We have a pretty good friend that works for Outdoor Research and he gave us an inside peek at one of their more revolutionary products.

Picture this. You just finished a ski run and are sitting on the lift chatting with your friend, or you're doing some winter riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway when all of a sudden your phone rings.  By the time you unzip your pocket, pull out your phone, and take off your gloves to answer it, you've missed the call - plus your hands are now freezing.

If you're a touchscreen phone user then you can now eliminate one of those steps.

Outdoor Research's new Sensor ($70) and Ambit ($99) gloves feature TouchTec Leather that allows for touchscreen use without glove removal. Pretty sweet.

The first three people to post a comment on our blog will get something from Outdoor Research. Due to "technical" terms we can't disclose what on this page, but we guarantee you'll like it.

Virginia has spectacular caving, or spelunking, opportunities. There are lots of fascinating things to see underground which you won't see anywhere else. Cave formations known as "pretties" cover the ceiling and floors in many colors and shades.
 

Generally speaking, there are two different types of cave experiences: commercial and wild. Commercial caves typically involve walking along lighted walkways while wild caves require participants to walk, crawl, and climb through the cave while wearing helmets with lights.

If you've ever wanted to explore hidden passages, admire beautiful cave formations, or crawl by an underground river deep in the earth now if your chance. 

Roanoke Parks & Recreation is offering an introduction to caving trip on February 12 that is open to everyone 12 years or older. 

• Must register by February 5.
• 9am-5pm, $21 per person.
• No experience needed, and all instruction, equipment, and transportation is provided.
• To register:
  • Click here (you will have to create an account)
  • Search for course 1441