Come chat adventure travel (and win a great prize) with tonight’s debut of #ATQA on Twitter!

March 14, 2012 by · 3 Comments

I’ve been hyped about the mysterious new #ATQA chat for weeks, and the big launch day is finally upon us – but..

What is #ATQA?

#ATQA is the newest chat to hit the Twittersphere. It’s all about adventure travel, from overland exploration and outdoor hikes to camping, climbing, road trips, and everything in between. Basically, if you’re my kind of person, this is your kind of chat! I’m co-hosting the chat alongside J. Brandon, and our great discussion is sponsored by Overland Expo.

I can’t spoil the fun and reveal our exciting questions for tonight’s chat, but I can tell you this: we’ll be spending the afternoon talking about driving through beautiful landscapes, sleeping under the stars, exploring new cultures, our favorite adventure activities, and more.

So what’s in it for you?

Besides enjoying a great chat and meeting some new adventurous friends, we’re giving away a great prize to one lucky participant. Our phenomenal sponsors at Overland Expo will be sponsoring the chat leading up to their big event May 18-20 in Flagstaff, AZ. They’re hosting a weekend-long convention and celebration of all things outdoor travel. And we want to send you there!

We’ll be giving away a great day pass to the Overland Expo event!

For your chance to win, all you have to do is tweet us your best, most creative, witty, and kind thoughts during the chat. Make sure you’re also following @ATQandA, and we’ll announce our winner at the end of the chat.

If you have any questions about the chat, feel free to leave a comment, shoot me a tweet @themorningfresh, or send me an email at katieboue@gmail.com.

I’ll see everyone tonight!

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Watch ‘Sketchy’ Andy Lewis bring slack-lining to the mainstream during the Superbowl halftime show

February 6, 2012 by · 5 Comments

I admit it, I totally watched the Superbowl. Originally, I was in it for the mango habañero hot wings, tequila shots, and my homemade guacamole – but then, the halftime show came on and I was riveted by an unexpected sight:

Sketchy Andy slacklined with Madonna during the halftime show?!

Image courtesy of the International Business Times.

While his feminine toga get-up and golden jewelry made me giggle a bit, I was stoked to see slacklining highlighted during such a huge national event. Along with climbing, this unique sport has been gaining recognition as folks begin to embrace the thrill and adventure of outdoor extreme sports. Andy’s performance was one of the most raved about portions of the halftime show – and let’s face it, with that sweet back-flip dismount, Sketchy Andy Lewis rocketed himself into immortality.

Were you too busy crushin’ granite or daydreaming about faraway crags to catch Andy Lewis slacklining during the Superbowl? Check out the video of the entire halftime show – naturally, I’d suggest you do yourself a favor and skip to the 4:00 mark to watch Sketchy Andy in all his splendor.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyfdoZldrS4]

Pretty sweet gig, dude. Plus, according to the Sender Films blog, Andy is slated to tag along on Madonna’s latest tour with over 100 additionally booked performances. While I struggle with the idea of climbing and slacklining becoming more mainstream, it is undeniably badass to see such a humble sport highlighted during a major event like the Superbowl. Hats off to you, Sketchy Andy!

PS: To be fair to his true style, it must be know that Andy Lewis doesn’t always don a silky toga and golden necklace – check out this video of Sketchy Andy high-lining in the desert, base jumping off cliffs, and generally being the ultimate redheaded badass.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdHqmnB-NNc]

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Help save the future of the historical Matheson Hammock in Miami, Florida

January 31, 2012 by · 3 Comments

My childhood was built on bike rides through mangroves, picnics beneath an old limestone fort, sandy sunning along a coast inlet, and boating excursions – all enjoyed at Matheson Hammock Park & Marina. One of the outdoor staples residents of ritzy South Florida, this slice of nature offers an escape from the surrounding mansions and 5 o’clock traffic jams along Old Cutler. For now.

The sanctutary (for humans and wildlife alike) at Matheson Hammock is gravely endangered.

It recently came to light that Miami-Dade County awarded a private company the rights to construct an enormous 5-story boat warehouse in the park – and the folks who cherish Matheson simply won’t have it. Obviously thinking with their calculators instead of their souls, the county selfishly allowed for a potentially disastrous edifice to be built.

Why is this boat warehouse such a horrible idea? Well aside from the giant eyesore that will forever change the skyline, this facility will have a monstrous impact on the community and park. The once peaceful destination will become crowded with traffic to and from the storage warehouse, and if you’ve ever taken a drive down Old Cutler at rush hour, you know how torturous congestion is on those roads. Not to mention the noise pollution, the potential for run-off and introducing harmful chemicals into a delicate ecosystem.

As a park enthusiast, I am outraged by the idea of my beautiful mangrove landscapes becoming defaced by a looming structure, and I am livid at the thought of my favorite raccoon family slurping on water tainted by the extra pollution introduced by the warehouse and extra flock of boats within. As a boater, I can’t even fathom the idea of the marina becoming any more crowded than it already is on any given sunny morning. I have to wonder if those in favor of this storage facility have ever been to the park on a warm Saturday – do they really think there is capacity for more people/boats?

So what can you do to save Matheson Hammock Park?

First, and foremost, you can sign the petition against the boat warehouse. Then, you can share it with all your friends. While the City of Coral Gables is infamous for making any home renovation permits a nightmare, it’s also well-known for it’s excellent history of listening to the people. Unlike the county, the city is truly concerned for the welfare and well-being of its residents. Contact the City of Coral Gables, and let them know how you feel about the future of Matheson Hammock.

You can also ‘like’ “Save Our Matheson Hammock Park” on Facebook, so you can keep up with all the updates and happenings. Finally, you can watch and share this video, which provides an excellent view of the park, and illustrates why Matheson is such a vital lifeline for our community and environment:

Still not convinced? Check out this blog for ten photographic reasons to save Matheson Hammock.

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Record breaking snowfall, quickly headed to Denver, CO for my first snow day

October 25, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

While yesterday saw record highs throughout the tri-city area of Denver, Ft. Collins, and Boulder, tonight promises to bring quite the opposite. Up to 8-12 inches of snow are expected to fall in the Denver area tonight and tomorrow, an estimate that easily surpasses the typical average snowfall for the entire month of October: a mere 4.2 inches.

Let’s backtrack. Yesterday, my afternoon looked a little bit like this.

Denver saw unprecedented heat reaching a balmy 80 degrees on Monday afternoon, and I gladly spent the afternoon tanning – even got tan lines, mind you – outside under a fantastically blue sky. The trees in Denver are heavy with chameleon leaves in the midst of changing identities, and there are still clusters of lanky wildflowers lining the streets. This particular week in the Mile High City brought some of the most beautiful weather I have ever seen.

Today, Tuesday the 25th, things are changing. Newly arrived housemate Hannah and I took a walk through the neighborhood during the afternoon, and immediately noticed a swift change in the weather. The air was unpleasantly crisp, and the sun seemed to have taken a vacation from its usual post in the once cloudless sky. Quickly approaching snow day, anyone?

I’m indescribably overjoyed at the prospect of everything that tomorrow’s snow will bring. My first official snow day living in Denver, the snow delivers promises of early morning snow angels in the front yard, the construction of my inaugural snowman, catching snowflakes on my tongue, trudging through the snow for wine, and bundling up inside with hot tea and lots of writing.

The Weather.com forecast map for the next 48 hours of early season snow in Colorado has me giddy like a little kid. I can’t wait to bust out my mom’s sweet vintage mittens, my dad’s thick red flannel, my sweet new knit socks, and the slightly overpriced beanie I couldn’t resist at REI.

Weather advisories have been sending out warnings about the potential for major power outages, and I couldn’t be more excited. This feels reminiscent of the anticipation of an upcoming hurricane, except that this climatic margarita is frozen blended, while Florida’s natural disaster cocktail is served on the rocks. The eerie atmosphere and sense of impending doom remind me of the thrill that comes with an approaching hurricane in my hometown.

Speaking of Florida, this Miami gal has a feeling I’m going to have to do some major winter gear shopping after my warm weather wardrobe gets rocked by tomorrow’s miniature blizzard.

Happy Snow Day, fellow Coloradans!

Follow me on Twitter @themorningfresh for updates on my first snow day,
and travel quotes to inspire your own adventures!

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We nearly missed the most important month of the year – April is National Frog Month!

April 27, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Driving past the Novey Animal Hospital on Tennessee Street always presents interesting little tidbits displayed their sign marquee, and yesterday I discovered something I could kick myself for overlooking: April is National Frog Month!

How I let this slip past me, I simply do not know. Frogs are my favorite creatures on this planet, and April is a great month to pay homage to their pimply backs, glossy eyes and pudgy finger pads – it’s the month where they finally emerge from their underground burrows to splash in April’s showers and gear up for mating season. To celebrate my beloved buddies, here are a few of my favorite frog photos, plus a few interesting facts about these great amphibians.

Frog Facts:

  1. Fish travel in schools, geese fly in gaggles – so what do you call a group of frogs? An army. A group of toads is known as ‘a knot.’
  2. Frogs don’t drink water; they simply absorb it through their skin via osmosis.
  3. A frog can live anywhere from 4 to 40 years – the average lifespan is 4-15.
  4. Ever see a frog with its eyes closed and rolled back in its head? Don’t mind him, he’s just swallowing his prey whole, and using the pressure from his eyes to force the meal down his throat.
  5. You can find frogs everywhere in the world, except for Antarctica. Then again, why would anyone live in Antarctica?

Stay tuned tomorrow for a preview at my graduation photos! I’ll be walking (read: falling) across the stage at the Leon County Civic Center on Friday, April 29th to officially end my time as a student at Florida State University! – But first, excuse me while I find a few toad buddies to play with.

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Protected: An Open Letter to Missing Teens Nicole Dones and Jackson Powell

April 26, 2011 by ·

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5 Ways to Celebrate La Madre Tierra for Earth Day!

April 22, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Looking for a way to pay homage to the beautiful planet that so kindly houses you, feeds you, waters you and creates boulder formations for you to climb? – Consider one of these five ways to say ‘thanks’ to nature on Earth Day.

1. Plant something. The possibilities here are really endless. Plant a tree, take a cue from my neighbor and plant some dainty flowers, or get creative. Eatin’ a pineapple or avocado? You can plant ‘em! I currently have a pineapple head and a sprouting avocado pit basking in the sunshine on my patio. Good for the earth, and an entertaining little project. Stick a few tooth picks into the pit, prop it up in a little cup and fill it with water until the base is nicely situated in liquid. Voila!

2. Feed the critters! It is no secret that I am obsessed with my little creature buddies. Birds, squirrels, raccoons – I love ‘em all. Making bird-feeders is a quick and fun way to celebrate Earth Day. Check out my how-to make a bird feeder using recycled products, or go old school with a simple feeder made by rolling pine cones in peanut butter. Hang it by your window and you’ll have entertainment all day long, like the time the Squirrel Bandit parkoured his way up to my feeder..

3. Pick up some trash. There is no shortage of litter in this world, and there’s no better day to tote a plastic bag around and fill it with the rude garbage that clutters the earth. I’ll be collecting trash around Tally Rock Gym today after I volunteer a belay party, so feel free to come join me.

4. Thank your farmers. Not exactly thanking nature, but today is a great day to appreciate the people that work hand-in-hand with the earth on a daily basis. Forgo the mass produced food that is processed using methods that create pollution and waste – stop by a farmers market (like the Thomasville Farmers Market, or the Pinecrest Farmers Market) or local grocer, and take a bite out of something good for your body, and good for your earth.

5. Take a hike! Or leisurely walk, or bike ride, or canoe ride. Get outside and revel in everything that the earth has provided for you. We spend too much time taking advantage of our resources, and not enough time appreciating our blessings. Head to a local park, make a drive to your favorite beach, canoe along a river – the ways to cherish the outdoors are endless, so stop making excuses.

Did I mention that these things are great activities for ANY day, not just Earth Day? This holiday aims to raise awareness about our need to give back to the earth, but you efforts to celebrate Mother Nature shouldn’t be reserved solely for April 22nd. Every day presents a prime opportunity to make a difference.

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It’s time to go local, and you should to! Support local businesses to support your community.

April 13, 2011 by · 4 Comments

I’ll admit, pinching pennies at Walmart has been a budgeting tactic of mine for the past four years. It’s simply too easy to save money at Wally World, but the time has come to ditch my selfish habits. Yes, shopping locally doesn’t always bring the deep discounts presented by big corporations like Walmart, but spending a few extra bucks on groceries will benefit my community and my health.

Do you really think that Walmart is concerned about the quality of their produce? It’s cheap, but it’s also laden with chemicals, and probably came from a corrupt field of genetically mutated garbage picked by underpaid, unappreciated workers.

Produce is the first area where I plan on making the switch – and I invite you to join me. Farmers markets are popping up all over the place, and it’s a trend train that everyone should hop aboard. Get your fruits and vegetables from a local farm; this produce will be handled with love, and you’ll be able to see exactly where your money is going. Did I mention how much better local produce tastes? Plus, shopping in an open air market beats the overbearing fluorescent lights of Walmart any day.

Need advice on some great local places to pick up your veggies in Tallahassee? Consider these:

  1. Bread and Roses Food Cooperative on Railroad Avenue – Always a favorite stop for healthy munchies, I recently discovered that Bread and Roses also carries a great supply of local produce. They are entirely volunteer-run, and offer hearty discounts for members. Regular food shipments arrive on Mondays, and Thursdays are their local produce day. Plus, they’re connected to the Fermentation Market – another superb local business.
  2. New Leaf Market and the Lafayette Street Organic Growers’ Market – In addition to New Leaf’s constant supply of delicious health food, every Thursday from 3 – dusk, they host the Lafayette Street Organic Growers’ Market behind The Moon. The market supplies fruits, veggies, seafood, meat, baked goods and more. New Leaf also participates in Local Business Saturdays, offering great deals for patrons supporting local establishments!
  3. The Thomasville Farmers Market – Just a 30 minute drive to Georgia will take you to a sweet open air farmers market that comes complete with the Market Diner, which cooks up fresh food using local ingredients. Totally worth the drive, and a perfect opportunity to explore Thomasville. Check out my previous post about the market.
  4. This last one will have to be further updated in another post. While scoopin’ dinner last week with Niko at the shopping center on the corner of Apalachee Parkway and Capital Circle, we stumbled upon this newly opened produce market that appeared to be operated by a local farm. I have vowed to check it out after my Rocktown trip, and will dedicate an entire post to these guys – if it’s worthy!

The plan is to start featuring loads of locally owned markets, restaurants and shops on a frequent basis. If you’ve got any suggestions for a place I should feature, let me know and I’d be glad to check it out! I hope you all join me on this journey towards fully embracing local pride!

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A Sneak Peek at TRG’s Save the South Event: Stripping, Setting and Sweet Treats

March 18, 2011 by · 4 Comments

Do you smell that in the air? It’s the wonderful scent of chalky hands, red velvet cupcakes and climbing! Tomorrow is the big day – Tally Rock Gym’s “Save the South” competition will commence with registration at 1:00 PM, and climbing from 2:00-6:00 PM.

We’ve been slaving away at the gym since last night. First, every hold and skinny strip of colored tape had to be removed from the bouldering walls. Everything was haphazardly scattered in the rubber gravel flooring, so I spent the next 12 hours organizing all the holds and picking up tape confetti while the boys began setting new routes. Yes, I’m a little OCD – but tell me that’s not pretty.


When I last left the rock gym, the walls were  dotted with the initial batch of routes for the competition. I have never been so impressed with the setters of TRG; these problems are high quality routes with beautiful beta and smart movements. We’ve got everything from the most intimiating V2 I’ve ever seen to a fluid V6-7 that was inspired during the crew’s recent trip to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Arkansas (yes, the trip I bailed on).

I’m about to return to the gym for another session of comp preparations, but first I baked a couple dozen cupcake treats in three different varieties: red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, coffee crumble cupcakes, and funfetti cupcakes with chocolate icing and sprinkles.

The best part? During the competition, TheMorningFresh.com will have a special sponsored route. The first five people to send the problem will get an extra special baked good: red velvet cupcakes topped with crispy, salty bacon. Oh yes, Erick Delgado, you better get this! VooDoo Dog will also have a sponsored route, where the first three ascents will earn themselves a $10.00 gift certificate to the best hot dog eatery in town.

Rest well, climbers. Tomorrow brings a sunny day of hardcore climbing, stellar prize giveaways and a great afternoon spent at Railroad Square. Did I mention that the Cravings Truck will be in parked in the square all day for the Spring Day Festival for Autism Awareness?

Filed Under: Current Events, Rock Climbing · Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Two days until Save the South – all our swag is in, and we’ve been featured in today’s Tallahassee Democrat!

March 17, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

The back room of the spare warehouse at the Tally Rock Gym is stacked with boxes from all our fantastic sponsors – our collection of giveaway swag is officially complete. If contributing to a good cause isn’t enough motivation to get you out to TRG’s Save the South climbing competition on Saturday, then our exhaustive list of prizes will certainly inspire you to chalk up.

We’ve been blessed with an amazing sponsorship line-up: The Crash Pad, Pusher/Revolution, Rock Candy, Kendal Jackson Bags, Greener Grass Publishing, VooDoo Dog, Bagel Heads, Evolv, Mountain Khaki, Momo’s, So iLL holds and of course, yours truly, TheMorningFresh.com – have I mentioned that we’re the official sponsor of the event scores? This is the only place you’ll be able to see a complete score listing.

A special thanks goes out to the Tallahassee based Ramba Consulting group for generously donating $500 directly to the Southeastern Climbers Coalition.

The most exciting news of the day comes from our local newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat. Fellow climber Alice Hafer wrote a preview piece about the competition, and you can check it out here. For those of you fortunate enough to have a paper copy of today’s edition, you can find the article on page 4 of the Local section! Here’s a little preview from the piece, which she kindly interviewed me for:

“The SCC is a great organization not just for climbers, but for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. They establish a lot of hiking trails and clean-up days. If you appreciate Mother Nature, then you can appreciate the SCC,” Katie Boue, volunteer coordinator of the event, said.

This event is going to be the best comp yet, and I can’t wait to see how everyone performs. Tonight and Friday will be spent furiously stripping and setting at the gym, and climbers are reminded that Tally Rock Gym will be closed on Friday & Saturday for the competition! Keep yourselves busy on Friday as we give the gym a route make-over in preparation for Saturday’s event.
Filed Under: Current Events, Rock Climbing · Tagged: , , , , , , ,
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