Archive for May, 2009

NC State Park Online Reservations

Friday, May 29th, 2009

ncparks_logo.jpgCall 1-877-7-CAMP-NC or select a park at www.ncparks.gov. Online and call center reservations can ONLY be made for July 15 and thereafter.

Visitors can continue to make reservations for week-long stays and Falls, Jordan and Kerr lakes for arrival dates of July 14 and earlier by calling or visiting the park. Reservations also can be made for picnic shelters and community buildings at most parks for arrival dates of July 14 and earlier by calling or visiting the park.

OR BugOut Gaiters

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

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The bug-repelling BugOut™ Gaiters are treated with Insect Shield® to help protect against uncomfortable itchiness and diseases spread by biting insects. Durable and ruggedly built, these gaiters are ideal for hiking and backpacking wherever hungry insects live.

  • Insect Shield® clothing repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and no-see-ums for ultimate insect protection
  • Odorless, EPA-registered Insect Shield® lasts through approximately 70 washes
  • 8 oz. packcloth
  • 1-inch wide hook/loop front closure
  • Hook/loop shear tabs at top and bottom of front closure prevent separation
  • Elastic bottom and top edges
  • Double-riveted boot lace hook
  • Hypalon® instep strap

Landsford Canal Trip Report – Part II

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

by Gwen Crabtree, Charlotte Staff

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Having kayaked Landsford Canal State Park, SC earlier this week, I decided to invite some more folks to share the experience with me. Every year, between late May and early June, this park draws people who come to view one of the largest colonies of rocky shoals spider lilies. This Memorial Day weekend was no different; the park was packed with hikers, picnickers, and boaters. After unloading the boats and shuttling vehicles around for the take-out, we geared up and discussed the planned route.

With everyone in their kayaks we put in and played around a bit to give everyone an opportunity to settle into their boats. Today I was in the new Jackson crossover kayak, the All Water 9; designed for flatwater and whitewater, Jackson touts the All Water as a “do-all” kayak. Initially I was a little concerned about fit in the kayak since I’m on the upper end of the weight range for the All Water 9. Whatever concerns I had quickly went away once I was in the boat and on the water.

Boasting Jackson’s Sweet Cheek seat and their simple, but effective backband system, this kayak is comfortable. It has enough of a whitewater feel for beginners to expand their whitewater skills and enough of a flatwater feel that it simply doesn’t suck on slow moving sections. The All Water 9 was just as fast on the slower sections as some of the 12 and 13 foot kayaks in our group. However, the AW was more nimble and less prone to hanging up on rocks in the shallower sections of the river.

If you are looking for a kayak that can handle a variety of kayaking situations then this kayak may be just your ticket.

Help SAVE Local LAND

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

At Great Outdoor Provision Co. we celebrate the protection of the lands, waters and wildlife of North Carolina. “Vote For Land” gives you the opportunity to join us in these conservation efforts. CLICK HERE to select one of the projects as your choice to win the generous $3000 grant provided by our sponsors: Marmot, Mountain Khakis, ExOfficio and TS Designs.

Thanks for your support of wild, open spaces!

Backpacker Trail Chef: Bake Pizza On A Camp Stove

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Landsford Canal TR

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

by Gwen Crabtree, Charlotte Staff

I took the opportunity to kayak at Landsford Canal State Park this afternoon to check out the spider lillies and get in some time on moving water. I’m still new to the moving water side of kayaking and really enjoyed the trip because it gave me a chance to practice some whitewater skills. The lillies are in full bloom and the view is great from a kayak.

My ride today was the new Pyranah Fusion, their latest crossover kayak designed for Class III+ and flatwater paddling. The kayak was very forgiving and handled the trip quite well. I really dig the hatch, which stayed nice and dry when I managed to swim once after setting up very poorly on a rapid.

Joe Miller interviews Everest Climber

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Great interview went up today on Joe’s Blog: mysocalledlayoff.blogspot.com

Last year, mountaineer Ciprian “Chip” Popoviciu of Raleigh took Martin Middle School to the top of the world. Wedensday, you can hear him talk about the experience at the Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Raleigh’s Cameron Village. (His presentation begins at 7 p.m.; Opening for Chip will be Sheri and Randy Propster, of Backpacker magazine’s 2009 Get Out More Tour.

Last year, at 4:45 a.m. on May 22, Chip fulfilled a lifelong goal by summiting Mt. Everest, at 29,029 feet (and growing) the world’s highest and most celebrated peak. Chip, who by day is a technical leader at Cisco Systems in RTP, didn’t make the trip alone. In addition to climbing partner, Vance, he virtually took along the kids and teachers at Raleigh’s Martin Middle School, making the climb not only a learning experience for him, but for hundreds more. He’ll discuss the climb at length Wednesday. He gives us a tease of what to expect, answering five questions today and five tomorrow.

Read more at:  mysocalledlayoff.blogspot.com

Get Out More Tour – Raleigh May 20

Monday, May 18th, 2009

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A one-of-a kind mobile tour that brings the pages of Backpacker to life for audiences nationwide. From April to October each year, Backpacker’s experienced Get Out More road team travels the country to educate consumers about the skills and equipment they need to Get Out More!

Cameron Village – Wed, May 20 – 6pm

This short video, filmed on location in scenic Great Falls, Maryland gives you a look inside the Tour.

Followed by Everest Presentation by Chip Popoviciu @ 7pm

Save up to $50 on Mountain Hardwear Tents

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

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Act now to get a cash rebate for your purchase of any Mountain Hardwear® tent

  • $50 cash rebate for tent purchases over $300
  • $25 cash rebate for tent purchases under $300

Purchase Period: May 15, 2009 to June 15, 2009

Rebate forms must be received by July 15, 2009

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Download Official Rebate Form with Terms & Conditions HERE. Rebate offer applies to Mountain Hard Wear® tent purchases at U.S. retail stores between May 15, 2009 and June 15, 2009. $25 rebate on tent purchases up to $300 (before tax); $50 rebate on tent purchases of $300 or more (before tax). Mail completed rebate form with original UPC and store receipt to Mountain Hardwear, Inc.; claims must be received by July 15, 2009. Allow 6 – 8 weeks for processing. Direct questions to:
MtHardwearRebates@mkpromosource.com

It’s Bike to Work Week!

Monday, May 11th, 2009

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Last year 3,000 Capital Area cyclists pedaled to and from work during Bike to Work Week. This year let’s make that number even bigger! Free tune-ups, group rides, discounts, door prizes, and events are scheduled throughout the Triangle to make it easier than ever for you to get in gear!

  • RTP cyclists can participate in an After-Work Get Together on Wednesday, May 13th at Serena on Miami Blvd. from 5 – 7 p.m. and breakfast on Friday, May 15th from 7-9 a.m. at the RTP Headquarters on Davis Drive.
  • Orange County cyclists should take advantage of free bike inspections on Tuesday, May 12th and a group ride on Friday, May 15th. Additionally, discounts and specials are offered by cycle shops throughout Chapel Hill.
  • Durham County cyclists can enjoy an After-Work Get Together on Wednesday, May 13th at Alivia’s on Main Street in downtown Durham from 5 – 7 p.m., and breakfast with fellow cyclists at Five Points Plaza from 7 – 9 a.m. on Friday, May 15th.

For more details please visit GoTriangle.org/BTWW. Bike to Work Week events are scheduled for all ages and experience levels! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet other cyclists, discuss routes, share stories, enjoy discounts and get great freebies! Already planning on cycling to and from work? Don’t miss out on your chance to win $2,500 by taking the SmartCommute Challenge. By commuting by bike just once before the end of the month, you qualify to be included in the grand prize drawing, and a raffle for a new commuter bike.

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