Out & About
Tuesday’s hot topic: Volcano’s fiery past
OUTFLOW – Geologist Don Swanson will detail the Kilauea volcano’s explosive force in Hawaii’s human and geological history at a free slide program Tuesday, 7 p.m., at the Spokane Community College Lair Auditorium.
Valentine warning: Don’t try this at home
OUTLAY – When looking for mates, male meadow voles – grassland rodents that look like mice with short tails – listen for the pitter-patter of little feet.
Female voles are most receptive when males catch them hours after giving birth. New mammas will mate after about 5 minutes of courtship, compared with up to 90 minutes for other females.
Get ready for guns at national parks
OUTCOME – New sights could show up at Glacier, Rainier and other family vacation hot spots after Feb. 22 when Reagan-era gun restrictions are lifted at many national parks.
An amendment to the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009, authored by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and promoted by the NRA, allows visitors to possess firearms in national parks consistent with the laws of the state in which the park is situated.
“This is a significant departure from long-established, common-sense regulations that allowed visitors to possess guns in parks only if they were stowed out of reach and unloaded,” says the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees.
“We believe the public should be aware of the consequences,” said Doug Morris, a former national park law enforcement ranger and superintendent. Considering that Yellowstone Park would be subject to the gun laws of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, he offered this possible scenario.
“While watching Old Faithful erupt you could be in the company of other park visitors wearing holsters and hand guns. In the evening campfire circle, you may sit next to someone who can legally carry a shotgun or rifle. Backcountry hikers can openly carry guns.”
Members of CNPSR strongly opposed liberalized gun laws in parks, suggesting they would:
•Increase the likelihood of shooting at wildlife and some historic resources.
•Increase risk to rangers.
•Increase risk to visitors in campgrounds where alcohol-fueled disagreements sometimes occur.
•Change the perception foreign visitors have of national parks being hospitable “sanctuaries.”
•Promote confusion. One rule pertaining to firearms has applied to all 392 areas in the National Park System. Starting Feb. 22, each of those areas will be subject to various state laws.
Avalanche experts test transceivers
OUTBUY – Skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers who head for high elevations are finding plenty of snow-covered playgrounds this winter. But warm temperatures and snowless landscapes in the lowlands are putting a chill on sales of winter gear.
That could translate into some good deals as retailers try to clear inventory.
If you’re in the market for a state-of-the-art avalanche transceiver, do some homework before you buy.
See product comparison reviews and video demos at
www.facewest.co.uk/ Transceiver-Review- 2010.html