Charleston Outdoors by Charleston SC Outdoors Magazine

OUTDOORS CHARLESTON

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SURVIVING CAPERS YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING IT OFF THE ISLAND

BODY MIND SPIRIT TIPS TO GET YOU READY FOR THE SEASON

THE SURVBI EST V & AL YOG GEARA

VOLUNTEERING SEWE BIRDING

C elebrating

SEWE 2012 Featured Painter: Dustin Van Wechel

years of wildlife art and the sporting life

SEWE 2012 will feature original wildlife & nature art by 120 painters, carvers and sculptors, with a special exhibit: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Birds of the Wetlands,â&#x20AC;? outfitters & guides, and quality sporting arms & decoys.

SoutheasternWildlife Exposition February 17-19, 2012 ~ Charleston, South Carolina www.sewe.com

Wellness Center

Oné (Honor) Respé (Respect) for Mind, Body & Soul Affordable Acupuncture Massage Therapy Community Yoga Workshops Now Available!

Massage Therapy $30-$40 for 30min $40-$69 for 60min $60-$80 for 90min

Oné Respé Massage Therapy for Wellness 79 Spring Street Charleston, SC 29403 843.724.9807 www.onerespecharleston.com

charleston outdoors THE PURSUIT OF ADVENTURE AND ACTIVE LIVING

Editor’s Note

PUBLISHER JASON KIRBY jason@charlestonscoutdoors.com MARKETING/SALES DIRECTOR DAVID KIRBY david@charlestonscoutdoors.com

It’s time to get out and do something. Remember to do it with passion We are thrilled to have our website, charlestonscoutdoors. com, up and running! Everyday, we will be bringing you the best and latest news on everything outdoors. Our contributors are at the top of their game─from Grey Ghost Charters owner Tucker Blythe discussing how to tie a fly to Adrienne Levy’s tips on becoming a faster runner, we will have it. We invite you to come and share in the outdoors experience with us by posting your comments, as well as sharing your stories and pictures. Over the next few months, things will certainly be heating up here in the Lowcountry. There are going to be hundreds of events and get-togethers that we want to know about. Drop us a line at info@charlestonscoutdoors.com anytime you find something interesting to do, and we will be there. One of my personal favorite events is the Palmetto Pump & USA Climbing Competition held at James Island County Park. On March 10, dozens of climbers will be competing for top honors; I will be one of them. I love climbing─it pushes you to take chances, and it really gets interesting when you make it a competition.

Jason Kirby Publisher, CEO

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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JULIE SPRANKLES SALES EXECUTIVE NICK SULT WRITERS NICOLE PETTINELLI, CAROLINE KRAICH, JENNIFER HEISLER PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN LOTTERHOS, JENNIFER HEISLER ALYONA SEMONOV PATRICK HARWOOD OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOUNTING LYNN KIRBY lynn@charlestonscoutdoors.com

C H A R L E

S T O N

OUTDOO R S MAGAZINE CH

LE S

TO NS C O U TDO O R S

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SPECIAL THANKS TO JULIE SPRANKLES, RACHEL SOLOMON, PATRICK HARWOOD, BENJAMIN TOY Published by Charleston SC Outdoors, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Charleston SC Outdoors. Charleston SC Outdoors magazine does not endorse or guarantee any product, service or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising space.

Contents

7. Volunteering 10. Family Fun 11. Wild Weekend 12. View from the Top 16. Catching the Perfect Guide 18. Mind, Body, Spirit 21. Yoga Gear 22. A Lively Resting Place 24. Surviving Capers 28. Survival Gear 30. Winter Paddling

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CALENDAR

GIVING BACK STORY AND PHOTOS BY JENNIFER HEISLER

s we begin 2012, our thoughts inevitably turn to New Year’s resolutions. If you have resolved to give back more to the local community in the next year or have resolved to spend more time outdoors enjoying the beautiful Lowcountry, you are in luck. You can do both—at the same time! Here are some ideas to get you started and some opportunities to put into your calendars:

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The Center for Birds of Prey. If you like birds, volunteering to help the Center with its mission of providing medical treatment for injured birds of prey, presenting educational programs to thousands of groups throughout the state, and conducting avian research and field studies is a great way to get involved. You can serve in a number of areas with the public or behind the scenes. Training is provided. thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/ get-involved.php Rein and Shine. Rein and Shine uses horseback riding as an alternative method of healing for children and adults with physical, emotional, social, and cognitive disabilities. Volunteers help in every aspect of Rein and Shine; they do everything from leading horses and walking alongside riders to caring for the horses and maintaining the farm. Help in the areas of event

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week in April when they sponsor local beautification or cleanup events. You can plan or take part in a cleanup or beautification event in your neighborhood, plant a garden, remove graffiti, or plan an Earth Day event. Visit keepcharlestonbeautiful.org or call (843) 5797501 for more information.

planning, fundraising, computers, and office work is also needed. reinandshine.org/ volunteer-opportunities.html Keep Charleston Beautiful. Keep Charleston Beautiful and Keep North Charleston Beautiful come together each spring for the Clean Cities Sweep, a

US Coast Guard Auxiliary. With all the water we have in the Lowcountry, the USCG Auxiliary is a great way to volunteer your time and learn some new skills. The civilian, volunteer Auxiliary serves the Coast Guard in the areas of recreational boating safety, operations, and marine safety by patrolling local waters, teaching boating safety to the public, and often working alongside and training with the active duty Coast Guard. uscgaux071206.com

help with feeding fish and birds, taking care of tanks and cages, serving as exhibit guides, working with groups of school children, performing maintenance, or working in the Aquarium office. Training is provided. scaquarium.org/Volunteer/ volunteer.html SC DNR Marine Turtle Conservation Program. The South Carolina DNR operates this conservation program aimed at turtles nesting on our beaches, which includes loggerheads, green turtles, leatherbacks, and even some Kempâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ridleys sea turtles. The DNR hosts an annual training workshop each spring that volunteers may attend. Volunteers can assist the DNR and other agencies with surveying the beaches each morning, protecting turtle nests, relocating nests, collecting biological data, and helping with administrative and organizational tasks. dnr.sc.gov/seaturtle/volprog. html

Charleston Surfrider Foundation. From May through September, the Charleston Chapter of Surfrider Foundation holds beach sweeps every other week on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM at Folly Beach. No advance registration is necessary, and you can show up at one or all of the beach sweeps. Surfrider also holds other special events throughout the year. charlestonsurfrider.com/sweeps.html South Carolina Aquarium. From conservation efforts, research, sea turtle rescue, even promoting sustainable sea food in local restaurants, the SC Aquarium does so much more than display cool animals. Whether you want to be in the public eye or work behind the scenes, the aquarium has many opportunities for volunteers to

Rein and Shine uses horseback riding as an alternative method of healing for children and adults with physical, emotional, social, and cognitive disabilities.

Park Angels. The Charleston Parks Conservancy works on caring for and renovating local parks, educating the public, and supporting community gardening efforts; the Park Angels are the volunteers who make it all happen. As a volunteer, you can help organize a park work day in your own neighborhood or plan events like Park Week and the Teddy Bear Picnic. charlestonparksconservancy.org/community/ about_park_angels This is just a sampling of some great ways to get involved, give back, and help out our local communities. There are plenty of organizations in the area that would love to have you volunteer your talents, enthusiasm, and energy. Resolve to make the Lowcountry better in 2012 by getting outdoors and volunteering your time!

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FAMILY FUN CCPRC HAS IT ALL M

odern parents search the world over for healthy activities the family can do together, all the while having fun. Why not get out of the virtual world of computer games and get outside for a true adventure at your Charleston County Parks? Last fall, Kim Parent of Ladson entertained the idea of purchasing family kayaks. “It’s a challenge to get the family outdoors and do something together that doesn’t involve electronics,” says Parent. She and her husband Sean, who had tried kayaking before, took their seven- and nine-yearold girls to James Island County Park to try out a canoe and kayak program. “It was low-pressure, plus the water was calm on the lake,” remarks Parent, who says she would definitely recommend CCPRC parent-child programs.”It was not super-structured, which is great for families, but there was a big emphasis on safety throughout.” Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s (CCPRC) many park facilities offer a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages, interests, and experience levels, including: stand up paddle boarding, in which paddlers skim across the water on over-sized surfboards; or family belaying, in which adults learn to safely control secured ropes while children climb up a 50-foot wall. Little Explorers nature programs are perfect for families with preschoolers. Those with basic experience can venture out of the park setting with a CCPRC group excursion, exploring the Lowcountry on a guided trip. So spend a few hours Saturday morning on a family adventure. Build camaraderie with your kids. Explore nature. Learn new skills and respect for the environment. Best of all, you’ll have some fun doing something together. Start your family’s adventure today! Sign up for a CCPRC program or find upcoming programs at ccprc.com or call (843) 795-4386.

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“It was low-pressure, plus the water was calm on the lake”

LOCAL EVENTS

SEWE 2012

WILD WEEKEND SEWE TURNS 30

outheastern Wildlife Exposition will celebrate 30 years of excellence in wildlife art and the sporting life with its upcoming event to be held February 17-19, 2012, in multiple venues in downtown Charleston, SC. The nation’s largest wildlife art and nature event, SEWE will showcase the work of 120 painters, carvers, and sculptors in Charleston Place’s grand ballroom. Two exhibits will be housed at the Francis Marion Hotel, including works by outstanding artists from the Charleston area (sponsored by Art Magazine) and a collection of landscape scenes, while the work of the nature photographers will be in the atrium of Embassy Suites. New for 2012, the Mills House Hotel will have a special art exhibit entitled “Birds of the Wetlands.” Breathtaking flight demonstrations by the Center for Birds of Prey will be conducted in Marion Square, where there will also be conservation exhibits, children’s activities, and food from area eateries. Crowds flock to Brittlebank Park to watch the high-flying, big-splashing

Dock Dogs® competitions, skillful retriever demonstrations, and instruction in the art of fly fishing and cast net tossing by the experts at Charleston Angler. There along the banks of the Ashley River, SEWE’s Sporting Village will feature outdoor outfitters, boats and equipment, and fishing/hunting/safari guides, and live bluegrass music can be heard all weekend. Across the street from Brittlebank, the Charleston Marriott will host high-end sporting arms dealers and antique decoys from galleries and private collections. Day tickets are $10-$20, 3-day passes are $40, and children 10 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. SEWE provides free shuttle service between venues during show hours with a ticket or badge, and handicapped accessible service is available. For more information or to purchase tickets/packages, visit sewe.com or call 843-723-1748.

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VIEW FROM THE

TOP

What have I gotten myself into? That was the first thought that raced through my mind as I stepped out of the airplane at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla Nepal, the airport which National Geographic named “the most dangerous airport in the world.” STORY AND PHOTOS BY: DARA WATSON

e were the first flight to land or take off in Lukla in six days, and the State Department estimated over 5,000 people were stranded in Lukla; with all lodging full and the food supplies dwindling, the situation had rapidly become critical. We deplaned quickly, and on we went—past the sick, the solemn, and those crying with joy at the thought of getting out of there—into the mountains, immediately traveling six kilometers to Phakding (8700-feet and 73 percent oxygen) where we would spend the first night. What started out a little scary, and perhaps not what I expected, would become one of the hardest, yet greatest experiences of my entire life.

One of the most beautiful things I saw the entire trip was the full moon rising behind Everest the night we passed through the village of Tengboche. The most difficult thing about the trek to base camp is not the physical exertion; it’s the mental exertion—finding the will to get up in negative temperatures with no heat and eat the same things repeatedly while you trudge up yet another mountain, only to find at the top that you must go back down again to cross the river. The trek is full of making sure that you drink enough, eat enough, keep your strength, and get the proper nutrition...and then taking those moments to forget it all and enjoy the sheer beauty that surrounds you. The views are incredible. The air is clear and clean. And you are alone, and the solidarity is beautiful! Your views on what is required for life change as you watch a woman with a broken hand have it set and wrapped with no pain killers, or when you see the constant evacuations of extremely

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sick people. The appreciation of life and your current state of being are heightened. One of the most beautiful things I saw the entire trip was the full moon rising behind Everest the night we passed through the village of Tengboche. I feel very fortunate to have been there during the time of the full moon, which also happens to coincide with a very obscure festival held by the Tengboche Monastery that few trekkers are fortunate enough to witness. From the inside of the Monastery while the monks danced and the Dungchen horns were played, I sat in silence and reveled in the breathtaking views of Everest from the inner court. I entered the Khumbu Glacier the next day and spent the following two days traveling to Gorak Shep,

the gateway to base camp. After arriving, my head pounded and my legs ached; my body was experiencing the early signs of altitude sickness and was begging me for sleep, but sleep only worsens the condition. I sat in the “Buddha Lounge” tea house, the place that would be my home for the next 24 hours, and sipped ginger tea between chugs of water bearing the faint taste of chlorine and vitamin C tabs. The tea house is full of trekkers: some waiting out severe bouts of altitude sickness, others acclimatizing for Island Peak, others waiting for the weather to clear to be evacuated by helicopter. My headache had dulled slightly due to the two-and-a-half liters of water I had consumed in a two hour time period, so I was eager to be off to base camp. The excitement approaching base camp is palpable as you crest the

Left: Everest Base Camp over 17,000 ft. up in the clouds. Below: Tengboche Monastery, where few trekkers are fortunate enough to be permitted access.

top of a ridge and look down on the glacier; there it is...Everest above you and base camp below you. The feeling of exhaustion was all I could muster, and a knowing look from other trekkers told me that the majority felt the same; I was barely dragging myself the last 250-feet to the official base camp “rock.” I sat down, opened a candy bar, and thought Let me just eat my candy bar and then I could die on this rock. This was my mental exhaustion creeping in—telling me to quit, I had made it. The view is unparalleled as you look down the glacier and up to the mountains, and the sense of accomplishment is huge; tears of joy flowed down many people’s faces (including mine) as we hugged each other, signed the rocks, and took pictures. Many of us also took time to sit in silence and

enjoy the beauty of the world around us and the enormity of what we had just done. We were present in the current moment, knowing that this was the great culmination...a flood of amazement, beauty, and peace filled that very moment. Later I huddled around a small, potbellied, yak-dung-burning stove, sharing the unbelievable experience of the day with my fellow trekkers. We were all eager to begin our ascent to Kala Patthar at 5:00AM: 18,600-feet and 50 percent oxygen, a higher base camp, and the final destination of one amazing trip into the clouds.

We were present in the current moment, knowing that this was the great culmination...a flood of amazement, beauty, and peace filled that very moment.

CATCHING THE PERFECT GUIDE STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER HEISLER

ishing is a wonderful way to spend a day in the Lowcountry. Whether you desire to cast a fly rod in the golden marshes or head miles out to sea in hopes of catching the big one, out there somewhere is your perfect guide. With over 100 fishing guides in the Charleston area, how can you choose the best one for you? Let’s start with the basics. A quick check of the prospective guide’s website will most likely answer many of your questions. You should investigate your guide’s qualifications and background. Ask him or her for references; a good guide will be “The happy to give you references. How long has the guide been fishing in the Lowcountry? What type of fishing does he or she specialize in? What are some of the recent catches?

Be sure to let your guide know if there are certain species of fish you want to catch. Different lures, reels, and rods require different techniques. Sitting at anchor watching a bobber requires different skills (and expectations) than poling through the shallow marshes sight fishing. And the species you most want to catch this trip might not be biting in our waters this time of year. Of course, you need to learn about the company’s cancellation policy and what clothes to bring. Is the guide

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Some very important things you might not consider at first: Does the guide’s insurance cover liability, and how much? Some guides might try to cut corners with insurance because a commercial policy may cost twice as much as a pleasure boat policy. Any good guide will have insurance to protect his boat and equipment— and will carry sufficient liability insurance to cover the people onboard.

best guides can accommodate the type of fishing you want to do and can adapt to your level of experience,”

In turn, let your guide know what kind of fishing you have done and how much. That may be one of the most important things you discuss with your prospective guide, according to Captain Fred Bricketto of Carolina Backwaters Fishing Charters in Charleston. “The best guides can accommodate the type of fishing you want to do and can adapt to your level of experience,” notes Captain Bricketto.

a member of any fishing guide associations or professional organizations?

Is the guide licensed by the US Coast Guard—and in the state? Charter boats for hire must have licensed captains, and the insurance company likely won’t write a commercial policy without a licensed captain as the boat’s operator. What is the guide’s policy on having alcohol onboard the boat? Some allow it, some don’t. Some insurance policies won’t allow it.

Are South Carolina fishing licenses included in the price? What is their policy on catch and release? Will the guide clean the fish? How about shipping it if you don’t live in the Lowcountry? Ask about any extra fees that might not be apparent. Are you required to pay surcharges for gasoline? What happens if you lose a lure or break a rod? Above all else, ask questions before you choose! Guides love to talk about gear, boats, and fishing. That’s why they became fishing guides in the first place. “Have a conversation with them to see if you and the guide are compatible,” Captain Bricketto urges. After all, they want you to have a great time on the water, too.

Trail Guide Transforming your Mind, Body, and Spirit

BY CAROLINE KRAICH

MBS PLAYLIST

Music to get you up an moving. Let us know what you like online at our website

M83

Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming Tracks: Midnight City, Outro

GAME CHANGER

THE BLACK KEYS

El Camino Tracks: Money Maker, Nova Baby

In the book Born to Run, author Christopher McDougall challenges the whole philosophy of exercise. He takes an in-depth look at how cultures around the world approach the “art” of running and how we have changed it in modern times. At its core, we see the start of the barefoot revolution. This is a must read for any runner, or if you just need a boost to get you over a plateau. amazon.com $9.99

The Barefoot Revolution

HOT BODY CHALLENGE send us your pics

NEED AN ENERGY SHOT? PUNCH BROTHERS

Whose Feeling Young Now? Tracks: This Girl, New York City 18

Each Aeroshot delivers a unique blend of 100 mg of caffeine and b vitamins in about 4 to 6 puffs

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aeroshots.com

PUNCH IT: Shadowboxing with light weights really gets the blood pumping.

Energy Super Foods Fruit and Pecan Granola Bars Packaged Granola bars can be a dangerous snack due to its high caloric content, but by making your own you can steer away from those dubious ingredients and fashion your own healthy granola that is perfect for your weekend hikes or camping trips. Ingredients: 1 large egg

Nuts: Any kind. They’re all packed with essential fatty acids.

1 large egg white

1 cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups toasted oats

2/3 cup chopped dried cranberries, or golden raisins

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Line a 8-by-11 inch pan with foil; spray pan with cooking spray. 3. Whisk egg, egg whites, sugar, oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. 4. Stir in oats, cranberries, pecans, and flour; then spread in prepared pan. 5. Bake until golden, or 30-35 minutes, let cool, and cut into bars.

RAISE IT: Shoulder raises are great for sculpting the Deltoids and Lats.

Packed with protein, great for fueling up, and just what you need to get you moving.

Avocados: Great source of heart healthy fats and protein.

Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics for your immune system.

NOW THAT’S THE SPIRIT 7 tips to transform your mood

Turn off the TV: Watching a surplus of two hours of television a day can increase your likelihood to develop depression. Do Some Heavy Lifting: Strength train by lifting weights on a regular basis. This healthy habit allows your brain to release chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. Clock Out for Nap Time: A quick twenty to thirty minute nap can sharpen your mind if you are running on less than an ample amount of sleep from the night before. Take a Breath: Inhaling and exhaling deeply several times a day can help keep you energized. Make sure you breathe using your diaphragm, which ensures proper breathing technique.

Coffee Break: Drinking a few cups of coffee a day not only helps perk you up at work, but studies show that this boost may also prevent diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease. Embrace Your Green Thumb: Gardening may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a soothing activity that takes the mind off of the stressors of the day. Being in control of something small and simple such as your garden can alleviate stress, as well as provide great salad fixings. Laugh: Laughing is a simple way for your body to release endorphins and ultimately put you in a good mood. Whether you watch a funny YouTube clip or just joke around with your friends, laughter certainly is the best medicine.

Get out and try something new

BEND IT: Stretches the legs, groin, and hamstrings. Opens the chest.

STRETCH IT: The shoulders and legs are strengthened. Focus on breathing!

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OUTDOORS MAGAZINE IN 2012

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NO ONE COVERS THE OUTDOORS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY THE WAY WE DO! charlestonscoutdoors chuckoutdoors

YOGA ESSIENTIALS BY NICOLE PETTINELLI

GEAR GUIDE

1. Prana Etta Top Made from ultra-comfy performance fabric, this top features a single asymmetrical shoulder strap for contemporary style, and an internal shelf bra for discreet support.

yoga mat is bag free. The Tote Mat 3. Yogitoes Holder with shoulSkidless Mat Towel der cushioning Offering a suand velcro closure per absorbent, is made of Veeda hygienic layer to performance fabplace on your yoga ric, allowing it to mat to prevent double as a yoga slipping, the skid- strap for those less mat towel is looking to improve great for Bikram form and flexibility. yoga classes! The $20 2. Hard Tail Roll Down Bootleg Pant mat size towel Holy Cow Yoga StuFounded in Santa measures 24- by dio and Om Store Monica, California, 68- inches and is holycowyoga.com made of 80 perin 1991 by Dick cent polyester and 5. Manduka Cantrell, this pre20 percent nylon. PROlite Yoga Mat mium sportswear Silicone nubs on fashion house The PROlite yoga the bottom of the stands out in the mat is a fresh towel grab onto crowd because of alternative for your mat to resist its delicious color people who like palette and signa- foot and hand slip- travel yoga mats ping during poses. with superior qualture design elements. The classic $64 ity and comfort.

roll down pant is still the top selling product because of its enduring cut and shape that flatters any body. $60 2

4. Prana Tote Mat Holder Enter and exit class with minimal fuss when your

The PROlite is a lighter, zero-waste, non-slip yoga mat for in the studio and on the go. $72

A LIVELY RESTING PLACE

A sanctuary for more than just people BY JENNIFER HEISLER

Magnolia is unlike most cemeteries, with its lakes and beautiful oaks draped in Spanish moss. “They just don’t make cemeteries like this anymore,”

Patrick Harwood sits quietly on a bench watching the activity of waterfowl on a pond. He raises his binoculars as the sun glints off the water. The sky is clear. The air is still. A Great Blue Heron spreads its wings, and Harwood snaps a photo. Other than the faint sounds of distant traffic, he could be in the middle of nowhere. In a way, he is. He’s sitting in Magnolia Cemetery photographing the birds that call this “secret sanctuary” their home. Harwood, author and photographer of The Birds of Magnolia Cemetery: Charleston’s Secret Bird Sanctuary (recently published by BirdsEyeViews) first visited Magnolia Cemetery on a gloomy, almost wintery, day in 2008. Although he lived in Charleston for many years, he had never visited this historic cemetery before then. That changed one day on his way home from his day job as a professor at the College of Charleston. On his first trip to Magnolia Cemetery, he photographed an interesting bird that he learned only later was a wood stork. Since then, in a matter of only three years, he has photographed over 40 different species of birds—some migratory and some full-time residents— that call the cemetery home. His book is a collection of his photography with information about the different birds commonly seen at Magnolia Cemetery, from waterfowl like ducks and grebes, to shorebirds like herons and egrets, to birds of prey—ospreys,

vultures, hawks. And, of course, the first photos he took of the wood storks are now on the cover of the book. Harwood sat down one day to look through his photos and the variety of species captured and realized that very little had been published about the lives of these birds, surviving and at times thriving in this corner of the city that has so far escaped industrialization and interference from living humans. The research for this book has taught Harwood, a history and Civil War buff, a lot about the cemetery and about history; it’s a place where he always learns new things. He also finds capturing good photographs of the different birds a personal challenge, particularly in a cemetery. Of course, Magnolia is unlike most cemeteries, with its lakes and beautiful oaks draped in Spanish moss. “They just don’t make cemeteries like this anymore,” says Harwood. Magnolia juxtaposes its natural beauty with the man-made beauty of aged, worn headstones and rusted gates falling off their hinges...old versus new, natural versus man made, life advancing—flourishing—against the quiet backdrop that is the final resting place of so many of our ancestors. And Harwood’s new book captures it all. You can find out more or stay up to date with his latest projects by visiting his blog at mybirdseyeviews.blogspot. com.

DESTINATION

CAPERS ISLAND

SURVIVING

CAPERS “If the fire dies tonight and I learn you woke up and didn’t add wood, you’ll be the first we eat.” STORY BEN MARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY ALYONA SEMONOV

lbeit funny, instructor Dave Horner’s words left me contemplating having to rely on the skills I’d come to learn. An experienced hiker and camper, I was unsure of what to expect when I stepped aboard Callinectes, the Barrier Island Eco Tours vessel transporting us from the Isle of Palms Marina to Capers Island for twenty-four hours of survival training.

Ferrying us to our awaiting adventure, Captain Robert conducted a fascinating eco tour, educating us about the beautiful tidal salt marsh and acquainting us with many of its inhabitants. He introduced us to stone crabs, spider crabs, and the blue crabs for which the boat is named (Callinectes is the genus of blue crabs). We observed an osprey, fish in its feet, fleeing from a bald eagle trying to pillage its freshly caught meal. We also encountered a solitary dolphin splashing about the shallow water, hunting fish only four feet from our starboard rail. After pulling ashore on the southern tip of the island, we hiked north, Capers’ front shoreline coming into view. Littered with sun-bleached skeletons of once-thriving trees, Bone Yard Beach reminded us that the real adventure was about to begin. Instructor Dave explained we’d learn four key survival skills: building shelter, purifying water, starting a fire, and finding food.

ALYONAPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

“The body craves adventure. The soul needs purpose.” To enable continued sharing of this passion, a major focus of this endeavor was preservation of natural beauty. Dave started by informing us of various water purification methods, and we elected to construct a solar still. Before the trip, I joked with a friend that I’d be learning to drink my own urine to survive. I wasn’t far off; Dave explained that, in extreme situations, a solar still can work for just that. Did we try it? Our lips are puckered—er—sealed. Thankfully, we also learned to harvest water from vines and were all relieved by its sugar-waterlike taste. Thirst quenched, it was time to construct shelters. With a forecast of clear skies, we set about building lean-tos to block the wind. We built frames from fallen timber and Paracord. With space blankets for insulation—strengthened by an outer layer of palmetto fronds—the shelters were simple, yet effective. Next it was time to light the fire. From starting with the bow and drill, moving on to flint and steel, and finally ending with steel wool and a 9-volt battery, Dave introduced us to utensils ranging from primitive to technologically advanced (he said even a cell phone battery would work—sorry iPhone users; good luck with that Campfire app). Our stomachs rumbling, we were eager to master our next skill: hunting and gathering food. We learned to harvest Palmetto hearts (tender and nutty) and

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set up snares for small game. How’d we fare? With daylight fleeting, our new foraging skills yielded little more than a community nibble. When I later woke up shivering, Dave’s warning about letting the fire die echoing in my head, I piled on the logs. At the beginning of our journey, Ben Toy, trip organizer and founder of On Purpose Adventures, told us “the body craves adventure; the soul needs purpose.” To enable continued sharing of this passion, a major focus of this endeavor was preser-

vation of natural beauty. After a moonlit walk and a vibrant sunrise on the isolated beach, fellow adventurer Dodd Hulsey’s words summed it up: “The view from this island is the same it’s been for a hundred years. That’s why we do what we do.” Thanks to this mindset, surviving Capers Island will be an experience adventurers can continue to share, and one I’ll not soon forget.

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SURVIVAL TECH

GEAR GUIDE BY NICOLE PETTINELLI THE GEAR

1. Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit $99.95 goalzero.com

2. Adventure Medical SOL Emergency Bivvy $17 adventuremedicalkits.com

3. Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger $169.99 findmespot.com

4. Potable Aqua Plus $10.95 potableaqua.com

5. Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife $62 gerbergear.com 5

SAVING THE DAY Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit An ultra-lightweight USB solar-charging system that fits into your pocket, the mobile kit functions as a power pack and a battery charger; it can recharge your cell phone, camera, GPS, iPod, and other USBpowered devices such as iPads. Bonus? It has a built-in LED flashlight that runs 20+ hours per charge.

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CHARLESTONOUTDOORSMAG.COM

Adventure Medical SOL Emergency Bivvy The SOL Emergency Bivvy is made from the same heat-reflective polyethylene as AMK’s worldfamous emergency blankets (reflecting 90 percent of your body heat back to you), with the added benefit of being fully sealed so you are protected from the elements.

Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger The Messenger offers improved GPS acquisition to send your location, status, messages, and calls for help. New features and enhancements include faster and stronger GPS function, GPS acquisition light, sent message light, and safety flaps over the “SOS” and “Help” buttons. Potable Aqua Plus Intended for emergency disinfection of drinking water, Potable Aqua Plus neutralizing tablets make most water bacteriologically

suitable for drinking when used as directed. They are favored worldwide by campers, hikers, militaries, emergency organizations, and anyone needing to drink water of questionable bacteriological quality. Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife This stainless steel knife features a military-grade nylon sheath that is packed with innovative survival tools, including a fire starter, a diamond blade sharpener, an emergency whistle, and a pommel.

April 20-22, 2012

The premier paddlesport event on the Atlantic Coast

• On-Water Classes and Demonstrations • Commercial Exhibits • Interpretive Canoe, Kayak , and SUP Exhibition • Kids’ & Family Activities • ACA Instructor Courses • Lectures & Workshops • Music, Food, and Fun • SUP Race

Festival packages start at $15. Kids 17 and under are FREE with paying adult.

A 121 day adventure on Stand Up Paddleboards from Florida to Maine. Nominated for the ‘Story of the Year’ through ‘SUP Connect’.

James Island County Park 843-795-4FUN www.ccprc.com/ecckf

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COOL WATER PADDLING Update your kayaking essientials for winter waters. BY CAROLINE KRAICH PHOTOGRAPHY TRACIE BOSC

KILLER FLICKS GREAT KAYAKING FILMS TO GET YOU STOKED!

TONY ESTANGUET OLYMPIC CHAMP

WILD WATER NORTH FORK

EASTERN HORIZONS EAST COAST

Before you hang up your kayak for the winter season, consider this Minnesota proverb: “There is no bad weather, only the wrong gear.” Though Charleston may not experience the whipping chill of subzero temperatures, most of us retire our outdoor sports gear to the dark corner of the garage until spring. Instead of partaking in this regular routine, invest in simple gear that can transform your summer pastime into a year-round passion. First and foremost, layers are essential. When kayaking in waters that are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended that a base, mid, and outer layer comprise your winter wardrobe. Base layers include long underwear or spandex, which wick sweat away from the skin and thereby keep your body warm. The secondary layer, the mid layer, should be a warm garment such as a fleece jacket or sweatshirt. Lastly, the outer layer is used to keep wind away from the body; commonly, a drysuit or drytop is used. This outer layer is essential in order to keep your body dry in the event the kayak gets tipped over.

Drysuits are made from a waterproof fabric and have gaskets around the wrists and ankles of the suit, which seal all means of water entry and thereby keep the paddler dry. In more mild climates such as those of Charleston, a drytop jacket is a more appropriate and economical alternative; these jackets provide the same function as their drysuit counterpart, but only insulate the upper body. In order to keep the lower half of the kayaker’s body dry, a spray skirt is necessary. The skirt hooks onto the open edge surrounding the kayaker and provides a secure seal that prevents water from rushing in, even during rolls. The material, usually made from neoprene, is a spandex-like fabric that that creates a non-penetrative barrier. Smaller products, such as neoprene gloves and boots, also help keep the hands and feet warm when kayaking during the winter. Although gloves sometimes restrict movement in the fingers, they are essential in maintaining feeling in your fingers and toes in order to navigate the waters. For extremely low temperatures, many seasoned kayakers purchase a neoprene hood to help minimize cold shock. Whatever the wintry weather conditions this year, layering with small staple pieces can improve your longevity on the water and, ultimately, allow you to venture outdoors year round.

In more mild climates such as those of Charleston, a drytop jacket is a more appropriate and economical alternative.

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