Our city lives are filled with so much technology and comfort that we’ve lost much of what was once common knowledge about nature and survival. To remedy this, we visited Medicine Bow, a “primitive school of earthlore in the North Georgia mountains,” which gave us a chance to rediscover our connection to the natural world.
Mark Warren, the eclectic Georgia man behind these courses, brings decades of experience, knowledge and passion to each of his classes. He’s won national competitions in whitewater racing and archery, and the National Wildlife Federation honored him as Georgia’s Conservation Educator of the Year. His approach is to teach primitive skills that Native Americans had, but brings the benefit of modern science and natural research into each of his lessons.
In these practical courses you can learn about tracking, natural medicine, wild foods, survival skills, fire making, botany and conservation. More than just being prepared for an emergency, you’ll know how to look at a forest and see it as a tool kit, a grocery store and a medicine cabinet. Located on 45 acres next to a national forest, most workshops are limited to about 13 people and range between $35 and $75. Check his website for upcoming classes.
Deluxe Survival Kit
Let’s face it, no one expects to get lost, stranded or otherwise disabled. But when it happens, the situation can quickly become dire if you are not prepared. Shelter, warmth and tools to get you noticed become essential.
This is where a portable kit like the one from Ultimate Survival Technologies can be a life-saver, literally. Their Deluxe Survival Kit includes a Blastmatch Firestarter, WetFire Tinder (it burns better wet), signal mirror, ultra-loud whistle, handsaw and super-durable carrying case – all the things you need to keep warm, build a shelter and attract attention.
Ideal for a car, boat or backpack, the kit runs $67 on Amazon.
Klymit Kinetic Vests
Whether you’re looking for some inspiration from the original, extreme ski club, or searching for the latest in cutting-edge, cold-weather gear, these two finds should help set you up for a Spring ski outing.
Swift. Silent. Deep. documents the story of a renegade group of elite skiers who call themselves the Jackson Hole Air Force. Determined to try their skis on snow that was truly a step beyond adventure, these extreme sportsmen pursued pure powder to the fullest extent, breaking the law and pushing their athleticism to the limit in the process. Swift. Silent. Deep., which has won a number of awards for its stunning cinematography, takes viewers on a back country skiing adventure with a group of men who rejected formal ski etiquette and took their lives into their own hands, later founding (and winning) extreme skiing competitions.
For a more practical leg up on the upcoming trip, check out Klymit’s award-winning kinetic vest. This sleek, trim layer gets its heat by way of an entirely new technology – a palm-sized pump that breathes argon gas into the vest’s puffy chambers, creating warmth superior to that offered by a down jacket and at a fraction of the size. But don’t worry, the argon gas is non-flammable and non-toxic, making it safe for the user and the environment.
While the vest has been lauded by Backpacker and Popular Science, Klymit is also rolling out argon-powered jackets for hunters, climbers and water sports enthusiasts in 2010. Products range from $199 – $225. Klymit.com
"A Tight Point" by Luke Frazier
The largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) will be held February 12-14 in Charleston, SC. SEWE ’10 will highlight 120 fine artists, retriever demos, shows with Jack Hanna, cooking demos by some of the Lowcountry’s finest chefs, Dock Dogs competitions, sporting outfitters & guides, conservation exhibits, free flight falconry, children’s activities, and much more.
Day tickets are $10-20 and 3-Day passes are $40. Children 10 and under are free. VIP packages and special event tickets are also available. (843) 723-1748 / SEWE.com
There’s nothing like a nice, cold drink after a hard workout, but most water bottles don’t hold a chill long enough to last through extended runs, bike rides or hikes. Camelbak’s insulated Podium Chill sports bottle does just that, though, keeping beverages cool for hours. Designed specifically for cyclists, this bottle has a jet valve for a spout rather than Camelbak’s signature bite valve, giving easier access to hydration; it is also malleable and lightweight and fits most conventional bike cages. As with all of Camelbak’s products, the Chill is BPA-free, dishwasher safe and coated with antimicrobial HydroGuard. $12, REI.
