Author Archives: Neds Job of the Week

Your Very Next Step newsletter for December 2008

“Life is all about making connections, managing expectations, and making the waitress smile.”

– Ned Lundquist

The next adventure begins with your very next step.

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.

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yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

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“Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.”

—Kofi Annan

Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** In this issue:

*** Ned celebrates Freedom in Milwaukee (An Update)

*** For the birds

*** Travel News

*** Most stressful airports

*** YVNS “Sport You Must Try” for November: Kabaddi

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

1.) Communications/Advocacy Internship, The Campaign for America’s Wilderness, Washington, DC

2.) Editor, Earth-conscious material, Teaching Drum Outdoor School, Three Lakes, WI

3.) Temporary Public Lands Organizer, National Wildlife Federation, Missoula, Montana

4.) Chief Operating Officer (COO), Panthera, NY, NY

5.) Public Relations Specialist, Cruise Critic, The Independent Traveler, Inc., TripAdvisor, Newton, MA

6.) Bike Guide/Driver, Sockeye Cycle Co., Haines, Alaska

7.) Senior Environmental Scientist, California Department of Fish & Game, Sacramento, California

8.) Guest Relations Consultant, The Harbour Hotel & Residence, The Emirates Group, Dubai, UAE

9.) Tours Consultant (Inbound), Arabian Adventures, The Emirates Group, Dubai, UAE

10.) Senior Marketing Manager, Destination Segment, Vail Resorts, Broomfield, CO

11.) Communications Resource Coordinator, Arc’teryx, North Vancouver, BC, CANADA

12.) Senior Climbing Wall Supervisor, Xscape, Milton Keynes Trek and Travel Store, Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, Milton Keynes, UK

13.) Public Relations Representative, Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZ

14.) Operations Manager, Frank Church Wilderness – Central Idaho

15.) Mountain Supervisor, Snow+Rock, Bristol, UK

16.) Senior Manager, Visual Merchandising, Backcountrycorp.com, West Valley City, UT

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Milwaukee

*** Pat Valdata responds to “Ned in Milwaukee”:

Ned,

I was so happy to see that Real chili is still a Milwaukee institution. It was a favorite restaurant of ours when I was at Marquette, especially since it was on the same block on Wells as the laundromat. It was also the place to go on a weekend afternoon after having too much Pabst the night before. Nothing got rid of a hangover better than a bowl of real chili.

Have you been on the John W. Brown liberty ship? Bob and I took the cruise two summers ago. Great fun, and I learned a lot about liberty ships.

Pat

*** Freedom on the Great Lakes:

I rode USS Freedom from Milwaukee to Cleveland. Hardly duty on the high seas, but if you have sailed on the ocean and have not done so on the Great lakes, I say that in general there is not much difference. You can be out of sight of land for a good long while. The seas can get very rough. There are lots of other ships to look out for. Granted, there are no sharks or sea snakes, or dolphins in our wake, but at 40 knots I don’t suppose a dolphin can keep up.

Freedom is as fast as she looks. Her clean lines attest to the fact that she is not a warship in the sense that we think of a ship bristling with guns, missile launchers, sensors and other things sticking up or out of the superstructure. You might look at her shape and think that she is designed for stealth, and you would be right.

I was amazed at how much traffic one encounters on the Great Lakes. These are big ships. Some “Lakers” are 1,000 feet long, and too big to pass through the locks at the Welland canal. Some ocean ships, called “salties,” carry cargo to and from ports on the lakes.

I had never seen the Makinaw Bridge before, nor have I ever been over it, but it sure is pretty from underneath it at night.

We made a stop at Port Huron, where the St. Clair River joins with Lake Huron, with the U.S. port on the western shore and Sarnia, Ontario on the eastern side. There was a U.S. Coast Guard cutter based at Port Huron, and a Canadian Coast Guard cutter at Sarnia. Also at Port Huron was a diminutive light ship, with the letters “HURON” emblazoned on her side. She is the last of her kind, and was taken out of service in 1970. She is now preserved for posterity on land next to the river.

http://www.boatnerd.com/museums/huron/

We also sailed past the Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock (WLB 214) Seagoing Buoy Tenderthat is based there. The now decommissioned cutter Bramble was tied up in front of us at the Bean Dock, where it is now a museum ship.

http://www.michigan.org/property/Detail.aspx?p=B12396

Our “navigation consultant” for this leg of the voyage was Capt. Dan Hobbs, who has been sailing the Lakes since 1979 and a captain since 1983. It was fascinating to hear about the currents and eddys and set and drift from each turn of the channel as we proceeded southward through the St. Clair River. It was also interesting to hear about each of the ships and masters we encountered, as Captain Dan seems to know them all. I’m looking forward to hearing his stories about operating in the winter ice in the Lakes, something I know virtually nothing about.

http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20081112/NEWS05/81112010

Upon arrival in Cleveland, I asked for advice from a group of police officers on how to get to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (I could see it right nearby, but had to get out of the dock area). The police captain drove me to the entrance.

*** Gwen Saunders on the subtle sensations of Christmas in Crete:

It was 1985. When I arrived two days before Thanksgiving in Chania Harbor on

the ferry boat from Piraeus on the mainland of Greece (a whole different

story), my first impression was “This must be what the Holy Land looks

like,” I thought. “All kind of brown and scrub brush, the air filled with a

rich, burning wood smell.”

Near midnight that Christmas Eve, I shut programming and left the U.S. Navy

Broadcasting Station building in Souda Bay, Crete, heading for the chief

petty officer's barracks. It was a closed circuit, manually operated TV

station and programming was over, leaving only the radio on reel-to-reel

machines running AFRTS holiday shows. Except for the gate guards, I was

probably the last one awake on the whole compound. It was a cold, clear

night and there were no street lights. The road to the barracks was straight

and I didn't need any navigational aids to get to my room.

Next to the TV station was a parking strip and hangar for visiting Navy

aircraft. The rest of the buildings were down the road on the left –

barracks, medical, motor pool. On the right side of the road was a series of

fences lined with trees and brush marking out where the local farmers lived

and kept their flocks of sheep and goats.

Now, when you're the last one awake, no one cares that you stand in the

middle of the parking lot in the middle of the night.

The sky was clear with lots of stars. I could smell the burning olive wood

from the hearths in nearby homes. And from the small stables on the other

side of the fences came the muted tinkling of sheep bells and the sort of

gentle lowing that must have been heard in the manger That Night.

I might have raised my eyebrows had three Wise Men ridden past on camels,

but it would have made perfect sense to see shepherds gently nudging their

flocks down the road from one field to another.

I think being fey encourages this sort of behavior, but it definitely

brought Christmas to me that night.

*** Unpeaceful sunrise:

I have been coaxed into getting up early and trekking to a mountaintop to see the first rays of the sun. Laura and I did it at Haleakela on Maui, and were alone in our experience. It was pretty cold, too. We’ve done it outside of Palm Springs. (And of course there have been countless sunrise moments at sea that have been respectfully appreciated, if not properly observed and noted in the ship’s deck log. They never get old.) A few years ago we were at Acadia National Park and joined the throngs to watch the sun first strike the U.S. that day atop Cadillac Mountain. You could barely find a place to park. Some people brought a picnic breakfast, and I admit the coffee smelled good. But there were just too many people and too much chatter to appreciate. The guy calling his friends on his cell phone to give them the play-by-play at the sun peaked above the horizon was the straw that broke the camels back. Some things are meant to be enjoyed in peace and quiet.

*** Jack Duggan responds to Ned

Ned –

I still have my orange safety vest from days with Seattle City Light, but rarely get a chance to use it here in the hidebound hills. However, your piece about blaze orange for hunting reminded me of a great story, supposedly true, that happened at the little Applegate store in the early 70's.

Tucked into a bend of Highway 238 crossing the Applegate river, the little hamlet is less than half a dozen buildings, the oldest of which is the store. Inside is a countrified version of a convenience store with a small diner-like set-up featuring a counter with half a dozen stools and three little tables. The story goes that one morning two local farmers were sitting at the counter having coffee. A man came in wearing day-glo orange pants, a day-glo orange shirt and jacket, day-glo orange gloves and a day-glo orange hat. Loud enough to be heard throughout the small store, one old farmer turns to the other and says, “Don't you think that fella's takin' a hell of a chance out there with them black boots?!?”

From high above the fog on a sunny Thanksgiving Day, here's hoping you have the heart to pardon all the turkeys in your life.

Walk in Peace – Jack

*** I was in Newport, RI, earlier this month, and visited with the nine students attending the Surface Warfare Officers School’s International Division Officers course for an article for Surface Warfare magazine. Just before their graduation, I asked them what they were going to do as soon as they returned home. They all spoke of a favorite food prepared by the wife or mother. Mahanama, a lieutenant from Sri Lanka, awaited his mother’s rice and curry. Louis from Tunisia craved anything that is spicey and hot, with couscous. The Bulgarian lieutenant named Anton was looking forward to his mother’s stuffed peppers. For Ariel, an ensign in the Philippine Navy, he was looking forward to adobo (chicken or pork), with pancit, a sort of cellophane rice noodle dish. He also likes balut, but the rest of the class was less than enthusiastic when he explained what it was. Dwayne from the Bahamas wanted his wife’s cracked conch, tenderized and deep fried. Muhammad from Pakistan didn’t miss his wife’s cooking. He brought her with him while he was in Newport.

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for December:

*** America's Most Stressful Airports

1. Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia, Pa

2. John F. Kennedy International Airport

Jamaica, N.Y.

2. Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Chicago, Ill.

4. Newark International Airport

Newark, N.J.

5. LaGuardia Airport

Flushing, N.Y.

6. Miami International Airport

Miami, Fla.

7. Dulles International Airport

Dulles, Va.

8. George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Houston, Texas

9. General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport

Boston, Mass.

9. San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco, Calif.

http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2008/11/21/travel-stress-airports-forbeslife-cx_ls_1121travel.html

*** Insult to injury:

Aloha Airlines was driven out of business by the intense competition introduced by newcomer go!, owned by Mesa. Now Mesa has bought the brand name “Aloha” at the bankruptcy fire sale.

“Mesa Air Group's attempt to re-brand its go! aircraft with the Aloha Airlines name was temporarily blocked yesterday by a federal Bankruptcy Court judge who attacked the lack of sensitivity of both the Phoenix-based carrier and the acquirer of Aloha's intellectual property rights.”

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20081204_No_Aloha_for_go.html#fullstory

*** A new $150 million airport in Branson, Mo. — the first in the country to be privately developed and operated — has landed its first airline.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-12-10-branson-airport_N.htm

*** Does anybody besides me think this is a really big deal:

China Eastern inaugurates truly direct scheduled cross-strait flights

Air Transport World

Tuesday December 16, 2008

Truly direct scheduled flights across the Taiwan Strait finally began yesterday when China Eastern Airlines inaugurated its Shanghai-Taipei service.

http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=15028

*** Ice Festivals:

Mountain Hardware tells us about these upcoming Ice Festivals:

Ouray Ice Festival

Jan 9-11, Colorado

Adirondack International Mountainfest

Jan 16-18, New York

Michigan Ice Fest

Jan 30-Feb 1, Michigan

Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival

Feb 5-8, New Hampshire

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Events.aspx

*** From Bernie Wagenblast’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (To subscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com.)

New Web Site Alerts Motorists to Wildlife on Idaho Roads

Link to story on KTVB-TV:

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-dec1608-wildlife_sightings_web_site.6cda1ff0.html

Link to site: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/manage_issues/collision/

*** For the birds (From the Virginia Outdoor Report):

The following recipe is a great food mixture for birds that can be smeared on tree bark, fence posts, the wood in a wood pile, or pine cones hung in the yard where they can be seen from your windows. This mix provides a supplemental source of fat energy and nutrients to the birds. Making the mixture is fun, inexpensive and something the whole family can join in.

First, in large bowl, stir together:

• 1 part flour

• 3 parts yellow corn meal

• 1 part bird seed

• a handful of raisins

• a handful of shelled peanuts

Then add 1 part of lard or peanut butter and stir until the mixture holds together in one big ball. (Or, you can substitute bacon grease that's been rendered and chilled, but do not use shortening.)

This mixture will attract nuthatches, chickadees, tufted titmice, brown creepers, woodpeckers, mockingbirds and even bluebirds. Keep a record of the different species of birds you observe, it's fun and educational for “children” of all ages. The birds will appreciate it too!

*** The YVNS sport of the month that Ned has never heard of:

Our sport of the month that Ned has never heard of is called Kabaddi, which turns out to be the national game of Bangladesh where it is known as Haḍuḍu. It is the state game of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra in India. It is also played by the British Army for fun, which doesn't surprise me. It sounds like “Red Rover” on steroids. The name comes from a Hindi word meaning “holding of breath.” And that's apparently what the game is all about. You have two teams, each on their half of the field. They turns sending a “raider” over to the other side, who has to tag members of the other team and get back to his (or her) own side, all while holding his (or her) breath. The players are in their skivvies and there is much groping. The word Kabiddi is chanted over and over. The defending team makes a chain, and the raider tries to break the chain. If it breaks, the guy who let the raider through has to go into time out. You get points for this. If the raider takes a breath, the raider has to go into time out. There is much effort made in trying to detain the raider before he must take a breath. The team that puts out all the players on the opponent's side scores four extra points for a 'Iona.' I've learned that 14,000 people watched the World Kabaddi Championship in Hamilton, Ontario, between India, Pakistan, Canada, England and the United States. It won’t be long before Canadians will be playing this on ice, with sticks. Game on!

http://www.kabaddi.org/

(Note: Kabaddi players are now emulating blinged-out NBA thugs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSWLgqSgGY0&eurl=http://www.kabaddi.org/lefthandbar.htm.)

(If you have an unusual sport to share, send it to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.)

*** Travel/Outdoors and Adventure jobs:

*** From Susan Whitmore:

I think you post internships — this comes with a small stipend. Would appreciate your posting it. Thanks much.

Susan

Susan Whitmore

Director of Communications

Campaign for America's Wilderness

202-266-0435

1.) Communications/Advocacy Internship, The Campaign for America’s Wilderness, Washington, DC

The Campaign for America’s Wilderness is seeking a Communications and Advocacy Intern.

The Campaign for America's Wilderness works with local state coalitions and advocacy groups to permanently protect wild places for generations to come by assisting them with political strategy, lobbying, historical research, grassroots organizing, and communications initiatives.

This internship will provide the participant with hands-on experience in an organization working to protect our natural heritage. The participant will learn the skills needed to become an effective advocate for the conservation of our last wild places, gain a greater understanding of federal wilderness policy, learn the ins and outs of advocacy communications, assist a network of local grassroots wilderness organizations, and be part of a dedicated team working to further the protection of our wild public lands.

Qualifications:

Students and non-students are invited to apply, though completion of at least two years of college coursework is preferred. The applicant should possess a strong interest in wilderness and in protecting public lands. Individuals should be self-motivated, willing to seek out new learning opportunities, and possess excellent verbal communication and writing skills.

Responsibilities:

The internship can be tailored to the interests and strengths of the applicant, but will focus on a combination of policy research, media and communications, legislative work, grassroots organizing and outreach, and using online technologies to promote wilderness.

Responsibilities will also include research assistance, data entry, developing outreach materials, calling supporters, and administrative duties.

Length, Location, and Compensation:

The internship will take place in our Washington, DC office, on Capitol Hill. We are looking for an intern to start in January and applicants must be available at least 25 hours per week. Students may be eligible to receive college credit; students should inquire of their schools specific requirements. A small stipend is available.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume, letter of intent, and a one to three page writing sample to: info@leaveitwild.org.

For more information about Campaign for America’s Wilderness, please visit www.leaveitwild.org.

2.) Editor, Earth-conscious material, Teaching Drum Outdoor School, Three Lakes, WI

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/greendreamjobs.display/id/3046365

3.) Temporary Public Lands Organizer, National Wildlife Federation, Missoula, Montana

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=236800013

*** From Jill Sarah Moscowitz:

Hi,

I'd like to post the following position opening in the JOTW. Thanks so

much. Let me know if you have any questions…

4.) Chief Operating Officer (COO), Panthera, NY, NY

This is an opportunity for a highly skilled, strategically focused leader to

work for an nonprofit conservation organization that focuses on wild cat

conservation. Reporting to the CEO, this individual will be a key member of

Panthera's senior management team with responsibility for overseeing

Panthera's financial, administrative, human resource, IT, and communication

functions. The COO is responsible for the development and management of

operations systems to ensure that the proper infrastructure, policies,

processes and controls are in place to effectively and efficiently run a

conservation organization with a multi-million dollar annual budget. The COO

will play a critical role in developing, implementing, and monitoring

Panthera's financial and fund-raising strategies. S/he will be responsible

for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary policies of the organization – such

as sound planning, financial, accounting, auditing, risk management

practices, and compliance functions. The COO must have higher executive

experience working for non-profit organizations and familiarity with

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for nonprofits.

Please send resumes to Jill Sarah Moscowitz at jmoscowitz@drgnyc.com

5.) Public Relations Specialist, Cruise Critic, The Independent Traveler, Inc., TripAdvisor, Newton, MA

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=J8A0TT6W07KNYJRBM0S

6.) Bike Guide/Driver, Sockeye Cycle Co., Haines, Alaska

Spend a summer in one of the most spectacular regions in the world—work and play in Southeast Alaska! Celebrating twenty years in business, Sockeye Cycle Co. is the only full-service bicycle business in Alaska offering sales, service, rentals and tours. From April through September, twenty seasonal workers are employed, with positions that include tour guides, van drivers, bicycle mechanics and managers. The majority of positions are based in Skagway and involve daily tour operations. Daily tours are three hours long with groups of twelve; other overnight and multi-day tours go out at varying dates and times based on staffing and seniority. Wages start at $10/hour, plus a performance bonus upon completion of your contract. Contracts are for a minimum 3-month commitment. Management positions are salaried, with pay based on experience. At minimum, applicants must be U.S. citizens, 23 years old and have a clean driving record. Applications and job descriptions are available online. Interviews begin in October with most positions filled by April 1st.

http://www.cyclealaska.com/application.html

7.) Senior Environmental Scientist, California Department of Fish & Game, Sacramento, California

http://www.execsearches.com/non-profit-jobs/jobDetail.asp?job_id=17440

8.) Guest Relations Consultant, The Harbour Hotel & Residence, The Emirates Group, Dubai, UAE

http://dxbmiww99.emirates.com/hrrecruit/Adv_Details.asp?jobname=&txtJobNo=&hdnPage=2&advno=10400&LClass

9.) Tours Consultant (Inbound), Arabian Adventures, The Emirates Group, Dubai, UAE

http://dxbmiww99.emirates.com/hrrecruit/Adv_Details.asp?jobname=&txtJobNo=&hdnPage=5&advno=11232&LClass

*** From Andrew Hudson’s job list:

10.) Senior Marketing Manager, Destination Segment, Vail Resorts, Broomfield, CO

http://prjobslist.com:80/index.cfm?PID=805&ID=5197,19051,0&S=oksphnqtvq

11.) Communications Resource Coordinator, Arc’teryx, North Vancouver, BC, CANADA

Arc’teryx is an energetic and exceptionally innovative company, with over 450 employees. Our ongoing success stems from an uncompromising passion to continuously challenge, and radically improve, the status quo. At the foundation of our organization is a dynamic team of exceptionally talented, fun, and active people.

Our modern head office is located on Vancouver’s picturesque North Shore, near the second narrows bridge, with a causal and fun work environment that supports and encourages work-life balance. We also have plenty of parking, a bike room, indoor staff bouldering gym, frequent summer BBQs and other events, as well as a great employee discount.

We are seeking a Communications Resource Coordinator to oversee the Arc’teryx data base of product and corporate communications information.

Ideally you will have:

• Strong written and spoken English

• Strong organizational skills

• Post-secondary education

• 2 years of copy-writing, journalism, or data-entry experience

• French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese language skills

Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Creating, overseeing, and maintaining database of corporate communications text copy

• Performing extensive database entry

• Updating and writing some product information and other communications

• Overseeing translation of copy into several languages

• Archiving data and image files

• Assisting web and photo production departments with archiving of data elements and logistics

• Collecting and distributing corporate news, stories, and information through a variety of media outlets

• Aiding in production of all corporate communications

How to apply:

Please forward resume and cover letter in PDF or Word format to hr@arcteryx.com,

quote “0811-CRC – Web” in the subject line.

12.) Senior Climbing Wall Supervisor, Xscape, Milton Keynes Trek and Travel Store, Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, Milton Keynes, UK

Are you ready for your next challenge? Ellis Brigham want people with a passion for the outdoors and the ability to lead and motivate a team. You will be well suited to a position within the Ellis Brigham team if you possess good knowledge of snowsports/outdoor clothing and equipment, a retail and/or customer service background with proven sales skills, and an ability to pass this knowledge on to other staff. You must be a team player, who leads by example with an ability to motivate and communicate, with those around you.

In return for your hard work we offer full training including participation in the occasional product test, competitive rates of pay, staff discount and flexible working opportunities along with good career development prospects that come from working for the UK’s most progressive mountain sports retailer.

To apply please send an e-mail with your CV and covering letter to milton.keynes@vertical-chill.com Alternatively you can write to The Manager, Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, Ellis Brigham/TSA, Unit 32, Xscape, 602 Marlborough Gate, Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 3DD.

*** From Kerry Ramirez PHR:

13.) Public Relations Representative, Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZ

Overview

Canyon Ranch, the premier brand in the health and wellness industry with a mission to provide “the highest enjoyment of life” is searching for a talented, creative and caring director to be the communicator of our brand with external sources and media outlets. We offer our guests a transformational experience through our integrated disciplines of preventative medicine, behavioral health, movement therapies, nutrition, sport and fitness and spa and meditative practices.

Area of Responsibility

Primarily responsible for supporting the Public Relations Director in all Public Relations activities, including but not limited to contacting media sources; writing, producing and distributing press releases; responding to media inquiries; scheduling and coordinating media visits and photo shoots.

Primary Duties

• Writes, produces and distributes media-related materials including press kits, press releases, staff bios, fact sheets, etc.

• Responds to media inquiries and requests for information, photos and questionnaires.

• Schedules media interviews with Canyon Ranch staff and provides copies of resulting editorial coverage to participating staff.

• Schedules and coordinates media visits and media-related photo shoots, working with Public Relations contacts at Lenox, Las Vegas and other properties.

• Monitors media coverage; prepares and distributes coverage reports

• Conducts story/news placement activities as directed.

• Assists with the development and implementation of Public Relations plans, events and programs.

• Monitors and updates Press Room section of Web site with press releases, awards and distinctions, photographs.

• Provides assistance to media representatives who request visuals (photos and video).

• Drafts background documents on a variety of topics for review by director.

• Conducts research about publications and writers.

Qualifications

• Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism

• Minimum six years experience in a PR agency or in-house PR department.

• Hospitality, tourism or travel experience is preferred.

• Must be able to appropriately present and represent Canyon Ranch to the media and all related audiences.

• Proficient in MS Office suite.

• Congenial and patient in all circumstances and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines.

• OR Any combination of academic education, professional training or work experience, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

To apply, please visit www.canyonranchjobs.com

14.) Operations Manager, Frank Church Wilderness – Central Idaho

The Flying B and Root Ranch are located in Idaho's remote

wilderness area. Two separate places with unique

characteristics. We provide seasonal lodging & dining

accomodations at each Ranch. We will also accomodate clients

with horse pack trips & hunts. Access is limited due to

locations. There is no road access. Most clients fly in by

small aircraft. Employees are transported by small aircraft.

Employees live on-site. It is an attractive plus to have a

manager with a pilot's license & airplane.

Qualifications of the Operations Manager include but are not

limited to: The Operations Manager is required to live on-site

at the Flying B Ranch during the main operating season,

typically part of March until just before Thanksgiving. Must

have experience in hiring staff & staff management. Ranch

quarters/work areas are tight and as a manager you need to keep

employee work quality and moral at the highest level. Each

Ranch has cabins for daily rental, a lodge for cooking/dining

and a small convenience type store. Therefore, there are normal

maintenance issues associated with buildings/power supply and

water supply that need to be attended to on a daily basis. Our

operation maintains a horse/mule herd of approximately 65 head.

The horses remain in the backcountry year round. The Ranch

produces enough hay to support the herd during the winter and

uses public grazing during the summer. The manager needs to

have farming knowledge and the ability to operate and maintain

farming equipment to produce that hay. Experience in herd

management – health/grazing & feeding/packing is a must. The

Operations Manager will work directly with and for the General

Manager in all aspects of Ranch operations. The Operations

Manager must be licensable under Idaho State Outfitting

requirements. All employees are subject to a background check

prior to employment.

FLYING RESORT RANCHES, INC

9 Hamner Drive

Salmon, Idaho 83467

Tammy Overacker

General Manager, DA

Flying Resort Ranches, Inc.

(208) 756-6295 (tel)

877-562-1129 (Toll-Free)

(208) 756-6378 (fax)

Fax For Resumes: 208-756-6378

Email For Resumes: tamflyingresort@centurytel.net

http://flyingresortranches.com/

http://www.coolworks.com/careers/jobview.asp?JID=R-FLYINGRESORT-11/20/2008~b~12:11:56~b~PM

15.) Mountain Supervisor, Snow+Rock, Bristol, UK

Are you a dynamic, motivated person with a passion for the outdoors?

Can you manage and lead a team to deliver sales targets and excellent customer service?

Are you an experienced climber with excellent product knowledge?

If the answer is yes to the above then we may have the job for you!

To manage the Mountain department at our busy superstore in Bristol you should have the proven ability to develop a team and be committed to providing a high standard of service. A background in retail is preferable and a knowledge of the outdoor product essential.

In return for your hard work and commitment we offer a competitive salary + Bonuses and commission.

If you want to work in a fantastic environment, have the opportunity to test our product and take advantage of our generous staff discount scheme please send your CV to hr@snowandrock.com.

http://www.snowandrock.com/jobs_mountain_supervisor_bristol.htm

16.) Senior Manager, Visual Merchandising, Backcountrycorp.com, West Valley City, UT

Mention Ned (lundquist989@cs.com) and he gets a free Nalgene bottle)

https://home.eease.com/recruit2/?id=70688

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC

© 2008 The Job of the Week Network LLC

Edward Lundquist, ABC

Editor and Publisher

Your Very Next Step

7813 Richfield Road

Springfield, VA 22153

Home office phone: (703) 455-7661

lundquist989@cs.com

www.nedsjotw.com

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“Stress is the trash of modern life – we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.”

~Danzae Pace

Your Very Next Step newsletter for October 2008

“Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made. And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you posses. To give is to love. To withhold is to wither. Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.”

– Kent Nerburn

The next adventure begins with your very next step.

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

Send us your comments, questions, and contributions to lundquist989@cs.com.

You are now among 513 subscribers.

*** In this issue:

Share your adventures with this group. Send to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** Mountain hardware offers the “Your Best Shot!” photo contest. You could win some cool stuff.

http://performanceelevated.com/photoblog/

*** Zipper Maintenance:

I have a set of Lands End luggage. There are some zipper tabs that have broken. After a long conversation with customer service, we decided the best way to get them fixed (The luggage as a full lifetime guarantee) is to get them fixed locally and send the receipt for reimbursement.

Let’s see what happens.

Anyone else have guarantee or repair stories to share? Either good or bad?

*** Travel News

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

Here’s the YVNS Travel News for October:

*** Alaska Airlines thinks this is a good time to visit Alaska:

Dreaming of Alaska? Check out the hottest book … from the coolest state. You'll find everything you need to know about planning a visit in the free Official Alaska State Guide. Reserve your copy today.

http://travelalaska.com/Planner.aspx?utm_source=9116&utm_medium=ad

*** British Airways thinks this is not a good time to visit Pakistan.

British Airways said yesterday that it has cancelled its six-times-weekly London Heathrow-Islamabad service in response to the Sept. 20 Marriott hotel bombing in the Pakistani capital that killed at least 50 people. “In light of the security situation in Pakistan, British Airways has cancelled its flights from Islamabad to Heathrow indefinitely,” it said. “The safety and security of our customers, our staff and our operation is always our absolute priority.”

http://www.atwonline.com/news/other.html?issueDate=9%2F24%2F2008

*** Midwest downsizing:

Midwest changed its name from Midwest Express because they didn’t want to appear to be a commuter airline. But now the Milwaukee-based carrier plans to turn most of its 717 aircraft in and transition to an Embraer 170 fleet.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/09/23/316234/troubled-midwest-wins-new-backing.html

*** FAA suspends sleeping airline pilots

HONOLULU (AP) — Two pilots for Hawaii's Go airlines who slept through their flight's landing procedure were suspended for the careless and reckless operation of an aircraft.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hScnIpuXne0-kmWdvqEoMtY1c0CgD93CSTK80

*** Sun Country Airlines has warned its 850 employees they could face furloughs — or even a complete shutdown — as early as Dec. 1.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_10621617?source=most_viewed

*** Sun Country files for bankruptcy

Tuesday October 7, 2008

Sun Country Airlines yesterday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but insisted it will “operate business as usual.”

*** At least 20 airlines worldwide face possible bankruptcy due to high fuel costs and financial turmoil:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=ay5XLcRym8RE&refer=news

*** Southwest to serve Minneapolis/St. Paul:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-thu-southwest-midway-oct02,0,7577296.story

*** Look into my eyes…

The MALINTENT security system under development by the Department of Homeland Security allegedly has the ability to “read” seven emotions through a combination of body temperature, heart rate and breathing patterns, and eventually will include eye scanners, pheromone readers and additional technologies.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1060972/The-airport-security-scanner-read-mind.html

*** Air Canada To Erase Second-Bag Fee As Fuel Price Ebbs

Air Canada today said it would eliminate its $25 second baggage charge “in response to decreasing fuel prices.” The carrier implemented the charge in May for travel beginning July 15 amid steadily rising fuel costs, but reversed course last week with plans to stop collecting the fee Sept. 23.

Air Canada To Erase Second-Bag Fee As Fuel Price Ebbs

Air Canada today said it would eliminate its $25 second baggage charge “in response to decreasing fuel prices.” The carrier implemented the charge in May for travel beginning July 15 amid steadily rising fuel costs, but reversed course last week with plans to stop collecting the fee Sept. 23.

http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003852221

*** American orders 42 787s valued at $8 billion

American Airlines placed a firm order for 42 787-9s valued at more than $8 billion with first delivery scheduled for September 2012.

(This is significant as it represents the first big order by one of the big U.S. airlines for this airplane. The 787 is already the best selling new airplane ever.)

http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=14384

*** My adventure:

From Sarah Armstrong (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/31/3955515.html). We know there’s a story that goes with this picture.

*** I love this photo of my friend, Simmie Slay, in his Native American regalia at Talladega, Alabama. The event was the recent 150th anniversary for Alabama School for the Deaf Homecoming Football Game in September. The school mascot is “Silent Warrior.” Simmie and his son George worked with Tom and I at ArrowCorps5 at the Gros Ventre remote site in Wyoming this summer.

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/31/3955529.html

*** Our (Ned, Laura, Tom and Barbara) campsite along the North River in October of this year was in a beautiful spot with some colorful foliage, although the River was confined to a few pools and a trickle here and there.

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2008/10/31/3955541.html

*** Footnotes:

Hi Ned,

This is one of my favorite travel pictures. This is taken at the Grey Glacier refugio in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. I was on my first big hiking trip since college. We hike the modified W route but were hiking with backpacks for about 5 days. At the refugios, everyone had to go sockfooted leaving their boots in the entryway. I had borrowed my friend's boots for this trip since I wasn't sure I would ever do any hiking again afterwards (although I have been hooked now) and took this picture to show her that her boots were in friendly company during the trip.

Karen Utterback

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/28/3905025.html

*** Travel/Outdoors and Adventure jobs:

Adventure Center Attendant, Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH

http://www.loonmtn.com/jobs/jobs.asp?reqAction=job&reqNbr=75151#results

*** OUTDOOR EDUCATION INTERN, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Outdoor Education Program, Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, Millersville, Maryland

http://www.arlingtonecho.net/Employment/Employment.html

*** Outdoor Specialist, Outdoor Learning Center / Camp Horizons, Harrisonburg, VA

http://www.jobtarget.com/c2/job.cfm?site_id=1&jb=4740084&CFID=49655033&CFTOKEN=a6731c3860ec28b7-60173635-D2DE-D039-7951EBE774FEA76E

*** Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Department Of The Interior, National Park Service, Lakewood, CO

http://federalgovernmentjobs.us/jobs/Outdoor-Recreation-Specialist-1335424.html

*** Snow Reporter, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass, WA

To update and distribute the Summit's Snow Report to various media and broadcast systems. Daily snow report data will be provided by Snow West and Alpental Ski Patrols and this information will be augmented by the Snow Reporter's personal observations. Additionally, this position will search the Internet to make sure The Summit at Snoqualmie information is accurately presented on the various travel, skiing and rides websites.

This newly defined role of the snow reporting system is to update The Summit snowlines regularly, several times during the day and evening, while actually on the mountain using a cell phone. Updating the snowlines while actually skiing or riding will add a new dimension and accuracy to our reports.

The schedule for updating the snow reports is every two hours. This means a significant aspect of the job will involve skiing or riding to accurately determine and report the snow and weather conditions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

To update The Summit's telephone snowlines regularly and consistently.

To call in The Summit's Snow Report to various snow reporting services regularly and consistently.

To take a daily digital photo and post it daily on The Summit website.

To FAX The Summit's Snow Report and Grooming Report to various locations regularly and consistently.

To update The Summit's Snow Report on the Summit's website regularly and consistently.

To update The Summit's website daily, as instructed by supervisor.

To update The Summit's Voice Snow Report on the Summit's website regularly and consistently.

To search the internet to make sure The Summit's information is accurate on the various skiing and riding websites.

To prepare a daily event, grooming and lift report for on-site distribution regularly and consistently.

http://jobsearch.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=jobsearch&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coolworks.com%2Fski-resort-jobs%2F

*** Environmental Programs Coordinator, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=228700033

*** Outdoor Program Specialists – Part-time, Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Newark, DE

The Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council has openings for Part-Time Outdoor Program Specialists. The position will be responsible for delivering girl oriented programming in primarily an outdoor setting. The job will require you to work on weekends and evenings. Experience in teaching and working with youth is required. Certification in Life Guarding, Archery, Canoeing and Kayaking is preferred. Contact Cathy Stafford at (410) 742-5107 ext.23 or via email at cstafford@cbgsc.org.

http://www.cbgsc.org/AboutUs/Careers.asp#ops

*** Vice President, Conservation Programs, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

http://www.execsearches.com/non-profit-jobs/jobDetail.asp?job_id=17233

*** Regional Campaign Manager, National Wildlife Federation, Ann Arbor, Michigan

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=228900025

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC

© 2008 The Job of the Week Network LLC

Edward Lundquist, ABC

Editor and Publisher

Your Very Next Step

7813 Richfield Road

Springfield, VA 22153

Home office phone: (703) 455-7661

lundquist989@cs.com

www.nedsjotw.com

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

“He that has a good harvest must be content with a few thistles”

– Spanish Proverb

Your Very Next Step newsletter for September 2008

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The next adventure begins with your very next step.

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a

cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no.encouraged, no.urged

to participate.

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

Send us your comments, questions, and contributions to

lundquist989@cs.com.

You are now among 507 subscribers.

*** In this issue:

*** Travel News

*** Jody Mayo on the state of the airline industry

*** My Adventure: Rich Young and the Grand Canyon

*** My Adventure: Larry Bearfield visits Colorado, Wyoming and Montana

*** Hike Leaders Sought to Guide Tiger on the Trail

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

1.) California Communications Director, The Wilderness Society (TWS),

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

2.) Hospitality Coordinator, Appalachian Mountain Club, Bretton Woods,

New Hampshire

3.) Wilderness Communications/Advocacy Internship, Campaign for

America's Wilderness, Washington, DC

4.) Burton Chill Coordinator (New York City), Chill, New York, New York

5.) Communications & Engagement Campaigner, FNQ WildCountry, The

Wilderness Society, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

6.) Trip Leader, AAVE, Golden, Colorado

7.) Rafting guide, Scenic Floats on the Upper Kenai River, Alaska River

Adventures, Cooper Landing, AK

8.) Executive Editor – P & R Magazine, National Recreation & Park

Association, Ashburn, VA

9.) Media Director, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Albuquerque, New

Mexico

.and much more…and it's all FREE!!!

*** Travel News:

Business Travel News reports that published business class fares from

London to the United States fell sharply in the second quarter of 2008,

following the massive expansion of ex-Heathrow capacity through Open

Skies deregulation, according to American Express.

http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003850875

*** Air Tran and Milwaukee.

Seems Air Tran is horning in on Midwest's hub, Milwaukee's Mitchell

Field. I flew to Milwaukee from DCA with an incredibly low fare. The

competing Midwest flight leaves almost at the same time from the very

next gate in Terminal 1 at Regan National. My company's travel agent

didn't even think you could get there from here on that airline. So,

when I looked at booking another flight into Milwaukee for November,

guess what, Air Tran doesn't fly there. I guess the foray into this new

market was short-lived, and they've since withdrawn from that city-pair.

*** Alitalia:

The venerable Italian national airline is on the verge of collapse. I

flew Alitalia and its domestic subsidiary ATI many times when we lived

in Italy. There were so many quirks about the airline that made you

wonder. The smoking section, for example, was the left side of the

airplane.

*** Air Canada Drops Extra Bag Fee As Fuel Prices Fall

Air Canada has dropped a fee for checking a second piece of baggage on

its flights because fuel prices have moderated from record levels.

http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1221754425.html

*** United doubles second-bag fee to $50

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/15/news/companies/baggage_fee.ap/index.htm

*** Quantas has taken delivery of the A380 Airbus, becoming the third

carrier (Singapore and Emirates are the other two) to fly the world's

biggest jetliner.

*** From Bernie Wagenblast's Transportation Communications Newsletter:

Traffic light scam stuns Italian motorists

Forget about pickpockets and bag snatchers. For visitors to Italy, the

latest scam is dodgy traffic lights.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/news/worldnews/europe/italy/2983777/Traffic-light-scam-stuns-Italian-motorists.html

*** My thoughts about the airline industry. I'd like to get yours.

Pricing makes no sense. You check the internet one day. It's all

different the next.

The so-called low-cost carriers now offer more than the so-called

full-service carriers.

Frequent flier programs reward loyalty with a virtual inability to take

advantage of miles earned.

Airlines are losing money on full planes.

At least one major international carrier will fail within 12 months

(Hell, maybe within 12 days).

At least one domestic carrier will fail within 12 months.

Ned

*** From Jody Mayo:

It's a complicated business– I was in technology before Delta —

Northrop Grumman, AOL and Verisign. Airline business is about has tough

as it gets in today's economy (barring recent Wall Street and mortgage

crisis). They suffer from self-inflicted and circumstantial issues

effecting:

Heavily unionized industry with seniority vs. performance standard

effecting cost and customer service.

Many senior pilots earn multiple six-figure incomes for flying a few

times a month to Narita. There are flight attendants with 50 years of

seniority earning yearly incremental increases without associated job

changes, and 30 year baggage handlers.

Low cost carriers set wage caps and seniority caps so there is no

incentive to be a “lifer” employee. They also appeal to a younger,

more flexible and less jaded workforce. The result is a more customer

focused, and friendlier experience.

Legacy carriers have (wage) plus fleet complexity. Most major carriers

have 7-12 aircraft type, which means that they have to train pilots,

Flight attendants, mechanics etc greatly impacting cost structure. Older

planes are less fuel efficient. Internet made pricing transparent so

people price shop.

Legacy carrier are still expected to provide more service at the same

price of a LCC although the customer expectation is lower of A Southwest

, Jet Blue or AirTran because they market form day one– no frills, no

extras. There is still an expectation of white glove service from full

service airlines. Remember, the china and champagne?

Airlines price seats according to supply and demand. The price for any

given flight on any given day can change literally thousands of times

depending upon demand. Literally, the price delta between fares can be

significant depending upon the day and time people purchase.

Too much competition in markets force fare wars and dilutes everyone's

earnings. Consolidation as you see with DL and NW will be a trend–

however government scrutiny and perceptions of anti-trade have put the

kibosh on other attempted mergers.

Most cash strapped airlines cannot afford to hedge fuel. SW was

profitable only because they had cash to buy fuel futures. The

business plans for most airlines are based upon fuel prices being

significantly lower. Many airlines are reconfiguring routes to be more

international, which is profitable. That is Delta's strategy.

You will see more takeaways and incremental costs passed on to consumers

to compensate for higher fuel prices e.g. baggage fees, food, perhaps

even passenger weight, peripheral products– food, entertainment,

co-marketing.

Frequent Flyer programs are designed to promote loyalty but inventory of

FF seating is limited due to poor overall economic health. They simply

cannot afford to give away seats. Plan ahead and grab limited seating

or miss out. Also, miles will expire more rapidly, so pay close

attention.

Airlines also are heavily regulated by government, heavily unionized

adding great expenses, and suffer from Mother Nature's whims-hurricanes,

snow storms, etc.

Airlines are overbooking more now due to breakage and no-shows so many

times paid passengers are inconvenienced.

Automation is providing more passenger convenience as well as reducing

labor costs but making the experience less personal.

Have a great day,

Jody

(What are your thoughts about the state of the airline industry? Share

with the YVNS network. Send comments to lundquist989@cs.com.)

*** My Adventure: Rich Young and a different way to look at things,

from the bottom up:

Ned,

Five years ago, I flew from Boston to Oakland, CA to rent a motorcycle

at Cruise America. My goal was to ride from there to the Grand Canyon.

The bike I rented was a six-cylinder Honda Valkyrie Interstate.

My route was to go to Sacramento, down to the Gold Country, through

Yosemite National Park, down through part of Death Valley and over to

the Grand Canyon — riding about 500 miles a day. The return trip to

Oakland was through the Mohave Desert and up the Pacific Coast Highway.

When I arrived at the Grand Canyon, I parked my bike and walked over to

the rim of the Canyon. It was then that I realized my fear of heights

and I could not go over to the railing and look down a mile to the

Colorado River. So, at that point I decided that maybe I should look at

the Grand Canyon from the bottom up!

Recently, I returned to the Canyon and took a raft down the Colorado

River. It was an amazing trip and everything about the Canyon was

beautiful and awesome.

(See the photo at

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/20/3892886.html.)

*** Footnotes:

Ned:

Having a 13 EEE foot and enjoying hiking led me to have custom boots

made by Peter Limmer & Sons in Intervale NH over 35 years ago. Received

your “footnotes” email just prior to a trip to Baxter Park. The photo

was taken part way up Cathedral Trail on Mt. Katahdin.

Katahdin is the end of the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail and is one mile

high. The State of Maine strictly restricts the number of people in the

park allowing a true wilderness experience. Cathedral Trail itself was

very steep and it was clear my knees are even older than my boots.

Bob Schechter

(See the photo.)

*** Nobody has answered this question:

What is estate grown coffee?

*** My Adventure: From Larry Bearfield:

WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION: Yup, I finally took a for-real

vacation – my first in about 25 years. And man, oh, man did it feel

good. I headed out to Montrose, Colorado to visit Clay Campbell, one of

my best friends. Clay grew up in nearby Lexington and we participated in

a whole lot of Boy Scout events together back in the day. He's been out

in Montrose now for about 30 years and has adapted to the western ways –

although thankfully he doesn't wear a cowboy hat. Not that there's

anything wrong with that. You may also recall that Clay was the second

owner of “Lucille the Ferns Wondertruck.” About 10 years ago when I

first saw her parked in his yard the bed was full of elk legs. I'm not

sure why. Robin has the image forever etched in her mind. But I digress.

I arrived in Montrose (pop. 39,000) on Monday, June 30 – the day after

Old Home Weekend so I was pretty ready. On Tuesday we set up a tipi up

near Telluride at a ranch nearby Darrell Hannah's spread. Clay and his

significant friend Barbara run a tipi service – putting them up, taking

them down, repairs, etc. They are the “official service arm” of Colorado

Yurt Company

http://m1e.net/c?41684721-AzPBK7Z9M4fKQ%403509625-fIXK3HZ2PtFdY (be

sure and check out their yurts as well). On Wednesday we took off on a

1,500 mile week-long road trip. Our travels took us up through Wyoming,

across Montana and back down through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

We saw lots of elk, prong horned antelope, bear, bison, eagles,

double-wide trailers, double-wide highways, double-wide mountains and

double-wide cowgirls. But we also saw them purrty cowgirls we often hear

about. And for you female Fernites there were lots of Marlboro-man

cowboys in painted-on jeans. I'm just saying. We got off the

highway onto a

road-less-traveled and followed a gravel byway for about 15 miles that

ran alongside the original Oregon Trail. We had to avoid cattle and sage

brush in the road and oncoming pickups doing 95.

We visited the Medicine Wheel atop Bighorn Mountain, Wyoming.. a verrry

cool and ancient sacred site that has many theories attached to it

http://m1e.net/c?41684721-OXulOBFkJoBwo%403509626-Xo0dAQgpZNyrs and

http://m1e.net/c?41684721-xoKXVLmctGiqA%403509627-HAuevz3SYkJ86

While we were atop the mountain (10,000 ft) we ran into some folks from

Massachusetts. We chatted. They were from nearby Stow. And they knew

Ferns. It's a small world after all.

Part of the trip included a stop up to Lame Dear, Montana where we were

invited to the 40th Annual Chiefs Powwow at the Northern Cheyenne Indian

Reservation.

http://m1e.net/c?41684721-twVloa6BGMV.U%403509628-PdD0t0AK3dp1w It was

a terrific time and a real inside look at ancient customs. We were

walking around and one young woman walked up to me and pointing to my

Ferns shirt asked if I was from Carlisle. Turns out she was from nearby

Lincoln and part of a high school group (Rivers School, Weston) doing

some volunteer work on the rez. And she knew Ferns. A small world gets

even smaller.

We took a run through the Crow Indian Reservation up to Helena,

Montana's capitol, to visit an old Boy Scout friend who is the Budget

Director for the State. I hadn't seen David in about 30+ years. He gave

us a private tour of the building including a look-see at an original

Charles Russell mural in the House Chambers. We met Lt. Gov. John

Bohlinger. John was a gracious host and with his warm western ways

dropped what he was doing and invited us into his office for a visit.

And how's David doing as Budget Director?? Well, according to an

Associated Press release the state has $400 million in the bank. Perhaps

we can get him to move to Carlisle.

We traveled thru some pretty small towns (pop. 13), wide expansive

spaces, over mountains and across the Continental Divide numerous times.

Met all sorts of nice folks. Dealt with skies that had a layer of haze

from the California wildfires. Saw some incredibly amazing country.

All of this rambling is about what's out there beyond the horizon. But

I've got to say that I'm happy to be back in our little town among

friends and family. We've got a pretty nice place here. And apparently,

while I was away, nothing happened.

I do want to thank Robin and the Crew Members who filled in for me while

I was away. I knew everything would be fine. However, I guess it does

prove that I'm replaceable…

Watch for my summer vacation pics to be posted soon at the store.

Larry

*** Ned didn't make it to the Harwich Cranberry Festival this year.

http://www.harwichcranberryfestival.org/

But it's not too late to catch one of the many Harvest Festivals.

Here's a few. Let us know if you have a favorite.

*** National Harvest Festival, Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

The Home of American Craftsmanship, Silver Dollar City welcomes over 100

visiting craftsmen, over 400 of the nation's finest musicians, and back

by popular demand, our signature stage show Headin' West during the

National Harvest Festival.

September 11 – October 25, 2008

http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=11

*** 2008 Bethlehem Harvest Festival, Historic Downtown Bethlehem, PA

October 4th

From the morning produce market on Main Street to the evening

entertainment in the Beer Garden, under the big tent, Bethlehem comes

alive with something for everyone.

Grape Stomping and a wine making demonstration, or just watch friends

and family as they jump in

Learn how to make beer from Keystone Homebrew Supply

http://www.bethlehemharvestfestival.com/

*** 2008 Heifer International Harvest Festival, Heifer Global Village,

Rutland, VT

October 4 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

October 5 – 12 – 4 p.m.

Explore the homes in the Heifer Global Village to learn about

traditional harvest celebrations in Peru, Poland, Kenya and more. Take a

horse-drawn hayride to the gardens and enjoy other activities such as

face painting, crafts and a hay maze. Purchase local pumpkins and a

variety of organic produce from Overlook's Farmstand. Browse the

International Gift Shop that features fair trade and unique hand-crafted

items from around the world. Throughout the day, learn about Heifer

International as you meet many of Heifer's animals including a pair of

water buffalo, a yak, llamas and traditional farm animals such as pigs

and goats.

http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.201712/

*** Oktoberfest USA, La Crosse, Wisconsin

In Tune with Tradition

September 26 – October 4

http://www.oktoberfestusa.com/2008/2008.htm

(You got your Oktoberfests, for sure. But did is da big one, dontcha

know, hey?)

(How many aberguts do you gotta knock back to win dis contest, he?

http://www.oktoberfestusa.com/misslacrosse.htm)

*** Scarecrow Contest and Harvest Festival Craft Show, Ida, MI

A Scarecrow Contest and Harvest Festival Craft Show will be held from 9

a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Oct. 4 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in

Ida.

http://www.monroetalks.com/events/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=101273&month=10&year=2008

*** The Huron Township Applefest, New Boston, MI

Oct. 4 and 5

Welcome to the Huron Township Applefest

*** Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and

Sevierville, Tennessee

From crafts to live entertainment, during the Smoky Mountain Harvest

Festival the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area transforms

itself through fun times, vibrance of the leaves and hospitality of the

locals. Come visit this magical time in Tennessee as you explore the

Smoky Mountain region, taking in all of the special attractions of the

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival.

This county wide celebration, held in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and

Sevierville, features an array of craft shows, a decorating contest and

other “artistic” special events that are sure to keep everyone's energy

level lively. If you're in to knick knacks and friendly faces, then the

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is sure to keep you entertained

throughout your entire stay in the area. Don't miss out, start making

your plans to be part of the celebration today! The Smoky Mountain

Harvest Festival continues on from September 14 – October 31 with many

events to enjoy. For a complete list of activities log on to

www.PigeonForge.com calendar of events and plan your vacation now.

http://www.smokymountainharvestfestival.com/

*** YVNS wants to share volunteer opportunities, especially those that

can get you on the trail. Do you know about any? Send to

lundquist989@cs.com . Here's a few to get us started.

*** Hike Leaders Sought to Guide Tiger on the Trail

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (September 2, 2008) – Harpers Ferry

National Historical Park, in partnership with Harpers Ferry Family

Medicine, Harpers Ferry Middle School, and the Appalachian Trail

Conservancy, is expanding a walking/hiking program for young teens. The

ongoing program, called “Tiger on the Trail,” after the Harpers Ferry

Middle School's mascot, will serve all four middle schools in Jefferson

County, West Virginia, this fall.

The primary goal of the program is to enable kids to get out of doors

and to engage in fitness in a fun way. The program also introduces

students to the extraordinary natural resources and scenery that Harpers

Ferry offers in the three national parks surrounding the town of Harpers

Ferry: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the Appalachian National

Scenic Trail, and the C&O National Historical Park. Hike leaders are

needed to guide teachers and students along the extensive local network

of trails and introduce kids to the wonders of nature.

An information session for prospective hike leaders or anyone interested

in the program is being offered Friday, September 5, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00

p.m. It will be held at the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church, 47 Storer

College Place in Harpers Ferry, about 50 yards up the hill from the

Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Headquarters office and visitor center.

To participate, prospective hike leaders need to attend one hike as an

observer, and commit to leading two hikes during the fall.

Hikes can be offered on any of more than half a dozen trails in and

around Harpers Ferry Monday through Friday. Most of the hikes are 2-hour

morning hikes; longer hikes can be scheduled in the afternoon. There are

usually 15-30 participants, including a teacher and a parent chaperone.

Point of Contact: Amber Kraft, Education Specialist, Harpers Ferry

National Historical Park, (304) 535-6293 or Amber_Kraft@nps.gov.

Read The Shepherdstown Observer article “Saving Our Kids with Tigers”:

http://theshepherdstownobserver.com/june08/savingkids0608.html

*** Support the Pacific Crest Trail Association:

Even a national treasure as significant as the Pacific Crest National

Scenic Trail is under constant threat. By joining the PCTA you can help

us protect, preserve, and promote the trail.

http://www.pcta.org/help/join/application.asp

*** Washington Trails Association

Each year hundreds of people join Washington Trails Association as

volunteers – on the trail, in the office and with the public at events.

It's a great way to meet wonderful people, do important work and have

some serious fun.

Washington Trails Association schedules more than 600 work parties each

year, contributing 80,000 hours of trail work to the US Forest Service,

National Park Service, Washington Department of National Resources and

Washington's state and county parks.

http://www.wta.org/volunteer

*** Where to go Snowmobiling in Connecticut:

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325302

*** Travel and Outdoor Employment Opportunities:

*** From Stephanie Tsai:

1.) California Communications Director, The Wilderness Society (TWS),

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

The Wilderness Society (TWS) (www.wilderness.org), founded in 1935, is a

national non-profit conservation organization. The mission of The

Wilderness Society is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to

care for our wild places. With more than 300,000 members and supporters,

170 staff, and an annual budget of $26 million, we are the largest and

most effective public lands conservation group in the country. We seek a

highly creative, skilled, and experienced communications expert to

direct a broad range of regional communications efforts for the

California/Nevada region. The Communications Director will be a key

member of a dynamic, creative, and skilled team working to protect the

wild landscapes of California and Nevada.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate has at least seven to ten years of experience in

advocacy, environmental, and/or political communications work and a

proven record of success with media relations and broader communications

initiatives. He or she must have outstanding strategic instincts,

excellent writing and speaking skills, and an ability to integrate

complex scientific, legal and policy analysis into communications

campaigns. Knowledge of the legislative process and public policy is

helpful; experience with conservation, public lands and/or forestry

issues is desirable. Experience working in California and/or with

Spanish-language media is preferred. A strong conservation ethic and

proven familiarity with the use of new media to move issues is

essential. The ability to lead initiatives, juggle competing priorities

and work effectively within teams and coalitions is important. The

position is fast-paced and challenging, and offers a wealth of

opportunity to diversify skills and experience, exercise leadership, and

pursue creative ideas. Some travel is required. A Bachelor's degree is

required, preferably in communications, political science, environmental

studies, or related fields.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications Director is responsible for leading comprehensive

communications efforts that advance The Wilderness Society's national

and regional agendas, including:

. Developing and implementing national and regional

communications strategies and outreach campaigns;

. Crafting messages and media outreach materials including

op-eds, press releases, fact sheets, and briefing packages for print,

electronic and broadcast media;

. Creating or overseeing development of other communications

materials such as web content, brochures, reports, alerts to members,

and paid advertisements;

. Initiating and maintaining excellent working relationships

with key media and effectively reaching out to new media audiences;

. Developing new messengers, through outreach and training, to

effectively deliver conservation messages from diverse constituencies;

. Producing and managing media events such as radio tours,

reporter conference calls, and one-on-one interviews;

. Working closely with local and regional partners on strategic

advice, message work, and general grassroots assistance;

. Working to strategically leverage TWS resources, especially

our original science and policy analysis;

. Translating scientific concepts into understandable material

for a lay audience;

. Coordinating closely with other TWS staff, particularly the

nationwide conservation communications team and the director of

marketing, to fully integrate regional campaign communications efforts

and strategies into nationwide priority campaigns;

. Improving message research, development and discipline;

. Assisting with membership communications as appropriate;

. Assisting regional program staff with media outreach, working

with them to handle breaking news and develop future story concepts;

. Coordinating with TWS staff and outside consultants/vendors in

support of assigned programs; and

. Managing budgets for applicable program communications efforts

This position will be located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including

health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society

is an equal opportunity employer, and diversity is one of our core

values.

Please submit resume, cover letter, at least two writing samples, and

references to:

Stephanie Tsai

The Wilderness Society

655 Montgomery Street, Suite 1000

San Francisco, CA 94111

CACommDirector@tws.org

No phone calls, please.

www.wilderness.org

2.) Hospitality Coordinator, Appalachian Mountain Club, Bretton Woods,

New Hampshire

The Hospitality Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of

services provided for groups visiting the Appalachian Mountain Club's

Highland Center at Crawford Notch and other AMC Destinations as needed,

and for ensuring that the quality of these services meets the

expectations and standards set forth by management. This position will

report directly to the Highland Center Director and is based in Bretton

Woods, NH. This is a full time, year round exempt position.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

.Working closely with the Guest Services department to set up, maintain,

and manage all reservations related to groups at the Highland Center

using Maestro software program

.Communicating relevant information (room set-ups, meals, etc.) in

writing to various department heads at the Highland Center on a timely

and accurate basis

.Serving as the point person for all groups and making sure that guests

are properly greeted and attended to during their stay, as well as

following through on all services related to meetings, food service,

programs, etc.

.Planning and executing special events

.Assisting with marketing and promotional efforts, including research

projects, database management, etc.

.Assisting as needed with research, development, and qualification of

sales leads

.Representing AMC Destinations at various trade shows and conferences

.As part of the Highland Center management team, assisting other

departments as needed

.Participating in the Manager-on-Duty (MOD) program, including evening

and weekend support

.Performing other duties as assigned

Additional Qualifications:

.BA in the hospitality field or a related customer service industry or

1-3 years equivalent experience

.Excellent customer service and communication skills

.Strong organizational skills

.Demonstrated commitment to the mission and goals of the AMC – including

conservation, education, and outdoor recreation

.Basic computer skills (MS office, email, Internet usage, etc.)

.Willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and other times as

needed

.Ability to work independently as well as part of a closely knit team

.Ability and willingness to travel to any AMC Destination, including

backcountry huts

Benefits of working with the AMC:

.Competitive starting salary with growth potential based on performance

.Group Health Plan (75% employer paid), Group Life Insurance (100%

employer paid), Long-Term Disability Insurance (100% employer paid),

Paid vacation time, 13 paid holidays per year

.Use of AMC lodges and backcountry facilities, free and discounted rates

.Free AMC membership and White Mountain Guidebook

The Appalachian Mountain Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and

values diversity in the workplace.

How to Apply:

Send resume and letter of intent to:

Vincent C. Spiotti

Highland Center at Crawford Notch

Route 302

Bretton Woods, NH 03575

Email: vspiotti@outdoors.org

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/309805-141

3.) Wilderness Communications/Advocacy Internship, Campaign for

America's Wilderness, Washington, DC

The Campaign for America's Wilderness is seeking a Communications and

Advocacy Intern. This internship will provide the participant with

hands-on experience in an organization working to protect our natural

heritage. The participant will learn the skills needed to become an

effective advocate for the conservation of our last wild places, gain a

greater understanding of federal wilderness policy, learn the ins and

outs of advocacy communications, assist a network of local grassroots

wilderness organizations, and be part of a dedicated team working to

further the protection of our wild public lands.

Qualifications:

Students and non-students are invited to apply, though completion of at

least two years of college coursework is preferred. The applicant should

possess a strong interest in wilderness and in protecting public lands.

Individuals should be self-motivated, willing to seek out new learning

opportunities, and possess excellent verbal communication and writing

skills.

Responsibilities:

The internships can be tailored to the interests and strengths of the

applicant, but will focus on a combination of policy research, media and

communications, legislative work, grassroots organizing and outreach,

and using online technologies to promote wilderness. Responsibilities

will also include research assistance, data entry, developing outreach

materials, calling supporters, and administrative duties.

Length, Location, and Compensation:

The internship will take place in our Washington, DC office, on Capitol

Hill. We are looking for an intern for the fall semester and applicants

must be available at least 15 hours per week. Students may be eligible

to receive college credit; students should inquire of their schools

specific requirements. A small stipend is available.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume, letter of intent, and a one to three page

writing sample to: info@leaveitwild.org.

http://www.leaveitwild.org/about/jobs/1189

4.) Burton Chill Coordinator (New York City), Chill, New York, New York

Chill is a non-profit, after-school, learn-to-snowboard program for

underserved and at-risk inner city youth ages 10-18.

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/309477-300

5.) Communications & Engagement Campaigner, FNQ WildCountry, The

Wilderness Society, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Are you an experienced campaigner and communicator seeking to join a

dynamic team? Do you have the passion and skill to help protect

Queensland's Wild Places? The Wilderness Society is Australia's leading

community based environmental advocacy organisation dedicated to the

protection, promotion and restoration of wilderness and natural

processes throughout Australia.

The Wilderness Society in Queensland is looking for an experienced

campaigner with strong campaign communications and engagement skills to

coordinate campaigning communications and community engagement

activities, and also to undertake relevant environmental and other

research and analysis.

In addition to the primary functions and responsibilities identified

above, all campaigners are expected to undertake a range of other

activities, which contribute to the implementation of the FNQ

Wildcountry Campaign Plan, and support the organisation as a whole.

Essential Selection Criteria:

* Commitment to the protection of the natural environment

* Demonstrated communications expertise and experience, including

previous experience in communications planning and producing

campaign/communications materials

* Previous experience in implementing public outreach campaigns

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills

* Proven research and analytical skills,

* Excellent interpersonal skills, including relationship-building skills

in multi-cultural settings

* Ability to work independently and in small teams

* Ability to systematically plan and organise projects and events

* Well developed time and stress management skills

* Adaptability and responsiveness to changing opportunities and

circumstances

* Web and electronic media development skills

* Publications experience

Desirable Selection Criteria:

* Previous experience working with Indigenous people and organisations

and knowledge of Indigenous rights and interests in the Australian

context and in relation to contemporary conservation

* Previous experience in managing volunteers and organising events

* Demonstrated enthusiasm for environmental campaigns, grass roots

activism and community engagement

* Creative and innovative approaches to problem solving

* Familiarity with, or previous experience working for, non government

organisations

* Tertiary qualifications in the fields of either communications;

environmental sciences or social sciences

Full-time, salary $52,000 pa + super.

For more information and a copy of the position description and other

application details, please check the website

http://www.wilderness.org.au/jobs or contact Christine Zangari, Qld

Business Manager christine.zangari@wilderness.org.au

Applications to Tim Seelig, Qld Campaign Manager c/-

christine.zangari@wilderness.org.au by 29th September 2008.

6.) Trip Leader, AAVE, Golden, Colorado (Leaders are not necessarily

based at Golden)

Amazing trips in amazing places need amazing leaders! AAVE is about

teenagers, adventure travel, community service, leadership and learning.

Venture to the western U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica, South America,

Africa, Asia or Europe. Camp, rock climb, mountain bike, sea and river

kayak, raft, backpack, surf, ski/snowboard, horseback ride, ice climb,

sail, windsurf or study a foreign language. As a trip leader you'll

spend 4-9 weeks this summer facilitating group dynamics with 12-16 teens

while teaching a broad range of adventure travel skills along with an

experienced senior leader. Benefits include a starting salary of

$250/week (with substantial monetary increases each year after), paid

staff training, food and housing and pro-deals (North Face, Arcteryx,

Marmot, Dana Design, Chaco, etc.). Applicants must be at least 21, a

college graduate or working towards a degree, CPR and WFR or WFA

certified, organized, energized, patient, flexible and of course have a

passion to teach teenagers about leadership and adventure travel. For

detailed information contact Jenny Turbanic at 800.222.3595 or download

the online application.

http://www.aave.com/leaders.php

7.) Rafting guide, Scenic Floats on the Upper Kenai River, Alaska River

Adventures, Cooper Landing, AK

Experienced rafting guide. Must be proficient with a raft in class III

water, have extensive knowledge of Alaskan Natural History & Wildlife

and be able to be entertaining.

Alaska experience preferred.

Excellent pay plus end of season bonus and tips.

Alaska River Adventures

PO Box 725

Cooper Landing, AK 99572

Fax 907-595-3454

Call : 1-907-595-2000 and ask for George Heim

http://www.alaskariveradventures.com/employment.html

8.) Executive Editor – P & R Magazine, National Recreation & Park

Association, Ashburn, VA

Want to make a mark?

Desire the opportunity to play a key role in an influential national

organization?

Is it time for you to use your talent and vision to really make a

difference?

The National Recreation & Park Association is actively recruiting to

fill the position of Executive Editor for Parks & Recreation magazine,

the official publication of NRPA.

Ideal candidate will be highly motivated and self-directed journalist

with excellent reporting, writing, and editing skills. He or she should

have substantial publishing experience at a management level, preferably

in the magazine world. Candidate should be accomplished at managing

in-house staff and freelancers, as well as directing and developing

solid monthly editorial lineups.

Responsibilities include working with the managing editor to create

strong brand extensions (print and online). The ideal candidate thrives

in a fast-paced environment and is able to juggle writing and editing

responsibilities. The Executive Editor will work with a talented team of

editors and freelance writers.

Duties include development of editorial concepts, generating story

ideas, assigning to experienced freelance journalists who know the

terrain, writing heds and deks, and line editing and copyediting through

revisions until copy is complete and meets in-house style requirements.

NRPA is seeking someone whose demonstrated ability makes him or her the

perfect “voice” of NRPA's flagship publication. The successful candidate

will have a solid understanding of strategic business development and

places high personal value on having a career with an organization that

makes a difference!

Responsibilities include:

Magazine Editorial Management and Development

Online Editorial Development

Magazine Scheduling / Production / Design

Content Strategy and Online Development

Contract Management

Staff and Fiscal Management

DISCOVER the BENEFITS at NRPA!

Conveniently located off the Dulles Greenway, in Brambleton Regional

Park in Ashburn, NRPA boasts a warm professional environment, with a

relaxing and peaceful view of nature at it's finest! All staff have

access to indoor & outdoor eating areas, as well as indoor & outdoor

fitness opportunities. Our facility has a brand new air-conditioned

fitness room with access to showers, as well as foot trails for the

outdoor enthusiast. Staff members at NRPA enjoy a very rich benefit

package which includes 403(b) matched at 6% and fully vested upon hire,

group Health, Dental, and Vision for employee and family paid 80% by the

employer; Life insurance, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability

paid 100% by the employer; accrue 26 Paid days off per year plus 13 paid

holidays, eligibility in the first month of employment, Length of

Service Awards and much, much more! NRPA is committed to promoting an

environment of work-life balance. To promote healthy lifestyles, at work

and away, we have established programs like Teleworking, FlexTime

Schedules, 37.5 hour work-week, Employee Assistance Programs,

Educational Assistance Programs, Lunch-and-Learn sessions and more.

Discover what we already know . NRPA … a great place to work!

APPLICATION PROCESS

Position will remain open until filled. Submit resume and salary

requirements & history to HR@nrpa.org or fax to confidential fax

703.858.0297.

PLEASE NOTE: Submissions without salary information will not be

considered.

NRPA is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to Diversity.

Women and ethnic minorities encouraged to apply.

NOTES: Local Residents Preferred (No Relo).

Additional Salary Information: Salary range open. Submissions without

salary requirements and history will not be considered.

Work Experience: Minimum of 7 – 10 years in related field; 4 – 8 years

in supervisor/manager roll; 1 – 3 years at the Director/Leadership level

preferred; 1 – 3 years Association and/or P & R experience preferred

Education / Certification: Bachelors Degree in related field required;

Masters and /or industry certification equivalent preferred

Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge – Proofreading; Grammar; Punctuation; Associated Press Style

(AP); Photography; Basic Design and Layout; Association Management

Practices; Production – printing, proofs, scheduling; Online

communications vehicles (traditional Web sites, Weblogs, Wikis, RSS

feeds, social media, multimedia tools).

Skills – Writing articles and abstracts; Writing headlines/captions;

Writing for online use; Fact checking; Taking photographs; Editing;

Scheduling; Organization; skills; Verbal communication;

Management/supervision; Interviewing for multimedia production (audio,

video).

Abilities – Attention to detail; Multi-task; manage competing

priorities; Meet deadlines; Handle pressure of meeting deadlines;

Communicate well with writers.

Technology skills: technical skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook,

online content distribution technologies and online multimedia

development are key! Knowledge of Quark and Photoshop a plus!

http://asi.careerhq.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2980367

9.) Media Director, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Albuquerque, New

Mexico

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NMWF) seeks a skilled, experienced,

and motivated individual to direct a broad range of regional

communications efforts. The Media Director will produce the monthly

online newsletter, quarterly printed newsletter, and a variety of other

communications materials. He or she will participate on the formulation

and execution of the strategic direction of NMWF. The Media Director

will establish and maintain relationships with members, media, and

policymakers and their staff.

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is a nonprofit organization dedicated

to protecting New Mexico's wildlife, public lands, and outdoor way of

life now and for future generations.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Media Director will be a full-time senior

strategist responsible for NMWF's communications strategy. Specific

duties include:

* Develop and execute a communications plan.

* Produce monthly online and quarterly printed newsletters: Coordinate

writers, establish and enforce deadlines, edit copy, and layout pages.

* Craft messages and media outreach materials including op-eds, press

releases, stories, and fact sheets for print, electronic, and broadcast

media.

* Create and oversee development of other communications materials such

as web content, alerts to members, promotional and informational

materials, new media (blogs, etc.), and paid advertisements.

* Initiate and maintain excellent working relationships with key media.

* In conjunction with non-profit and agency partners, develop

communications plans to support partnership programs.

* Develop new messengers, through outreach and training, to effectively

deliver conservation messages from diverse constituencies.

* Ascertain member concerns by surveys or other methods.

* May require infrequent weekend and evening work and the ability to do

some travel.

Additional Qualifications:

The ideal candidate has substantive experience in outdoor, conservation,

advocacy, and/or political communications work with a proven record of

success in media relations. He or she must have excellent writing and

speaking skills. The ability to edit copy and layout newsletters is

required. Experience conducting press conferences, media events, and

interviews as well as preparing press releases, news articles,

newsletter publications, and promotional pieces for online and print

publication is desired. Knowledge of outdoor issues, public policy, and

the legislative process is essential.

How to Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for three

references from your most recent employment and/or education by October

1, 2008 to nmwildlife@nmwildlife.org. Please write Media Director in the

subject line. Or fax to 866-844-5638.

http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/310434-223

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC

© 2008 The Job of the Week Network LLC

Edward Lundquist, ABC

Editor and Publisher

Your Very Next Step

7813 Richfield Road

Springfield, VA 22153

Home office phone: (703) 455-7661

lundquist989@cs.com

www.nedsjotw.com

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

“The true harvest of my life is intangible – a little star dust caught,

a portion of the rainbow I have clutched”

– Henry David Thoreau

Your Very Next Step newsletter for August 2008

“Now suddenly there was nothing but a world of cloud, and we three were there alone in the middle of a great white plain with snowy hills and mountains staring at us; and it was very still; but there were whispers.”

– Black Elk

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

You are now among 504 subscribers.

*** In this issue:

*** Travel News

*** Ned and Tom travel to Wyoming and visit Grand Tetons and Yellowstone while taking part in ArrowCorps5 (Warning: convoluted notes my cause dizziness.)

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** The JOTW Virtual Potluck Picnic (All Nedworkers Invited):

The second JOTW Summer Virtual Potluck Picnic is being held this Labor Day Weekend (that's 29-August – 1 September) at the official JOTW Potluck Picnic site at Jack Duggan's place somewhere in Oregon, down the road, by the gate, over in around back by the cabin.

We've got a virtual fire pit, a big cut-in-half 55-gal. drum barbeque grill if you need it, and we're bringing in water and ice. Let's see, what else do we need, Jack?

Oh yeah, food. Everybody's got to bring something. Whatever your specialty is. Send us a description of what you're contributing, and why you chose to share this particular dish with your fellow Ned-workers. You can also include the recipe and a photo, which we'll post in a special folder at www.nedsjotw.com.

So, start cooking while Jack is out checking the picnic place for snakes.

Send your virtual potluck contribution to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** Ned’s travel this week:

Busy week this week, so your newsletter may not be as long and detailed as usual.

Tonight: Fly from Washington Reagan National Airport to Milwaukee, drive to Great Lakes, Illinois.

Tomorrow: Visit Navy BM “A” at TSC Great Lakes

Tomorrow night: Fly from Milwaukee to San Diego via Denver.

Wednesday: Visit LCS ASW Mission Det at Naval Station San Diego

Wednesday night: Dinner with Sonny Fox

Thursday: Attend Surface navy Association West Coast Symposium, Pier 2, Naval Station San Diego.

Thursday night: Fly from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport

*** Travel News:

Delta Air Lines plans to offer wireless Internet access on domestic flights, allowing passengers to work or surf online. The service is expected to be available on some planes by next month and on its entire domestic fleet by next summer. Delta is the only major carrier to commit to installing the service on all of its planes.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121788491128311271.html?mod=Travel79_1

JetBlue will now begin charging passengers $7 for a reusable blanket and pillow set rather than handing out complimentary blankets. The sets also include a $5 coupon to Bed, Bath & Beyond. The airline's founder began thinking about charging for pillows and blankets as far back as 2006 but held off until the fuel crisis hit this year.

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10431790/1/jetblue-sleepy-try-our-7-pillow.html?puc=newshome

Oneworld partners British Airways and Iberia intend to merge.

http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=13510

*** From Alaska Airlines:

From Magadan, Russia, to Mazatlan Mexico, and all points between, the “Mad Dogs” helped make Alaska Airlines what it is today during their 23 years of service. As we bid farewell to the MD-80, we salute our Alaska Airlines crews and the customers who flew with us along the way

Our last two MD-80 flights take place on August 24, 2008. Flight 331 will depart San Jose at 7:50 p.m. and Flight 363 will depart Sacramento at 8:20 p.m.

*** From Business Travel News:

Rising Number Of Home-Based Agents Servicing Corporate Clients

The number of home-based agents servicing managed corporate travel programs in the United States has grown to significant portions of some travel management companies' agent populations. Investments in new telecommunications platforms, standardization of agent reservation processes and service gains during inclement weather and natural disaster have several travel management company executives embracing virtual agents as the numbers have reached critical mass in the corporate travel industry.

http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003841575

*** From Larry Bearfield:

Last Sunday's Boston Globe Magazine had a story about the Appalachian Mountain Club with Eric Pederson , an AMC Hut Manager. The article, about the White Mountains, is titled “A Beautiful Place to Die” – sounds like a great place to vacation.)

http://m1e.net/c?41684721-XT3N/xsKD/BWA%403563125-p3Wq4DpYsnS3c

*** Making a mess with Estate Grown Coffee:

I made a cup of coffee in my Executive Suites hotel room in Alameda using Wolfgang Puck’s signature estate grown pod. The hotel had two cups in the coffee maker, because you can make one or two cups. I selected one. I didn’t notice that the mug was upside down, so when I came back for my first caffeine fix of the day I discovered a nice mess to clean up with tissues.

But what is estate grown coffee?

*** I like trying new things, and going new places. But once in a while, I like the “tried and true.” How about you? Do you have any favorite haunts or repeat destinations that bring you back again and again? Share your faves with the rest of us (send to lundquist989@cs.com).

*** From Carl Dombek:

Ned —

Saw the question about airlines, charges, etc. To that very point, I sent this letter to the airlines whose CEOs had signed the open letter to airline customers about anti-speculation legislation as a way to curb rising fuel costs. I suspect it's a little longer than the answers you anticipated, but here it is anyway.

This responds to your “open letter to all airline customers,” urging us to support restrictions on speculation in commodity trading as a way to bring down the cost of oil.

While I don’t disagree that speculation may have increased oil prices and added to the airlines’ woes, neither do I believe the cost of fuel is the only reason airlines are suffering; your business model deserves a great deal of the blame. As a frequent airline traveler for both business and personal reasons, I believe there are two very simple things the airlines can do that will help ensure their long-term survival: stop treating passengers like cattle and stop nickel-and-diming us.

Virtually all U.S. airlines do the same thing: cram as many people as possible into the airplane – both by filling as many seats as possible and making those seats as small as possible – and charge us for everything, including “preferred” seats in coach class.

In addition to being downright uncomfortable, the lack of legroom and narrow seats increase most everyone’s tension level. At the end of a recent flight, I saw two men nearly come to blows because one had accidentally grabbed the other’s identical-looking carry-on. Such mistakes are understandable and, under most circumstances, readily forgiven but I believe the stresses of flying in such confined conditions, along with overhead bins that have become jam-packed because of the new baggage policies, contributed to their shortened tempers.

How to fix this? Put fewer seats into each plane and give us more legroom no matter where a passenger sits. Then, calculate how much it costs to operate any given flight (including a reasonable allowance for checked baggage and a little food and beverage) and divide that cost by 70 percent of the seats. Finally, charge everyone who buys at least seven days in advance the same fare, with a small premium for last-minute travelers.

Full flights should yield at least a 30 percent gross profit margin, and not being packed in like sardines with a little food and beverage in our tummies should go a long way toward making it a more pleasant travel experience, thus delivering additional value for the higher fare.

Would higher fares would drive passengers away? Some, sure. But the airlines could counter the higher fares with the facts. In 1968, a round-trip ticket from Phoenix to Chicago on American Airlines (the only airline we flew when I was a kid) was $268.50. If inflation averaged a modest three percent annually, that ticket would cost more than $875 today; at four percent inflation, it would cost $1,289. Today’s price? $449 (as quoted on www.aa.com, 7/16/08). Even with higher fares, air travel would still be a relative bargain.

Of course, company travel policies would continue to dictate that business travelers select the lowest fare. But many companies are already considering the additional charges levied for baggage, “premium” seats, and perhaps even a soda or two when calculating the “lowest” fare for their traveling employees, so the gap between Nickel-and-Dime Airlines and full-service flyers should shrink quickly.

Additionally, consider the fact that it’s almost impossible to fully open a laptop in current coach seats and difficult to be productive with your fellow passenger’s elbow in your space. This new airline could provide – and market – the opportunity to “Get more done between Dallas and Denver.”

Finally, realize that we Americans aren’t shy about digging deep and paying for a little luxury. Look at U.S. Airways and Alaska Airlines, two carriers that offer passengers the opportunity to upgrade to empty first class seats for a modest surcharge. The first class sections on their planes rarely leave with empty seats. I contend that planes with fewer, larger, and modestly more expensive seats throughout would likewise leave fully laden.

Sincerely,

Carl Dombek

*** Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park

Our tour guide, James, is a retired educator from Lincolnton, N.C., who summers up here in Jackson, and drives for the bus company on weekends while his wife works in the company office. They like it here in the summer because it’s much less humid. Back home, he says, “You walk out the door and it’s like throwing a bucket of water on you.”

But with all the Scouts in town, business has been brisk, and so he succumbed to company begging and has worked every day. “This is my sixth trip this week,” he told me on our Friday excursion. James remarked about the fires in Idaho, the Gros Ventre area (where we had been), and Yellowstone. The bears have gone up to the high country, he says. So have the elk, but they’ll be back and winter in Jackson Hole and up in the Gros Ventre valley, where they are fed pelletized alfafa and hay.

Many elk winter at the very spot we camped far up the Gros Ventre River, as evidenced by the elk droppings and bleached elk bones everywhere.

By the way, Gros Ventre is pronounced by the locals as “Gro-VAHNT.” It refers to a name given by the French traders to the Atsina Indians. Actually, the Atsina call themselves A’aninin. Gros Ventre means “big belly,” so named because of the sign used to refer to the Atsina was a motion around the tummy that they interpreted, wrongly, to mean large tummy. The Atsina/A’aninin consider it derogatory. Not many of them left, and they are confined to the same reservation as the Assiniboine, their natural enemy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gros_Ventre

About the Gros Ventre Wilderness:

http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&wname=Gros%20Ventre

Jackson Hole:

The 1,100 Scouts and Adult Scouters – all members of the Order of the Arrow and referred to as Arowmen – camped on the lawn of Jackson Hole High School (“Home of the Broncs”), our base for the ArrowCorps5 Bridger-Teton effort (AC5 BT). Wyoming isn’t a big state populationwise, with just a half million people, and Jackson isn’t a real big town, although some of the world’s wealthiest people have homes here, and you can fly out of Jackson on a real airline with a real airplane. Our base camp was at 6,500 feet elevation, but our work was performed at about 8,000. The air is thinner and the sun’s rays are more intense.

http://www.fs.fed.us/btnf/

We saw bison, mule deer, moose, eagles, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs. We heard other creatures such as wolves and coyotes, although we did not see them.

Flat Creek passes right through Jackson, and meets up with the Snake River, itself an important tributary of the Columbia River. Flat Creek is known for it’s native cutthroat trout, and Aug. 1, the day we passed by Flat Creek heading to Yellowstone, was an open fishing day. The rules are artificial bait and catch-and-release only.

To get from Jackson Hole to our remote base was about a two hour drive along the Gros Ventre River, past the Gros Ventre Slide, which created Slide Lake. This slide is the largest of its type on record in the U.S., and came down the mountain with such force it came back up the mountain on the other side. The rock created a natural dam that formed Slide Lake.

http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/projects/geoweb/participants/Dutch/VTrips/GrosVentre.HTM

On our way to our fence project we had to cross a stretch of prairie before coming to Fish Creek, which we crossed with the assistance of a Unimog truck that rarely got out of first gear. A van helped us get up Bull Creek and pass through the Bull Creek Ranch, apparently a lodge for elk hunters in season. And, apparently it is for sale:

http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/892015

Then we had to cross two more creeks, which is uncomfortable in bare feet (I left my water shoes back home because “open-toed” shoes were not advised). I learned to borrow Tom’s Teva’s, and on the second day I brought my sneakers, which didn’t matter as much as my hiking boots if they got wet.

The Jackson valley, or “Hole,” was not home to any Native tribes, but Shoshone, Bannock, Crow, Blackfoot, Arapaho and Lakota all came there to hunt, gather, or seek visions.

While the famed Lewis and Clark expedition didn’t pass through Yellowstone or Jackson Hole, they weren’t far off to the north. On the return trip, John Colter decided he wanted to see more, and accepted his discharge to go along with some trappers back into the mountains. He’s said to be the first white man to see Jackson Hole.

Yellowstone:

The fire was still burning, but the road had reopened. We saw a smoking forest floor on our right and water-dropping helicopters on our left. Hot Shot crews of firefighters were standing by, but I think they were letting the fire somewhat take its course, acknowledging the benefits of fire to a lodge pole pine forest such as is found here. Lodgepole pine cones need fire to melt the wax on the seed-bearing cones. Furthermore, beetles are killing the drought-weakened mature trees, and fire would kill the beetles without killing the trees.

Migration Routes

The American Pronghorn Antelope are remarkable in many ways. They are the fastest animal in the Western Hemisphere, and they have the longest seasonal migration (between winter and summer habitats) of any mammal in the lower-48 (caribou in Alaska have a longer trek). Wolves and coyotes are natural enemies, but development and fences are no friends to the antelope.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/03/0328_030328_tvpronghorn.html

This article in Smithsonian shows pronghorns trying to get under a fence. Much of the fencing we removed (under Forest Service supervision) was similar to this.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/pronghorn.html

More on this amazing migration:

http://www.nrccooperative.org/Cherney_Antelope.htm

We saw pronghorns in the Gros Ventre valley. They have eyes on the side of their heads to keep a lookout for predators. They can be moving pretty fast when they run into a low-speed fence, and we heard wolves there at night, and in the morning. I had never heard them before. This is an example, although not from our most recent trip.

Wolves sound quite different than the coyotes we heard back at Jackson early in the morning.

http://www.humboldt.net/~tracker/coyote.au

We were in bear territory, but the grizzlies were up in the high country. Badger holes were everywhere in the prairie where we camped. I didn’t see any, but others did. I stepped in one badge hole, up to the middle of my thigh. There were prarie dogs, too, and we say these upstanding critters in numbers near Bull Creek Ranch (which, as I mentioned, is for sale).

Back to Yellowstone. I think James said the park was 2.2 million acres, surrounded by Grand Teton, Bridger-Teton, Gallatin, Shoshone, Targhee, and nearby caribou National Forests, for a total of 20 million acres, plus a couple of Indian Reservations.

James mentioned some of the Hollywood movies that depict the area, like Shane with Alan Ladd, and Spencer’s Mountain with Henry Fonda. Ansel Adams also shot some of his notable photographs in the Jackson Valley. There are dude ranches in the area where people spend $3,200 a week to play cowboy, James says.

One finds the white pelicans to seem out of place on the lakes here. But, there they are.

And the trumpeter swans here are the largest birds in the country.

Besides the straight pines, there are Aspens here in large numbers. These large groves are one root system, perhaps one of the largest organisms in the world. A single tree may live for 40 or 50 years, but the root system may be thousands of years old. One colony in Utah is said to be 80,000 years old.

In addition to the Aspen, we encountered low-growing bog birch, more of a shrub, actually, growing along the creeksides and in the bog areas, as well as willow (not tall weeping willows but just about tall enough to hide some large animal from being seen).

*** Travel and Outdoor Employment Opportunities:

1.) WRANGLERS (Seasonal), Lazy L&B, Dubois, WY

Job description:

Responsible for the safety of guests and horses; expected to guide and teach while on the trail; take care of horses and equipment; learn and understand horse program, barn and corral operations; handle and complete other miscellaneous ranch jobs ie: children's activities, kitchen duties.

Expect excellent people and communication skills, willingness to work long hours, able to work as a team to provide a memorable guest experience.

Pay: $1000-$1300 month

BONUSES at end of season, dependent on performance

ROOM & BOARD

Lazy L&B

1072 East Fork Road, Dubois, WY 82513

email: ranch@lazylb.com

2.) Wrangler, Crossed Sabres Ranch, Cody, Wyoming

http://www.duderanchjobs.com/job_detail.lasso?jid=4474

3.) Forestry Technician (Supy)(Wildland Fire Operations Spec), Bureau of Land Management, Department Of The Interior, Fairbanks, AK

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=73343818

4.) Outdoor Recreation Planner, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, Brunswick, VT

http://asiamedia.com/Jobs/index.php?s=38ecfa73ffeb4919b97cf4e88cf32895&showtopic=318

5.) Executive Director of The Suzy Peacock Center For Outdoor Inquiry, The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Fort Worth, Texas

http://www.execsearches.com/non-profit-jobs/jobDetail.asp?job_id=16976

6.) Vice President of Conservation Science, NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia

http://www.execsearches.com/non-profit-jobs/jobDetail.asp?job_id=17007

7.) Regional Representative, National Wildlife Federation, Ann Arbor, Michigan

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=224800037

8.) Executive Director, California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=224600007

9.) Communications Coordinator, Trust for Nature, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Trust for Nature has protected more than 80,000 hectares of Victoria for

conservation and biodiversity management. With increasing threats from

climate change, our animals and plants need more help.

To improve our conservation impact, we're looking for an enthusiastic

professional with a track record in communications.

The Communications Coordinator will deliver our communications program

and products to engage and involve others in conservation. The

Communications Coordinator is responsible for all internal and external

communications products, media liaison and ensuring that key messages

are strong and engaging.

Working with the Partnerships Manager, the Communications Coordinator

will integrate our corporate and conservation goals into all aspects of

the business.

This full-time permanent position will be based in Melbourne. A base

salary of $50,000 will be negotiable according to skills and experience.

The position description is available at

http://www.trustfornature.org.au or contact Wendy Fernandes

03-8631-5802.

For more information please call Mike Gooey, Executive Director on

03-8631-5888.

Applications addressing the selection criteria should be directed to

Wendy Fernandes at wendyf@tfn.org.au by COB 1 September 2008.

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