By Kimberly Bates

Looking for a fun “day-cation” for the whole family?  A visit to Eagle Island State Park in Eagle, Idaho will satisfy every interest!

Located about eight miles from downtown Boise, nestled on the outskirts of Eagle, this 545 acre state park is an oasis tucked away between farmlands and two arms of the Boise River. If you are looking for recreation, relaxation, or sport, Eagle Island has a lot to offer.

At a fee of only $5 per vehicle, it is an economical way to spend a day out in the fresh air. The park also offers an annual pass of $40, adding $15 for each additional vehicle. Compare that price to one day at the local water-park, and you will be sold!

The sandy beach is a perfect respite for hot summer days. The swimming area is cordoned off with floating yellow buoys for swimmers, in three separate side-by-side areas, so that most of the swimming area is shallow enough for younger swimmers. There are no lifeguards on duty, but it’s easy to keep an eye on the little ones while relaxing on the beach.

Those who are more adventurous may want to skirt the buoys and swim to the small, wooded island that is visible from shore. The

If the kids are happy, everyone is happy.

heavily wooded “island” looks like an inviting wilderness to explore! One half expects to see Huck Finn paddling around the bend on a raft made of logs!

Though Huck Finn might not be out on the water for a paddle, non-motorized boating is permissible, and canoes, kayaks, and paddle-boards meander around the perimeter of the buoys, as well as blow up rafts and tubes of all sizes. There is air available near the snack bar for 50 cents if you have toys you would like to set sail.

Starting Labor Day every year, you can also enjoy the excitement of the waterslide located at the park. The waterslide operates from 12pm-8pm, Thursday through Sunday. You can buy tickets for $1 a ride, $7 for 10 rides, or $12 for an all day pass.

I was pleased to find out the park allows you to buy the 10 ride pass and split it between two children, so they each get five rides a piece (or any way you would like to divide them). You do not have to use all of your rides at once, but may come back throughout the day, and can even save rides purchased for another day, or for that matter, the next season! The slide is fast and refreshing, and is a great diversion when the little ones (or big ones) are ready for some fast-paced fun!

Children shoot down this slide at a rapid rate of fun.

No worries about clean bathrooms. There’s plenty. And the grassy picnic areas that border the beach are peppered with large shade trees, picnic tables, and barbecues. The children bounce back and forth from sand, to water, and to the play equipment located in the middle of the picnic area. Parents will find the day trip will constantly keep their active little ones engaged with outdoor play and fresh air instead of watching a television, or playing video games!

There are shelters available for rent for large parties or events, but there is plenty of room for last minute shindigs. I even noticed there were those who brought tents, and set them up in the grass as a home base for the day! It is nice to have the option to seek shade on the cool grass when you are ready for a break from the sand and sun.

For those who are fishing enthusiasts, the shoreline outside of the swimming area is the prime place to kick back and reel in some fish. It has a small sloping bank, overhung with tree branches, and there are conveniently located picnic tables nearby.

As you kick back on the banks, waiting for a nibble on your line, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Idaho, as you gaze through the leaves of the trees at the azure skies dotted with fluffy clouds, watching regal hawks circling above, and the occasional bi-plane soaring over your head.

Eagle Island swimming beaches compliment the fishing and boating.

Children bring small nets and catch minnows that zip through the shallow water. My kids spent hours collecting fish in buckets, or snorkeling so they could watch the underwater activity teeming beneath the surface.

If sitting idle, or water sports are not your cup of tea, you may want to explore the park’s five miles of trails available for hiking, horses, or walking your dog. Try your hand at the horseshoe pits, or the nine-hole disc-golf course, open May through September.

You can pack a cooler full of drinks and food, but if you get hungry or need a sweet treat, you can visit the snack bar and enjoy hotdogs, nachos, candy or a made-to-order snow cone.

Eagle Island State Park is a wonderful destination that can be enjoyed by everybody. You can spend the day physically active, or enjoy some downtime while the kids play. Driving out of the park after a full day, musing about the fun and activity that my family shared, I glanced in the rear-view mirror and saw my five-year-old son already zonked out before we had even passed through the exit of the park–another great day at Eagle Island!

Address:

4000 W. Hatchery Road

Eagle, ID 83616

Hours: Open year-round, dusk to dawn.

Park office is staffed Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.

Entrance Fee: $5 per car (separate fee for waterslide)

**For maps and general information visit: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

Nau ramps up spring and summer outdoor apparel offerings with the Versa Blazer and Glimpse dress. So she’ll be Comin’ down the mountain…after an amazing morning of blazing the trails of Mount Shasta!

On this trip, instead of preparing for our typical evening campfire, we wanted to venture out into the unknown terrains and people of this great northern destination! We needed an early evening blazer; but not just any blazer, we needed something that would travel well and hold up against the precipitous northern California weather. Nau’s Versa Blazer made from 100% recycled pucker-weave polyester is a perfect fit.  While Shasta County offers several areas of interest, we decided to visit the Sun Dial Bridge in Redding, followed by a day of wine tasting in the volcanic region of Manton.

Just as the blue skied background of Mount Shasta caught our eye, so did the blue undertones of the Versa blazer we wore in Metal, really setting this jacket off with a bang!  Additional colors available are Caviar and Tar, equally accompanying to a pair of jeans or dress.  Slipping on the jacket is an experience in itself, comfort beyond measure at a mere $198. We were feeling fit and ready for fun with the buoyancy of Nau’s fabric as we made our way down the beautiful Sun Dial Bridge.

Versa blazer and Levis, a convenient alliance.

While there are many raves to this review, we were quite impressed with the pockets.  The outer pockets are perfect size for a woman’s hands, nestled nicely like an eagle egg in a nest.  These triangular cut pockets invite your hands to slide in and relax.  While these are strictly tailored for hands, don’t worry, we will let you in on a little secret….there’s a zippered pocket tucked away at the right hand pocket.  Virtually unnoticeable and the zipper pull is well hidden at the corner seam at said right.  It’s a perfect place to store your car key.  Additionally, not only is their polyester lining an added layer of protection for the jacket, it also serves as two additional pockets as well!  We found these very helpful for stashing a few dollars for a coffee along the way.

Such easy movement in the sleeves!  We were able to stretch out those shoulders and arms after hiking with our pack all morning, feeling relaxed and sophisticated.  Part of the sophistication of the jacket is in the details of the buttons at the end of sleeves buttoning down the sleeves for a classy Eastern look.  These cuffs are functional as well, as they may be unbuttoned to extend the sleeves down to the hands to protect your knuckles from chilly breezes along the river.  The collar and loose-laying lapels also turn up nicely to extend the usefulness against chill.

Strategic stitching borders the five buttons along the front and defines the curvature of the jacket at the rear.  There is a slight pucker in the waist that allows the stitching to set the stage for a tailored look. The cut of the jacket along with the detailed stitching sets Nau apart from other outdoor blazers on the market, as a Cheetah among cats.

As we made our way back across the bridge, the predictable northern precipitation and sprinkling rain was upon us.  While most women would be running for cover, we felt we were covered here.  We were confident that Nau’s Teijin ECOCIRCLE® fiber, which comes from polyester waste, would live up to its intentions.  Just as water off a ducks back, the blazer was spot free as we set off to combo up our blazer with Nau’s Glimpse Dress and a pairing of wine and cheese…

Nau Glimpse Dress

Glimpse Dress: great for outdoor fashion and trouble-free travel.

At a mere glimpse of this fine-looking dress, also in Metal; we feel the soft-durability of the fabric that comes as a mixture of 80-percent jersey cotton and 10-percent spandex.  Once we put it on, we felt like dancing in the vineyard!  Plenty of room to move about and the free flowing full-length seamed dress feels nice upon a pair of legs that may have gotten too much sun in her hiking shorts during the day.

Chiseled cuts in the design highlight those muscles; we especially like the bridge of material at the height of the back connecting the shoulder straps and framing the upper-back nicely.  Speaking of shoulders, not only does Nau’s Glimpse dress come with wide shoulders, optional snap ties allow you to adjust the straps to your mood.  We felt it was easier to slide the snapped loop along the shoulder strap rather than to refasten.

And, let’s be upfront; the glimpse dress provides a built-in shelf bra which minimizes the packing list on your trip, not bad for $85.00.  Due to the built-in shelf bra, Nau’s Glimpse dress became well-established and form fitted to the torso in several of the winery establishments.  If you like Caviar with your wine, this dress comes in that color as well.

Summer is approaching soon; start planning that special destination get-a-away!  Up north, down south, east and west; Nau’s Versa Blazer and Glimpse dress are ready to be packed up among your gear to gear you up for an evening of fun.  Whatever destination you choose or whatever time, we know for certain… Nau knows: It’s time to Live, Love and Laugh!

By Mary Webb

Nau Versa Blazer.

Nau outdoors fashion wear, like the new Versa Blazer, brings out your sense of style. And you are concerned about keeping any product’s carbon footprint from getting too much larger. Since Versa Blazer is created from 100-percent recycled polyester, you already did a good thing for the environment for a modest investment of $195. You’re getting this versatile garment that’s cut for versatility of movement and crafted with panache.

Street-ready details like sculpted extension cuffs and security pockets are concealed within a fitted and feminine silhouette. Wind and water resistant, and highly breathable, this tailored, button-front, soft shell is constructed for ultimate flexibility.

The recycled polyester in the Versa Blazer uses Teijin ECOCIRCLE -fiber, which comes from post-consumer and post-industrial polyester waste. Closing the loop, at the end of its long life the Versa can be recycled into polyester fibers for reuse.

We’ll have a review for you in the weeks ahead when we hear back from our contributor at large, Mary Webb, after she’s raised a few wine country Cabernet’s and scooted through the best vineyards northern California has to offer and wearing both the Nau Versa Blazer and the Nau Glimpse dress.

With winter setting in, days are chilly and nights are downright cold in most of North America and around the globe. And now is a great time to tell you about Mountain Khakis Men’s Flannel Original Mountain pants (OMP’s). 

Built by folks who chose the quality of mountain life over the quantity of all things metropolis, the Mt. Khakis (MK) flannel lined pants proved worthy. These pants are good for warmth, comfort, looks, and quality regardless of whether they were worn in LA or way up top of the Mogollon Range in southwestern New Mexico. 

And on trips to the Sierra Nevada in late fall, the MK flannel lined pants were found to be stoutly constructed with gusseted seams in the seat and crotch area. Double layers of khaki fabric shore up lower front of the pant cuffs. Tight, triple stitching on the crotch gusset panel insures strength and longevity with about 30-stiches per inch across all three rows.

At the leg seams, the triple stitch passes total an average of 24-stiches per inch. Building apparel this way is not cheap, and the only kind of clothing you’ll find triple, tight stitch work is on high-quality garments designed to function and endure for many years of use. This appears to be true of the MK flannel-lined pants. They fit precisely according to the size pants that were requested. There were no surprises, trade-offs, or adjustments with these MK’s; just slip ‘em on and go.

The belt loops are ¾-inch wide versus the usual ½-inch loops found on most multi-purpose pants. Yes, like the pants overall, the belt loops are a little stronger than most, and designed for longevity and strength while being worn.  

Double right-hand front pockets are useful for separating rocks, frogs, tiger-eye marbles, etc.

A nice feature of these MK flannel pants and several of the Mountain Khakis pants like the Lake Lodge Twill, Original Mountain Khakis, Alpine Utility Pants, and the MK Corduroy pants is the front pockets. These pockets are deep, and ergonomically design on both the right and the left sides. Yet what struck this writer as ultimately useful is the right front pocket actually has what MK calls a hidden pocket. It’s simply two full right front pockets, one on the inside and one on the outside. Not exactly invisible, but it is nice to have an internal pocket to carry a wallet in (gets it out of the hip pocket), and to leave the cell phone in the outside pocket to keep it away from the leg.  

Designed for a relaxed-fit, and 11” rise, and great feel, these MK’s were comfortable to hike in, wear into town, and live in day-to-day. On backpacking trips, the MK’s were worn in the cool evenings and early morning pack outs back to the trail head. The flannel lining kept the legs warm, and the soft flannel itself feels cozy on the skin. If you think your legs can be more cozy warm, stay in bed! You’re sick.

Warmth? After a couple early morning miles of hiking with a backpack on, the MK’s were almost too warm. That was a good thing on late-fall trips. Mornings were too cold to fly out of the sleeping bag in cargo-shorts, but the mid-day would be too hot for long pants. Although the MK’s are not specifically intended to be backpacking pants, they were certainly welcome when the sun went down and before the sun rose enough to warm things up. 

Full length flannel from waist to leg cuffs. These flannels get dirty and clean up nice.

However, as the temperatures dropped in late November and now a couple days before Christmas, these MK flannel-lined mountain leg-heaters come right into the sweet spot they were designed for.  Bear in mind guys, if your corporate dress code is cool enough to wear business casual to the office, you can wear these flannel-lined MK’s perfect with a wool sport coat, dress shirt, silk tie, and loafers without missing a beat at the conference table. The pants dress up killer, and no one cares how warm your legs are.

You’ll appreciate these MK flannels on those evening skip-outs in downtown NY, NY when back to back blizzards drop snow by the yard right on top of your Saturday Night Live guest appearance gigs. And by all means wear them when you have to travel in winter. You may find yourself exiting the airport terminal in Denver when it’s 20° outside and your brother just slid off the airport road on his way to pick you up for a visit. It could be a long wait.

These are fine pants. They do what they are designed to do. All in all, the MK flannels are excellent apparel for casual or professional dress in cold weather and a myriad of outdoor/indoor scenarios where tough khaki construction is aligned with good looking and extremely comfortable pants. They are durable outdoor working pants as well, long as it’s cold enough so you can be physically active without heating up. You can chop wood, wander your neighborhood to find your misbehaving dog, or blow into work at 5:30 in the morning on your way to fire up the city snow plow and clear the lanes for the village people…all in comfort. The zipper works flawlessly, and the top-clasp is riveted in for good. Remember the slug line for Kia Automotive? Ka… Ka… Ka… Khaki!

By Rick Shandley

Specifications:

SIZES: Waist: 32-42 (even), Inseam: 30

Waist: 32-42 (even), Inseam: 32

Waist: 32-40 (even), Inseam: 34

COLORS: Yellowstone, Freestone

MSRP: $89.95

Stout, stealthy, and razor sharp, the Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage is also kinda' slick.

Benchmade Knife Company walked away with 2009 Knife of the Year award at The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence for the model 585 Mini-Barrage^TM on July 24th in Windsor, CT. 

“We are thrilled and honored to receive such a prestigious award” says Les de Asis, CEO and Founder of Benchmade Knife Company.

“Benchmade prides itself on manufacturing high-quality, American-made products. To have our standard of excellence recognized is extremely rewarding and gratifying,” de Asis said.

 The 585 Mini-Barrage features a patented AXIS® Assist Locking Mechanism, combining speed and strength in one complete package.

Other key features include 100% ambidextrous function, reversible carry clip and 154CM blade steel. For more information on the 585 Mini-Barrage, please visit: www.benchmade.com
Benchmade has won Knife of the Year eight times since 1998 and remains committed to designing and manufacturing world class sports cutlery and superior-edged tools. Knife of the Year winners include 610 Rukus (2006), 425 Gravitator (2005), 921 Switchback (2003), 556 Mini-Griptilian (2002), 690 Elishewitz (2001), 720 Mel Pardue (2000), 710 McHenry & Williams (1999), and the 910 Stryker (1998).

Klymit Kinetic Vest

As we get ready to attend the Summer Outdoor Retail Show in Salt Lake City, Utah we were introduced to a company developing insulation technology that may truly add a new dimension to outdoor clothing. Klymit is an Ogden, UT company that has developed NobleTek insulation where any number of applications from jackets to sleeping bags can benefit from the use of Argon gas, fabrics, and lightweight construction.

This breakthrough system uses flexible, gastight yet breathable chambers filled with gas instead of down or fabric.  Klymit NobleTek is the only technology on the market that empowers outdoor enthusiasts to adjust their level of warmth with the turn of a dial.  This cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize the outdoor industry, providing insulation that is not only adjustable, but warmer, thinner and lighter-weight than other insulators.   

Argon gas, which is said to be better at trapping warmth, is weightless, and retains its loft when inflated.  It also stays warm when wet, is windproof and eco-friendly.  The gases used by Klymit are non-toxic, non-flammable and completely safe for both the user and the environment. 

Gear constructed with Klymit NobleTek Insulation is likely to be less bulky than other insulators.  It is paper- thin, only 15mm (less than half an inch) when fully inflated, and collapses to less than 1mm when deflated.  This makes clothing easy to move around in when inflated, and easy to pack into small spaces when the gas is removed. 

You can get a good idea of how products using this technology are constructed by looking at the Klymit vest using NobleTek insulation. We’re really looking forward to seeing Klymit outdoor gear and conducting product reviews in the future. You’ll get more information by checking out their site: www.klymit.com

But FreshAirJunkie.com isn’t only for the person into extreme sports, its also for the novice who is just getting into camping or learning how to rock climb for the first time. We’re dedicated to bringing you the latest in gear, apparel, outdoor news, and technical savy on your favorite outdoor activity…even if its just pitching a tent and laying on a hammock.

As this site grows, we’ll include video and interviews with outdoor professionals, athletes, authors and experts who can give tips on taking care of our environment, as well as how to properly select the right mountain bike for you and your kids. We hope you enjoy FreshAirJunkie.com and come back to see what new content and categories we’ve added . Most imortantly, we hope you enjoy all of your outdoor adventures and give us any feedback to help make this site better for you and our outdoor environment.