My Favorite Place
...Yosemite.
It was the first National Park. Well, sort of. It was the first place set aside as a Park by Abraham Lincoln. Initially it was a State Park, but eventually was handed over to the National Park Service. It was considered such a treasure that even the original inhabitants, the Ahwahneechee, were driven out of Yosemite Valley by the US Army to help preserve it. Not the best start, but it's in line with the US attitude of the time. But, this isn't meant to be a hisory lesson. If you want that, then you need to watch Ken Burns' series on PBS, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea". I watched it on Netflix recently, and a great portion of it is dedicated to Yosemite, and a man named John Muir.
For me Yosemite has been a place to truly view God's Land. I grew up visiting a little town called Oakhurst, CA, and a lake made famous in John Candy's "The Great Outdoors" called Bass Lake. These places are a mere 15 minutes from Yosemite's main gate, so visits were frequent. I've also hiked to the top of Half Dome, Yosemite's iconic monolith, no less than three times and counting. I hope to be able to take my children there in the near future. I would love to take the wife as well, but that's another story.
The picture above is the breathtaking view from when you first come through what is known as the Tunnel View after driving what seems through endless granite on California's State Route 41. This picture was taken in the 1930's by nature photographer Ansel Adams. Best part is the view hasn't changed one bit; a testament to success of the National Park Service. There is sooooo much more I could say, but this is just a teaser. More will follow as I recount old memories, and have new ones to tell as well.
My Favorite Brand
...The North Face.
The North Face is currently run by Berserklian's in Berkley, CA after being founded on the other side of the bay in 1968. That being said you know they have innovation on their side since the norm doesn't usually cut it in Berkley. One of the other things I like about them is their logo. It's a little known fact it's based on the face of Half Dome.
The North Face makes clothing and outdoor equipment that is probably heartier than whatever abuse I could dish out. After working for a leading sporting goods retailer for close to two years I came to appreciate and crave their products. Like most guys I am a "tool junkie" and my equipment for the outdoors is no exception. Another great thing is if you work in the outdoor industry there are two training websites that can help you with your product knowledge, and get you great deals on gear. First is 3point5.com. It's for retailers and provides training. Second is ProMotive.com. It's for people who are in the business of outdoors like guides, outfitters, law enforcement, and more. It's a reward and incentive to use the products offered directly from the manufacturers at wholesale discounts. It's how I got all of my North Face stuff
What The North Face really means to me is quality products that go through some of the toughest R&D in the industry, and the price isn't bad for what you're getting either. I have probably too many of their products, but what can I say? I guess it doesn't hurt that I like the logo as well. I do like and use many other brands, but The North Face is my personal favorite. What are your favorites?
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