The Northern Rangers go HD

For 2011 the Northern Rangers have decided to go HD. That's right, all of our adventures will now be in High Definition! So tune back in as we show you everything that we see, only now, it will be crystal clear.

To start off the HD Northern Rangers we decided to show you one of our favorite hikes, Poo Poo Point, and the views from the top. Check it out:

Snow hike

If you're not in the Northwest then you might not know about the arctic freeze that hit our area the last few days.

Well, yesterday while most of the Seattle area was scared stiff cause of the ice and the snow, the Northern Rangers headed up Poo Poo Point for a hike.

And it was very much worth it.

The weather was sunny but in the 20's. However, the view was awesome. Snow all through the valley.


One thing that did surprise us was that when were up there, two paragliders showed up. They were getting set up when we headed down and we saw them land in the snow right as we finished our decent. Check it out:

Poo Poo Point: South view

Today the Northern Rangers headed out for a hike on Poo Poo Point again. We showed you the views from the North, now here's what the views from the South are:

Views from Poo Poo Point

It's February, but feels like April, in Washington. So the Northern Rangers headed out for a hike today. Check out the view from the top.

Poo Poo Point

The Northern Rangers headed up to Poo Poo Point in Issaquah, WA. It was a great hike on an awesome winter day in Washington.



Here's some of the other times that we've hiked up Poo Poo Point.

Poo Poo Point Trail

The Ten Essentials

Trekking Poles

New Northern Rangers video

Due to time constraints it has taken me longer to get the Northern Rangers video up then I wanted.

But tomorrow, instead of just one video, I'll host TWO NEW Northern Rangers videos.

We went on a hike up Poo Poo Point in Issaquah, Washington today.

So check back in tomorrow for TWO Northern Rangers videos.

Trail Etiquette

This afternoon Jeff and I are again climbing Poo Poo Point with our packs in continuing our training for Mount St. Helens and the Wonderland Trail. This is the last time for a few weeks that we will be climbing that point though.

The reason, May is here. And with May our eyes shift to Mount Si above North Bend, Washington. But I'll talk more about that later.

Today I'm going to talk about trail etiquette.

• Pants: no hiking naked. Period.

• Know the love-triangle: By love triangle I'm not talking about an actual love affair, but rather hikers, bikes and horses. Bikers rank at the bottom. They yield to both hikers and horses. Hikers yield to horses. And horses, well horses are large creatures. They don't yield.

• ALWAYS stay on the trial: Never cut off switchbacks or blaze your own shortcuts.

• Act like the road: On wider trails keep to the right when others approach, and when passing other hikers, do so on the left.

• Let others know you're there: If you are approaching behind another hiker, let them know you are going to pass. Most likely they will step to the side to make it easier for you.

• Obey heartbeat rules: Heartbeats work like this - A 12 heartbeat section of trail means that along that part of trail, only 12 heartbeats are allowed. A heartbeat is, well, anything with a heart. People, horses, dogs, mules, etc. So 11 people and dog is 12. So is 3 people, 4 dogs, 2 cows, 2 llamas and a goat.

• Hikers going up hill have the call: Now this rule varies based the individual on the trail, but in most cases the up hill hiker will yield to the down hill one. This is for two reasons, the down hill hiker has gravity and it's harder to stop, and two, it gives the up hill hiker a quick break. But if the up hill hiker keeps going, just step off the path. It's really their call.

• Hike single file: A lot of trails require you be single file anyway, but on wider trails, just because you have a large group doesn't mean you need to take up the whole trail with your large group.

• Leave No Trace: Very simple. Make sure the area you are looks the same (or better) than when you found it. This lets everyone enjoy the area. Don't cut your initials into trees. Don't litter everywhere. Don't pull up the brush. Basically, don't be dumb.

• Pack it in, pack it out: As I stated above, don't litter. It's simple. If you brought something on the hike, bring it back out.
  

• Step to the side: When you're taking a break in a crowded area, don't do so on the trail. Step to the side so others can pass.

• Leave technology at home: It's called getting outside. Instead of the iPod, listen to the birds and nature. It's the best soundtrack around.

And most importantly, have fun. It's great to be outdoors enjoying nature. If you're lucky enough to do so, look around and appreciate the beauty of the area you're in. Many people never leave the comfort of their own homes. A television doesn't do a real sunset justice.

The 10 Essentials

Today the Northern Rangers headed back out for more training. Casey goes over the 10 essentials that everyone should bring whenever they go into the wild.

Outdoor Photo of the Week: Poo Poo Point

This photo was taken by placing the camera on our packs and a selftimer. Amazing. The view is off of Poo Poo Point above Issaquah, Washington. The Point is a popular place to launch off for paragliding. In this photo is Casey (right) and Jeff. Two of the Northern Rangers.

Click on the photo to make it larger.

Think you've got a great outdoor photo? Want to see it hosted on Just Northwest? Send your submissions to justsouthofnorth@gmail.com.

Please include your name, a short caption about the photo (date, location, and what makes it special) and your location.

Check back each Sunday for a new Outdoor Photo of the Week.