Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Hide and seek goes high-tech and the popularity continues to spread.
Last weekend I stood at 10,000 feet in Colorado and surveyed the breathtaking beauty around me. I was holding a treasure in my hands. I had hiked my lowlander lungs up the steep trail in search of a camouflaged, duck-taped geocache and at that moment it felt priceless. For the last few years I have entered the online and outdoor realm of geocaching (pronounced geo-CASH-ing). I quickly discovered why so many people are hooked on this hobby. Imagine using million-dollar government satellites to play a worldwide game of hide and seek with thousands of other players. Players use handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) units and specific latitude/longitude coordinates to find “caches.” A cache is a container that is camouflaged and hidden …
Monday, January 17, 2011
Whether you're looking for a lunchtime walking path or weekend ski trail, we've got all things outdoors right here.
For the past couple of months, I've been sharing all things nature. We've received some great feedback from you, and it sounds like you want to know more about what there is to do in all this nature in Golden Valley. So we're changing things up a bit. My new editor, Mary Costello, and I have also noticed how you've helped this column evolve into a place for fitness, recreation, and the outdoors. As a Minnesota native with a natural inclination to be outdoors and to stay on the go, I’m thrilled to be contributing to a corner of the Patch site focused on getting active and enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Golden Valley. Aside from my media background, I am a former Spinning certified instructor, where I lead groups of people indoors on …
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Saturday, January 8, 2011
Featuring some more stunning photo picks from nature.
As promised, I am showcasing more work from Nate Anderson's diverse collection of images. As a KARE photojournalist and Target photographer, Nate is always on the look- out for the next big moment to capture! As you can see, he knows how to pick the best angles and is a true master when it comes to photos with color and contrast. I selected a handful of photos that caught my eye to help us think of warmth and bright colors as we all try to make it through this long, cold Minnesota winter! Enjoy!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Mother Nature throws in one last surprise in 2010.
It seems as though many of us will get a healthy dose of fresh ice this New Year's Eve, and it's definitely not the kind found in a festive cocktail! I could have sworn we just sprung into spring earlier when I heard heavy rain hitting the roof. It was a rather loud stream of sound and it shocked me knowing soft, fresh snowflakes weren't cascading down from the cloudy sky. To my surprise, what was falling were actually frozen clear pellets! I may admire the white frosting of the pine trees during the snowy months and powdery ski hills, but I still have a hard time appreciating freezing rain. Talk about buzz kill! It took only minutes for the ground to ice over this afternoon, so I can only imagine how challenging and interesting travel …
Friday, December 24, 2010
May all your days be merry and snowy white!
If you haven't been frolicking in the snow yet, no fear, there is still more powder to come! In fact, according to recent forecasts, we'll have plenty of fresh flakes just in time for Santa's visit! This Christmas will be just like Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" minus the musical numbers from the talented Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and company. It just so happens to be my favorite holiday classic for many reasons, but I especially enjoy the closing scene where snow is falling on the set. So while you may be busy opening up gifts, noshing on holiday treats, and snuggling up to the fire, there are some of us heading out to the snow! It is quite surreal at times seeing such massive white walls alongside roads and large smooth sheets of …
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Some of the best moments happen in nature.
This week I had the honor of meeting a lot of folks deeply passionate about nature and the elaborate park system we have right here in town. From cross-country skiing, to sledding, skating, to even walking, people are finding ways to connect with nature, no matter what the weather is like outside. I find that to be really inspiring. It got me thinking and wondering about what aspect of the outdoors is most appealing to people or what draws us out of our homes to be one with nature at all times of the year? Is it a particular sight, sound, or feeling we crave? Is it the human way to peaceful reflection or just a momentary escape from reality? For me, nature is my way of connecting with my inner spirit. I walk outside to enjoy what is …
Monday, December 6, 2010
No need for the winter blues, just head outside.
I love being on the go and exploring new places and things. But when I'm not packing up my bags and heading out of town, I make the most of my time right here in the Twin Cities. In the winter, it's so easy to stay locked up inside, but it's actually the perfect time to head outdoors and explore our beautiful winter wonderland. I am the girl bundled up in layers, trudging through the heavy snow at sunrise. Even with snow pellets stinging my face and the brisk wind skimming my skin, I am smiling. And it's not a forced smile! I try not to let anything stop me from enjoying my dose of fresh air and free fun! I admit, I take group fitness classes at the gym every week, but hands down, my best workouts are outside, even during wintertime. From …
Monday, November 29, 2010
With 15 percent of the city dedicated to parks and open space, Patch.com reporter Nina Bouphasavanh wants to know what nature means to the people of Golden Valley.
My father taught me the great importance of building a relationship with nature at a very young age. By understanding nature and honoring it whenever possible, I believe we can learn so much about ourselves and about life. I can still remember the moment I sniffed my very first flower. I was in love. From there, I became fascinated by all things associated with the outdoors: the vibrant colors of fall, the prickly needles of a coniferous tree, the finesse of a bird in flight, the squiggly worm on the sidewalk and even the puffy, cumulus clouds hovering above. Nature is my favorite escape. Is it yours? Golden Valley is a lovely community with wonderful pockets of beautiful places everywhere. I'd love to hear your nature stories, or see …
