Weekend reading: Bears vs. guns, adventurers, more

Happy Friday!

For weekend reading for you this week, I have National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year. You’ll want to settle in with this one. The nominees for the award have some amazing stories. You’ll find many inspiring stories of adventure. And then when you’re done being impressed/envious you can vote for your favorite.

Here’s a little video preview to get you excited.

Also from National Geographic, check out their photo contest. And enter yourself if you have a great shot the world should see. There’s also a nice, big collection of some of the images here.

Backpacker Magazine has an interesting article from a bear researcher. It’s about staying safe in bear country. I found this fact particularly interesting: “The efficacy of spray vs. guns was the subject of my most recent paper … Out of 133 encounters involving bear spray, only three people suffered injuries, which were all minor. But I found 269 incidences of gun defenses — with 17 dead people and hundreds of dead bears.”

Right. Note to self: Don’t forget the bear spray.

Next up, the Outdoor Women’s Alliance has a nice roundup of five must-see films for adventure enthusiasts.

I’m especially excited to see this film “Mile … Mile &A Half,” which is the story of hikers on the John Muir Trail, a trail that is on top of my to-hike list.

My favorite quote from the trailer: “Where there is water, there will be swimming. And it’s never a bad decision.” “Never a bad decision.”

Last up, check out the truly stunning photos of fall color in the Sierras. CaliTrails has a narrative of a trip illustrated with colorful photos. Enjoy some images of fall color before the snow starts falling for real.

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