Author Archives: Ned Lunduist

Your Very Next Step newsletter for March 2012

By Ned Lundquist www.yourverynextstep.com

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

“I think that travel comes from some deep urge to see the world, like the urge that brings up a worm in an Irish bog to see the moon when it is full.”

~ Lord Dunsany

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate. Share your adventures with the network today! Send to lundquist989@cs.com.

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You may note that our website (www.yourverynextstep.com) has received a make-over. Bear with Ned as he learns how to use it.

*** In this issue:

*** Can I touch your hair? Shhhh. Listen. *** Brian Kilgallen “Along the Elbe”

*** Travel news

*** Trail / Outdoor / Conservation volunteer opportunities:

1.) Backcountry Hut Caretaker, Maine Huts & Trails, Kingfield, Maine 2.) Volunteer position, Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone, WY 3.) Volunteer opportunity (Removing illegal campsites & site naturalization), Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, OR 4.) Volunteer at The Mountaineers Summer Camp, The Mountaineers, Seattle, WA 5.) Chapel Ledges Trail Maintenance, AMC, Ashfield, Berkshires, MA

*** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: March 2012 Nevada’s Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) Outdoor Educator (Part Time), Shangri La Education Department, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange, TX 2.) Intern – Environmental Education, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange, TX 3.) Instructor Position, High Trails Outdoor Science School, Big Bear City, CA 4.) Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, FL 5.) Governmental Communications Manager, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Washington, DC 6.) Chief Executive Officer, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Do you have a travel adventure to share?

Send me your stories and I’ll post in the “Your Very Next Step” and on the YVNS website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/).

*** “Can I touch your hair?” — More from Heather Murphy:

Shhhh. Listen.

At Ned’s urging, I’ve shared several adventures from my September 2011 trip to Iceland. Ned has asked me to contribute to YVNS again.

If you’re reading this, you very likely work in communications or the defense business or both. My career to date has been in communications, public affairs, crisis management, branding and marketing. For the past 13 years, I have served panels of elected officials at the state and county level. I spend a lot of time listening…and probably a bit too much time talking. A vacation is an essential opportunity to escape but also a chance to challenge myself and hone my creativity.

Photography has been my passion since I was a very young girl, receiving my first camera as a gift at age seven. Vacation destinations are selected based on a host of criteria. What do I want to see? What will recharge my creativity? What might challenge my thinking? What is so remote that I can really get away? Where can I be assured that I’ll see something truly unexpected?

Sometimes the criterion just needs to be in someplace remote and quiet.

The rigor of a military upbringing took me a lot of places but was not conducive to maintaining strong bonds with lifelong pals. Holly and I met in seventh grade and – despite many moves and jobs since then – we managed to keep our friendship strong. She took up photography long after I did but is an absolute natural with an impressive portfolio. A photography trip to Albuquerque and Santa Fe about a dozen years ago started a series of trips to destinations ranging from the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico to Newfoundland and Iceland.

We leave our jobs, our men and our pressures behind and go to a destination with no specific plans in mind. A moose or bear by the side of the road is the perfect reason to linger…at a safe distance. (It’s amazing how crazy some tourists can be – rushing up to bull elk that weighs in excess of 500 pounds or trying to lure a bear a little closer…)

There is always something worth capturing on camera. Even if it’s a pair of bighorn sheep butting heads along a major roadway. (Trust me, it was waaaay more entertaining than elected officials butting heads!) There have been some close calls and comedic moments on these trips. Stay tuned…I may elaborate in future installments.

These getaways force creativity and adventure to the surface. Conversation is natural or non-existent, depending on the situation. The ability to acutely listen and observe is paramount. Seeing trumps talking about. And agendas and schedules are cast by the wayside – except for the flight in and flight out!

That said, there is plenty to see, observe and photograph in our own communities. Keep your minds, eyes and hearts open and the creativity will follow. Consider travelling, golfing or adventuring with a peer or long-time friend – take a moment to break the mold. You just might find that you are sharper having found a new edge to hone.

Questions or feedback for Heather can be addressed here in YVNS by sending an email to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com. Heather through

*** From Brian Kilgallen:

I’m catching up on past adventures, with the hope that there will be many more to come. This was my first trip to the former East Germany….

Brian

Along the Elbe

Once in a while, you stumble onto a gem off the beaten track, hidden away from the mainstream yet remarkably accessible. The village of Bad Schandau on the north bank of the Elbe River in the former East Germany is such a place. It butts up against dense forests and rolling hills, a scant six kilometers from the Czech border and 30 kilometers east of Dresden in the heart of the Sächsische Schweiz, or the Saxon Switzerland, an area many Germans refer to as their Grand Canyon. And the scenery is, indeed, breath-taking, with soaring granite cliffs and rock formations chiseled out by the Elbe over countless millennia.

I arrived mid afternoon during one of those rare heat waves in July. Most of the townspeople were watching a soccer match on a big screen that had been set up outside the 5-star Elberesidenz Hotel on the river. Several bars were dispensing high octane beer and there was a kiosk where a local family was grilling bratwurst and pork steaks. Germany won that match and the fans celebrated the victory well into the night as the beer flowed as freely as the river. Before long, I had locked arms with the revelers on either side of me and was swaying to the raucous rhythm of the oompah music.

“You are English?” the man next to me asked. He was unshaven, unkempt and his unruly chestnut hair was shot through with gray. He smelled like a brewery and quite possibly had slept in his clothes most of the week.

“American,” I said. It sounded hollow, almost like an apology and I regretted that.

“You like foosball?”

“Foosball? Sure.”

He clinked his half-liter mug with mine and flashed a tobacco stained grin. His wife leaned over his shoulder and smiled. She was thick waisted with rosy cheeks and one of her lower teeth was missing. He was Rolf and she was Helga. They were born and grew up in Bad Schandau. Rolf was a farm worker and still remembered what life was like under the East German communist regime before the reunification in 1990. His English wasn’t good, but it was easier for me to understand than his Saxon dialect. And after a few more beers, it didn’t matter much anyway.

The following morning broke clear and fresh. I strolled down to the dock behind the hotel and boarded one of the many steam-powered vintage paddle boats that ply the Elbe daily between Bad Schandau and Dresden. Built in the late 1800s, they have been maintained to the highest standards, with polished brass and deeply lacquered wood trim, giving the impression that the boats had only recently come off the assembly line. But these were the real thing. Antiques, not reproductions.

Tables were set up throughout the boat and the waitresses, wearing pale blue waistcoats and aprons, took orders for light meals, snacks and drinks. I ordered a double-double cappuccino alfredo with a lemon twist and a side of whipped cream. She brought me coffee and a miniature hazelnut cookie.

The Elbe is a shallow river, prone to flooding after long heavy rains and snow melts in the spring. Many of the buildings along the banks have high-water marks and dates on their walls to show where the flood waters reached and when. I’ve often wondered why people continue to live in places prone to recurring disasters. Perhaps because it has been home for several generations and, so, when the floods come, as they must, the residents prepare as best they can and then shovel the mud from their houses and repair the damage when the water finally subsides. Such is life on the river.

The three-hour journey to Dresden took us along banks of lush grassland, past small farm villages and spectacular palaces. The steam whistle wailed long blasts as we approached the piers in the larger towns to take on more passengers. Königstein. Stadt Wehlen. Pirna. And, Pillnitz with is Chinese-style castle, vineyards and classic gardens.

As we rounded the last bend, the spires of Dresden appeared in the distance. The city is steeped in cultural history, marred somewhat by the allied bombing during World War II and the decades of communist rule that followed. In the years after the reunification, significant reconstruction has transformed Dresden into a modern cultural, educational and political center, while the restored historic city center with its baroque and rococo architecture is now a major tourist destination.

I stopped for lunch in the main square near the Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, with its distinctive dome that somewhat resembles a massive stone bell. Most of the restaurants had tables outside under awnings and umbrellas and a casual, refreshing breeze from the river provided a pleasant respite from the sweltering heat. A quartet of young, vacationing students at the next table were attacking generous portions of sausages, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. I ordered the same and a radler – half beer and half lemon soda – so named after the German cyclists who popularized the drink as a thirst quencher.

I spent the next few hours walking around the impressive Zwinger Palace in the old town. While the Frauenkirche is regarded as the symbol of Dresden, the Zwinger was once home to the Saxon kings. After the destructive bombings of the Second World War, it has been restored to its former magnificence. Truly a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

As the afternoon wore on and the heat became more oppressive, I headed across town to the station. A friend once commented that train travel takes you through the backyards of the world. The ride back to Bad Schandau was no different except that it was like stepping back 50 years to another place, another time. We passed by drab, windowless shells of long-abandoned factories and deserted houses surrounded by scrub plants and high, uneven sun-scorched grass where there once were gardens. Most of the stations bore the ravages of neglect during the post-war communist era, while scaffolding at the more important stops indicated that at least some of them were being renovated.

Back at the hotel, I showered and changed my clothes. The Elberesidenz had air conditioning and the bar had cold beer, but they came at a price. The thirty-something bartender dropped the receipt for six Euros in front of me. I paid it.

“You are American,” he said. A statement.

“I get that lot,” I said.

“American?”

“Yes.”

“Quentin Tarantino stayed here. You know him?”

I shook my head. “No. Not personally.” Then, “ Not at all, really.”

“He was filming ‘Inglorious Basterds’ here.”

“Interesting.”

He smiled broadly. “Very nice man. He was wearing a T-shirt and sandals and shorts. He went in there to eat,” he nodded toward the adjoining upscale restaurant. “He came back a few minutes later and ordered a pizza. Very nice man.”

I later discovered that Kate Winslet also stayed in the area while filming “The Reader.”

There are a host of attractions within 10 kilometers of Bad Schandau and there is a fleet of period buses to get you there. The route is circular, with stops among the cliffs in the bosom of the national park and finishing in Königstein where the largest fortress in Germany towers over the Elbe. The castle dates back to 1233 with the finishing touches applied during the 17th century during the reign of King Augustus the Strong, so named for his legendary strength which he apparently demonstrated by breaking horseshoes with his bare hands. That, or his reputation for having fathered more than 300 children.

As Mel Brooks once famously said: It’s good to be da king.

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for March:

*** The World’s Best Cities for Beer

http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/?group=304

*** US Airways to link San Diego and Washington Reagan

http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/US-Airways-to-link-San- Diego-and-Washington-Reagan/?cid=eltrMtgNews

(Maybe this isn’t a big deal to most of you…but it’s a big deal to me.)

*** Foreign visitors to hit record in 2011: Commerce Department Reuters

http://news.yahoo.com/foreign-visitors-hit-record-2011-commerce-department-1 85812929.html

*** World’s Most Beautiful Spring Flowers: When to Travel

http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=1008&p=1#ixzz1qH8qQkyA

*** New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

April 27 – May 6 2012 http://www.nojazzfest.com/

*** Ned recommends the Chouara Tannery in Fes, Morocco

http://www.intltravelnews.com/2011/07/chouara-tannery-fes-morocco http://www.manuelcohen.com/en/report/82-Chouara_Tannery_Fez_Morocco http://athomeintheworld.com/2012/01/06/pictures-of-the-chouara-tannery-in-fe z-morocco/

*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:

1.) Backcountry Hut Caretaker, Maine Huts & Trails, Kingfield, Maine

About Maine Huts & Trails

Maine Huts & Trails is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve a recreational trail corridor in Maine’s Western Lakes and Mountains region. Upon completion, our system of trails, backcountry huts, and waterways will run 200 miles from the Mahoosuc Range to Moosehead Lake. Our trails ensure perpetual public access to some of the most spectacular backcountry in Maine, and our off-the-grid huts provide ecotourism destinations that facilitate outdoor adventures and learning.

Maine Huts & Trails currently operates three backcountry huts accommodating up to 48 guests each, and 50 miles of trails open to the public free of charge, year round. In the winter, trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. In the summer, hiking, mountain biking and paddling are possible.

Summary

Maine Huts & Trails requires volunteers to serve as backcountry hut caretakers. This position is a unique opportunity for someone interested in recreational or outdoor resource management, green building design and operation, conservation education, or similar fields.

Caretakers live on site in staff quarters at the huts for four to twelve weeks. The huts have wood and propane heat, solar and hydro power, composting toilets, hot showers, and water from a well. This is an opportunity to live rent-free and off-the-grid, with a recreational playground at your fingertips. Kayaking, canoeing, bicycling, hiking, and camping are all possible from the huts.

Caretakers must be attentive to the needs of visitors and the cleanliness and maintenance of the hut to assure the best possible visitor experience. The caretaker will ideally be an outgoing person who enjoys sustainable living and outdoor recreation and appreciates the Maine outdoors.

Responsibilities •Serve as primary contact person between the MH&T office and the hut. •Welcome arriving visitors, familiarize them with the operation and rules concerning the facilities, and provide information about Maine Huts & Trails and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics •Monitor daily operation of green energy systems, implementing energy conservation and environmentally sound practices (training provided). •Maintain an appropriate and consistent presence at the hut.

Qualifications •Friendly, outgoing manner •Proven ability to work alone and unsupervised for long periods of time •First aid certification, desirable •Strong interest in backcountry management, desirable •Minimum four week commitment •Able to hike to the huts – facilities cannot be reached by vehicle.

Dates

Spring season – April 1st – June 15th

Fall season – November 1st – December 15th

Compensation

This is a volunteer position. Room and board are provided at no cost.

How to apply

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to:

Skylar Purdy Maine Huts & Trails 375 Main St Kingfield, ME Phone: (207) 265-8001 Fax: (207) 265-2209 spurdy@mainehuts.org

http://www.idealist.org/view/volop/FZfXB4pxj5Xd/

2.) Volunteer position, Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone, WY

Opportunity Description:

This volunteer position will be stationed at Old Faithful within Yellowstone National Park. The purpose of this position is to assist the Rangers throughout the park by taking non-emergency reports that require no follow up by investigators or immediate action by an on duty Ranger. Work contributes to the protection of natural resources and visitor safety by supporting the work of the Resource and Visitor Protection Division and in cooperating with other divisions.

Major Duties

Work in cooperation with Yellowstone National Park Law Enforcement Rangers. Take non-emergent police reports. Provide park information to visitors. Assist park personnel or Rangers as needed or directed. On occasion will drive a government vehicle and will use the park radio system, direct traffic, assist with search & rescue and any other duty appropriate for the current circumstances.

Knowledge and Skills Required

•A background in law enforcement to include experience with taking police reports, crime investigations, taking witness statements •Basic use of computers and word processing •Ability to work well with the public, fellow employees, and other agencies. •Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. •Valid State Driver’s License Will provide support to other NPS work units on a short-term basis as specifically directed.

Physical Demands

Light to moderate physical effort is required. Some duties at the job site require sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, as well as carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Work Schedule

Desk Office is open 7 days a week from 8-5. Work schedule is set up by the Desk Officers to ensure the office has coverage.

Area Information

Old Faithful Village in Yellowstone National Park sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures vary from 0 degrees at night to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the day. Medical Clinics are open in the park during the summer at Mammoth, Lake, and Old Faithful. Cell phone and internet service is not available in many locations but it is at Old Faithful. There are 9 visitor centers open to the public with one at Old Faithful. Hotels, stores, bookshops, restaurants, post offices, and fuel are available at Old Faithful. Limited groceries are available in West Yellowstone, MT (1hr drive). Full range of services available in Bozeman, MT, Jackson, WY and Idaho Falls, ID – all approximately 3 hrs drive. Housing Availability: Available • Housing Type: RV Pads • Housing Description: Trailer site with hookups

http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/results.cfm?states=WY

3.) Volunteer opportunity (Removing illegal campsites & site naturalization ), Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest, OR http://www.wildernessvolunteers.org/php/project/Three+Sisters+Wilderness%2C+ Deschutes+National+Forest/5aab6babb4035945dc35ae9482f7ebc7.html

4.) Volunteer at The Mountaineers Summer Camp, The Mountaineers, Seattle, WA http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp1056086.jsp

5.) Chapel Ledges Trail Maintenance, AMC, Ashfield, Berkshires, MA http://activities.outdoors.org/search/index.cfm/action/details/id/59212

*** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: March 2012 Nevada’s Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail

Looking for a safe bet in Las Vegas? You won’t find it at the gaming tables or the slot machines in casinos along the Strip. But if you head just 30 miles southeast of the city toward Hoover Dam, you’ll find a sure winner in the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail (sometimes referred to as the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail).

This seven-mile trail hits the jackpot on several counts. One, as the name suggests, is the history: Built over one of the rail lines that serviced Hoover Dam, this corridor played a role in one of America’s most famous construction projects. Two is the scenery: The trail offers breathtaking views not only of Lake Mead—the huge body of water created by the dam—but also the harshly beautiful desert around the lake. Three is the natural life: It’s not unusual to encounter desert bighorn sheep scaling the rugged hills, bats clinging to tunnel walls, and lizards slithering or scampering across the path.

“Having Hoover Dam as a destination is a marvelous pot of gold at the end of the trail,” says Jim Holland, a park planner at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service that manages most of the trail. “But it’s the combination of the spectacular outdoor setting, Hoover Dam and the fact that the trail is not too long that makes it one of the most popular trails in southern Nevada.”

Holland’s connection to this trail stretches back before his birth. His grandfather moved to the area in 1930 to help build the dam; he was one of thousands of unemployed men who were lured to Nevada by the prospect of steady wages in the midst of the Depression. Settling first in “Ragtown,” a makeshift workers’ camp on the banks of the Colorado River, Holland’s grandfather helped construct what was then the tallest dam in the world. The elder Holland stayed on and put down roots in Boulder City, a company town for workers about eight miles from the dam, and where Jim Holland grew up.

The rail line’s history also goes back to the early 1930s, when the government and its contractors were beginning to work on the dam. They needed a way to transport construction materials from Boulder City down to the dam site on the Colorado River, so they laid tracks across the desert and blasted cuts and tunnels through the red volcanic ridges above the river. The five tunnels on the trail are each 25 feet wide and about 30 feet high, large enough to accommodate the huge sections of pipe, generators and other materials that were carried down to the dam. (Years later, Holland recalls, the tunnels were designated as fallout shelters for Boulder City because they were so big.)

After the dam was completed in 1936, the rail line saw only intermittent use, and the last train trip was in 1961, to transport a new generator to the dam’s hydropower station. (The electricity generated here is still a major source of energy for Los Angeles and other parts of southern California.) The tracks and ties were removed in 1962, and the grade was largely neglected for the next three decades. In the early 1990s, the superintendent of Lake Mead recreation area assigned Holland the task of creating a recreational trail on the unused railroad line. With the help of grants from the federal Transportation Enhancements program, work to stabilize the tunnels and smooth the grade got under way, and the first section of trail opened in 1995.

In the following years, the trail was gradually extended to the parking lot adjacent to Hoover Dam, and joined on its other end (toward Boulder City) with about 3.5 miles of the River Mountains Loop Trail. The park service has installed several trailside informational kiosks, and plans are in the works to add more, so that trail users can learn additional history of the dam.

Not surprisingly, the dam is the big draw here. More than a million people visit each year to marvel at its huge size—the 726-foot-tall structure is still the highest solid concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere—and listen to stories about how it was built. The vast majority of these visitors drive on a nearby highway, so the rail-trail offers a more peaceful entrée to this engineering marvel. (Hoover Dam and a zone immediately around it are managed by a separate federal agency, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the portion of trail on these lands is only open from dawn to dusk as part of security measures to protect the dam.)

But the trail has many other pay-offs besides a 6.6-million-ton monolith. “It’s pretty awesome,” says John Holman, chair of the River Mountains Trail Partnership, a local coalition that helps build and support trails in the area. “Where else can you hike through five 300- to 400-foot-long railroad tunnels and have the views you’ve got? This whole trail was carved out of the edge of a mountain overlooking Lake Mead. You have all kinds of different colors and shading and variations in the light. In spring, you’ve got wildflowers along it. Tunnel five has a bat colony. You can also see bighorn sheep on the trail. So it’s extremely unique.”

Both Holman and Holland emphasize that the best seasons to visit are spring and fall, when temperatures are mild. If you plan to come in the summer, time your excursion for the early morning; daytime temperatures regularly exceed 105 degrees in this season. And be sure to have plenty of water and sunscreen on hand year-round.

Whatever the timing of your next trip to Vegas, take a gamble on the historic railroad trail. The odds are decidedly in your favor. http://www.railstotrails.org/news/recurringFeatures/trailMonth/index.html

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Wild, Denver, Colorado

Colorado-based conservation organization with offices in Denver and Durango seeks a highly motivated and personable executive director with superb managerial skills to lead our organization in fulfillment of our mission to protect, connect and restore wildlife and wild lands in the Rockies.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director is responsible for the fiscal health and strategic direction of the organization. The Executive Director will propose an annual budget for Board of Director approval, control expenditures and monitor progress toward revenue goals.

The Executive Director will continue to build a proactive, engaged Board of Directors; provide direct supervision and support to the Conservation Director, Development Director, and Communications and Development Coordinator; provide strategic input on campaigns; guide the organization’s long-term vision; develop and implement a strategic communications plan; build relationships with elected officials; represent Rocky Mountain Wild in local coalitions and oversee the overall functioning of the office.

The Executive Director works with the Board of Directors and Development Director to plan and execute fundraising strategies and monitor progress toward $850,000 annual revenue goal. The Executive Director will cultivate and solicit gifts from individuals, sponsorships from corporations, and grants from foundations and government agencies. The Executive Director will engage in fundraising activities via one-on-one meetings with donors, telephone solicitations, grant writing, direct mail and online appeals, special events, and public presentations.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Commitment to taking on a leadership role in the organization A passion for the organization’s mission and values Capacity to clearly articulate that mission and inspire others Strong planning, monitoring, time management, and strategic thinking skills Passion for networking and relationship-building Demonstrated fundraising success Knowledge of principles related to fundraising, marketing, communication and public relations; strategic planning and partnership development Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Concentration in nonprofit management or related discipline preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible growth and experience preferred in the area of non-profit management or fundraising. Must have demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control expenses. Experience with conservation or animal welfare-related fundraising considered a plus. Experience with donor management database such as Raisers’ Edge or Salesforce a plus.

SALARY: Between $50,000 – $60,000 commensurate with experience and comparable to other mid-sized nonprofit organizations. We offer a competitive benefits package including group health insurance, paid time off, sabbatical, and bus/rail pass. Rocky Mountain Wild offers a dynamic work environment and is committed to workplace diversity.

About Rocky Mountain Wild: We envision a biologically healthy future for our Rocky Mountain region of Colorado, southern Wyoming, and eastern Utah. In order to achieve this, we work to prevent extinctions and promote recovery of native species and ecosystems. We restore a connected landscape for wildlife by ensuring safe passage across roads and highways. We secure biologically important natural areas and healthy watersheds for the benefit of people and wildlife. We seek a sustainable coexistence for wildlife with the people of our region. Created from the merger of Center for Native Ecosystems and Colorado Wild, we draw on more than a dozen years of conservation success, including more than two million acres of wildlife habitat protected.

Application Instructions

Send cover letter, resume, required salary range and three references to Rocky Mountain Wild, 1536 Wynkoop St., Suite 303, Denver CO 80202. Applications accepted until position is filled. Interviews will be scheduled starting March 15th. No phone calls or office visits. Send inquiries to lindsey@rockymountainwild.org, Attn: Executive Director Search Committee.

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=373800017

2.) Field Staff for year-round wilderness program, RedCliff Ascent, Enterprise, UT

RedCliff is an extraordinary program with research based outcome studies to back it up. The effectiveness of the program and the significant changes made by students and families, as born out through the research, has a direct correlation to the quality of staff employed at RedCliff. Therefore, we search out the best.

If you prefer a hike in the backcountry to a walk in the park, or waking to the wind in the trees over the sound of an alarm, then this career might be for you.

If you have any questions concerning employment with redcliff ascent or would like to talk to someone live feel free to contact Darren in our Human Resources department by phone at: (435) 592-4422, or by email at jobs@redcliffascent.com

Apply online for our Field Staff Position

Interested in becoming a member of our staff? Contact our recruiter at:

RedCliff Ascent Recruiting Attn: Darren 709 E. Main Street PO Box 1027 Enterprise, UT 84725

Phone: (435) 592-4422 Phone: 1-888-588-HIKE(4453) Fax: (435) 878-2860 Email: jobs@redcliffascent.com http://www.wildernesswork.com/?gclid=CPqOwuaY664CFYbe4AodZFHuIg

3.) Visitor Centre Assistants, Newport Wetlands Reserve, Wales

Full Time Established contract 37.5 hours per week Salary range £13,800 to £15,500 per annum Are you looking for an exciting job in a stunning location then why not join the team at Newport Wetlands. You will work in a busy retail and people engagement role meeting and greeting visitors to the centre and maintaining a high quality retail operation. You will assist the visitor centre in achieving its recruitment and retail objectives whilst providing a high quality customer service. Previous experience in a retail and/or sales background would be advantageous. You will also need to be flexible and willing to work regular weekends and bank holidays. Closing Date 23 March 2012 Interview Date 30 March 2012 http://www.countryside-jobs.com/cjsdailyonline/Mar12/1603_6.html

4.) Visitor and Publicity Officer, RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Essex, UK

To increase support for RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve by raising the profile of the reserve, highlighting its relevance to the surrounding area and its importance for wildlife, You will be responsible for attracting visitors to Rainham Marshes and for helping ensure that they go ‘Wow!’ when they get here. You will be instrumental in steering our communication work, and then managing its delivery, integrating core RSPB aims and messages into reserve based communications and working with colleagues and local media to maximise press coverage. The work will range from press and publicity to interpretation and publications. As a senior member of the team, you will also assist with the hands-on running of the visitor operation, including working regular weekends and some evenings and Bank Holidays. You will have sound experience of working in a public-facing role, and be highly competent with both the written and spoken word, be familiar with a variety of communication and promotion techniques, and enjoy working with people in a busy year-round visitor operation. An interest in wildlife and the environment is not essential, but would be desirable.

Salary

£16,000 to £18,000 pa

Hours & contract information

Hours: Full time Replacement post: No

Closing date: 5 April 2012 Interview date: 16 April 2012

How to apply

For complete details of this post (including an application form) please download an application pack. When you return the application form, ensure that you include reference number 4640212 on any correspondence.

For questions about this post TerryRobinson terry.robinson@rspb.org.uk 01708 899840

Send application forms to: Terry Robinson terry.robinson@rspb.org.uk The RSPB, Rainham Marshes, Purfleet Environment & Education Centre, Rainham Marshes nature reserve, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, Essex, RM19 1SZ, 01708 899840

http://www.rspb.org.uk/vacancies/details/308116-visitor-and-publicity-office r

5.) Program Assistant/ Office Coordinator, Conservacion Patagonica, Sausalito, California http://www.idealist.org/view/job/Ffhfb5pP8kh4/

*** From Mark Sofman:

6.) Another Fishing Job for Bass Masters Everywhere, Escanaba, MI http://bit.ly/GQxRn1

7.) Eagle Education Coordinator, Ketchikan Indian Community, Ketchikan, AK http://bit.ly/GQhMxu

8.) Development Director, HawkWatch International, Salt Lake City, UT http://bit.ly/GQhV48

9.) Canoe Livery Attendant II, City of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI http://bit.ly/GQvqkp

*** Send your job opportunities to share with the YVNS network to lundquist989@cs.com.

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC © 2012 The Job of the Week Network LLC Edward Lundquist, ABC – Editor and Publisher Your Very Next Step 7813 Richfield Road Springfield, VA 22153 Home office phone: (703) 455-7661 lundquist989@cs.com www.nedsjotw.com

Your Very Next Step newsletter for February 2012

By Ned Lundquist www.yourverynextstep.com

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – St. Augustine

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate. Share your adventures with the network today! Send to lundquist989@cs.com.

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Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

You may note that our website (www.yourverynextstep.com) has received a make-over. Bear with Ned as he learns how to use it.

*** In this issue of Your Very Next Step” newsletter:

*** Ned’s upcoming travel schedule: *** The Lundquist Costa Rican Adventure *** Can I touch your hair? These People will Eat ANYTHING *** Mat Matta and Navy PeeWee Gold travel to Lake Placid *** Paul Hart and The Wildlife of Big Bend *** Brian Kilgallen and Reflections on Gran Canaria

Travel news

*** The Palm Beach, Frederikshavn, Denmark *** Virginia Naturally Website Link to School Environmental Learning Programs

Trail / Outdoor / Conservation volunteer opportunities:

1.) The Colorado Trail 2012 Weeklong Trail Crews 2.) Summer Hatchery Season Host, The Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, Hagerman, ID 3.) Animal Assistant – Wildlife, Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, Inc., Clinton, NJ

*** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: January 2012 Houston’s Columbia Tap Rail-Trail

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) Outdoor Educator (Part Time), Shangri La Education Department, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange, TX 2.) Intern – Environmental Education, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange, TX 3.) Instructor Position, High Trails Outdoor Science School, Big Bear City, CA 4.) Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, FL 5.) Governmental Communications Manager, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Washington, DC 6.) Chief Executive Officer, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Stonewall, Manitoba, Canada

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Do you have a travel adventure to share?

Send me your stories and I’ll post in the “Your Very Next Step” and on the YVNS website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/).

*** Ned s upcoming travel schedule:

5-8 March San Diego 12-15 March Boston, New London, Newport

*** The Lundquist’s Beach/Jungle/Mountain/Volcano adventure:

*** See last month’s issue where Ned talks with Lisa Cederberg, Travel Consultant with Costa Rican Luxury Vacations (http://www.vacationscostarica.com/, about the upcoming Lundquist family vacation:

Lisa Cederberg Travel Consultant Costa Rican Luxury Vacations “Local Knowledge – Global Service” U.S. Toll Free 800-606-1860 x 1243 – I’m available with very flexible hours. Please call at your convenience! In Costa Rica: 506-2296-7715 * Email: lisacederberg@goduesouth.com (http://www.vacationscostarica.com/):

*** A Our Costa Rican adventures, and some of the reasons I didn’t want to come home.

This is about Mr. Edward and the Lundquist family Vacation, as arranged by Lisa Cederberg at Costa Rican Vacations.

Let’s start this adventure in the dark, early on February 6th at 4:45 a.m. We had arranged for our taxi the evening before. And our taxi showed up on time. But instead of the van we asked for, we got a Prius. Okay, we’ll squeeze in.

At the airport, check in was efficient, but the security line less so.

I was very proud of the fact that I got a great fare on Continental, and even prouder that I was able to upgrade all of us to first class the whole way.

That means we can use the lounge at the Continental gates. Upon presenting my family to the lounge receptionist, she took great delight in turning us away. Yes, as a Mileage Plus Premier Executive flying internationally I could come in, along with one guest. But just because we were flying first class didn’t entitle all of us to use the lounge.

The person who stood with us in the very long line at security came up and offered to “sponsor” the rest of us. “You don’t even know them,” she said. He later came up an apologized. “I don’t think she can tell me who I can bring in as my guest.”

Our flight to Houston was good, and our connection to San Jose tight but manageable, and our flight to San Jose also nice. Both were something a little over three hours. I like flying first class. I don’t like paying ten times as much as a coach ticket because it’s not worth it, but I do like it if I can get it. We arrived around 1400 at San Jose and met at the gate by Karla, who had a sign with our name on it. There were two other ladies who had also booked a CRV vacation that she also was helping. She took us to immigration, baggage claim, customs, and showed me the ATM where I changed some money. The two vagabonds in front of me at the ATM tried a dozen times and never got any cash. We all had to wait very patiently. I tried once and hit the jackpot.

Once outside, another CRV greeter met us, Alberto, and he took us to our van, driven by Hugo. Alberto gave us a CRV tote bag with a water bottle and a hat for us to fight over.

It was now 1500. Hugo gave us each a cool bottle of water and we were off for the mountains. San Jose is the capital. of Costa Rica and a city of 1 million. A quarter of the country’s population lives here. The roads were lined with bougainvillea, orange magnolias and other showy shrubs and trees. San Jose is at 1,000 feet above sea level, and our trip would take us over the continental divide at 6,000 feet.

We were headed to Arenal, one of Costa Rica’s most famous and recently active volcanos. The country has lots of volcanos. Hugo said there are 250 volcanos, of which 10 are active (within 45 miles of San Jose). I later came upon this: There are six active volcanos (counting now dormant Arenal).

http://www.arenal.net/costa-rica-volcanoes.htm

Volcanos are a pretty big deal here.

http://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/volcanoes.asp

Tourism is the number one industry, followed by technology, agriculture and medical supplies. There are major plants for giant electronics companies. One Intel plant employs 10,000 people making 3 million microchips a year, Hugo says. The Cost Rica labor market is highly qualified and low-cost. Unemployment is about 6%, and 98% of the Costa Ricans can read and write.

There are large nurseries growing what Hugo calls decoration plants. Coffee and sugar cane are big crops. The red soil, burnt fields, the haul cane trucks full of cane, and tall wavy stalks waiting for harvest, all remind us of Hawaii.

Starbucks gets the lion’s share of the Cost Rican coffee crop; with Dole and Del Monte pineapple and Chiquita Bananas also major agricultural players. On our drive we stopped for something to drink and to stretch our legs. I’m glad I followed Hugo’s suggestion and tried the very rich local coffee. Hugo says Costa Rica’s frequent rain at higher elevations provide opportunities for hydropower. The huge man-made Lake Arenal is a major source of hydropower, and large wind turbine generators were also visible in some places up there.

To get to Arenal we had to climb over the continental divide. Here the prevailing winds come from the Caribbean and turn to rain when it arrives here at the higher elevations. In fact, while we were at Arenal we were able to see the top of the volcano only for a brief moment very early in the morning on our last day there.

Upon arriving at the Arenal Monoa resort we were greeted with a cool refreshing drink, and after checking in were taken by van to our rooms, while watching an armadillo scurry out of our way. All of the rooms here are in two bedroom houses, and just about all have a view of the mountain, when visible. We had two adjoining rooms, each with a huge bathroom and very pleasant patio with comfortable chairs.

Our hotel at Arenal:

http://www.arenal.net/hotel/arenal-manoa/ http://www.arenalmanoa.com/hotel.html

We had dinner in the open air restaurant serenaded by the sounds of the jungle. It had been a very long day.

The next morning we enjoyed our breakfast at the restaurant. I had already been up, and made the coffee that came with the room. It was a decent size filter bag that made four full cups of truly excellent coffee. Our major activity for the day was a guided hike up the 1968 Arena lava flow. It got a little steep near the top (you can’t go all the way to the top of the flow), but we all made it. Along the way we saw interesting flora and fauna.

We saw oropendolas, members of the oriole family, but larger. It gets its name not only from its colonies of suspended woven nests in trees, but also the way it swings on branches. We saw them hanging upside down, with yellow tail feathers prominently displayed above him.

http://www.welovecostarica.com/public/220.cfm

It sounds pretty strange:

http://www.naturesongs.com/moor2.wav http://itotd.com/articles/361/the-oropendola/

We also saw Baltimore Orioles. They winter here. We had a nest in our backyard when we lived in Mystic, Connecticut, but I haven’t seen one in years. We live an hour from Baltimore, but have to come to Central America to see one.

We saw white-throated magpies, and chachalacas, the Costa Rican version of a wild turkey.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-throated_Magpie-Jay

http://bit.ly/yyO7lv

We saw a brown-faced howler monkey (I think that’s what kind it was) alone high in a tree. We knew there had to be others, but didn’t see them.

It had just stopped raining, so the large colony of leaf cutter ants were tucked away…by the many thousands, beneath where we were standing. A single queen lays a thousand eggs a day. Their workers go out and bring back large pieces of leaves that they carry on top. The leaves are delivered to subterranean chambers in the colony where the vegetative material rots and becomes a fungus. It is this fungus, not the leaves themselves, that feeds the ants. Off to the side of the incline we saw the waste dump. You could see some very distinct trails in the grass leading to the colony. Further up the mountain we saw a parade of these ants headed to another unseen colony in the jungle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafcutter_ant http://itotd.com/articles/446/leaf-cutter-ants/

After our walk, we went to the fancy Springs Resort and spent some time relaxing in the geothermally warmed pools.

http://www.arenal.net/hotel/the-springs-resort-and-spa/index.html http://springscostarica.com/

We swam up to the bar and enjoyed some tropical beverages. Our competition between bartended definitely produced a winner. Jerry made the very best lava flows! Afterwards we enjoyed dinner at the Springs (and had the famous Costa Rican desert called Tres Leches). Actor Will Smith was staying here, too. He’s in Costa Rica filming “After Earth,” a survival action pic set a thousand years into the future. We saw the area where the film crews had set up a large compound. I wonder if he took time to look at the leaf cutter ants.

http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2012/february/09/costarica12020905. htm

http://blogamole.tr3s.com/2012/02/03/will-smith-hits-costa-rica-to-film-new- scifi-adventure/

Early the next morning (Feb. were picked up and taken to the Ecoglide zipline on the slope of the volcano. So I know you are thinking about the Geico pig, and yes, the brochure does say “pure adrenaline.”

“The canopy consists of 15 cables and 18 platforms which are divided into three sections that are found mostly in the trees, which are designed to provide our visitors greater contact with nature,” the website says. We were on 12 cables, almost all shrouded in thick morning fog and lush heavy jungle canopy. As an interlude during our journey down the mountain, we rode the “Tarzan Swing.”

http://www.arenalecoglide.com/indexin.html

Here’s me on the Tarzan Swing.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1528442643995.77257.1022568171&typ e=3#!/photo.php?v=10150679624784603

At Ecoglide we saw a keel billed toucan, and a Strawberry Poison-dart Frog.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keel-billed_Toucan http://www.costaricaexpeditions.com/Gallery/wildlife/picture.php?fignum=7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry_poison-dart_frog

In the afternoon we went into La Fortuna to have lunch and look around. We had a typical tico meal, but I thought the meat was very tough and underdone. The extent of our shopping is that Barbara got some nail polish remover.

Of note at our hotel, our maid would leave us animals fashioned from towels and blankets, like a sloth or an elephant, complete with flower blossoms for eyes. I have never seen this before. I tried to show here that we appreciated it by getting my sloth to “climb” on the lamp, but it came apart.

On Thursday morning we packed up and our driver met us for the long drive around Lake Arenal and down towards the coast. Not long after leaving the hotel we encountered a car that was stopped in the road and tossing some crumbs to a group of raccoon-like white nosed coati.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-nosed_coati http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/coati.htm

One of the things we have acquired in Costa Rica is an appreciation for Tres Leches, a cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, topped with whipped cream. I think there are probably an infinite number of variations to the recipe—just like there is with tiramisu.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tres_leches_cake

Here are a few recipes (don’t think of this as just a Christmas treat):

http://www.ehow.com/how_5736584_make-leches_-_three-milks_-christmas.html

http://ticofood.blogspot.com/2006/08/three-milk-dessert-tres-leches.html

Our journey to the Guanacaste coast took about four hours. We stopped at Tilaran for something to eat. Yes, we had tres leches. From here it was down in elevation, and the jungle opened up into wide, open plains. More volcanos could be seen on our right as we headed for Costa Rica’s second largest city of Liberia. This city has a new terminal at the international airport, which has non-stop service to New York and many other U.S. destinations for people who want to visit the Guanacaste Coast.

We arrived at our hotel, the Cala Luna, in the beach town of Tamarindo (actually our hotel was on Playa Langosta, not Playa Tamarindo). The town is a happening place for surfers. As at the Monoa, we were greeted with a specialty drink of the house, on the house. We met the staff and the dog, then walked the very short distance to our villa. We didn’t have a view of the ocean, but our backyard was beautifully landscaped, which made our private in ground pool look even more spectacular. Our villa was a full sized house, with two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living and dining room, and a kitchen. Did I mention that we also had our own pool? We checked out the large pool by the lobby…because it had a bar.

We made a dash into Tamarindo to the small supermarket for some staples, coffee, Diet Pepsi, diet Ginger Ale, cheese, prosciutto, bread, chips, a lime, San Pellegrino. When we returned, the hotel delivered some treats, compliments of the chef. This is something they did each afternoon. That evening we enjoyed dinner in the restaurant. Our next day was fairly relaxing. We had breakfast at the restaurant, and succeeded in fighting off the magpie jays, which were particularly fond of muffins, and especially the paper cups that the muffins came in. We walked down to the beach, which at Playa Langosta featured quite a bit of lava rock, and some very interesting tide pools. I enjoyed just lying in the sand, watch the frigate birds and tracking a hermit crab headed away from the ocean. We went over to the Capitan Suizo Hotel for the Friday night beach barbeque with marimba band and “folkloric” music. The food was good, the entertainment was, well, entertaining. And sitting right on the beach listening to the waves was wonderful. The hotel seemed like a nice place, but I like our Cala Luna much better.

Our Saturday adventure was snorkeling at Playa Flamingo. We wore wetsuits because the water was 68 degrees, but the water was calm and the sky bright. The water was a little bit on the cloudy side, and we didn’t see a lot of fish.

We ventured over to the small town of Santa Rosa that evening for the local festival, highlighted by the Verano Toreado, the Costa Rican bullfight. I have never been to a bullfight before, and have always been a little uneasy about the idea of this bloodsport. But in a Costa Rican bullfight, the bull doesn’t get killed, or even hurt. It does get pretty pissed off, however. So imagine not one matador with some assistants, but 60 or 70 of them, all trying to chase the bull until it’s them getting chased. This event was carried on national TV. After one bull gets tired they bring out another. Most of the time somebody tries to ride the bull out of the gate, and hold on for as long as they can. This is very dangerous, and one guy who was thrown off was then trampled. He was taken off in a stretcher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=IJrS-efph1s

Even this can wear on you after a while, so to spice things up they actually bring on two soccer teams who begin a friendly game of futbol. Soon they are joined by a bull, he is equally opposed to both teams, which makes for some sporty play. If that isn’t sport enough, they let out another bull. Two teams, two bulls, one ball.

A little shopping in town to buy a few souvenirs on Sunday, followed by a sunset horseback ride on the beach and up into the forest was fun, but my butt is still sore three weeks later. We did see monkeys and a very large iguana.

We had dinner, and they also packed breakfast for us because we were going to be leaving so early the next morning. I did not want to leave my villa with its own pool.

We were up early and taken to the local Tamarindo Airport for our 0700 flight on NatureAir, a carbon-neutral airline. After bumping a passenger instead of our luggage to meet the weight limit, we flew in a single-engine Cessna Caravan to Tobías Bolaños Airport, the smaller of San Jose’s two airports. It was about an hour flight, leveling off at about 9,500 feet. It was a clear day and the scenery was spectacular. We picked up our bags and our driver, as usual was waiting for Mr. Edward and family. It was a short drive distance wise to the international airport, but, you know, with traffic and all, it was about a 30 minute drive.

The Juan Santamaría International Airport is named after Costa Rica’s national hero Juan Santamaría, a courageous drummer boy who died in 1856 defending his country against forces led by US-American filibuster William Walker. It is Central America’s second busiest airport after Panama City.

At the airport we first had to pay the $28 per person departure tax. We checked our bags, passed through security and went to the VIP lounge since we had a long wait. This lounge did not offer privileges to Continental passengers, so we had to pay to get in. I was okay with that, but the lounge didn’t offer much, and in retrospect was not worth the cost. Our flight to Houston was comfortable, but the aircraft was so new, the flight attendant said, that it didn’t have any kind of entertainment system installed yet.

At Houston we had to go through immigration, and we spent a long, long time waiting as we weaved through the line. Then we had to get our bags, go through customs, and through security again. This offered the opportunity for more delays, only everyone was late for their flights by now and civility was severely curtailed at this point. As it was, we had to streak through the airport to our gate, which was way on the other side of another terminal. Yes, they held the flight for us, and we made it to DC on time, at around 11 p.m.

We had a reasonably long wait for our bags –which I couldn’t figure out at that time of night-grabbed a taxi and got home. Scout was so happy to see us.

*** “Can I touch your hair?” — More from Heather Murphy:

These People will Eat ANYTHING

Lamb, dairy and seafood comprise the majority of the diet for Icelanders. There are some traditional foods that are eaten at seasonal festivals like þorramatur, a festival of local culture and ancient foods.

Hákarl is worthy of particular note. It is putrified, rotten fermented Greenland (basking) shark. Greenland shark will kill you in its fresh state due to high quantities of urea and an oxide combination. To make it edible, it is placed underground on a slight grade, covered with stones and left to rot. Yep. Really. To make it edible.

It was not offered to me during this trip. Chef Gordon Ramsey was unable to keep it down, according to news reports. Chef Anthony Bourdain considered disgusting and terrible.

Had hákarl been offered, I would have declined it with vigor. I am a weak and not terribly daring diner. I had no intention of trying hákarl. I can live with that.

They also eat puffin and other sea birds. It is a matter of practicality and variety, I am sure.

Early in the trip, we had passed a place that advertised pepper steak. The sandwichboard outside had a picture of the entree that would make your mouth water – beef with a peppercorn cream sauce. Near the end of the visit, it was time to find the place again and try it.

When the waitress came to take my order, I ordered the Piparsteak.

Waitress with thick accent: “The foal?”

Me: “What?”

Waitress: “The foal?” (Dragging it out in the hopes that I might understand better.)

Me (in my head): Oh, she said FOAL. Foal! Baby horse? Ugh no!

Me: “No. I want steak from beef.”

She explained that it would cost more but I assured her that I was perfectly okay with that. I do not know if I ate baby horse or steak. What I can say is that it was exceptionally good beef. I hope.

The trip to Iceland was a fantastic respite from the daily grind. I would love to go back. It is a beautiful country and, if your plans permit, I encourage you to add Iceland to your Bucket List!

Happy travels!

Questions or feedback for Heather can be addressed here in YVNS by sending an email to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com. Heather through

*** From Mat Matta:

Ned,

As promised below is a writeup of my trip to Lake Placid for possible inclusion in your Very Next Step newsletter.

Mat

Lake Placid, New York

16 hockey players and their parents headed to Lake Placid, NY, home of the Miracle on Ice, for a Pee Wee hockey tournament in late January. We would be playing teams from Pickering, Ontario, Miami, Fla. and Hamden, Mass. For most of us this was the first trip to this area of New York. The drive from Annapolis was about 9 hours and virtually all interstate so it was pretty easy.

Once we got past Albany the roads were much smaller and the ride into Lake Placid was beautiful though there was a definite lack of snow. A rushing river with high cliff walls was very picturesque. There were plenty of people taking advantage of the mild temperatures to venture out on the marked hiking trails.

The first tip off that this is an Olympics town is the Ski Jumping platforms that rise above the tree line. You’d have to be nuts to jump off those ramps!

Once you get into the town proper there are quaint hotels and shops lining the street. I doubt they have changed much in the last 30 years. The Olympics are still very heavily featured in the town with the Miracle on Ice still being the main draw.

The Hockey complex features the 1932 Olympics rink, the 1980 Olympics rink, now named for famed coach Herb Brooks and a new rink. In addition, there is an Olympics museum that is full of great mementos much of which centers around hockey. Jim Craig’s pads and stick are prominently displayed within a goal from the 1980 Olympics.

Our hotel sat 30 feet or so from Mirror lake which was frozen enough for skating and sledding. The boys spent much of their time on the lake having great time. There was also a town ice toboggan ride but it was not quite ready for action when we were there. The mountain views were spectacular and skiing and Whiteface Mountain was 15 minutes away.

Like I said there was very little snow so snowmobiling was unavailable but the Olympic bobsled facility was up and running with rides available with professional drivers.

We all had a great time. I can only imagine what the area is like in the summer…it must be just as fun.

Oh and by the way Navy PeeWee Gold lost to the Pickering Panthers 2-1 in the finals.

*** From Paul Hart:

Ned: Here’s something for your next newsletter.

Paul Hart San Antonio

The Wildlife of Big Bend

We had an eventful trip to Big Bend National Park last week, my latest visit to this stunning place on the Texas/Mexico border that’s larger than Rhode Island. (Note: Not everything in Texas can be described as bigger than Rhode Island. Some things are bigger than Delaware.) The park’s literally an end-of-the-road place and always worth the long journey. Some maintain it’s three parks:

* The Rio Grande, sandwiched between canyon walls more than a thousand feet high. * The Chisos Mountains, a forested enclave surrounded by desert. * The Chihuahuan Desert with unusual flora and fauna.

What stood out on this trip was the wild fauna, four-legged and otherwise. We had planned hikes in the Chisos but a few days before our arrival a mountain lion attacked a little boy. Oddly, the attack was in the comparatively bustling driveway of the park lodge, not the bushes. The boy’s father fought off the critter with a pocket knife and his son will be fine. But somewhere out there in the forest was a hungry, and wounded, mountain lion so the rangers closed all trails while they searched for the cat.

No problem, we’ll just drive down to the river and hike. Ah, but more unexpected wildlife here. Prior to 9/11, it was customary for park visitors to wade, or ferry across, the Rio Grande to visit the remote village of Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico. Boquilas remains stuck in a late 19th Century time warp. One such junket inspired Robert Earl Keen’s song, Gringo Honeymoon. The feds put a stop to this — but not to Mexican innovation. Souvenir salesmen spread their wares just feet from the river on the U.S. side. If the Border Patrol shows up, Zip!, they scoot across to the other side and safety. Even more creative was “Victor,” a young man sitting on the other side atop a large rock, serenading hikers with Mexican songs. His English was just good enough to point out a can for tips he’d left on our side of El Rio. Multiple signs warn not to deal with these guys, or worse cross the river, or face hefty fines. There are efforts to creat some sort of legal border crossing to bring back this trip unique to any national park.

One night we opted to drive over to Terlingua, Texas, just west of the park and famous for its chili festival held each November. To get in the spirit of the place, I ordered a chili burger at the Starlight Theater, a cinema-turned-saloon/restaurant that’s the center of local nightlife. More wildlife here, the locals are more colorful than the surrounding desert: Think Haight-Ashbury. Photography would be gauche, so we just enjoyed the parade in and out the door while we lingered over several margaritas and Shiners.

*** From Brian Kilgallen:

When I moved to Europe almost a decade ago, I began writing about my travels and adventures to share with absent friends. But as time wore on, I lost the drive to put words on paper. I don’t know why, but the fire had gone out.

I recently met someone who changed that, someone who unknowingly became my muse and source of inspiration. Below is the beginning of what I hope will be a renewed effort to share my experiences with you.

Brian

Reflections on Gran Canaria

If you close your eyes, the wind whipping through the palm trees sounds like ocean waves on the beach. And it’s always windy in the Canary Islands. I had endured a very early morning four and half hour flight to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, and shortly after noon I was standing at the hotel desk, travel weary and begging for a room with an ocean view on the top floor. I had stayed at that hotel the same time last year and the staff gladly granted my request. So there I was, on the balcony in Playa del Inglés, looking out across the Saharan dunes toward Costa Melonares and listening to the rush of the wind in the palm trees.

Gran Canaria, like its sister islands, lies in the Atlantic off northwest Africa about 100 kilometers from the border of Morocco and Western Sahara, and like the other islands, it was formed by volcanoes that are still active. But what makes this so attractive, particularly during the winter months, is the climate. It’s mostly sunny with year round temperatures in the mid 20s centigrade (70-75 Fahrenheit) during the day and cooler at night. Hence, the perfect winter escape for northern Europeans who want to flee their dark and dreary surroundings even if it’s only for a week or so.

Yes, there are fests in Germany where you can stave off the dank cold by consuming wurst and enormous amounts of alcohol. I had been to such events in past years and reveled with the best of them. But the next morning, it was still cold and dank and my brain hurt. So, Gran Canaria seemed to be a sensible alternative. I was not alone. Playa del Inglés is, in itself, a contradiction. It means “The English Strand,” but over the years the resort has become more like the Teutonic Miami Beach, with German restaurants, butchers, bakeries, and, of course, beer. Today, with the proliferation of Germans, it’s easier to find a Spaniard on the island who speaks deutsch than one who understands English.

I was sitting at the poolside bar after dinner that night, speaking slowly in English and using hand gestures to order a brandy from Bartolo the Bartender who pretended to understand. He scurried back and forth behind the bar, stopped, hesitated and stretched to get a bottle from the top shelf. He poured a generous amount of Carlos III into a snifter and watched for my approval as I took a sip and nodded. It wasn’t Courvoisier, but it would do.

And then she caught my eye.

She was poised and elegant. Fresh and alive. Demur and exciting. Warm and gentle. Her honey-brown hair, soft as moonlight, fell diagonally across her forehead and her smile was infectious and inviting. I found myself lost in her brown eyes. We were at Rick’s Café in Casablanca. She was Ingrid Bergman and I was Humphrey Bogart. I wanted to hear the pianist play “As Time Goes By” and I had a sudden urge to recite that now famous line: “Of all the gin joints in all the world….”

She was Belgian.

“I’m 25,” she said in perfect English.

I was never good at mathematics so it took me a moment to calculate that I was, well let’s say, significantly older. Her life was just beginning and mine was pretty much behind me. But she made it easy for me and the conversation blossomed.

We spent the next few evenings together listening to the poolside entertainment and chatting. One morning we strolled along the dunes, stopped for coffee on the beach and shared some of our inner thoughts. The following day she flew back to Antwerp. She was gone. But the memory of her still lingered.

There are numerous excursions and activities available on Gran Canaria. The world’s largest catamaran, a party boat, is berthed in Puerto Rico. One tour company offers a mini-van trek of the island on perilous, narrow winding roads through the mountains. There’s deep sea fishing and the Yellow Submarine that will give you a close-up view of sunken wrecks.

I decided on a day trip north to the capital, Las Palmas. In the old section of town, I came across a small museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It was there I discovered that he had made a pit stop on Gran Canaria during his first transatlantic voyage. As was customary in those days, he presented his papers to the governor of the island. In return, the governor gave him a kiss on both cheeks, a chock to the shoulder and bade him “buen viaje.” I imagine the conversation may have gone something like this.

“Before we say arrivederci, I’m gonna need-a some provisions,” Columbus insisted.

“Of course. Mi casa, su casa.”

“I don’ need-a you house. I need-a food, a-water, sangria….

The governor nodded thoughtfully. “We have fish.”

“Fish we got. Waddaya think. I gotta boat in-a da water. We fish. One-a my boys caught a bigga fish yestaday. Dis a-big,” Columbus said, stretching out both arms. “A beauty. Very tasty. Many bones.”

“We have vegetables and fruit.”

Columbus eyed the governor warily. “Wha’ kinda of veggies? We already gotta zucchini…”

“We have tomatoes, corn, lettuce, spinach…”

“Yo! I’m-a Christopher Columbus not Popeye da Sailor. Okay. We take-a the lot – but not-a the spinach. And toss in a few barrels of sangria…maybe some paella to go.”

“Very well.” Then an expression of deep concern clouded the governor’s eyes. “Tell me,” he asked, “do you expect to find life when you arrive in the New World?

“Maybe…if-a we land on a Saturday night.”

I had heard from a German couple that Mogán was also worth a visit and was easily accessible by local bus. As it was, the journey later in the week took about an hour from my hotel. I wanted to arrive early in the morning when the light was better for photography and the sun was spilling across the bougainvillea plants. I was not disappointed.

Nestled in a natural harbor, the village was a tight cluster of whitewashed houses, apartments, hotels and restaurants set against a backdrop of bare, rugged mountains. Yes, it was a tourist trap. Yes, the prices were unrealistic even for Spain. But the charm and atmosphere made you forget that. I settled on an Irish pub (they are everywhere on the island!) for lunch. I made eye contact with the waiter and he approached with a menu. I looked at his name tag.

“You’re David?” I asked.

“Si, señor.”

“You’re… Mogan David?”

“Si, señor.”

It may have been an Irish pub, but the staff was Spanish as were the food and wine. I ordered a fish sandwich, washed it down with a carafe of Sangre de Toro and paid the man.

The sun was as high as it was going to get in winter, but it was still intense. Time to return to the hotel and the poolside bar. I boarded the bus. “Playa del Inglés,” I said to the driver, offering a ten euro note and a handful of change.

“Four euro fifteen” he grumbled. He ordered me to put the money on the tray. He handed back the ten euro and fished through my hand for the right change, took it and printed out the ticket. It was clear he was not having a good day and, therefore, I should not be having a good day. I guessed he was probably counting the hours until his next siesta.

I found a window seat and then we rattled off on the return trip. Several kilometers later, he pulled up to a bus stop in the middle of nowhere to pick up a lone passenger. Then he stormed out from behind the steering wheel like a mad bull.

“Ticket Control,” he shouted. “Ticket Control. Show me your tickets.” When he got to me, he looked at my receipt. “You only pay one euro twenty.”

“You took my money,” I said.

“Why you only got a ticket for one euro twenty?”

“I don’t know. You took my money and you gave me this ticket.” Standing alone, isolated, at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere gives one time to think and reflect. I was reflecting on how the scenario on the bus might have played out differently if I had simply given the driver the correct change in the first place. There was no shelter, no bench to sit on. So I sat on a large boulder on the side of the road, listened to the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks below and waited for the next bus. I flagged it down when it arrived a half hour later and sat in silence, staring out the window as the coastline slipped by. Then I found myself thinking about her. The Belgian.

I smiled.

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for January:

*** Who knew?

The Palm Beach, Frederikshavn, Denmark

57 degrees north

At the moment (2007), we have about 90 palms on the Palm Beach. There are two different types: the flax palm and the phoenix palm.

The Flax Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

Our flax palms are now three to four metres tall and they can grow to be up to ten metres tall. The leaves are fan-shaped, and the main stem is covered by brown, threaded remains of old leaves. It is a tough palm which will survive temperatures of almost 20 degrees below zero (Celsius) at the top, while the root needs protection.

The natural habitat of the flax palm is in central and southern China where the palms often grow on slopes.

The Phoenix Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

Our phoenix palms are now three to four metres tall and can grow to be up to 20 metres. The leaves are feather-shaped and they may be as big as five metres long and one metre wide. The first part of the main stem is covered with remains of old leaves, while the second part is smooth. The palms can survive temperatures of about five degrees below zero (Celsius) at the top, but the root needs protection.

The natural habitat for the phoenix palm is the Canary Islands. The fruits are inedible and the palm is not to be mistaken for the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), which is an African palm.

How does the Palms Survive on the Beach?

The majority of the palms are buried in large basins in the sand. The basins are made from a heavy wire netting through which the palm roots can grow. This way the palms can absorb nutrition directly from the ground one and a half metre below the beach.

The rest of the palms are placed on the beach in large plastic basins. They are watered once a week during the summer.

http://www.palmestranden.dk/index.php?ID=31&lang=en

*** Virginia Naturally Website Link to School Environmental Learning Programs

Visit the Virginia Naturally website now for ideas on nature learning activities. Teachers, there are also ideas for workshops and training available for your continuing education and getting a start on environmental lesson plans for the next semester. http://www.vanaturally.com/

*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:

1.) The Colorado Trail 2012 Weeklong Trail Crews

Here’s one example:

Backpack-in: Must be fit and acclimated. This self-supported backpack crew will hike in around 6 miles and camp atop Snow Mesa near a small lake. They’ll work in a lovely high-mountain cirque to improve the co-located CT/CDT and remove a large rock in the trail that’s troublesome for equestrians and others. Elevation 12,600 ft. CT Segment 21.

July 14 – 21 Loren Woods (720) 940-8082 12 Volunteers http://www.coloradotrail.org/crewschedule.html

2.) Summer Hatchery Season Host, The Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, Hagerman, ID

The Hagerman National Fish Hatchery is located about 30 miles west of Twin Falls, Idaho at the Thousand Springs Reach of Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer. Under the Lower Snake River Fish and Wildlife Compensation Plan (LSRCP), over 1.4 million steelhead are produced annually to mitigate for fish and wildlife losses caused by the construction of four dams on the lower Snake River (Lower Granite, Little Goose, Lower Monumental, Ice Harbor). The Hatchery also produces 130,000 Rainbow trout to mitigate for Dworshak Dam in northern Idaho

1 full RV hook-up w/ water and elec.; 1 bedroom apt. fits 4

To get there, look for the Hagerman National Fish Hatchery signs on the Thousand Springs Scenic byway or click Driving Directions for a map. A video tour is available at the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce.

http://www.fws.gov/hagerman/

3.) Animal Assistant – Wildlife, Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, Inc., Clinton, NJ

ASSISTANT: This is working up close and personal with the animals without actually handling them. You will work closely with other volunteers on your shift to prepare food, bedding and other needs. This position helps a shift run smoothly and allows the handlers to concentrate on feeding and direct care. The time requirement for this position is a minimum of once a week for a 3-4 hour shift.

Thank you so much for your interest in our Volunteer Program! The next step is to visit our website at www.woodlandswildlife.org where you can view our volunteer descriptions and fill out an application. You may download the application and email it to wildlife_rehab@yahoo.com. Please let us know if you would prefer receiving a hard copy of our volunteer opportunities via mail instead, and the application may be mailed or faxed back.

Once we have received your application, we will review it and notify you of the next upcoming Volunteer Orientation. The Volunteer Orientation serves as a general introduction to Woodlands Wildlife Refuge and an information session regarding your duties as a volunteer.

Please call Melissa at 908-730-8300 ext 6 with any questions.

http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp399987.jsp

*** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: February 2012 Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Rail-Trail

The Arapahoe and the Cheyenne. Kit Carson and grizzly bears. Gold diggers and railroad builders. Coal miners and tie hacks. All of these characters have ventured into the Medicine Bow Mountains and left their imprint on the region, and the nation.

You, too, can journey into these scenic and historical mountains—with less effort than earlier visitors—on the Medicine Bow Rail-Trail. This 21-mile gravel pathway offers glimpses of the Old West, and a portal into the New West, as it winds through rugged national forest land in southeastern Wyoming.

But come prepared—this corner of the West may no longer be wild, but it’s far from tame. “It’s more rustic than other rail-trails, but that’s part of its merit,” says Amber Travsky, a board member of Cycle Wyoming, a statewide bicycling advocacy group. The nearest city, Laramie, is 30 miles away, and moose on the trail may outnumber the people using it on any given day. “If you get a flat, you better be able to fix it,” she adds.

If you’re ready for an adventure, though, this unique trail will provide it. Among other attributes, the pathway has a rich history. Although it was completed less than five years ago, the story of the Medicine Bow goes back a century. Or more, if you consider the native people who first roamed and helped name these mountains.

According to local lore, Arapahoe, Cheyenne and other tribes came to this area regularly to conduct ceremonies to ward off disease, and to cut varieties of trees that made strong bows for hunting. Over time, early European settlers melded these historical uses into the moniker ‘Medicine Bow.’

In the early decades of the 19th century, intrepid trappers began to explore the mountains in search of pelts. Among those trappers was Kit Carson, who supposedly spent a summer here and survived a dangerous encounter with grizzly bears by climbing a tree.

The 1860s saw the march of the Union Pacific (UP) railroad west across Wyoming toward its historic meeting with the Central Pacific in Utah, forming the nation’s first transcontinental line. The railroad needed lumber for ties—and the tall, straight lodgepole pines of the Medicine Bow Mountains proved ideal. Men were hired to cut the trees and prepare them for use on the railroad, and camps of these ‘tie hackers’ sprang up in the mountains.

Meanwhile, prospectors scoured the hills and valleys in search of gold. They discovered it outside of present-day Centennial, Wyo., setting off a mining boom in the late 1870s. A second gold rush around the turn of the 20th century prompted a group of entrepreneurs to begin building a spur line off the UP tracks in Laramie west toward Centennial—and the Laramie, Hahns Peak and Pacific (LHP&P) Railroad was born.

By the time the rail line reached Centennial in 1907, the town’s latest mining boom was fading, so the company’s owners turned their sights to black gold. Coal seams near the southern end of the Medicine Bows beckoned, and the LHP&P followed. The rail line turned south through the mountains, reaching appropriately named Coalmont, Colo., in 1911.

For many years, the 111-mile rail line transported coal, timber and livestock to Laramie. By the 1920s, though, the railroad was struggling, and its ownership and name changed several times until it officially became a part of Union Pacific in 1951. It limped along into the 1990s, its last incarnation as a tourist line carrying passengers between Laramie and Walden, Colo. (a small town north of Coalmont). “It wasn’t very successful,” says Mary Sanderson, recreation planner for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

The line was formally abandoned in 1996 and the U.S. Forest Service railbanked the portion that ran through its lands. Nearly a decade of planning, hearings and studies followed, including a mapping exercise in which Sanderson made one of the last trips down the rails in the late 1990s. Her job was to take GPS readings, which she did from a lawn chair in the flatbed of a railroad inspection truck. “I looked like granny from the Beverly Hillbillies, but it was really neat,” she recalls.

Finally, with the backing and encouragement of the Laramie Bicycling Network, Cycle Wyoming and other state and local groups, work started on the pathway in 2005. The rail-trail opened to bikers, hikers, skiers and horseback riders in 2007.

“It’s really special to ride on it—there’s quite a bit to see,” says Sanderson. Among the sights are those that harken back to the history of the area, from the remains of former tie-hacker camps and mining communities, to an old caboose parked along the trail near its northern end. Interpretive signs help elucidate this history. (The Nici Self museum, housed in a restored LHP&P depot in Centennial, a few miles north of the northern trailhead, includes much more local lore.)

But it’s not all about cultural history on the Medicine Bow trail. The area is rich in natural history, too. The trail passes through large stands of lodgepole, spruce, fir and aspen; traverses meadows of grass and sagebrush; crosses numerous streams; and skirts dozens of swamps, bogs, ponds and lakes. Among the creatures you can glimpse along or on the trail are moose, beaver, mule deer, elk, pronghorn, porcupine and black bear. In the warm months, throngs of butterflies flutter through the air, lured by the lupine, penstemon, potentilla and other flowers growing along the trail.

The most prominent of the forest’s inhabitants are creatures you won’t see, but their handiwork is abundantly evident. These are mountain pine beetles, tiny insects that bore into conifers and kill the trees. In the past decade, these pests have spread widely in the forests of southern Wyoming (and elsewhere), reaching epidemic proportions in part because drought has stressed and weakened trees.

“We’ve had a lot of trees dying, and when they die, they become hazards—especially where people are,” says Sanderson. The Forest Service has been diligent about removing infected trees near trailheads, campgrounds, parking lots and along the trail, so there’s no need to worry about being hit by falling timber—but the large expanses of red and gray decaying conifers in the area do mar the otherwise scenic vistas.

Despite the pine beetle challenge—and a few others, including some uninvited and damaging vehicle use—both Sanderson and Travsky emphasize that the Medicine Bow trail has much to offer visitors. “We’ve got a lot of wonderful trails in Wyoming, but the Medicine Bow is both non-motorized and nontechnical, so you can enjoy your surroundings without having to worry about anything else,” says Travsky.

Perhaps more important for those seeking peace and quiet, this remote trail is little used and largely undiscovered. But that may not last long, as Sanderson points out: “Word is getting out that this is a great trail.” http://www.railstotrails.org/news/recurringFeatures/trailMonth/index.html

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) Outdoor Educator (Part Time), Shangri La Education Department, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange, TX http://www.shangrilagardens.org/Top-Utility-Nav/Career-Opportunities/Outdoor -Educator–Part-Time-.aspx

2.) Intern – Environmental Education, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange, TX http://www.shangrilagardens.org/Top-Utility-Nav/Career-Opportunities/Intern-

Your Very Next Step newsletter for January 2012

By Ned Lundquist www.yourverynextstep.com

“Naturam expelles furca, tamen usque recurret”

- Quintus Horatius Flaccus (Horace) (Epistulae, I, x, 24)

(You can drive nature out with a pitchfork, but she will soon find a way back.)

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate. Share your adventures with the network today! Send to lundquist989@cs.com.

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to: yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

Send us your comments, questions, and contributions to lundquist989@cs.com.

You are now among 655 subscribers.

Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

You may note that our website (www.yourverynextstep.com) has received a make-over. Bear with Ned as he learns how to use it.

*** In this issue:

*** Ned s upcoming travel schedule: *** Can I touch your hair? *** The Polar Bear Question

Travel news

*** 17th annual Winter Trails Day is on January 7, 2012 *** Airline to let flyers choose who they sit next to *** Reindeer Wrangling *** It’s summer down under: *** Altitude Effects Sierra Nevada (Spain) *** Airports court fliers with rewards programs *** What Did Snakey Eat? *** Bikini Travel Insurance

Trail / Outdoor / Conservation volunteer opportunities:

1.) Vernon Greenways Volunteers, Vernon Parks and Recreation, Vernon, CT 2.) Volunteer Opportunities, Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Morris County Park Commission, County of Morris, Morristown, NJ 3.) Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Boulder, CO 4.) Information Center Host, Ranger District Office, U. S. Forestry Service, Boulder, Colorado 5.) Adopt-A-Trail Program, Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, Newark, DE 6.) Adopt a Trail, Parks and Recreation, City of Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana 7.) Adopt-a-Trail Program, Morris County Park Commission, County of Morris, Morristown, NJ 8.) Volunteers, Montana Wilderness Association, Helena, MT

*** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: January 2012 Houston’s Columbia Tap Rail-Trail

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) President and CEO, Friends of Acadia, Bar Harbor, Maine 2.) Volunteer in Conservation in Ecuador, Cosmic Volunteers, Puerto Lopez and other rural areas throughout Ecuador 3.) Newspaper Journalism Internships, Cosmic Volunteers, Quito, Ecuador 4.) Director of Development, Hole in the Wall, Jordan River Village Camp New York, NY 5.) Global Marketing Services Coordinator, Oregon Tourism Commission, Salem, OR 6.) Program Head of Sports & Games, Camp Beech Cliff, Mount Desert, ME 7.) Visual Information and Interpretation Assistant (Media), Zion National Park, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Springdale, UT 8.) Executive Director, Oregon Recreation and Park Association (ORPA), ORPA office may be home-based or in a shared park and recreation agency located within a three(3) hour drive of Portland 9.) Maine Trail Crew Camp Coordinator, Maine Appalachian Trail Club, Garland, ME

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Do you have a travel adventure to share?

Send me your stories and I’ll post in the “Your Very Next Step” and on the YVNS website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/).

*** Ned s upcoming travel schedule:

18-22 Jan 12 Pisa/La Spezia/Lerici, Italy 21-26 Jan 12 Paris, France 6-13 Feb 12 San Jose/Arenal/Tamarindo/San Jose, Costa Rica

*** The Lundquist’s Beach/Jungle/Mountain/Volcano adventure:

*** Ned talks with Lisa Cederberg, Travel Consultant with Costa Rican Luxury Vacations (http://www.vacationscostarica.com/, about the upcoming Lundquist family vacation:

Ned: How long does it take to get from the San Jose airport to Arenal?

Lisa: About 2-1/2 to 3 hours if you stop along the way to eat or take pictures, etc.

Ned: What will we see along the way? What are the roads like?

Lisa: You’ll see coffee fields, sprawling green mountains and valleys. You’ll drive through a few small towns along the way. The roads will be mountainous, mostly, with amazing views.

Ned: How many different hotels are there in the Arenal area? Numerous. I don’t know how many there are all together.

Ned: What about the dining and shopping opportunities in the Arenal area?

Lisa: La Fortuna (the little town of Arenal) has a number of good restaurants and bars, as well as banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, numerous gift shops and more. You can get local cuisine for about $5 a plate, or a more upscale meal if you like.

Ned: How about the drive to Tamarindo? How long is that, and what will we see?

Lisa: Driving time from Arenal to Tamarindo can take between 4-5 hours. You’ll enjoy beautiful scenery along the way. As you get closer to Guanacaste/Liberia, you will notice less rain forest and more dry forest. You’ll see small towns along the way, Any drive in Costa Rica is beautiful (except downtown San Jose!).

Lisa Cederberg Travel Consultant Costa Rican Luxury Vacations “Local Knowledge – Global Service” U.S. Toll Free 800-606-1860 x 1243 – I’m available with very flexible hours. Please call at your convenience! In Costa Rica: 506-2296-7715 * Email: lisacederberg@goduesouth.com (http://www.vacationscostarica.com/):

*** Arenal Advice:

When you go to the hot springs in Arenal make sure you go at night. It’s too hot during the day and the different pools are lit up.

Lisa A Kilday

*** Costa Rica comment:

If you have not seen it Arenal is awesome in the true sense of the word – also stayed at Tamarindo – absolutely beautiful and went snorkeling – amazing sights! Enjoy!

Karlyn Messinger

*** Can I touch your hair?

Ned asked Heather Murphy to share some travel adventures. Like Heather, Ned’s wife Laura is a redhead. In some parts of the world that can be pretty exotic. Hence the “Can I touch your hair.”

“Can I touch your hair?” And other really odd moments in travel

Every trip I’ve taken has resulted in “The Experience” — some odd, bizarre and bordering-on-barely-believable situation like ‘Carl-but-that’s-not-my-real-name-in-Chinese.’

The Carl Story took place in late June 2010.

I was headed to Norfolk, VA to celebrate my paternal grandmother’s 90th birthday. A year earlier, my mother’s father celebrated his 90th. To have grandparents at my age is remarkable. Taking time to celebrate these milestones in their lives was an easy decision, even if travel logistics from Phoenix proved challenging.

Back to the Carl story. The World Cup was underway and the field was wide open. Soccer is interesting but I’m not a major fan. The rivalries and cultural insights have always interested me more than the game itself.

On a long layover at Baltimore Washington International, I ordered a beer at a place that was airing World Cup soccer. The game provided opportunities for conversation. To my left was an American who had studied in Argentina. To the left of her was a man from Bosnia.

Carl, the aforementioned Chinese man, was also watching the match. He was immediately to my right. He introduced himself as “Nice to meet you. I’m Carl…but-that’s-not-my-real-name-in-Chinese.”

Having not fallen off a turnip truck recently, I pretty much figured that out.

Carl, I learned, was his rival in soccer…or so he said. When it came time to pick a name in English, he chose Carl. Or so he said. Oh, and he works for the Department of Defense. Or so he said.

During a commercial break, he complimented my red hair and then asked: “Can I touch your hair?”

Huh?

Uh. Ummmm.

Okay, YVNS or JOTW fans: What IS the proper way to handle that?

Given my profession, I’m rarely at a loss for words.

I finished my beer, paid my tab and hurried off to wait at my gate.

I’m pretty sure I didn’t handle it properly.

*** More from Heather:

In my last installment for YVNS, I shared some excerpts from my trip to Iceland. Ned encouraged me to continue.

The Polar Bear Question

In the first installment, I referenced how the Glacier Hike guides came equipped with the Emergency Stupid Tourist Kit for the woman who was ill-prepared for the day’s activities. Well, after she was loaned the appropriate footwear and rain gear, the trek began.

Age, experience and fitness levels of my fellow trekkers meant that the guides would take periodic rest breaks and make small talk. The Ill-Prepared-Woman (sounds much better than Stupid Tourist) asked “Do you have polar bears here in Iceland?”

Now I confess, a few people asked me that same question before I left. I had researched this. The biggest mammals on the land in Iceland are the horses. In the water, there are whales. But polar bears will not find the land habitable and, despite the country’s name, it’s really not cold enough.

Our guides were very polite and had names like Thor, Hilmar, Bjarnar and Galdur. Or something like that.

“Nay. We don’t have polar bears,” one of them said. “Unless they come by mistake on an ice floe.”

Ill-Prepared-Woman says: “Then what do you do? Capture and fly them back?”

Hilmar: “We shoot them.”

Awkward pause.

Ill-Prepared-Woman (in shock): “Why don’t you tranquilize them and transport them back?”

Hilmar: “Much too costly. And it was probably an outcast or one who wandered away.”

Now the Icelandic are, at their core, eminently practical people. They’re also hardy souls who live on a beautiful if unforgiving island of volcanoes and glaciers. I didn’t get the idea that killing a wayward polar bear was something locals would look forward to – but it was practical. Wayward polar bears would seek food and there are sheep, horses, children and adults to protect.

While Ill-Prepared-Tourist was still processing this, I made a wisecrack to the two American ladies who trekked alongside me.

“Bullet: 39 cents. Tranq, crate, handler, flight: $4,000. Cost-benefit analysis? Done.”

We all had a very good laugh over the comedic timing of my MasterCard-ad-rip-off quip.

In the spirit of full disclosure, one of my dream photography trips is to see polar bears in their natural habitat. I’m not suggesting the Icelandic are brutal in any way. They’re practical, charming and wonderfully welcoming. But a polar bear relocation team would be hard to come by at the exact moment that one wandered ashore, weak and hungry from days at sea. The best approach is to ensure habitable conditions on their native turf.

Questions, feedback or your ideas for future trips are welcome!

Heather

Questions or feedback for Heather can be addressed here in YVNS by sending an email to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com. Heather through

Next month: “These People will Eat ANYTHING.”

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for January:

*** 17th annual Winter Trails Day is on January 7, 2012

Winter Trails Day offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for free, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports.

The 17th annual Winter Trails Day is on January 7, 2012 and involves almost 100 resorts and Nordic Centers nationwide, and gets 11,000 kids and adults on the snow each year.

Winter Trails programs and activities vary in size and scope, as each venue chooses a program that will introduce these sports to their communities. Select the state or area to see the locations that are participating. Each Winter Trails event is run by a local organization or business. If you have questions about the location nearest you or if you have a group you wish to bring, please contact the venue directly for details.

The sport offering at each location varies, so please check the specific venue listing for details. Most Winter Trails events are located at Nordic centers or on public lands operated by the U.S. Forest Service or the National Parks Service. Many locations offer education programs and trail tours. Equipment and trail fees are free.

For information about Winter Trails, please contact Reese Brown (rbrown@snowsports.org) 802-236-3021.

*** Don’t sit next to the creepy guy:

Airline to let flyers choose who they sit next to Dutch airline KLM is set to offer passengers the choice of not only where they sit, but who they sit next to, the Irish Independent reports. The carrier hopes to introduce the technology next year, although plans remain in their infancy.

To be known as “meet and seat,” the online service will give passengers access to the profiles of their fellow fliers’ Facebook and LinkedIn pages, from where they may choose – using guidelines such as looks, interests and career fields – which passengers they’d most like to sit next to.

The airline has thus-far refused to say if the new “matchmaking” service will involve a fee, but many airlines currently charge passengers to decide seat preferences – via widely available seat maps – in advance.

The Independent reports the new service could have many beneficial aspects, from the ability to avoid the “traveler from hell,” to finding business connections, to stumbling upon a love interest. Though this service would be a firm step outside the box, airlines are now heavily involved in social networking, with British Airways boasting more than 136,000 Twitter followers and regularly running competitions on Facebook.

A recent poll by a flight comparison website found that of 1,000 flyers surveyed, some 45 percent admitted flirting whilst airborne. One third of those polled said the chance meeting lead to further contact once the plane reached its destination, with eight percent claiming it led to a relationship, the Independent reports.

http://www.irishemigrant.com/ie/go.asp?p=story&storyID=10692

*** Reindeer Wrangling

Director Eva Weber Braves the Arctic to Capture the Majesty of Santa’s Sleigh Pullers http://www.nowness.com/day/2011/12/23/1784/reindeer-wrangling

*** It’s summer down under:

Kiwis and Visitors Urged to ‘Be AdventureSmart’ this Summer

Every year thousands of people enjoy New Zealand’s outdoors and for the vast majority it’s an enjoyable and safe experience. However, sometimes unfortunate incidents do occur and often they involve people who underestimate the planning, preparation and sometimes the skills required for the outdoors activity they are undertaking.

In a joint initiative, leading outdoor organisations and government agencies have created and expanded the AdventureSmart.org.nz website. The aim of AdventureSmart is to provide both residents and visitors to New Zealand with one online location for safety information and planning support, prior to engaging in land, snow, water, boating and air activities.

Duncan Ferner, from the NZ Search & Rescue Council, says: “AdventureSmart has good advice for everyone, regardless of ability or experience. “Access to this information means that those taking part in recreational activities on offer in New Zealand will be better prepared and make better decisions which will in turn hopefully reduce incidents.”

AdventureSmart is also the home of New Zealand’s Outdoor, Boating and Water Safety Codes. The message is make sure you ‘know before you go’ by reading and following the 4 or 5 simple and easy to remember rules.

The rules are especially useful for overseas visitors who may have little knowledge of New Zealand but equally applicable to Kiwis, especially those who may be trying a new activity or visiting a different part of the country.

Examples of the simple rules include: • Tell someone your plans and leave a time and date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. (Outdoor Safety Code). • Watch out for yourself and others – always watch children around water. Swim with others and in lifeguard zones. (Water Safety Code). • Skipper Responsibility – keep everyone safe – stay within the limits

of your vessel and your experience. (Boating Safety Code).

Other features of AdventureSmart include; more than a thousand links to safety information from appropriate organisations, detailed information including videos on avalanche awareness and the outdoor safety code, plus links to where people can upskill and learn more about their chosen activity, for instance Coastguard’s boating education programme. www.adventuresmart.org.nz

*** What to Wear for Snow Sports (from www.snowlink.com)

Wearing clothing designed specifically to keep you warm and dry in one’s comfort level when playing outdoors can make a big difference. Versatile, functional winter apparel is worth the investment. Here is basic information about dressing for winter:

Layering

The best way to dress for winter is to wear multiple layers of clothing. This system gives participants the flexibility to add or remove layers depending on the weather and activities. Most commonly, winter sports participants wear three layers: wicking, insulating and weather protection.

Wicking layer:

 This is the layer worn next to the skin, usually, thermal underwear.  Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic — usually polyester — fiber that has “wicking” power. As participants perspire, the fibers will wick (move) moisture away from the skin and pass it through the fabric so it can evaporate. This keeps skiers warm, dry and comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities.  Even though it’s cold, snow sports will make participants sweat — especially if they are cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. This is why the wicking layer is very important.

Insulating layer:

 This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. The purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air between the fibers.  Popular insulation materials include fleece, a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly, and wool, which naturally wicks away moisture.

Protection Layer:

 The exterior layer serves as the guard against the elements of winter. It should repel moisture from snow, sleet or rain; block the wind, and let perspiration escape to the outside to evaporate. Specially engineered fabric is used in snow sports jackets and pants to accomplish this moisture blockage and transport. The common industry term for this fabric is “waterproof/breathable.” It is this fabric that makes snow sports jackets and pants so effective in keeping participants warm, dry and comfortable.  Most genuine winter shells, parkas and pants are made waterproof/breathable by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape.  Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers — details that truly make garments comfortable in a snowstorm.  Some jackets and pants are shells (no insulation), some include built-in insulation, and others have zip-in insulation layers. Choose your protection layer based on temperatures and snow conditions in your area or where you like to vacation.  Although less baggy than in previous years, most snowboard clothing is still designed to fit looser than alpine skiwear, giving snowboarders freedom of movement. In addition, many snowboard pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.

Headwear

Up to 60 percent of the body’s heat can escape from an uncovered head. This is why wearing a hat, headband or helmet is essential when it’s cold. There are thousands of styles of hats and headbands, usually made from fleece or wool. Many wool hats have non-itch liners. Helmets are becoming very popular. Not only do they protect the head during falls, but they also provide warmth. A fleece neck gaiter (like a collar) or facemask is a must on very cold days.

Sunglasses and goggles

Snow, because it is a reflective surface, makes ultraviolet (UV) rays stronger. On sunny days, sunglasses are essential to protect the eyes. On flat-light days or when it’s snowing, goggles are vital. Special lens colors increase the contrast in order to properly discern terrain features.

Gloves and mittens

Look for gloves and mittens that use waterproof/breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves, but offer less dexterity. Consider the type of activity when choosing between gloves and mittens. Snowboarding gloves and mittens often have a reinforced palm because of extra wear from adjusting bindings and balancing on the snow. Some snowboarding gloves and mittens also have built-in wrist guards, which are excellent for novice snowboarders. Gloves for cross-country skiing tend to be lighter-weight to allow for extra movement and a higher degree of perspiration.

Socks

One pair of lightweight or medium weight socks works best for skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Socks are made from a variety of materials, including polyester, silk and wool. Socks designed specifically for snow sports have wicking properties similar to thermal underwear, meaning your feet will stay drier and more comfortable.

http://www.snowlink.com/WinterTrailsHomePage/CrossCountry/WhattoWear.aspx

*** Altitude Effects Sierra Nevada (Spain)

Extracts here are taken from the handbook “TRAVEL AT HIGH ALTITUDE” published free by MEDEX. This handbook is highly recommended reading for anybody going above 2500 metres. Copies of the handbook can be downloaded free of charge at www.medex.org.uk

What is High Altitude?

“Altitude starts to have an effect around 1500-2000m. The body starts to behave slightly differently as it tries to make up for the change in oxygen levels. Go up too fast above 2500m and altitude illnesses are common. If you go slowly you should stay healthy.”

Acclimatisation

“When the body slowly adapts to lower oxygen levels the process in called acclimatisation. Different people acclimatise at different speeds, so no rule works for everyone, but there are good guidelines. Over 3000m go up slowly, sleeping no more than 300m higher at the end of each day. Going higher during the day is OK as long as you go down to sleep.”

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

The common symptoms for AMS are: headache; nausea (feeling sick); vomiting (being sick); fatigue; poor appetite; dizziness; sleep disturbance.” A simple scorecard is shown below. Keep check on your score.

Before you go: Learn about the symptoms of AMS

At altitude: If you have a headache and a total of 3 or more for the others, do not go higher.

If you have a headache, and a total of 3 or more for the others, have got no better or worse – go down

Observed effects in the Sierra Nevada during the last 6 years We have, in reality, had very few instances where AMS has resulted in having to bring a client down to a lower level. When that has been the case, the client has recovered immediately on getting to lower ground and has had no further problems.

These mountains have much high ground over 3000m, but provided that the advice above is followed, ie go slow, then the altitude effects are lessened considerably. On countless occasions we have parked the car at 2500m (having driven up in 1hr from 650m!) and someone has gone off too quick. It is very tempting! Our guides take it very easy, a snails pace, especially for the first 30 minutes after leaving the car. We find that in that time our body adjusts better and we can then continue a little more rapidly. However, we live and train here in these mountains. Clients coming straight in from sea level will find it harder.

The suggestion for clients therefore is to follow behind your guides. Forget records and competitive instincts. Go their pace. They know the speed at which you should be going. They have the experience.

http://www.spanishhighs.co.uk/altitude-sickness-sierra-nevada.html

*** Airports court fliers with rewards programs By Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2011-12-26/Airports-court-fliers-wi th-rewards-programs/52233586/1

*** What Did Snakey Eat?

By National Wildlife Federation

Open iTunes to buy and download apps.

In this delightfully silly game, preschoolers develop thinking skills by matching 
the shape in Snakey’s belly to one of the three suggested objects. Did Snakey swallow an umbrella? A rhinoceros? Or even a school bus? The giggles never stop when preschoolers see the crazy things that Snakey has eaten. Choose the correct object 
and Snakey will spit it back out, then swallow something even funnier

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/what-did-snakey-eat/id483259852?ls=1&mt=8

*** Bikini Travel Insurance

Bikini Travel Insurance is designed to meet the needs of female travellers – but not forgetting partners & kids. It covers the things you’d expect like medical & repatriation, cancellation & curtailment. Added to that, the personal belongings cover is tailored to reflect the kind of things women travel with. http://www.bikinisure.com/home.aspx

(And here I thought it covered what might happen if your bikini didn’t cover what it’s supposed to.)

*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:

1.) Vernon Greenways Volunteers, Vernon Parks and Recreation, Vernon, CT

The Vernon Greenways Volunteers are individuals who assist the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department through the maintenance, enhancement and proper use of the 30+ miles of trails in Vernon, CT. Sponsors adopt a section of Vernon’s trail system or finance a trail project through an annual tax deductible donation to supply the funds to support our work.

We are individuals who have chosen to give back to the community and make their own experience more satisfying by participating in the maintenance, enhancement and proper use of the trail system.

Maintenance – We assist the Vernon Parks and Recreation staff on trail projects. We execute our own trail projects. We keep trails clear of trash and debris. An assigned Trail Manager takes ownership of a trail segment. We have periodic clean-up sessions. To see trail accomplishments, click here.

Enhancements – We provide free biodegradable dog litter bags at pet stations, a receptacle for deposit of the full bags and we service both at selected high dog traffic locations. We provide free tri-fold trail specific maps at selected locations. A “Pick Up after your Pets (PUP) Project” was executed in the spring of 2007 to educate pet owners as to why they should pick up after their pets on the trail. In May 2009 the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department introduced a No Smoking Policy in parks, trails and ball fields to reduce the cigarette butt litter per our request.

Proper Use – All volunteers must participate in sound trail practices: follow posted restrictions, comply with town ordinances, “carry out what you carry in”, periodically pick up trash while using the trail, etc.

How will I be expected to participate?

All volunteers must agree to follow the “Proper Use” policies shown above. Participation in maintenance projects is not mandatory as we realize time and physical restrictions may not allow all members to participate at this level; we value your head and heart as well as your hands. However, some of the greatest enjoyment in this program is through the interaction with fellow volunteers and seeing the results of your labor on a completed project. Send ideas and suggestions to our e-mail address. Attend meetings, usually twice a year, and the annual picnic.

What is a Trail Manager?

All members are Vernon Greenways Volunteers. You may also elect to be a Trail Manager who takes ownership of a trail segment (most segments are 0.8 to 1.9 miles) which has not already been assigned. A Trail Manager’s duties may include but are not limited to: removing sticks, rocks and other debris; pruning small limbs; cutting back encroaching vegetation to maintain a trail corridor; servicing any of the enhancements listed above; replace missing signage; reporting vandalism and maintenance needs that are beyond our capabilities to the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department. Heavy duty trash bags and a trash picker will be supplied if requested.

Why should I join?

It is a way for those who use the Vernon trail system to participate in their community while improving this resource and experiencing the fun of interacting with like minded people. You will be kept abreast of trail happenings and events through periodic e-mails. Vernon Greenways Volunteers T-Shirts and baseball caps are issued to members.

How can I learn more or become a member?

Contact us via our e-mail address at BellinghamDL@att.net with questions. If you would like to join include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Virtually all contact is via e-mail.

http://www.vernongreenways.org/

2.) Volunteer Opportunities, Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Morris County Park Commission, County of Morris, Morristown, NJ

Enjoy being outdoors? Have a love for Mother Nature and the beauty of the Park Commission’s diverse gardens? Join our volunteer team.

Pyramid Mountain is a natural historic area that includes three mountains and two stream valleys. It has over 1,500 acres of beautiful terrain and 20 miles of nature trails in Montville, Boonton Township, and Kinnelon with scenic views and several prominent geological formations. The Visitors Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10am to 4:30pm. http://www.morrisparks.net/volunteer.asp#gs

3.) Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Boulder, CO http://www.wlrv.org/

4.) Information Center Host, Ranger District Office, U. S. Forestry Service, Boulder, Colorado http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/volunteerconnection/LoadOpportunityRe view.do?opportunityId=13362

5.) Adopt-A-Trail Program, Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, Newark, DE http://www.whiteclayfriends.org/adopt_a_trail.php

6.) Adopt a Trail, Parks and Recreation, City of Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana http://bloomington.in.gov/documents/viewDocument.php?document_id=529

7.) Adopt-a-Trail Program, Morris County Park Commission, County of Morris, Morristown, NJ

The Adopt-A-Trail Program is a great way to give back to our outstanding trails system. We have the largest trail system in New Jersey. Volunteers are needed to help with light maintenance and keeping us informed about trail needs. •An orientation session provides training in pruning skills, blazing, and more. •Our volunteers independently work their adopted trail. We ask for trail reports three times per year. •A 2 year commitment is required. •This is a great way to stay fit!

For more information, contact: Janet McMillan Trails Coordinator Phone (973) 326-7604 http://www.morrisparks.net/volunteer.asp

8.) Volunteers, Montana Wilderness Association, Helena, MT Montana Wilderness Association exists because of strong volunteer activism. Our members engage in a range of activities, from participating on the State Council to leading Wilderness Walks. We will help you focus your energy on an activity that best fits your talents and desires to contribute.

Volunteers who are interested in spreading a pro-wilderness message in their community can now participate in a program developed by the MWA State Council. The Council has produced a professional quality PowerPoint presentation, with script, about the positive values of wilderness. The show is suitable for a wide variety of audiences including service clubs, chambers of commerce, sportsmen’s groups, schools, churches etc. Training is available to coach volunteers through the presentation process, although the show is designed to be easy to use. Support materials include FAQs. Contact Doug Ferrell or call 827-4341.

http://www.wildmontana.org/takeaction/volunteer.php *** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: January 2012 Houston’s Columbia Tap Rail-Trail If there wasn’t already a Motor City in America, Houston would surely vie for the title. Cars and trucks play such a central role in this sprawling metropolis that, until recently, cyclists and pedestrians here were viewed as strange or foolish—or both.

But a combination of enlightened leadership and government investment is starting to change that. As an article in the Houston Chronicle in 2010 noted, “This city ruled by the combustion engine is beginning, tentatively, to recognize that walking and biking are legitimate forms of transportation, and beginning to give them a little infrastructure of their own.”

Exhibit A in that attitude shift is a new, four-mile path, the Columbia Tap Rail-Trail. This trail not only serves as a safe transportation and recreation venue for residents of Houston’s Third Ward, but it provides a vital link to other trails and on-street bike lanes in the city—and a magnet for cycling advocates.

“It’s a really great thing,” says Veon McReynolds, head of the local nonprofit cycling group Tour de Hood, who lives just a few blocks from the trail. “Right here in the neighborhood, you see a lot of people using it for walking and cycling.”

The roots of the Columbia Tap go back more than 150 years, when Houston was a small but growing center of commerce in the newly minted Lone Star state. The underlying rail line—known back then as the Houston Tap and Brazoria Railway—opened in 1856 and served as an important route for moving crops and people into the heart of the city from plantations and ports to the south. It eventually became part of Union Pacific Railroad’s network before falling into disuse.

With federal and local funding, a four-mile section of the corridor from Dixie Drive to Dowling Street was later converted into a rail-trail and opened to the public in March 2009. Today, the 10-foot-wide concrete trail cuts a scenic line through Houston’s Third Ward, the historic heart of the city’s African-American community. Along the way, it passes through neighborhoods of small homes and apartment buildings, dotted with churches, schools and playgrounds.

Among the noteworthy sights along the Columbia Tap is Hermann Park, a 445-acre green space just two blocks from the southern trailhead. With its wide lawns, large ponds and meandering paths, this city park offers a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city. It also offers public parking, something currently in short supply along the rail-trail. The park and its surrounding neighborhood provide a wealth of educational diversions, including Rice University, the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Children’s Museum of Houston and the fascinating Buffalo Soldier National Museum and Heritage Center.

The multi-use Brays Bayou Trail (which follows one of several west-to-east flowing waterways that give Houston its nickname of the Bayou City) skirts the southern edge of Hermann Park and connects with the Columbia Tap. Less than a mile north of this trail access, the Columbia Tap slices through a 150-acre expanse of red-brick buildings, grassy fields and walkways criss-crossed by book-toting students. This is the campus of Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the country’s largest historically black colleges and home of a nationally ranked football team, the Tigers.

Four blocks west of here is the home of McReynolds, a former TSU professor and administrator who is widely known as ‘Dr. V.’ McReynolds has a long history as both a competitive cyclist and community activist, and about eight years ago he began taking friends and family on informal rides through neighborhoods in the downtown area, and nicknamed the rides “Tour de Hood.’

The rides grew in popularity and turned into weekly events, and McReynolds began supplying bicycles and helmets to youngsters who couldn’t afford their own equipment. The new rail-trail has provided another venue for his outings, especially those with young riders. “That’s one of the things the trails provide is a safe haven for a lot of the little kids to ride up and down.”

Equally important, the rail-trail is encouraging people in the neighborhood to get out of their cars and be more active, which improves their health, McReynolds says. “Obesity is a preventable disease and it comes from us being overly dependent on our cars and our technology.”

McReynolds’ is not the only group along the Columbia Tap looking to improve the lives of underprivileged residents. A few blocks north of the TSU campus and adjacent to the trail is the Third Ward Bike Shop, a project of Workshop Houston. This nonprofit provides area children with job-skills training, resources and academic tutoring.

At the bike shop, local students learn how to build and repair bicycles—and, by working there, can earn credits to obtain their own bikes. The bike shop moved to this location a few years ago because the group’s founders wanted to be next to the new rail-trail. Now, it’s not unusual to see youngsters testing bikes or riding to the workshop on the Columbia Tap.

North from the Third Ward Bike Shop, the trail runs through a hardscrabble section of the neighborhood, under a busy highway and into a warehouse district. From here, it curves northwest and spills onto downtown streets near the George Brown convention center and Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball; the stadium actually incorporates part of the city’s historical Union Station.

Work is under way on a new soccer stadium only two blocks from the downtown trailhead—”the first time the city has built a sports arena where cycling is part of the planning,” says Dan Raine, Houston’s bikeway program coordinator. From the northern trailhead of the Columbia Tap, it’s just a short ride on city streets to two other rail-trails—the Harrisburg and Sunset, and the MKT/SP (Heights)—and one that’s still under construction, the Heritage Corridor.

These trails take riders to neighborhoods east and northwest of downtown. And together with the Columbia Tap and other multi-use paths, they form a ‘critical mass’ that is encouraging Houstonians to get out of their cars.

“People who once said, “I won’t bike to work, ever,” now are,” says Raine. “They are also out recreating on the trails, and there’s a lot of pedestrian activity. I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing a variety of folks out there using these trails. The Houston bikeway program is really on a roll these days.” http://www.railstotrails.org/news/recurringFeatures/trailMonth/index.html

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) President and CEO, Friends of Acadia, Bar Harbor, Maine http://www.execsearches.com/non-profit-jobs/jobDetail.asp?job_id=23258

2.) Volunteer in Conservation in Ecuador, Cosmic Volunteers, Puerto Lopez and other rural areas throughout Ecuador http://www.cosmicvolunteers.org/ecuador_parks.html

3.) Newspaper Journalism Internships, Cosmic Volunteers, Quito, Ecuador http://www.cosmicvolunteers.org/ecuador_media.html

4.) Director of Development, Hole in the Wall, Jordan River Village Camp New York, NY http://www.execsearches.com/non-profit-jobs/jobDetail.asp?job_id=23299

5.) Global Marketing Services Coordinator, Oregon Tourism Commission, Salem, OR http://www.prichardcommunications.com/macs-list/Oregon-Tourism-Commission/Gl obal-Marketing-Services-Coordinator/p5LmYZkdQ08W#top

6.) Program Head of Sports & Games, Camp Beech Cliff, Mount Desert, ME

Join us on stunning Mt Desert Island (Bar Harbor)! Bordering Acadia Nat’l Park, newly renovated day camp with 50 acres on Echo Lake. Head of Sports & Games plans creative activities to help every camper enjoy/participate; adheres to the health/safety laws of Maine/ACA.

Job Requirements

Min. req: 19 years old, year exp leading activities, enjoys working with kids of all backgrounds, passionate about outdoors & engaging campers ages 6 – 14, ability to plan wide range of activities. Pref’d Qual: BA Deg and 2 yrs exp leading sports & games. If no degree, equiv work exp. Salary DOE ($400 – $500 / wk) w/ poss. housing. www.campbeechcliff.org, contact sylvie@campbeechcliff.org.

http://www.varietymediacareers.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=7307&jb=9314042

7.) Visual Information and Interpretation Assistant (Media), Zion National Park, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Springdale, UT

This position will assist the lead visual information specialist and other personnel with work that communicates information through visual and digital means. Work will include managing, developing, and/or expanding several media databases, multimedia products, and creating visual materials such as images, diagrams, and charts for use in publications, exhibits, multimedia products, and park website resources. The incumbent will assist in managing and maintaining park websites, intranet sites, social media sites, and other digital resources. The work requires knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of visual design; knowledge of the technical characteristics associated with various methods of visual display; skill and ability to use required software and equipment, and the skill and ability to present information in a way that will appropriately convey the message to, or have the desired effect on, the intended audience.

Full Time – Term NTE 13 months

With guidance from the lead visual information specialist, the incumbent will develop a variety of publications and other printed material. These resources may include site bulletins, newsletters, and articles for newspapers and periodicals. The incumbent performs other duties including writing and editing text for publications, exhibits, and park websites.

The position will serve as a front-line representative of the agency. The incumbent may work in visitor centers, museums, and other visitor contact stations. As a front-line representative, the incumbent is responsible for providing answers to recurring visitor questions concerning the specific park area, explaining the area’s recreational opportunities, distributing maps, brochures, and other printed material, providing directions and routes of travel through the park, informing visitors of potential safety hazards, and conducting informal interpretation when appropriate. The incumbent may also independently research, design, and present interpretive programs varying in formats about park resources that employ appropriate interpretive techniques geared to the characteristics and interests of particular audiences.

Duties may be performed on or off-site at locations designated by the park. The incumbent may operate a variety of audiovisual and other equipment used in connection with interpretive material, such as computers, projectors, and audio equipment.

The incumbent will perform various administrative duties, such as scheduling, coordinating tasks, gathering routine information for reports, compiling statistical data, and other related activities.

The incumbent must be knowledgeable about a variety of resource-oriented topics, emerging technologies, and related software, and will continue to keep this knowledge current by pursuing training and other professional development opportunities.

The incumbent will be responsible for completing other assigned tasks and projects that support division operations.

The incumbent must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Physical Demands The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items. This is typical of work involving personal production or installation of exhibits, illustration work “on location”, or on-site inspection or supervision of one or more phases of the production of a visual product. Much of the work may require sitting for long periods of time and performing repetitive motions.

Incumbent must be able to hike several miles over uneven terrain in extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat). Assignments include extended periods of standing at information desks, hiking outdoors in hot weather, speaking for long periods of times, climbing and descending stairs, lifting, bending, sitting and working at a computer work station. Incumbent is generally assigned daytime schedules but will also work some evening and late night shifts.

Work Environment Work may be performed indoors and outdoors. The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted, climate controlled office and requires no special safety precautions.

Work is occasionally performed in settings in which there is regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomforts and unpleasantness. Work may result in exposure to high or low temperatures, confined spaces, or adverse weather conditions.

Area Information Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah, where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert provinces meet. Ranging in elevation from 3,666 ft. to 8,726 ft., the park’s 232 square miles encompass a startlingly diversity of plant and animal life. It is characterized by high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep sandstone canyons, and striking rock towers and mesas. The climate is generally hot with daytime high temperatures averaging 100°F in the summer and 50°F in the winter. Nighttime lows range from 80°F in the summer to 20°F in the winter. Minimal shopping is available in Springdale, Utah located two miles from Park Headquarters. A full range of shopping, medical, dental, religious, and recreational facilities are available in Hurricane (25 miles), St. George (45 miles), and in Cedar City, Utah (63 miles). An elementary school (grades K-6) is available in Springdale (closest town to the park), with bus service provided. Junior high and high school facilities are available in Hurricane, with bus service provided. Dixie State College is located in St. George and Southern Utah University is located in Cedar City.

This is a Term position. Initial appointment is 13 months with possible extensions up to 4 years. This position is also seasonal in nature and does not provide employment on a year-round basis. You may work a minimum of 26 weeks but it is expected that the candidate will work at least 48 weeks a year. Actual work schedule and period of furlough is contingent upon funding and operational needs.

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/305768400

8.) Executive Director, Oregon Recreation and Park Association (ORPA), ORPA office may be home-based or in a shared park and recreation agency located within a three(3) hour drive of Portland http://www.prichardcommunications.com/macs-list/Oregon-Recreation-and-Park-A ssociation/Executive-Director/ph1NNtdP9p63#top

9.) Maine Trail Crew Camp Coordinator, Maine Appalachian Trail Club, Garland, ME http://www.jobmonkeyjobs.com/career/40435/Maine-Trail-Crew-Camp-Coordinator- Maine-Garland

*** Send your job opportunities to share with the YVNS network to lundquist989@cs.com.

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC © 2012 The Job of the Week Network LLC Edward Lundquist, ABC – Editor and Publisher Your Very Next Step 7813 Richfield Road Springfield, VA 22153 Home office phone: (703) 455-7661 lundquist989@cs.com www.nedsjotw.com