This past weekend my good friend Michael and I went to the Fall Gathering at Quartz Mountain, a biannual gathering of Oklahoma rock climbers. This was a weekend for rock climbing and I thought I packed like a pro.

In just a day, I roasted and was desperate for just one more layer to keep from having chattering teeth. From sun-up to sun-down I felt like a lizard basking in the sun, or better yet one of the many rattlesnakes that call Quartz Mountain home. As soon as night fell I was singing a different tune.

I have been hitting the trail for quite sometime now and I was certain I packed the right gear.

After this past weekend I decided it was time to go straight to an expert for some solid outdoors advice. I headed to downtown Edmond’s newest outdoor retailer, Summit Company, and talked serious shop with owner John James, asking where did I go wrong?

James shared some expert advice: “The number one goal in most outdoor activities with regard to clothing is moisture management. Many people may not realize that their bodies are constantly releasing moisture and how you manage that moisture is vital to being comfortable on the short term and safe in the long term. At the core, that represents wearing a very good base layer and usually having a fresh base layer to change into before crawling into your bag.”

I was right in packing the layers I did, but I was wrong in how I used them. I had failed in drying out before I buried into my sleeping bag and therefore created a moisture-ridden bag. With my haste to be warm, I had set myself up to freeze.

•Into the Wild: Directed by Sean Penn and based on author Jon Krakauer’s true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gives up all his worldly possessions and his life as he knew it to trek into the deep Alaska back country to live in the wild and become Alexander Supertramp. This film is my all-time favorite film and has the honor of Girl vs. Wild’s top pick. (R)

•Out Cold: Epic adventure comes to mind when I think of Out Cold. I have spent many a night watching this one, dreaming of my days as a snowboard town thrill-seeker. I spent several years working at Wolf Creek Ski area, all for the treasured employee mountain pass. Out Cold is a hilarious film that captures exactly what it is like to be a mountain town snowboarder, while also telling the tale of the town’s beloved Bull Mountain being in jeopardy when corporate tycoon Lee Majors attempts to move in. (PG-13)

•A River Runs Through It: A fly fishing classic that tells a nostalgic story of a father and his sons as they grow up fishing the Montana waters. As the brothers near adulthood, they choose different paths as they struggle to live up to their father’s high standards, but both always come back to the waters they loved with their father. (PG)

•Aspen Extreme: This is a classic ski adventure. Two snow-struck friends from Detroit chase the ski-bum dream of being Aspen ski instructors. The guys soon realize the Aspen ski scene is cutthroat, and through several challenging turns the friends are tested with money, temptation, and fame nearly tearing their friendship apart. (PG-13)

•Alive: This true story is the account of 35 rugby players whose team plane crashes in the Andes mountains on a barren glacier. Stranded with no food, no water, and no rescue coming, the 35 athletes must decide how far they will go to survive. (R)

•Vertical Limit: Siblings Annie and Peter grew up climbing with their father until a split-second decision ends their father’s life and tears the siblings apart. Years later they are reunited at the K2 base camp and must face the life and death decision to survive the dangers of K2. (PG-13)

I can’t even count the amount of times I have asked for simple directions and been told turn at the big sign, or ‘it’s a bit down from the McDonald’s.’ People have honestly lost all knowledge of north to south and east to west.

We have completely lost our sense of direction. It’s not that we have become stupid. I believe the compass has just been pushed to the wayside by new technologies like mapquest, fancy GPS-enabled phones, hand-held mapping systems, and navigation systems. With all of theses electronics, why would people need to know how to use a compass or even a map?

My first adventure memories are with my dad on the open road in the big brown Suburban, riding copilot. I would sit perched in my booster seat with the map unfolded in my lap, navigating my dad the directions.

Now, it should be known that I have a genetic predisposition to having the latest and greatest gadget or new technology. I do own and use a variety of direction-guiding tools. Whether it be my Garmin handheld mapping system, my internet-ready and GPS enabled blackberry that I can’t leave home without, or my wristwatch the size of the landing pad at Cape Canaveral that tells me air temperature, altitude, and coordinates with directions, and even predicts the weather. I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to phasing out the simple manual compass.

But I ask you this, what will you do when your watch goes on the fritz, your cell phone can’t get service, and your fancy GPS loses the tower to link its location? You are going to be lost!

We need to rally around the trusty compass. It could be the newest comeback kid. We need to take a few steps back and start taking gear advice from the old greats like Lewis and Clark and rock-climbing pioneer Royal Robbins. I guarantee these adventurers definitely didn’t rely on the latest GPS tracker. We can’t always count on technology, but we can count on ourselves! Get a compass, use it, like it, love it!!!

Girl vs. Wild, Jacquelyn Farris

This past week I decided it was time to put my Girl vs. Wild brave face on and paddle deep into the waters of kayaking. With fear in tow I met with Dave Lindo of OKC Kayak at Lake Hefner to try out my undiscovered kayaking prowess. OKC Kayak is located at 2nd and Western in downtown Oklahoma City.

Lindo is a man that knows kayaking. In fact he got his start kayaking A few years back when he went on his first kayaking trip. He loved it so much that when he got home and he purchased two Prijon Sea Kayaks. Dave says,

“I stacked the two kayaks on top of each other one night, and they multiplied like bunnies,” Lindo said.

Now Lindo runs Dave is running a top of the line kayak outfitter and guide service here in OKlahoma City and takes ing groups kayaking locally, across the United States and elsewhere.

First things first, Dave Lindo reassured me that I was not going to drown drowned in Lake Hefner kayaking. I reminded myself I was with a pro and had nothing to worry about. With that in mind I zipped up my life vest and we started covering the basics. Paddle technique, weight to kayak ratios, and the general concept of just having fun! Basics were set and I was ready to get my paddle wet. With growing excitement and anticipation I hopped in the kayak and was off.

Instantly kayaking gave me a freeing feeling that I had never experienced before. There is nothing like being in the water paddling. It’s absolutely euphoric. As soon as I got in the water I was a totally different person. All the cautions I had about kayaking disappeared and with all my fears of feeling like a wet cat gone instead I felt like a fast little duck!

Dave Lindo and the staff at OKC Kayak offer classes, trips, and rentals to fit your kayak adventure needs. From Quickstart Kayak Lessons to the Eskimo Rolling class OKC Kayak can have you paddle savvy in no time. Rentals are available too with single or double kayaks and rates are set hourly or for the day. This is perfect if you’re already paddling like a pro, but don’t have your own. Simply rent a top of the line kayak with no worries. I am most excited about the various trips and group activities OKC Kayak offers. Such as the Social Paddle held on Tuesday evenings or hey how about signing up for the Illinois River Daytrip, or better yet paddle big and join the SE Alaska trip!

No matter you kayaking skills be it novice or a pro OKC Kayak will have your paddle wet in no time.

Oklahoma is home to some of the U.S.A’s most famous roadside attractions. Small towns from the panhandle to the southeast corner of this great state claim some of the most amazing yet surprising and obscure roadside jewels.

Here is a Girl vs. Wild approved list of the top five places to have an off-the-beaten-path roadside adventure during the last days of summer.

•The Blue Whale is the product of love and located in Catoosa. The former Tulsa Zoo director built his wife, an alligator farm operator, the Blue Whale swimming hole as an anniversary gift for their family. This has been a classic roadside attraction since opening to the public in the mid 1970s. There are also picnic tables on the shore, so pack a lunch and make a day of it.

•Paul Bunyan Muffler Man lives on in Aline. Now, I am not sure about Blue, his trusty ox, but Paul is standing tall in Aline, OK, in Bud’s Auto Salvage on Route 8. This yard is also home to a noteworthy collection of 50s and 60s cars. So hit the road and say hello to that tall man for me.

•Circus Town USA! Yes you heard me right — a circus town and also a circus cemetery. Hugo, in the southeastern corner of the state, is home to wintering circus operations. It’s not uncommon to see circus wagons and trailers parked next to a family home. This little town also is where circus performers and their animals alike are laid to rest. Yes, you heard me right again — man and elephants have a final resting spot in this Hugo cemetery. Pack the circus peanuts and head for an elephant of an adventure.

•The Action Figure Museum located in Pauls Valley is the home to all things action. There are more than 10,000 items in their collection. Whether G.I Joe is your American hero or Marvel is your middle name, your childhood toys are on display. When you walk through these doors, no matter your age, you will be a kid at heart.

•Pops Soda Ranch and Shake Shop on Route 66 in Arcadia is the newest Oklahoma roadside attraction. With nearly 500 different sodas on any given day and more than 45 different root beers to choose from, there is sure to be a flavor of fizz for you. Pops also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Before you leave, don’t forget to fill up your car with gas and hit the convience store for those goodies you need before hitting the road.

Jacquelyn Farris, Girl vs. Wild

Of course I always want to buy the best gear on the market, but this doesn’t have to be done by breaking the bank or eating Top Ramon Noodles 7 days a week to cover the bills.

It does take a little savvy shopping! I am not suggesting impulse shopping by any means, but I am suggesting keeping an eye out for items you need or know you will need for the next season.

Right now is the perfect time to buy. All the shops and specialty stores are flipping their merchandise. It’s the time for season end sales as stores are getting ready for the fall and winter apparel to arrive. Every year just like clock work your local retailers and chain stores have big annual and semi annual sales. Let’s say you have been eyeing the top of the line wicking top with matching bottom, but have not been ready to ante up for full price? A good suggestion is just ask the sales associate if this item will be on sale anytime soon. In most cases they will gladly tell you what sales are coming up and if they expect it to be marked down. This just might make it worth the wait.

Online retailers are also having big sales now as well. My email box has been flooded with ads and coupon codes offering 15-50%, free shipping, and buy one get one frees for the past week. I have taken the time to check most of these offers out and there are some amazing deals if you can find what you are looking for.

Discount stores are great too. Just last week I saw several pairs of my favorite heavy hiking pant on sale for $16.00 when originally at the big specialty store they retail for $79. That is a huge discount. I love this particular pair of pants so much so that I have and am willing to pay full price, but a discount is always welcome.

Some good tips for finding exactly what yo are looking for at a discount store is making multiple visits. Go once, twice, even three times. Also know the isle and racks that have what you are looking for. For instance I love Patagonia and Prana. Those are my favorite brands when it comes to climbing attire for women. Instead of milling around the store searching through all the racks I go straight the active wear rack and flip through my size section fast. If there isn’t anything no big deal. No time lost. Keep in mind shipments get to the stores weekly on Tuesdays so the closer to the delivery day you make it the more likely to have a greater selection.

You just have to be willing to shop around to get the best price.

By Girl vs. Wild
Jacquelyn Farris

A few months back I started guiding on the weekends with Compass Wilderness, a faith based 501 c3 guide service that has set it’s path to share a message of Christ to Christians and non-Christians alike. The centered purpose to parallel adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, camping etc in an way that connects with people on their daily walk with Christ.

Compass Wilderness reaches youth groups, mens groups, at risks youth, and the list goes on. It really boils down to meeting people where they are in life – connecting on a deeper and individual level. Sharing the simple yet overwhelming and amazing joys of the outdoors with those who maybe have never even been on a hike or slept under the stars.

Compass wilderness is a guide service that offers hiking, climbing, and camping primarily, but Compass staff share far more than wilderness knowledge. They work to give individuals the tools to stretch out of their comfort zone and try new things.

Over the past few months I have seen angry hearts softened, self esteems soar, and closed minds open to brighter possibilities all because Compass Wilderness gives people something that sounds so simple, yet what everyone is searching for. Strength and acceptance.

On one of my first trips with Compass I was assisting in belaying a girl who had never climbed outside. She was trembling with fear and talking herself out of trying from the start. She was just sure she couldn’t do it and that it was going to be to hard. It’s in those instances Compass’s staff is able to to reach inside a person and pull out their stregthens. Showing them that it’s ok to take risks and pull for what they want in life. She and I talked on the rocks that day until she reached the top. The look of joy on her face as she was coming down is exactly what Compass Wilderness strives to share.

For more on Compass Wilderness head to NewsOk.tv for a video interview with Compass Wilderness’s Oklahoma DIrector of Operations, Steven Charles.

Happy trials Girl vs. Wild style,

Jacquelyn Farris

I am sure your asking yourself why in the world do I have the desire to hike a 14,000 ft mountain. My answer is why not!

This is not something that I will be able to head out and attack this next Friday. There is a lot of time and preparation that goes into be ready to attack a feat such as allusive 14er. But, I have my heart and mind set, and nothing comes between my goals and success. I am a do it and die trying type of girl. Hey I am Girl vs. Wild.

Listed below are a few basic suggestions for chasing a 14er.

Of course selecting the mountain you will climb is important along with all the fancy gear to go along, but the most important is training your mind and body for the feat ahead. If your mind and body are not on the same train you will never arrive at the top. No matter how fancy and high tech your gear is it just wont happen if your not fully prepared.

First set a date and stick to it. This is the goal you are working towards and all scheduling works around this date. When you train for a goal with a set date you are far more likely to be successful.

Start slow. Keep in mind this is something your training for not do spontaneously in an afternoon.

Your cardiovascular stamina and endurance is very important. In the first weeks of training start out doing a 30-45 minute treadmill workout and gradually add an incline.

At this same time find a good yoga and pilates class. Most gyms offer these and the benefits you will see from attending both classes once a week will help create the total body you will need to accomplish the 14er ahead.

After the first few weeks of training start wearing the pack you indeed to wear climbing. This will acclimate your body to the extra weight.

Gradually over time add weight to your pack. Either items you intend to pack or free weights while at the gym. Start light in the beginning. If your to eager at the start it can lead to being burned out.

You can always take this workout to the outdoors. You are not restricted to the gym. Grab your weighted pack and water for hydration and hit your local walking path or trails. This will give you a better feeling for how the outdoor elements will feel.

After several weeks of training it’s time to hit the stairs. Start rotating stair climbing into your workout. With a weighted pack on hike up and down a flight of stairs for 30 minutes. Also this is a good point to add the boots you plan to wear on your climb in to the equation. Each time you do your stair training or trails wear your hiking boots. It’s imperative to have your boots broken in prior to the big event.

Lastly talk to the pros, take notes, and in the end it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Scooters have been a European staple for daily commuting and even weekend getaways. Men in dress suits, Moms in the daily hurry, and young adults zipping to and from the places that make life great.

So why not me? I am Girl vs. Wild and it’s time to save some denaro and start having a daily commuting scooter adventure!

Atomic Brown Scooter Shop, Oklahoma City’s family owned scooter dealer located on North Western Avenue is where my latest adventure has taken me, and better yet I didn’t have to drive far to get there.

Steve and Pam Hudson, owners’ of Atomic Brown Scooter Shop have been selling and educating Oklahoma City on the fun, fast, and fuel efficient advantages of riding scooters since June of 2004.

For many people Atomic Brown is their first taste of scooters. Atomic Brown feels they are not only selling scooters, but are also educating the public on ins and outs of scooter ownership. Many people stop by the shop four to five times before selecting a scooter. This allows the Hudsons to really get know their customers and in doing so elect the perfect scooter for each new scooterists needs.

Atomic Brown’s most popular scooter is the Buddy made by Genuiene Scooter Company. Voted 2007’s scooter of the year. This zippy scooter comes in 50c, 125cc, and new for 2008 the Buddy International 150 cc with speeds toping 75 mph. With a twist and go engine this scooter is fierce off the line while also putting the driver at ease knowing that there is no hassle of shifting gears.

Brace yourself for the most exciting feature! The Buddy gets up to 100 miles per gallon. That is no typo, this little scooter packs a mighty fuel efficient punch and with prices starting at $1,999 Genuine’s Buddy is hard for Atomic Brown to keep it in stock.

Scooters are recognized in Oklahoma as a motor vehicle. This means it’s not as simple as purchasing your scooter and hitting the open road. Oklahoma state law requires scooters just like motorcycles to be registered, tagged, and titled. You will also need to get an M or motorcycle endorsement on your Oklahoma driver’s license by taking the knowledge, skills, and vision tests at your local Driver’s License Exam Station.

Now scooters are not right for everybody. All the options should be weighted before rushing to buy. But for me, this is definitely an exciting possibility. In fact I have already picked my tangerine colored Buddy out and am just waiting for it arrive.

To see more of my Girl vs. Wild adventure at the Atomic Brown Scooter Shop head to Newsok.tv

Who knows maybe I will pass you in traffic and give you a big scooter loving wave!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

At the same time I see many people doing it all wrong. Good intentions, but oh so misinformed on how to pack!

I can not even begin to count all the people I have passed on the trail they don’t appear to be on a joyful backpacking trip, but instead resemble a person on a death march.

Without a doubt in most cases it boils down to bad footwear for the occasion and improper packing.

Shoes are the number one deal breaker. You can not expect your favorite pair of running or aerobic shoes to suffice as a trail hiker. It just doesn’t add up. Bottom line if you’re not wearing proper footwear you will be singing the trail hiking blues. Everyones’ feet are different so this is not something you should do through mail order. Take advice and suggestions from your local outfitter. That is what the are there for, they are the advice guys. Be sure to try several different styles on before deciding which is best for your feet. An important trick is to do this with the socks you indeed to hike in. This will play a role in picking the fit for you.

After you have found the perfect shoes next is mastering the art of packing. First rule of thumb pack what you need. Not what you want! The most entertaining item to see come out of someone’s pack is a gigantic pillow or blanket. I swear I have seen this. People have actually tried to pack their bed. No joke!

Packing light is essential to whether or not someone is going to have a good time. Don’t forget you actually have to carrying everything you put into your pack. I personally like to make a list a day prior to packing of the essentials I will be packing. This list works as the master to my packing. Everything from the bottom of my toes to the top of my noise, and all items in between. After the list is made I go over it one last time before packing to see if there is anything that needs to be trimmed. Over time you will get quick at this and be able to pack in a flash, but the first couple of times give yourself time because a rushed pack is usually a bad pack and you will feel it on the trail!

For more on backpacking head to newsok.tv to watch the latest Girl vs. Wild video on backpacking.

Who knows I might even see you on the trail!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris