ASHIMA SHIRAISHI

This is such a fun video.  This little girl is outstanding.  Also, read this article published earlier this month in the New York Time.

PISGAH STATE PARK (NH)

Photo by Ben Kimball

This past Sunday I went trail running at Pisgah State Park in Cheshire County, NH. This is New Hampshire's largest state park, with over 13,000 protected acres - a true gem. I ran a 8.5 mile loop described here. I am fairly new to trail running and this was my favorite run to date. The loop offered some fantastic views, including Mt. Monadnock and the Pisgah Reservoir.  I liked it so much I plan on signing up for the Pisgah Mountain 23K trail race in September (Maybe I will train for the 50K next year).  If you are ever in southern New Hampshire and have some time to kill, take a hike (or a run) at Pisgah, you won't be disappointed.

Useful links:

Trail Map

Friends of Pisgah

Photo by calebjc

ERIC VALLI: OFF THE GRID

There are growing number of people
who have decided to live light on the earth
to not be a part of problem anymore
I spent the last few years with four of them
striving for harmony with nature
in the most pristine corners of United States.

Check out Eric Valli's site for more photos.

MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE MAGAZINE

"Thank you for your subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine!"

That is the message you will see when you throw down the measly $6 for a year subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine, an award winning quarterly publication.  I actually opted for a 2 year subscription for only $10!  I spend a lot of time in Massachusetts - backpacking, cycling, trail running, kayaking, etc. - and these magazines offer a wonderful view into the state's conservation efforts, natural history, wildlife management, outdoor photography and the list goes on.  If you spend anytime in or around Massachusetts I strongly urge you to subscribe.

PANAMINT CITY

 Photo by Kirk Kittell

The story of Panamint City is like a western movie come to life, which is probably why there were several films loosely based on it (do a search for "panamint" on IMDB).  It all started in 1872 when a few outlaws were hiding out in the mountains (Panamint Range) from johnny law and discovered silver in Surprise Canyon.  The city was founded in 1873/74, peaked in '74 and the boom was over at the end of '75.  Then, on July 24, 1876, a flash flood took out most of the city.  Some folks say they got what they deserved for their wicked ways.  Before this outlaw town was founded the Shoshone people resided in this area and it's home to the most elaborate Coso Style pictographs.  You can read more about that here.

Photo by Joe Grant

In October of 1994, the ruins of Panamint City were added to Death Valley National Park.  The most prominent remnant of this full fledged ghost town is the chimney of the smelter.  The only way to get in is on foot.  Backpackers can stay at one of the two first-come first-serve cabins, the Panamint Hilton and the Overflow cabin.  Here is some more information about visiting Death Valley NP.