All good things must come to an end...

The time has come and sadly our season has come to a close.  We made it back to Boulder, CO, where it all began, safe and sound.  Our travels this season brought us through 24 states, covering over 15,000 miles.  We were able to reach over 4,000 people with Leave No Trace information and made more than 30,000 impressions.  As we sit in the office and reflect on the past three months, we are very pleased with the success of e-tour's second season.  The program continues to grow and develop and we are proud to be a part of such a rewarding and valuable organization.  We would especially like to thank Coleman Outdoor Products for their generosity and support.  Also, we would like to thank Marmot for outfitting us in style as we spread the Leave No Trace skills and ethics this summer.   

Enjoy all your outdoor adventures this year and remember to Leave No Trace.  Be sure to check out the website www.lnt.org to find out when e-tour 2009 will be in your town!  

Safe travels!

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

Spreading awareness through New Mexico

Over the weekend we hosted two awareness workshops in New Mexico.  Friday night we were at Sportsman Warehouse in Las Cruces, NM.  We had a good crowd for the workshop, which included locals, kids, and staff from Sportsmans Warehouse.  We played a variety of games and activities to introduce the audience to the principles of Leave No Trace.  Although the heat can be unbearable at times in southern New Mexico and make it difficult for locals to get outside, there are wonderful recreational areas for them to enjoy.  We discussed the importance of leaving no trace in these special places.  

After Las Cruces, we drove north to the capital, Santa Fe,  to the Coleman Factory Outlet.  We had only two people for the workshop, but they were avid Leave No Trace enthusiasts and very involved in the Boy Scouts.  We introduced them to the PEAK pack, a Leave No Trace curriculum developed in partnership with REI, so that they can use some of the activities with their troop.  We had great discussions about their times in the Boy Scouts and how important Leave No Trace has been in all the adventures they have taken.  Remember to Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure!

Safe Travels...

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

#33, 34, & 35

Three more National Parks checked off the list!  Over the week, we went to three parks in four days!  Our first stop was at Big Bend National Park in Texas.  We stayed in the Chisos Mountains, where we found relief from the scorching summer sun.  We hiked in the mountains on the Lost Mines Trail.  Although we were in the middle of bear and mountain lion country, we were not lucky enough to spot either on the trail.  We were able to encounter other wildlife including a mountain jay, javelinas, mule deer, a skunk, a large rattlesnake, and a vulture. It is truly amazing how much life there is in the vast desert.  We left the park along a beautiful scenic drive that traveled beside the Rio Grande to the small border town of Presidio, where we ate an authentic Tex-Mex meal.  After lunch, our travels took us north to the Guadalupe Mountains N.P. in northern Texas and to the Carlsbad Caverns N.P. in New Mexico.  Both parks offered solitude and beauty.  There was Leave No Trace information across all three parks for visitors to learn about ways to minimize their impacts while enjoying these special places.  The past four days have been a whirlwind of natural beauty.  We are looking forward to continuing to explore more jewels of the southwest over the last few weeks of our tour.  

Safe travels...

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

Family fun in Texas

Have you ever wanted to get your family out camping under the stars but are not sure how?  The Texas State Parks system has the answer for you...become a Texas Outdoor Family!  Over the next couple of months, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, will be hosting family campouts across the state.  This is a wonderful opportunity to get your family outdoors and learn how to camp, kayak, geocash, and much more.  The best part is there is no experience necessary.  To find out more information about the locations, visit Texas Outdoor Family 

Over this past weekend we were a part of the pilot program for Texas Outdoor Family.  There were over 50 participants with varied previous camping experience.  The park provided all the necessary gear, which was all Coleman Outdoor products, for every family.  They also led demonstrations on minimal impact set up and break down of camp, disposal of grey water and trash, and safe campfire techniques.  Participants were eager to ask us questions about ways they can leave no trace and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.  Happy camping to all the families that will take part in this fabulous event!

Safe travels...

Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

Texas State Parks Trainer Course

On Wednesday and Thursday we had the pleasure of hosting a trainer course with the staff of various state parks and historical sites in Texas.  The course was held at Buescher State Park, just east of Austin.  The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Texas State Parks have partnered up just as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD,  is set to launch its first series of Texas Outdoor Family Campouts.  The campouts are designed to teach families the Leave No Trace skills and ethics while learning outdoor skills of camping, such as tent set-up, outdoor cooking, gps use, and family activities.  

The trainer course provided the staff with the necessary tools to develop Leave No Trace practices in their parks.  We were excited to have Dave Winter, the Outreach Manager for Leave No Trace, join us on the course.  His knowledge and expertise provided valuable information to the participants.  A special thanks goes out to Chris Holmes, TPWD Outdoor Programs Coordinator, for embracing Leave No Trace and working towards instilling the program in the Texas State Parks.  Thanks for all your hard work!

Safe Travels...

Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

Relay Madness at Black Bear Lake

We spent the day at Black Bear Lake Day Camp in Clarksburg, NJ.  This is an exciting way for kids to spend the lazy days of summer.  Activities include swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, sports, laser tag, and of course, camping and outdoor skills.  We had the opportunity to work with 8 groups of campers ranging in age from 6-12. The Leave No Trace Relay Race was a huge hit.  The campers really enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning the principles of Leave No Trace.  When we asked each group what they learned during the activity, the most common response was "the rule of thumb".  Respecting wildlife is an important part of experiencing the outdoors, after all, we are visiting their home.  Using the 'rule of thumb' is simple- start by extending your arm directly in front of you and give the animal a thumbs up.  Then close one eye and try to cover the animal with your thumb.  If you can completely cover the animal, then you are a safe distance away from the animal.  By using the rule of thumb, you will ensure safety for both you and the wildlife.  Remember to never feed, follow, or chase wildlife!

Safe Travels...

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

Dick's Outdoor Adventure Tour-Danvers, MA

Dick's Outdoor Adventure Tour in Danvers, MA marked the final days for the e-tour team in New England.  The weather was perfect for any outdoor adventure all weekend long.  We were thrilled to have Dan LeRose, the National Account Manager for Coleman Outdoor Products, join us at the event.  Dan provided a wealth of knowledge on all things Coleman and demonstrated the high-speed grilling capabilities of the Coleman Road Trip grill.  He is a master on the grill!  

The people of Danvers were excited to learn about Leave No Trace skills and ethics.  We had the opportunity to chat with a lot of folks, including boy and girl scouts and an Eagle Scout who was a master when it came to "Bear Canister Trivia".  The kids loved the Leave No Trace Scavenger hunt, as the adults enjoyed a fun game of "How Long Does It Last".  We had lengthy discussions on the importance of disposing of waste properly and recycling.  Do your part to keep our lands beautiful by learning and following the seven principles of Leave No Trace.  

Good Bye New England!  Safe Travels...

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

Dick's Outdoor Adventure Tour-Springfield, MA

We had a great 4th of July weekend at the Dick's Outdoor Adventure Tour in Springfield, MA.  People were excited to be picking up their gear to kick off a summer of fun!  We encountered many outdoor enthusiasts, especially one family that hung out with us at our booth and played a variety of Leave No Trace games and activities.  The family had never heard of Leave No Trace but they immediately understood why Leave No Trace is important and how it can be easily applied to their outdoor adventures.  The family enjoyed to event so much that they came back on Sunday to do it all again.  Come check us out next weekend in Danvers, MA for our final meeting with the Dick's Outdoor Adventure Tour.

Safe Travels...

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

Kittery Trading Post, Maine

Friday we arrived in Kittery, ME after a relaxing week in Massachusetts catching up with family and friends.  We spent the day at the Kittery Trading Post for Junefest.  This was an exciting event filled with great sales and Coleman was highlighted as an event guest.  Coleman's Let's Go Outside Tour, a mobile showcase providing a touch of Coleman's 100 plus year history as well as a sampling of today's products, was in the parking lot for customers to enjoy.  We met a Leave No Trace enthusiast that quizzed us on the history of NOLS and Leave No Trace skills and ethics about the use of fire.  We explained to her that Leave No Trace is not against campfires, but it is important to always check with your local land manager about fire permits.  Then you want to use an established fire ring in popular areas and keep the fire small.  Always be sure to burn the wood to ash and pack out what you can.  She was very happy to see us at Junefest and encouraged us to reach as many people as possible. 

Safe Travels...Tracy and Kate, etour 2008

Snow? May?

Here it is, May 13, 2008 and we are getting ready to start our summer adventure tomorrow!  We woke up this morning to snow everywhere!  What crazy weather we have here in Golden, CO.  We have had four great days of training up at the Leave No Trace office and are fully prepared to start our journey.  Our first stop on the tour will be in Broken Arrow, OK for the Bass Pro Shops Go Outdoors Event this weekend.  The Subaru is all packed up with our Coleman gear and we are ready to hit the road...Safe Travels!

~Tracy and Kate, e-tour 2008

e-tour 2008

The 2008 Leave No Trace e-tour is hitting the road next week! Stay tuned for more blogs by the e-tour themselves: Kate and Tracy!