Summary: Show Notes: Episode 133<br> Today on the First 40 Miles, if a news story didn’t involve the latest political scandal or secret missile launch, it probably didn’t even make it above the fold. Fortunately, we’ve found a handful of stories that we think you’ll find twice as interesting as what’s on the front page. Then, the Summit Gear Review will feature a handy waterproof stuff sack that can hold anything from muddy hiking shoes to all the fixin’s for a campfire dinner. Just not at the same time. Next, a simple way to give peanut butter a flavor makeover.<br> To join us for the SOLVE Clean Up, register here:<br> <a href="http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/bald-mountain-cleanup">http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/bald-mountain-cleanup</a><br> Opening<br> Today we share news that didn’t make the front page<br> Top 5 Backpacking in the News Stories<br> Uptick in Ticks<br> <a href="http://nypost.com/2017/04/04/us-is-facing-an-epic-outbreak-of-lyme-disease-experts/">http://nypost.com/2017/04/04/us-is-facing-an-epic-outbreak-of-lyme-disease-experts/</a><br> Man who blew his left hand off accidentally <br> <a href="http://www.ydr.com/story/news/2017/03/17/hikers-left-hand-blown-off-appalachian-trail-pa/99315188/">http://www.ydr.com/story/news/2017/03/17/hikers-left-hand-blown-off-appalachian-trail-pa/99315188/</a><br> Some listeners pointed us to some further reports on this story. Hmm, we wonder what he was up to:<br> <a href="http://www.mcall.com/news/local/police/mc-hawk-mountain-search-and-rescue-20170316-story,amp.html">http://www.mcall.com/news/local/police/mc-hawk-mountain-search-and-rescue-20170316-story,amp.html</a><br> <a href="http://parkland.thelehighvalleypress.com/2017/03/22/fbi-bomb-squad-investigate-items-brought-hospital">http://parkland.thelehighvalleypress.com/2017/03/22/fbi-bomb-squad-investigate-items-brought-hospital</a><br> Cats for Search and Rescue <br> <a href="https://www.seeker.com/why-cats-could-make-skilled-search-and-rescue-animals-2277969871.html">https://www.seeker.com/why-cats-could-make-skilled-search-and-rescue-animals-2277969871.html</a><br> Bikepacking:<br> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/great-outdoors/2017/04/05/bikepacking-adds-dose-fun-to-backpacking.html">http://www.foxnews.com/great-outdoors/2017/04/05/bikepacking-adds-dose-fun-to-backpacking.html</a><br> Rainier’s Wonderland Trail <br> <a href="http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/article142953894.html">http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/article142953894.html</a><br> SUMMIT Gear Review™: <a href="https://matadorup.com/products/matador-droplet-wet-bag">Matador Droplet Wet Bag</a><br> Structure<br> <br> * Silicone case shaped like a drop of water, with a slit in it, into which a small portable 3 liter waterproof drawstring sack can be stuffed<br> * The silicone case also has a place where you can attach a carabiner so you can attach this bag onto the outside of your pack.<br> <br> Utility<br> <br> * Keeps the wet in or out. It’s not technically a “dry bag” because it doesn’t have a rolltop closure, but if you have wet gear that you want to keep separate, or something like a sketchbook that you want to keep protected from the rain…this will do the job—and your gear will still be accessible.<br> * Not submersible<br> * Droplet is reusable (and can take the place of gallon ziptop bags in a lot of cases) and can keep the wet in, or keep the wet out depending on your needs.<br> <br> Mass<br> <br> * Weighs 0.5 ounces ( 15 grams)<br> * When the stuff sack is removed from the silicone case, it measures about 8 1/2 x 11 inches—the size of a piece of paper<br> * When it’s stuffed in its case, 2×1 1/2 inches<br> <br> Maintenance<br> <br> * Hand wash, hang dry<br> * Keep out of reach of children—it’s a waterproof bag, and that’s a risk with children<br> <br> Investment<br> <br> * $15<br> <br> Trial<br> <br>
