Anne LaBastille, author and environmentalist, passes away.
I could not let this week pass without commenting on the death of Anne LaBastille.
Most New Yorkers, that is those who pay attention to such things, knew LaBastille as a ardent protector of the massive New York Adirondack Park. No matter the land-use issue, as commissioner of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) for 17 years she always championed the natural course. In her role as commissioner, she was reviled by many, revered by most, yet admired by all.
But bureaucratic decisions is hardly her environmental legacy.
LaBastille as author and inspiration.
Author of a dozen books, she inspired women (and men) to live proud lives within natural, not superficial, realms. Her series of autobiographical books (a woman with and within nature) began in 1976 with the popular Woodswomen.
She also wrote naturalist essays for National Geographic and other magazines. And there were other significant environmental contributions:
She was one of the first to focus media attention on acid rain deposits in the Adirondacks.
She helped international organizations establish nature parks around the world.
So, at 75 years of age, Anne LaBastille passes.
Now Go Outdoors! … with Reverence
A side note: Studying biology and ornithology at Cornell, her thesis research was the fragile ecology of the giant pied-bill grebe. This flightless bird was found only in Guatemala near Lake Atitlan. The giant pied-bill grebe is now extinct.
Kathy Ceceri of GeekMom fame and author of The Silk Road laments her lack of “high-tech” hiking gear as she and her family tackle the Adirondack’s Algonquin High Peak.
So, after a four mile hike to New York’s second highest mountain, then a 3,000 foot climb up the Algonquin …. and then the return hike back, here’s her list of ” I wish we had this gear with us”:
Anti-shock trekking poles. Oh, my. Don’t care what kind of walking stick you own, it’s always a must-have for us as we head out on any kind of hike. And as one commenter mentioned, adjustable straps on a trek pole are a must.
Waterproof gaiters. Oh yes. Having lived most of my life along the spine of the Appalachians and Adirondacks, gaiters have long been a hiking equipment staple. At the end of the day it’s great to have dry shins … no matter how damp the underbrush.
Nylon zip-off waterproof pants. Oh, it really depends on the hike trail terrain, the weather, and possible off-trail adventures. Love wool.
Walkie talkies. Oh no. You start as a group, you hike as group, you end your day as a group. Period. I understand family “hiking dynamics”, different skill levels of friends, etc. Been there. Always enjoy the hike together.
GPS. Oh yes. Although I’ll always be a map and compass hiker, a gps must be part of your basic hiking gear. Your best shoes and socks, a sharp knife, a sturdy hiking pole, high-energy snacks, a hat and jacket, your cell phone …. and a gps. That’s how you start. If you think you may meet other hikers on the trail, include a pair of shorts. Oh yeah!
Most readers of this blog already own these hiking gear essentials. But for the novice outdoors-person to-be, her post is a great hike-off point.
And …
There is one “no-brainer” item that does need further emphasis: sunscreens. Eco-friendly, effective, sunscreens.
With one basal cell cancer cut from my cheek(face!), a good sunscreen is now part of my basic hiking pack. So what are some good sunscreen choices for the green hiker?
Eco Friendly Sunscreens
Of course, if you want fail-proof, eco-friendliest sun-block protection, wear a hat and a shirt. No joke.
Just a short post acknowledging the 40th anniversary of the Rideau Trail.
Intended exclusively for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, this contiguous Canadian trail winds through diverse terrain of rolling farmland and the scraggy Canadian shield. With trailheads in Kingston, Ontario and Ottawa, the Rideau meanders 387km along the main and side trail routes.
Good news! CampSaver has decided to extend its Spring Fever Sale through the weekend (offer now valid through 4/4/11). If you haven’t already, be sure to take advantage of this awesome sale. Save up to 40% on tons of climbing gear, footwear, backpacks and much more!
And … free shipping for orders over $50!
Just click the banner below to check out the fantastic deals.
The 2011 National Trails Day is Saturday, June 4th. Themed “Made With All Natural Ingredients” (mountains made of rock? rivers flowing with fresh water?), the 19th edition of Trails Day encourages all to experience the magnificent outdoors.
The sponsor, the American Hiking Society cheers any outdoor activity on this day: hiking, trail repair, kayaking, and health fairs ….
So here’s the plan.
If you’re a loner, or family-centric teen or parent, or a gregarious outdoors person, or a club leader, or a business owner …. mark this day on your Summer calendar. Plan an outdoor adventure. Make a day of it with family, friends and fellow workers.
Not sure what to do? The above AHS link has a state-by-state search map of June 4th events.
And if your community organization would like to participate or even host an event, you can Register Here .
laments her lack of “high-tech” hiking gear as she and her family tackle the Adirondack’s Algonquin High Peak.
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