Outdoors

The best of Blaine

The iconic Peace Arch at the U.S.-Canada border will draw a lot of attention from around the world Tuesday morning when the 2010 Winter Olympics’ torch is passed from an American to a Canadian torch bearer.

Give the cheetah the gold medal; the pronghorn antelope the silver

The modern Olympic Games are a celebration of human athletic ability. Every two years, athletes from all over the world gather to compete and compare physical abilities. The winners of the contests are awarded medals of gold (first place), silver (second place), and bronze (third place). Of course, only humans are invited to compete in the Olympic Games.

Pare down gloves to a pair or two

I’ve been looking back in the Outside Gear of The Year archive for some gloves or mittens that will suit me for the whole ski season for both East and West. So far I’ve only come down to the Scott Cocoon and a Level Mitten. What do you suggest? – Brian, Boston

5 things to do

Join the Olympia Mountaineers' conservation committee for its annual nature hike and planning meeting; meet at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge visitor center for a presentation followed by a birding hike; 9 a.m. today; Nisqually Wildlife Refuge; free; www.olympiamountaineers.org

Technology helps birders with identification

I don’t remember when I used my first computer, but it was about 30 years ago. That means I should be proficient at using them. Just ask my grandsons. They’ll just smile, snicker and tell you, “sure.” I try to avoid anything technical because of the frustration. However, there are some new “things” to look at, and they are interesting. I might even get an iPod or iPhone.