Great Outdoor Blog

Rudy Hayden, Charlotte Manager

Rudy and a nice Brown (photo courtesy of Caleb)

I had the distinct pleasure to go fishing on the Davidson River near Brevard, NC with Caleb Boyle. Caleb was recently selected to join the ranks of the youth world fly-fishing team. He traveled to Penacova, Portugal this past August to compete in the championships.

I met Caleb a few years ago while working at Great Outdoor Provision Co. as he often came in to purchase select fly-tying materials and share his fishing experience and knowledge. Not only is Caleb a skilled fisherman but an award winning fly-tyer. His flies and writing have been featured in several issues of Fly Tier and once were showcased for sale at the GOPC in Charlotte, NC.

Finally, I had the opportunity to go fishing with Caleb. We chose to hit the Davidson river, one of Caleb’s favorite catch and release streams located about 2.5 hours from Charlotte, NC. We geared up for a chilly November day and talked of different fishing tactics and feeding properties on this particular river.

Caleb graciously handed me a flybox packed full of hand tied special nymph (subsurface) midges. My eyes widened and I picked some colorful options in the size 20 to 24 range for the classic “slack” water section just beyond the parking at the fish hatchery.

Being out of practice and my feet slow to warm I experimented with different strike indicator options and midges until I had my first hook-up. Game was on for some healthy size trout feeding in this particular stretch of river. I was using a special “competition” indicator rig that Caleb showed me and tied two tiny simple little midges on 7x flourocarbon tippet. Skunk was soon gone and I was getting into the rythm. Indeed, it was going to be a good day on the water!

School was in session as Caleb and Carl had several more hookups and landings. I attentively listened and watched for any tips and tricks I could put to immediate use . Several more hookups and a few breakoffs from larger fish and my heartrate was beginning to rise. Game on!

I cruised upstream to explore some other holes but not near the success I had in the slower moving water. The water was low and fast; the wind blistering it’s way down river to make casting and obtaining a drag-free drift far more difficult. I cruised to the car for some refreshments before heading back to the slack water where all those pigs were penned up. I came back and found Carl and Caleb still slaying the fish. They weren’t having to force feed these fish.

I cleaned up my leader and tied on two different flies in anticipation for some heavy hitters. Before I knew it, my line was tight. The bright red colors flashed and I knew I was going to need n’ hold on. I called Caleb over for some backup and hopefully a potential net. This gorgeous rainbow jumped but it was more like the breaching of a whale. This was by far the largest trout I had ever hooked into. I was ecstatic and proceeded to do my best at playing this tough, frightful fish.

Caleb saw the jump and shouted “Carl, you’ve gotta come and see this fish”. Before I knew it the fish headed for cover and broke me off. I could have screamed like I normally do when I loose big fish. Instead, I looked at Caleb and we both grinned. I tied on another midge and when back after him. Hint: use slightly larger tippet (6x) next time when going for large trout.

To no avail I was very content to pack up the gear and head home. Caleb ended the day on a great note pulling in a great size bow. A perfect way to end the day. It was a spectacular day of winter fishin’ and got me excited to tie some up and go back after ‘em.

John Flowers, Greensboro Staff

Going to Virginia to do anything is a joy. The Virginia Parks and Rec have done wonders developing their state. NC could learn from them. Chippokes Plantation State Park was our camp spot. We had a group site which was clean and roomy. I brought the giant tarp so we stayed high and dry no matter what the elements brought to us.

Friday morning we went over to Jamestown Island on the free ferry from Surry, Va. The put in was a swim beach with great parking just after getting off the ferry. Since the water was about 60 degrees there were no swimmers to impede our progress. We had to go under the bridge to the ferry which was concrete. We launched on high tide to I really had to lay on the deck of my boat to squeeze under the bridge, whew! It was tight for me.

A short paddle away were the replica ships of Jamestown. We paddled behind the jetty and paddled right up to the boats. Tours were going on while we paddled around and took pictures of each other. We then proceeded to paddle Sandy Bay. This is involves going through a small opening under a bridge. Sandy Bay leads to Back River which takes you around the back side of Jamestown Island. The Back River opens into The Thorofare which then takes you around the east side and into the James river side of Jamestown Island.

We encountered a stiff wind, at this time, so we took our lunch break on Jamestown Island hoping the wind would abate. After lunch we launched and paddled back out to observe The Thorofare was a wind swept maelstrom.

Looking across the bay we spotted a concrete bridge which on the map revealed Mill Creek, a protected waterway, ripe for exploration without whitecaps and waves crashing over the bow of the boats.

The paddle over to Mill Creek will be remembered by all. The waves came in sets, just like at sea. These waves were driven mainly by the wind. The boats and paddlers all proved their mettle and all made it safe to the shelter of the bridge to Mill Creek. I asked Rick how far the waves came up on his boat. He replied theycame all the way up to his cockpit. Hope said she held her breath for at least 5 minutes, during the crossing. I thought my boat was dipping into the waves with waves coming up the front hatch. It was all fun, none-the-less, and we all rather enjoyed the challenge.

The paddle under this bridge offered at look at a tidal current which was running nicely under the bridge. We cut our kayaks into the current and paddled through and into Mill Creek. This proved to be a lovely interlude, provided views, an old wooden ships ribs portruding from the creek, and finally, toward the end, some lovely homes with nice yachts moored in front of them.

We paddled back to the bridge and took a break on a nice landing before heading back out. Heading back out we decided to go ahead and go out into the James, wind and all set on cirmcumnavigating the island. We rounded Biset Point and discovered the shoreline to be lined with riprap.

The wind was still giving us a go so we took a chance and cut into Passmore Creek, at Cal’s suggestion, praying that it came out into the James again and that it did not dead end somewhere before reaching the James. Passmore proved to be another smooth paddle with twist and turns but no wind nor waves. It did come out into the James River as we had hoped. There was a welcome sandbar on the right which we took advantage of with a deserved respite before paddling back out into the bigger water and the paddle back down the James, past the settlement of Jamestown, then the ships, then the bridge, and then the beach where our cars were parked.

The launch back out proved to a rather fun paddle with a break from the strong winds. There was a breeze, now, but nothing like we had experienced earlier.

There was a constant rythym of swells from the river proper as the ferries made their runs and container ships plied the channel of the James. Tourist waved from the settlement at us as we passed by and of course we all waved back.

Paddling back we discovered the tide had gone out and the paddle under the bridge was made with room to spare. We loaded up and took the ferry back to Surry and then Chippokes for the evening.

Check out Mark Synnott live in Winston-Salem on October 10!

Everybody has a dream job. The problem is that for most of us, that’s all it is—a dream. What we actually do for money is often a far cry from what we wish we did for money. But it seems the best advice an old-timer can give the young is this: “find a job that you love, no matter what.” The bottom line is that you should pick something that makes you happy since you’re going to spend most of the rest of your life doing it. The problem is that dream jobs are like dream girls who don’t have boyfriends—hard to find. Let’s take a look at mountain guiding as an example.

So you’re a climber, and nothing makes you happier than being out on the rocks. You need a job, and you can see that every time you’re at the crag, the guides are there too, doing roughly the same thing you are. Only they’re getting paid. Sounds good, right? You go to the climbing school and ask for a job. And they ask what guiding experience you have, which is a problem because you have none.

In the old days you would be plain out of luck, but with the growth and development of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) in the United States, you now have clearly defined steps you can take to get into the guiding profession. Think of it as your guide apprenticeship program. The sooner you get started, the better.

The very first step in the AMGA apprenticeship is the Top Rope Site Manager Course. It is four days in length. The exam typically takes one or two days, and can be taken directly after the course or any time up to three years afterward. Unlike other AMGA certifications, which are good for life, the TRSM certification is good for three years, provided you keep your AMGA membership and first-aid certification current. After three years, you need to recertify by retaking a two-day course that includes a curriculum review and a one-day skills evaluation. The great thing about the TRSM is that it allows a relative newcomer to the sport to achieve an introductory certification level. Prerequisites for the course include:

• Two years of climbing experience
• A resume showing at least 40 days of climbing and/or climbing instruction in the past two years or a minimum five years of climbing experience
• Ability to climb 5.8 on top rope
• Ability to safely set up top rope climbs, belay stations, and rappel stations without guidance
• Familiarity with basic anchoring principles
• Possession of the necessary equipment, including rope, rack, slings, etc.
• Possession of current basic first aid and CPR
• Age of at least 18 years

While not trivial, this list of prerequisites should be achievable for anyone who is serious about going after a dream. With your TRSM under your belt, it should be relatively easy to find a summer job working as a climbing instructor at a camp, university program, or school. At this point you’ll be on your way, and if you decide to continue with the certification process, your next step will be to take the Rock Instructor Course. So what are you waiting for? You can find everything you need to know at www.AMGA.com.

Mark Synnott is the owner-operator of Synnott Mountain Guides (synnottmountainguides.com, 603-383-6976), located in Jackson, New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains. He is a member of The North Face Athlete Team.

One last update on Wilmington artist & customer James Davis. Follow his adventures at myxolydian.com

Hello Friends,

James is hiking the last 10 miles today to the base of the last mountain to climb – Katahdin. He is weary as the weather has made his journey so difficult. The past week has been rain and wind and cold – freezing at night. He was elated on the 1stglimpse of Katahdin. I will fly out early tomorrow morning to meet him before he climbs Katahdin. Katahdin is a very difficult climb, he plans to climb on Tuesday if allowed to by the rangers. Katahdin has been closed for 2 days because of high winds.

His dream has become a reality, and I am so proud of him.

We will drive home, enjoying the fall foliage and each other. We plan to be back to Wilmington on Saturday Oct 4.

Thank you all for your support during these last 7 months.

Always,
Cherie

Kick-off your fall adventures with Vertical Ethiopia @ Lincoln Theatre!

Vertical Ethiopia documents a climbing expedition to unexplored sandstone spires in northern Ethiopia. In March 2007, four women traveled to Ethiopia to discover if climbing might be the next frontier for this continuously evolving country. Told through a series of vignettes that reveal what it means to climb, to travel, and to explore, Vertical Ethiopia looks closely at the intersections between adventure and culture, history and opportunity.

Lincoln Theatre - 7pm

126 E Cabarrus St • Raleigh, NC 27601
MAP IT

Tickets Available: ONLINE • Quail Ridge Books • Falls Village • Cameron Village • Schoolkids Records

$10 - general admission • $5 - students

majkaburhardt.com

by Todd Hancock, Cameron Village Staff

Through the years I have participated in, competed in and been a spectator of many events that involve an aspect of sport. Last month, after the recommendation of friends, I decided to participate in something that was quite different than anything before. Still sport, I guess.

Muddy Buddy is an event that occurs in some 9 locations nationwide. Lucky for us, one happens to be close by in Richmond, VA. This ‘race’ involves you and a partner covering 6-7 miles by foot and bike. You share one bicycle. There are 5 legs and at the completion of each leg you do a quick obstacle. Then, you change to cycling or running from what you just did on the last leg. The course was crazy. Lots of people were running with bike helmets on, wearing wild outfits, having fun and pushing themselves to the limit.

At the end, you find out where the name of the event comes from. One last obstacle awaits you. You and your partner rendezvous and join up together for the first time in the event. Only 100 feet remains until the finish line. However, there is a military style crawl through a giant mud pit that leaves you no hope but to be covered in mud, with your buddy, by the time you reach the line.

My partner and I are quite competitive and decided to give the event a solid go. At no point, were we not having tons of fun. The nice part is you yo-yo with your partner as you switch running and cycling multiple times, communicating along the way with yells and words of encouragement. There were balance beams and military style wooden obstacles. My favorite was towards the end as you climbed a rope to slide down a big inflatable slide.

After the event, you get to hang out in a huge water hose station where people just try to get cleaned off. It is not until you actually shower that you get rid of the mud behind your ears and underneath your fingernails.

I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an event unlike any other. It is as hilarious to watch, as it is to participate in. We are already planning on doing it again next year. We will be looking to stand a top the podium next year!

Check out muddybuddy.com

A few more updates just in from Wilmington artist & customer James Davis. Follow his adventures at myxolydian.com

Thursday, August 14
No rain today!! Good day. We went about 12 miles today. We are still exhausted from the past week; so we are shorten up our miles per day. A radio announcer from Prince Edward Isle in Canada (Mitch Comier) called Serene to tape an interview from the trail. He also interviewed me. That was fun!!

Friday, August 15
Another sunny day!! We hiked 11.8 miles today. We are still keeping our miles down so we can get healthy. Only 450 miles to Katahdin!!! We must get healthy so we are taking it slow the rest of the month of August. We figured we will be in Maine on September 1. And we have realized we cannot make it to Katahdin by September 14 & 19 for our birthdays. We will probably make it by the last week of September

Saturday, August 16
Up from the loft of the barn early today. Sure enjoyed the beauty of the end of Vermont. Got to Hanover early afternoon. What a great college town this is. I am definitely coming back here. Got a free piece of pizza at Roma Bitsies and it was really good. Went to the outfitters and got a new pair of boots. A stick went through my boot today and I literally had no shoe left. That pair went over 700 miles. I think the rest of my equipment will last for the remaining 442 miles. There is a hostel here that Serene and I will stay tonight.

Late this afternoon, we received the following video dispatch from Lin Peterson at Great Outdoor Provision Co. Marketing. He was on the summit of Middle Teton with Chad Baird (Footwear Product Manager), and took time out to enjoy some of the Trail Mix Crunch that samples that Grassroots retailers passed out this summer.

In June, Grassroots Retailers worked with Post Cereal to promote Trail Mix Crunch to benefit the environment. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and Post Cereal partnered to benefit American Forests’ Global ReLeaf Program. In a joint effort, Post Cereals donated $50,000 to American Forests-enough to plant 50,000 trees in 2008. The partnership brings together the effort of 34 independent retailers across 22 states to lend support to the program.

The effort is highlighted in Grassroots’ member stores across the country in conjunction with the launch of Post’s new Cranberry Vanilla cereal. Customers will receive samples of the new cereal and learn more about getting involved with the American Forests restoration program in each location. American Forests is a world leader in planting trees for environmental restoration, a pioneer in the science and practice of urban forestry, and a primary communicator of the benefits of trees and forests. The joint effort is kicking off this weekend with National Trails Day and Land Trust events at Grassroots’ retailers throughout the U.S.

Grassroots President, Dave Matz says of the partnership, “We were approached by Post to help them develop a conservation program in all of our member locations, and we are excited for the opportunity.” About the restoration initiative, Matz says, “We are committed to supporting conservation efforts, and helping companies do their part for the environment. Post has pledged to donate $50,000 to plant trees via Global ReLeaf, and we are happy to be the leaders helping them coordinate this outreach.”

For more information on the Global ReLeaf Program and to support local Grassroots’ members, please visit, www.americanforests.org

Joe Miller describes how he packed a week’s worth of adventure — rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, greenway riding and very nearly skateboarding — into just one day!

» READ MORE on his News & Observer Blog

A few updates just in from Wilmington artist & customer James Davis. Follow his adventures at myxolydian.com

July 9, 2008

Left 501 Shelter early, it was another hard day of hiking in the rain. The rocks are so slippery, really have to take your time. My feet are paying the price for these slippery rocks. I made it to Eagle’s Nest Shelter just before 5 pm. I am really wiped out today; spiders and mosquitoes were bad today – there has been so much wet weather. Mileage today was only 15.5.

July 10, 2008

Slid down the mountain today – like snow skiing. It was so steep, a mile straight down. Got in Port Clinton Hotel about 1 p.m. Nero day. Today, I did 9 miles – broke 1,200 miles!!! Leaping Turtle called me today because he read about me in the newspaper; he is at Delaware Water Gap. My shins are still hurting.

The Port Clinton Hotel is much nicer than the Doyle. The Port Clinton Hotel, served as a stagecoach stop between Sunbury and Philadelphia in the early 1800’s. Stagecoaches stopped at the Port Clinton Hotel, which was a great social center where news from other states and even foreign countries was exchanged. In fact, it became customary when signing the hotel register to add any news that they thought might be of common interest. The hotelkeeper and his family cared for the driver and passengers stabled the horses and entertained with a fiddler and dances.
The hotel’s birth name was the “Gately Hotel” and is now named the “Port Clinton Hotel”. Situated in southern Schuylkill County, the unique little town clings on the hillside and embraces the peninsula between the Little Schuylkill and the main river. Port Clinton takes its name from De-Witt Clinton on the Erie Canal, and was laid out in 1829. A thriving community for many years for large shipments of coal which was brought to Port Clinton by the primitive railroads and was loaded on canal boats for shipment.