133: Cats, Wonderland, and Ticks

Show Notes: Episode 133

Today on the First 40 Miles, if a news story didn’t involve the latest political scandal or secret missile launch, it probably didn’t even make it above the fold.  Fortunately, we’ve found a handful of stories  that we think you’ll find twice as interesting as what’s on the front page.   Then, the Summit Gear Review will feature a handy waterproof stuff sack that can hold anything from muddy hiking shoes to all the fixin’s for a campfire dinner.  Just not at the same time.  Next, a simple way to give peanut butter a flavor makeover.

To join us for the SOLVE Clean Up, register here:

http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/bald-mountain-cleanup

Opening

Today we share news that didn’t make the front page

Top 5 Backpacking in the News Stories

 Uptick in Ticks

http://nypost.com/2017/04/04/us-is-facing-an-epic-outbreak-of-lyme-disease-experts/

 Man who blew his left hand off accidentally

http://www.ydr.com/story/news/2017/03/17/hikers-left-hand-blown-off-appalachian-trail-pa/99315188/

Some listeners pointed us to some further reports on this story. Hmm, we wonder what he was up to:

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/police/mc-hawk-mountain-search-and-rescue-20170316-story,amp.html

http://parkland.thelehighvalleypress.com/2017/03/22/fbi-bomb-squad-investigate-items-brought-hospital

Cats for Search and Rescue 

https://www.seeker.com/why-cats-could-make-skilled-search-and-rescue-animals-2277969871.html

Bikepacking:

http://www.foxnews.com/great-outdoors/2017/04/05/bikepacking-adds-dose-fun-to-backpacking.html

Rainier’s Wonderland Trail 

http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/article142953894.html

SUMMIT Gear Review™: Matador Droplet Wet Bag

Structure

* Silicone case shaped like a drop of water, with a slit in it, into which a small portable 3 liter waterproof drawstring sack can be stuffed

* The silicone case also has a place where you can attach a carabiner so you can attach this bag onto the outside of your pack.

Utility

* Keeps the wet in or out. It’s not technically a “dry bag” because it doesn’t have a rolltop closure, but if you have wet gear that you want to keep separate, or something like a sketchbook that you want to keep protected from the rain…this will do the job—and your gear will still be accessible.

* Not submersible

* Droplet is reusable (and can take the place of gallon ziptop bags in a lot of cases) and can keep the wet in, or keep the wet out depending on your needs.

Mass

* Weighs 0.5 ounces ( 15 grams)

* When the stuff sack is removed from the silicone case, it measures about 8 1/2 x 11 inches—the size of a piece of paper

* When it’s stuffed in its case, 2×1 1/2 inches

Maintenance

* Hand wash, hang dry

* Keep out of reach of children—it’s a waterproof bag, and that’s a risk with children

Investment

* $15

Trial