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Again with the Snowshoes?
Loyal readers know that every now and again you're going to read about snowshoes in The Natural Resource. We're not sure why it happens. We love snowshoes. They certainly are fun and extremely helpful for winter-time field work—but we're not obsessed. In fact there are plenty of other reoccurring themes that make their way into this eNewsletter. And now, you don't have to take our word for it. You can see for yourself when you check out our new archive of past issues.
There's no longer a need to write down which chain saw we recommend for carving a turkey and why Ben's Shipping Deal is a boon for all humanity. It's all gathered in a single, convenient place anytime you need it.
This archive isn't the only thing we have that's new for you. We've come up with a smarter, easier way to find and select the gear you need. Keep an eye out for these handy guides coming your way in the near future.
We hope you take a look at the new archive and watch for our new Selection Guides. But more importantly, we hope you have a wonderful holiday and a happy, productive new year.
Thanks for reading The Natural Resource and for allowing us to serve you now and in the future!
Happy holidays!
Gary Ben Meadows Team Leader g.clark@benmeadows.com
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Snowshoes Revisited
Some of you may remember a very special edition of The Natural Resource, back in 2007, when we mentioned a particular order that was placed. The order was for a pair of snowshoes that were sent to a Kris Kringle on Oodaaq Island in Greenland. Oodaaq Island is pretty close to the North Pole. Actually, it is considered by some to be the most northerly point of land on this planet. Since then, Mr. Kringle has not placed another order so the snowshoes must be holding up well. However, this year he did order a bunch of hand and foot warmers, which has raised quite a commotion in the office. Everyone was feeling down because of the very cold temperatures (-5 to -15 °F at night) we have been experiencing lately but this has raised everyone’s spirits (but not the outside temperature unfortunately).
Some of you Outdoors Professionals may not live in climates that receive a lot of snow fall like we do here in Wisconsin. Right now there are snow drifts outside that are higher than three feet deep with more snow in the forecast. The perfect conditions for a new pair of snowshoes!
Snowshoes were essential for North American indigenous people for hunting and traveling in the winter. They were a necessity for fur traders and trappers as well. Wearing snowshoes distributes the weight of a person over a larger area allowing them to stay on top of the snow and not sink in. Historians think that snow shoes were invented some 4,000 to 6,000 years ago and were made to follow nature’s example (copying animals like the snowshoe hare who has oversized feet to remain fast in the snow to get away from predators).
Traditional snowshoes where/are made of hardwood and rawhide but modern versions are available and are made with lightweight metals, plastics, and synthetic fabric. Now they are more of a recreational tool and not so much a necessity (in fact many Ben Team members prefer to use a snowmobile to get around in the winter months). But that doesn't mean snowshoes shouldn't be a part of your your field gear arsenal. Just like all the other products Ben Meadows has to help you get through the winter season like snowshoes, hand and foot warmers, Stormy Kromer apparel, and base layer clothing.
And as far as Mr. Kringle's recent order goes—we still believe!
Last month we asked this question: What does "hori-hori" mean in Japanese? Hint — "Hori-Hori" is also the name of a popular soil knife.
Dwight from Missouri knows that "hori-hori" is Japanese for "dig-dig".
We're sending Dwight a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath!
Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here. Now here's the question: In what month and year did The Natural Resource feature an article about a Pandemic Flu Plan for Firefighters? If you're not sure, there's a new, easy way to find out. If you know, send us the correct answer before Jan. 12, 2011. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath (a $53.00 value)! Be sure to include your name, mailing address and how best to contact you. Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com
The goal of The Natural Resource is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication. GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547-1368, USA Tel: 800-356-0783 Fax: 800-543-9910. *OWNERSHIP OF SUBMISSIONS By sending letters, e-mail, images, messages, suggestions, ideas, or concepts (each, a "Submission"), whether unsolicited or solicited, to Ben Meadows you are granting the Company a royalty-free, nonexclusive, perpetual, unrestricted, worldwide license to publish, transmit, perform, display and otherwise use the Submission for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotional purposes. No credit or compensation is due to you for such use. The Company also has the right, but not the obligation, to use your name, city and state in connection with print, online or other use or publication of your submission. All submissions become the property of Ben Meadows and may be edited for use.
© 2012 GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Reference Number: WB0000
