SEPTEMBER 2013

WESTERN ROCKIES REGION

VE N T U RE B E YO N D YO U R D OOR

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

PAGE 22

BEERS MADE BY WALKING

PAGE 38

THE PERFECT WEEKEND DATE

PAGE 46

SEPTEMBER 2013

NORTHERN ROCKIES REGION

Venture beyond your door. our mantra, our mission.

The name Vim itself is full of energy. Each issue leads you through one region of the grand old U S of A. Learn about whats out there: food, fashion, culture, and most importantly nature and your place in it.

VIM | 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2013

41
14
SEPTEMBER 2013

SONIC BLOOM MUSIC FESTIVAL

10 14 18 66 70

GUIDE TO THE ROCKIES THIS SEASONS HOTTEST TREND MONTANA CANDY EMPORIUM PLACES TO BE THINGS TO DO CAMPFIRE COOKING

46

THE HOMESTEAD ACT

I KNOW PLACES WE CAN GO.

4 | VIM

10

56

THE PERFECT WEEKEND DATE

18 70
IN THIS ISSUE OF

17

VENTURE BEYOND YOUR DOOR

38

BEERS MADE BY WALKING

22

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

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GUARANTEED. SINCE 1920

N
Y T H I N G YO U

TO P R E F O D E R

M
IN
TH

E ELEM

R VE

EN T

LIVE YOUR ADVENTURE

YOU ARE THE BOOKS YOU READ, THE FILMS YOU WATCH, THE MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO, THE PEOPLE YOU MEET, THE DREAMS YOU HAVE, THE CONVERSATIONS YOU ENGAGE IN. YOU ARE WHAT YOU TAKE FROM THESE. YOU ARE THE BREATH OF FRESH AIR, THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT AND THE DARKEST CORNER. YOU ARE EVERY SINGLE DAY. SO DROWN YOURSELF IN A SEA OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXISTENCE. LET THE WORDS RUN THROUGH YOUR BRAIN AND LET THE COLORS FILL YOUR VEINS..
WISE WORDS OF THE MONTH
F ROM TH E CR EATOR S OF VI M

8 | VIM

CONTRIBUTORS
The team talks about their favorite outdoor activities and dream vacations.

I love traveling and skiing. My dream destination would be anywhere sunny in Italy. I also would love to go back to the Grand Canyon.
ALLIE FIELDS
Art Director

I enjoy lounging on boats during the summer. My dream vacation would be traveling to Santorini, Greece.
ALEX MILBOURN

I like to go hiking and explore forested countrysides. My dream destination is Japan, preferably Tokyo or Osaka.
LUKE ENGLERT

I love going on adventures anywhere outside. Camping, swimming, hiking, exploring, you name it Im down.
CHRISTINA FOUNTAIN

I enjoy canoeing in the fall and eating outdoors (everything tastes better). My dream vacation: Exploring New Zealand's coast.
CARA BERBERET

VIM | 9

We invented the blue jean.

And were reinventing what it

means to wear them.

Adventures

BE AN OUTSIDER
A lif e changing adventure is only a Backwoods Adventure away
Founded in 1973, Backwoods is a family owned and operated outdoor gear and apparel store. Backwoods has sold quality products with exceptional customer service for nearly 40 years. Backwoods has sold quality products with exceptional customer service for nearly 40 years. Backwoods offers clothing, equipment and expertise to help customers fulfill their travel plans.

NATIONAL PARKS

GUIDE TO THE ROCKIES

GUIDE TO THE ROCKIES

HEART OF
T H E PA R K S

3 4

1 COLORADO Rocky Mountain

This section of the Rocky Mountains has ecosystems varying in elevation LODGING ON SITE BEWARE OF BEARS MOUNTAIN CLIMBING RIVER RAFTING CYCLING TRAILS SECLUDED & QUIET BIG & POPULAR
ESTABLISHED ACRES

2 UTAH Arches
This site features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the Delicate Arch. In a desert climate millions of years of erosion have led to these structures, and the arid ground has life-sustaining soil crust and natural water-collecting basins. Other geologic formations are stone columns, spires, and towers.

from the over 150 lakes to subalpine forests and the alpine tundra. Large wildlife including deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, and cougars inhabit the mountains and glacier valleys. The fourteener Longs Peak and Bear Lake are popular destinations.

1915 265,761

ESTABLISHED ACRES

1929 76,679

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

DE C

28

JUL

62

DE C

25

JUL

95

12 | VIM

3 IDAHO Yellowstone
Situated on the Caldera, the first national park in the world has vast geothermal areas such as hot springs and geysers, the best-known being Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic. The yellow-hued Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River has numerous waterfalls, and four mountain ranges run through the park.

4 WYOMING Grand Teton

This ever poplar National Park protects spectacular mountain scenery and a diverse collection of wildlife. The central feature of the park is the beautiful Teton Range, a 40-mile long mountain front rising from the valley floor some 6,000 feet. The jagged range includes its signature peak Grand Teton at 13,770 feet.

5 MONTANA Glacier
Glacier National Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. The park preserves more than a million acres of forests, alpine meadows, lakes, rugged peaks and glacial-carved valleys in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Glacier Parks diverse habitats are home to over 70 species of mammals.

ESTABLISHED ACRES

1872 2,219,791

ESTABLISHED ACRES

1929 310,000

ESTABLISHED ACRES

1910 1,013,322

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

DE C

20

JUL

70

DE C

10

JUL

65

DE C

25

JUL

60

VIM | 13

For every pair purchased, Toms gives a pair of shoes to a child in need.

SHOES FOR TOMORROW

one for one

FASHION & GEAR

THIS SEASONS HOTTEST TREND

THIS SEASONS HOTTEST TREND C O M B AT B O O T S

Off the beaten pathways in the remote town of Riverton, Wyoming is the home of Boot Up Boots, a factory that creates handmade leather boots.

2 1

5 4 6

1. THOMPSON RAIN BOOT 2. PLAIN-TOE BOOT 3. LEATHER LONGWING BOOT

4. SHELL CORDOVAN CHUKKA BOOT 5. NORWEGIAN SPLIT-TOE BOOT 6. 405 INDY BOOT

16 | VIM

ing to be filled with leather lace up combat boots for both men and women no matter where you are in the country. Come fall and winter, they will become a staple in everyones closet that can be paired with just about anything. Undoubtedly, leather will not go out of style any time soon, so these boots will become timeless pieces that are worth investing in. Real or faux, leather has always been favored, especially during colder seasons. We are at the on site location with an inside look at the hottest trend of the season. This months story is set in the rural parts of Western Wyoming in the quiet town of Riverton. In this town lives John Winters with his wife Molly and their three kids. John is the third generation to keep Booted Up Boots alive and thriving. Booted up Boots are handmade leather boots that are sold all over the country. His boots are mainly known for their comfort and durability with leather insoles and rubber outer soles. John has a total of 25 unique styles that his factory creates for both men and women. The business has blown up over the last decade, putting their boots in some of the most popular shoe stores from New York City to Dallas, Texas. Molly has taken over the PR side of the company and handles all of buying and selling of the boots.
Booted Up Boots is set in rural Wyoming in the charming downtown of Riverton. For locals it is a place of history, for others, it has become a day trip for people in the Northern Rocky region to go and pick out their perfect handmade leather boot.

e can already say that this seasons runways are go-

The

MCALLISTER LEATHER BOOT

With a soft light brown leather exterior and a Southwestern woven patterned fabric on the interior, this womens boot is our top seller.

VIM | 17

FASHION & GEAR

THIS SEASONS HOTTEST TREND

5 Things to Know About Buying Denim:

A panel of denim designers weigh in on how to pick a pair like a pro

1. When in doubt, less is more. Start with a clean,

dark one-rinse or be brave and go raw. Scott Morrison, 3x1 Founder and Designer

Even though we live in a small town in the middle of no where, our design team is top notch and they really love what they do.
Here at Booted Up Boots we like to go the extra mile to make sure our designs have the quality, durability, and comfort to meet our particularly high standards.

2.

Fashion is not that complicatedits more

about proportion than knowing about the newest, coolest shit. A shorter dude, for example, should always wear a tapered leg.Brandon Svarc, Naked and Famous Founder and Designer

3. The number one mistake? Buying a jean that

fits perfectly. Itll stretch about a full size during your first 30 wears, so always size down.Matt Baldwin, Baldwin Founder and Designer

We pair knockout design with hands-on craftsmanship to make each pair a true work of art.
Recently, our design team visited a renowned mill set in the ancient village of Castelfranch di Sotto, Italy, to watch their creations come to life. We do this trip every other year to get new style ideas so we can stay up to date with the latest fashion trends. Even though we live in a small town in the middle of no where, our design team is top notch and they really love what they do.

4. Look under the hood and inspect the make:

Vintage Clothing

The cleaner the seam work, the smoother itll feel against your skin.Miles Johnson, Levis

5.

Cuff your jeanespecially when the fabric

is selvedge. One turn or two turns. I cuff mine at about 1 1/2 inches to hit just above the ankle. Frank Muytjens, J.Crew Head of Mens Design

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CEILING LIGHTING
www.etsy.com

HIDDEN GEMS

MONTANA CANDY EMPORIUM

M O N TA N A
E M M U II R P O P O M R U C A N DY E M
BY MELINDA WRIGHT

When walking into Montana Candy Emporium, you get a chilling feel of taking a step back in time. While it has only been open since 1991 its vintage charm is authentic. The right side of the wall features an array of candies straight from the past. This includes novelty chocolates, chocolate bars, huckleberry sweets among others. On the left youll find their own line of line of chocolates, fudges and truffles. The back half of the store are rows of barrels filled with candy. Candy is sold by the pound, and bags are available to fill and weigh. The huckleberry candy is one of the best sellers. Montana Candy Emporium has been a fixture in downtown Red Lodge for over two generations. The

classic country store setting, and candies and sweets from nearly everyones childhood, make it a must stop. There is also a unique display of vintage motorcycles and a 1946 American LaFrance fire truck inside this charming store. Open every day except Christmas Day, this hidden gem is one stop you wont want to miss and is often frequented in the winter by skiers after a day on the mountain. Everyone will be able to find some sort of candy or treat to enjoy, something promised by the owners. Free samples are even set out in various locations within the store, making it even more difficult to pass up this unique establishment.

BLACK LICORICE
A customer favorite, the black licorice found at the Montana Candy Emporium is often twisted into elaborate forms for purchase. Black licorice is the only color sold.

TURKISH TAFFY
Coming in a multitude of flavors, Turkish Taffy comprises one of many brands and flavors of taffy found at the emporium. Sold by the piece, even one is great treat!

favorite candies
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JELLY BELLY JELLYBEANS

The Montana Candy Emporium has been a long-term vendor of Jelly Belly Jellybeans. Customers can grab a plastic bag and fill it with a multitude of flavors!

WALNETTOS
The candy you ate as a kid, Walnettos are a Candy Emporium staple. These chewy, caramel walnut candies can be found in huge tubs throughout the store.

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DEPARTMENT SECTION

TITLE

THE BONUS IS THAT ORGANIC FOODS ARENT JUST GOOD FOR YOUR BODY, THEYRE ALSO GOOD FOR THE PLANET. WITH A MIX OF WHOLE GRAINS, PROTEIN AND FIBER, CLIF BAR GIVES YOU THE SUSTAINED ENERGY TO BE IN IT TO YOUR LIMIT.

L L E E V V A A R R T T E E R R U U T T N N E VE DV AD A E LE YL TY ST S

DEPARTMENT SECTION

TITLE

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

A PRECIOUS RESERVE
SARAH BROOKS

ong before Glacier National Park became a national park, Blackfeet, Salsih and Kootenai Native Americans revered the land. Each tribe has a creation myth centered upon the rocky slopes and glossy water

pools of the park. President Taft set aside the land for a national park in 1910.

24 | VIM 26

PARK OFFICIALS REPORT THAT BY 2020, AT THE CURRENT RATE OF GLOBAL WARMING, THE PARKS 25 GLACIERS WILL CEASE TO EXIST.
Construction started on chalets for Great Northern Railway, which serve as lodging for summer visitors in the 21st century. The creation of Going-ToThe-Sun Road, which stretches for 52 miles, lasted from 1919 to 1932. Today, the park contains 350 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the park is a stop for some of the American Orient Express, a train that travels to places in the western United States. The American Orient Express pairs comfort with wilderness, history with modern convenience, and cultural enrichment with interpretation. The vintage steamliner is one experience visitors traveling to the park may want to consider, especially if you would like to make other stops along the way. Glacier National Park couldnt produce that wow factor without the natural beauty and preservation of the land. Park officials report that by 2020, at the current rate of global warming, the parks 25 glaciers will cease to exist, melting into memory. The park houses 1,132 vascular plants and 855 species of lichens. Of these, 127 species are not native plants and 109 species are listed by Montana as sensitive. Mountain lakes the park has more than 700provide water sources for 68 species of mammals, including grizzly and black bears as well as coyotes. Other park residents include four species of reptiles, six species off amphibians, countless insect species and 260 bird species. Forests account for about 55 percent of parks landscape.

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LAND
1,012,837 175 1,583 205

acreage

square miles

963,155
acres of de facto wilderness

mountains

miles of exterior boundary

WATER
131 631 25,662
acres of named unnamed lakes lakes

named lakes

563 2,856

streams

miles of streams

PARK STATISTICS

65

backcountry campgrounds

Largest Glacier: Blackfood Glacier

Elevation at Logan Pass:

6,646

feet

0.7

square miles

Largest Lake: Lake McDonald

25

retreating glaciers

6,832

acres

Longest Stream:

25.8

miles, Upper McDonald Creek

VIM | 29 27

WHAT IS A GLACIER?
A glacier is a body of snow and ice that moves. Glacier movement is detected by the presence of crevasses, cracks that form in the ice as the glacier moves. Glaciers are dynamic changing in response to temperature and precipitation. A glacier forms when winter snowfall exceeds summer melting. It retreats when melting outpaces accumulation of new snow. A commonly accepted guideline for glacier activity and movement is that a glacier must be 0 .1 km2 (100,000 m2), or about 25 acres in size. Below this size, the ice is generally stagnant and does not move, unless it is on a steep slope.

Lodging in the park includes the Granite Park Chalet and Sperry Chalet. They are the only back country chalets built in the early 1900s by the Great Northern Railway that remain intact. Glacier National Park contains 1,000 campsites in 13 campgrounds for visitor use. Glacier Park Inc. manages five hotels in or around Glacier National Park, including Village Inn Motel, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and the Many Glacier Hotel, giving visitors plenty of choices for lodging. The hotels are within historic buildings significant to the park or surrounding area. Hotels are open seasonally from April to October. Glacier National park united with Waterton Lake National Park on the Canadian side of the border to form the first international peace park called the Waterton-Glacier International Peace park. The unification occurred in 1932. Waterton National Park features similar recreation including boat cruises, camping, biking, golf, horseback riding, climbing, boating, water skiing, picnicking, scuba diving, swimming, tennis, wildlife viewing, hiking, and scenic drives.

GIVE A MONTH AT LEAST TO THIS PRECIOUS RESERVE,

said John Muir when he was trying to tell America how essential Glacier was. A month? Who has a month anymore? Our holidays are speed dates, quick hook-ups with the 1,000 places you need to see before you die. But I learned within an hour that Glacier National Park isnt a place to rush through. When this 100-year-old talks with its centurys worth of experiences you slow down. Even if you fight it...at first. Like I did. But around every gauzy, unreal mountain lies an opportunity that might just change your life.

VIM | 31 29

MUSIC DANCE ART

SONIC BLOOM
By Sofia Lange M U S I C & A R T F E S T I VA L

four-day camping festival that will bring electronic music, dance, art and human performance together in an atmosphere that inspires open channels of creativity for everyone involved, especially the audience.

We have the ability to create a resonant field in which to unify all forms of human creative expression.

Music doesnt lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.
-Jimi Hendrix

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There are few events that encapsulate Colorados blossoming electronic music scene like the Sonic Bloom Festival, that will be held September 13-16, 2013 at Shadows Ranch in Georgetown.

Music can change the world because it can change people. Bono

The intimate festival is nestled in a cottonwood grove snaked by Clear Creek, advertised by promoters as the unified field. Over four days of workshops, art, and performances by some of the biggest names in electronic production, the festival will bring together an eclectic crowd estimated over 3,000 strong. This years selection is undoubtedly skewed to the bass-heavy leanings of dubstep, but is not without variety. The festival features three venues, including a visually stunning dome stage that will blast the insomniacs in attendance with bass until sunrise each morning. While the main stage is comparatively dormant during afternoon performances that began at 3 p.m. each day, it will be transformed into a frenetic dance party come nightfall. Highlights will include

Thursdays headliner Bonobo and impassioned sets Friday by West Coast artists Ana Sia and Eskmo. Emancipator will probably play a down-tempo set complimented by a live violin to jumpstart Saturday night and will be followed by a colorful set by the well-known British soundsmith Tipper. Perhaps the most glaring observation of the Sonic Bloom festival is the odd paradox that exists within the subculture. It is a very large community that embraces the most intense and arguably arrogant style of music on the market, yet also a community as peaceful and harmonious as any group of people you will find. When brought up to many in attendance who identified with Eastern religion, the conversation would quickly come to dualism. A very collective Jekyll by day; Hyde by night.

Sonic Bloom goers enjoy music from sun up to sun down each day.

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EVENT DETAILS
DATE
August 13-16th

TICKETS
Full Weekend Ticket (Thu-Mon) $175
In past years, the grounds were alive with organized yoga classes, newfound creek-side friendships and workshops that ranged from the practical (Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk), to the intellectual (Science of Vortex-Mathematics), to the bizarre (Humanitys Transition to an Interplanetary Species). Past festivals have also been an epicenter of visual art. Over a dozen live painters provided their perspectives during the music and dispersed throughout vendors were art exhibits and sculptures by some of the most impressive visionary artists in the country (Android Jones, most notably). While the electronic music scene has rightfully taken on connotations both positive and negative during its abrupt rise, the Sonic Bloom festival proves that it can be a movement rooted in love and unity through self expression.

Three Day Ticket (Fri-Mon) $150

LOCATION
Shadows Ranch 1259 Alvarado Road Georgetown, CO 80444

T ONE GOOD THING ABOU MUSIC, WHEN IT HITS IN. YOU, YOU FEEL NO PA
BOB MARLEY

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Other ACTIVITIES
Diverse Workshop Series Whitewater Rafting Trips Yoga Classes Visionary Art Gallery Bumping Bass Till Dawn Fire & Aerial Performances Live Painters Multimedia Projects Hiking & Singe Track Landscape Art

Opiuo is an ever evolving feast for the ears. From a one man show equipped with drum machines and synths, all the way to The Opiuo Band, a collection of the worlds best musician's.

T H E L IN E UP
Random Rab offers a powerful and unique contribution to sonic exploration. Often referred to as The Master of Emotion his music is patently beautiful and melodic.

Opiuo Vibesquad Random Rab Zilla The Polish Ambassador Minnesota Bluetech Gaudi Orchard Lounge Phutureprimitive Andreilien Ill Gates

Desert Dwellers Thriftworks Lynx Mat the Alien Russ Liquid Heavyweight Dub Champion Adham Shaik Cry Wolf The Fungineers The Human Experience Knowa Knowone Akara Prophet Massive Liberation Movement Nico Luminous Goosebumpz WhitebearW Sasha Rose Temple Step Project & many more

Wick-it the Instigator Nastynasty Ill-esha Love & Light Govinda David Starfire

THINGS TO BRING

Camping Gear Make sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags/ blankets, a tarp to create shade, and a pillow.

Water Hydration is very important. Bring both drinking water as well as water to bathe yourself with.

Trash Bags Cleaning up after yourself very is important, so make sure to bring trash bags.

Toiletries Bring ecofriendly soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as other daily necessities.

First Aid First aid kits are always a good idea, as well as duct tape and other useful tools.

Sunscreen Sunscreen and sunglasses will definitely be a lifesaver when youre out in the sun all day.

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VIBESQUAD
Since 2006 and long before Americas insatiable appetite for all things dubstep was born, the musician, producer and DJ known as VibeSquaD
(aka Aaron Holstein) has been dropping ill beats and stomachtearing basslines on the decks as a DJ. In the mid to late-90s, Holstein toured with the Chicago band Boogie Shoes, and he studied jazz guitar for a few years in the late-80s with the saxophonist/composer Yusef Lateef. To say that VibeSquaDs musical heritage is rich is an understatement. Much like fellow dubstep hero, Skrillex, VibeSquaD brings a thorough understanding of musicianship and live performance to the EDM club and festival circuit. VibeSquad said,

ONIC MUSIC THESE DAYS; I LISTEN TO MOSTLY ELECTR ITAR IN QUITE A WHILE! I I HAVENT PICKED UP MY GU COMPUTER. LOVE MAKING MUSIC WITH A

THINGS NOT TO BRING

Pets Sorry there are no pets allowed on the grounds of the festival.

Fireworks Dont bring these in or you may be asked to leave.

Weapons This one is common sense. Dont bring these in.

Glass No glass bottles or containers of any kind or anything made of glass.

Charcoal Grills No charcoal grills allowed, but gas grills are permitted.

Bad Attitude Everyone is here to have fun! Make the most of your experience here!

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BE E R S M A DE BY WA L K I NG
IRA BARSKY INTERVIEWS HIKER & CRAFT BREWER ERIC STEEN

recent trend in craft beer with unusual ingredients is brewing in the Colorado foothills. At the National Homebrewers Conference earlier this summer, I attended a lecture devoted to the topic. We learned

that inspiration for ingredients can be found anywhere.

Can inspiration be found during a hike through the woods? Eric Steen thinks so.
ERIC STEEN USES NATURE HIKES through the Colorados scenic trails to inspire brewers to learn about and incorporate nature into beer. Eric a former resident of Sandy, Utah, now residing in Colorado Springs, writes the Focus on the Beer blog. I was intrigued by Erics Beers Made By Walking program and contacted him to learn more.
Why did you start Beers Made By Walking? How did you get the idea? Eric Steen: The initial inspiration for BMBW came during a week-long canoe trip down the Yukon River in Canada. There, I was introduced to the Norwegian term friluftsliv, which is translated as Free Air Living. The term describes a way of living in which people make a habit of being outdoors on a regular basis. There are Friluftsliv conferences that host walking lectures where attendees hike for a few days on end, stopping every now and again for a lecture and food. The programs concept developed further during a trip to Scotland, when I built a pop-up pub that served homebrewed beer to the public. While there, I visited Williams Bros. Brewing and was inspired by their line-up of historic Scottish beers that used ingredients from the landscape -like heather flower, gale, Scottish pine, and seaweed. Another inspiration came from British artists, like Richard Long and Hamish Fulton, who use walking as a means of understanding our relationship to the world. Beers Made By Walking, in some respects, is a mashing together of those pieces.

I was introduced to the Norwegian term friluftsliv, which is translated as Free Air Living

42 | VIM

Eric Steen holds up a glass of beer produced from a BMBW hike.

Home Brewing Basics

A CRASH COURSE FOR BUDDING BACKYARD BREWERS 1 Bring about half of your total water amount to a simmer and chill the other half for later. 2 Once the water is simmering steep your grain filled mesh sack in the water for about half an hour. 3 Remove the grain sack, and add your malt extract. Now you can bring the wort, as it is called, to a full boil for about one hour. 4 Add hops, either in fresh, pelleted, or extract form, to the wort.

5 Pour your hot wort into a sanitized fermentation container, and add your previously chilled water to the brew.

6 Cool your fermenter down to about 70F. 7 As the last step, add your yeast to the wort and stir it. Keep it sealed airtight afterwards. 8 Finally, after being sealed for 7-14 days, unseal that puppy and break out glassesyouve just brewed beer!

STEP 1: GO HIKING What happens on the hikes? ES: Each hike has been completely different. For the hikes in Colorado Springs, I always try to have a big public crowd that comes along. The hikes generally last from 2-5 hours and a botanist or naturalist tells us about the plants we are seeing along the way. A couple of the Utah brewers also had public hikes but some were private. So, its always a bit different and I only get to go on a few of them each year. STEP 2: LEARN Is the focus on edible plants? What is the most interesting thing youve learned from your hikes? ES: When I first started doing the Beers Made by Walking hikes, I had very little knowledge about the plants that surround us. The most surprising thing is that now I have what I believe is a reasonable base of knowledge and was able to help lead a hike this summer. I want to learn more and more though Im not anywhere where Id like to be. One plant that stands out to me that I see a lot on these Colorado hikes is three-leaf sumac which is related to both poison sumac and mango. It produces a lovely hairy red fruit that taste like lemon. A few brewers have used it in the past and I think its wonderful STEP 3: MAKE BEER As a homebrewer, Im interested in the technical aspects of this step. Do ingredients tend to be added in the boil as substitutes for hops? ES: Actually, the ingredients have been used in every step of the way. Brewers have used Juniper, sunflower, and grains in the mash. Chokecherry and other berries are often added during or after fermentation and then the more aromatic plants are often used at the end of the boil. Ive had some people really go all out adding wild yarrow or wild sage to the beginning of the boil. Its always fun to see what the brewers try.

Craft beer drinkers are educated and thirsty. There are new breweries popping up every time I turn around

VIM | 45

The brewing process from hops to pour is all done by BMBW.

STEP 4: DRINK BEER How many events have you held? vor combinations? ES: The Wyoming BMBW will be the 5th one, although I put on lots of other types of beer events too. Ive done a couple in Colorado Springs, just finished up one in Denver during GABF and I also did a small one in Idaho over the summer. Its hard to pick an overall favorite beer out of these but some that stand out include a 4% sour mash chokecherry kreik with 100% lacto, a rose hip and sumac saison, a juniper and pineapple weed Belgian dark ale, and a prickly pear cactus golden ale. Other ingredients that Id really like to see more exploration are stinging nettles (which have been used but I think they should be used more), sorrel, dandelion, oyster plant, and other plants that we consider weeds. How have brewers and beer drinkers responded to BMBW? ES: Most brewers seem pretty enthusiastic about the idea. Lots of breweries are currently undergoing expansion and will give this a try when they finish up. I visited Colorado Springs last year, and enjoyed the local beer at Trinity Brewing. How does beer culture in Colorado compare to Utah? ES: In Sandy I didnt have to drive anywhere for beer, I could go where I wanted and walk home. Thats impossible here, things are spread out and people love to Whats next for BMBW? Do you have any specific goals or plans? ES: Ive been thinking a lot about this and have begun meeting with a few people for advice. I have lots of ideas but not sure which to act on. I like putting on these special tappings and mini-festivals, I dont think Id want to do a full-blown festival because I like that people would get to spend a more concentrated amount of time contemplating the beers and ingredients. I do plan to increase the amount of brewers that participate in Oregon, and I have hopes of expanding the program into more states every year. What were

some of the more interesting and surprising fla-

46 | VIM

drive. Thats one thing I certainly miss. Other than that, Colorado has plenty of great breweries that make amazing beer. There seems to be a similar amount of craft beer drinkers that are educated and thirsty. There are new breweries popping up every time I turn around, its impossible to keep track of now and I hope that soon Ill be able to easily walk to any number of great breweries. One thing Colorado has down that Im not sure Utah does is this heavy emphasis on canned beers, which really are a nice addition to any camping, hiking, or ski trip. Theyre light weight, taste good, and they condense down when youre done with them.

Lastly, you find yourself sitting next to some guy whos enjoying a macro lager. You can choose any two beers in the world to give him. What would they be? ES: Mirror Pond Pale Ale would be the first because thats the beer that changed me and I still think its fantastic. The next would be a Colorado Native from AC Golden. This is a Coors product but AC Golden is a killer brewery located upstairs from the big boys. The Colorado Native is 100% Colorado ingredients and is a crisp and refreshing lager with tons of flavor.

A big thanks to Eric of Beers Made by Walking for taking the time to chat! He has a unique idea and we cant wait to see how it grows. 100% of the proceeds from their events are donated to Northwest Trail Alliance. To learn more, check out the BMBW website, Facebook page, or follow along on Twitter.

a brewing fieldguide:

WHEN HIKING BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE BREWSKI ADDITIVES

Juniper, dandelion, cherries, wild sage, strawberries, blueberries, lavender, prickly pear, chokeberry, rose hips.

Do you want to taste some Beers Made by Walking? If so, youre in luck! Eric will be holding a BMBW event on Saturday, September 20th at Belmont Station in Boulder. Youll have the chance to taste five beers inspired by nature hikes in Colorado.

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THE PERFECT

WEEKEND

D A T E
SMORES I NCLUDED

ike any endeavor, camping is more enjoyable with a little preparation, so assembling and packing the equipment you need is your first order of business. If youre tent camping, it pays to heed certain rules you dont

want to share your snacks with the wildlife, do you? And whats camping without a campfire? Knowing how to get a campfire started is a welcome skill to have.

THE WHERE TOS HOW TO DOS & WHAT TO D0S

STEP 1:
Choose your camping destination. Keep it secluded and romantic, but not too far out in the middle of nowhere. Make sure you have a good view!

TURQUOISE LAKE RECREATION AREA, SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FOREST

Thick evergreen forest, mountains, and an 1,800-acre lake surround the eight campgrounds here, all at a cool 10,000-foot elevation.

HALL VALLEY & HANDCART CAMPGROUNDS, PIKE NATIONAL FOREST

These high-country campsites are tucked into a densely forested valley punctuated with wild-flowers. The North Fork of the South Platte River is within earshot.

MORAINE PARK CAMPGROUND, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Elk, mule deer, and coyotes often wander through the meadow near this campground, which has a backcountry. The 2.3-mile Cub Lake Trail leads to a lily pad covered pond.

APGAR CAMPGROUND, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Campsites sit in a pine forest beside glacier-fed Lake McDonald, with Continental Divide peaks at the head of the lake.

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STEP 2:

Whatever you do, DO NOT leave the house without these essential camping items. Not only will you need these things to make you weekend camping more enjoyable, but your significant other will appreciate it as well.

POCKET KN I FE

FLASHLI GHT CO O LE R SHOVEL/AXE

WAT E R BOT-

TE NT

HI KI N G B OOT SLEEPI N G B AG CHA I R S

P OT/ PA N

CO M PASS CUPS

SKEWER S

LA N T ERN

BAC K PAC K

FI R E STA RTER

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M O U N TA I N L I V I N G
STEP 3:
SET UP CAMP | Camping is a wonderful way to spend time in the great outdoors. But if youre tent camping, you dont want to welcome too much of the great outdoors into your tent. Happy campers observe simple rules, such as those in the following list, to keep tenting tidy and safe: To keep the inside clean (or at least cleaner), park your boots and shoes outside the tent. You can herd those wet and dirty items into a big plastic bag to protect them from weather. Dont bring food into the tent. Animals can smell it a mile away, and you dont want a bearor any smaller critter, for that mattersharing your tent. Safety first: Dont light matches or use any flamepowered device inside the tent. That includes flame-powered heaters of any kind. Tent fires are extremely serious, possibly deadly. Resist the impulse to use the tent as a springboard. Kids of all ages are tempted to fling themselves against the side of the tent for the bounce-back effect. Sometimes the tent breaks. Thats b-a-a-a-d! Walk, dont run, close to tents. Stakes and guidelines are easy to trip over, and no camper enjoys a face-plant.

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STEP 4:

HOW TO START A CAMP FIRE | Even when youre camping, you dont have to rub two sticks together to get your campfire going. You can choose that method of course, but most fire-starting begins with a good supply of wooden matches. Use them to ignite any of the following:

Commercial firestarters such as fire ribbon or petroleum-based tablets (Esbit by MPI Outdoors, for example) work very well. In an old egg carton, fill each egg slot with finely shredded newspaper and a few spoonfuls of sawdust. Pour on melted wax to bind the sawdust and paper into a solid lump. After the wax hardens, you have a dozen little firestarters. Fill a film canister with lint from your clothes dryer. Be sure that the lint is from

wool, cotton, or fleece garments not fire-retardant fabrics (of course). Lint ignites readily and starts big-time fires. Look to nature. Even in the worst storm, you can find dry tinder around the base of tree trunks, under rock ledges, in tree hollows, and next to downed logs. Make your own kindling by whittling a small log down to the dry center and then whittling dry shavings from this piece. Who brought the marshmallows?

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STEP 5:

ROAST ING
THE

PER FECT SMORE

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ANYONE WHO HAS OUTGROWN CLASSIC SMORES WILL LOVE THESE UNIQUE TWISTS!
1.
CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER SMORES Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto a thin, crisp chocolate wafer. Slide 1 skewer-toasted marshmallow onto peanut butter. Top with a second wafer and squish down gently. Eat, licking fingers.

2.
NUTTY BANANA S'MORES Make these s'mores with graham crackers, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (or Nutella), sliced banana, and marshmallow.

3.
STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE S'MORES Take the classic campfire dessert up a notch by adding strawberry slices to Graham crackers, chocolate, and a roasted marshmallow.

4.
GINGER AND CARAMEL S'MORES Give s'mores a little kick with gingersnaps, a caramel-filled chocolate square, and marshmallow.

5.
CARAMEL-DRIZZLED S'MORES Fill peanut-butter cookies with a bittersweet chocolate square, caramel sauce, and a roasted marshmallow.

SIT BACK, RELAX, & ENJOY

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DEPARTMENT SECTION

TITLE

THE HISTORY OF THE HOMESTEAD ACT AND THE FIRST HOMESTEADER, BY DAVID SMITH

igned into law in May 1862, the Homestead Act opened up settlement in the western US, allowing any American, including freed slaves, to put in a claim for up to 160 free acres of federal land. Eventually, 1.6 million individual claims would be approved; nearly ten

percent of all government held property for a total of 420,000 square miles of territory.

The homestead act set in motion a program of public grants to small farmers.
On January 1, 1863, Daniel Freeman, a Union Army scout, was scheduled to leave Gage County, Nebraska Territory, to report for duty in St. Louis. At a New Years Eve party the night before, Freeman met some local Land Office officials and convinced a clerk to open the office shortly after midnight in order to file a land claim. In doing so, Freeman became one of the first to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Homestead Act, a law signed by President Abraham Lincoln on May 20, 1862. At the time of the signing, 11 states had left the Union, and this piece of legislation would continue to have regional and political overtones. The distribution of Government lands had been an issue since the Revolutionary War. At the time of the Articles of Confederation, the major controversy related to land measurement and pricing. Early methods for allocating unsettled land outside the original 13 colonies were arbitrary and chaotic. Boundaries were established by stepping off plots from geographical landmarks. As a result, overlapping claims and border disputes were common. The Land Ordinance of 1785 finally implemented a standardized system of Federal land surveys that eased boundary conflicts. Using astronomical starting points, territory was divided into a 6-mile square called a township prior to settlement. The township was divided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 square mile or 640 acres each. Sale of public land was viewed as a means to generate revenue for the Government rather than as a way to encourage settlement.

* 43,560 square feet in an acre.

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RNMENT LANDS HAS THE DISTRIBUTION OF GOVE VOLUTIONARY WAR BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE RE

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THE FIRST HOMESTEADER

Initially, an individual was required to purchase a full section of land at the cost of $1 per acre for 640 acres. The investment needed to purchase these large plots and the massive amount of physical labor required to clear the land for agriculture were often insurmountable obstacles. By 1800, the minimum lot was halved to 320 acres, and settlers were allowed to pay in 4 installments, but prices remained fixed at $1.25 an acre until 1854. That year, federal legislation was enacted establishing a graduated scale that adjusted land prices to reflect the desirability of the lot. Lots that had been on the market for 30 years, for example, were reduced to 12 cents per acre. Soon after, extraordinary bonuses were extended to veterans and those interested in settling the Oregon Territory, making homesteading a viable option for some. But basically, national public-land-use policy made land ownership financially unattainable for most would-be homesteaders. Before and after the Mexican-American war in the mid 1800s, popular pressure to change policy arose from the evolving economy, new demographics, and shifting social climate of early 19th-century America. In the 1830s and 1840s, rising prices for corn, wheat, and cotton enabled large, well-financed farms, particularly the plantations of the South, to force out smaller ventures. Displaced farmers then looked westward to unforrested country that offered more affordable development. Prior to the war with Mexico (184648), people settling in the West demanded preemption, an individuals right to settle land first and pay later (essentially an early form of credit). Eastern economic interests opposed this policy as it was feared that the cheap labor base for the factories would be drained. After the war with Mexico,

Daniel Freeman, American physician & Civil War veteran.

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a number of developments supported the growth of the homestead movement. Economic prosperity drew unprecedented numbers of immigrants to America, many of whom also looked westward for a new life. New canals and roadways reduced western dependence on the harbor in New Orleans, and Englands repeal of its corn laws opened new markets to American agriculture. Despite these developments, legislative efforts to improve homesteading laws faced opposition on multiple fronts. As mentioned above, Northern factories owners feared a mass departure of their cheap labor force and Southern states worried that rapid settlement of western territories would give rise to new states populated by small farmers opposed to slavery. Preemption became national policy in spite of these sectional concerns, but supporting legislation was stymied. Three timesin 1852, 1854, and 1859the House of Representatives passed homestead legislation, but on each occasion, the Senate defeated the measure. In 1860, a homestead bill providing Federal land grants to western settlers was passed by Congress only to be vetoed by President Buchanan. With the secession of Southern states from the Union and therefore removal of the slavery issue, finally, in 1862, the Homestead Act was passed and signed into law. The new law established a three-fold homestead acquisition process: filing an application, improving the land, and filing for deed of title. Any U.S. citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. Government could file an application and lay claim to 160 acres of surveyed Government land. For the next

5 years, the homesteader had to live on the land and improve it by building a 12-by-14 dwelling and growing crops. After 5 years, the homesteader could file for his patent (or deed of title) by submitting proof of residency and the required improvements to a local land office. Local land offices forwarded the paperwork to the General Land Office in Washington, DC, along with a final certificate of eligibility. The case file was examined, and valid claims were granted patent to the land free and clear, except for a small registration fee. Title could also be acquired after a 6-month residency and

Daniel Freemans Homestead Application

To enable dryland farming, it increased the number of acres for a homestead to 320 acres.

1863
Emancipation Proclamation signed

Lincoln assassinated 1865 1866 Southern Homestead Act

Maxim invents machine gun 1883

Enlarged Homestead Act 1909 1899 Sigmund Freud Interpretation of Dreams

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Enacted to break a cycle of debt during the Reconstruction following the American Civil War.

Daniel Freemans Homestead Certificate of Eligibility

trivial improvements, provided the claimant paid the government $1.25 per acre. After the Civil War, Union soldiers could deduct the time they served from the residency requirements. Some land speculators took advantage of a legislative loophole caused when those drafting the laws language failed to specify whether the 12-by-14 dwelling was to be built in feet or inches. Others hired phony claimants or bought abandoned land. The General Land Office was underfunded and unable to hire a sufficient number investigators for its widely scattered local offices. As a result, overworked and underpaid investigators were often susceptible to bribery. Physical conditions on the frontier presented even greater challenges. Wind, blizzards, and plagues of insects threatened crops. Open plains meant few trees for building, forcing many to build homes out of sod. Limited fuel and water supplies could turn simple cooking and heating chores into difficult trials. Ironically, even the smaller size of sections took its own toll. While 160 acres may have been sufficient for an eastern farmer, it was simply not enough to sustain agriculture on the dry plains, and scarce natural vegetation made raising livestock on the prairie difficult. As a result, in

Daniel Freemans Homestead Proof

Germany invades Poland, World War Two begins 1939 1916 Stock-Raising Homestead Act
Provided settlers 640 acres (260 ha) of public land, a full section or its equivalent, for ranching purposes.

Kennedy assassinated 1963 1969 Landed on the moon

George Lucas Star Wars 1977

1986

1949 Abstract-Expressionism breaks out in NYC

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The Homestead Act encompassed most of the US, as it is now, as well as Alaska.

many areas, the original homesteader did not stay on the land long enough to fulfill the claim. Homesteaders who persevered were rewarded with opportunities as rapid changes in transportation eased some of the hardships. Six months after the Homestead Act was passed, the Railroad Act was signed, and by May 1869, a transcontinental railroad stretched across the

frontier. The new railroads provided easy transportation for homesteaders, and new immigrants were lured westward by railroad companies eager to sell off excess land at inflated prices. The new rail lines provided ready access to manufactured goods and catalog houses like Montgomery Ward offered farm tools, barbed wire, linens, weapons, and even houses could be delivered via the rail road.

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By 1934, over 1.6 million homestead applications were processed and more than 270 million acres10 percent of all U.S. landspassed into the hands of individuals.

On January 1, 1863, Daniel Freeman and 417 others filed claims. Many more pioneers followed, populating the land, building towns and schools and creating new states from the territories. In many cases, the schools became the focal point for community life, serving as churches, polling places and social gathering locations. In 1936, the Department of the Interior recognized Freeman as the first claimant and established the Homestead National Monument, near a school built in 1872, on his

homestead near Beatrice, Nebraska. Today, the monument is administered by the National Park Service, and the site commemorates the changes to the land and the nation brought about by the Homestead Act of 1862. By 1934, over 1.6 million homestead applications were processed and more than 270 million acres10 percent of all U.S. landspassed into the hands of individuals. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 repealed the Homestead Act in the 48 contiguous states.

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DRAKES BREWING COMPANY is celebrating over 23 years of making exciting and extreme ales & lagers for exciting & extreme craft beer enthusiasts JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT ADVENTURE

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

PLACES TO BE THINGS TO DO

PLACES TO BE THINGS TO DO

CHANGING OF THE LEAVES

Few events in nature surpass the annual changing of the leaves in Colorado for sheer beauty. Colorados fall colors are the envy of most other states, and theres only a few weeks left to enjoy it. Whether youre looking for a relaxing day trip or a weekend excursion, the state offers dozens of picturesque locales to meet your needs.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403

www.parks.state.co.us/parks/ goldengatecanyon/

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LATIGO RANCH IN KREMLING, CO

Latigo is known for its fine riding program, individualized attention, and nouveau ranch menu. The Arapaho National Forest surrounds it on three sides, and trails take you through an array of aspen groves, pine forest, sagebrush, and open meadows. 201 County Road 1911 Kremmling, CO 80459 970.724.9008 latigotrails.com

RAFTING WIND RIVER CANYON

12 miles long with 2,500-foot walls, the narrow Wind River Canyon cuts a deep swath through the plains. From start to finish, the canyon drops an astounding 200 feet and ensures a thrilling ride through its 3-billion-year-old rock gullet. 210 Hwy. 20 South, Suite 5 Thermopolis, WY 82443 888.246.9343 windrivercanyon.com

DEER VALLEY SKI RESORT

Consistently ranked #1 in guest service among ski resorts in North America. Deer Valley offers first-class amenities such as uniformed ski valets, groomed-to-perfection slopes, award-winning cuisine, and convenient lift, lodging and rental packages. 2250 Deer Valley Dr S Park City, UT 84060 435.649.1000 deervalley.com

LUMBERJACK DAYS
This international event in Orofino, Idaho attracts loggers from all over the world and features competitions that include burling, axe throwing, tree races and two-person hand and power saw races. Also enjoy a horse pulling contest. Town Square Orofino, Idaho 208.476.3412 orofinolumberjackdays.org

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KEEPS

ON TICKING

NEVER STOP EXPLORING

40 YEARS OF INNOVATION AND EXPLORATION

FOOD

COOKING AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

Foil Packet Cooking Tips

Use heavy duty foil. You dont want the foil to rip and have ashes get in and your dinner leak out. If using regular foil, double it up. Spray the side of the foil on which youre going to place the food with cooking spray before you add your ingredients and seal it up. When placing your ingredients on the sheet of foil, always put the meat on the bottom as it takes the longest to cook. Cook your foil packet in

COOKING AROUND
FIRE P M A C E H T
Easy and Delicious Foil Packet Recipes. In the quest to streamline your camping trips, foil packet meals can be one of your greatest allies.
Its cooking at its simple best; you take some ingredients, wrap them up in a foil parcel, and place the pouch in a campfires coals to cook. You can prepare these foil packets before you head out into Mother Nature, and they require no pots and pans, no plates, and no clean up. And, if you know what youre doing, they can be incredibly tasty and satisfying.

the fire itself. Ideally, you want to place the packet on a bed of coals about two inches thick. When cooking meat, throw in some high-moisture veggies like tomatoes and onions. This will keep the meat from drying out. Flip the packets over a few times during cooking, and open and check on how the food is progressing from time to time.

72 | VIM

BREAKFAST
Sausage and Eggs
1 frozen hash brown patty 2 eggs, scrambled, uncooked 2 frozen sausage patties spices and seasonings Cheese (optional) First place your hash brown patty on the foil. Then place the eggs on top of the hash brown patty. Then place the sausage patties on top. Season with spices and condiments. Place on hot coals and cook for 15 minutes. Add the cheese when its ready.

DINNER
Hamburger and Veggies
lb ground hamburger meat can of Veg-all or other mixed vegetables can of cream of mushroom soup spices and seasonings Mix together the above ingredients with spices and condiments to your hearts content. Place the mixture on the center of a sheet of foil, wrap in a tent pack, and place on hot coals for 25 minutes.

DESSERT
Muffins in an Orange Shell
6 oranges 1 package of just add water muffin mix Mix up the muffin mix as instructed. Cut off the quarter top of the oranges. Carefully scoop out the pulp; do not break the skin. Pour the muffin mix into the oranges. Wrap the oranges in foil, leaving an opening at the top. Place the oranges upright in a stable position on hot coals and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
Note: You can also cook eggs this way, but youll want to cover the whole orange shell with foil.

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DEPARTMENT SECTION

TITLE

NEXT ISSUE
Explore the Southwest in our next issue. You wont want to miss The Wave in Cyotte Buttes, Arizona. The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near the Arizona and Utah border on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the Colorado Plateau. It is famous among hikers and photographers for its colorful, undulating forms, and the rugged, trackless hike required to reach it.