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Do you have a Thawed Out Plan for Spring ?
V
OLUME
2010 , I
SSUE
04
A
PR I L
2 010
TOPOGEAR NEWS
MICROSOFT
The 2nd annual Springtime Bazaar
Nevada.
If you can't decide what to do Saturday
April 17th, come out and join the fun. If
you were planning on something else, can-
cel and come to Mesquite instead! Admis-
sion is inexpensive, and 50% of the pro-
ceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclero-
sis Society.
Last year there were over 1200 people
browsing through the 85 + booths. Lets
help make this turnout even greater! It's for
a good cause. There will be crafts, jewelry,
sporting goods, clothing, & food. TOPO-
GEAR is planning on having a booth. See
us there.
See the full page insert within this News-
letter for more detail. Contact
Carrie for more info at 702 346-7091 or
email:
cduclos@blackgaming.com
TOPOGEAR is taking requests through the
end of March of items you may wish to
purchase during this event. If we have them
at the show they will be discounted off nor-
mal MSRP. Plus you will save any ship-
ping fees. Visit
Record the Item Number and short descrip-
tion. Then Email that info to TOPOGEAR.
In the subject please type BRING TO
SPRINGTIME BAZAAR. List your item
numbers and brief description. If we bring
it, you are under no obligation to purchase.
Up Coming Boy Scout Event
BOY SCOUT MEGA EXPO 2010
Sunset Park Las Vegas, Nevada
April 23-25
The Scout Expo is an outdoor festival of more
than 150 Scouting exhibits, demonstrations, ac-
tivities and games, along with a variety of com-
munity agency booths. An estimated 4,000 Cub
Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Ventures will staff the
program booths at the Scout Expo.
Youth will be selling Discount Cards for the
event from March 12 until April 23 for $5.00.
Tickets will also be available at the door.
Over 3,000 youth are expected to camp out
overnight on Friday night and enjoy a campfire
that evening. Approximately 12,000 youth, lead-
ers, family and general public attend the yearly
event. A Saturday Night entertainment show for
those camping overnight on Saturday night will
feature guest musicians and entertainers.
The theme this year is "100 Years of Scouting"
and most the booths will center around Scouting
themes. Selected scouting related exhibit themes
include recycling , Dutch oven cooking, obstacle
courses, casting, gold panning, and Mountain
Man Camp. A Merit Badge Midway for over
800 Scouts will also be available in a variety of
Merit Badge subjects. Source:BSA News Re-
lease/Gary Lewis
Editor's note: Excellent visual opportunities
exist for live on site coverage of the Scout Expo
set up on Friday late, and the event on Saturday.
A 1:00 p.m. Saturday Media Tour is scheduled.
Material, articles and images contained within this Newsletter publication including subsequent pages may not be copied, reproduced, or
otherwise used for other purposes without written consent of TOPOGEAR
to start carrying a new line
of Fine Jewelry
We will be specializing in new 925
Sterling Silver and Semi precious gem-
stone Jewelry. The photo above is some
current examples. We wish to offer
something affordable to all. We hope to
find and offer items under the $200 retail
range, with many under the $100 mark.
We will offer a selection that will be ever
changing. We are able to buy direct from
our distributor and many of our items are
individually hand selected when being
purchased.
These items will soon start showing up
on the TOPO site so check back often.
We also have large selections of used
and vintage Jewelry. This stock is also
changing constantly. Currently we have a
large stock of vintage Rhinestone jew-
elry.
If you are looking for a specific item
that we do not show please
the info and a photo.
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None of us had hiked this loop in years. The last
time I remember, this wash was an easy hike,
mostly on gravel. We soon encountered changed
terrain from past flooding. We came to a narrow
passage between some house size rocks.
Hmm.....the drop off looked about 12 ft to me. We
removed our packs and one of us scrambled, more
like slid and bumped and jumped on the way down.
Not something we were coming back up. At least
not easily. The packs were transferred down.
We were to encounter 3 more places that the past
flooding had drastically changed the trail. All had
to be maneuvered in some method. Either rock
scrambling or in one case we had to climb up and
around since the drop was too high.
Along the way we commented, the trail down at
the Grand Canyon can't be this bad.
It was a great hike, and even better conditioning.
We eventually came to the east side of Kraft Moun-
tain. We followed the trail up out of the wash and
veered south. We followed a ridge above the wash
that was now winding it's way south and off to our
left. We wound through a level area strewn with
huge rocks that presumably rolled down off Kraft
Mountain. Many of these rocks the size of houses.
A popular area for Rock Climbers to break into the
sport or just practice. Evidence everywhere of
white climber chalk seen in contrast to the red sand-
stone and black mineral varnished rocks.
We passed through the field of giant stones.
Those in the know stepping off the trail to the back-
side of some of the rocks with large flat area's of
black mineral varnished sides. Here on close ex-
amination you discover Indian Petroglyphs that
were pounded into the black varnish surfaced rocks.
Images made hundreds if not thousands of years
ago. I am reluctant to publicly share specific loca-
tions due to those so ignorant to deface or destroy
them. Little by little they are disappearing. Most
destroyed in the past few years.
Havasupai Falls Conditioning Hike.
Saturday 3/6/2010 the couple of us from Las
Vegas going on the Havasupai backpack trip this
coming April, did another "conditioning hike"
with full backpacks at 30 lbs of weight.
For this weeks prep trip we decided on the Kraft
Mountain loop. This is an area west of Las Vegas.
Just east of the
Instead of entering the paid area of Red Rock we
took another road into the Calico Springs area. An
area with a small community of private homes, as
well as another section of Red Rock Park known
as the Board Walk Trail, at Red Springs.
We tightened up our straps, threw the packs on
and headed out due west. It was a cool day, in the
low 50's, mostly overcast. This hike to be about
4.5 miles.
With our packs we knew it wouldn't be a walk
in the park. We stopped several times. Our T-
shirts started taking on some sweat so the stops
had to be short to avoid taking on a chill from the
cool 50 degree air.
Near the summit we looked off to the east and
could just barley catch a glimpse of the tops of a
few of the larger buildings back in Las Vegas. We
took a short break and some water, then dropped
down over the north slope to the wash below.
We headed from the road west to the base of the
red sandstone cliffs (
ting up from the desert floor. We immediately
dropped in a rocky wash (Desert stream bed nor-
mally dry) and was delighted to find running wa-
ter. We continued due west a short distance and
picked up the trail we wanted. At this trail inter-
section we veered north.
After about a mile of skirting the residential
area we once again dropped into the same wash,
but further up stream from our previous point. We
crossed over at an area of steep washed out banks.
Though at this time the water was only 2 feet
wide. We enjoyed a gurgling small waterfall that
cascaded over a huge chunk of red sandstone. The
water clear enough to invite drinking if you didn't
have to worry about parasites and those other
nasty little things.
Following the trail up out of the wash we
started a rather steep climb of about 1 mile that
would take us over a "pass" or "saddle" between
two peaks. This trail would pass the west side of
Kraft Mountain in into yet another wash. This new
wash would then swing us around the backside,
and the east side of Kraft Mountain.
Saddle
Trail
N
Kraft Mtn
Elevation gain to summit the saddle is around
1000ft. It was definitely a workout. We saw others
with no packs, stopping along the way to take
breathers.
We snaked down a trail that took us through
a sandstone slot of white, pink and red stripped
colors. The slot cut through the stone by water
over perhaps millions of years? It had created
beautiful ribbons of color that curved around
corner after corner until we reached the wash
below. A slight trickle of water flowed even
now. That water fell into the gravel wash, in-
stantly disappearing from sight. From several
feet away, no trace of water was even remotely
visible.
We were now in the 2nd wash. We took a right
turn and headed east. This wash was wide in
places. Narrow at some. Huge rocks and steep
walls. As we hiked we saw evidence of past
flooding. Debris and dead vegetation hung up on
rocks high above our heads. Indications every-
where the water had come gushing through here
25 to 30 feet deep. These washes are no place to
be when there is a chance of rain. Water comes
so fast it may be impossible to get out quickly
enough. Death is the outcome for some.
We eventually made it back to the vehicle and shed
our packs. We sat back and enjoyed a bottle of
water and the beautiful area surrounding us.
We can hardly wait to see the Grand Canyon!
Article and photos courtesy of Rick Beach
Contact Email: rick@topogear.com
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FOUNTAIN HILLS GREAT FAIR
Scottsdale, Arizona February 26th, 2010
Now in its 23rd year, this three day fair attracts
nearly 500 artists and over 200,000 visitors.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the November
Fair November 12,13,14, 2010
Official sponsor of the fair is the
TOPOGEAR stumbled into Dave Bruce and his
creations "Weathered Wonders" at the Fountain
Hills Art Fair. (Fountain Hills, AZ).
We were immediately drawn to the odd shaped,
colorful birdhouses displayed within his booth.
His unique use of raw materials showed quite the
imagination. Dave uses recycled material, perhaps
going "green" before the word became the catch
phrase that it is today.
Attached to his whimsical creations you will
find a perch made from a faucet, a silver pie
server, a fork, the list is endless.
Dave was a warm person, easy to talk with. We
paused to enjoy his booth. Before we moved on to
the other booths Dave shared some of his life
story.
As odd as his creations, Dave found it odd his
source of material was drying up. It seems the
downturn in the economy and the lull in the home
building market, is creating less buildings being
demolished. In the past older properties with old
fences being upgraded for resale created an abun-
dant source for his raw material...old weathered
wood.
Dave Bruce can be contacted at:
Email
weatheredwonders@hotmail.com
Cell: 602 576-7376
WEATHERED WONDERS
The main streets were closed off to traffic and
10x10 white tent canopied booths lined both sides.
You could find anything from Kettle Corn, to Fine
Art, and great music.
We hit the fair as soon as some Artists started
opening. We were glad we did. Later in the day
the crowd became rather dense making it difficult
to even view the booths on the opposite side of the
walkways.
We enjoyed art and jewelry made from old
silverware, artists working in glass, metals, stone
and numerous other materials. One of the jewelry
booths interested us. Custom designed silver jew-
elry from designers working with silversmiths of
Taxco, Mexico. Their trade handed down through
generations.
We drifted by Photographers. Many moving
their art from paper onto metal and other medi-
ums. Artists working in the strangest of materials.
Another selling magnetic bookmarkers. The
bookmarker booth was swamped with buyers.
When you tired there were plenty of food
booths to stop, taste and rest up for more walking.
The lake off to the east and just down a small hill
from the fair added to the whole effect. On the
hour the
would shoot its column of water
high into the air. The fountain capable of shoot-
ing water 560 feet into the air. This would last for
15 minutes. The lake is surrounded with a golf
course looking manicure of green grass.
The homes across the water blending perfectly
into the hillside terrain. Nearly invisible, back
dropped in the far distance with beautiful snow
capped mountain tops.
It is hard to imagine Fountain Hill exists within
the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Shade tree around
the lake offer a perfect picnic place. Ducks paddle
about with a happy quack, perfectly content.
We were reluctant to pack our things and head
for home. Planning on returning for the Novem-
ber Fair.
APRIL DUTCH OVEN RECIPE CONTEST
We have a winner for our April Edition Dutch
oven RECIPE Contest. All of you out there, be
sure to enter for a chance to win in May! The
recipe appears on page 4. This recipe was an
easy to prepare dessert, that would be great for
beginners to try.
The entry and photos were submitted by Alan
F. of Las Vegas, Nevada. A FREE "MAIR"
Dutch Oven Lifter is on its way.!
See the TOPOGEAR rules and submission
form at the
Also join our
if you aren't already a member.
FISHING TRIP : SUNNYSIDE , Nevada
Date: March 20 and 21st
Six Adults and 3 young boys made this trip.
Saturday proved to be the best day. Many hits
during the 10AM timeframe. Then again in the
afternoon. Everyone limiting out. Many 2lbs.
Haymeadows is managed by the
. The ice was still on in many places.
The Trout were in pre-spawn and at times hitting
the bait hard. Other times you could barely feel
the nibble.
The water was clear to slightly cloudy. The
best results came on red-orange floating power
bait. Also on worms. Both rigged so the bait
would float 2 to 3 feet above the weight. Thus
rigged the bait was just above the weeds on the
bottom. The trout caught had all been eating
small snails.
The early morning temperature was 19 de-
grees. Cold for some in tents. Brrr.
There is probably another week or two before
spawn starts and catching trout slows.
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Contact
for Sponsor ad placement in
our Newsletters and Website
Details found on our HOME page "Advertise with Us"
We also trade FREE ad space
We want your articles, photos and events to feature in our
monthly publication. Great exposure for your photos or
writings
We now accept ads for items for sale, items wanted, etc.
There is no fee at this time. TOPOGEAR reserves the right
to publish or not, any or all submissions. Email your ad and
any image in .jpg format to
Over 850 Members and counting!!
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
DUTCH OVEN
WILD BERRY COBBLER
TOPOGEAR
April 2010 Dutch Oven Recipe Contest Winner
Submitted by: Alan F of Las Vegas, NV
Winner of a "MAIR Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
Join FACEBOOK
Dutch Oven Cooking
Your Outdoor Resource for ATVing, Backpacking,
Camping, Kayaking, Rappelling and Skiing.
In the Ohio and Pennsylvania Area
http://www.neohoutdoors.com
Located in NE Ohio.
An Easy Flat Water
paddling club. Get
involved whether you
are new to the sport or
experienced. A great
way to meet people.
Wanted to Buy: Enclosed tandem axle trailer with side RV style door.
Must be in excellent condition and clean/clear title. Las Vegas Area. May con-
sider 250 mile radius depending on price and condition. Cash buyer. Contact
attention Rick. Or call 702-203-0534 and ask for Rick
Send us your recipe and photo of your prepared item to appear in this
space. Email to
WILD BERRY DUTCH OVEN COBBLER
Ingredients
1 Cup Sugar
2 Tbls + 2 tsp Corn Starch
4 pints of mixed berries (frozen or fresh)
1 box of Yellow Cake Mix
1 can of Sprite or 7 UP
Enough Coals Top and Bottom for 350 degrees
8 Qt/12 inch Dutch Over (Or anything you have that is close in size)
Directions:
1. Mix Sugar, Corn Starch, and berries in a bowl then dump into Dutch Oven
2. Whisk Cake Mix and Sprite or 7UP together in a bowl then dump on the
Berry mixture already in the Dutch oven. (Don't mix batter too long )
3. Bake for 45 minutes (Check with toothpick)
Enter your Recipe by April 15, 2010 to be eligible to win a FREE MAIR
Dutch Oven Lid Lifter. See
HOME Page left Menu and find
for Entry Form and rules.
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See us at the SPRING BAZAAR in Mesquite, Nevada
April 17, 2010
See some of our sample products
Bring your artwork on a CD, Flash Drive, etc
We will take your order.
TOPOGEAR
For our readers only
$15.00 off Coupon
(Off MSRP)
On a product or combined products over $75 MSRP
Use Coupon Code APRILDISCOUNT
Apply Code in Website Shopping Cart Check-out
Over $75 Orders (After Discounts) also receive
FREE Shipping
On product(s) totaling over $75.
One per customer. Not combinable with other discounts or sale
prices.
Starts 4/1/2010
Expires 4/10/2010
TOPOGEAR SPECIAL OF THE
MONTH $15 Off Coupon
See Catalog at
Some items go fast - Order early - Don't miss out!
Products for Climbing, Camping, Search and Rescue, Police, Hiking,
Backpacking, Cycling, Paddling, Military. Lights, Knives, Packs,
Clothing, Consumables such as Jerky, Batteries, soaps, cleaning prod-
ucts. Some items sold in bulk for resale. We also carry a line of Jew-
elry with access to requests for special orders.
See TOPOGEAR in the Spring Time Bazaar at Mesquite, Nevada
Saturday April 17th 2010. Email with items if you wish to purchase and save postage. We will try
to have it there and available. Get a $10 off coupon good for the show.
Email sales@topogear.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Desert River Outfitters is located in
Bullhead City Arizona in North-
western Arizona on the lower
Colorado River. We provide kayak
and canoe sales, rentals and guided
river trips around the tri-state area
of Arizona, Nevada and California.
Charter Fishing Trips
in NV, UT, CA and Mexico
Las Vegas
Dutch Oven Society
Boy Scouts and Leaders
Receive Special
Deep Discounts &
Bulk Order Discounts
"LODGE" Dutch Ovens
With BSA LOGO
Contact:
For Special Price Quote
Include Troop Info
Paddling Festival
Hosted by SOUTHWIND KAYAK
CENTER
Newport Dunes, California Visit
site for latest info
1-800-SOUTHWIND or
1-800-768-8494
BOY SCOUT MEGA EXPO 2010
Location: Sunset Park Las Vegas, Nevada
Date: April 23-25
LAS VEGAS CANOE CLUB
Event: Big Bend Revival 2nd annual
Camp Out & float trip
Date: April 16th, 17th, 18th
Location: Laughlin , Nevada
Theme:Hippie Music and attire-tie dye
TOPOGEAR
HAVASUPAI FALLS Backpack Trip
Location:Grand Canyon Area, Arizona
Date: April 28th Week
Event is closed. Additional reservations are not
available
Don't miss our
Discount Sale
.
Look for items marked with the
discount. Many items in our in-
ventory of over 8000 items are
marked down. These discounts are
for limited times, and change with-
out notice. Don't miss out. Also
take advantage of the limited time
FREE SHIPPING
on orders with
amounts over the current mini-
mum. Check the <HOME> page
for details at:
SPRINGTIME BAZAAR
Benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Location: Mesquite, NV at the CasaBlanca
Date: April 17th Time: 10am-4pm
Over 85 booths of Crafts*Jewelry*Clothes*Food*
Contact Carrie 702-346-7091 See Ad
LAS VEGAS DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY
Las Vegas, NV
LVDOS Gathering and Camp Out
Location: Boulder Beach Campground
Date: 4/9-4/10
Time: Dinner served at 2:00 pm on Saturday
Theme: Mardi Gras
LVDOS Gathering at the Boy Scout Mega Expo
Las Vegas, Nevada
Location: Sunset Park
Date: 4/24
Time: All day Saturday
Theme: Boy Scouts
TOPOGEAR at Scout EXPO
Boy Scout Mega EXPO 2010
Date:April 24th
Location: Sunset Park Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: All day Saturday 9am-4pm
APRIL
www.camp-cook.com
Home of the REAL iron chefs !
Eastwood Expo Center Hunting and
Military Relic Show
Location: 5555 Youngstown Warren Rd
Niles, OH 44446
Date: 4/10/10 & 4/11/10 Info Tel# 330-539-4247
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WEATHERED WONDERS
Creations by Artist Dave Bruce. Utilizing materials recycled from aban-
doned buildings and alleyways. One-of-a-kind birdhouses and furniture.
These creations can be found through various stores and specialty shops.
Each piece is handcrafted with pride and signed with love, from Dave's
heart to your home.
Email
Cell: 602 576-7376
Shade USA is a national distributor of comfort and conven-
ience related outdoor products that are perfect for the beach,
camp grounds, soccer field, baseball diamond, parks, and lakes
or any vacation destination (including your own back yard).
We specialize in unique and innovative products which feature
portability, comfort and value.
UPCOMING EVENTS
APRIL Continued
LAS VEGAS DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY
Las Vegas, NV
Gathering & Camp Out
Location: 13 mile campground - Red Rock
Date: 5/7 thru 5/9
Time: Dinner served at 3:00 pm on Saturday
Theme: Mexican
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
LAS VEGAS CANOE CLUB
Event: Sand Hollow Weekend Jubilee Camp-out & Canoe
Date: May 15th & 15th
Location: Sand Hollow Reservoir east of St George, Utah
Theme: Camp-Canoe-Fish (Be sure to have Utah License)
Camp ground has full hook ups. May need to secure reservation
BULLEHEAD CITY ANNUAL REGATTA
Event: Annual Bullhead City Regatta/Birthday Party
City Wide Party-Float 11 mile stretch of the Colorado River
Kayak-Canoe-Tubes-Just about anything that floats!
Pre-party-Fun - On the water-Food and Music after
Compete for prizes! Enter your group
Location: Bullhead City, AZ across the river from Laughlin, NV
Date: August 13th and 14th
MAY
2010 Greater York Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show
Location: York Expo Center Memorial Hall
334 Carlisle Ave. York, PA 17404
Date: April 8 thru 11, 2010
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPO
Location: 309 Cedar Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Date: April 23 thru 25, 2010
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THE NEW WAY OF PRINTING
CUSTOMIZED & PROMOTIONAL WEAR
White or Dark T-shirts
Polo and Golf shirts
Tote Bags
Mouse pads
Canvas and Art Prints
Aprons
Small to Large set ups
Graphics and logos
T-SHART by Emerald-5LTD
Don & Sherry
Email
Tel:702-452-3033
Fax:702-421-1563
Cell:702-267-8461
Digital garment print-
ing uses environmen-
tally friendly, NON-
toxic water based ink.
Wash fast & Sun/UV
fast color
CUSTOM DOORS
Proudly 100% Made in the USA
Coming soon to the
New 925 Sterling Silver &
Semi-Precious Gemstone
Jewelry
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