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V o l u m e 2 0 1 1 , I s s u e 0 7
J u l y 2 0 1 1
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Leopard Eyes Image Courtesy of Photographer David Perez
TANZANIA
By David Perez
Final /Part 4 of a Multi-issue Article
THE WRONG PLACE
AT THE RIGHT TIME
Despite the best planning and experi-
ence, mother nature can alter an adven-
ture trip.
Early in 1998 I started planning some
type of backpacking adventure. Two varied
choices interested me. Backpack a part of
the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), or Backpack
the Zion NP Narrows. Not new to camping
or backpacking, I knew either would require
advanced planning, permits, etc.
Most of my life while living in the mid-
west I had dreamed of someday hiking a
portion of the Appalachia Trail. But life
tends to throw other priorities at you. Job,
family, etc. It was difficult to break away to
indulge. Equally difficult is to find a will-
ing partner with corresponding available
time. The dream faded as years went by.
My only experience of that trip would be
reading articles on the subject.
In 1995 I made a life altering move from
the mid-west, to Las Vegas, Nevada. I
started spending many weekends, and
weeklong vacation visits, to Zion National
Park. I hiked to different places within the
park, each visit. Once heading upstream
through the “Narrows�. I went several
miles. What starts out as a well maintained
trail, eventually dumps you into the stream
(Virgin River).
During regular weather the
water is clear flowing, cold, and knee deep
in many places. It is swift enough that a
walking stick is handy to maintain your
balance. Many of the stones are rounded
grapefruit size, and slick.
It is easy to
(
Continued on page 2, Column 3)
We left Ngoro’s rim, enveloped in a chilly
fog and flew to Zanzibar’s Kisauni airport.
According to Wikepedia, Zanzibar, located in
the Indian Ocean has been populated for over
20,000 years. In the more recent past, the is-
land was controlled by Arabia’s Sultan of
Oman. It was mostly known for it spices, ivory
and slave trade. There are many monuments
and reminders of those days, but for us, none
more dramatic and moving than the sculpture
created by Clara Sornas in Stone Town. The
“Monument to the Slaves,� is located in a pit
near the church which exists at the same loca-
Folks, it is that time of year again. Start
making your plans, and secure your reser-
vations. Bullhead City is expecting the
biggest and best year ever. Don’t miss out!
(Continued on Page 2, Column 2)
tion where hundreds of thousands of slaves
were bought and sold into captivity. The piece
is strategically placed as a reminder of this
dark time in Zanzibar’s history.
Stone Town itself is a living history of the
days when this island was a thriving and pow-
erful seaport filled with trade, pirates, soldiers
and the Sultan.
See full page ad in this issue
To reserve your vendor booth or receive
more info contact Carrie at
702-346-7091
TANZANIA
Continued Page 2, Column 1
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. All images are considered Copyright by TOPOGEAR or the images owner.
www.topogear.com and logo are ® Registered Trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
1
(Continued from Page 1, Column 1)
TANZANIA
The narrow streets and the oversized ancient
wooden doors throughout the city are well worth
seeing. The buildings are actually made of a type of
mortar that is filled with “stones� to give it
strength, hence the name of the town.
A crazy, hour long, taxi ride through the
country side and down a narrow and dusty dirt
road that was far worse than any of the off road
game drives we were on, led us to a white sand
beach lined with fishing Dows and turquoise
blue aqua marine water (the Indian Ocean), the
likes of which we have only seen in a few tropi-
cal island destinations.
(Continued from Page 1, Column 2)
Bullhead City River Regatta August 2011
(Continued from Page 1, Column 3)
The Wrong Place at the Right Time
stumble and go down if you aren't paying
attention.
The Bullhead City River Regatta will be bigger this
year than ever before! This year’s theme is
Pirates
of the Colorado
. Not only do we anticipate the larg-
est number of participants, but the Regatta has been
stretched out to three days! Events include: Wake the
Plank wake boarding competition beginning Thurs-
day, Aug 11
th
. Kayak and Canoe racing on Friday,
Aug. 12
th
, the Ya Gotta Regatta Party Friday night
Aug. 12
th
, the Bullhead City River Regatta on Satur-
day, Aug. 13
th
… and, the Hafta Afta Party at Rotary
Park!
ZION “Narrows Courtesy Rick Beach
Wake the Plank
Wakeboarding at its most exciting! All ages, novices
and experts, battling for two days at Community
Park! Not a bad seat in the park! The event will be a
Pro and AMA wakeboard and wakeskate contest
along with a Pro wakeskate Pool Jam on Friday
night. Prize money is up for grabs for the Pros and
product for all the AMA Classes. Thursday: Qualify-
ing 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday: Championships 9a.m.
to 3 p.m. Pro Pool Jam: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Here, a small skiff took us off shore to the pri-
vate island of Mnemba. There are 10 exclusive
bungalows on this island.
A staff that provides world-class service and
Kayak, Canoe and Standup Paddleboad Race and
Float
An exciting 11-mile race on the Colorado River from
Davis Dam to the Non-Motorized Boat Launch at
Don Sullivan Memorial Park, just down river from
Rotary Park. Past winners finished in just over an
hour, final contestants crossed in 2 hours 45 minutes.
Racers start setting up at 5 a.m. at Davis Camp then
and drive their vehicles to Rotary Park. A shuttle van
will bring contestants back to Davis Camp. Awards
will be handed out at Rotary Park.
I was intrigued that you could also be
shuttled upstream some 16 miles or so, to
enter the canyon there. Then hike/backpack
16 miles downstream to the point I had
started. The canyon is narrow with high
walls cut through many shades of colored
sandstone. Deep pools, waterfalls, and a
large risk of Flash Floods. During flooding
there is barely any place to escape.
Another destination I would visit from
time to time, from Las Vegas, was the Mam-
moth, California area. This was at a higher
elevation, cooler summer temperatures, and
covered with beautiful large pine trees.
There is abundant water in the area. Alpine
lakes, and rushing mountain streams.
As the year started to get away from me I
knew I had to make a choice. Permits might
be difficult to secure in the more popular
weeks. I couldn't find any of my camping or
hiking friends that were willing or able to go.
While I know it is not advised to go solo, I
knew that might be the only way I would go.
With that in mind I looked at the two destina-
tions. I held out hopes of someone accompa-
nying me. I read extensively on both possi-
ble destinations. I even contacted people that
had made the Zion Narrows trip. That trip
could be treacherous, and no one recom-
mended solo on this 16 mile trip. Plus I had
doubts I would be able to secure a permit as a
solo trekker even if I was foolish enough to
attempt it.
Standup Paddleboard Sprint Race
A 4-mile sprint Davis Camp to the south side of the
Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce building at
Community Park. Racing starts at 7.30 A.M. Ex-
pect the lead competitors to cross the finish line in
about 20 minutes. Staging begins at Davis Camp at 5
a.m. Shuttles will carry contestants and their boards
back to Davis Camp. Awards ceremony at Rotary
Park.
slow paced relaxation that was well received by us.
We circumnavigated the entire island in about 30
minutes and every evening, Roja, our butler would
place a cocktail table on the beach in front of the
bungalow for “sundowners� (our favorite bever-
age).
Ya Gotta Regatta Party
When thousands of people meet in one place there’s
gotta be a party! So, while participants assemble
their floats for the big Regatta, there will be music,
food, beverages and fun! Come and watch as some
of the most imaginative… and outrageous!… float-
ing vessels ever conceived take shape on the Com-
munity Park and Davis Camp shoreline.
(Continued on Page 4, Column1)
(Continued on Page 4)
Continued on page 3
2
(Continued from Page 2, Column 1)
TANZANIA
We would sit and sip our “Sundowner� while we
watched the sun setting behind Zanzibar.
After sailing on a Dow one evening, we were
returned to the beach to watch nearly a hundred
green sea turtle hatchlings make their way to the
ocean to begin their journey for survival. Truly a
life changing experience to see these little guys
come up out of the sand and know which way the
waves are. To think that after 3 or 4 years riding
the offshore currents, they may return to the exact
beach they were born to lay their own eggs above
the high tide mark. Nature really is amazing. We
ended our trip on that uplifting note of life being
regenerated into Africa.
We flew from Zanzibar to Nairobi, up to Am-
sterdam, and had a lay over in Seattle, Washing-
ton where we slept for 15 hours straight. The
following day the 5-hour flight to Maui didn’t
seem like such a big deal anymore. Within hours
of being home, we started planning our next trip
to Africa… probably Botswana (huge river
crocs), Namibia (the sand elephants, and Rwanda
(silver back gorillas). We still dream of our Afri-
can adventure and can’t wait to go back!
You may contact the Author, David
through our email
sales@topogear.com
or
We certainly don’t do David’s photos justice,
having to reduce image quality to meet publica-
tion memory issues. David’s phenomenal photo’s
are available, reproduced in art quality, on canvas.
Available framed canvas, or on canvas only.
Email TOPOGEAR and we will put you into
direct contact with David.
David is Author, Photographer and fellow
adventurer.
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. All
images are considered Copyright.
3
(Continued from Page 2, Column 2)
Bullhead City River Regatta August 2011
(Continued from, Page 2 –Wrong Place at the Right Time)
I focused on the PCT. I knew there was a trailhead located close to where I had camped previously
near Mammoth, California. Research indicated I could get onto part of the trail in Ansel Adams wil-
derness. I secured 2 permits for September. Still hoping someone would be able to make the trip with
me. September was much later than I wanted a
permit for. But I had read mosquitoes are really
bad in the summer anyway. I thought late August
would be best. I tried for late August but permits
were not available. September ended up being my
only choice.
It was exciting, knowing there was at least a
broad plan. Half the fun of any adventure is the
planning, checking and buying gear, etc. There
was all summer to plan, and do conditioning hikes.
A check list was put together. Some existed from
previous trips, modifications were made, and sud-
denly the plan started coming together.
One requirement, was a bear proof food storage
container. That little voice of reasoning in your
head that warns you not to do something was start-
ing to talk to me…but the trip must go on. I did
read the bears could be bad. I had experiences
camping in some of the State Parks around the
Mammoth area to know they came into camp. I
had seen them actually come walking through look-
ing for food. Those camp grounds have steel food
storage boxes at each picnic table…hmmm that
voice again
I found the required bear proof storage con-
tainer, but was not happy with the additional weight. Thinking there was good cause for this being a
requirement, the container was put into the "to go on the trip" pile.
I had recently purchased what I thought was the latest in high tech gear at the time (1998). A car-
bon fiber external frame backpack. By today's ultra-light standards, this pack was a armored tank.
Dry, the pack was 8 lbs. I proceeded to trick it out with sewn on straps with attached quick release
female buckles. For various pieces of gear I had nylon gear bags made with the male portion of the
quick releases attached to the bags. I wanted easy access to gear such as my water filter, rain gear, etc.
The pack had all types of external zippered pockets, so the final setup was extremely functional.
For years I had used some of the first generation GPS devices. I was comfortable navigating with
them. I did not have a model that is widely available today, with colorized topo map software loaded.
Mine was a more simple stick map of a trip, with a backtrack feature. I had used compasses in the
past, but never trusted my skills. So I made it an objective to carry both. I didn't want to totally de-
pend on the GPS in case of electronic failure, or dead batteries. I purchased a USGS Topo map of my
local area, as well as the section of Ansel Adams PCT I would be traveling. The maps did not have
any GPS coordinates on them as some do today. At least not the ones I purchased. I practiced until I
was confident with both devices.
I spent hours looking over the Ansel Adams map. Setting my objective and plotting my trip. I
plotted one mile interval waypoint marks. I pre-marked these on my map, with the Latitude and Lon-
gitude, so I would have a quick reference to my GPS readings along the way. I had a trip objective of
give or take 12 miles one way, 24 miles round trip. Heading north on the PCT, to Thousand Islands
Lake. To then return to my vehicle a few days later. There was actually a choice of 2 trails. I plotted
my route in, using the upper trail that looked over the valley and on to the breathtaking distant Moun-
tains. My return route would be on the valley floor, following the fast flowing San Joaquin River
(saen wa:'ki:n/)
In preparation of the trip, throughout the summer, I hiked many miles with 50lbs of books in my
pack. I knew I would be doing 8 to 10 mile days on the actual trip. Also at a much higher elevation
than I was used to. The difference between working your lungs and heart at 2000 or 3000 foot eleva-
tion is much different than a 8000 to 9000 feet. On top of that, a heavy pack makes it more difficult.
"A long story short", concerning pack items and weight…. it can be summed up in two words,
"TOO HEAVY". When I hit the trailhead I had 60lb of pack weight and another 7lbs of water.
Nothing was ultra-light, and I eventually paid the price.
(Wrong Place at the Right Time Continued on page 5)
5
th
Annual Bullhead City River Regatta
Started in 2006, the Bullhead City River Regatta
has grown from under 1,000 participants to an esti-
mated 15,000 to 20,000 this year!
Upper Trail of PCT Image Courtesy Rick Beach
But Wait! There’s More!!
Another recent and popular addition to the Bullhead
City River Regatta is the River Home Awards!
Homeowners along the Regatta route are encour-
aged to decorate their yards, shorefronts and docks,
hold parties and cheer on the Regatta floaters!
Prizes will be award to the best decorated Regatta
home on the river!
Hafta Afta Party
Saturday morning and into the afternoon, regatta
floaters will land at Rotary Park’s North Beach
where they will step ashore and into one, big, all-
day beach party! Food, beverages (of the soft and
beer kind) music and vendors of all sorts will greet
floaters and landlubbers alike. Party all afternoon,
then, the awards ceremony will announce the win-
ners in the different categories:
TEAMS (2-10)
MEGA TEAMS (11-20)
, SUPER TEAMS (21
plus), BEST OVERALL DECORATED FLOAT,
BEST DECORATED COMMERCIAL BUSINESS
FLOAT, RIVER HOMES CONTEST!
Come, celebrate the Colorado River at the 2011
Bullhead City River Regatta, August 11 -13
th
.
I n f o r m a t i o n i s a v a i l a b l e o n l i n e a t
www.bullheadregatta.com
,
or call:
855 YA-GOTTA
Ya Gotta Regatta!!
A TOPOGEAR SPECIAL
Compass w/ Light & Whistle Combo
Email us for a special bulk rate to supply your
scout troop or organization at little over cost +
shipping. Buy on an order over $75 and receive
free shipping.
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terest stories. Please submit your story, trip
log, photos, recipes and humor. Subjects on
Climbing, Paddling, Cycling, Backpacking,
Horses, Search and Rescue, travel destinations
and more! Send material to:
4
What do feral cats and zoo animals
have in common?
An International Chili Society Chili Cook Off
event to help raise money to care for them.
Come out to Bonnie Springs Ranch on Saturday,
September 10, 2011 from 10am to 5pm and join in
the fun and festivities. Your support will provide
funds to reduce the overpopulation of feral and
domestic abandoned cats in Clark County through
humane Trap, Neuter, and Return programs. The
funds will also help Bonnie Springs' Zoo with on-
going care and maintenance of the animals.
The $10 fee will give you access to the zoo, Old
Town, the Chili Cook Off, vendors, and other ac-
tivities and fun. Bring the family and spend a day
helping the animals.
To learn more about the event, visit
www.c5-
(Continued from, Page 3 –Wrong Place at the Right Time)
In hind-sight I would have done things way different. In comparison, on a 2011 backpacking trip I
had a 24lb pack (minus water) for a 5 day adventure.
September came around slowly. As the trip neared I knew I would be doing this trip solo. Not
something I advise. I am sure it is not recommended. But some things in life you just want to experi-
ence, may never happen if you wait for everything to be right. I looked at it knowing the risks, and
saying I would at least die doing something I loved..if that was to be. Though I knew I was mentally
and physically capable, I also knew one miss-step could result in a broken leg or some other serious
injury. Due to the remoteness of the area, anything serious could definitely prove fatal.
September in the southwestern area of the US, especially the Las Vegas area, can still be what to
some would view as dead of summer. It still fakes me out. No exception this year. As I remember the
temperature was still hitting around 100 degrees in Vegas. I started packing gear, checking items off
my gear list as I fitted my gear into my pack. Hindsight would prove I failed to compensate for the
difference in Alpine temperatures verses the desert climate I lived in. My clothing consisted of one
pair of cargo shorts, a couple changes of socks and underwear, two T-shirts, a hooded sweatshirt, well
broke in hiking boots, and full rain gear. The oversight of not taking warmer gear, and especially long
pants, would give me a stark reminder while on the trail. Other than that, I don't recall not taking
something I should have had. True to my nature I am sure I had things I could have lived without. I
made many mental notes along the way of things I should not take on the next trip. With water I
would be hauling nearly 70lbs on this trip. I had planned on going 5 days.
I had campground reservations for Agnew Meadows. I started out from Vegas for the 6+ hour road
trip to Mammoth, California. Time passed quickly since the drive is through a variety of regions and
terrain. Desert, mountain passes, streams…. beautiful scenery. Later in the afternoon I came rolling
into Mammoth from the south. The scent of pine and fresh cool air drifting through my truck. I
stopped in town and gassed up my truck, secured a temporary fishing license, and had a bite to eat.
The surrounding mountains with exposed rock outcroppings and greenery of pines trees thrust up from
all views. It was stunning.
At the time, access to the campground was limited. I imagine there are still restrictions. You must
take the Devils Post Pile road a short distance to pick up a gravel road into the campground. The issue
is with the Devils Post Pile road. During certain hours you are only able to travel the road via the shut-
tle bus. I timed my arrival for after the restricted hours and drove in. I planned to camp that night and
hit the trail at first light. The campground was rustic and rather remote. I saw one other vehicle and
no people.
So my first night was to be spent sleeping in the bed of my pickup. I at least had the luxury of a
camper shell to protect me from the elements. At an elevation of around 8300 ft the weather was far
from the blistering heat I had left behind in Vegas. The weather report indicated weather would be
moving in later tomorrow. Shadows cast by the western mountains and ridges, brought with it a chill-
ing breeze. Dusk coming fast. An indicator that Autumn comes much earlier in the mountains. I
enjoyed the views as long as I could, then climbed in the back of my truck to snuggle down in my
warm sleeping bag. Through the night the cold crept in and I adjusted the bag to remain warm. It was
much colder than I had expected. It was so cold that there
was no way I was getting out of the warm bag in the wee
hours of early morning to answer the call of nature. Of
course anyone having experienced that urge verses a warm
bag, knows you really can't sleep well after the urge hits
you. It was just beginning to get light. I noticed the con-
densation of my breath was frozen on the windows and the
inside of the camper shell creating abstract crystal etchings.
It was below freezing! I wanted to start at first light, so I
guess this was as good a time as any.
I rolled up my sleeping bag and cinched it down using
the custom strap installed on my pack. I now realized long
pants and another layer for the top should have been on the
check list. I had on the hooded sweatshirt, but shorts made
it a bit cold. I headed off for the trail without taking the
time for breakfast. My plan was to hit the switchbacks just
outside the campground and head up to the high trail. I
figured by the time I reached the top the sun would be up.
The elevation gain of nearly 2000ft would certainly warm me up. Breakfast would wait.
Be sure to attend the Boy Scout Troop 332
sponsored event “Tri-Challenge Campout�.
This event is located in Luckey, Ohio. Troops
from all over Ohio will be competing for indi-
vidual trophies in categories such as: Model
Campsite, Gateway and Dutch Oven Cooking.
An overall winner will also be crowned for the
event, then have to return the following year to
defend their win.
Get out and support your youth and the Boy
Scout Organization. Submitted by Troop 332.
SEE FULL PAGE FLYER
(Wrong Place at the Right Time Continued on page 6)
5
Just in time for the
River Regatta
(Bullhead City, AZ)
These are the new toys we are using in our
rental fleet- stand up paddleboards. While
they will never replace kayaks it is a real hoot
to use one. We have brought in a variety of
sizes in plastic that are stable and capable of
giving a great ride to anyone up to about 325
pounds. One of the great things about them
is that as you are paddling along you are
looking at the bottom with no glare that you
usually see from a seated position- it is truly
amazing what you can see in the water. You
can use these on the river, the lake, and the
Black Canyon.....
We will be renting them for the regatta for
the stand up paddleboard race which is on
Friday this year- the 12th Price is $35 for
the rental plus the $15 for the race entry.....
We can also bring them north for a Black
Canyon Run, or rent them out for Willow
Beach with special arrangements. Contact
Helen at Desert River Outfitters
(Continued from, Page 4 –Wrong Place at the Right Time)
The switchbacks were difficult as expected. Especially with the heavy load I was lugging up the incline.
The trail eventually leveled off, and followed a steep ridge that fell off toward the valley below. By this time
I was not only warm, but
overly warm. The sweat-
shirt had long ago been
shed and lashed to the
pack. I was down to a
sleeveless T-Shirt and
shorts. This section of the
trail is wide open in places
so the sun was warm. The
sky patchy blue with clouds
drifting toward me. The
clouds flowing around the
peaks. It wasn't hard to
imagine the clouds as water
in a stream, flowing around
rocks. It was a beautiful
day.
Time to shed the pack for awhile and brew a cup of coffee. Take time for some breakfast. The view
through the pines, to the distant mountains was awesome.
Desert River Outfitters is located in Bull-
head City Arizona in Northwestern Ari-
zona 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
.
Patches of snow, exposed granite cliffs, vivid green pine trees, and small Alpine lakes in several directions. I
knew the San Joaquin River snaked its way through the valley floor below me, but the tree cover hid it from
view. The finest restaurant could not come close to providing the experience I enjoyed at this moment. I
lay on my back, propped up against my pack, the view, the clean pine air….I just breathed it all in. That was
one of the best cups of camp coffee I might ever have. The nap in the warm sunshine wasn’t bad either.
The solo experience was enjoyable. It gave me lots of time to reflect on things of the past as well as those
of the future. There was no responsibility of worrying about anyone, and no time table to meet. I just had to
make it back to the truck in 4 or 5 days. I was heading north on the PCT toward Thousand Islands Lake. At
this point nearly all expectations of the trip had been met. My vision of the coming days was to make the
lake, then break out the collapsible fishing rod and reel. I wanted to try for some trout. Another was to dive
off the rocky shore somewhere, to rinse the sweat and trail dust off me. I imagined the water temperature
would be slightly above that of melted snow…brrr! After last night's temperatures I was having second
thoughts about that vision. Maybe a little stinky is OK?
(Too Be Continued in the Next issue)
Be sure to follow as the weather turns ugly!
This Article is by Author, Photographer & Adventurer Rick Beach rick@topogear.com
6
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
TOPOGEAR’s
July 2011 Recipe
Submitted by David Grover
Blue Cheese Stuffed Pork Loin Chops
6 Thick Cut Pork Chops
Seasoning of your Choice
¾ Cup Pistachios Chopped
1 Block of Cream Cheese at room temprature
½ Cup Blue Cheese Crumbled
2 T Butter Melted
¼ tsp Paprika
Take your pork chops and cut a small pocket
into the center of them, then season with your
favorite seasoning inside and out. In a bowl
mix the pistachio nuts, cream cheese, and the
blue cheese. You will then place the stuffing in
the pocket of the pork chop and bake in a 12
inch Dutch oven at 375 degrees. When they
are done baste with butter and sprinkle with
Paprika
The TOPOGEAR Outdoor Recipe Page
Outdoor Cooking Recipes
Cooking Tips & Tricks
(Send them to us!)
Send us your recipe and photo of your prepared item to
appear on this page. See rules off our Home page at
Dutch Oven Heat “Three Up-Three Down Rule
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It is better to place more coals or briquettes on the lid of
the Dutch oven. Many Dutch oven cooks follow a simple
three up, three down rule
. Measure the diameter of your
Dutch oven and add 3 to estimate how many briquettes to
place on the lid. Take 3 away from the diameter measure-
ment and this is the number you need to place under the
Dutch oven.
If you have a 12 inch Dutch oven. 12 + 3 = 15. Place 15
briquettes on the lid of your oven.
12 - 3 = 9. Place 9 briquettes underneath your oven.
This should give you an approximate oven temperature of 350°
F. Each two additional coals will give you about 20° F more heat
7
Visit Hackberry General Store, just outside Kingman, AZ. A collection of roadside
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lines, and television shows in Holland & Germany. They even ship to US Addresses!
TOPOGEAR
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We are specializing in new 925 Sterling
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The photo above is some current examples.
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Hackbery General Store.
11255 E HWY 66 Hackberry AZ 86411
Phone: 928-769-2605
Email:
RT66SW@gmail.com
Owners John & Kerry Pritchard
Manager: Thurston Pritchard
We offer a selection that will be ever chang-
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These items will soon start showing up on
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Prepare Then Share provides delicious,
high-quality food storage, preparedness
products and information that helps pre-
pare individuals, families and communities
for the unexpected. We then provide op-
portunities and avenues for them to share
with others. Our nationwide network of
humanitarian entrepreneurs educate cus-
tomers on emergency preparedness, while
helping them identify their food supply
needs – whether that’s 72-hours, 3 months
or even a year’s worth of food products
.
RECIPE CONTEST
We have a winner for our Monthly News-
letter RECIPE Contest. The Monthly winner
is sent a FREE Gift. Contest is extended to
future issues. Have your entry submitted by
the 15th of a month, for judging/publishing/
winning consideration in the following months
newsletter.
A FREE “gift� is going out to our winner.
See the TOPOGEAR rules and submission
form at the
TOPOGEAR Home Page
Find it
in the left menu
Contest Win Free Stuff
.
Also
join our
FACEBOOK Dutch Oven
g
roup if
you aren’t already a member.
We are changing some of the contest rules
starting with subsequent issues. The Contest is
now open to recipes for both Dutch Ovens and
BBQ/Outdoor Cooking.
There are now a choice of 2 prizes. A Mey-
erco G10 Tactical Folding knife, or a 9 inch
Dutch Oven Lid lifter. Winner gets to select
their choice of one of these two prizes.
USA “Ship To� addresses only.
Meyerco Tactical Folder
G10 Tactical Folder (MATCMDH)
*440 Bead Blasted Blade
*Easy One-Hand Opening
“MAIR� Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
Prize size is 9 inch only
8
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY 2011
Event: Crossroads of the West Gun Shows
Paddling Festival
Hosted by SOUTHWIND
KAYAK CENTER
Newport Dunes, California Visit
site for latest info
1-800-SOUTHWIND or
1-800-768-8494
Visit their website for details and directions
www.camp-cook.com
900 + Members
Desert River Outfitters is located in
Bullhead City Arizona in Northwest-
ern 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
.
Boy Scouts and Leaders
Receive Special
Deep Discounts &
Bulk Order Discounts
"LODGE" Dutch Ovens
With BSA LOGO
Contact:
For Special Price Quote
Don’t miss our
Discount Sale
.
Look for items marked with the
discount. Many items in our
inventory of over 8000 items are
marked down. These discounts
are for limited times, and change
without notice. Don’t miss out.
Also take advantage of the lim-
ited time
FREE SHIPPING
on
orders with amounts over the
current minimum. Check the
Email us your event info, meet-ups, Dutch Oven Cooking
meets, Expo’s, Community events, art fairs, craft fairs, gun
shows, knife shows, etc. We will post your info for FREE
in this section!!
Email to: sales@topogear.com
9
UPCOMING EVENTS
AUG 2011
WEATHERED WONDERS
Creations by Artist Dave Bruce. Utilizing materials recycled from
abandoned 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.
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.
Folks, it is that time of year again. Start making your
plans, and secure your reservations. Bullhead City is
expecting the biggest and best year ever. Don’t miss
out!
10
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 2011
Event: Crossroads of the West Gun Shows
Visit their website for details and directions
Trail Sherpa
was created to
chronicle the hiking and back-
packing adventures that I have
with my friends. Follow us as
we tackle some of the country's
epic trails.
Visit our Website
AMIGO Metal and Iron Work
1233 Calle Cherokee
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Cell (520) 440-2469
Fax (520) 761-1776
Email:
amigo_metal@hotmail.com
Email us your event info, meet-ups, Dutch Oven Cooking meets,
Expo’s, Community events, art fairs, craft fairs, gun shows, knife
shows, etc. We will post your info for FREE in this section!!
11
FUTURE UPCOMING EVENTS
FUTURE UPCOMING EVENTS
Oasis Resorts 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Location: Mesquite, Nevada
Date: November 26th, 2011
Time: 10am-4pm
Contact:
To reserve your vendor booth or receive more info con-
Watch for flyers in upcoming issues.
Place your upcoming events here
Place for FREE
No Listing or setup fee
EMAIL INFO TO:
INFO@TOPOGEAR.COM
Place your upcoming events here
Place for FREE
No Listing or setup fee
EMAIL INFO TO:
INFO@TOPOGEAR.COM
By popular request
We now list events up to a year
In advance
List events here for FREE
No Set-up or hidden fees
Email us your event info, meet-ups, Dutch Oven Cooking
meets, Expo’s, Community events, art fairs, craft fairs, gun
shows, knife shows, etc. We will post your info for FREE
in this section!! Email to
info@topogear.com
TOPOGEAR is always looking for reader inter-
est stories and events. Please submit your story,
trip log, photos, recipes and humor. Subjects on
Climbing, Paddling, Cycling, Backpacking,
Horses, Search and Rescue, travel destinations
and more! Send material to:
12
Love Hiking, Camping and Back-
packing? Join our Facebook
group.
HIKING GROUP
Join us and share your photos
and trip logs
Join our FaceBook
group.Share photos, trail info,
and advice.
560+ Members and growing!
Join FACEBOOK
Dutch Oven Cooking
Located in NE Ohio.
Over 2550+
Members !!
Join Us!!!!
Growing by 100 +a month
An Easy Flat Water paddling
club. Get involved whether
you are new to the sport or
experienced. A great way to
meet people.
http://www.trumbullcanoetrails.org/
Your Outdoor Resource for ATVing, Backpacking,
Camping, Kayaking, Rappelling and Skiing.
Contact
sales@topogear.com
f
or 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
TOPOGEAR reserves the right to publish or not, any or all sub-
missions. Email your ad and any image in .jpg format to
In the Ohio and Pennsylvania Area
ht
tp://www.neohoutdoors.com
13
TOPOGEAR
TOPOGEAR SPECIAL(S) OF THE
MONTH
Meyerco G10 Tactical Folder
&
Smith & Wesson Military Police “Magic As-
sisted� Opener. One hand opening. A great
Search & Rescue Knife with glass breaker
Email for special offer
sales@topogear.com
May not be available once sold out. No rain-
checks. Hurry before offer ends!
Products for Climbing, Camping, Search and Rescue, Police, Hik-
ing, Backpacking, Cycling, Paddling, Military. Lights, Knives,
Packs, Clothing, Consumables such as Jerky, Batteries, soaps,
cleaning products. Some items sold in bulk for resale. We also
carry a line of Jewelry with access to requests for special orders.
Expires without notice
Email
EMERALD-5@COX.NET
14
Or
Email
requests
New 925 Sterling Silver &
Semi-Precious Gemstone
THE NEW WAY OF PRINTING
ï‚·
White or Dark T-shirts
ï‚·
Polo and Golf shirts
ï‚·
Tote Bags
ï‚·
Mouse pads
ï‚·
Canvas and Art Prints
ï‚·
Aprons
ï‚·
Small to Large set ups
ï‚·
Graphics and logos
T-SHART by Emerald-5LTD
Don & Sherry
Email
EMERALD-5@COX.NET
Tel:702-452-3033
Wanted to Buy: Enclosed tandem axle trailer with side RV
style door. 14 to 20 ft
Must be in excellent condition and clean/
clear title. Transact at credit union. Las Vegas Area. Contact
sales@topogear.com
a
ttention Rick. Or call 702-203-0534
Digital garment
printing uses environ-
mentally friendly,
NON-toxic water
based ink.
4800 + Members
Numerous Organized Events - All Levels & ages!
15
16
18
19
Enter your
Dutch Oven/BBQ or Outdoor Recipe
for a chance to win
a “MAIR� 9 inch Dutch Oven Lid Lifter, or a Meyerco Folding Knife. We have had nu-
merous winners. We have extended this for subsequent issues too! Enter before the 15th of
the month, to be considered for the following months Next Newsletter. Details are found on
the
TOPOGEAR Home Page
.
Look for “CONTEST Win FREE Stuff� on the left menu.
Rules release and entry form
are there. To keep it simple just email a statement that you
read and agree to the rules, attach your recipe and finished dish photo. Email to
sales@topogear.com
No purchase required.
(Free Prize is Available to USA Ship to addresses
only) Recipes from other addresses will not receive a prize but may be submitted to appear in our up-
coming recipe book.) Be sure to “subscribe� to our Monthly Newsletter by
creating a Free account
.
20
TOPOGEAR NEWSLETTER
The TOPOGEAR Newsletter is a periodic publication that is provided by an eCommerce business based out of Las Vegas, Ne-
vada. We do not have a brick and mortar store front. TOPOGEAR has been in business since 2009.
In addition to distributed paper Newsletter copies, the link to this publication is emailed to our subscribed readers and customer
database. The link is also posted on numerous on-line Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, sites. We are now reaching
over 20,000 Outdoor related readers locally, as well as world-wide. Subscribe to our email list by emailing a request to
info@topogear.com
Archived copies are available for viewing off our Website, by following the links to
Newsletters
f
rom our
www.topogear.com
“
Home
�
page.
Our Newsletter mission is to support Outdoor related businesses, Non-profit Organizations, and Outdoor events while at the
same time providing interesting reader content related to the Outdoors, Events, Travel, Gear, Clothing, and Outdoor Cooking.
Non-profit organizations are encouraged to place even larger ads for free, including promo articles on upcoming events. Com-
mercial advertising space is also available for businesses wishing to place larger or more strategically located ads. Small
“Upcoming Events� space is free of charge to all. We post upcoming event info, up to 12 months in advance. Email to
While we are located in Nevada, and tend to have more content related to the local area, we do encourage, accept and use mate-
rial from all over the world. As the material diversity expands out, so does our reader base.
Our readers seek Outdoor related articles, trip reports, gear recommendations, photos and recipes. You need not be a profes-
sional writer, photographer, or cook, to submit material. In fact we encourage new writers and photographers that would like to
get their media out there, using us as a reference to jump-start their careers. Those of you that are established, well.. we would
gratefully accept your donation too! You only make it better. We are here to have fun and hope our readers find the material
meaningful. The TOPOGEAR Newsletter is produced as not for profit, normally at a loss to our business. All of our time and
material is donated. So your additions are greatly appreciated by us, our readers, and those non-profit organizations struggling
to raise money for their cause. Your donated media materials allow us to keep our readers interest, and keep our publishing
expenses at a minimum. This allows us to support the non-profit organizations that depend us to provide no cost advertising to
promote their organizations and events.
TOPOGEAR has proudly sponsored numerous Outdoor events in the form of Free advertising, TOPOGEAR Booths at events,
monetary support, and donations of material goods and time.
Media material, and any monetary donations, may be emailed or snail-mailed to:
TOPOGEAR LLC
8628 Surtidor Dr
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
21
