2008-09 Avalanche Fatality Update: 2

The death toll from avalanche related activities in the United States for this new winter season currently stands at 2.  Both fatalities happened on 14 December.  One death was in Utah while the other ocurred in Colorado.

Please remember to be careful in the backcountry.  Always wear a beacon and be safe.

The Ride Utah Blog has posted links to snow safety videos from the Utah Avalanche Center.  This is great information for everyone.

Wintry Weather Halts Travel In West

For many travelers in the western United States, a nightmare is becoming reality.  Airport delays, clogged roadways, and full hotels are all adding to the misery.

In the Seattle area snow rarely causes a problem.  However, this season has been different.  The city, unprepared for such downfalls, has been caught short on snow melting supplies such as sand and salt.  Add to that the problem of fewer but fuller flights from the airlines and many are left to simply try driving or cancel their plans altogether.

While listening to NPR this morning, I heard a woman saying her family had decided to delay their Christmas celebration by a week. 

Whatever decisions these weary travelers make, hopefully all will be safe and be able to enjoy the spirit of Christmas this year.

-Tommy

Salmon Collapse Prompts Congressional Aid Once More

A historically low return of fall run Salmon in the Sacramento River this year has prompted a ban on fishing this area of the West. Expected damages to the commercial salmon industries are estimated to be near $60 million this year.

A similar crash occurred in 2006 on the Klamath River which shut down commercial fishing in the area. In that year Congress approved more than $60 million in aid.

Carlos M. Gutierrez, a top official in the Bush administration, has announced a fisheries failure. This gives Congress the green light to once again bail out the industry.

Handmade Redwood Burl and Other Furniture

Have you ever seen fine rustic furniture in a museum or lodge?  If so, you can surely appreciate the beauty of these pieces of art.

I know of an excellent place in Idaho where a craftsman makes extrodinary pieces like this everyday.  His name is Tracy Carpenter of Idaho Made.  Tracy works with a large collection of redwood burl to craft some of the finest tables, desks, and stands you will ever see.  His items, all of which are different and unique, bring out the best the wood has to offer. 

Below is a quote taken from Tracy’s website: 

“My work is sold in 22 high-end locations across the west from Palm Desert, Scottsdale, Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Sun Valley, Park City, San Francisco and many more.  My work makes it way across the country and even outside the U.S.”

You can view Tracy’s work at IdahoMade.com.