Great Outdoor Blog

Our trademark gift wrapping wasn’t always what it is today.

Early on, we did not wrap at all. All of us had ten thumbs and anything we tried to wrap really needed to be re-wrapped later. We did try to wrap in order to help out other, mostly male shoppers on the 24th, but our efforts were just plain boo awful!

>> Read More HERE 

Friday, December 8 – Little Windows Performance
WHERE: Greenville Shop
WHERE: 7 – 9 pm

Saturday, December 9 – Little Windows Performance
WHERE: Chapel Hill Shop
WHERE: 11 am – 3 pm

Friday, December 15 – Little Windows Performance
WHERE: Durham Shop
WHERE: 6 – 8 pm

Saturday, December 16 – Little Windows Performance
WHERE: Winston-Salem Shop
WHERE: 11 am – 1 pm

Saturday, December 16 – Little Windows Performance
WHERE: Greensboro Shop
WHERE: 3 – 5 pm

>> http://www.littlewindows.net

The Santee Expedition (standard cockpit) and Expedition Sport (larger cockpit) is Hurricane Kayak’s newest, and most versatile model introducing paddlers to the hybrid/day-touring category. Although the cockpit size is the same as the Santee 116 and Santee 116 Sport (larger cockpit), and the fit should be similar, the boat is a new concept for the Santee family. The Santee Expedition comes with two full hatches for storage. The hull is slightly arched (not flat like the smaller Santee kayaks) and is designed for more efficient paddling. All of these performance upgrades make the Santee Expedition the perfect boat to start paddling longer distances and overnight trips. The Trylon plastic (as with all Hurricane kayaks) allows the boat to be light and stiff. User-friendly design with lots of initial stability makes the Santee Expedition great for beginners; however, the efficiency and lightweight hull (only 52 lbs) is ideal for any paddler and any skill level. All of these features (composite weight, look, and performance at plastic prices) for a boat priced at $1185. MULEteam Price is $1099

Look for this boat at one of our shops the beginning of October in new colors Mango and Goldenrod. These colors are exclusive for Great Outdoor Provision Co. with limited production.

1.7.07 UPDATE: Videos are now up

>> Follow his Journey!

Dean Karnazes set out on his journey to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days. This “test of human fortitude” began in St. Louis, Missouri and concluded in New York’s Central Park on November 5th when Dean clocked in a 3 hour marathon to wrap up this amazing feat. On October 31st, three of us from GOPC ran with Dean as he completed #45 on the Triple Lakes Trail in Greensboro, NC.

I’d like to propose an annual Old Faithful Handicap Run. Here’s the general idea…each runner takes an average of their 5 most recent Company Mill runs. Then the start is staggered so that the person with the lowest average time starts last. (more…)

Here’s my proposal for winter….we alternate Wednesday runs with Old Faithful Run and The Gauntlet (next week is The Gauntlet). Our Wednesday runs usually start around 11am. So anyone “out there” feel free to join us. We’ll all much better runners in our heads.

Old Faithful Run starts at the Company Mill trailhead (more…)

My friend Gary came up with a new twist at Umstead. Our Wednesday group has traditionally run the Company Mill Trail. Gary came up with “The Gauntlet” for something new.

Here are Gary’s comments after our maiden voyage today:

Don’t let the cool weather keep you from boating. You just need to be prepared. Know the dangers of cold water boating and take appropriate precautions. You can comfortably and safely enjoy boating all 12 months of the year. The American Canoe Association has provided Cold Water Survival Information on this PDF file. Be sure to download and study the information provided before boating this winter.

>> DOWNLOAD the PDF file

Be safe and have fun!

COLD WATER SAFETY
(Taken from FROG HOLLOW OUTDOORS Site)

Often the best paddling opportunities exist when cooler weather and cold water increases the risks associated with getting wet. The following advice will increase your odds of survival should you capsize or encounter bad weather.

Cold Shock is a dangerous, sometimes fatal, condition that can result when a person is suddenly immersed in cold water, such as would occur in a capsize. The sudden exposure of the head and chest to cold water typically causes an involuntary gasp for air, sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation and can possibly cause cardiac arrest.

Hypothermia is a dangerous and often-fatal condition that results when exposure to cold temperatures causes the body to no longer be able to maintain its normal temperature in the core region (heart, lungs, etc.). While this condition can occur through exposure to cold air alone, its onset is much faster when the body is wet or immersed in water. Paddlers must take special care to protect themselves from this danger any time they paddle in cold water, rainy conditions, or cool air temperatures.

To reduce the exposure to these hazards:

• Dress in layers using synthetic fabrics such as polyester fleece to prevent getting overheated or chilled from perspiration. Avoid wearing cotton clothing when paddling in cool or cold temperatures.
• Carry a waterproof jacket designed for splash and/or rain protection.
• Any time the water temperature is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, wear specialized insulating clothing capable of protecting you while in the water (Examples include: Lotus Water Heater, NRS Hydroskin, Kokatat Outercore, Rapidstyle Fuzzy Rubber, IR Thermo Skin, or any fleece).
• You should always wear a wet suit or dry suit 1) if both the air temperature and water temperature are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, 2) if you will be far from shore on cold water, or 3) anytime in cool or mild weather when you expect be repeatedly exposed to cold water. Keep in mind that the best type of wetsuit for paddling is the “Farmer john” style, and that the warmth and comfort range of a dry suit can be flexible based on the clothing worn underneath it.
• Wear a warm hat that will stay on your head in the water. A fleece-lined skullcap is ideal.
• Have spare dry clothing and store in a sealed dry bag while on the water and, if wet, change into dry clothing at first signs of shivering.
• Test your protective clothing in a controlled cold water environment to understand the level of protection provided.
• Know the water temperature before you set out. Please recognize that dam released water can be significantly colder than expected.
• Always wear your lifejacket (PFD).
• Paddle near to shore and/or near others who can help you in the event of capsize.
• Keep your body well fueled with high carbohydrate foods and lots of water.

In the event of a capsize in cold water:

• Get out of the water and dry off as quickly as possible.
• Once you are out of the water, put on dry clothes.
• If you are unable to exit the water quickly, keep calm, remain with your boat, conserve energy and get in the H.E.L.P. (heat escape lessening posture) position – fold your arms against your chest, cross legs, and keep still until help arrives.
• If 2 or more people are in the water, get into the “Huddle” posture – put your arms around one another, stay close together, and keep still. close together, and keep still.
• Only attempt to swim to shore if 1) there is little or no chance of rescue 2) you are in danger of floating into dangerous rapids or other hazards, 3) you are absolutely certain you can make it.

Note: Any decision to swim for shore should not be entered into lightly. Physical activity such as swimming, or other struggling in the water increases heat loss. Survival time can be reduced to minutes. Strong swimmers have died before swimming 100 yards in cold water. In water under 40 degrees farenheit, victims have died before swimming 100 feet. Also keep in mind that judging distance accurately on the water is difficult.

The Symptoms of Hypothermia
The most typical symptoms of hypothermia are listed below in the general order of onset.

• Shivering
• Impaired Judgment
• Clumsiness
• Loss of Manual Dexterity
• Slurred Speech
• Inward Behavior, Withdrawl
• Shivering Stops
• Muscle RigidityUnconsciousness

Treatment of Hypothermia

Mild hypothermia (victim shivering but coherent): Move victim to place of warmth. Remove wet clothes, give warm, sweet drinks; no alcohol or caffeine. Keep victim warm for several hours.

Moderate hypothermia (shivering may decrease or stop): Victim may seem irrational with deteriorating coordination. Same as above but no drinks. Victim should be kept lying down with torso, thighs, head and neck covered with dry clothes, coats or blankets to stop further heat loss. Seek medical attention immediately.

Severe hypothermia (shivering may have stopped): Victim may resist help or be semiconscious or unconscious). Removed from water, victim must be kept prone, on back and immobile. Victim must be handled gently. Cover torso, thighs, head and neck with dry covers to stop further heat loss. Arms and legs must not be stimulated in any manner. Cold blood in extremities that suddenly returns to the core may induce cardiac arrest. Seek medical attention immediately.

Victim appears dead (little or no breathing or pulse, body rigid): Assume victim can still be revived. Look for faint pulse or breathing for 2 minutes. If any trace is found, do not give CPR. It can cause cardiac arrest. Medical help is imperative. If pulse and breathing are totally absent, trained medical personnel should start CPR.

Acknowledgments: This article was adapted from information in the ACA video Cold, Wet and Alive, and from the article Off-Season Boating, Cold Shock, and Hypothermia by Charles A. Sutherland, Ph.D.

John Pugh (GOPC Staff Member) will be paddling the length of the Cape Fear River to raise awareness of water quality within the Cape Fear Basin. He will begin on November 1, and will take approximately 11 days to paddle the 200 miles to the mouth of the river near Southport, NC.

Cape Fear River Basin: The Cape Fear River is formed by the confluence of the Deep and Haw rivers in southeastern Lee County. The Cape Fear Basin (watershed) is the largest North Carolina, containing over 9,000 square miles. The watershed is under tremendous development pressure, with over 100 acres of forest and cropland lost each day.

As North Carolina’s population continues to increase, the need for adequate protection of its water resources become more acute. Riparian zone restoration, land trusts, enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustainable development are all key components to providing clean water for generations to come.

A number of agencies and organizations are involved in this effort as well. If your group or media outlet would like more information, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Education and Outreach

The Wake County Department of Environmental Services has donated a water quality meter for use during the journey. During his 10-12 days on the water, John will be testing several parameters (dissolved oxygen, turbidity, etc) and will be posting the results from the river. He is also working with several middle school classes before, during, and after the trip via email and class discussions.

MORE INFO:
http://www.sourcetosea.net/CapeFear/overview.html