Great Outdoor Blog

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Lin Peterson — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:59:06 +0000

MULEteam members save everyday! You can bring in coupons from the “National Chains” and we’ll give you an extra $5 back!

» Check out our gear deals

» Not a member? Join today, It’s FREE!

TLC Paddle Outings

Lin Peterson — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:10:33 +0000

Here’s a twist… two river trips on the same day. On May 31, Triangle Land Conservancy is offering two different paddle trips on the Neuse River in Wake County. You like a short, leisurely river trip in the cool of the morning? Our 3.5-mile morning trip is for you! Prefer a good workout and getting a little sun? Come on our 6-mile afternoon trip! In training for the 2008 Olympics? Do both! Registration details and more info

No twist on our second 25th Anniversary paddle. On June 28 we’re offering the ever-popular Deep River “Coal Valley” Paddle. This flat water trip will include an optional walk to the Endor Iron Furnace and tales from the fascinating industrial history of this would-be “Pittsburgh of the South.” Registration details and more info

All trips cost $25 per person for TLC members, $35 for non-members. That price includes canoe/kayak rental. If you’re bringing your own boat, lop $5 off the price

Saturdays in Saxapahaw

Lin Peterson — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:45:41 +0000

The weekly festivities include performances by top bands, featuring bluegrass, back porch, roots, americana and old time music and a thriving Farmer’s Market with fresh local produce, cheese, eggs, baked goods, flowers, honey, organic meat, locally produced wine, hand made arts and crafts and more. Every week, CERES, Saxapahaw’s local quality of life organization sets up exciting events and activities for children including the Famous Zipboat, the Environmentally Engineered Slip-N-Slide, face painting, children’s arts & crafts and a weekly kid’s parade.

Festivities take place every Saturday from 5pm-8pm through the end of August. Admission is free though donations are appreciated, organizers pass around a “Swan Bucket” each week for the band. It’s a beautiful day out! Come On Along!!!

» MORE INFO

Surf Kayaking in Morocco

Lin Peterson — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:12:54 +0000

Our friend, Spencer Cooke, took an incredible surf kayaking adventure to Morocco on Africa’s Northwestern coast in January. A video + video podcast & photos are available on Spencer’s new web site Rapid Transit:
http://www.rapidtransitvideo.com/blog/?p=53

Check out Spencer’s hand written trip journal here:
http://effort.tv/2008/pix/moroccoslideshow/

Umstead Trail Marathon 2008

chuckm — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:00:45 +0000

FINISH. One of the best words to encounter at the end of a race - especially if it’s a trail marathon. Friends from Great Outdoor Provision Co. enjoy the finish of the 2008 Umstead Trail Marathon. Join us next year. Start training now so you can smile at the FINISH. For more information on the Umstead Trail Marathon and other local races visit www.carolinagodiva.org

Where moms gear up for adventure!

Lin Peterson — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:54:57 +0000

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11

Get this reusable tote FREE when you purchase $50 of Moving Comfort apparel at your local Great Outdoor Provision Co.

*While supplies last

Triangle Land Conservancy Outing

Lin Peterson — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:47:31 +0000

Flower Hill Rhodo Ramble Open House
May 3, 2008, 9 a.m. - noon
Join us for our traditional early May visit to this Johnston County jewel for the magnificent blooms of Catawba rhododendron and other wildflowers. In the mid-1930s, thousands of visitors flocked each year to behold the bountiful blooms. B.W. Wells, the prominent early 20th century naturalist, called Flower Hill a “freak of nature” for its natural stands of Catawba rhododendron, a mountain species out of its element amid the flat farmland of the Coastal Plain.

The Flower Hill Rhodo Ramble this year is one of our 25th Anniversary Outings. To make this year’s outing special we’re trying something new. In addition to the traditional interpretive walk led by local naturalists, we’re holding the event as an Open House. Volunteers will be on-site from 9 a.m. to noon to talk about the history of Flower Hill and its unique ecosystem.

Visitors can explore the preserve on their own or sign-up for the guided walk (begins at 10 a.m.; limit 30).

Registration is required for the guided walk due to the limited number of spaces available. Click here to register.

Registration is not required for other visitors to the Open House.

For Flower Hill directions and a locator map, click here.

They ask that you please leave your pet(s) at home for TLC outings.

Gear Up for Summer with Olukai Sandals

Lin Peterson — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:15:03 +0000

Gear Up for Summer (from Garden & Gun Magazine)
By: Carter Worrell - April 21, 2008

It’s not clear if Hawaiians invented the flip-flop, but they should have. OluKai sandals, from the Hawaiian words olu, meaning “comfort,” and kai, meaning “ocean,” are designed to imitate the pleasant sensation of walking on wet sand. Constructed with an anatomically correct sole molded to the natural curve of the foot, the sandals mimic a high-end running shoe, but they’re more like surfer shoes on steroids. While cheaper flip-flops break down over time, OluKais are built to support weight, aiding your posture in the process. And with the company’s cofounders hailing from Nike and Quiksilver, it’s not surprising that they look as cool as they feel. Pictured: Hiapo - $100

Olukai sandals are available in Charlotte, Raleigh, Chapel Hill & Wilmington shops

Subaru River Jam Starts May 1st

Lin Peterson — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:03:09 +0000

If you’re tired of the same ‘ole Charlotte scene on Thursday nights, Take it Outside and unwind at the US National Whitewater Center! The USNWC offers Food and Beer specials, great local music and the best sunset around! You can’t find a setting like this anywhere else in the world!

» MORE INFO

Falls Lake Workday - Sat, May 3

Lin Peterson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:51:48 +0000

Come help FMST extend the Falls Lake Trail to Durham!

Wake and Durham Counties - All land agencies have approved the MST routing from Old Boyce Mill Road to Rolling View (Phase II - 6 miles). The Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail (FMST) will host a work day at Falls Lake, a segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, on Saturday - see above dates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day will also consist of new trail construction (natural surface - hiking only) such as clearing brush, moving logs, and picking up debris. Additional volunteers and volunteer groups are welcomed. Volunteers must RSVP to 919-868-6274 or jdbrewer@bellsouth.net so we can plan work projects and have enough tools. Tools needed for the day include loppers, bowsaws, and mattocks. The FMST will supply most of the tools for this event. Please wear work clothes and bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, work gloves, hiking boots, and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs allowed at our workdays for safety reasons. If you are under the age of 12, please consult us before attending workdays.

All interested should meet at the Rolling View State Recreation Area at 9:00 AM shart. To get to Rolling View take Highway 98 to Baptist Road (at Neal Middle School) and follow it to Rolling View. Look for signs on the road that say “MST Work”.

Great Outdoor Provision Co. will be providing Chick-fil-a breakfast for the workers!

Next workday - June 7, 2008 - National Trails Day