Hiking News - November 2009

Our Hiking News Desk stays up-to-date with all the camping events and news items from around the globe. This is the news archive of November 2009. Get your daily hiking news updates right here. You can use the Display Mode changer below to view our news in different formats:

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Festive Fun with Camping & Caravanning Club

Friday, 27 November 2009

The summer camping season may have drawn to a close, but it remains business as usual for a number of Club Sites.

And with the festive season also just around the corner, The Friendly Club has confirmed that 24 of its Sites will remain open over both the Christmas and New Year period.

The list includes: Blackmore, Boroughbridge, Canterbury, Chertsey, Conkers, Dartmouth, Delame re Forest, Derwentwater, Devizes, Eskdale, Hertford, Kingsbury Water Park, Leek, Moffat, Oswestry, Polstead, Ravenglass, Scone, Tavistock, Teversal, Thetford Forest, Troutbeck, Winchcombe and Windermere.

Advanced booking rates for this period already look promising as the camping bug continues to grip the nation but The Club is encouraging both members and non-members alike to help celebrate a successful year with some Christmas camping.

Sites Director Bob Hill said: "There is something special about camping and caravanning under the stars at Christmas and our Holiday Site Managers and Assistants as well as Franchisees always enter into the spirit of the occasion and make the experience and adventure as festive as possible."

"We have something to offer in all areas of the country and our Sites offer campers a fantastic opportunity to escape this festive season and enjoy the peace, quiet and natural beauty."

To book your pitch, telephone The Club’s Contact Centre on 0845 130 7633 or 024 7647 5426 or visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/wintercamping.

Yellowstone Visitation Tops Previous Annual Record

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

The number of visitors to Yellowstone National Park the first ten months of 2009 exceeded the park's previous annual visitation record set in 2007.

The park recorded 3,267,683 visitors from January through October this year. That was well above the 3,037,557 recorded for the same ten month period in 2008, and 116,340 more than the 3,151,343 visitors recorded for all twelve months of 20 07.

Park officials believe the record visitation can be attributed at least in part to the great value visits to national parks represent, and to lower fuel prices this summer as compared to summer 2008.

October visitation was off compared to a year ago and to record levels, and was the first down month since April. October visitor numbers were down nearly 15-percent compared to 2008. Shoulder season visitation can be significantly impacted by weather conditions. After an unseasonably warm and dry September, much of October was cold, wet, and snowy.

All park entrances have recorded an increase in visitors for the year-to-date when compared to 2008.

The West Entrance remains the park's busiest, with 1,329.231 visitors for the year, up 5 percent from 2008. The Northeast Entrance has reported the highest percentage increase in visitation at 20 percent, with the East Entrance not far behind with a 13.6 percent increase compared to the first ten months of 2008.

July is typically the park's peak visitation month, followed by August, June, September, and May. Additional visitation information is available online at www.nature.nps.gov.

While the interior roads in the park have closed for the season, the road from Gardiner, Montana through Mammoth Hot Springs on to Cooke City is open to wheeled vehicle travel all year. This provides access to a wide range of recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, fall hiking, and cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. Park staff members are making preparations to reopen most of the interior roads for snowmobile and snowcoach travel beginning December 15, 2009.

All communities near and on the way to Yellowstone are open all year, with local businesses offering a wide range of recreation opportunities. A wealth of information and assistance planning a visit to Yellowstone can be found on the park's web site at www.nps.gov/yell.

Reservations and information on in-park campgrounds and lodging is available by contacting Xanterra Parks & Resorts at 866-GEYSERLAND or online at www.travelyellowstone.com. Information on lodging, camping, services, and activities near the park in the Montana communities of Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Cooke City, is available by contacting their respective Chambers of Commerce or from Travel Montana at 800-847-4868 or visitmt.com/. Those interested in visiting the Wyoming communities of Cody and Jackson should contact the Chambers of Commerce, or Wyoming Travel and Tourism at 800-225-5996 or www.wyomingtourism.org.
The number of visitors to Yellowstone National Park the first ten months of 2009 exceeded the park's previous annual visitation record set in 2007.

The park recorded 3,267,683 visitors from January through October this year. That was well above the 3,037,557 recorded for the same ten month period in 2008, and 116,340 more than the 3,151,343 visitors recorded for all twelve months of 2007.

Park officials believe the record visitation can be attributed at least in part to the great value visits to national parks represent, and to lower fuel prices this summer as compared to summer 2008.

October visitation was off compared to a year ago and to record levels, and was the first down month since April. October visitor numbers were down nearly 15-percent compared to 2008. Shoulder season visitation can be significantly impacted by weather conditions. After an unseasonably warm and dry September, much of October was cold, wet, and snowy.

All park entrances have recorded an increase in visitors for the year-to-date when compared to 2008.

The West Entrance remains the park's busiest, with 1,329.231 visitors for the year, up 5 percent from 2008. The Northeast Entrance has reported the highest percentage increase in visitation at 20 percent, with the East Entrance not far behind with a 13.6 percent increase compared to the first ten months of 2008.

July is typically the park's peak visitation month, followed by August, June, September, and May. Additional visitation information is available online at www.nature.nps.gov.

While the interior roads in the park have closed for the season, the road from Gardiner, Montana through Mammoth Hot Springs on to Cooke City is open to wheeled vehicle travel all year. This provides access to a wide range of recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, fall hiking, and cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. Park staff members are making preparations to reopen most of the interior roads for snowmobile and snowcoach travel beginning December 15, 2009.

All communities near and on the way to Yellowstone are open all year, with local businesses offering a wide range of recreation opportunities. A wealth of information and assistance planning a visit to Yellowstone can be found on the park's web site at www.nps.gov/yell.

Reservations and information on in-park campgrounds and lodging is available by contacting Xanterra Parks & Resorts at 866-GEYSERLAND or online at www.travelyellowstone.com. Information on lodging, camping, services, and activities near the park in the Montana communities of Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Cooke City, is available by contacting their respective Chambers of Commerce or from Travel Montana at 800-847-4868 or visitmt.com/. Those interested in visiting the Wyoming communities of Cody and Jackson should contact the Chambers of Commerce, or Wyoming Travel and Tourism at 800-225-5996 or www.wyomingtourism.org.

Source: www.nps.gov

Club Revamp for Your Place in the Country Guide

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

The Camping and Caravanning Club's popular Your Place in the Country guide has adopted a new travel size format for 2010.

The 176-page compact edition is again packed full with information to help people enjoy their camping experience and make the most of the outdoors.

Sites Director Bob Hill said: "Over the years members have asked why we can't produce a smaller, light er book that's easier to store when travelling around the country."

"So we've taken their comments on board and revamped the guide accordingly. We hope campers like it."

All 110 Club Sites are incorporated including the brand new Site at Gulliver's Milton Keynes, which is scheduled to open at Easter.

The 90-pitch Site is adjacent to the theme park and Dinosaur and Farm Park and is being built using environmentally-friendly methods including rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels.

There will also be a number of Camping Pods on Site; ideal for those looking for an alternative camping experience.

Hill added: "Both Gulliver's and ourselves are family friendly organisations who are constantly striving to improve their respective products and services and this latest venture is certain to appeal to families who want that special adventure at a reasonable price."

Club Members, who will receive their free copy with November's issue of Camping & Caravanning Magazine, can book their 2010 pitch from November 5, 2009 either online, by phone or post.

Mountain Khakis Announces New RearGear Program

Monday, 23 November 2009

Jackson Hole, WY - Mountain Khakis®, a premier outdoor-lifestyle apparel brand "Built for the Mountain Life", proudly announces the launch of their RearGear Team Apparel and Uniform Program.

What better way to make a statement about your company or organization than by streamlining your team's appearance, while reflecting the character and authenticity of the outdoor lifestyle - en ter the Mountain Khakis® RearGear Program.

Whether a staff of 5 or 500, presentation is everything. Research indicates that within the first 3 seconds of an encounter, the first impression is made and is virtually irreversible. Attire should reflect the professionalism, character and culture of the company or organization the team member represents. And unified attire helps staff members feel part of the team, thereby increasing their confidence and performance while on the job.

The Mountain Khakis® RearGear Program is a corporate sales program available to companies and organizations choosing to streamline their team's on-duty appearance. The program states that it is ideal for every type of workplace or event, from construction crews to breweries to restaurants to trade shows, the program is designed to outfit teams/crews/employees/volunteers with the rugged-yet-refined MK apparel collection.

According to Mountain Khakis® Sales Manager, Martin Wilkinson, "We are often approached by MK enthusiasts, inquiring whether we offer a workplace uniform program. Perfect example from a recent inquiry, 'I am starting a business here in AZ, and am in the process of putting together 'uniforms' for my guys. The business is a fire and flood restoration business, and I need a pant that is tough yet looks professional. I personally have a pair of MK's and I think they are great pants.'"

"Our new RearGear Program is a comprehensive, strategic approach to this sales channel. It represents a huge opportunity for MK to place product in every type of workplace - in and beyond the Outdoor Industry," said Wilkinson. "For the account, it provides a unified team appearance by way of our top-selling MK apparel at a significantly discounted price."

All styles in the Mountain Khakis® collection are available to order through the MK RearGear Program. With a minimum order of ten units to establish an account, it is a 3-tier quantity-based program with an introductory, limited-time aggressive pricing structure.

The RearGear Program is available for re-order throughout the year with a 3-unit minimum. MK reminds accounts that while their pants-offering is perfect for year-round team apparel, their collection of shorts is also available for warmer months. Logo Customization is also available through the RearGear Program.

To inquire about the Mountain Khakis® RearGear Program, email reargear@mountainkhakis.com or call 866.686.5425. "Get your Rear in our Gear!"

For more details on this news, please visit www.outdoorindustry.org.

Officials Remind Visitors to Be Bear Aware

Sunday, 22 November 2009

Bears are out and active this time of year in the Greater Yellowstone area, including the Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer National Forest, and state and private lands.

The National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks join in urging visitors who use these areas to practice the tips and gui delines outlined by the Be Bear Aware campaign.

This time of year, bears are in constant search of food before denning for the winter. Bears are moving up and down in elevation and moving along river valley bottoms looking for calories - fruits and vegetables, unsecured food in residential areas (pet food, garbage, bird feeders), and carcasses from hunter harvests. Hikers, campers, hunters - all recreationists - should use care and be familiar with how avoid encounters in bear country.

Tips for recreating in bear country:

* Always carry bear pepper spray, have it close at hand, and know how to use it.
* If you are going to be alone in bear country, let someone know your detailed plans; better yet, don't go alone.
* Be alert to signs of bear activity.
* Think in advance about what you would do in the event of an encounter.
* Make noise as you travel.
* Cook any meals at least 100 yards from any backcountry campsites.
* Store any attractants, including game carcasses, at least 100 yards from any backcountry campsites.
* Hunters: after making a kill get the carcass out of the area as quickly as possible; while field dressing, keep a can of bear pepper spray within easy reach; use special precautions if you must leave and return to a carcass, including placing the carcass where you can easily observe it from a distance when you return. Do not attempt to frighten away or haze a bear that is near or feeding on a carcass.

The Gallatin National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District on the Custer National Forest, and Yellowstone National Park require all attractants be stored appropriately. Unattended food, refuse, and attractants must be stored in hard-sided vehicles or bear-resistant containers, or be hung above the ground out of the reach of wildlife. Food, cooking utensils and garbage may not be left outside at any time unless in immediate use.

In Yellowstone National Park, regulations require visitors to stay at least 100 yards away from bears at all times. Finally, while in the Park, remember to store your water appropriately.

For more detailed information on how you can be bear aware, please visit www.BeBearAware.org. Information on avoiding bear encounters can also be obtained at all Gallatin and Custer National Forests, Yellowstone National Park, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and visitor centers.

Source: www.nps.gov

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