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.

MOUNTAIN CAPS

Photo by .anderson

One of my favorite pieces of outdoor clothing is the venerable mountain cap.  Typically characterized by a weather-resistant shell, light insulation, brim and ear flaps.  I personally own three -- Lowe Alpine's Mountain Cap (I also bought one for my son) and two vintage caps by Wilderness Experience and Because It's There.  I suggest trying one out if you haven't already.  Finding one that fits your needs/style should be easy since most outdoor clothing companies produce a version of the mountain cap.  Here's a handful to check out:

• AQ2 Mountain Cap by Berghaus (Berghaus carries a couple different models.)
• Mountain Cap by Lowe Alpine (Can be had for cheap.)
• Featherlite Mountain Cap by Montane (2.1oz and primaloft insulation...nice.)
• Mountain Cap by Rab (eVent shell, enough said.)
• Highpoint Cap by Outdoor Research (Great company, bomber gear, sweet guarantee.)
• Alpine II Cap by Haglofs (lightweight, well-made.)

WINDOWS TO THE WILD

Follow outdoorsman and host Willem Lange as he visits New England's wild places on New Hampshire Public Television's award winning series Windows to the Wild.  Check out their collection of photos from each episode on Flickr; or better yet, stream 41 full episodes online.  Giddy up.

THE MUNROS

This past summer, James Urquhart set out on foot to climb all 283 Munros (A Munro is a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000'). In late October he had already bagged 173 peaks before the snow set in.  He will resume his journey in the spring.  James is well on his way to becoming a 'compleater' and earning his Munroist brooch.  Although this trip isn't about the brooch, it's about the experience.  Watch the following trailer for his upcoming documentary.

AMC LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES

Photo by Dian Jordan

The AMC Library and Archives have been collecting books, maps, films, photos, journals, summit registers and more since 1876, the club's founding year.  Today the library has over 3,000 titles, 10,000 photos and is one of the White Mountain rare book collections in the world.  The library and archives is open to the public and is located at the AMC headquarters in Boston on 5 Joy Street -- Look for the green flag.  If you can't make it to Boston you can access their online library catalog.  The AMC also offers prints for personal use and digital files licensed for publication, read more about policies and pricing here.  Happy hunting.

FRED BECKEY'S 100 FAVORITE NORTH AMERICAN CLIMBS

 Beckey still climbing in his 80's. Photo by Juan Maderita.

Patagonia Books just published Fred Beckey's 100 Favorite North American Climbs.  As with most things Patagonia does, it looks gorgeous.  If you don't know who Fred Beckey is, do yourself a favor and read up.  The book is filled with hand-drawn climbing topos, photos, and 40 additional climbs of note, all printed on 100% recycled paper.