Episode 72 Poison Plant Podcast
December 18, 2010
Poisonous Plants
In this episode I talk about poisonous and potentially dangerous plants you’ll most likely meet along the trail, how to identify them, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re accidently exposed to them.
Be sure to click on the photo to take you to the Poison-Ivy.org Skin Rash Hall of Fame for some ugly photographs of unlucky people that were exposed to poison ivy, poison oak or sumac.
LINKS:
- Poison-Ivy.org – One of the best web sites for tons of information
- Skin Rash Hall of Fame – Great gruesome photos, not for the squeamish
- Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac Information Center – More great info
- Beware the dangers of poison oak – ABC 7 Los Angeles Video\
- Treating Poison Oak video Tecnu – Poison Ivy and Oak Block Lotion
Poison Oak and Ivy Training Videos
My Review of REI Trail Running Gaiters
December 7, 2010
Cut low, these REI Trail Running gaiters are great for keeping debris and snow out of your footwear during trail runs and light-and-fast hikes.
Not quite up to par
Pros: Breathable, Easy To Use, Good Fit, Lightweight
Cons: Does Not Stay In Place, Poor Performance
Best Uses: Backcountry
Describe Yourself: Casual/Recreational
Was this a gift?: No
Needed gaiters to go with my Saloman XA Pros for day hiking and trail running. They are easy enough to put on and seemed to work great for the first hike until I took them off back at the car. The shoelace strap under my shoe had broken, or wore out on only a 10 mile hike over slightly moderate, rocky terrain. On the second hike, the metal hook at the toe, ripped completely off along the trail. They tended to work their way up over the back of your heels and on two ocassions, I had to stop to pull the gaiter back down over my shoe. I certainly expected more from an REI product. I’ve got an old pair of gaiters I’ve had for 10 years that are going strong and thought these would be an upgrade, I guess not.
(legalese)
Episode 71 Mt. Palomar and the Observatory Trail
December 3, 2010
Hale Telescope on top Mt. Palomar
Palomar Observatory is located in San Diego County, California, in the Palomar Mountain Range. At approximately 5,570 feet elevation, it is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology. . The telescopes of the Palomar Observatory are involved in a wide variety of astronomical research programs. The studies conducted here range from the hunt for near-Earth asteroids, to probing distant galaxies and quasars at the farthest reaches of the universe.
The Observatory Trail is a 5 mile round trip hike from the Observatory Campground up to the Hale Telescope and back that takes you through a canopy of oaks and shady pines. This podcast is about my solo adventure up the Observatory Trail to visit the telescope.
In this episode I share a little bit of history about the construction and operation of the magnificent 200 inch Hale Telescope and throw in some music from the era to give it a vintage feel.
Links:
Trail Video on Youtube (Watch in HD)
Take a ride on South Grade Road via Youtube
South Grade Road High Speed Motorcycle Cam Video
Anthony's Audio Journal 