Imagine a place where you are surrounded by the latest gear and equipment for as far as the eye can see. And really interesting people, too. Conrad Anker, Ed Viestures and more. This isn't heaven, its Salt Lake City and the Outdoor Retailer - a biannual gear and equipment expo.

Our trip to OR (as it is called among those who are in the know) was sponsored by Granite Gear and ACR Electronics. We used the visit to the nation's premiere outdoor industry event to say thanks to all the One World Expedition sponsors and supporters. More importantly, the show gave Lonnie and I a platform to discuss some of the changes due to global warming we have seen first hand.

The highlight of the event was the Granite Gear ACR cookout on Saturday night. Good food and good friends. The party is easily becoming one of the most coveted venues during the entire week. Will Steger, John Bowermaster, Aron Ralston (pictured with Lonnie and I) and even British ocean rower Roz Savage made a brief appearance. I felt very lucky to be in the company of such outdoor 'greats' and have the opportunity to share our story.