Archive for the ‘Outdoor Stuff’ Category

Gear, Gadgets, and Collectibles

People have been collecting for centuries. Collections can range from dolls, clothes, coins, rare baseball cards worth thousands of dollars, teddy bears and other trinkets.

Most collections are comprised of oddities that have little value beyond the sentiment for the collector. Even with a collection of high dollar value, it isn’t often that a collector sells the collection to claim the money. Why, then, would someone put so much time and effort into gathering a collection?

There is a debate on why people collect things. Like childhood unmet needs and for completion. I like what Kuersteiner says in his article, “I believe the main reason people collect something is a basic interest in the topic.”

I have more then one thing I like to collect. One is topo maps, if I am in an area like I was in Steamboat and I don’t have the topo map I will get it. That topo map becomes my souvenir for the trip and also an addition to my collection of maps.

Everyone has their own reasons why they collect certain items. Following are some of the primary reasons people buy, collect and cherish teddy bears. I borrowed the teddy bear collection reasons from this site. http://www.articlealley.com/article_11202_27.html 

 I used their reasons and compared it to the reasons why I collect topo maps.

So the next time you wonder why people collect things, ask yourself if  there has ever been anything you had an affection for and just had to have one more! http://topomaps.usgs.gov/

What outdoor gear, gadget, or tools do you like to collect? I’d love to hear from you.

A-Basin October 12, 2009

It’s so fun to be able to be skiing already! I’m at A-Basin on Monday, October 12^th.

The run behind me is called High Divide and the only run currently open which starts at the top of Exhibition lift.

Nothing real exciting, but what the heck it gets your body back in ski motion and it’s always a good time to get your gear together and packed for the season. (skis, boots, poles, pass…)

For those of you not familiar with the Basin it’s one of the ski areas with longest season.  It’s also known as Colorado’s beach and best party place.

You may find tail gate BBQ’s, portable hot tubs, doggies, and lots of friends. Interesting fact we will now need to pay for beach front parking! Check this out on the A-Basin site http://tinyurl.com/czt92k.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this concept of paying for beach front parking at the legendary basin.

 Hey, see you at the next opening Keystone November 6th!

ps. Thanks Ryan, Pro-Patroller for taking the photo, since my friends bailed when I mentioned taking photos of us!!

Ski Season is here

Well our golden snow coins aren’t even gone, but get your boards on because ski areas are opening up!

As most of you know Loveland Ski Area will be opening tomorrow morning. They will have an 18″ base with 3 runs totaling about one mile of terrain.  The good ole boys do it again at Loveland. A-Basin will open on Friday!

Don’t forget to thank Ron Kidder and Pip, (Ski Patrol Directors) those guys have been there forever and are huge contriubutors to Loveland opening each year!