For Episode 7, we visit with Kathleen Ward of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to learn how they are protecting the natural lands of the Bay Area Peninsula. Join us on a tour of three of their many beautiful protected properties. Feel inspired? Click here to donate!

Part 1: POST and Pillar Point Bluff
What exactly is a land trust? Kathleen explains how this non-profit organization works with the local communities to protect natural ecosystems and preserve natural beauty. Our first stop is at Pillar Point Bluff. We learn that while it may look neat, Pampas Grass actually steals natural resources from native plants. It might not be the best thing to use for your walking stick next time you go hiking.

Part 2: Cowell Ranch State Beach
Next we stop by this gem of a beach to enjoy the sun, sand, water and large metal objects. Hi-Five!

Part 3: Whaler’s Cove and Pigeon Point Lighthouse
An important area for Portuguese Whalers in the 1800s, POST saved this scenic property from private commercial use with a $200 million fundraiser in the 1990s.

Last Sunday, Roz Savage rowed under the Golden Gate Bridge, attempting to become the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean from the US to Australia. Roz has previously rowed across the Atlantic on her own, breaking 4 oars on the way. A former corporate cog, Roz has made it her life’s work to seek adventure on the high seas while raising environmental awareness. She is definitely one teched out and well-loved rower, reportedly recieving 5 ipods chocked full of books and music as gifts. Her boat is equipped with solar panels so she is making updates on Twitter and posting videos to her blog, where you can also track her progress. Check out this short documentary that tells her story.

The Green Rapper crew rolled mobb deep to a screening of Seasons, a mountain biking film by The Collective. Now, we’re not ones to drink a lot of Mountain Dew and cross our arms in an X-formation while yelling “EXTREME!”, but we did very much enjoy this beautifully shot film. The film follows elite riders through the back country of their home turf and into the competitive mountain biking circuit, telling their stories chronologically from Winter to Fall. In the end, it is the amazing speeds, stunts and cinematography that make this film worth checking out. Also the soundtrack was awesome and has inspired me to check out the music of Latch Key Kid. Here’s a teaser from Youtube:

Last weekend, we went up the 101 to Humboldt Redwood State Park and checked out the Avenue of the Giants. After we had researched their website, we picked a campground and planned hikes and a trip to nearby Arcata and Eureka. This review gives a rundown of our campground pick and recommendations.

I had a gift certificate to Costanoa in Pescadero, CA and finally got a chance to use it recently. Costanoa is a fancy camping spot with a hotel, cabins, and outdoor spots. Here’s the low down: