Hiking News - December 2009

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Sales in 2009 for Martis Camp Defies Economy

Saturday, 26 December 2009

Developers of Martis Camp, a very successful private real estate community located in North Lake Tahoe, announced 50 sales in 2009 equaling $35 million during the worst economy in 70 years, making it the hottest real estate buy in the U.S. today.

Sixty-one percent of the sales were from buyers in the San Francisco Bay area, and 20 percent are from Southern California, according to Mart is Camp Sales Director Brian Hull. "Martis Camp embraces everything that the iconic Lake Tahoe area has to offer and is engaging families with a mountain lifestyle that is not found anywhere else in the Western US," says Hull. "Even in this economic climate, families are still making the financial commitment, which affords them the incredible lifestyle experience at Martis Camp." Since sales were launched in 2006, more than 240 homesites, representing approximately $200 million in sales have been made.

Why? Martis Camp is a private, premier playground, offering families a year round, four-season retreat on the finest piece of land in Tahoe. "And Tahoe is really becoming the "in" destination now by wrapping the best every season has to offer into one place," says Hull. "Many families have a favorite ski destination and a favorite summer destination in a different resort area. But in Tahoe, you can enjoy all your favorite recreational activities anytime of year. Ski Magazine just recognized the area for an abundance of winter amenities and with the Ritz Carlton opening its newest hotel here, the area is simply hot!"

In the winter, club members at Martis Camp can enjoy direct ski access from Martis Camp to Northstar(TM)-at-Tahoe Resort via the Martis Camp Express quad lift. In the summer, they can enjoy exceptional golf on the 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed course, classes at the Martis Camp Folk School, reading in the Lost Library, listening to an evening concert at the Martis Camp Amphitheater, multiple outdoor adventure activities and much more. The Family Barn is a family recreation and entertainment complex that anchors the 2,177-acre private gated community. With a summer swimming venue, bowling alley, art loft, movie theater, indoor basketball court, soda fountain and outdoor concert park, the Family Barn is the consummate gathering place for year-round social events including dances, wine tasting, karaoke, volunteer events and summertime concerts. Owners view Martis Camp as a family playground offering unlimited access to the natural world with authentic experiences.

"From the design of the community Gatehouse to the Family Barn, Martis Camp is a big family place offering a National Park-like experience," said Dean Rider of San Francisco. "I looked all over the country, coast-to-coast, for the ultimate family community. Martis Camp is exactly what I was looking for. We were looking for a vacation home where everyone in our family could bike, ski and hike."

As 2010 approaches, Martis Camp is bustling with construction activity with 30 single-family custom homes currently under construction along with the $42 million clubhouse called the Camp Lodge.

Martis Camp is growing rapidly thanks to a financially sound and responsible development team.

DMB/Highlands Group, LLC, is comprised of two of the country's premier recreational-residential community developers, DMB Associates and Highlands Management Group. The team is responsible for the creation of Lahontan, North Lake Tahoe's premiere golf course community. The developer's track record and strength provides security to owners/prospects. "Martis Camp is an intelligent choice for second home buyers who want something year-round that appeals to all age groups," says Hull. "We are successful in these difficult and challenging times because a 'legacy' purchase is in demand. Our Owners want something that's usable year-round plus something every person in their family will enjoy that can be passed down through the generations."

Source: pr-usa.net

Mary Anderson Legacy Grant Established

Friday, 25 December 2009

Seattle, WA - The REI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI, has established the Mary Anderson Legacy Grant in celebration of the company co-founder's 100th birthday. The annual grant will recognize the contributions that Anderson made in the lives of young people during her years as a teacher, over her years of working at REI and throug h her life-long love of the outdoors.

The Foundation will award the first $50,000 Mary Anderson Legacy Grant in 2010 in support of efforts that actively engage young people in learning about nature through hands-on engagement and exploration of the outdoors. The Mary Anderson Legacy Grant will be presented annually by the REI Foundation.

"We are forever grateful to Mary for her passion to introduce people to the wonders of nature. At 100 years young, Mary is an inspiration to me, REI employees and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere," said Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO. "From her career as an educator to helping operate the co-op from the attic of her Seattle home, Mary's selfless energy and involvement will be recognized for years to come through the REI Foundation."

On Dec. 7, 1909, Mary (Gaiser) Anderson was born in Washington’s Yakima Valley, where her family enjoyed regular walks and hikes together. As a teacher in Seattle during the 1930s, Mary used nature as an extension of her classroom to enrich the lives and learning of her students. For more than 30 years, she continued to connect people to nature through her work at REI.

REI was founded as a co-op in 1938 by Mary and her husband, Lloyd Anderson, and 21 mountaineering friends in Seattle. Today, the co-op is an active community partner with 110 stores, nearly 10,000 employees and more than 3.7 million active members.

In honor of Mary's centennial birthday, Governor Christine Gregoire and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels each proclaimed, Dec. 7, as "Mary Anderson Day" across the State of Washington and City of Seattle.

REI celebrated Mary and her legacy at its headquarters on Dec. 8 at an event that included past company presidents and retired employees who worked with Mary in REI's early years. The celebration also featured the co-op’s annual Anderson Awards. Since its inception in 2002, the Anderson Awards are presented annually to employees who exemplify the values of Lloyd and Mary and the co-op's purpose and core values.

The co-op continues the Andersons' legacy by helping millions of enthusiasts enjoy the outdoors, engaging more people in discovering beautiful, natural places and promoting the benefits of a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle. Across the country, REI partners with local non-profit outdoor and conservation organizations through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

Source: www.outdoorindustry.org

Men's Journal Hiking Shoe of the Year

Thursday, 24 December 2009

Red Wing, MN - Outdoor footwear manufacturer Vasque is excited to report the Breeze Low GTX as the selection for Men's Journal Best Hiking Shoe of the Year award. After extensive testing by the publication's editors and staff, the Breeze Low GTX was chosen because of its ability to handle long hard hikes without being a stiff, heavy boot.

Lighter and more agile than boots, the Breeze Low GTX, employs the latest in multisport technology from both Vasque and renowned sole-maker Vibram, while maintaining the same rugged durability that has made the Breeze collection famous.

"Having a publication like Men's Journal give us their Best Hiking Shoe of the Year award helps validate our commitment to designing and producing the best in outdoor footwear," says Chris Speak, Vasque brand manager.

The Breeze Low GTX, with its low profile and streamlined design, is the perfect shoe for done-in-a-day trail adventures. Incorporating Vasque Spine Technology (VST), a patent-pending shock attenuation system allowing controlled heal strike release and consistent cushioning, and Gore-Tex® with Extended Comfort Technology and a gusseted tongue to keep your feet dry for the long haul. The lighter boot also features molded rubber toe bumpers, Velocity lasts, dual-density EVA footbeds and Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Contact Lite soles, prized for their unique balance of all-terrain grip, unsurpassed traction, and industry-best durability.

To view the Master of Fit in action visit www.youtube.com/user/vasquefootwear. For more information on all Vasque products, go to www.vasque.com.

Source: www.outdoorindustry.org

Mt Everest LOWA at American Mountaineering Museum

Wednesday, 23 December 2009

Stamford, CT - Visitors to the American Mountaineering Museum in Golden, Colorado can now get a first-hand look at the original LOWA boots that famed climber Jim Whittaker wore as he summated Mount Everest in 1963. LOWA has become a museum sponsor ensuring that the boots remain on permanent display.

Although the mountaineering boots were worn by Jim in the 1960's, they were state-of-th e-art at the time and have the same DNA that can be found in LOWA boots today. The BMW-quality leather, comfortable and warm inner boots, Vibram soles and the way the boot enveloped his foot for comfort, support, fit and warmth are features that represent the LOWA boots of today. The brand represented performance products when Jim wore them in 1963 and they still do today, as climbers across the world attempt to follow in his footsteps.

Jim has numerous achievements on his resume. In 1963, he was the first North American to summit Mount Everest. As CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), he led the company through years of record-setting growth. He organized and led the first successful expedition to summit K2 - the world's second highest mountain. In 1965, he guided Bobby Kennedy up the newly-named Mount Kennedy, helping him become the first person to summit the peak. In 1990, he led the historic International Peace Climb that put climbers from the U.S., Russia, and China on the summit of Everest in the name of world peace.

LOWA Boots LLC, with headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, is a partnership with LOWA Sportschuhe Gmbh founded in 1923 and based in Jetzendorf, Germany. The U.S. company, launched in 1996, sells, markets, and distributes a complete line of four season outdoor footwear for walking, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering as well as everyday use. In addition, LOWA offers collections of specialized footwear for field sports and professional task force use.

Source: www.outdoorindustry.org

Guided Nature Walk at Mission Trails Regional Park

Tuesday, 22 December 2009

Join an MTRP (Mission Trails Regional Park) Trail Guide on a free guided nature walk from the Visitor Center and learn about the history, geology, plants, animals and ecology of the park. Trail Guides choose from three trails:

1. The Oak Grove Trail leads to a small oak woodland with majestic coast live oaks and rare Engelmann oaks.

2. The Visitor Center Loop Trail takes yo u through coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and riparian woodland habitats.

3. The Riverside Grinding Rocks Trail leads to one of the archaeological sites in the park, where Kumeyaay Indians historically ground acorns on the rocks for food.

Walks may also include the Native Plant Garden near the Visitor Center. These interpretive nature walks are offered to enhance your appreciation of our open space and the unique beauty of San Diego's natural environment. Walks are free, open to the public with no reservations required, and will accommodate the physical or special needs of the group.

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring along water. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Walk canceled if raining.

Source: www.mtrp.org

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