin Shed at Patagonia.com, or hit the jump for a glimpse at what's inside.

[With thanks to everyone involved, especially Betsy, Bill, Stuart, Alyssa, Mr. Tim, Kristo and the Royal Order]

Some of what you'll find inside the Tin Shed:

K7 West (video) – Experience the first ascent of K7 West in Pakistan's Charakusa Valley with Steve House, Vince Anderson and Marko Prezelj.

Towards Rhapsody (video) – Follow Sonnie Trotter from his training in Smith Rocks to his attempt at one of the hardest trad lines in the world – Rhapsody.

Torre Traverse (narrated slide show) – Rolando Garibotti chronicles his long-held passion for completing the much-coveted Torre Traverse in Patagonia.

Surf is Where You Find It (audio) – Listen to Gerry Lopez read an excerpt from his book Surf is Where You Find It.

I Just Want to be Held (field report) – Kelly Cordes talks about spooning with some of the world’s finest alpinists in this hilarious field report.

Henry Barber (video) – Watch rare footage of one of America’s most prolific first ascensionists climbing Wheat Thin in Yosemite, c. 1977.

Operation Oman (video) – Brittany Griffith, Zoe Hart, Jonathan Thesenga and John Dickey travel to the Arabian Peninsula to climb the desert big wall, Jebel Misht.

Fly Fishing Films (video) – Preview three new fly fishing films from the genre's finest filmmakers: Burl Productions, Rollcast Productions and AEG Media.

Steve’s Gear (video) – Patagonia ambassador Steve House walks us through his ice tool collection and the weight-saving sleeping-bag-for-two he built himself.

Hand Cut (video) – Preview the new backcountry ski and snowboard film from Sweetgrass Productions that looks at the rugged, callused-hand history of North America's mountains.

Vote the Environment (video) – Watch a short video about the importance of voting for the environment.

Tools of the Trade (video) – A chance for Patagonia ambassadors to offer their opinions about our products: Steve House reviews the Ascensionist Jacket and Alpine Guide Pants.

History of the Tin Shed (slide show) - The Tin Shed was once home to the whole company, when we were a small band of friends who made great climbing gear. Learn about the origins of Patagonia’s obsession with making quality gear and our concern for the environment.

and more ...

Head over to the Tin Shed.

(The shorthand URL is patagonia.com/tinshed if you'd like to help us spread the word.)

This thing was parked in front of our factory yesterday morning. One of my coworkers was convinced some band had just pulled up until I pointed out the uHaul with tricycles dress up like muppets. Yup, it’s that time of year again for the mass exodus to the desert to create unique pieces of art and then light it on fire. Sounds cool. People keep telling me that because I like bikes and art I would love burning man. “It’s an amazing artist collective” I’m sure it was 10 years ago. But I’m sorry, that ain’t the case anymore…

So have fun, be sure to take lots of water, don’t forget your glittered ferry wings and your Juicy Couture track suit.

August really has been the perfect summer month with warm days reaching the 80s while nights descend in temperature and bring cool breezes and starry skies. Flowers continue to bloom at higher elevations and berries hang heavy on the bushes at lower elevations. Snow is still found in the high country and some alpine lakes will spend this summer at rest covered in ice.

As I gaze out my window, I see soft light. Nights are longer and days are cooler as fall approaches. The change has begun. As I contemplate this change, I remember the 18 inches of snow that fell around the summer solstice and realize that our summer has only been two months in the Tetons. The joy of mountain life.

I have had true happiness feeding my birds this season. Our cat’s happy, 17 years of life ended last September so I created a bird sanctuary (or tried). I mentioned this during the winter nature news and wanted to touch on the beauty of hummingbirds since they are a summer resident to Jackson Hole. I hung two hummingbird feeders this spring. My elation escalated with the Bullock’s Orioles who decided to use the sugar water as a food source. They decided it was so tasty that they nested near our house. I really didn’t realize how vocal they are and their call reminds me a bit of magpies- guttural and loud. They spent the summer and have moved on. Happy travels to them.

The hummingbirds continue to visit but do have to share their water a bit with bees. Does anyone know how to limit the bee visits to the feeders? I really try to live with nature so don’t want to “Raid” them. We have two main species of hummers in the area. My favorite is the small, green Calliope. It is the smallest bird in North America and migrates all the way to Mexico! We also have the Broad-tailed hummingbird but they don’t visit my feeders as much as the Calliope. They are actually both green and rather hard to distinguish. The male Calliope has a streaked throat and the Broad-tailed has a longer tail. I now have occasional visits from the Rufous Hummingbird who nests a bit north of here. It might be starting its’ migration. They are beautiful and red. The Black-chinned Hummingbird might also be seen in this area but I haven’t been so lucky. There are 18 species of hummers in North America and I am always so excited when the little guy comes by and buzzes me with a quick thank-you as I refill his food.

On the bird note, has anyone found a good way to keep birds from hitting windows? I have bags hanging but would like something not visible.

I am off to Michigan to see my parents. It is a bit further north in latitude then Jackson but I do see similar vegetation: baneberry, fireweed, salomon seal and many others. It is nice to nestle in with loved ones and just be. I hope you all have a joyous Labor Day weekend. It is amazing how quickly summer zooms by. I reflect on all that has happened and realize that if I stay in the moment; stay in the day, time does seem to go slower.

What’s in the woods:

8/2- Sun Valley- bald eagle, burned area- fireweed and hollyhock.
8/5- Munger Mountain- pink sided junco, black capped chickadee.
8/10- Palisades Reservoir- three bald eagles, merganser.
8/11- Green Lakes- grizzly bear.
8/12- Yellowstone- bison jam in Hayden Valley, cow elk, bald eagle, osprey, young coyote on road.
8/13- Wilson, WY- red fox.
8/13- Ski Lake- western tanager, parrot’s beak, showy goldeneye, Engelmann aster.
8/15-8/19- Wind River Range- Firehole Lakes- edible berries- western thimbleberry, raspberry, grouse whortleberry, elderberry, Oregon grape, serviceberry, poisonous- baneberry, grey jays.
8/20-Black Canyon- clark’s nutcracker, osha, columbine, Indian paintbrush, sunflower, showy goldeneye, hawkweed, scarlet gilia, gentian violet.
8/24-Shadow Mountain- bison, wolf track, mountain bluebird.
8/25-Wilson, WY- red fox.

Tour Suggestion:

One of my favorite summer hikes is Jackson Peak above Goodwin Lake. It sits at 10,741 feet and is a great day of adventure without being too technical. The hike is 9 miles round trip. If you don’t want to summit the peak you can always make a great day out of a trip to Goodwin Lake. It is also a fun place to camp. To access the trail, you need to drive east out Broadway and turn left onto the Elk Refuge. Continue on the road and turn right at the Isaac Walton sign. You will begin to climb up switchbacks and the next junction will be Sheep Creek. You want to bear right. The road will dead end at the trailhead. At this point, you have traveled about 10 miles from the refuge entrance.

Hiking to Goodwin Lake is easy to find so just follow the trail. Once at the lake, you have to walk around the east side and continue to climb above the lake to the next meadows. You walk southeast about one mile. You will be gaining elevation and approaching a small pass. Jackson Peak is west of you so you will walk up the east facing side and actually ascend south of the high point. The topographic maps are Cache Creek and Turquoise Lakes. Have fun and remember temperatures are always cooler at upper elevations, especially in the fall.

Experience nature! Join us to make the most of your Jackson Hole visit! Our tours are educational, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Visit our web site: HoleHike.com.

By Alex Baires

Mountain Hardwear and Montrail are teaming up with the Hilltop Family YMCA of Richmond once again for the second annual Home Front Festival 10k and 5k fun run/walk. The fun run/walk will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2008, along the beautiful San Francisco Bay Trail. Lucky returns as event sponsor and REI joins with additional support this year.

San Francisco Bay Area runners and walkers are invited to come out and join fellow runners/walkers. The run benefits the Hilltop Family YMCA, a great organization that serves the Richmond community with a wide range of health and wellness related activities. Please come join us for a day of fun that will start with the 5k or 10k run or walk and get a free Mountain Hardwear shirt as well as free entry into the Home Front Festival. To top it all off, category winners compete for some great prizes and everyone has a chance to win - we will be raffling out various prizes.

We are also looking for volunteers for the event, so if you want to participate but running/walking is not for you, please email Hardwear Sessions -- blog (at) mountainhardwear.com.

YMCA Home Front Festival 10K and 5K fun run/walk

• Date: Sunday, October 5, 2008
• Start Time: 9 a.m.
• Start/Finish: Historic Ford Assembly Plant (right outside Mountain Hardwear's offices and friends and family store).
• Address: 1414 Harbor Way South; Richmond, CA 94804
• Additional Information: After the run stay and enjoy the Home Front Festival. Your race bib number gets you in for Free! Music, food, rides and booths. Festival starts at 11:00 am.
• Online Registration Closes: October 2, 2008
• Register online: http://www.onyourmarkevents.com
• Proceeds benefit the Hilltop YMCA youth fitness programs.
• Course: Beautiful Richmond Marina Bay and the scenic Bay Trail. Flat and perfect for new runners and walkers. For experienced runners the course is ideal for attaining a new personal best.
• Fees: Individual Adult $25 per person; 18 years and under are $20. Families of 4 are $72; $18 for each additional family member. Day of registration is $30 per person. Fees include a Mountain Hardwear shirt and refreshments/snacks.
• Check In and Race Day Registration: Opens at 7:30 a.m. Race numbers will not be mailed out in advance; please pick-up on race morning.

Continue reading "2008 Home Front Run"

The Chargers and Rechargers Hiking Club, part of the Watauga Task  Force, is sponsoring MST Big Dig #2 on September 20 (Saturday) and 21 (Sunday).  All tools and equipment  will be furnished. Work site on the Blue Ridge Parkway is in scenic Goshen Creek Gorge, four miles north of Blowing Rock at milepost 287. Volunteer headquarters is in Price Park Campground, south of Blowing Rock. (All  access to the work site is from Blowing Rock because the Parkway is closed north of Goshen Creek Gorge.)

Contact Allen de Hart at email: adh4771@aol.com, or tel: 919-496-477l by September 8 if you plan to volunteer work (Saturday 8:30 a.m. to noon, or l:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or both; and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to noon, or l:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m or both). For a reserved free campsite  at Price Park Campground indicate how many in your party and if for Friday or Saturday or both nights. After your response, detailed directions and answers to any questions will be provided.

September 11 and 13, 2008 - South Ashe Task Force workdays on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

September 27, 2008 - National Public Lands Day - Falls Lake Workday - Durham and Wake Counties.  At the last workday the Falls Lake Section of the MST has reached the 40 mile mark on it’s way to Durham, NC.

greatoutdoorprovision.com/mst

Blame it on the liquid blue concoction being served at the bar, or blame it on disco. Whatever the excuse, OIWC’s Polly-Esther Party at Pierpont Place Aug. 9 was one mind-blowing experience with hundreds of industry folks boogying down.

Ask any Rock/Creek employee what their top reasons are for working at Rock/Creek and it is likely that they will mention the flexible scheduling that allows us to take extended backcounty and trips abroad. The owners and managers not only permit us to take these trips, they also highly encourage it. How else are we to gather an intimate knowledge and understanding of the gear we sell? This also helps to keep the job exciting and reminds us why we entered this industry in the first place.

Currently Rock/Creek has a valued employee through hiking the Appalachian Trail. But Jessica is not out there alone, rather she is experiencing nature and the people of the Appalachians with her new husband, in celebration of their recent marriage. A week in the Bahamas simply wasn't enough for the adventurous two. The couple has documented their honeymoon on their blog site AndrewandJessicaGage.blogspot.com. On the site they are keeping a comprehensive trip report including pictures and videos from the trip. Don't be mistaken, its not all miles and miles of trees and brush. Jessica and Andrew have come across some interesting people, including a spirited bluegrass band in Monson, ME, staged at the local General Store.

We all would like to wish Mr. and Ms. Gates a safe and adventurous journey, both on the trail and in marriage.

Read more about Rock/Creek's diverse staff and their various adventures on our Staff Profile page >

Ask any Rock/Creek employee what their top reasons are for working at Rock/Creek and it is likely that they will mention the flexible scheduling that allows us to take extended backcounty and trips abroad. The owners and managers not only permit us to take these trips, they also highly encourage it. How else are we to gather an intimate knowledge and understanding of the gear we sell? This also helps to keep the job exciting and reminds us why we entered this industry in the first place.

Currently Rock/Creek has a valued employee through hiking the Appalachian Trail. But Jessica is not out there alone, rather she is experiencing nature and the people of the Appalachians with her new husband, in celebration of their recent marriage. A week in the Bahamas simply wasn't enough for the adventurous two. The couple has documented their honeymoon on their blog site AndrewandJessicaGage.blogspot.com. On the site they are keeping a comprehensive trip report including pictures and videos from the trip. Don't be mistaken, its not all miles and miles of trees and brush. Jessica and Andrew have come across some interesting people, including a spirited bluegrass band in Monson, ME, staged at the local General Store.

We all would like to wish Mr. and Ms. Gates a safe and adventurous journey, both on the trail and in marriage.

Read more about Rock/Creek's diverse staff and their various adventures on our Staff Profile page >

This Weekend, Massey’s Professional Outfitters will host the world Premiere of a new documentary that highlights the local and independent spirit of New Orleans businesses that were affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Please read the full release below for more information about the movie and the showing.

NEW ORLEANS, LA, August 27, 2008 – In the days and weeks after Katrina, New Orleans’
independent businesses—her coffee shops and cafes, her bars and bookstores and hardware stores
– offered islands of civility and community in a depopulated and demoralized city. These
businesses held the promise that New Orleans would soon rise from the ruins to be a livable city
once more.

From one of the city’s most celebrated chefs who manned a soup kitchen to the hardware store
owner who kept looters at bay while providing vital supplies, director Hanson Hosein and
producer Tom Powers have captured the spirit of resilience and innovation of New Orleans’
independent business owners in their documentary film, Independent America: Rising from
Ruins. It is the inspirational story of the small businesses that risked everything to resurrect their
neighborhoods after the worst natural disaster in American history — even as they are now
challenged by government policies skewed to favor corporate chain retailers.

Shot in full high-definition digital video, Rising from Ruins will have its worldwide premiere as
part of “New Orleans Speaks: We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting for,” a daylong conference
sponsored by The New Orleans Institute.

Seating is limited; to reserve a space, call 232-7821. To view a trailer, and for more information
about the conference, go to http://www.theneworleansinstitute.org/news4.php.

What: World Premiere of Independent America: Rising from Ruins
(http://risingfromruins.com/)

Where: Massey’s Professional Outfitters (upstairs), 508 N. Carrollton Ave.

When: Saturday August 30, 2008; 6-9 pm

6 pm - First seating
7 pm – Light refreshments and discussion with filmmaker
8 pm – Second seating
Who: Open to the public.

Suggested donation: $10, with proceeds benefiting Stay Local

The fight to dam Patagonia is escalating.

As the namesake of our company, the South American region of Patagonia continues to be a powerful inspiration for our business and for us personally. It truly is one of the world’s last unspoiled natural treasures—wild, vast and rich in its unique attributes and biodiversity.

In honor of this landscape’s significance to us, we’ve partnered with Conservacion Patagonica, a non-profit organization dedicated to protection of wildland ecosystems and biodiversity in the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina. Together, we have been working toward the goal of creating Patagonia National Park, a world-class park almost the size of Yosemite National Park in California.

In early 2007, we brought you news of a massive hydroelectric project that would dam two of Patagonia’s wild and pristine rivers, the Baker and the Pascua. The Baker River is the largest remaining wild river in Chile and runs right along the edge of the proposed 650,000-acre Patagonia National Park that we are helping to create. The project also calls for a 1,500-mile chain of huge power-line towers to transmit electricity to the north. The power-line corridor would permanently scar an enormous swath of Chile, and open rivers north of Patagonia up to dam building.

Less destructive alternative energy sources are abundant, and the Chilean government may not fully appreciate the significant tourism revenue opportunities that could be gained by safeguarding the natural grandeur of this spectacular area. We need to encourage them not to dam the rivers.

Toward this end, Patagonia is partnering with International Rivers to try to stop the construction of 5 huge hydroelectric dams in Chilean Patagonia. Starting this week, we’ve been sending out postcards to our mail order customers. The postcards ask The Home Depot to stop doing business with two large Chilean manufacturers of wood products, both of whom are heavily involved in the dams project. We’re asking customers to sign the postcards and drop them in the mail. The cards will go back to International Rivers, who will send them en masse to The Home Depot.

If you do not receive Patagonia mailings but would like to take action, hit this LINK to help keep Patagonia beautiful, via: International Rivers.

The video below vividly showcases the proposed park’s landscape and makes a compelling case for its protection and restoration. It also touches on the environmental threats to the area of the massive proposed hydroelectric project.

Hard to believe summer is almost over, but like our founder says: it’s “Christmas every morning when the UPS man (brings) us new inventory” …

Incredible technical & casual outerwear from The North Face, Patagonia (check out the great new kids line), Mountain Hardwear & Columbia is already out on the sales floor. New styles from Arc’Teryx & more are on the way. Here are a few pics of the hot new products!

Grace Episcopal Church is offering two free “Food for the Soul” family unity dinners held on both Saturday September 13, 2008 and September 20, 2008.

Learn more: Download the PDF [208 KB]

Our friend Jon Bowermaster is currently in Southern Louisiana, examining the area's wetlands and waterways. Follow Jon's journey through this magical landscape on his website, www.jonbowermaster.com.

Introduction:

By Jon Bowermaster

It's not news that water is a significant issue here in Southern Louisiana. [overview map] Much of the region lays below sea level and the waterways that surround - swamps & bayous, rivers & estuaries, man-made canals & the Gulf of Mexico - are never out of sight. Everyone debates concerns about its flow, purity and future at every level.

A dead zone the size of New Jersey - where nothing lives - grows at the mouth of the Mississippi River, thanks to chemical runoff. A recent oil spill in the big river unleashed 420,000 gallons of fuel oil that within 24 hours lined its banks for 100 miles. Old-growth Cyprus trees that anchor its historic swamps are clear-cut and turned into garden mulch. Wetlands are expanding, land is disappearing and New Orleans is still eight feet below sea level. Lots of grim news, right? So why does everyone we meet seem to be so damn happy? Follow along during the next two weeks as we explore Southern Louisiana from sea level and below.

Continue reading "Dispatches from the Bayou State: Jon Bowermaster in Louisiana"

by Todd Hancock, Cameron Village Staff

Through the years I have participated in, competed in and been a spectator of many events that involve an aspect of sport. Last month, after the recommendation of friends, I decided to participate in something that was quite different than anything before. Still sport, I guess.

Muddy Buddy is an event that occurs in some 9 locations nationwide. Lucky for us, one happens to be close by in Richmond, VA. This ‘race’ involves you and a partner covering 6-7 miles by foot and bike. You share one bicycle. There are 5 legs and at the completion of each leg you do a quick obstacle. Then, you change to cycling or running from what you just did on the last leg. The course was crazy. Lots of people were running with bike helmets on, wearing wild outfits, having fun and pushing themselves to the limit.

At the end, you find out where the name of the event comes from. One last obstacle awaits you. You and your partner rendezvous and join up together for the first time in the event. Only 100 feet remains until the finish line. However, there is a military style crawl through a giant mud pit that leaves you no hope but to be covered in mud, with your buddy, by the time you reach the line.

My partner and I are quite competitive and decided to give the event a solid go. At no point, were we not having tons of fun. The nice part is you yo-yo with your partner as you switch running and cycling multiple times, communicating along the way with yells and words of encouragement. There were balance beams and military style wooden obstacles. My favorite was towards the end as you climbed a rope to slide down a big inflatable slide.

After the event, you get to hang out in a huge water hose station where people just try to get cleaned off. It is not until you actually shower that you get rid of the mud behind your ears and underneath your fingernails.

I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an event unlike any other. It is as hilarious to watch, as it is to participate in. We are already planning on doing it again next year. We will be looking to stand a top the podium next year!

Check out muddybuddy.com

I recently took a trip up to a very special lake high in the Elk mountains of Colorado. The fishing was great and the views were spectacular. The highlight was definitely my journey chasing after a magnificent mountain goat. I became savage and connected to the great spirit, and hunted the agile and quick mountain goat with my camera; I was on a mission to get close enough to the goat to photograph it.

The graceful beast led me on an inspirational journey up steep scree fields and across thin ridges to a high peak with spectacular views. I became one with spirit and goat and meditated through a thunderstorm witnessing a rainbow materialize and the magic of nature, our mother earth, and the great spirit that is all of life. I found a new passion for mountain exploration and big mountain skiing,and found my new mentor, the mountain goat.

Cloudveil Ambassador Nick DeVore romps in the Rockies, takes phat photographs and happens to be one of - if not THE - best telemark skier in the entire world. FInd him online at NickDeVore.com.

Quiksilver reported it would sell its Rossignol unit for $147.6 million, Gander Mountain reported a net loss for Q2, and LaCrosse Footwear received a $3.2 million order from the Marines.

Larry Selzer, president of the Conservation Fund, addressed the Outdoor Industry Association's bi-annual breakfast meeting and championed efforts to get kids involved in outdoor recreation.

Read this fascinating article about Pat Goodman's recent trip to India.

The Timbuk2 Key Fob we all know and love is a great feature if you’re looking for secure and semi-secret key stashing. However, it’s not-that-hot if you’re looking for quick, exterior access to your keys. Caught in this key fob dilemma, medium Messenger Bag owner, Phillip Z, took matters into his own hands. His hack details are below.

With a little help from Timbuk2 customer service, a few drops of Fiebing’s Leathercraft cement glue and a rivet, I started my Keychain holder hack . . . I simply applied the cement glue to the keychain holder red strap and winded it around the inside of the Timbuk2 Logo label (the one with the “HAND MADE IN SAN FRANCISCO” on one side and the “quality shit since 1989″ on the other side). Then a centered hole was punched and a rivet was attached…that it:)

See more photos of the key fob hack here.

Photo courtesy of Phillip Z.