Author Archives: Craig

December: Colorado Place of the Month »

Posted on May 12, 2025

Georgetown, CO:

Posted in Tips and Gadgets | Tagged | Leave a comment

Hunting and Hearing Protection: Starting Early »

Posted on January 9, 2013

AdventureDad.org viewer John O’Connor writes in on the importance of using hearing protection when hunting and shooting.

Begin Hearing Protection at an Early Age

Hunting has been a popular pastime for many years in the United States.  From the early ages when hunting was used mainly as a source of food to now although still used for food, hunting as a popular hobby and sport for families to engage in together as well.  Regardless of your reasoning for hunting, it is vital that while out in the field or at the range you and your family are equipped with proper hearing protection at all times.

As a child I remember helping my father gather together all of his gear the night before a hunt.  We would sort everything out, make sure he had it all, and pack it into his truck.  I would always ask him a ton of questions, about the guns he used, the animals he would be hunting for and which of his friends would be accompanying him this trip.  We would discuss stuff like this for hours, but as I look back to our times spent together talking about hunting I rarely remember having any conversations about the importance of wearing hearing protection while hunting.  From the first time my father shot a gun to the last time I helped him pack up his truck I never saw him with hearing protection.

 

As an avid hunter my father spent much of his free time either out in the woods or at home teaching me the ropes of hunting so one day I would be able to go out on my own and eventually teach my kids the ins and outs of the great outdoors.  Although a very experienced marksman my father often times when out in the field did not pay much attention to his hearing protection.  Even though he knew what a blast from a firearm could do to a person’s hearing he would often argue that he could not feel any signs of hearing loss so why should he have to protect against something he doesn’t even have.  Little did he know that every time he fired his gun without protection on he was further damaging his hearing levels.  Even though my father never wore hearing protection he always made sure that myself and the rest of my family had a pair of earmuffs on at all times.  He did not follow these guidelines in regards to hearing protection but he wanted to make sure his children were properly educated on this issue to ensure that we were always protected and to make sure that as we grew older and continued on with the family tradition of hunting that we were teaching our children the right thing to do as well.

 

My father is now in his late 70’s and is severely affected by hearing loss.  Although hunting is not the only cause of his decreased levels of hearing his doctor has said that it did play a major role in damaging his eardrums.  My father wears hearing aids in order to amplify the sounds around him so he is able to hear well.  Looking back on his hunting days, although he is sometimes upset that he chose to not wear hearing protection he is glad that he always made sure his children were protected at all times and that he instilled the proper hunting guidelines so that we could continue on teaching others the proper ways to hunt in the future.

 

Many people today realize what hunting can do to a person’s hearing but still choose not to protect themselves.  Researchers have found that being exposed to sounds over 80 dB for long periods of time can cause permanent hearing damage.  A shotgun can produce sounds upwards of 140 dB; almost double the advised level of noises that a person can be exposed to unprotected.  Although hearing loss can happen gradually over time, exposure to sounds at 140 dB just once can cause hearing damage.  That is why it is important for everyone, adults and children to always be protected when around guns.  It does not matter if you are shooting in the woods, practicing at the range or watching someone shoot, everyone must be protected at all times.

 

Just like anything else it is important to start things at a young age.  That is why it is important to have your children wear hearing protection when they are young so they feel comfortable doing so and so they can learn the reasoning behind why they should always be protected when around gunfire.  Even though my father did not wear hearing protection, it is important as adults for us to lead by example in regards to wearing hearing protection.

 

In order to ensure safety for all when hunting there are a few different options that you can choose from when looking into hearing protection.  The first line of hearing protection that people often look towards is a pair of earplugs.  Earplugs although they protect against hearing loss are not always the most effective form of hearing protection that should be worn when hunting.  In order to ensure maximum safety when out in the field the best option to look at would be electronic earmuffs.  Often a complaint by hunters is that when they wear hearing protection they are not able to hear other hunters in their group or game that may be approaching in the area.  Electronic earmuffs allow hunters to hear noises that are under 80 dB while blocking out any sounds that exceed this level.  This enables hunters to hear game and others while providing maximum protection at all times.

 

Whether you are just starting to hunt, teaching your children to hunt or have been hunting for years it is still extremely important to make sure everyone involved is fully protected at all times.  Hearing loss is not geared to one age group; children and adults can both be affected equally especially when around gunfire.  To ensure healthy hearing healthy for you and your children in the future take the proper precautionary steps in protecting your hearing today!

 

Hi my name is John O’Connor, I am a father, outdoorsman and passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.  Over the past few years I have become more and more interested in hearing loss.  My father and grandfathers, who are and were all hunters, are affected by hearing loss.  I feel that there is a general lack of understanding around the issue and it is our job to spread awareness where we can.  Check out my new blog at bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com!

Posted in Tips and Gadgets | Tagged | 1 Comment

A College Visit Turned Adventure »

Posted on October 29, 2012

It was parent’s weekend for my freshmen year of college and my dad came all the way from Colorado to visit me in Oregon. Instead of engaging in the customary parent weekend activities at the college we ditched the crowd and went off on our own adventure, a hike in the Mt. Hood National Forest. I had been deeply missing many things in Colorado including the Rocky Mountains and was in need of some time in nature.

We set off on a hike near Mt. Hood and visited Tamanawas Falls. The view of the waterfall was spectacular and the trail winded through a lush forest with trees changing their color for fall. We also visited the historic Timberline Lodge and got to experience a Pacific Northwest blizzard!

After not having seen my father for nearly two and a half months, I could not have imagined a better way of spending the weekend than on a scenic Saturday hike. We talked about college and my new adult life and the resulting trials and triumphs I had experienced over the past months. It had seemed that almost everything in my life had changed. Our hike in the Mt. Hood National Forest reminded me one thing that hadn’t changed: I am a Colorado girl who is in love with the truth and beauty of nature.

I just needed my dad to remind me of that.

Posted in Adventures! | Tagged | Leave a comment

Crashing Down a Mountain »

Posted on October 3, 2012


Fifteen years ago, there were only a few Alpine Slides in Colorado; today they are an international sensation. What is an alpine slide? Picture this: a three foot diameter PVC pipe split in half that snakes its way down a mountainside. You drive a sort of snow sled on wheels down the track with a handle to brake and gravity to accelerate. An alpine slide is the summer version of a luge. With average speeds of 20 miles per hour, the half mile track provides a great ride that is far from quick.

While alpine slides have exploded in popularity and locations, our favorite is the one where I first experienced the thrill, located in the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge Mountain, a member of Vali Resorts, is home to a summer fun park at the base of its Peak 8 were there are many summertime activities including the Alpine SuperSlide, mini golf, and rock climbing. This is a great location for a one day getaway or a mid-summer vacation. They have three tracks which run side by side. One is for those who want to go slower, and the other two offer the opportunity to go faster as well as race your kid. (Dads with younger kids can place a child in between your legs to experience the thrill together.) While somewhat expensive, one or two rides usually pack more than enough excitement for most patrons, and leave you wanting to come back for more.

In this clip, you’ll see some GoPro action shots as well as see Alex take a page from his Dad’s playbook. Ten years ago, I flipped my cart in a turn as I was trying to beat my brother. This time, it was Alex who took the flip while we were racing each other. Make sure to watch the camera picture turn upside down as he flies through the air. Paralleling my experience ten years ago, we had to visit the medical center to remove the chards of fiberglass in his wound. That part’s not much fun but gives you even more to reminisce about with this adventure. Unfortunately for Alex, he will have to wait until next year to beat his Dad down the mountain!

To experience an alpine slide yourself check out the Breck Summer Fun Park at http://www.breckenridge.com/info/summer.aspx#activities#top.

Breckenridge not in your area? Here’s a list of alpine slides in other states and even other countries!

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

Posted in Adventures! | Tagged | Leave a comment

Our Top Three Gadgets »

Posted on September 25, 2010


Posted in Tips and Gadgets | Tagged | 2 Comments

February: Colorado Place of the Month »

Posted on January 31, 2013

St. Elmo, CO:

Founded in 1880, St. Elmo, CO is no longer an official municipality of the state but rather a so-called “ghost town;” in 1922 when the narrow-gauge rail road stopped running and the gold and silver ran out, the population of St. Elmo seemingly disappeared over night. The town was initially founded during the heat of the Colorado gold and silver rush. The surrounding hills are home to nearly 150 mining claims including the famous Iron Chest mine.

St. Elmo is a wonderful winter destination for snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snow showing, as well as some beautiful photography. Three hours from Denver and four and a half from Grand Junction, St. Elmo is located in the center of Colorado in Chaffee County. The town is only a few miles west of the Arkansas valley and settled at the base of Mt. Antero, Colorado’s richest aquamarine deposit.

Cabin rentals are available in St. Elmo; for more information visit http://www.st-elmo.com/townhistory.html. ATV rentals are also available, but only in the summer months. From the ghost town, one can travel to Tin cup pass, the mining towns of the past Hancock and Pomeroy, visit the historic Alpine Tunnel, or simply enjoy St. Elmo itself. Camping is available in the area, as well as is lodging in nearby Buena Vista or Salida.

Posted in Tips and Gadgets | Tagged | Leave a comment

January: Colorado Place of the Month »

Posted on December 31, 2012

Mt. Princeton, CO:

Nestled at the base of fourteen thousand peaks, Mt. Princeton is one of the most scenic and secluded destinations in Colorado. Although not officially a town, Mt. Princeton is neighborhood of privately owned cabins and a hot springs resort. The resort offers room rentals at its lodge, or more remote cabins that take a bit more effort to access.  The mineral-water pools bubble alongside chalk creek, aptly named for its proximity to the famous chalk cliffs on the south side of Mt. Princeton itself. The 103 degree hot spring waters flow from the ground into a large, lap-style pool which is accompanied by a cool-down pool. Smaller soaking pools are available, but the traditional way to bathe is to make your own pool of rocks in the chalk creek where the hot water runs into the melt water. Information on the resort including rental rates, services, and special event offerings can be found at www.mtprinceton.com.

Mt. Princeton is nearest the towns of Buena Vista and Salida, about a two hour drive from Denver or four hours from Grand Junction. Chaffee County is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, containing the majestic Sawach range.

If luxury travel is not your cup of tea, or rather hot chocolate, then try camping! Yes, it may be January but that is no reason to give in to the snow fall. Only a few miles west of the hot springs are three forest service campgrounds that are accessible year-round. Information on the San Isabel National Forest is available from the U.S. Forest Service; www.fs.usda.gov/psicc.  Backpacking is also a great outlet for taking advantage of what the area has to offer. The Colorado trail runs through the area and is the perfect excuse for taking a day hike. Being located in a National Forest, Mt. Princeton is an area suitable for snowmobiling, but many locals prefer snow shoes or cross country skis. For a more touristy approach to vacation, Monarch Mountain ski resort is a short drive to the south.

Posted in Tips and Gadgets | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Tragically Interrupted Adventure »

Posted on July 24, 2012

In the summer of 2008, Alex and I left Denver for a long planned adventure to California and the Northwest.  Our planned route was to take us West on I-70 across Utah and then cut our way northwest to Yosemite national Park.  This first part of our adventure was to camp and backpack in the wilderness areas of this great land.  From there we were scheduled to drive to Sacramento for a lecture I was giving before heading up the coast of Northern California and Oregon.  After arriving at the destination point of Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition, we planned on heading back east along the Columbia River and their famous passageway.  It was an opportunity to explore new mountain areas, see the spectacular northwest coast and complete our three year tracing of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Starting out on our first day, we had made our way across the continental divide and were starting our journey across the solitude and vast beauty of the Southern Utah desert.  We were just west of Green River, Utah, and nearly out of cell phone range, when I received a tragic phone call.  Pulling over at the Ghost Rock senic view area, which overlooks spectacular canyons and gorges, a friend shared that two young children from my son’s school and my place of employment as the school counselor were killed early that morning in a bizarre accident on the Oregon coast.

Quietly, Alex listened as I talked and then shared the news with him.  I immediately felt the need to go back home and help with the needed trauma counseling.  At the same time, I was torn with my desire to be with my son and to move ahead on this great adventure.  Every father faces times in his work life where he is torn between the needs of his family and the needs of his career.  Having known and loved Sam and Grace, this decision which I had to make to go on a greater significance and emotional weight.

Fortunately for me, the weight of this decision and the burden which I felt making it was lifted by my young teenage son.  He simply said: “If we are going to go back, we better turn back now”.  In that moment, I saw a maturity and decisiveness in him which filled me with great pride. He knew that the right thing had to be done.

Sadly, I will always remember this day and my two young friends.  Yet I will also remember the growth and my son’s budding manhood.  While we have yet to make it to Yosemite, we were able to rocket out to California and make that trip up the Oregon coast line.  Most meaningful, we had a chance to thank the firefighters and paramedics who tried to save our friends and were able to lay down some flowers and prayers for their journey to Heaven.  It was an interrupted adventure which threw us into the depths of loss and the most humble appreciation for life.

We miss you, Sam and Grace.

Posted in Reflections | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Need for Speed »

Posted on September 9, 2012


Every summer, for the past 5 years, Alex and I have tried to make it out to Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado. In addition to being a race track for high speed dragsters, they offer one of the best high speed Go-Kart tracks in the metro area. Action Karting, while not inexpensive, offers a great experience every time we have go. Their 6.5 HP Go-Karts produce speeds of 55MPH on a half mile track. Nothing brings out your competitive nature like putting on a racing suit and helmet. You can almost fantasize about being a NASCAR driver!

While we discovered this sport when Alex was 13 years old, there are plenty of dads taking their younger children out. They have smaller kid’s carts and they do a great job trying to separate groups with younger kids from the teens and adults who are looking for maximum speed.

After suiting you up in a fire suit and helmet, course instructors put you through a ten-minute training on the rules of the track and how to keep yourself safe. Unfortunately for Alex, he got distracted with his buddy the first time we went and didn’t listen to the instructions about slowing down for the big turn at the far end of the track. I’ll never forget being behind him and watching him plow straight into the hay bales as he careened off the track. My terror quickly turned to relief and laughter as I saw him give the thumbs up signal. The track manager was not as enthused however as he had to drive down to get him back on the track.

This summer’s experience included Alex and his Uncle John. You’ll get a kick out of John’s dress shoes having just run over from the office. It was also our first use of the GoPro camera for track racing. Unfortunately I had forgotten to charge the battery pack so it didn’t produce any footage but we still got some good shots with the hand held.

You can reach the Action Karting at 303-781-4483 or on the web at http://www.actionkarting.net/. Other tracks in the Denver-metro area include: IMI Motorsports Complex, The Track at Centennial, SpeedRaceway, and Unser Racing. For more information contact Craig at craig@adventuredad.org.

The Fastest Way Down »

Posted on July 3, 2012


What takes six hours to ascend and only an hour and a half to descend?  Mr. Rainer!  All you have to do upon leaving Camp Muir is sit down, lean back and then pick up your feet.  Your ice ax or hiking pole serves as a steering wheel and brake, and gravity is the horsepower.  The only decision you have to make is if you want to start your own chute or follow in the tracks of the hikers from the day before.  Glissading is the optimal way to make a speedy return to Mt. Rainiers Trial Head at Paradise. It is simple, safe when done properly, and insanely fun! The August sun melts the mountain’s top layer of snow during the day, then cold nighttime temperatures refreeze it creating an iced run of Olympic quality and magnitude.  For those hikers with younger knees and ankles, you can also glissade by combining techniques of running down the mountain and sliding on your feet.  That requires a lot of agility however.  In either case, it’s good to have waterproof pants because once the slide has started there is no stopping to shake out your shorts. So, like a roller coaster, just sit back, strap in, keep your arms and feet tucked, and enjoy the ride!

View by Topic