November 2015 • Durango Living/Holiday •
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No Reservations Required!
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SERVING NEW MEXICO SINCE 1992 • SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • NEW • USED • CONSIGNMENT & TRADES WELCOME 2 • Durango Living/Holiday • November 2015
Angel Giving Tree
Help make the season bright for all. Come Visit Us at the Durango Mall
• Shop for an Angel or Shop for a Bell • Return Gifts By Saturday, December 14th • Wrapping Booth Fundraiser open until December 24th • Cash donations used to purchase Toys and Food Certificates for our families
30 Year Anniversary
There are lots of ways to help... Cash donations, Angel Tree, Volunteering, etc. Call 247-2944 www.projectmerrychristmas.com Project Merry Christmas PO Box 422, Durango, CO 81302
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ASSISTANT EDITOR
DOUGLAS BENNETT
RACHEL SEGURA
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PREPRESS
BOB GANLEY
JUSTIN MEEK JIM DODSON OLIVIA DOMBACH LANEY LONGWELL MICHELLE MARTIN LINDA MCDARBY
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING
DAVID HABRAT CREATIVE SERVICES PRODUCTION MANAGER
SUZANNE DUKE SENIOR MANAGER OF DESIGN
TODD BARTZ EDITOR/DESIGNER
KARLA SLUIS
214115
Intothe
Woods
We invite you to celebrate the season with this collection of stories about our beloved forests
INSIDE 4
Christmas Tree Train: Reduce fuels on fun excursion
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The Durango Herald uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this guide, visit: www.durangoherald.com
Well groomed: San Juan Sledders volunteer for thrills
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Goods for the woods: Gift ideas for outdoor lovers
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
JUAN AYALA BART COLLINS SHAWNA LONG TERESSA NELSON KAROLANN LATIMER COLLEEN DONLEY
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10 Spruce up Happy Hour:
Greens flavor Steamworks brew
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12 Medicinal osha root: Locals love this treasure from the forest
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Wild words: Gift-worthy books are inspired by wilderness
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OFF THE COUCH
Christmas Tree Train:
A forest gift
D&SNGRR and Forest Service combine a holiday adventure with fuels reduction have a nice shape, and they are soft to the touch – not prickly,” said Ann Bond, San Juan Public Lands Public Affairs Specialist. hat could be more jolly than a She said passengers can cut anywhere from historic train loaded with freshlythe “little bitty ones” to 20 feet tall. They are chopped Christmas trees? Throw close to the tracks, so people won’t have to in a hand saw and a lesson in ecology, and hike out far in winter conditions. it’s a postcard moment with an important “A tree cut locally has a story behind it,” message about healthy forests. said Robbins. “It is less likely to be perfect, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge but it is from Colorado, and has its own Railroad is offering a special Christmas personality.” Tree Train this year, running on Bond said the Forest Service has If you go December weekends leading up partnered with the train for many The Christmas Tree Train to Christmas. Passengers who years. D&SNGRR has their own will run Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, remove trees around Cascade firefighters who work to reduce 19. Call (888) 872 4607 to Wye will create a buffer near reserve a space. A roundtrip hazards, because the train is a the rail line, and provide a ticket starts at $62 for adult source of ignitions from cinders safety zone for firefighters if and $36 for a child, in dry conditions. The train also plus $8 for the there is a wildfire. hosts USFS firefighters for fuel tree permit. Passengers on the Christmas reduction work. The Christmas Train will head north and stop at Tree Train was an innovative way to Cascade Canyon, where they will search clear young trees in a specific area in need of for the perfect holiday tree. People can warm work. “This will make the forest healthier,” up by the fireplace and enjoy a hot beverage, said Bond. “Fires use the understory trees to or walk to the footbridge over the Animas climb up into the bigger trees.” River. Volunteers from San Juan Mountains “It’s a meaningful way for people to harvest Association and FireWise Southwest Colorado their own, locally grown Christmas tree. It will sell tree permits and provide hand saws helps the forest and the train, and provides an and cutting advice. One tree per family will be education about fuels reduction.” tagged, netted and loaded on a special boxcar Robbins said the special train is a trial this for the trip back to Durango. year, but workers did scout out other areas in “Initially, we simply wanted to give the need of fuels reduction for future seasons. opportunity to folks who have never gone into “I am hopeful people will want to make it a the national forest to find their own Christmas family tradition,” he said. tree,” said Christian Robbins, D&SNGRR Watch for a photo opportunity when the marketing manager. “But after talking with the U.S. Forest Service, the event is now about first Christmas Tree Train returns to the station at 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 4, which is also Noel helping educate folks about Christmas tree Night in downtown Durango. Santa Claus, harvesting as it relates to fire suppression.” The trees available for harvesting are young Smokey Bear, and representatives in uniform white fir growing in the understory of an older from the USFS, SJMA and the train will greet stand of trees. “The white firs are pretty and passengers. H BY KARLA SLUIS Magazine Editor
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• Durango Living/Holiday • November 2015 4 •4Durango Living/Holiday • November 2015
The Cascade Canyon train’s engine is decked out with a holiday wreath as it steams through fresh snow. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Lashmett, DurangoExposures.com
the
C hristmas Shoppe beautiful, artificial trees & trimmings rustic & traditional holiday decor unique keepsake ornaments and gifts for everyone on your list
Free Gift Wrap with purchase
Lewis
Mercantile
311 Bayfield Center Drive • Bayfield • 970.884.9502
November2015 2015••Durango DurangoLiving/Holiday Living/Holiday••55 November
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
Good
Grooming San Juan Sledders’ foreman volunteers for scenery and thrills BY RACHEL SEGURA Assistant Magazine Editor
R
oger Pennington, grooming foreman for the San Juan Sledders Snowmobile Club, has been on many peaks surrounding Durango – and almost always with snow. As an avid snowmobiler, Pennington is one of roughly 90 volunteers who spend their free time grooming trails in the backcountry. “One of the most gratifying things about the ride is when you get to the top of a 13,000-foot peak and shut off the sled,” Pennington said. “The wind never stops blowing, and it sounds like the mountains are sighing.” Pennington is one of the founding members of the club. Formed in Bayfield in 1992, the club was organized by several community members interested in grooming trails for all forms of winter recreation. Pennington, a Bayfield resident since 1986, is a member of the Colorado Snowmobile Association. He was asked to share his knowledge of the association with the interested right, where you would need ropes in the summer.” parties. His profound love of snowmobiling and previous He also grooms areas of Missionary Ridge, Lemon Resgrooming experience in Salida helped to further educate and ervoir and Vallecito. It’s not just snowmobilers who use the drive the group. designated trails. Cross-country skiers, dog sledders and The club became a part of the CSA, and today they groom a snowshoers also make good use of the area. total of 300 miles from eight trailheads in La Plata and MontThe club offers more than just grooming services to the ezuma counties. community. Pennington is also a state-certified snowmo“I groom from Purgatory to Bolam Pass, then I come out by bile safety trainer. He offers a free certification course for Highway 145 near Rico, then on to Dunton Hot Springs,” Penchildren ages 10 to 16 over a two-day period who want nington said. “On an easy day, that is 18 hours of grooming.” to ride unsupervised. The course participants attend Of course, it isn’t always an easy day. He’s been stuck a three-and-a-half hour class the first day, and on before. There was a time had he not turned the snowcat Safety tip the second day are required to drive an obstacle around, he would have run out of gas. And someOutdoor enthusiasts enjoy course. They are also shown basic snowmotimes that 18-hour day can turn into 23 hours. But winter play on groomed trails bile maintenance, like changing a spark plug. Pennington has been a proponent for snowmobiling miles from roads and cities. For emergencies or transport in Adults are also welcome to take the course. since 1963, when he first started riding. rural areas near Montrose, call The club is also involved in what they call “There’s always a risk to this sport, but I’m a NasTransCare Ambulance at Fun Days, where volunteers take a group of car fan. What can I say? I like fast speeds. An average (970) 240-9544. special needs individuals on snowmobile and day on a snowmobile could mean 50 miles of terrain. snowcat rides. They also give rides on dog sleds, There are places you can go, if the snow conditions are
6 • Durango Living/Holiday • November 2015
Roger Pennington, grooming foreman for the San Juan Sledders Snowmobile Club, takes a break at Lemon Reservoir.
Ambulance & Ambulette
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For all your long distance Ambulance & Ambulette transportation needs!
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970.901.2863
Photo courtesy of Roger Pennington
pending availability that season. They work with local organizations like Community Connections, Special Olympics and Adaptive Sports. “The idea was actually inspired by a member whose daughter has cerebral palsy,” he said. “One day she came to me and said, ‘Is there something we can do for these individuals?’” They created Fun Days soon after, and the club goes out every year in early March. The groups ride all day and have lunch. “It’s great to see the smiles,” Pennington said. “The goal is to give them a fun day out in the sun. This is something they don’t do regularly, and it’s not too adventurous. The smiles are the best part.” The club also offers various educational opportunities through their meetings, such as avalanche awareness. They meet the second Thursday of each month at various locations. E-mail info@sanjuansledders.com for more information on meetings and other club questions. H November 2015 • Durango Living/Holiday •
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H O L I D AY G I F T I D E A S
Goods for the
Presents for outdoor lovers on your list
Woods All products available from Lewis True Value Mercantile
Coleman Duck Harbor Sleeping Bag, The 3 pounds of Coletherm insulation is made to withstand temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. The lime green cotton flannel liner is surrounded by brown cotton. Storage is easy – just wrap and roll. ThermoLock construction reduces heat loss through the zipper, keeping you warmer. Roll Control locks bag in place for easier rolling. Fiberlock keeps insulation from shifting. Zipper Glide adds a tailored appearance while allowing the zipper to operate smoothly around corners. $59
Fiskars Super Splitting Axe A 36” super splitting axe, with sheath, ideal for splitting medium to extra-large sized logs. Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed to multiply power. A hardened forged steel blade stays sharp longer, and shock-absorbing duraframe handle is lightweight, yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage. Includes a lifetime warranty. $64
8 • Durango Living/Holiday • November 2015
Sierra Lifestyles Bear Track Cabinet Knob A rustic collection of cabinet knobs and pulls will bring a unique feel to any room in your home. These items are easy to install and immediately transform any room to a cozy retreat. $17
Victorinox Swiss Army Ranger Pocket Knife
From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army knife a century ago comes the Ranger – a complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, picnic enthusiasts, and people of all trades – all neatly contained in a single implement. $63
Noel Night
Kick off the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 4, in downtown Durango on Main Avenue during this special event. Shop local and receive treats, entertainment and discounts.
Shimano Spinning Reel, Sienna 1000 RD This reel has high-end features and performance, like the Propulsion Line Management system for longer casts and reduced backlash. The Super Stopper II provides instant anti-reverse without backplay. Propulsion spool lip prevents backlashes. Varispeed oscillation controls spool-speed for even line lay. DynaBalance in the rotor eliminates wobble during retrieves. Power Roller II reduces twist from casting and retrieving. $39
Tin Jay Twig Style Perch Bird Feeder This Perky-Pet Feeder features 6 twig-style perches and a 2-pound seed capacity to attract plenty of birds to watch. 95 percent of the feeder is made from wood. The hanging seed feeder has a full-length window for monitoring seed levels $27
Flexible Flyer Sled This 48” tough wood and steel sled is for serious sledders. Made of birch wood, with powder-coated steel runners. Flexible steering bar gives control down the hill, and two sets of knees give support. Built for ages 5 and older. $85
November 2015 • Durango Living/Holiday •
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CHEW ON THIS
Spruce up Happy Hour
Steamworks celebrates 10 years of brewing beer with locally harvested spruce tips BY KARLA SLUIS Magazine Editor
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Steamworks staff sports “spruce-staches”on a harvesting expedition near Little Molas Lake: From left, Brewers Spencer Roper and Ken Martin; Co-founder Brian McEachron and Assistant Brewer Ryan McDonald.
n one sip, you can taste the essence of the forest. Steamworks Brewing Co.’s seasonal Spruce Goose beer is infused with fresh spruce tips. It’s like Christmas in a glass. This is the 10th year that Steamworks has offered the seasonal brew, which was launched Nov. 6. Head Brewer Ken Martin said the beer style is based on an English Old Ale. “It works well with the integration of the flavors and aromas provided by the spruce tips,” he said. “The result is a robust malty beer with caramel and toffee notes, as well as a ‘cherry-candy like’ quality.” Beers brewed with spruce and other vaPhoto courtesy of Brian McEachron/Steamworks Brewing Co. rieties of pine were introduced to Scotland by the vikings. They would spike beers with fresh spruce tips to prepare for long sea voyages and adventures. The vitamin C in The key to cooking with the tips of Culinary uses include flavoring for salt, sugar, syrup, vinegar or a candied the greens helped prevent scurvy. evergreen trees is to harvest them when On launch night at Steamworks restaurant they first begin to emerge from their brown confection. The cookies below use finely chopped tips to evoke the warm, woodsy papery casings – usually in late July. At in Durango, one of the first-served glasses scent of a conifer forest. this stage, spruce tips are very tender and of the amber beer was complex, but the Consuming spruce in any form comes with have a fresh flavor that tastes lightly of pine scent and flavor was subtle – not over resin with hints of citrus. one warning: Don’t do it if you’re pregnant. the top. A sweet, toffee-malt aftertaste was pleasant, prompting another round. FORAGED EVERGREEN SPRUCE SHORTBREAD COOKIES Drinking Spruce Goose creates a warm and fuzzy feeling – and not just because Makes about 4 dozen cookies Gradually add the flour, mixing thoroughly ¼ to ½ cup fresh conifer needles after each addition to form a buttery ball of of the 7.9 percent alcohol. A group of staff and/or tips – can use fir, Douglas fir, pine, dough. You can mix with a wooden spoon, members gather the spruce tips near Little spruce, or substitute rosemary your fingers, or both. Divide the dough Molas Lake in late July. 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened between 2 large sheets of parchment paper. “It makes for a fun day in the alpine, with ½ cup granulated sugar Using the paper as an aid, roll each piece of an end result that we all really appreciate,” 2 teaspoons orange zest dough into a 1.5-inch diameter log. Wrap in said Martin. Pinch of salt plastic and freeze for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, He said recipe has been the same 2 cups all-purpose flour preheat oven to 350°F. throughout the years, but there are Finely chop the evergreen needles/ Unwrap the dough and cut into ¼-inchsubtle differences from year to tips using a food processor, coffee thick rounds. Depending on the conifer you Gift idea or spice grinder, or high-powered used and the grinding method, you may see year, similar to a wine vintage. Festive spirits are thoughtful blender. (You can also use a knife, little fibers sticking out from the edges of the “We as brewers always wait hostess gifts. Consider giving but be sure to chop very finely.) cookies. These are harmless and fine to eat, eagerly in anticipation of what locally produced Colorado The mixture may be a bit sticky but for prettier cookies you can take the time this year’s crop will be like Honey Whiskey from Honey and fibrous. Remove any large to pick them out or smooth them down before House Distillery; or in flavor and aroma, and how fibers or stray, whole needles. baking. Soiled Doves Vodka that will integrate with the beer. In a large bowl, combine the To bake, place the cookies 1 inch apart on from Durango Craft Many brewers may not prefer to evergreen needles/tips, butter, parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake Spirits. brew with that much uncertainty, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Mix until the edges are golden brown, about 10 but we enjoy it.” H with a wooden spoon until creamy. minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Culinary uses for fresh spruce tips
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Spruce Goose beer is available for a limited time at Steamworks and El Moro restaurants and select local liquor stores.
213151
KARLA SLUIS/Herald
November 2015 • Durango Living/Holiday •
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BE WELL
Do you
Dig it? Locals love medicinal osha – the forest’s buried treasure “You can eat it straight, or pour hot water over it to make tea. I use it for respiratory issues and general immune boosting.” any people are discovering what Spear has been harvesting osha every Native Americans – and bears September for many years. She learned – have known for a long time: about the root and how to prepare it and The roots of a special mountain plant have harvest it ethically as a former employee of healing power. Dancing Willow Herbs. Ligusticum porteri, commonly known as Osha is in the carrot family of plants. It osha, is native to the San Juans Mountains has a very strong, spicy flavor: a blend of and northern New Mexico. It can be found parsnips and licorice, with a bitter aftertaste. in deep, moist soils rich in organic matter at The tall plants have leaves that look and elevations between 9,000 to 10,000 feet. smell like celery. In summer the plants have Bears respond to the herb like cats do clusters of tiny white flowers in an umbel, or to catnip. They will roll on it and cover flat umbrella shape. themselves with its scent. When a bear first Gretchen Fitzgerald, a forester with comes out of hibernation, it will eat osha if Columbine Ranger District in Bayfield, said it can find it, to cleanse its digestive system. people can legally harvest osha for personal The root is “bear medicine” traditionally use, but they must get a free-use permit at used by Native Americans in the Southwest, any San Juan National Forest Office and are as much for good luck as for health benefits. limited to 10 pounds per person. “I had a friend who carried osha with “That is plenty of osha root to last a her for protection when she traveled,” family for the winter,” she said. “If said Durango resident Alicia Spear. a tincture is made, it is enough “I just like to eat it.” Immune to give to the whole neighborOsha stimulates the respirasystem boost hood.” Osha collected under a tory, immune and digestive The holidays bring joy – personal-use/free-use permit systems. The root has been and sometimes colds and flu. cannot be sold. Fight off viruses with vitamins clinically verified for its that include fatty acids, such Some herbalists around the antiviral and antibacterial as Complete Omega and country are concerned that osha properties, as well as its ability Nordic Probiotic. is being overharvested due to to fight a wide variety of respigrowing interest and acceptance ratory ailments. of herbal remedies. But Fitzgerald said Dancing Willow Herbs carries with the exception of a few popular locations Osha Chews, which are locally harvested near roads that are easy to access, the Forest (“wildcrafted”) and soaked in honey from Service does not believe the plant has been Southwest Colorado. The shop also carries overharvested locally. tinctures, tea and throat sprays infused with Despite its many benefits, it’s never the herb. smart to dig up and eat wild plants without Some locals harvest osha root carefully for expert guidance. Osha can be confused with personal use. hemlock, which is poisonous. “I dry it, or cook it in honey,” said Spear. BY KARLA SLUIS Magazine Editor
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12 • Durango Living/Holiday • November 2015
Osha root is also called Colorado Cough Root, Chuchupate, Indian Parsley, mountain ginseng, and Bear Medicine. “The best characteristic that distinguishes osha from any other root is the (‘spicy celery’) smell,” said Fitzgerald. “I would also not harvest osha if hemlock is growing near it. Hemlock grows in wet areas, whereas osha is much more widespread. So to be ultra-safe, just don’t dig in a wet area.” Osha is dependent on mycorrhizal fungi, and attempts to artificially cultivate the plant outside of its habitat for commercial use have not been successful. That means the wild plants are a precious resource. According to Fitzgerald, to harvest osha sustainably, people should follow these guidelines: n Only harvest mature plants with flowering stalks. n Osha should only be harvested in the fall, when the leaves start to senesce, or turn yellow. n A harvester should leave a portion of the root undisturbed of the plant they are digging. The easiest way to do that is to cut the root with a shovel and dig all the way around the portion to be harvested. Osha has rhizome roots, so leaving a portion of the root undisturbed will allow it to recolonize the area that was harvested. n Harvesters should fill in any holes. They can also leave some root crowns or seeds in the disturbed area. n The best way to encourage regeneration is by leaving some of the root to re-sprout, and fill in the disturbed area. n Never take more than 10 percent of the mature plants in a given area. It’s best to change the harvest area by finding a new location to visit each year. For more guidelines for ethical and sustainable harvesting of wild plants, visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_ DOCUMENTS/stelprd3822046.pdf. H
Cool kitchen gadgets Looking for fun stocking stuffers for the avid home cook on your list? These colorful gadgets will get creative juices flowing in the kitchen. Your loved one will enjoy spritzing, grating, and making curly noodles out of random produce. Bonus: They are all small items that fit in the palm of your hand, which means they won’t clutter a countertop or take up much space in a kitchen drawer. The following items were found at Nature’s Oasis in Durango.
Joie Citrus Squeeze & Mist: This is a brilliant, inexpensive and multifunctional tool: It reams, juices, sprays and stores citrus fruits. $7
Cover Blubber: It’s fun to say and fun to play with. (Your kids will find it irresistible.) The jewel-toned reusable wrap protects food in the fridge or freezer. It form-fits to shapedfood and seals airtight to containers. 4-pack, $19
Blossom Choco.Nut.Cheese Grater: This gadget easily creates delicate spiral shavings of hard cheeses, chocolates, or nuts with a simple twist – without grating your knuckles. $27
HIC Spiral Slicer: Following the keep-itsimple formula, this handheld spiral slicer and cutter quickly makes food prep a snap with a twist of the wrist. Great for Paleo diets. $11
November 2015 • Durango Living/Holiday •
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N E W S YO U C A N U S E
Wild words These authors are inspired by the plants, animals and adventures of Southwest Colorado. Here are some titles worthy of gift wrap for outdoor-lovers on your list.
The Wooden Canvas
OUTDOORS IN THE SOUTHWEST
Discover the history and traditions of Southwest Colorado’s arborglyphs – carvings in aspen trees – with local author and San Juan Mountains Association Cultural Program Director Ruth Lambert. Her new book looks at how arborglyphs reflect Hispano life along the Pine-Piedra Stock Driveway near Arboles. Too soon, the carvings will be gone. As trees fall, their messages will decay, and this window into the past will close. The loss of these fragile inscriptions and images prompted SJMA to apply for funding from the History Colorado State Historical Fund to document the arborglyphs. History buffs and art lovers will enjoy the work. $15
An Adventure Anthology, is edited by Andrew Gulliford, a history professor at Fort Lewis College. Advocating an outdoor ethic based on curiosity, cooperation, humility, and ecological literacy, this essay collection features selections by renowned southwestern writers, as well as scholars, guides, and river rats. $27
LIVING WITH BEARS
A Practical Guide to Bear Country, by Linda Masterson, dispels myths, replaces fear with respect, and lays the foundation for improving human-black bear relations with an inside look at the fascinating world of these highly intelligent, adaptable and resourceful animals. This guidebook to life in bear country is packed with a wealth of useful and often surprising information, and down-to-earth advice from bear experts all over the continent, along with real-life stories on how people and bears can share space. $20
Don’t Forget the Duct Tape
Tips & Tricks for Repairing & Maintaining Outdoor & Travel Gear, by Kristin Hostetter, has all the info you’ll need to be a gear fix-it guru in this second edition. Whether you need to remedy a leak in your tent, repair flapping boot soles, nurse a cranky stove back to life, unclog a water filter, or revive gunked-up Velcro, you’ll find the solution here. Sections include what to pack in your hiking or travel repair kits; duct tape dos and don’ts; new sections on caring for technical wool garments and repairing softshell fabrics, single-wall tents, hydration systems, and more. $8 14 • Durango Living/Holiday • November 2015
November 2015 • Durango Living/Holiday •
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