On the way to work.

There is no better way to start the week than seeing some wildlife enjoying the sun. I spotted this red fox hunting a small field along the side of the road on my way into NEMO today. I spun my truck around first chance I got and watched it for about 5 minutes. It pays to have a camera with you at all times!

-Bill

Why I Love the Outdoors

One of the best things about spending time in the outdoors is that it is one of the more humanizing and connect-y activities I can think of. In a world otherwise where avoidance of eye contact is the norm, I have had more experiences sharing trail conditions, wave reports, snacks, shade from the sun, cover from the rain, and equipment advice with strangers than I can remember. This REI ad from last year is spot-on.



A couple weekends ago, Suz and I took a short backcountry trip to Little Harbor, Catalina Island. We offered to take a group's picture at a scenic point in the hike, and they mentioned that the other half of their party, a fishing boat, was meeting them at their campsite. There was talk of feasts of fresh fish, sashimi, stews— and somewhere tucked between there was an invitation to dinner.

After setting up camp, exploring the land, we decided to say hi to the folks we had met earlier.  

I believe this is a pictorial definition of the word feast:

Clearly this hiking/backpacking group from SoCal has their priorities straight. I can't say that I've ever eaten so well in the backcountry. Instant friends? Felt more like instant family.

-Connie

For Your Friday Viewing Pleasure

We like Curbsyde Productions' latest endeavor, a film following husband and wife Joe & Flora Lloyd, as they journey across the US on their BMW dualsport bikes. In this latest preview they are crossing Death Valley, Mojave, Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego, joining the largest deserts together, for one grand adventure. Taking as many back roads as possible, the Lloyd's test their skills and truly embody the Adventure Anywhere spirit.

Photos by Jon Beck.

~Kate

A Lot of Awesome

Sanuk's Tumblr is a whole lot of awesome. We've almost worn out our index fingers scrolling through the site. Here are some of our favorites.

-Connie

Conservation Alliance Grantee Update April 2012

Twice a year, The Conservation Alliance invests in grassroots conservation organizations. For those unfamiliar with the Alliance, it is a member-based group of outdoor industry companies that disburses its collective annual membership dues to grassroots environmental organizations, funding community-based campaigns to protect threatened wild habitat, preferably where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Currently, they give over $1 million each year.

In April, the grantees from last spring submitted progress reports, which you can see here. At the end of the report, you will also see several exciting updates on work that was funded in October 2011. If you know of an organization that could use funding, have them contact one of the member businesses, like NEMO, to learn how they can apply.

~Kate

Obi Setup VIdeo

To start off your Monday, here's a little instructional video on how to set up your Obi tent. Enjoy.



-Connie

Four and a half minutes later...

I meant to watch 10 seconds of this, and then 4:29 later, I still found my eyes glued to the screen. Unreal.



(via kottke)