Contributor

Ben Ryder

Articles from Contributor

stargazing-anza-borrego

Tips for stargazing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

While there are several places you can go stargazing in California, one of the top spots to go is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, in east San Diego County. Not only is it one of the best places in the state, but some would also say, in the world.    That’s…

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MRT

McKenzie River Trail: Oregon’s top mountain bike trail

Oregon has hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, but the best one has got to be the McKenzie River Trail (MRT). It offers a spectacular scenic challenge to cyclists, with lava rock, blue pools, lush 300-year-old growth forests, waterfalls, and technical riding.   Be warned…

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trekking

How to attach trekking poles to your backpack

We’ve explored the pros of trekking poles before; how they can improve your balance on uneven trails, help protect your knees, and improve your posture, allowing you to breathe easier.    Still, if you’ve decided to start using a trekking pole, you may be left wondering how best…

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swimming

Gear list: wild swimming essentials

Some days, there’s nothing better than heading out for a swim in the great outdoors. Unlike at your local pool, there’s no walls or lanes to constrict you, and you get to be at one with nature while the often-cold temperatures challenge you both physically…

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wildlife

5 ways to safely enjoy wildlife

You may think that keeping a safe distance from wildlife is just about your safety, but their welfare also plays a big part in why its not safe to approach wild animals. You can place an animal in grave danger by touching, feeding, or getting…

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Kayak Paddles

A simple guide to choosing a kayak paddle

After finding the right kayak, the next step is choosing a kayak paddle. There are kayak paddles designed for all sorts of kayak adventures, from whitewater kayaking to placid lake water kayaking. Most likely, your paddle will be in your hands the whole time you’re…

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Trails

Why hikers should avoid muddy trails

Spring is finally here. Though, perhaps not according to the weather in some areas of the country where it could be 55° and sunny one day, and a storm warning the next. Unfortunately, this back and forth can wreak havoc on mountain trails, and hikers…

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Phone Battery

6 simple hacks to extend your phone’s battery life

Battery anxiety is a common thing to suffer from where you’re in the middle of nowhere, with no nearby outlets to plug in and charge your phone. Smartphones have certainly made our lives easier, but they are particularly power hungry and can suck your battery…

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Natural Wonders

Explore the world’s most colorful natural wonders

The world around us is brimming with color, and while you may think of vibrant towns when you think of brightly colored locations, mother nature has lots of offerings of her own. From pink lakes to seemingly paint-filled hot springs, there are plenty of statement-making…

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