Girl vs. Wild NewsOK.com Blogging Community

Outdoors folk are taking their four-legged friends everywhere with them. Camping, hiking, climbing. You name it.

But before you take your pooch out for a hike there are a few things that need to be covered before leaving home and hitting the trails:

* Make sure Fido’s shot records are up to date. A dog that is not vaccinated is a danger to himself, as well other animals on the trail.

* Dogs will need water and a trail snack. A good rule of thumb is for every trail break you take, the dog will need one, too. Of course you won’t consume the same amount of water or food, but you will both need to stay hydrated and nourished. Dehydration and a general sluggish behavior can sneak up before you know it. You have to remember your dog is burning energy just like you are.

* Be prepared to administer first-aid treatment for your furry friend. Dogs are just as susceptible to trail injuries just as we are. Most injuries occur to dog’s paws. Since a dog’s footpads are in direct contact with the ground when they run, walk, and play, this makes them prone to injury. Cuts, blisters, and burns are very common in active pups and they need to be treated. In most cases cleaning the injured paw and applying antibacterial ointment and a bandage will do the trick. Be sure to keep and eye on it because a simple cut can lead to an infection, and in that case you need to see the vet as soon as possible.

* If striking out on an overnight trip keep in mind your dog needs shelter, too. Sure, letting your dog sleep outside is fine in most cases, but wind and rain can wear a pup out. If you’re not up for sharing your sleeping bag, be sure to pack a blanket or mat to protect them from the ground.

Local climber and proud dog owner Shane Seaton says, “you have to remember to pack enough food for each meal that you will be gone, and remember to pack bowls for food and water, and also pack a leash and something for your dog to sleep on.

“I always packs treats to reward (his dog) Happy when she is doing commands in a new environment, but before you even leave home you have to make sure your dog is trained to follow those commands.”

Happy has become an outstanding trail dog with just nine months of training. Happy is proof that any dog with a little love and care can be a perfect trail dog.

“Happy is happiest when we go climbing together,” Seaton said. “She loves it just as much as I do.”

I have shared the trail with both Shane and Happy, and the trail is always happier with Happy tagging along.

Last Saturday was my very first climbing competition. Guess what I got second place. The turn out was amazing with over 75 registered competitors this was the first climbing competition for Rocktown Climbing Gym and it was a great success. Aaron and Lisa Gibson worked extremely hard to make this amazing event possible, and they definately did that. Thanks goes to all there staff for such a smooth event.

The most amazing part of the day, was also the most humbling. To say kindly, I was schooled by several pint size competitors. Kids as young as 7 yrs old were smoking me up the wall. I stood in awe, and shock as I watched a waist high climber send a 5.11 with ease. It was amazing, and at the same time made me feel a little like the worlds worst climber. Man these kids were good. Girls and boys alike were schooling the grown ups and we were loving it.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

As an outdoors adventure girl I am very earth conscious, always doing my bit to reduce, reuse, and recycle — from recycling the paper and plastic products that come in the mail, to using less energy. In doing so, I try to not buy bottled water, and instead use a hard plastic bottle like some made by Nalgene. But, there are questions about bisphenol-a, or BPA, an ingredient in the most popular type of Nalgene bottle. BPA, found in polycarbonate plastics, mimics the human hormone estrogen. Polycarbonates are used to make a variety of products, including water bottles. BPA could be harmful to our bodies. Canada plans to ban it's use in children's products, such as baby bottles. Should we be concerned? The answer is, maybe. To me, the findings are unclear. In fact, the findings are so unclear that I am going to keep living on the wild side and use my trusty Nalgene until the FDA tells me not to. But, if living risky is not for you, a way to tell if your water bottle contains BPA is by looking on the bottom. If you see a recycling number 7, it most likely contains BPA. Most hard, clear plastics also contain BPA. But don't throw your hands up yet. Several companies make a range of products made of softer, just-as-durable plastics that are BPA free. And if you want to steer away from plastics, the new trend in water bottles is aluminum. Aluminum bottles come in a variety of trendy colors, and are lightweight and packable. You still can have your water in an earth-friendly fashion and feel safe doing so. With that said, I am going to go have a fresh drink of water from my wild, BPA-containing bottle. Girl vs. Wild, Jacquelyn Farris

Believe it or not, Oklahoma has rock climbing. Not just any rock climbing, but rocks that are known for developing climbers that are making names for themselves.

One thing climbers love is a little friendly competition, and Rocktown Climbing Gym in downtown Oklahoma City will host the Flashpoint Climbing Competition on Saturday.

Registration is $40 and can be done until Saturday online or onsite starting at 8 a.m.

This competition is one of several USA Climbing sanctioned events held in the Heartland Region. Climbers are coming from across Oklahoma and surrounding states to compete and climb routes ranging in difficulty and in height all the way up to 90 feet tall.

Those competing have the chance to advance to Divisionals, then on to Nationals, with the hope of advancing to the USA Climbing National Team.

The action starts at 9 a.m. with all youth, adult recreational and adult intermediate categories. Session 1 is all top-roped routes with varied difficulty and is set up in the USA Climbing Redpoint format. All routes will be made prior to competition and given a set point value based on the technical difficulty of the climb. Points are accumulated by climbing routes clean — meaning no hangs or falls, and a climber’s top 5 routes completed will be added up to make a final score.

The afternoon session gets under way at 2:30 p.m. with the Advanced category, and will be a modified onsite format competition. Climbers will be allowed to view the routes, but will then be held in isolation and will be called out one at a time to complete a series of four routes. There will be a set amount of time given to complete each route and a rest period between each. Climbers may attempt the route multiple times within the given time period, but the rope will be pulled and must be re-led each attempt. The high point of each route done will be scored and then added for a climber’s total points.

USA Climbing will award medals to the top six climbers in each category, and best of all, a competitors prize raffle will be held at the end of each competition session. I have heard from highly regarded sources that the raffle has some awesome prizes, too.

In addition to the competitors’ prize raffle there will also be a raffle/fund-raiser to benefit the Access Fund.

Anyone, climbers and spectators alike, may purchase raffle tickets for the Access Fund raffle. All proceeds go to the Access Fund.

For more information call Rocktown Climbing Gym at (405) 319-1400 or check it out on the world wide Web at www.rocktowngym.com

Now I know where I will be climbing Saturday. Grab, your harness, shoes, and chalk and head to Rocktown Climbing Gym for a day

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Slabs are made for me. Maybe they were cut into this fabulous world for me to climb? It’s possible! This past weekend I went to my first of what I hope is many gatherings. Over the past months I have met some of the greatest that Oklahoma’s climbing community holds. From epic climbers, to kind souled rock lovers, and people just like me. We gathered for a weekend of climbing fun at Quartz Mtn this past weekend.

I amazed myself as well as my good friend Michael Morley. I am becoming an honest climber. Sure I still hold flaws, but the light flipped on. It’s like I had been stumbling in the dark for the switch and finally was led to the light. It felt so amazing to get some decent routes under my belt. With solid success under my feet it feels good. The community shared was great. Meeting and making new friends and telling tales with old pals.

It was a weekend of real adventure! Today I find myself smiling with torn paws and dreaming of climbing adventures that will be had.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

A new feeling of pure bliss. That is what I have found in climbing. When I was in college I climbed off and on, but never had a steady climbing partner to progress with. I can not even begin to explain the pure feeling of euphoric joy I get from climbing a hard route. Each hand placement and foot hold closer to the top. When it would be so easy to give in and only do half the route, but comrades are at the bottom reminding me that “I can own this route in just a few feet” and that “I have what it takes to take it.” When you get to the top of something that seemed so impossible it is by far the best feeling ever. Climb on!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris
CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

You only get good grades if you do your homework, correct? Yes correct, and the same goes with selecting and buying your adventure gear. It’s like picking a new car or even a spouse. It’s a big deal. This is the gear that you are trusting to save you in tight situations, right? You can’t go to the local five and dime and get a “super deal of a tent” and honestly believe it will stand up like a tent that is sold and trusted by the guys at your local gear store. Sure the gear at local shops might cost a bit more, but you are honestly paying for quality. Every bit of quality should be counted when headed out into the wild. You can’t control the way the wild will act, but you can control how you and your gear will hold up in any senario.

Buying gear can feel taxing at times when the total seems to be adding with each “necessity” added, but you can take relief in knowing that if you get the best you can afford in the beginning you are much less likely to have to replace it anytime soon.

Shopping around and doing your research is the only way to give yourself good peace of mind.

Right now is the perfect time to grab the great deals on apparel weather it’s online or in stores. This is the time when stores are flipping their retail floors over to spring and summer. If you thought all winter how you really would like to have a quality winter jacket you can now find it, but not feel like you will go to the poor house after paying for it. Just tuck it away in the closest for next year. It will be there waiting for you.

Honestly all retail stores have sales you just have to be a bit more patient for the best deals. Online is ideal if you aren’t set on a certain color. Most items found online are last season’s styles. For instance, for 2008 a pair of climbing pants might come in grey and green, and last years colors were blue and brown. Same pants just last season colors making them half off.

I myself have a gear acquiring method I use when outfitting myself with the latest and greatest. I work both ends of the shopping spectrum online and in store. When it comes to an item that needs to be tried on, for instance apparel, shoes, and so on. I suggest going to a local store. Ask the important questions of the products and their recommended wear. If your feeling indecisive as to which product is honestly the best choice ask the sales associate which they use, wear, or have tested. You will find it’s not always the most expensive. I have never gone wrong with this method. The gurus at Backwoods on North May have helped me in countless buying decisions. The guys and gals know their stuff inside and out.

Now when it comes to replacing an item that I have used and loved in the past, or buying from a brand I know fits spot on I go direct to an online store. If I search hard enough I can land a great deal, and most of the time get free shipping. But bottom line, if it’s something I am not for certain on I go straight to a local store and save the headache of return shipping nightmares.

In the end shop around, get good advice, and buy the gear your most comfortable with because your the one using it.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

With March fast approaching it’s time to start thinking of the snow that is falling else were. Colorado and New Mexico are the hot beds to Oklahoma spring break skiers. I know this from experience, I was ski school staffer at Wolf Creek Ski area in Colorado and we prepared all season for the one mega-month when lifts would be working double time. March is here kiddos and parents alike and that means it’s time to ski!

You’ve set the date and and have booked the lodge for your ski bunnies and jack rabbits long awaited ski trip. It’s not time to hit the slopes just yet. You have a few more things to think about before you can be swishing through the pow at your favorite resort.

Wearing the right attire is key to having a successful ski adventure. Billy Dunn, Backwoods Sales Associate says, “base layers, mittens, and beanies are the most important to have before heading to the slopes. Especially this season with temperatures having been colder in the west than in seasons past.” Dunn also suggests for extra warmth a Patagonia neck gator for extra protection from the elements.

The biggest clothing misconception is that you can wear jeans as ski pants. I know everyone loves their favorite pair of jean, but do not scotch guard them to be ski pants. It’s not a good idea. A good pair of water wicking pants can be found most anywhere. In past seasons ski attire has been sold at chain stores such as Old navy and Target so it is not necessary to break the bank especially when it comes to outfitting the kids.

It’s important to protect yourself from the sun as well as the colder temperatures. Sunscreen should be your new best friend, because raccoon face is not. It might be freezing, but the rays reflecting on the snow will fry you fast. Remember you are much closer to the sun in the higher altitude so applying a good layer of sunscreen before you leave in the morning and then again at lunch can save you from the misery of having goggle burn. With that said a good pair of goggles or sunglasses is a must. The glare of the snow can burn your eyes and retinas before you know it causing snow blindness. Snow blindness can be very dangerous and even on gray overcast cast exposed eyes are at risk.

Everyone loves sharing in a merry time while on the mountain and mixing some peppermint kick in your warm beverage is always fun, but keep in mind that the amount you would consume on a night out in OKC is not the same you can handle while at altitude. There is nothing more dangerous than an impaired skier. If caught you can and will be arrested just you would be on a night out on the town. Just use caution when fixing up your hot coco.

Staying hydrated is also key to having a safe ski trip. It’s good to try and drink water each time you take a break or stop skiing. Most of the time you think your body is saying I am hungry, your really just dehydrated. Dehydration is often times masked with symptoms that appear to be altitude sickness. Such as headaches and fatigue. Generally just feeling run down and sluggish. Try staying on top of your hydration and you will reduce the risk of falling sick.

Altitude sickness can attack even the best skiers and it should be taken seriously when it is an honest case. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and feeling extremely light headed. If your not able to shake the symptoms the only way to relieve the pressure is to go to a lower altitude until the sickness passes.

Do not ski alone. I know your jonesing to try out the latest stunt you saw Bode Miller pull on ESPN, but let’s be real, your no Bode so stick with your group. Now if you are experienced and determined to tear up the powder alone set check in times and meeting places. Make the buddy system your friend.

Backwoods Sales Associate Billy Dunn says, “carrying two way radios to stay in contact especially when going with a group is smart.” Dunn suggest, the Garmin Rino, It’s a two way radio as well gps system.

It all really boils down to the fact your on spring break. Being safe and having fun is the best way to having a relaxing mountain adventure.

Girl vs. Wild’s top 5 places for Oklahoman spring breakers to ski:

1. Wolf Creek Ski Area located in southern Colorado with a base of 162 inches snow is not a problem here. Wolf creek is coined and rightfully so for having the most snow in Colorado. This mountain knows powder, and is also Colorado’s best kept secret.

2. Buttermilk located in Aspen Colorado with a base of 67 inches. They might not have the most snow, but this is the home mountain to ESPN’s Winter X-games so they must know something. With the Buttermilk Terrain park, X games slopestyle course, and the most epic of all the X Games superpipe.

3. Crested Butte resort in Colorado has an 89 inch base this is a true ski town. Great snow, shops, dinning and night life. You can have it all in this slice of Colorado. Crested Butte ideal for the family that has someone that wants the vacation just not the skiing.

4. Red River Ski area in New Mexico has a 65 inch base. Families have been loading the van and heading to New Mexico for years. Red River is a smaller resort that is ideal for family get aways or a quick weekend trip. If the kiddos tucker out with a half day of skiing there is still more fun to be had with tubbing and snowmobiling offered.

5. Angel Fire resort in New Mexico with a 54 inch base and the claim to fame of having the most diverse terrain in New Mexico there is sure to be your style of snow to run here. Angle Fire has two terrain parks, cross country trails and New Mexico’s only freestyle half pipe.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris