THE GREAT WHITE HUNTER(S)

So, the team got together early this morning for some hunting at Little River State Park.

It was great. We started with a wicked early coffee and brief strategy session at Billings Mobile. Where, incidentally, we overheard one fella talking about his recent trip to Canada for some hunting. Apparently you're guaranteed a 10-point, 220lber when you cross the boarder or something, because he and everyone in his party got one.

How early were we? Well, let's put it this way: There were only hunters in the parking lot.

When we got to the park, there was plenty of fresh snow and steady snow showers--still before sunrise. We talked again the parking lot, reviewed the maps, split up, and began to implement our plan to sit and then drive. We sat for about 45-1hr each. Then we walked, oh I don't know, maybe about 2 miles, maybe a little more for Graham and Justin, to an intersection where we met up. I got to the meeting point a little early so did a big loop around a nice "Habitat Restoration Area" I passed earlier.

Overall, it was a great mornin'--a nice quiet stroll through some great habitat. None of us saw any deer, but they're up there, that's for sure. Justin saw a bunch of tracks near a beaver pond, and Graham and I saw a few tracks each in our areas. One guy we heard on the radio claimed to see a "shit-butt load" of sign, wherever he was in the park. I brought my camera but forgot to pause for a photo...next time...

Little River is a great place to hunt and I think we'll have to try to get back there before riffle season ends next Sunday. And I'm optimistic that one of us might get one. The take and average size are both up considerably over previous years. This is a good sign that the herd management strategies of the Fish and Wildlife Department are working.

We're also going to get out behind our house in Duxbury on Thanksgiving Day. I went out there on opening morning--it was nice. Saw some grizzly squirrels, one pheasant (it scared the shit out of me), a few deer tracks and one moose track. The moose track was probably from the moose the Mrs. hit near our house the Wednesday before. Not to worry, she is fine. So too is the Moose. (Which accounts for the empty freezer in our basement) And we got the car back yesterday and it's like new--on the outside.

Hunting season in Vermont--it's Grrrrreat.

VERMONT TO HOST NATION'S LARGEST WINTER ADVENTURE RACE!

For Immediate Release

Contacts: Tim Curtin, (802) 578-2972, tim@gmara.org
Jason Gibbs, (802) 882 1075, jason@gmara.org

Nation’s Largest Winter Adventure Race Returns to Vermont

Bolton Valley, Vt. – Pssst. Hey you. Yeah, you. Word on the street is Old Man Winter thinks you’re a wuss. Want to prove him wrong? Well, here’s your chance:

The Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association today announced that the Frigid Infliction Winter Adventure Race (FIWAR) will return again this year on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Bolton Valley Resort in Vermont.

The nation’s largest winter adventure race, this year’s “Frigid Infliction” promises to put your winter skills to the test.

“Our winter adventure race is a great way for coed or single sex teams of 2 or 3 to put all of their winter skills to the test in some of the most spectacular terrain in North America,” said Chris Yager, GMARA president. “The race will include navigation with topographical map and compass, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, postholing (on foot without snowshoes) and a ropes feature.”

GMARA uses an accelerated cutoff system which allows experienced teams to be challenged, while also providing a great race for first timers. “If you have never done an adventure race before, this is the perfect one to start with. This was the first adventure race for about a third of the participants the past two years, so don't be intimidated—it’s a great way to get started in this incredible sport,” said race director Tim Curtin.

The race is sanctioned by the United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA) and represents one of the earliest opportunities for teams to accrue points toward the national championships. GMARA will hold a navigation clinic the night before the race, as well as their famous post-race party with food, drink, massages, pool, hot tub and prizes. To learn more or register visit: http://www.gmara.org/frigid. This is an adventure you don’t want to miss.

ABOUT ADVENTURE RACING AND GMARA
Adventure racing is one of America’s fastest growing multi-discipline sports. At its core, adventure racing is a multi-sport, mixed gender event. It has been called “an expedition with a stopwatch.” The goal is to put your endurance and outdoor skills to the test and cross the finish line as a team. Courses typically take place in remote wilderness where teams may not see race officials or other teams for hours at a time. Navigation decisions are left to the team; they simply have a map and directions telling them where the next checkpoint is.

GMARA is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to serve adventure racers in Vermont and the rest of the Northeast. The club works to promote and grow the sport through a variety of activities. GMARA is made up of athletes with a variety of backgrounds and race experience levels.

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IT'S WINTER! STOWE OPENING SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 17!

Natural Snowfall / Snowmaking Plans / Opening Day

It’s been snowing on Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Upper elevations at Stowe Mountain Resort have received 6-12 inches of natural snow. The snowmaking operations are also benefiting from temperatures in the 20’s, with production on two of Stowe’s peaks. Opening day is now scheduled for Saturday, November 17.

While I'll be out hunting with Graham and Justin that morning, the first few runs of the season aren't far away. And that, my friends, makes me very happy!

JG

(Photo of Mt. Mansfield Posted by Burton, November 9, 2007)

FROM THE MOTHER SHIP (USARA):

Congratulations to all teams that competed in the 2007 GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championships, we are proud of each and every one of you.

A big pat on the back is deserved by M.O.A.T. & EMS Masters who each rose to the occasion earning a National Championship.

Links from the 2007 GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championship:
Results:
http://www.usaranationals.com/results.aspx

Splits:
http://www.usaranationals.com/progress.aspx

Photos:
http://checkpointzero.smugmug.com/gallery/3778399

Limited edition 2007 USARA Adventure Race National Championship DVD:
http://www.usaranationals.com/dvdorder.pdf

Official 2007 USARA National Championship shirt:
http://www.axisgear.ca/store_product.cfm?product_id=43

Save These Important Dates For 2008

USARA Collegiate Nationals Adventure RaceBoulder, Colorado May 17 & 18, 2008
The USARA and CSTV are proud to present the 2008 USARA Collegiate Nationals Adventure Race. Collegiate competitors will battle it out for bragging rights as the adventure race collegiate national champions in this televised event. Two member teams will mountain bike, trail run and paddle their way to victory. Categories will include coed & male.

USARA Sprint Adventure Race National ChampionshipsBoulder, Colorado May 17 & 18, 2008
The USARA Sprint Adventure Race National Championship will be televised. Sprint Nationals will be held in conjunction with Collegiate Nationals. Top teams from around the country will compete along side the collegians for the title of Sprint National Champion.

GoLite USARA Adventure Race National ChampionshipsBlue Ridge, Georgia November 7 & 8, 2008. Qualify for the 2008 GoLite USARA Adventure Race National Championship. Teams from around the country will compete in the premier 24 hour adventure race for the title of National Champion.

IT'S OFFICIAL -- All that beer we drink is good for us!

Hoist a Pint for Hydration

Talk about a thirst for knowledge.

This is the kind of research we can really drink in: Beer is better than water for hydration.

Wait—don't pop that can just yet. It's not that simple.

But Spanish researchers have discovered that lager helps the body rehydrate better after exercise than plain water. They think it has something to do with the sugars, salts, and bubbly carbonation that makes it work better.

The experiments were held at Granada University with 25 lucky students. They all ran on treadmills in a 104-degree room until near exhaustion. Their hydration levels were measured.
Half were given two half-pints of lager, the other half water. And then both groups were allowed to drink as much water as they wanted.

Students who were given the beer had "slightly better" rehydration than those only given water.

Slightly better? Good enough for us. We love beer. (There are even 32 things you can do with it.)

The scientists' conclusion: Athletes should include a moderate amount of beer as part of their diet. (Typically, a person loses about a quart of sweat for every hour of exercise.)

Hey, we're not saying beer is ideal. But it's the weekend, after all. And we like having a medical excuse for our indulgences.

Drink responsibly, and maybe stick with one of these MH-endorsed brews, which are lower in calories than you may realize.

Party on, Wayne.