The Green River in Utah is one of the most popular destinations for whitewater rafting. It's a long canyon, and not all stretches are the same. If you want to introduce your family to whitewater rafting, one of the best stretches is the Desolation and Gray Canyon stretch, with over sixty Class 1 to 111 rapids. It's a 5 to 6 day trip, depending on how far you push each day.

Drive or fly to the Sand Wash ranger station for the put-in. If you want to raft on your own, you'll need to get permits from the various jurisdictions the Green passes through (mostly BLM, but also the National Park Service and others). If you bring your kids, it's easier to go with one of the many services that provide the permits, along with the raft, a guide, meals, and camp set-ups. It's also a great way to convince your wife or girlfriend that she'll enjoy the trip!

Once you leave the put-in, the water starts out smooth. As you proceed, you'll start hitting rapids, and it gets more and more interesting. The best spot for whitewater fans is the Belknap rapids, the result of a 1987 flash flood that dumped rocks from a side canyon into the water. If you're hardcore, ask the guide to bring an inflatable kayak so you can run that stretch on your own.

Bring a pack with a section to keep your wet clothes away from your dry clothes. Keep your feet happy with these Teva open sandals so they can stay cool in the warm weather. You can get matching Teva kids sandals if you bring the kids (check first; some guides accept kids as young as five; others take kids age eight and up), or give their feet more coverage with these, also from Teva, so they don't have to switch footgear when you take out to look at sites like an abandoned canyon, some amazing petroglyphs that are about 1000 years old, or the stone ruins of the long-gone Fremont cultures that made this canyon their home.

During the 1960's, Irwin Allen was the undisputed king of science fiction television, with shows such as "The Time Tunnel" and "Land of the Giants" on the major networks. One of Allen's creations that had some basis in reality was "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," a series about a submarine crew assigned to keep the world safe.

Based on the movie of the same name, most of the action takes place in and around the Seaview, a nuclear sub designed by Admiral Harriman Nelson (*Richard Basehart*). In the first episode, Admiral Nelson has to stop a tidal wave with a nuclear bomb, but there are forces in the world who want to stop his efforts.

Like the characters on "Star Trek" who wore red shirts, careers on the Seaview were painfully short for some crew members. The original Captain doesn't make it through the entire first episode, so Lee Crane (*David Hedison*) takes command of the Seaview in time to save the world from mass destruction.

In addition to the nuclear vessel, Admiral Nelson also designed the "The Flying Sub," an ultra-cool ship that could leave the Seaview and travel through the air. Some of the best sequences show the Flying Sub breaking the surface of the water and speeding into the upper atmosphere.

With the Cold War still burning hot, many "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" episodes dealt with the tensions between the United States and various Communist nations. Mysterious villains typically would capture Captain Crane and his crew, subjecting them to beatings and torture.

Because this was an Irwin Allen production, the show did feature plenty of alien invaders and recycled footage from several of Allen's other movie and television projects. No one at the network could ever accuse him of spending too much on special effects.

Despite the ingenious designs of Admiral Nelson, the Seaview did suffer damage in some episodes, sometimes causing it to linger at the bottom of the sea. At those times, the crew probably wished they had some rubber boots to navigate through the sub. They may have been on a "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," but nobody likes wet socks and shoes.

In 1984, a time when the Cold War was causing some rather icy relations between the Soviet Union and the United States, a little film called Red Dawn arrived in theaters. The first movie released with the "PG-13" rating, this gritty drama showed what might happen if Russia mounted a full-scale invasion of the United States.

As the story opens, Soviet paratroopers land outside a local high school in the fictional town of Calumet, Colorado. When one teacher goes outside to investigate, he is shot in cold blood by the soldiers. During the ensuing confusion and panic, many Calumet townspeople are captured, but some students manage to escape into the mountains.

Jed Eckert (*Patrick Swayze*) leads his brother Matt (*Charlie Sheen*) and the other students on guerilla attacks against the invading army. Calling themselves "Wolverines" in honor of their high school mascot, Jed and his ragtag army actually do some real damage to the Soviet troops.

A bit unbelievable at times, the ultra-patriotic Red Dawn takes place in and around the Arapaho National Forest. Though the boys are used to camping and hunting, they really have to live off the land this time in order to survive. In one key scene, Robert (*C. Thomas Howell*) stalks and kills his first deer, drinking the blood so his spirit will bond with the spirit of the animal.

The Red Dawn cast also contains a "Who's Who" of young acting talent, many of whom went on to have stellar careers. Three years before Dirty Dancing made them household names, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey were co-stars in this outdoor adventure. Charlie Sheen, who now will forever be known for his starring role in "Two and a Half Men," is just a supporting player here.

Many scenes in Red Dawn were shot in the town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, which also was seen more recently in the Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men. It's a beautifully shot, outdoor movie that requires some suspension of disbelief, but the New Mexico scenery makes it all worthwhile.

Resources:

http://www.lasvegasnm.gov/

Summer sports and outdoor activities are a great way to keep the kids busy during the summer. Crab soccer is a fun twist to a popular sport. Not only is it a great workout, but it's a versatile sport and activity. Parents may choose to use crab soccer as a tournament event between family and friends. It also can be used as a birthday party game or even a way to entertain the kids during barbecues, family reunions, or other events. Some schools use this in gyms instead of on traditional soccer fields.

Crab soccer follows all the rules of traditional soccer, but there's a few exceptions. First, the kids cannot stand. In some versions, if a player stands, that causes their team to lose a point. "How are they going to play soccer without standing" is likely your question. Crab soccer is played in the crab walking position.

For those who don't know, here's how to do the crab walk. First, lie flat on your back with palms down. Now, use both the arms and the legs to hold up the body, so that you'll be up on all fours, but with the stomach facing up. When you move around like this, you'll look similar to a crab, which is where the name came from.

Back to crab soccer, in addition to not being able to stand, there are a few more things that differentiate crab soccer from traditional soccer. The entire game must be played in the crab position by everyone except the goalies. In some versions, the goalies also are in crab position, but for safety, since kids are playing here, the crab soccer goalies probably should stand. Be sure the kids have appropriate footwear to wear during crab soccer.

Because the kids will have to move around in a different way than they're used to, they will be working muscles that they may not have worked before. This can help increase strength. But to the kids it will be fun, so they probably won't look at it as exercise, but instead as a fun summer outdoor game. For rainy days, a slightly varied version can be played in a gymnasium, using gym scooters to maneuver in the game.

Anyone living in New York or New Jersey will probably tell you that THE best beach is Cape May on the Jersey Cape. Visit, and you'll swear you're in beach heaven.

Cape May is on a peninsula at the southern tip of New Jersey, between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has more than just great beaches: it has an historic lighthouse, gorgeous Victorian Bed and Breakfasts (most of them on the National Register of Historic Places), an assortment of different museums, a free zoo, wildlife sanctuaries, whale-watching trips, and restaurants for every budget. So grab a tote, throw in your sunscreen, a towel, some glamorous sunglasses, water, magazines or books, and a snack, and head to the beach. Choose a swimsuit like this pineapple print one-piece halter from Tommy Bahama, and protect your toes from hot sand with flip-flops by Simple Green Toe. They look great, and with organic cotton and a piece of recycled tire for the outer edge, you're saving the environment too.

The city beaches of Cape May require a beach badge; the 2009 prices are $25 for the season, $13 for a week, $5 for a day, and $10 for a weekend, but the beach at Cape May State Park is absolutely free, so take your pick. The city beaches do have beach umbrellas and chairs to rent, if that's an issue, and both city and park beaches are wheelchair accessible.

One of the most famous landmarks of Cape May is the Cape May Point Lighthouse, inside the park. For a small fee, you can climb 199 steps to the top and see a phenomenal view of the entire peninsula and 30 miles of white beaches. If you decide to climb up, trade the flip-flops for a sturdier shoe like these darlings from Snipe, and throw on some comfy crop pants and a cool light top.

The park and the beaches close at night, so be ready to throw your gear in your bag and head for home or a B&B when the sun starts to set.

Women, despite allegedly having less upper body strength than men, are just as capable of learning to kayak and run rapids. Once you've learned, you'll be looking for runs that fit your level of experience and ability, and you'll want to have the right gear.

Two things you must know before you go are, first, the most current conditions and safety warnings for the run you've chosen. You can't rely on a guidebook to say what that river is like now, and whitewater paddling can be deadly. Second, no matter how experienced you are, you must wear a flotation device and a helmet. Nobody's head is rock-proof.

This week's river is the upper Baptism River in Minnesota, a Lake Country river that flows into Lake Superior. The upper part of the river is easier than the lower, although still rated moderately difficult, and if you put in at Finland and take out at Eckbeck, about 5.5 miles total, you'll have a pleasant day trip, with great scenery and lots of wildlife to watch. Since this is not quite Northern Minnesota, and has daytime highs normally in the 70s, you can probably wear shorts, but given the unreliable nature of Minnesota weather, you may want to bring long pants and a jacket too. A good pair of Tevas like these in a variety of colors will complete your clothing for a one-day trip. Consider taking a dry bag to keep your items dry.

The upper part of the Baptism consists mainly of class II to III rapids, with a few incidental holes big enough to hold your kayak, so go around them, generally river left. The only real exception to this is a large class IV-V falls in the middle of the run. Keep your eye out, as it's boat-scoutable, and if you're not class V material, take the kayak(s) out and go around it, and go back in below the falls. You'll have a pretty easy run the rest of the way, with a few class IIIs to keep you alert.

Next time, the lower Baptism!

If your vision of a perfect day relaxing at a pristine, beautiful beach listening to the sounds of the waves and seagulls has been marred by the reality of towering condos and the sounds of cars honking, don't give up hope yet. You need to check out Caladesi Island, recently voted America's Number 1 beach by Dr. Beach. The island is just off Florida's Gulf Coast near Dunedin, Florida. Fill a small, bag with a cooler with some water and grab a beach bag filled with a good read, plenty of sun block, and a beach towel. If you do forget something, there's a small café/gift shop, and yes, restrooms/shower facilities.

There's no chance of traffic noise on Caladesi Island. It's accessible only by water. But don't worry, you don't have to have your own boat to get there. You can hop on the ferry ($10 per person, call 727-734-1501 for the latest schedule) that leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park (located at the extreme west end of SR 586, north of Dunedin) every hour. Watch for dolphins, manatee, and a variety of wading birds during the short trip to the island.

Pack wisely because there are few man-made amenities at this state park.

As your cross the boardwalk, the wide, unspoiled beach will truly take your breath away. After settling in, beach lovers can take a dip in the warm Gulf waters, stroll along the quiet sand, or just soak up the Florida sun. Nature lovers can venture further into the island on the three-mile hiking trail to watch for an osprey, a gopher tortoise or other native Florida wildlife.

As your toes settle into the cool sand, don't forget to check the clock every now and again. You don't want to miss the boat back home.

Before the "Great Cornfield Massacre" in 1971, a time when CBS axed "Hee Haw" and other rural-themed shows, "Green Acres" was a popular prime-time show. Created by the late, great Paul Henning, who also was responsible for "Petticoat Junction" and "The Beverly Hillbillies," this outdoor show focused on a farmer who truly was out of his element.

Eddie Albert played Oliver Wendell Douglas, a New York City attorney who, along with his beautiful wife Lisa (*Eva Gabor*), pulled up stakes and moved to the sleepy town of Hooterville. With his life-long love of farming, Douglas became a true "gentleman farmer," wearing a long-sleeved shirt and vest while his neighbors worked in overalls and work boots.

A small valley town serviced by an ancient train called "The Cannonball," Hooterville was home to a wide variety of colorful characters, including Mr. Haney (*Pat Buttram*), a salesman who always was willing to make a dishonest buck. Mr. Haney sold Oliver and Lisa his farm, which contained a decaying farmhouse that could not be successfully painted.

At times, it seemed as if the people of the Hooterville Valley actually came from another planet. The Ziffels at a nearby farm, for instance, had a "son" named Arnold, who actually was a television-loving pig. Arnold loved nothing more than to sit in front of the TV watching Westerns.

Though devoted to his farm, Oliver Douglas was notoriously bad at growing things. On the rare occasions that he did have a good apple crop, he had to rent a defective truck to take them to market. On the long journey, the apple prices continued to fall, making the trip less profitable as time went on.

"Green Acres" also was one of those rare sitcoms from the 1960's that showed a married couple sleeping in the same bed. Most episodes ended with Oliver and Lisa talking about the events of the day while they got cozy under the sheets. Lisa also could occasionally see the opening and closing credits of the show, which mystified her husband.

Several seasons of "Green Acres" currently are available for purchase on DVD.

For many of us, the word "Niagara" is synonymous with "big". You've got Niagara Falls, of course, but the mountain climbers among us will be more impressed with Niagara Peak. It might not be the highest point in the country, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

This 13er (13,786 feet, to be exact) is located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, not far from several other ambitious summits. The triangular shape of Niagara Peak combined with the beautiful view climbers enjoy at the top make it a pleasurable climb as well as technical.

Both the approach and the face of Niagara Peak are rocky and pitted, making for slow climbing if you aren't used to the terrain. A pair of sturdy hiking boots with high ankles for extra support and a set of thick gloves are absolutely essential for this climb.

Additionally, make sure you check the weather before you attempt to climb Niagara Peak. The weather here is unpredictable, offering snowfall and rain on the unlikeliest of days. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of a treacherous mountain with thunder ringing in your ears.

The great thing about climbing Niagara Peak, however, is that you're within close proximity of several other summits. For example, many expert climbers traverse both Niagara Peak and Jones Mountain on the same hike. There are also a few unnamed peaks in the vicinity that you might want to try if you're feeling adventurous.

There are two basic approaches to Niagara Peak. The most difficult is to approach via the saddle between Niagara and Jones, which is marked by heavy tundra and often difficult to cross in the early winter. However, you can also approach on the northeast side directly opposite Jones, which offers a sheer face but less brush on the ground to deal with.

In addition to the amazing climb offered at Niagara Peak, there is also some beautiful hiking to be done in this region. Abandoned mines, beautiful woods and a few scattered streams and ponds make for lots of wildlife, and you can easily spend an entire week exploring on foot or horseback.

For the outdoorsy type in need of some stylish gear, a pair of calf-length pants with a rugged design are a must. The Prana Nemesis Knicker is designed with super-strength seams and stretch fabric so any climber, hiker or sailor can roam freely and comfortably through their latest adventure. Theses pants are designed for ultimate comfort and extra protection during inclement weather; a convenient climbing brush holder, angled pockets and an adjustable waistband make it perfect for the outdoors - and you can look fashionable in the process.

One of the biggest benefits of these pants is their superb drying abilities. You can head out on a boat, trek through rain showers or just play in the mud without worrying about getting completely soaked. The pants dry within minutes, and when you work up a sweat on your trails, they will also soak up excess moisture in a flash. No need to fret about loose material from a poor fit, either; the adjustable waist band and generous cut in the hips and thighs provide a custom-fit look.

Making sure your outdoor wardrobe is made up of loose and comfortable clothing is essential for performance. You don't have time to tug on too-tight pants or fret about adjusting and pulling on pants and shorts to stay comfortable. Loose-fitting, versatile and lightweight clothing is the best match for dressing your adventurous side, and these pieces are easy to pack, wash, dry, and stay in good shape for the long-run. To put things into perspective, look at your outdoor gear as an investment; you need these basics to perform at your best, and when you're not playing the weekend warrior, you can even let some pieces do double duty as weekend wear or for working out.

The stretch nylon fabric makes the Prana Nemesis Knickers a comfortable pair for day-to-day wear, and a versatile addition to your wardrobe. You can wear them to the gym, when running errands, or just kick back and relax on the weekends with the cargo-inspired style. The Nemesis Knickers are available in four neutral colors to coordinate with almost any color top, jacket or vest.

The experienced wilderness survivor knows the joys of winter camping, like silence and solitude. You already know how to dress; next, is to prepare for a winter storm. A winter storm can come out of nowhere in the mountains. So, let's set up your base camp so it's storm-ready.

Make your camp in a sheltered spot, like the down-wind side of a group of trees. Check them for dead branches and pull down any you find. Trample the base for your tent wearing your snowshoes or skis; make it as level as possible.

Start with an insulating footprint for your tent. The best tents are shaped to shed snow, like a dome tent., and also provide plenty of space. A tent fly can keep your tent walls freezing. Erect the tent on the footprint with the entrance away from the prevailing wind. Build a packed snow wall three to four feet high and a foot away from your tent walls along the back and around the sides to the entrance as a windbreak and for extra insulation.

Place a tarp or space blanket, like the one inside your first aid kit, on the tent floor for more insulation. Keep a brush just outside your tent (or in the vestibule) to knock off any snow on your clothes and boots, and keep it outside your tent. Use warm sleeping pads under a good winter sleeping bag like this one from Sierra Designs that's good to 30 degrees. Sleep in your baselayer top and bottom, and bring your outer clothes inside your sleeping bag to warm up before you put them on. Wear a hat or balaclava for warmth while you sleep as well as when you're outside, and make sure you're breathing outside your sleeping bag to avoid humidity building up.

Use your stove to cook and to melt snow; keep waterbottles upside down. Cook outside your tent; fuel fumes can be deadly. Eat plenty of carbohydrates, and make warm drinks throughout the day to help keep your core warm and to avoid dehydration.

Now that you've set up a storm-sturdy camp, your next big danger is hypothermia.

( Sources: http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml#Winter%20Shelters, http://www.backpacking.net/wintertips.html, http://www.eHow.com/how_2136526_winter_tent_platform.html )

Last week our very own Bill J. from the merchandising department took us on an outdoor adventure. We knew there would be some off-roading involved so we delightfully accepted his invitation to enjoy some awesome four-wheeling fun, and we actually learned something at the same time. In this installment of "Enjoying the Outdoors", Bill J. shows us how to shoot a bearing with a map of the area, a compass and a plastic ice chest.

Love the outdoors but hate coming home with cuts and scrapes? Protect your skin with the right lightweight clothing to enjoy the experience without wearing unnecessary layers. The Patagonia Men's Dispatch Pants are a pair of easily packable, low-maintenance pants that you can wear for a short walk, a long trek or just to relax in after a busy day.

When warm temperatures and bright sunny days are in the forecast, you're probably setting your sights on a trekking adventure in the forest or backcountry. It's tempting to throw on a pair of shorts for the day, but many savvy hikers know that cutoffs and shorts aren't going to protect those legs on the trails.

The best strategy is to wear loose and comfortable clothing; this is important for hikers, trekkers, camping enthusiasts and even city folk who want to get out and explore for the day. Lightweight pants that wick away moisture and protect your skin can keep you cool and comfortable in almost any climate. These types of pants also reduce the chances of getting bug bites, suffering from excessive sun burn or dealing with extreme allergies from plants and flowers. Pairing these pants up with a lightweight shirt or tee that can be layered with a hoodie or puffy jacket is the best choice for longer hikes, treks and camping trips.

The Patagonia Dispatch Pants are made with a quick-dry, nylon and polyester fabric blend, which means they're an ultra-breathable pair for even the most hectic day. Plus, you can layer these under a pair of heavy-duty fleece pants or other outdoor gear when temperatures drop. Roll them up and tuck them into your backpack, suitcase or gym duffel or even stow a pair away in the trunk of your car for any last-minute trips or getaways.

The Patagonia Men's Dispatch Pants are available in espresso or black. Match them up with almost any basic piece from your outdoor wardrobe and head out on your adventure in comfort and style. When you want to pack minimally and head out on a fuss-free adventure, a pair of lightweight and versatile pants is a necessity.

There's something inherently honest about a mountain climb, where everything comes down to a battle between your skills and the elements. On the most dangerous peaks, a climber may come home with a great story or they may not come home at all.

That same brutal honesty applies to Granite Mountain, which is the highest point in the state of Montana. A part of the Beartooth Range in the Rockies, this climbing destination contains an area that's named, appropriately enough, Froze-to-Death Plateau.

Rising approximately 12,799 feet into the air, Granite Mountain literally scrapes the ceiling of Montana and is one the most beautiful, yet potentially deadly climbs in America. Some climbing enthusiasts have made the 20-plus-mile roundtrip to the top in a day, but most climbers favor a two-day summit and campout overnight.

Living up to its name, Froze-to-Death Plateau is kind of like the infamous Bermuda Triangle in some ways. Montana's Forestry Service warns climbers that late afternoon storms are pretty common in this area of Granite Mountain, and there's always a chance of snow 12 months out of the year.

The biggest problem with Froze-to-Death Plateau is getting your bearings. The natural rock formations can be deceptive, so make sure you pack a compass and a couple of copies of the United States Geological Survey's Quadrangle Map of Granite Peak. To make sure you actually don't freeze to death, invest in a handheld GPS system like the Oregon 200 by Garmin (it can be a lifesaver when visibility is poor).

Suffice it to say, Granite Mountain is a climb that's suitable only for those who are at the top of their game, both physically and mentally. The Montana Forestry Service requires all climbers to check in at the Beartooth Ranger Station, but they also make no guarantees about evacuating climbers in bad weather.

With the very real chance of hypothermia on Froze-to-Death Plateau, Granite Mountain is one peak that you should never take for granted.

Sources:
http://www.jhmg.com/climbs/beartooth/index.php
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150239/granite-peak.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/custer/recreation/granitepeak.shtml

Whether you're hitting the hiking trails for a cross-country adventure or trekking off to the lakes for an ice fishing adventure, layering up with fleece and wind-resistant fabrics is an absolute must. While a down coat or parka will help you stay warm throughout the day, it's the layers that will trap in your body heat to the max and keep your muscles and joints in great shape during frigid temperatures.

Layering Basics
Camping gurus already know the golden rules of layering; much of this process is common sense, but you'll need to be selective about what types of clothing you're packing on for the day. To stay warm in wintry climates, you'll need to stick with clothing that's lightweight and sticks close to your skin. This means steering clear of too much bulk and avoiding clothes with too many zippers and accessories; too much hardware makes it harder to layer different types of clothing and also makes it harder for you to move around.

For the inner layers, you'll need to stick with thermal underwear and moisture-wicking fabrics that won't absorb any sweat on your skin. This clothing needs to be made of lightweight materials and fabric, which are not only comfortable but also easy to wash.

The mid-layer is one of the most important. This is your insulation layer, the layer that includes pants, vests, fleece jackets and sweaters. This North Face Apex Bionic Jacket is an excellent choice for the mid-layer; it fits snugly and comfortably over basic tanks and tees, and it's made with Weatherblock fabric which stops that bone-chilling wind dead in its tracks. Plus, it's easy to wash and maintain; you can count on this for your mid-layer under a parka or down coat, or just wear it as a light jacket during warmer temperatures.

The outer layer is your final insulating layer and needs to be adjustable so that you can take it on and off with ease. Look for areas with extra ventilation and lightweight materials so you're not weighed down. This is the only layer where you need to pay attention to extra pockets, flaps and other accessories.