Great Outdoor Blog

Usually, you can find me at the Greenville shop, swapping stories, selling cool gear, or drooling over the new sea kayak models and climbing ropes. But, his summer I’m spending my time working at Pamlico Sea Base working as a sea kayaking guide. I fell in love with it last summer so I decided to spend another summer here. Pamlico Sea Base is right on the waterfront of the Pamlico River. Our little staff cabin looks out over the water and the views are always awesome. Our sea kayaking trips take place out at the outer banks. Every night I watch the sunset over the Pamlico River, or over the Atlantic Ocean while sitting on a beach. Its a pretty beautiful life.

When I’m out guiding, I lead groups of Boy Scouts and Venture Crews on multi-day sea kayaking trips out at Cape Lookout National Seashore. The national seashore consists of three islands in a chain that together equal more than 75 miles of unspoiled, protected beaches. If you’ve ever wanted to stand on a beach and see nothing but waves, sand and sea oats, this is the place for you. No houses or hotels or piers. Over on the sound sides, the wetlands teeming with life while ocean side is open, empty beach for as far as you can see. With the Boy Scouts, we paddle from island to island or campsite to campsite, sleeping on the beach every night. Everything we need we fit into our sea kayaks. Sometimes we’re stuck hiding in marsh grass during bad storms, and sometimes the bugs are a nightmare, but when you paddle with a pod of dolphins, or watch the sunrise over the ocean all the irritations and troubles fade away. When my summer ends I’ll be right back at the Greenville shop. Oh, and if you ever go sea kayaking, or beach camping, take baby powder with you. It’s a lifesaver!

Ali Williams
GOPC Greenville Staff

Ali’s blog: wayfinderali.blogspot.com

For more than a decade, paddlers in the Triangle have worked with City & County governments to bring their dream of a whitewater park to the Neuse River below the Falls Lake Dam. With nearly $350,000 already allocated by local governments, the Falls Whitewater Park Committee is working to make this dream come true. Join the committee on Tuesday, July 27, to learn more about the plans for this project.

The latest advance in water purification technology!

The smallest, lightest SteriPEN®, the AdventurerOpti, uses a revolutionary optical eye to sense the water. The patent-pending technology provides safe use and the standard insulating sleeve around the UV lamp allows purification in even the coldest of waters.

Fast, Light, Easy and Effective, the AdventurerOpti provides the ultimate protection from waterborne illnesses. Giardia, cryptosporidium, bacteria and viruses are all destroyed –in seconds—by SteriPEN® UV light. Similar to other SteriPEN models, the Opti purifies 0.5 L (16 oz.) in 48 seconds and 1.0L (32 oz.) in just 90 seconds. The UV lamp provides up to 8,000 one-liter treatments.

The new optical sensor doubles as a convenient LED flashlight. It’s a great backup light when camping or taking a night-time walk to refill your water bottle. The Flashlight mode is activated by pressing and holding the single button down for 3 seconds. The clear lamp cover focuses the LED light.

The AdventurerOpti retail package includes 2 non-rechargeable (disposable) CR123 batteries and a neoprene case with belt loop. Device works with containers with minimum 1.75 in. diameter opening (ie Nalgene wide-mouth bottles).

Outward Bound, a 45-year old non-profit outdoor, adventure-education organization, is looking for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans, interested in participating in fully-funded reintegration wilderness expeditions. Adventures are physically, mentally and emotionally stimulating and work to build the self-confidence, trust, and communication skills necessary to successfully return to their families and communities following war time service.

Goals of the program are to provide a positive outdoor experience for military veterans that will enable them to experience the healing benefits of the natural world and benefit from quality environmental education.

MORE INFO
http://www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/cp.veterans

>> Stanley Built for Life Tour Stops in Charlotte – Oct 14

Since 1913, the Stanley brand has been building durable, rugged products that last. Passed down from generation to generation, the Stanley® vacuum bottle is an icon. It has survived a 4,000 foot drop from a plane, been run over by a tractor and has even stopped a bullet. Now in its 96th year, the innovation that sparked a revolution in vacuum insulation continues to grow. Today, we deliver superior food and beverage gear for rugged, active lifestyles and remain dedicated to this simple promise: Buy Stanley® products, get quality gear. Built for life.

16oz Drink Bottle – Car-cup and bike-cage friendly, this mug/bottle will keep your coffee piping hot well into your day, and won’t spill a drop!

8oz Flask - Stainless steel, retro and ready for a party!

20oz Food Jar – The best part of camping is dinner, and this vacuum-insulated Food Jar keeps a warm meal hot after a long day out. Leak proof, packable and durable, it even includes a spork for complete portability.

24oz Classic Food Jar – Chili, chowder or chicken soup keep warm all day in this essential companion. Stainless-steel construction stands up to rough work, play or travel. And the insulated lid doubles as a bowl. Wide-mouth opening fits liquids that are more stew than soup.

Outdoor Mug/Bowl – Combo snaps together to save space without sacrificing volume or convenience. Staff Favorite!

16oz Classic Bottle – With all the strength and function of its bigger brothers, this half-quart bottle packs easier than larger vacuum bottles when space is a premium. Fully leak proof, it’ll keep your drink warm and your pack dry.

courtesy of WRAL

UPDATE 6.23.10: All 20% OFF items are now 50% OFF!

Almost ALL summer clothing is on SALE! Save 20-50% on outdoor favorites. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find on sale at your local shop. (hurry in for best selection)