How Dad’s Are Improving Their Kids’ Lives – Stories in Photos

We asked Alpine Shop customers to send us photos of dads who have introduced their children to the outdoors for our Great Dads and the Great Outdoors photo sweepstakes. We received more than 100 entries into the contest, and more importantly, received more than 100 stories of fathers making an impact on their children’s lives through outdoor activities.

Here are just a few of the types of stories you’ll find if you go through the entries we received:

Alpine Shop Fathers
Meg’s father teaching her selective forestry.

Read about a dad who trained his daughter to maintain the land using selective forestry. She now works for the department of conservation and is making plans for a 2014 Applachian Trail Hike.

Discover a Dad who has brought his family to over 15 national parks and over 50 state parks helping his family create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Or even a multi-part entry which featured a father helping his daughter on her first rappel off a cliff.

We received more than 100 stories told that all lead us back to our vision: “Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.”

However, as with any sweepstake or contest, eventually a winner needs to be selected. This year’s winner of a $250 Alpine Shop Shopping Spree was chosen randomly from all the entries. It was posted by Arthur Larson and features Arthur and his father Dave at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Grand Prize winner: Philmont Fun - Climbing Mt. Baldy by Arthur Larson
Grand Prize winner:
Philmont Fun – Climbing Mt. Baldy by Arthur Larson

Here is what Arthur wrote about his father:

In 2011 my father and I made the trip out to Philmont Scout Ranch in NM and Climbed Mt. Baldy. This picture was taken on Father’s Day at the top of the mountain. Winds were blowing hard and it was really cold but it was worth it. In January my father was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He is only 48 years old. His hope is to be able to go one more time and bring my younger brother. ALS is a disease that attacks your motor neurons and the muscles they control become weak and paralyzed. The ALS St. Louis walk is Saturday, June 29th in Forest Park. Come out and meet my dad! Cheer him on!! His name is Dave Larson.

Three $75 gift cards were also given away to Dennis Maddock, Andrea Kirkpatrick and Cori Kline. Their photos follow below along with the stories they shared with us.

While hiking down the Havasupai water falls, my wife and I spent a lot of time building up the kids confidence to climb the waterfalls, one of which is 200 feet. Some of the falls are short enough and have deep pools so you can jump from the top of the fall to the water below. By the fourth day, one of our daughters, ten at the time, had built up the courage to jump from a 20 foot fall with me. There was a time, several years ago, that while rock climbing, she was afraid to let go of the wall after reaching the top to be lowered, but all of the time we spend building up their strength and confidence in their abilities allowed us to share this moment.
While hiking down the Havasupai water falls, my wife and I spent a lot of time building up the kids confidence to climb the waterfalls, one of which is 200 feet. Some of the falls are short enough and have deep pools so you can jump from the top of the fall to the water below. By the fourth day, one of our daughters, ten at the time, had built up the courage to jump from a 20 foot fall with me. There was a time, several years ago, that while rock climbing, she was afraid to let go of the wall after reaching the top to be lowered, but all of the time we spend building up their strength and confidence in their abilities allowed us to share this moment. By: Dennis Maddock
Every summer our family takes trips to different National Parks around the U.S. The year Ada turned 3 and our boys were old enough to cover some distance on their own, we started taking longer day-hikes. That summer, we went to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Ada’s dad carried her in a backpack carrier on many hikes at the Grand Canyon and up Walter’s Wiggles at Zion (21 switchbacks). It was amazing to watch her delight in her father’s toil. Two summers ago we went to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Ada made her first trip to the top of a mountain-Mt. Pisgah, with a little help from her dad. Last summer we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Ada was proud because she was able to keep up on most of the hikes, getting a boost from her dad every now and again. Her crowning glory was making it to the Mount Chapin summit at over 13,000 feet. On a regular basis at home, we enjoy hiking and biking the local trails, as we disconnect from our busy lives. Ada has a tremendous amount of pride in her outdoor endeavors, and she looks up to her dad because he is so important in helping her reach her goals and gain self-confidence. These experiences are shaping her into a person with a real joy for life-excited to see new things, learn about wildlife, and marvel at the natural beauty of our world. Spending time with her dad and accomplishing such remarkable things are memories that will last a lifetime, and hopefully someday, she might pass this love on to children of her own.
Every summer our family takes trips to different National Parks around the U.S. The year Ada turned 3 and our boys were old enough to cover some distance on their own, we started taking longer day-hikes. That summer, we went to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Ada’s dad carried her in a backpack carrier on many hikes at the Grand Canyon and up Walter’s Wiggles at Zion (21 switchbacks). It was amazing to watch her delight in her father’s toil. Two summers ago we went to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Ada made her first trip to the top of a mountain-Mt. Pisgah, with a little help from her dad. Last summer we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, and Ada was proud because she was able to keep up on most of the hikes, getting a boost from her dad every now and again. Her crowning glory was making it to the Mount Chapin summit at over 13,000 feet. On a regular basis at home, we enjoy hiking and biking the local trails, as we disconnect from our busy lives. Ada has a tremendous amount of pride in her outdoor endeavors, and she looks up to her dad because he is so important in helping her reach her goals and gain self-confidence. These experiences are shaping her into a person with a real joy for life-excited to see new things, learn about wildlife, and marvel at the natural beauty of our world. Spending time with her dad and accomplishing such remarkable things are memories that will last a lifetime, and hopefully someday, she might pass this love on to children of her own. By: Andrea Kirkpatrick

 

A.J. and dad trying to catch a whopper. by: Cori Kline
A.J. and dad trying to catch a whopper. By: Cori Kline

You can find the entire list of entries to the 2013 Great Dads and the Great Outdoors Sweepstakes on our facebook page. Thanks to everyone who entered and a big “Thank You” to all the fathers out there who continue to introduce your kids to a love of the great outdoors.

Alpine Shop St. Louis’ Choice for Athletic Gear – Again

St Louis Magazine A-List Award
Alpine Shop was named St Louis Magazine’s Reader’s Choice for Athletic Gear for the second time in three years.

For the second time in three years, the readers of St. Louis Magazine have chosen Alpine Shop as their A-List Winner for Athletic Gear. The 2013 A-List Readers’ Choice Winner selection included the following description:

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just taking a hike, the Alpine Shop is the go-to shopping spot for both the casual adventurer and the daredevil outdoorsman.

That’s pretty close to what we try to be. If you’ve read throughout our blog before, you’ll probably recognize our vision: “Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.” Simply put, we want our customers to experience the outdoors – whether its the first time ever setting foot on a trail or their 1000th time – with the right gear, instruction and information to make it a fun and inspirational experience.

As we celebrate our 40th year in 2013, one of the most rewarding things we’ve experienced this year has been our opportunity to listen to our customers tell stories that we’ve helped make possible. During the next 40 years, we look forward to introducing new generations to the outdoors while continuing to develop the relationships that made our first 40 years so special.

Our thanks again to everyone in St Louis that helped name us the best store for athletic gear!

Dads & Grads Gift Ideas 2013

Take Alpine Shop’s advice and give the Dads and Grads in your life some truly perfect adventure related gifts this year. Whether they’re for a Dad who loves the outdoors or a Grad ready to take on the world, here’s some of the best gifts throughout our stores and on-line at alpineshop.com.

(Of course there are always Alpine Shop Gift Cards, too!)

Kuhl Revolvr Jean Pant
Kuhl Revolvr Jean Pant:
By blending the strength of nylon into a cotton oxford weave, “Uberkuhl” fabric retains the feel of cotton. Uberkuhl bi-component weave allows the cotton to `push and pull` moisture to the nylon for quick evaporation. The result is a lightweight, ergonomicly designed pant that wicks persperation and will dry quickly. Perfect for travel.
Pearl Izumi Quest Jersey
Pearl Izumi Quest Jersey:
This classic three-pocket design offers a comfortable semi-form fit, making it perfect for all types of riding.
Smith Sunglasses like the Proof: Combining easy-going wearability with superior Polarized performance, The Proof is designed to be worn every day, all day long.
Smith Sunglasses like the Proof:
Combining easy-going wearability with superior Polarized performance, The Proof is designed to be worn every day, all day long.
Patagonia Half Mass Pack
Patagonia Daypacks like this Half Mass Bag
The Half-Mass holds our busy lives together. Built for bike commuters and sized for a day`s worth of gear, it has padding on the backside and along the contoured base to protect the contents and provide structure. Inside, a padded computer sleeve cradles a 17-inch or smaller laptop safely off the ground. The main compartment features a drop pocket that secures with a hook-and-loop tab, a mesh pocket, a padded electronics pocket, pen sleeves and a secure zippered pocket. The cover flap overlaps the sides of the bag to block rain; its pocket closes with a water-resistant zipper. The external side pocket stows a cell phone, power cords or water bottle. The bag`s no-slip shoulder strap is fully adjustable, and the waist strap stows away. With a topside carrying handle, a reflective panel for visibility at night and a bike-light mount.
Eagle Creek Packing systems
Eagle Creek Luggage and Pack-It Systems:
There’s no better way to lug your belongings across Europe or across the country than with Eagle Creek. Keep everything organized, clean and looking great all while packed into a bag smaller than you ever though possible
Gibbon Slacklines: Great for fitness. Great for balance. Great for fun! Give a gift that the whole family can enjoy.
Gibbon Slacklines:
Great for fitness. Great for balance. Great for fun! Give a gift that the whole family can enjoy.
Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool
Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool:
At a mere five ounces, the full-size Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. The Skeletool is just what you need, and not an ounce more. For the pack you`re bringing in, or the hydration pack you`re peddling, the Skeletool is all function (and none of the fluff) in one good lookin` package.
Princeton Tec Fuel Headlamp
Princeton Tec Fuel Headlamp:
Technology should be simple. What could be better than a light that weighs only 78g with 70 lumens of brightness and 146 hours of burn time?
A light that also has an asymmetrical single arm bracket that makes directing the light effortless and reliable; a large, easy to find push button switch and a virtually bulletproof, easy access battery door that protects the 3AAAs and its electronics.
Yea.. that’s pretty much it. Simple. Perfect. Fuel.
Olukai Men's Ohana Leather Flip
Ohana – Translation: “family.” An OluKai classic, the `Ohana Leather is an ideal blend of cushion and structure. Features full grain leather, soft nylon toe post webbing and laser-etching
Mountain Hardwear Way2Cool Shortsleeve Shirt
Mountain Hardwear’s Way2Cool Running Collection features Cool.Q™ ZERO: the industry’s first active-cooling technology designed to actually lower the overall temperature of the fabric when you sweat.