Now, Dean embarks on a new adventure in National Geographic Channel’s (NGC) world premiere special The Man Who Can Fly, airing Sunday, February 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. His goal: climb Mount Bute, a 9,000-foot granite wall on Canada’s western coastline … and then jump. Before Dean attempts the record-setting flight from Bute — which is about seven times as tall as the Empire State Building — he has three months to perfect his technique, design his wingsuit and prepare himself mentally.

When it comes to mountains, Vermont has the Greens, New Hampshire has the Whites and Maine has the Blues. The Blues, better known as the Longfellow Range after Maine’s most famous poet, extend northeast from Bethel to 5,268 foot Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The section of the Blues from the Androscoggin River to the Bear River in Grafton Notch is called the Mahoosucs, likely an anglicized Abenaki Indian term for “land that is hard to hunt in” or “abode of hungry animals”. Some historians believe the term means pinnacle or mountain peak.

Since the 1870’s travelers have visited the Bethel area to hike the peaks and neighboring foothills, breathe the clean mountain air, spark their creative spirits and cure their blues. Not to be over-shadowed by the more publicized and well-known Presidential Range and White Mountains, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to visitors of all ages and abilities to hike, walk and backpack the variety of trails found in the western Maine region.

There are over two dozen day hikes in the area including the Mt. Will Trail, Step Falls Nature Preserve, Table Rock Trail and Wright Trail leading up Goose Eye Mountain. The Grafton Loop Trail provides a three night backpacking trip for the adventuresome. In town, the Bethel Pathway along the Androscoggin River, Paradise Road and self-guided walking tours of the town’s historic district satisfy the casual, exercise walker.

Recently rebuilt, Table Rock Trail is a favorite with families. The 2.4 mile loop follows the Appalachian Trail’s white blaze to the blue-blazed trail. It rises gradually to a height of 900 feet above the trail head. An alternate route takes a steep ascent with minor case that challenge and enchant the youngsters. From aptly named “Table Rock”, the vista includes 4, 180’ Old Speck Mountain, the third highest mountain in Maine. Step Falls near Grafton Notch was the Nature Conservancy’s first preserve in Maine. The 24 acre preserve trail follows Wright Brook, a braided stream of steeply cascading pools dropping over 250 ft-making this one of Maine’s highest waterfalls. This is an ideal hike for nature photographers. The Mt. Will Trail, developed by the Bethel Conservation Commission, climbs 730 feet through the Bethel Town Forest. The North Ledges Section is highlighted by a descriptive nature trail, followed by a hike to south facing ledges that afford views of the Androscoggin valley and Bethel village. The final rocky descent completes the 3.25 mile loop. The Wright Trail is a full day’s loop hike up to the 3860 foot summit of Goose Eye Mountain. This trail is part of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands’ Mahoosuc Unit.

For its hiking visitors, Bethel offers a variety of lodging from restored Bed& Breakfasts, historic Inns, to resorts with swimming pools and golf courses, motels and campgrounds. Dining options range from a half dozen pizza places to Chinese, Korean, BBQ, vegetarian, English pub, microbrewery and fine dining. Day hikers can pick up a pack lunch at the local supermarket or specialty food stores. There is an outdoor outfitter right in town for those in need of hiking, backpacking and camping gear. The Bethel Chamber of Commerce office has trails maps for day hikes in the area and the staff will provide direction to the trail heads. For information on walking, hiking and backpacking contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-442-5826 or on-line at www.bethelmaine.com.

Photo by Tom Remington

I slowly made my way over behind the tool shed in hopes of getting a closer shot. I did but being the early morning hours the lighting was very poor and at the distance, it came out grainy.

Photo by Tom Remington

I’m not sure exactly where this guy went. As he crossed my lot he was paralleling a major highway. I hope he went into the field and stayed on this side of that road.

Tom Remington

If you think you have what it takes to live and thrive in nature’s most brutal environments, then we want to hear from you!

TO APPLY, simply send an email to OTWCasting@gmail.com with your name, a recent photo, your phone number and a brief explanation of why you should join our adventurers. Visit www.pilgrimfilms.tv/casting for a full application and more information. You must apply no later than August 26, 2010!

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age to apply and a resident or citizen of the United States.

Tonight’s Sneak Preview will feature flying Asian carp, an invasive species that has taken over the Mississippi River watershed and is threatening the Great Lakes. Hogan and crew go “electrofishing” on the Illinois River.

On July 26, Nat Geo begins “Fish Warrior with Jakub Vagner“. Vagner travels to the Amazon River region in search of a prehistoric giant fish – the arapaima, a predator fish that can yank monkeys from the shore and devour them. Vagner finds one 10-feet long.

Jakub Vâgner and three other men lift the 339 pound 10’1″ arapaima. (Credit: National Geographic Channel)

In addition, Vagner spends time in the Amazon jungle teaching viewers survival skills and in particular finding tasty treats and unlikely places to find good drinking water.

Tom Remington

It’s a vacation focused on conservation, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is recommending 25 top educational destinations where families can experience and enjoy learning about elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

Elk viewing areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are well known, but RMEF’s list is a compilation of alternative spots.

“With summer upon us and many families thinking about a getaway, we’re pleased to suggest the following locations,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “All of these places are worth a visit any time of year, but some really come to life when elk are rutting or on wintering grounds. That’s when visitors are most likely to see these animals up close and possibly observe a spectacle of nature they’ll never forget. Hearing an elk bugle for the first time has inspired many a new conservationist.”

Of course, hearing a turkey gobble, watching a whitetail doe and fawn, and countless other experiences can have the same effect. That’s why RMEF has long provided funding for educational sites and projects across the U.S., in and out of elk country, says Allen.

Elk are present only seasonally at some of the following locations, completely absent in others, so be sure to Google or call each facility for specific wildlife info before traveling. And don’t forget binoculars and camera!

Here are 25 RMEF-recommended spots for your family’s conservacation!

Arizona
1. Springerville, Ariz. – Sipe White Mountain Visitor Center/Interpretive Trail. Operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. RMEF grant recipient. In 1993, RMEF helped the agency purchase this 1,362-acre property known for its trophy elk as well as threatened, endangered and sensitive species. Visitor center, hiking trails, interpretive signage, wildlife viewing sites, picnic area. Phone: 928-367-4281.

Arkansas
2. Ponca, Ark. – Ponca Elk Education Center. Operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. RMEF grant recipient. About 450 elk reside nearby along the Buffalo National River. Exhibits outline elk history, biology and restoration efforts. Various activities for all ages, hiking trail, gift shop, picnic facilities. Many kinds of outdoor recreation available. Phone: 870-861-2432.

California
3. Crescent City, Calif. – Redwood National Park Elk Meadow Viewing Area. Operated by the National Park Service. RMEF grant recipient. Roosevelt’s elk are easily observed here especially south of the Klamath River in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach along Bald Hills Road and near Orick, Calif. Phone: 707-464-6101.

4. Tupman, Calif. – Tule Elk State Reserve. Operated by California Department of Parks and Recreation. RMEF grant recipient. In 1874, cattleman Henry Miller began efforts to save tule elk from extinction by unregulated hunting and loss of habitat. Today this remnant herd has expanded on what is now park property. Animals from this herd have been relocated to start new herds in other areas of California. Interpretive exhibits, picnic areas. Phone: 661-764-6881.

Colorado
5. Durango, Colo. – Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. Operated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. RMEF grant recipient. The hatchery produces rainbow, brown, Snake River cutthroat, native cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon. Fish feeding, visitor center, wildlife museum, aquatic and terrestrial wildlife info, mounted specimens, hands-on displays. Phone: 970-375-6766.

6. Minturn, Colo. – Dowd Junction Elk Viewing Area. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service. RMEF grant recipient. This lush habitat is winter range for several hundred elk. Good viewing from U.S. Highway 24. Also visit the viewing area with telescope and platform at the Holy Cross Ranger District office. Phone: 970-827-5715.

Illinois
7. Belknap, Ill. – Michael Wolff Memorial Wetland Viewing Area. Managed by the Michael Wolff Memorial Wetland Foundation. RMEF grant recipient. A tributary of Little Black Slough, this is rich habitat for migratory waterfowl, neotropical songbirds and wading birds. Wildlife viewing platform, interpretative signage. Additional attractions nearby including Cache River State Natural Area. Phone: 618-549-7901.

Kansas
8. Junction City, Kan. – Milford Nature Center. Operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. RMEF grant recipient. Activities, dioramas, live animal exhibits, nature trails, wildlife viewing areas, backyard habitat demonstration area. Picnic facilities and nearby Milford Fish Hatchery are added attractions. Phone: 785-238-5323.

Kentucky
9. Frankfort, Ky. – Salato Wildlife Education Center. Operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. RMEF grant recipient. Dioramas, live reptiles, aquariums, interactive displays and computer programs. Wheelchair accessible trails allow visitors to see eagles, bison, bears and natural habitats. Phone: 502-564-7863.

10. Golden Pond, Ky. – Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service. RMEF grant recipient. Many hands-on learning opportunities, exhibits, hiking trails, nature programs, living history farm, planetarium and a 700-acre elk prairie. Animals from this herd have been relocated to help establish elk populations elsewhere in the eastern U.S. Phone: 270-924-2000.

Michigan
11. Holland, Mich. – Outdoor Discovery Center. Operated by the nonprofit Wildlife Unlimited. RMEF grant recipient. Group programs are designed to introduce the wonders of the natural world through live animals exhibits, short hikes, investigations and general nature discovery. Phone: 616-393-9453.

Minnesota
12. Detroit Lakes, Minn. – Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. Operated by area communities. RMEF grant recipient. A 200-mile driving trail featuring different habitats home to a tremendous variety of birds as well as opportunities for conservationists to study native wildlife. Interpretive signs at featured sites. Phone: 800-433-1888.

13. St. Cloud, Minn. – Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area and Environmental Education Center. Operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. RMEF grant recipient. This 700-acre wildlife area is situated in the flood plain of the Mississippi River and features moist to wet remnant prairie, dry prairie and aspen. Wildlife viewing, nature study, hiking. Phone: 320-255-4279.

Montana
14. Lewistown, Mont. – Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge/Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. RMEF grant recipient. Hundreds of elk congregate here during the fall rut offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. A self-guided auto tour route takes visitors on a 20-mile loop through a variety of habitat types. Numerous interpretive signs. Phone: 406-538-8706.

15. Missoula, Mont. – Elk Country Visitor Center. Operated by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Free admission. Fun, hands-on exhibits, displays of record elk, western wildlife diorama, theater, nature trail, interpretive signage, gift shop. Focus on habitat and hunting heritage. Facility is part of the headquarters of the international conservation organization that has protected or enhanced over 5.7 million acres of habitat for elk and other wildlife. Phone: 406-523-4500.

Oregon
16. Charleston, Ore. – Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. Operated by the Bureau of Land Management and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. RMEF grant recipient. Up to 120 Roosevelt’s elk and other wildlife species may be viewed here year-round. The O.H. Hinsdale Interpretive Center is popular at nearby Reedsport, Ore. Phone: 541-756-0100.

17. Seaside, Ore. – Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. Operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. RMEF grant recipient. A popular Roosevelt’s elk-viewing area from November through April. Open pastures border a state highway offering excellent viewing of up to 200 elk during winter and spring. Paved parking areas, four viewing areas, interpretive signage. Phone: 503-755-2264.

Tennessee
18. LaFollette, Tenn – Sundquist Wildlife Management Area/Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower. Operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. RMEF grant recipient. Elk were reintroduced here beginning in 2000 with vital funding and assistance from RMEF. Theviewing tower allows visitors to observe these magnificent animals. Phone: 615-781-6500.

Utah
19. Hyram, Utah – Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area. Operated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. RMEF grant recipient. A good spot for a family outing to view wildlife, especially in cold months when elk may be seen on this traditional winter range. Educational kiosks and exhibits. Phone: 435-753-6206.

Washington
20. Amboy, Wash. – Charles W. Bingham Forest Learning Center. Operated by Weyerhaeuser Company in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation and RMEF. Site is located inside the blast zone of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens. Exhibits, trails, interpretive signage explaining forest recovery efforts. Additional conservation attractions nearby. Phone: 360-274-7750.

21. Concrete, Wash. – Hurn Field Elk Viewing Site. Operated by the nonprofit Skagit Land Trust. RMEF grant recipient. This 64-acre property provides food and shelter for over 50 elk during winter and spring. Many other wildlife and fish species present. Gravel parking area, interpretive signage. Phone: 360-428-7878.

22. Randle, Wash. – Gifford Pinchot National Forest/Woods Creek Interpretive Trail. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service. RMEF grant recipient. An interpretive 1.5-mile trail loops through five habitat areas, offering hikers an opportunity to learn about wildlife and the habitat. Trail guides are available at the trailhead. Phone: 360-891-5003.

Wisconsin
23. Grantsburg, Wis. – Crex Meadows Wildlife Viewing Area. Operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. RMEF grant recipient. At 30,000 acres, this is the largest state-owned wildlife area in Wisconsin. Education center, exhibits, habitat dioramas, classroom facilities, gift shop, wildlife mounts, maps, publications. Guided tours can be arranged. Phone: 715-463-2739.

Wyoming
24. Jackson, Wyo. – National Elk Refuge/Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies with ongoing support from RMEF. Refuge holds up to 5,000 wintering elk, the world’s largest concentration. This herd has been the nucleus for replenishing and reintroducing elk herds across the U.S. More than 800 bison winter here, too. Visitor center, interpretive displays, book and gift store,videos, lectures, activities. Phone: 307-733-9212.

25. Lander, Wyo. – Lander Wildlife Education Center. Operated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. RMEF grant recipient. Dioramas, exhibits, hands-on educational opportunities, publications. Group programs can be arranged. Connects to the Popo Agie Pathway with wildlife viewing sites and interpretive signage. Phone: 307-332-2688.

Gary Inman Photo

Gary Inman Photo

In the first two pictures we see a gray fox. Albert was trapping deep in the forest and as he approached his trap, at first he thought he had caught a fisher but soon realized it was this gray fox. When he went to put the loop from the release pole over the fox’s head, he didn’t struggle. Albert released the fox, completely unharmed but the fox didn’t run away. Al left the area and returned a short time later with his resetting equipment and the fox had remained at the site until Al approached him. Al says he even patted the fella on the head.

What a gorgeous animal.

Photo by Albert Ladd

Photo by Albert Ladd

The next photograph is what remains after a bear had sprung one of his traps. If you’ll notice in the picture you’ll see several bear tracks around the sprung trap. Albert says he was quite relieved he didn’t have to spring a bear free.

Photo by Albert Ladd

I find the next photograph quite remarkable. A bobcat has been caught in Al’s trap. This guy is large by bobcat standards and is simply a beautiful animal. When Albert approached his trap, the bobcat was resting quietly and looked up just in time to have his picture taken. The cat was release without incident and without a scratch.

Photo by Albert Ladd

And last but certainly not least, we all are trappers in one form or another and nearly every American at one time or other has had to set out a trap for various reasons. In the photograph below, Albert set out a single trap and in an usual fashion trapped two animals within the same trap.

Photo by Albert Ladd

Read the story!

Tom Remington