Great Outdoor Blog

Classes will be held at the store from 6:00-9:00 P.M. on Tuesday evenings. Cost is $25 per class, with all materials provided. Both classes are designed for beginners. Payment in advance is required to reserve a place in each class.

Greenville Classes

• January 19: Trout Patterns
• January 26: Saltwater Patterns
• February 23: Saltwater Patterns #2
  

Wilmington Classes

• February 2: Trout Patterns
• February 9: Saltwater Patterns

>> MORE INFO

FMST will start running Wednesday workdays in 2010 for routine trail maintenance.  These will be hosted the FIRST Wednesday of every month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  The contact for these Wednesday workdays is John French – jef905@bellsouth.net.Our first one will be held on January 6, 2010.  After you contact John and RSVP for the workday he will give you the meeting location as it will change month to month on the maintenance need at the time.  Since we have almost 50 miles of trail at Falls Lake we will continue to keep the trail well maintained with these Wednesday workdays.

Our next Saturday workday for new trail construction will be January 16, 2010 in Durham County at the dead end of Hamlin Road.  Your RSVP contact for this workday is Jeff Brewer – jdbrewer@bellsouth.net

All of the 2010 dates and details are listed at our website – www.ncmst.org

Thanks for your service at Falls Lake on the MST.

Sincerely,

Jeff Brewer

…particularly for those of us who love outdoor adventure. Our shops are having a blast assisting folks in search of great outdoor gifts. This picture was taken today (12/18/09) outside of our Chapel Hill shop as the snow began to fall.

Astral Limited Edition Green Jackets in stock at Charlotte and Raleigh

The next generation whitewater rescue jacket. The Greenjacket represents the most innovative and comfortable rescue PFD to date featuring a freestyle tectonic front panel, added back protection, and an internal back band for mid-back comfort. This jacket also provides a perfect fit for women who are looking to step up their creek game.

Great Outdoor Provision Co. offers FREE Wrapping of purchased items for customers all year. Stop by your local NC shop to find Great Outdoor Gifts!

Learn More about Trusty’s Trademark Parcel Wrap

The Riverkeeper Film Festival celebrates its sixth year of showcasing some of the best in documentary and independent films from around the world. This coming January, Festival-goers will view French Academy Award nominated film Oktapodi, a short film about the adventure that ensues when an octopi couple is separated. Other films include Heather and Goliath, an inspiring documentary about a woman who puts her job on the line to protect her local river and Goldfish, the story of two girls, one mission and a lot of fish. These are just a few of the many independent and documentary films featured in the 2010 program.

Evening screenings (excluding Wilson) will begin with a wine and cheese reception, included in the ticket price.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18 or students with a school ID.  The January 2010 schedule includes screenings in the communities of Durham, Raleigh, Smithfield, Kinston, New Bern, Wilson and Oriental.  Due to time constraints, the program selection will vary by venue.  For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit: http://neuseriver.org/events/filmfestival.html

The Winston-Salem Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is soliciting input from the public regarding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Do you know of areas that need sidewalks, bike lanes, or greenways? Are there places where it is difficult for pedestrians to walk or cross the street? Do you know of an area that would benefit from a greenway or on-street bicycle facilities? If you would like to provide comments on potential projects, please contact the Winston-Salem MPO Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator at 336.747.6884 or at mattbk@cityofws.org.

Or, you can attend this public session TONIGHT:

Monday, December 14th, 5-8pm
William G. White YMCA
775 West End Blvd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

by Chuck Millsaps

While I was packing for a west bound adventure there was another traveler with the same destination. A winter storm that would drop 3 feet of fresh powder in the Tahoe Basin and cap the temperature in the teens. With another trifecta of storms in line to drop an additional 4 to 5 feet my gear selection was of utmost importance. Insulation was at the top of the list. Well, actually tire chains were #1 but the Patagonia Down Sweater took a close 2nd.

I selected the Down Sweater because of it’s superior high-loft warmth. I have yet to see a more highly compressible jacket that is so light weight and takes up so little room in the pack. And it didn’t stay there long. I had it out first thing as we began our adventures at Donner Pass. With the wind picking up and the temperature at 10 degrees I was completely comfortable.

The Down Sweater is also equally adaptive indoors. Hoping to acclimatize quickly we found a local gym in Truckee that afforded us the use of a treadmill. After the 4 mile run indoors I put the Down Sweater back on to head back outside. I was impressed with the way it handled my core temperature with sweat-soaked baselayers amidst a wind that was relentless. While certainly no weather for a picnic Patagonia’s Down Sweater is the best choice for any winter outdoor adventure. And certainly would have improved dinner options for the Donner Party.

W’s Down Sweater $200 – also in Real Red

W’s Down Vest $150

M’s Down Sweater $200 – also in Black

M’s Down Vest $150 – Black, Continental Blue & Olivine

Here’s a overview video from the product designer:

From our The North Face sales rep, Jonathan Evans in Staunton, VA

Beth wanted to build Frosty in the front yard. I wanted to build Conrad (Anker) in the front yard. So we had to compromise and build Fronrad.

From Zing Toys, we present the Zyclone Zing Ring Blaster. The Zyclone may look cartoon-like with it’s gaudy colors but don’t let the looks deceive you. This is one seriously cool toy projectile launcher! The Zyclone will launch a spinning Zing Ring with a near flat trajectory over 120 ft. The Zing Ring itself is made of a lightweight foam that is quite safe but recommended for outdoor use – primarily because it flies so far. While the Zyclone is designed for kids ages 6 and up, we think “grown ups” will also have loads of fun with this amazing outdoor toy.