Show Notes: Episode 133 Today on the First 40 Miles, if a news story didn’t involve the latest political scandal or secret missile launch, it probably didn’t even make it above the fold.  Fortunately, we’ve found a handful of stories  that we think you’ll find twice as interesting as what’s on the front page.   Then, the Summit Gear Review will feature a handy waterproof stuff sack that can hold anything from muddy hiking shoes to all the fixin’s for a campfire dinner.  Just not at the same time.  Next, a simple way to give peanut butter a flavor makeover. To join us for the SOLVE Clean Up, register here: http://solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/bald-mountain-cleanup Opening Today we share news that didn’t make the front page Top 5 Backpacking in the News Stories  Uptick in Ticks http://nypost.com/2017/04/04/us-is-facing-an-epic-outbreak-of-lyme-disease-experts/  Man who blew his left hand off accidentally http://www.ydr.com/story/news/2017/03/17/hikers-left-hand-blown-off-appalachian-trail-pa/99315188/ Cats for Search and Rescue  https://www.seeker.com/why-cats-could-make-skilled-search-and-rescue-animals-2277969871.html Bikepacking: http://www.foxnews.com/great-outdoors/2017/04/05/bikepacking-adds-dose-fun-to-backpacking.html Rainier’s Wonderland Trail  http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/article142953894.html SUMMIT Gear Review™: Matador Droplet Structure * Silicone case shaped like a drop of water, with a slit in it, into which a small portable 3 liter waterproof drawstring sack can be stuffed * The silicone case also has a place where you can attach a carabiner so you can attach this bag onto the outside of your pack. Utility * Keeps the wet in or out. It’s not technically a “dry bag” because it doesn’t have a rolltop closure, but if you have wet gear that you want to keep separate, or something like a sketchbook that you want to keep protected from the rain…this will do the job—and your gear will still be accessible. * Not submersible * Droplet is reusable (and can take the place of gallon ziptop bags in a lot of cases) and can keep the wet in, or keep the wet out depending on your needs. Mass * Weighs 0.5 ounces ( 15 grams) * When the stuff sack is removed from the silicone case, it measures about 8 1/2 x 11 inches—the size of a piece of paper * When it’s stuffed in its case, 2×1 1/2 inches Maintenance * Hand wash, hang dry * Keep out of reach of children—it’s a waterproof bag, and that’s a risk with children Investment * $15 Trial * Light enough that it makes sense to toss it in to your ten essentials so that you have an emergency reusable stuff sack * Compact enough to fit on a keychain and large enough for a days worth of food, your muddy hiking clothes and wet gear or dry gear. * Compact, reusable (instead of zip top bags for peripheral gear), easy, convenient, ready to use, easy to store Backpack Hack of the Week™: DIY Flavored Nut Butters * Plain peanut butter is a backpacking staple.  It has 167 calories per ounce and it works equally well on sandwiches or mixed into a savory bowl of noodles.