Wisconsin Trail Wins National Designation

Was excited to come across a trail in my own backyard recently I've never heard of ... The Kohl Hiking Trail. It was completed in 2006 by members of the Milwaukee Conservation Leadership Corps, local scout troops and a variety of volunteers.

It's not a long distance bonanza of a trail, just a two mile hiking path that passes grassland, an old Christmas tree farm, farms and several stands of hardwoods ... and all minutes away from urban Milwaukee - a perfect hike when taking my four year and two year old.

Recently, the Kohl Trail received a bit of prestige from the U.S. Department of Interior, which designated the trail as a National Recreation Trail.

Just goes to show you, if you get out and explore, you're bound to find adventure.

- Kurt

Smokey Turns 65

It's hard to believe, but Smokey the Bear is 65 years old.

National Parks See Rise in Visitors

Read this headline on SportsOneSource.com a few minutes ago...

"Rise in National Park Visitation Helps Local Economies"

This is certainly welcome news for those in the active lifestyle industry. As more people head outdoors, it's safe to assume that they'll be looking for gear and other ancillaries.

This trend should come as no suprise. Due to the slumping economy, most people are staying close to home and are looking for inexpensive getaways. Make sure your marketing your products and services to capitalize on this trend.

Now That's Camping

Check out the "Hatchback Hutch," which was offered as an option on the Chevy Vega in 1973.

MSN recently did a piece on the "10 Most Outrageous Factory Options Ever." Here's what they had to say about the "Hatchback Hutch."

The original Vega tent rigged up off the ass-end of the sporty little hatchback and invited occupants to sleep in the trunk. One look at this contraption reveals that it couldn't possibly have been sturdy enough to weather the unrelenting showers of laughter that must have rained down upon its owners.