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View of the Shawangunk Ridge from the Mohonk Preserve in Gardiner, NY

Ready for an Adventure?

Teddy and Terrie don't get out enough - and we hope you'll help us change that, by supporting our project - the Teddy and Terrie Trailwork Tour.

The T/T(Trailwork Tour) is a two year road trip around America, beginning in January of 2009, where we will volunteer with various trail crews as they create, maintain and rehabilitate the access and hiking trails that provide the literal foundation for the outdoor recreationist.

Without these trails, the beauty, function and ecological soundness of many popular destinations would suffer, and in some cases be damaged beyond repair. Are you aware that nearly all parks and nature preserves depend on teams of people who volunteer their time and energy to keep trails safe and in good repair? Do you know why this work is so important in the conservation of our natural landscapes? That without these valuable donations of labor, love and time, many of our most cherished nature centers would simply be unable to handle our impact?

Most likely you do have some idea as to how trailwork preserves our beautiful natural landscapes, not only for current users but for the generations to come. Even so, I hope you'll join us here online as we travel the land and work with the many crews we meet along the way. We'll find out what they do, how they do it, and why. The answers may surprise you!

Overview

When I began rock climbing in 2004, it was as if I had found something I'd been searching for my entire life. The level of consciousness necessary to unlock the vertical puzzles I encountered on each route was intense. As I succeeded, whether it was in making a single transitional move or climbing the line cleanly with no falls, my self-esteem level rose and I became more confident in my abilities and in feeling my place in the world.

Soon enough, I was meeting others who shared my passion, and visiting climbing destinations around the United States. On one of those early trips, my partner and I thrashed our way over terrain on a steep mountainside- bushwacking, as it is called when there is no established path. I was pretty nervous, as I had never really been on a mountain before, much less one that appeared, to my untrained eyes, to have never seen foot traffic before.

My friend told me we actually "were" on a trail, and showed me the vaguest of clues to support his statement. I had to take his word for it, but a few days later we went back along the route and he explained some basic techniques in what as known as "trailbuilding."

This was the start of what has become a very important component in my outdoors recreation. In addition to the fun exercise in climbing and the warm camaraderie found in camping sites around the country, trailwork has enabled me to provide a valuable service for our community.

For more on the story, click here.

NOTE: When viewing Past Posts or other links within the site, please scroll down after the page refreshes. The "Ready for Adventure?" and "Overview" sections are permanently placed on each page.



Monday, August 18, 2008

Planning Update - Monday, August 18, 2008

More research into and planning on destinations has been the bulk of this weeks work. I ran across a website some time ago that is for RV'ers, but it has a lot of good information for road trippers of the less...lets'say, encumbered by humongous rigs....types. I couldn't remember the name of it and so it was lost for a while. But finally I restumbled across it. The site is called Escapees, and if you are thinking on living on the road, it's a great resource to have, particularly the various links tucked away. Particularly the beta on free campsites.....

As well, I have been doing research into publicity. This project, which started out as a simple idea(aren't they all simple when they pop into your head?) has snowballed. Of course I always thought I should try to get coverage in order to get people interested in the idea, but also to get any sponsors as much exposure as possible. But I just didn't really think about....what's involved.

I STILL haven't even approached any potential sponsors yet, and I simply must begin doing so. But I want to be prepared for them, and part of that is handing them data on how I will support their support. That means providing an account of the PR strategy.

So, I am working out the logistics of press contacts and releases and all that fun stuff. If I can get enough corporate assistance, maybe I can bring an intern into the project, and have them assist in some of the work. We'll see.


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