Bucket List Adventure

BLAC covers the WWW!

2010-03-09T17:05:51Z

I added a new Blog site at WordPress to allow me to submit entries from the field via my iPhone:

http://bucketlistadventure.wordpress.com/

And I moved our BLAC club on Facebook from our Group to a Fan Page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jasper-GA/Bucket-List-Adventure-Coaching/75654246888

We're also on the following Social Media sites:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/

Linked-In: http://www.linkedin.com/myprofile?trk=hb_tab_pro

48Days.Net: http://www.48days.net/profile/KevinCrowe

Follow our updates as we "Live It Before We Kick It!"

Kevin Crowe

BLAC Prez

New Service Being Developed!!

2009-08-06T13:59:35Z

I've been out of touch for a couple of months while working on a new business service but has been worth the time. As a way to develop more Group Adventure Travel packages for my clients & outdoor clubs based in Atlanta/SouthEast as well as build my resume so to speak, I'm now doing Trip Evaluations for tour operations.

What's involved in a Trip Evaluation you may ask? Well, as kind of a part Mystery Shopper and part Business Consultant I scout a destination's lodging, dining, transportation, activities, outfitters, and other logistics to prepare the way for future group trips to that area. I usually partner with an outfitter, tour operator, resort, or tourism board, and act as a regular client to give non-biased/industry feedback on their staff, gear, offerings, marketing, facilities, and so on to help them improve. At the end of the trip, I prepare a Trip Report with photos & videos highliting the Good & Bad to help all involved promote their offerings along with ways to ensure the next trip will go smoothly.

This service is trully a Win-Win scenario for not just myself & tour companies but also for select VIP clients I take with me. My clients who qualify get to go at a reduced rate as well as receive free coaching to prepare for the adventure in exchange for their feedback as a Target Customer. If they are in any of the photos or video footage, they'll have to give consent to use their image for marketing purposes only.

For those of you who want to travel with me, watch for Upcoming Adventures on my Calendar such as my Kilimanjaro Climb & Balloon Safari, and for you Tour Companies needing help marketing yourselves, let's work together to bring in more clients.

Happy Trails!

Kevin Crowe

Bucket List Adventure

I Need To Hire Me!

2009-04-06T15:59:34Z

While preparing for my upcoming trips to Brazil, and Peru this month, I have been reminded how much a headache it is to travel out of the country.

First, there was negotiating with an outfitter which took forever and to this day I'm not sure everything is settled.

Second, I had to set dates based on alot of factors like work, family, weather, seasons, airfare, and so on.

Third, I needed to recruit others to go with me for support and help split the costs. This part in itself meant I had to triple my efforts by helping them prepare as well.

Fourth, the fun returned with getting vaccinations & medications - expensive and painful! Luckily, I had renewed my Passport last year so had that taken care of.

Fifth, trying to decide what gear to last me 17 days/16 nites in all ckind of weather through all kinds of outdoor adventures, plus be able to pack as lite as possible to avoid headaches at airport security as well as avoid airline baggage fees.

Sixth, increase training so that my fitness wouldn't be an issue at altitude or in the different climates. It's hard cross-training for several sports at once - mtn biking, backpacking, rafting, etc...

And finally, there's the tough part of saying goodbye to wife & kids for so long. This is the toughest part for me.

Happy trails!

Kevin Crowe

BLAC

How to Measure Success

2009-02-10T20:20:23Z

My first test of the year, a local outdoor club hike/run race, was a success but not for the reasons you might think. Yeah, I won the overall contest but that wasn't my main goal. My main objective was to compete against myself and beat my best time from my earlier practice runs. Mission accomplished! I beat my own time by 30 minutes and ran a well planned race. Most of my competition got lost on the course so pre-hiking the course ended up being a good idea after all. The weather was the real surprise - into the 60's! I was used to the cold winter weather and almost overheated near the end. Luckily, I didn't run out of energy drink until the end. We had to carry a backpack with 10% of our bodyweight plus your water, so I had to calculate how much was necessary but no more. I also used 4 energy gels for refueling which helped me eat on the run - literally! I must say I was most proud of the fact that I was the Heaviest contestant with the Heaviest pack. Reminds me of the mountain bike racing days where I mostly competed as a "Clydesdale", the only class based on weight instead of age where you had to weigh more than 200 pounds. Overall, everyone who finished had fun and were winners due to the fact that they set a goal and completed it. Can't wait til the next one!

Happy trails!

Kevin

"The Outdoor Athlete" by Courtenay & Doug Schurman

2009-02-01T16:32:52Z

For those training for an upcoming outdoor adventure, this book does an excellent job of preparing you by improving your fitness level specific to the activity. Not only is the book packed with valuable reference material, but it also explains the info in easy to understand instructions. I use Doug as my personal trainer and rely on him & his wife's instructional DVD to prepare for adventures like climbing Mt. Rainier.

There are alot of fitness books out there on the market but very few focus on Outdoor Sports such as hiking, climbing, trail running, mtn biking, paddling, & skiing. This niche is important since the endurance, strength, and balance you'll need for these activities are more specialized than average sports. For example, carrying a heavy backpack, running on uneven terrain, as well as pushing your stamina just to reach the summit.

All of the photos, charts, and outlines make it simple to follow and refer back. Even how the contents are brokedown into various activities or fitness topics makes it easy to jump right to the area you need. Their extensive background in outdoor sports shows as you see how many different activities they cover.

Two thumbs up for the book, their personal training, and them as outdoor athletes!

Kevin Crowe

BLAC

Monster Jam 2009, Atlanta, GA

2009-01-13T19:11:39Z

If you've never been to a Monster Truck Show, more specifically a Monster Jam, you're probably thinking it's for rednecks and men only. Well, you'd be mistaken. Most attendees are families with kids or women curious of what it's all about as well as the redneck male like myself who just loves big trucks.

I attended my first show this past Saturday with a local social club, Sky's The Limit, after meeting for dinner at a favorite sports bar called Stats. We parked just outside the bar in one of many stadium parking lots for $8, not bad especially if you consider that I had to find an open air lot to park my own "monster" truck since it won't fit in parking decks.

We walked just up the street to the Georgia Dome where the event is held. I was surprised to find 65,000 screaming fans already packing the gates, some had been there most of the day for the Pit Party and Driver Sutograph Sessions. We had "nose-bleed" seats but probably a good idea since the truck noise levels were very loud. Most of the kids and some adults wore ear plugs.

I found myself constantly telling others how "awesome" this was. I've seen alot of the shows on TV but seeing it live for the first time was totally different. It blew me away how high the trucks jumped and how cool it wass to see them crush stuff.

The only down side was trying to beat traffic in a big 4x4 truck on tiny city streets when it was all over. I would go again but would buy better seats and drive a smaller car. For $15 tickets, it was very entertaining.

It's Not Whether You Win or Lose But How You Play The Game, or Is It?

2008-12-23T16:26:39Z

It never fails, when a group of people get together for any sport or outdoor activity, it usually turns into a competition. Even something as laid back as a scenic hike gets turned into a contest to see who gets to the top or end first. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I'm typically one of the instigators or competitors. The observation was verified when my local hiking club scheduled their own Hiker Race-off to see who's the fastest hiker in the club. This surprised me since most clubs tend to play conservatively to avoid anyone getting hurt or from wanting to focus more on fun instead of racing. With that being said, I'm looking forward to the challenge - you bet I'm in it to win it!

With all of the attention on the upcoming event, some of my fellow hikers have put pressure on me to win it all. Although I like the support, now I feel the need to train that much harder to not disappoint. This leads to my original point that it's more important to play well than it is to win. Trust me, I'll be doing everything possible to win but not at the risk of injury or offending others. The trash-talk has started which only fuels my drive to beat that person, but I still know my limits and that my goal is to just do my best.

I'll be sure to post an update on how I do and how well the event unfolds. Hopefully, you'll see me on the top step of the podium - well, holding my generic 1st place blue ribbon. But if I don't win, I know I'll have plenty to report on how hard it was but how much fun I had. Yes, it truly isn't whether I win or lose but how I play the game.

Group Dynamics

2009-01-20T18:37:07Z

It's funny how within the same group of hikers out on the trail, you can have several smaller groups that are so different from one another. Yes, they have hiking in common but sometimes that's it. In my experience, you always have the Turtles and Rabbits; Whiners & Doers; Fitness Freaks & Tree Huggers; Tourists and Travelers; City Slickers and Cowboys; Leaders and Followers.

The first pair of groups refer to the pace at which the group prefers. Obviously, the names Turtles & Rabbits says it all. Most of the time, I'm at the back doing Sweep making sure no one gets left behind, lost, or hurt. So, I get to talk to alot of Turtles, and I'm always hearing them complain that the Rabbits are going too fast, which also puts them in the Whiners group. I reassure them that 'Slow & Steady wins the Race' and that those who start out too fast will be caught in the end if not burn themselves out beforehand. The Rabbits also complain that the Turtles are holding them back which is preventing them from getting a good workout, which puts them in the Whiner group as well as the Fitness Freaks group. I just try and keep the two groups close so that in the end we all end up at the same destination. The most important advice for both groups to heed is that you should always go at your own pace so as to not 'red-line your engine' and blow up or 'bonk.'

I've already given examples of the Whiner group above, but the Doer group is much easier to deal with. Doers are those that will lend a hand no matter what you ask of them. They're just excited to be given responsibilities or tasks that will help the group. They also fall into the Followers group but some stand out as Leaders. They don't tend to whine but instead prefer to stay busy and assist however they can. No trip would be a success without this group.

Although I mentioned Fitness Freaks already, I haven't fully described who they are. These are people who always look for the physical challenge in order to get a workout more so than take in the view. Unlike the Tree Huggers who are always stopping to take photos or 'smell the roses', Fitness Freaks are always monitoring how far, how fast, or how high we've gone while checking their GPS or HRM. To each his own, as long as both groups get along and have a good time, I'm happy. I personally like doing both.

Here are two groups that are separated by experience - Tourists & Travelers. Most people start off as Tourists and migrate to Travelers after years of travel. Sounds straight forward. The main difference is how each group handles the trip. Tourists want it quick and hit all the highlights, whereas Travelers want to take their time to dig behind the scenes to discover what's hidden. Not to sound judge mental but Travelers are not as pushy and tend to be more respectful of their surroundings. Let's all strive to become either better Tourists or more seasoned Travelers.

God help the City Slickers who find themselves in an unfamiliar environment that is the Great Outdoors. They usually dress like they're going jogging more so than going into the back country for hiking or backpacking. They like the idea of having an Outdoor Adventure but in reality they're ill-prepared and need help getting through the ordeal. On the other hand, Cowboys try and fake their way through it since they've always been Outdoorsmen who hunt, fish, and car camp. There's a big difference between certain outdoor activities that seem the same because they both take place in the woods. Backpacking is totally different than car camping; hiking in nature is completely opposite to hunting; climbing gear is absolutely foreign to someone used to using fishing gear. It's amazing how these groups somehow find a way to bond and develop a new-found respect for one another while dealing with their new surroundings.

And lastly, there are those who Follow and those who Lead. Most people find it hard to do both - you either have that take-charge command to Lead or you prefer to take a back seat and Follow. Once again, like the Doers, a trip will not be successful unless you have some of either group. Of course, too many 'Chiefs' and not enough 'Indians' is bad for morale and nothing gets done. I choose to always share the duties by putting each person in charge of a task or a smaller group. Everyone wants to feel needed and useful.

Go on a group hike and see if you can pick out who belongs to what group. You might even discover new groups. Also, see how you fit in or don't fit in. People are so interesting if you stop, listen, and watch. I love them all as long as they're making the effort to get off the couch and get outside, even the Whiners.

Happy trails!

Kevin Crowe

BLAC

Every Great Journey Begins With The First Step...Step Here!

2008-12-05T16:57:58Z

To help get you started on creating tour Bucket List as well as designing a plan to making it happen, I'm offering you the opportunity to get some answers that will help start you on your way to achieving those adventure goals you've always dreamed of. But first, I need some background info from you to get the ball rolling.

This questionnaire is no obligation to you nor will it cost anything for the reply from BLAC founder Kevin Crowe regarding his initial thoughts. If you don't want to go forward from there, then you'll have gotten a great idea-booster and free counsel from Kevin. If you got excited though...you'll be given the opportunity to go to the next step.

"Every Great Adventure Starts With The First Step!"

Step Here...

Fear of the Unknown & Forgetting the Known

2008-12-01T17:54:28Z

Once again, I was reminded on an outdoor adventure how many people are afraid of going into the outdoors because they're just not confident. Whether it's getting lost, not having the right gear, unsure of what to do in case of an emergency, or simply fearful of the unknown, I have seen firsthand fellow hikers uncomfortable at taking a walk in the woods. To ease their fears, I plan on leading clinic hikes, not hiking clinics, where I teach a skill or demo gear or layout a map to follow and then we test it out. It's not a hiking clinic because I'm not necessarily showing people how to hike since most people can walk which is the main activity. But instead I'm instructing them on all things vital to outdoor safety or essential gear to have fun without fear.

On the other side of the coin is how much I take for granted when it comes to what I've learned about playing in the outdoors. On a recent club hike, I realized that not everyone knows how to follow a map or trail whether it's marked or not. I've learned to tell the difference between animal paths vs people trails, closed vs open , trail blazes vs property line markings, and following map directions based on topography. I will never again assume that each member of my party has all the skills necessary to succeed much less survive on an outing.

I'm constantly asked about what gear is needed and where to buy it, so I'll make this offer. If you attend one of my hikes, you should be able to contact me afterward via email where I'll need you to list your current gear, what gear you're wanting, and what you plan on doing with said gear. I'll be able to tell you what you need, where to buy it, how much it should cost, and in some cases, show you how to use it. Of course, my time is in short supply but I'll do everything I can to point you in the right direction in the outside chance I can't answer all of your questions myself.

At the end of the day, all you need to know is that having fun outside is much more beneficial than laying on the couch inside. There are basic guidelines to follow when going into the backcountry but nothing you can't easily grasp. Whether it's scenery, exercise, or socializing you're after, getting out of doors is well worth stepping outside your comfort zone.

Happy trails!

Kevin Crowe

BLAC

'Live Life Like You Were Dying!'

2008-11-24T21:58:29Z

Words to live by written by the famous poet, Tim McGraw.

Seriously, I constantly see people with regrets in their old age or with physical disabilities or with a busy career or having kids and so on, saying they wish they would've, could've, should've,... Live everyday like it was your last or like you were dying, which unless you're a vampire you are. Every day above ground is a gift but only if you use it or appreciate its meaning. All of the training hikes I've been going on lately have given me more than a workout. I've had a great time meeting new friends while introducing them to the joys of the Great Outdoors. And gaining a new respect for Nature and hiking for myself.

Once again, it sounds like a shameless plug for my business, but on the contrary. I'm trying to point out why I'm passionate about creating a life list and designing a MAP to achieving those life goals. A 'Bucket List' (a list of things to do before you 'kick the bucket') helps you develop an action plan to turn your dreams of adventure into reality so that you waste no more time putting off until tomorrow what you should be doing today. Helping my clients find their way to fulfilling their adventure goals is what excites me.

Even if your list isn't exciting and adventurous to most people, it's what matters to you that's important. Everyone has different ideas of what they want to experience in life or what's meaningful. For me, quality time with friends and family is very important. But my plan is to combine as many of my goals together as possible, so I usually try to spend that time with friends & family in the outdoors having fun biking, hiking, camping, canoing, off-roading, etc... It all starts with getting clear on what you want out of life based on your dreams.

Just like New Year's Resolutions help get you focused on things you're going to do in the upcoming year, a Bucket List gets you focused on what you're going to do with the rest of your life. You'd be surprised at what big things you can accomplish when you break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces to be tackled daily. Even conquering Everest starts with that first step towards the summit. You've heard the saying that anything worth while takes hard work. I agree to a point but think it just takes time & careful planning to make the work less hard.

As always, let me know if I can help in anyway to kick start your brainstorming on your Bucket List. Websites like www.SuperViva.com and www.43things.com are great tools in helping you layout your goals, plus network with other people with similar goals.

Happy trails!

Kevin Crowe

BLAC

Life's Short, Play Hard!

2008-11-12T19:25:16Z

I was just reminded via Facebook by an old high school classmate why I love that tag line. Her brother graduated with me 26 years ago, and when I asked how he was doing she told me that he had just committed suicide back in May of this year. To say the least, my heart sank and I immediately offered my condolences. We played football together and were friends but not best buds and so we lost touch over the years. I saw a recent photo of him and was shocked at how a hard life had shown on his face. I'm still sad as I write this blog but feel it important to get my point across asap.

I know Nike made alot of money back in the 80's off the tag line, 'Life's Short, Play Hard', but it still rings true today. To me, I'm reminded how short life truly is now that I look back on 44 years past and that I'd better play hard or live all the adventures I can dream of before it's over. Yes, this might sound like I'm putting in a shameless plug for my business, Bucket List Adventure Coaching, because my tag line is 'Live It Before You Kick It', but it's not. I'm reaffirming to myself why I chose this niche which is due to the importance of the meaning of both tag lines - I need to live life to its fullest everyday!

Hopefully, this message about not taking life on this earth for granted is sinking in and you too decide to get off the couch or out of the office and join me or anyone on a hike or climb or ride or anything adventurous. Whatever makes you feel alive or makes you thankful to be alive is what you should do today rather than tomorrow. I don't want to sound morbid but it's imperative that we try and accomplish our life goals before we 'kick the bucket.'

Also, I'm not just saying go out and run through your Bucket List of adventures to add notches in your belt, but instead make sure you appreciate all that life has to offer along the way as well. Yeah, climb mountains but also enjoy the people you encounter along the way. Travel the world but take in the scenery and culture. You get my drift.

Yes, I charge a fee for my services of helping clients achieve their adventure goals, but to prove to you how much it means to me that everyone experiences what life outdoors has to offer, if money is an issue then I'll point you in the right direction for free. I don't do this for the money, I do it because I'm passionate about the cause. Sure, I have to pay the bills, but more importantly I hope to leave a legacy of leading others to their adventures of a lifetime. I don't want them to remember me as much as I want them to build memories of a life well lived.

What dream adventure are you going to start taking action on today? What's holding you back? How can I help?

Happy Trails!

Kevin Crowe

BLAC

p.s. - God bless you Jim!

Orienteering - How to find your way

2008-11-07T14:51:49Z

Whether you like outdoor games, knowing how to navigate, or just another challenge, Orienteering is a blast. I participated in Atlanta Outdoor Club's (www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com) Map & Compass Day at Red Top Mountain State Park (www.gastateparks.org/info/redtop) this past Saturday and actually won the casual-competition with my friend Pat. Not only was it great to be outside with new friends on a sunny fall day but it was cool to refresh my navigation skills with a map & compass.

The course wasn't that challenging because alot of the members were first-timers and the organizers were careful to keep them contained to a controllable area so there would not be any Search & Rescue missions needed. But, it was a challenge nonetheless running off trail hunting our next marker trying to stay ahead of the competition. We finished the course in under 30 minutes, 40 minutes ahead of the next finisher, but it felt much longer and closer. We won some nominal prizes for our efforts which wasn't as satisfying as the sense of being able to find our way without any assistance other than our new found skills.

I never realized that there's a whole community of Orienteers such as the Georgia Orienteering Club (www.gaorienteering.org). And that there are numerous competitions focused on orienteering on top of the well publicized Adventure Races. I'm planning on trying one asap.

I must admit it was easier locating the markers by using the topo map and looking for the tall white posts they were mounted on then it was to pinpoint with the compass. All in all, it was a fun day, learned something, and met new friends. What more could you ask for?

Happy Trails!

Kevin

Why Am I Here?

2008-10-24T20:25:49Z

Wow! What a question. It's 'The' question if not 'one' of the most important we'll ask ourselves. I know that I put God, Family, and Country first but I also know that I'm here for more than that. What difference can I make in the world with the time that I have here on earth?

For a change, I wanted to quit doing all the talking and let my audience speak up. I, myself, feel my calling is to show anyone who'll listen how to achieve their goals of outdoor adventure through extensive planning, training, and preparation. In short, I want to show people the Love of the Great Outdoors like I have. But this time, instead of just listening to me ramble on about what I know or have done, I want you, my fans, to share by way of comment 'Why you are here' as it pertains to Outdoor Adventure or Life List experiences. What I'm looking for is what adventure(s) do you feel you need to experience before you die and why.

Start dreaming about what adventures you seek and then write them down here for all to share. I'll respond back with ideas to get you rolling in return for your time.

Thank you!

Kevin

Best Way to Spend a Birthday - Doing Something You Love!

2008-10-28T13:48:50Z

Yes, I just had my 44th birthday and instead of sitting around eating cake I decided to spend it doing one of the things I love doing most - having fun with others in the Great Outdoors! The 10 mile hike out & back to the Len Foote Hike Inn off the Approach Trail to the Appalachian Trail in Amicalola State Park wasn't that hard but it served to remind me both how lucky I was to have the opportunity to do something so cool close to home and that it's always a good time when you share time together with friends outside.

I didn't get a birthday cake with candles but we did get held up at the top of the falls parking lot by 3 cars on fire. No, I didn't blow them out and make a wish. I left that to the local fire department. Although, it gave me more time to socialize with lovers of nature while we looked on.

Each year I celebrate on this Earth I'm reminded at how time flies when you're having fun. Even though it hasn't always been fun, I've been blessed to live a great life - amazing wife of 11 years, 2 beautiful kids, house on small farm, numerous close friends, many adventures, and so on. Still, I thought it necessary to focus on my Bucket List (list of things to do before you 'kick the bucket') to make sure time is not wasted putting off today what you can do tomorrow kind of thing. My list seems to keep growing instead of shrinking. The one thing that always amazes me when I'm on one of my Life Adventures is that I appreciate what I have back home.

Here's a toast to the next 44 - God willing! Join me on an adventure on your next birthday or any day for that matter and lets be thankful for what we have now and what we have left to experience in this world. What do you want to do before your next birthday?

Happy Trails!

Kevin Crowe

You're as Young as You Feel

2008-10-23T18:48:41Z

I just got taught a lesson about under-estimating the power of someone almost twice my age - actually 2 someones. While hiking this past weekend on the Plotts Balsams off the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Smokies in western North Carolina, I met several members of the Carolina Mountain Club who were going to lead us to the top of 4 peaks over 6000 feet covering 10+ miles, most of it bush-whacking on the ridge. The main guide was 76 years old and another member was close to 80. Both of these men seemed normal in stature and build - not strong nor weak. But when they started plowing through the thicket and charging straight up and down the hill tops, I soon realized that they were not your ordinary 'grandpa' but senior citizens who just got better with age through experience and consistently pushing themselves. To say the least, I got a great workout and had a great time summiting with new-found friends.

My wife's grandpa always says that if he stops moving that he'll die. I now understand what he means. For those of us that constantly stay active, we build stamina to handle most physical challenges that come our way later in life. I also think that staying busy keeps your mental toughness strong as well. It was this same grandpa that taught me how to chop wood in his late 70's on my farm. He also volunteers at local churches and hospitals in Ohio by cutting grass and wheeling patients out.

I only wish to live as long as these men much less be as strong in mind and body as they've become. I try to exert myself physically and mentally daily for at least an hour and sometimes up to 8-10 hours on an outdoor adventure. I just turned 44 and feel like I'm 10+ years younger. My wife says I act like I'm a teenager, especially when I built my 'Monster' truck, but I think it's more of my immaturity than health or looks she's referring to.

Get off the couch and hit the trail or at least spend time with friends and family outside as much as possible. You, too, will slow the hands of time and stay young in spirit if not body.

Happy trails!

Kevin

'Prevention' is more valuable than 'Cure'

2008-10-16T21:01:49Z

Every time I go on a group outing, I always end up having to help someone who has gotten into trouble by not preparing for the adventure we're on. I love being challenged on an adventure but I prefer it to come from something other than simple lack of preparedness. And, I live for showing people the joy of the Great Outdoors but that's not going to happen when they're suffering due to dehydration or getting lost or fighting off hypothermia. The most common mistakes I see are the following:

not drinking enough or having enough of the right stuff to drink
not eating enough or having enough of the right stuff to eat
not dressing for all the weather conditions
over-exerting oneself to try and keep up or show off
poor planning - shuttles, trail directions, time management, etc.
not assuring proper emergency training or equipment
improper footwear for trail conditions
not checking all necessary gear before packing

The sad thing is that all of these problems could be easily 'Prevented' by proper planning or preparation ahead of time. I'm not wanting to come across as complaining about people getting themselves into bad situations outdoors, especially since I've learned alot from my past silly mistakes, but I'm simply making this point to better prepare adventurers in hopes of giving them a better chance to have a good time.

Some easy 'Tips' to remember when preparing for your next adventure are the following:

even on day hikes or short outings, pack as though you might have to stay out overnight
consider worse-case scenarios and pack anything needed to handle them, e.g. 1st aid kit, light sources, emergency shelter, extra clothing, radio/phone, etc.
hydrate before the hike as well as on the hike, preferably 24+ hours in advance so that your pee is clear
fill your body's fuel tank before and during the hike, carbo-load the night and morning of your outing at a minimum
always bring extra water & food for yourself or others who might run out - you can't count on water or food sources that might dry up or be unavailable
manage your time so you're always done an hour before the sun sets (not dark) so you'll have extra daylight if something goes wrong
tell someone where exactly you'll be going, who's with you, and when you'll be done - give as much detail as possible - and leave a note with that info in your car at the trailhead
go at the pace of the slowest person so nobody is left behind and the stronger people will have leftover energy to go get help if needed
never lose contact of anyone in your group - do counts or wait at intersections/hill tops or assign trail buddies
when taking rest breaks, checkout others to make sure they're drinking & eating, plus make sure no one is showing early signs of dehydration, hypothermia, or other slow developing concerns
bring a map & compass (or GPS) even if you don't know how to use them exactly, chances are someone else will or you'll have something to go by when getting verbal direction
stop by a local outdoor store to ask for info on the area you're visiting or find out what gear you'll need or check for highlights/hazards - it's free!
go with a guide or someone who's been there before - eliminate the guesswork

I could go on forever on easy ways to prepare for outdoor adventures but to be more specific I'd need to know what activity you're doing, what season, the topography or terrain, your skill levels, what gear you have, and so on. This is why I offer the services that I do. My goal is always for people to enjoy Outdoor Adventure like I do. You can do it the Easy way or the Hard way.

One of my next topics will cover the 'Cure' for the trouble you might find yourself in the outdoors by using basic Wilderness First Aid.

Happy trails!

Kevin

Price versus Value

2008-10-10T16:37:50Z

Why is the "Lowest" price not always the "Best" price? It's because the best price is that which gets you the best "Value". You get what you pay for. That can be both good and bad.

For example, you're risking your life when it comes to buying cheap gear or hiring the lowest priced guide who might not have the best references or safety record. Also, most people only plan on doing a big adventure once, and in that case you want to ensure you get it right the first time. That includes not only hiring a competent outfitter and using quality gear but also staying at the right tent site or lodge, capturing the moment with video or photos, eating delicious (and clean) local dishes, see the popular (and hidden) sites, and so on.

I'm one of the most "frugal" (my wife calls me "cheap") you'll ever meet. I even got kicked out of a store in a Mexican market for haggling too much where it's a common practice - I kept offering too low. But with age comes wisdom. I finally learned that I need to spend more to get more although within reason. Like with bicycles, once you get over $1000-1500, you get lighter weight and higher performance but you also get less reliability and more maintenance.

Even with my eating, growing up I always chose "Quantity over Quality", but as I matured I realized that Quality was more important and satisfying. Don't get me wrong, I still eat like a pig. I'm just more picky.

Having a small farm I've had to learn to do alot of tasks myself. But there are certain times when I need to hire an expert to get it right and prevent me from screwing it up, such as electricians, plumbers, ... When I decided to start my business, I decided it would make more sense to hire a business consultant to help with Branding & Positioning, Kevin Miller's www.3piecebrand.com, than doing it myself. Even though money is tight during startup, I knew I had to get it right the first time - my image/brand was crucial to success in the long run.

All of these points are regarding choosing "Value" over "Price" alone. My coaching services all focus on providing not only top-notch service but more importantly great value. And I back it up with a 100% "Love it" (not just satisfied) Guarantee. I believe it's imperative that my clients believe they got their money's worth as well as had a great adventure.

Spend wisely.

Kevin Crowe

BLAC

Duncan Ridge Trail death march

2008-10-02T19:39:51Z

Ok, here's the short story to a long day...my truck broke down the day before my big hike on the Duncan Ridge Trail (DRT) with the Atlanta Outdoor Club (AOC) for which I was suppose to be one of the shuttle vehicles. I tried to find a ride to the trailhead but nobody lived near Jasper where I live. At the last minute on the day of the hike, my friend loaned me his Tahoe to drive. I contacted the trip leader, Scott, but since he was already on his way and out of cell range, I decided to meet up with him on the trail. Since he'd be an hour or more ahead of me, I decided to start at the end and hike back to the group. After hoofing it as fast as I could for 2+ hours to catch them, I get a call from Scott saying they just got to the trailhead due to getting lost setting up the shuttle. So, I kept going in hopes of seeing them soon. Well, by the time I ran into the group I was only 2 miles from the end after completing almost 9 miles into the wind from the harder direction. To my dismay, I find out that there was no easy way to continue to the end to switch vehicles for a ride back to the Tahoe so with much regret had to head back with the group the way I had just come. By the end of the day, after alot of gel packs & sucking on my Camelbak, I had hiked almost 18 miles while climbing over 10,000 feet in just over 7 hours. To say the least, I was worn out! But, it was a great test/workout that I wouldn't have normally gotten. The next half of the trail is coming up this Wednesday and I hope to only do it one-way.

Happy trails!

Kevin

Club Benefits

2008-09-29T16:56:48Z

I know it's been a while since I last wrote but I've been busy training for some climbing trips. Sorry nonetheless.

While training with a local club, Atlanta Outdoor Club (AOC), I was reminded of all the benefits of joining a club. To keep it simple, I'll just highlight my thoughts of why clubs are beneficial.

a chance to socialize with like-minded people
there's always safety in numbers - you can't call for help if you're unconscious
you can share necessary gear and carrying the load
with fuel costs so high, it's nice to carpool
save $ with group rates on travel or activities
learn new skills or explore new trails or ...
support a local outdoor advocate to protect the trails or ...
network for business, whether promoting yours or finding others you need
have someone take a photo of you for a change
have more fun sharing the experience with others
time flies when you're suffering up a climb if you can enjoy someone else's company

I can go on and on about why belonging to a club can make the great outdoors more enjoyable but I'll leave that for you to find out for yourself.

Happy trails!

Kevin

BLAC