Girl vs. Wild NewsOK.com Blogging Community

New outdoor adventures, especially those that allow me to meet new people, are always a thrill. For years I have been eyeing the sport of kayaking, but for some reason I had not yet tried it due to a feeling of timidity which is very uncommon for me. I am usually a girl that attacks all adventures head on. Kayaking seemed like one of those sports that required vast amounts of skill! The whole concept of staying afloat in a tiny box like flotation device while trying to paddle with rhythm, and oh yes not flip over and drown. All those variables didn’t add up well in my head. In fact I had the cat in water scenario playing in my mind.

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.

Recently I have been setting my sights on another outdoors prize. To be able to knock a 14er off my list of things to do and explore.

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

The rise in gas prices has me looking elsewhere. I have decided it’s time to think smart. Something fun, fast, and possibly two wheels? Yes, scooters!

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

Backpacking is one of the oldest American wilderness adventure traditions. Fo decades families, wonder lust young adults, and middle aged thrill seekers have been filling up their packs and hitting the trail in search of a little time in the great outdoors. It brings me great joy to see fellow backpackers on the trail experiencing all the things that make being outdoors amazing.

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

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.

You got it I am in NYC, Brooklyn to be exact. It was a roller coaster to get here, but I have had a great ride since. Let’s see, I flew out of OKC at dawn thirty Thursday morning and had a freaking crazy man on the plane delay my connection to NY. I sat on the tarmac for a lovely 1.5 hours. I got just a bit irritated. Once I landed and figured out how to work this amazing thing that most cities have called “Public Transportation” it has been a blast. I roamed Soho today found some great stores. My returning luggage is getting a bit heavier!

What I love about this place is I am a fish out of water. When I go into the wild woods I feel extremely comfortable. I have no worries in my ability to be safe, or handle any situation I am thrown into. This is different. I don’t know NYC, and I love that I have to figure things out! So here I am Girl vs. Wild trying to handle each bite of this Big Apple. I will share more tales from my adventure as they come. Don’t worry I will be back in the woods next weekend!

Lastly from a very wise bear. Only you can prevent forest fires.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Yesterday I was desperately seeking an adventure. Any adventure. I needed to just explore, climb, conquer. I came up short though, and with the past holiday I went to the dreaded mall with my dear Mom. Brave women she is, with no fear wheeling through the massive crowds. Like Alaskan salmon swimming upstream after the prize.

With Alaskan salmon the prize is mating. There flesh tears fighting upstream, and the rough waters pool with blood all in search of love. These crazy people were merely after sweaters, socks, and of course Uggs. It became a game braving the crowds and I soon realized pushing and shoving was the norm, and not entirely frowned upon. I also was quick to learn that being small was great. On a tall day I am 5”3 and am a feisty spitfire with defeat a foreign word. These crowds became my icy waters and even though I wasn’t fighting upstream for an amazing love I still needed to keep my mind in the game.

Distractions were everywhere, and I curse the cart vendors waving lotion in my face. Did I look like I need lotion? Couldn’t they see I was on a mission?It was a jungle out there and I was off and not to be messed with. Starting at the north end of the mall and headed to the far southeast corner I hit traffic jams and bottle necks, but no worries I was a force to be reckoned with. I made it to my store, and my goal half met!

You should know that in the stores it’s far worse. Keep your elbows up in fighting ready. You’re most likely to encounter issues in the stores and some ladies get rough. Scary stuff. I saw the prize and headed straight for it and made sure to not miss a step. Out of the corner of my fierce eye I saw another girl headed straight there. Oh man I better get a move on. Don’t worry, I beat her there and got the last classy and sassy black dress. Score 1 for the fierce, 0 for the opponent. After 45 minutes of searching, finding, buying my mission was complete and I was home free. Successful with the mall and it’s animals conquered!!!! Good Luck…

Side note: On any day rain or shine I will trade just about anything to be outside finding adventures and fun. However sometimes society requires us to play inside. Don’t worry I will never trade the great outdoors for a stroll in the mall.

There’s ice, trees down, it’s hell outside. The streets are dangerous and should be treated as so. We need to take extra precautions to stay safe. A simple winter survival kit for your family is very important. Here is how you make a simple kit that you can store in your car and also in your house for just in case the situation should arise that you will need it. Here is how I have made mine. I keep one in my car and one in my coat closet. Get a spare backpack that is big enough to hold a few items. Be sure to have enough supplies to last you and your family three days. Three days is enough time for you and your loved ones to figure out how to move to your plan B. Now remember if you have pets they are apart of your family as well so count them in your family head count. Everyone’s needs are different so this list might be different for you, but this is a great start for you to jump from.

Here’s the list.

1. band-aids

2. gauze

3. antibacterial ointment

4. rubbing alcohol

5. ace bandage

6. small sewing kit

7. waterproof matches

8. a few sheets of newspaper and drier lint and fire starter

9. dry socks

10. flashlight with several sets of spare batteries

11. all your contact information you will need in an emergency

12. pet food

13. human food: granola bars work well

14. jumper cables

15. family size blanket