Breathe Magazine by Summit Publishing

may-june 2011 free! inspiring active women

Eat, Pray, Run

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Up On Fickle Creek

THE FARM STAY EXPERIENCE

PASSION-FUELED TRAVEL, NO PASSPORT NEEDED

girlfriend getaways

MEETING IN THE MIDDLE

TRAVEL-FRIENDLY FITNESS

Lost Woman

THE LOST GIRLS' JENNIFER BAGGETT

HERBAL ICED TEAS

ADVENTURES IN BABYWEARING

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Find fresh online content at readbreathe.com

breathe magazine editor in chief Lindsey Grossman lindsey@readbreathe.com

contributing writers

copy editor Brooke Edge

art director Megan Murphy

the roam issue

features 8 East Meets West

Bi-coastal best friends? Find a happy middle ground for your next girls’ getaway

magazine

Aleigh Acerni Jodi Helmer Jennifer Horton Kristin Luna Lisa Maloney Colleen Oakley Jayme Otto Laura Purcell Cristina Santiestevan Kath Younger

May - June 2011

senior designer

Eat, Pray, Run

A Traveler Lost and Found

Give your passions a boost through your own minijourney to self-discovery, no passport necessary

Jennifer Baggett and her journey around the world

Amanda Powers

associate designer Lauren Walker

contributing photographers Christa Albano Tom Daly

IT director Craig Snodgrass

Up on Fickle Creek

The farm stay experience

digital media coordinator Jack Murray

publisher Martha Evans martha@readbreathe.com

president Blake DeMaso blake@readbreathe.com

account executives Dusty Allison dusty@readbreathe.com

Martha Evans martha@readbreathe.com

departments

Charles Leonard charles@readbreathe.com Leah Woody leah@readbreathe.com

5 NUTRITION dining inn

Nick Noe nick@readbreathe.com

business manager

7 FITNESS tone away from home

Melissa Gessler

distribution manager Chuck Grigsby chuck@readbreathe.com

13 HEALTH herbal iced teas

15 FAMILY adventures in babywearing

cover © Erik Isakson, Getty Images

25 BREATHE IN trail running, edible beauty and go-to beach garb

33 GREEN LIVING growing an organic veggie garden 37 BREATHEAbility q + a with katherine kransteuber of the shi center for sustainability at furman university 38 BREATHE OUT finding nature in your daily life

May - June 2011

nutr ition

dining inn

eating well at hotels

(And I don't mean room service!) By Kath Younger, RD

One of the hardest parts of staying healthy while traveling is trading your kitchen stocked with fresh foods for hotel bars, restaurants and food on the go. While it’s certainly fun to try new eateries when traveling for pleasure, if you are going somewhere for an extended period of time, or if your business sends you to the middleof-nowhere Montana for the fifth time, the lure of eating out can lose its appeal. Beyond the food itself, cooking in a hotel room takes just a few key components. One is nice, but all three can make a happy dinner. And lucky you if you snag a hotel with a mini kitchen!

A Mini Fridge: More and more hotels are stocking each room with a mini fridge. If you have one, you can store salads, veggies, yogurt, milk and even fancy foods like smoked salmon.

A Microwave: Do a little research and see if any of your hotel options offer microwaves in the room. At the least, the breakfast bar usually has one you can use to nuke a sweet potato or steam some broccoli. Dishes, Cutlery, Seasonings: If you’re going to be in a hotel for awhile, pick up a small pack of disposable plates or bowls and when you’re buying your food, snag a cutlery set from the grocery store salad bar or a nearby fast food restaurant along with salt, pepper and packets of condiments. A single roll of paper towels is also helpful. A Nearby Grocery Store: Now for the real ingredients—the food! The following foods are easy to prepare in a hotel room and require minimal prep and cutting. Look for a store with a salad bar, like Whole Foods, so you can get some prechopped vegetables and save yourself the trouble of cutting peppers with a plastic knife. If there is not a salad bar, this is the time to spend a bit more per ounce and buy the pre-chopped “microwave in a bag” veggies. Mix and match for a healthy lunch or dinner.

entrees: A sweet or russet potato, microwaved and topped with yogurt, cheese and/or beans • Smoked salmon • Tinned sardines, mixed with a mustard packet, salt and pepper and served on crackers • Tuna (vacuum packed so you don’t need a can opener), mixed with mustard and mayonnaise • Deli meat and cheese • Rotisserie chicken • Boxed soups (again, no can opener) • Whole wheat bread for sandwiches • Whole wheat tortillas for wraps • Whole wheat crackers (for tuna salad!) • Hard boiled eggs found on the salad bar sides: Bagged chopped veggies, microwaved and seasoned with salt and pepper • Pre-washed baby spinach (for an instant salad!) • Broccoli crowns, which you can break into florets • Bell pepper, which slices easily with a plastic knife • Cucumber, also easily sliced • Celery, break or slice • A bag of carrots • A container of hummus • A jar of peanut butter • Whole fruit • Yogurt (plain yogurt makes a great topping for sweet potatoes!) • Trail mix or nuts • Salad from the salad bar

So when the thought of going out to a restaurant after 10 hours of meetings on a rainy day leaves you feeling drained and hungry, head back to your hotel kitchen and whip up something healthy while watching a movie on your laptop! You’ll save money, energy and your traveling sanity.

SMOKED SALMON WRAP WITH SPINACH ORANGE SALAD For the salmon wrap, start with a whole wheat tortilla and layer in 4 oz smoked salmon, 1 ounce cream cheese from a single-serve container, sliced cucumber and a handful of spinach. Wrap up! On the side, make a salad with pre-washed baby spinach, orange sections and almonds. Season both with salt and pepper.

Kath Younger, RD, writes a popular healthy food blog read by more than 10,000 visitors a day from around the world (Kath Eats Real Food, which you’ll find at KathEats.com). Having lost over 30 pounds since graduating from college, Kath is a Registered Dietitian and is opening a Great Harvest Bread Company with her husband in Charlottesville, VA. May - June 2011

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fitness

travel

the moves (from left to right)

Double-arm swing, Rows, T-Pushups

tone away from home By Lisa Maloney

Even the most enjoyable trips have a way of scrambling your fitness routine. But fighting to stay in the workout groove is worth it—exercising on the road keeps you on track for fitness and weight-loss goals, boosts your energy levels, and can even help stave off jet lag. If you have access to hotel or airport fitness centers, you’re golden. But even if you don’t, you can still work out hard with the best in portable, packable exercise equipment.

road trip KETTLEBELLS If you’re new to hefting these cannonballshaped weights, pick one that’s about the same weight, or slightly lighter, than one of the dumbbells you’d use for overhead presses. The handle should fit comfortably in one hand, but be large enough to grip with both hands at once.

Favorite Exercise: Double-arm Swing (hips, thighs, back and shoulders) 1. Squat down, weight centered on your heels. Rest the kettlebell between your heels, arms straight, palms facing back. Keep your back flat and tilted slightly forward from the hips. 2. Drive energy down with your legs. At the same time thrust your hips forward, keeping your back flat and arms straight. The kettlebell will naturally swing up in front of you as you hinge upright from the hips. 3. Allow the kettlebell to swing back down between your legs as you squat down again.

air travel ELASTIC RESISTANCE BANDS Elastic resistance bands are the perfect fitness kit when air travel puts weight and storage space at a premium. The best resistance-band sets have a swivel clip at each end for attaching handles or ankle cuffs, and come with a door anchor. Collapsible bars (which attach to the handle clips) are a useful addition, but not strictly necessary. Favorite Exercise: Rows (back, shoulders, arms) 1. Anchor the middle of the resistance band at lower-rib height. 2. Grasp one handle in each hand. Stand

up straight, one leg slightly in front of the other, abs tight. 3. Pull both ends of the band toward your belly button. Stop when your elbows are roughly even with your sides. 4. Keep standing up straight, abs tight, as you extend your arms forward.

in a pinch No kettlebell, no resistance bands? No problem. You still have the best piece of workout equipment ever invented: your body. Favorite Exercise: T-pushups (chest, shoulders, arms, abs, hips) 1. Assume a full pushup position, feet close together. If you can’t do full pushups on the floor, rest your hands on the bed instead. 2. Do a pushup. Then, from the “up” position, rotate your torso and legs to the left as a single, stiff unit. Stop when you’re balanced on your left hand and the outside of your left foot, hips and shoulders stacked vertically. Extend your right arm straight up, so your body forms the figure of a “T” lying on its side. 3. Rotate back to the starting position. Do another pushup, this time rotating to the right and lifting your left arm to form the “T”. Lisa Maloney is a writer and certified personal trainer who penned 50 Hikes Around Anchorage. She lives in Anchorage, AK. May - June 2011

East West meets

Bi-coastal best friends? Find a happy middle ground for your next girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; getaway. by KRISTIN LUNA

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The dilemma: You decided to plant roots on the East coast, while your gal pals are scattered about California, the Midwest and everywhere in between. (As a Tennessee-born San Francisco resident who also lived in New York for a stint, I can relate.) Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no big secret that longdistance relationships are no walk in the park. The question is: Just how do you make them work?

The key, of course, is compromise. You don’t want to fly to your best friend’s doorstep four out of every five get-togethers anymore than she wants the situation reversed. Plus a girls’ weekend across the country means spending half your time up in the air when you could be catching up. Instead, we concocted five stellar trips to meet in the middle—so everybody wins.

Living It Up on the Lake What to Do: Believe it or not, this Midwestern destination is perfect for a group of girls who love the beach. Flanked by Lake Michigan, Chicago makes a great spot for water sports in the summer. Swim along the marked lane running parallel to Ohio Street Beach or kayak along the waterfront. On dry ground, check out the many street festivals like the annual Old Town Art Fair in June or Sheffield Garden Walk in July. Or stock up on picnic fare at any supermarket and dine under the stars while you catch a free flick on the big screen at Grand Crossing Park. To get your fashion fix, steer off of Michigan Ave to find the true gems. Head out to North Damen Avenue in trendy Bucktown, where many of the boutiques have relocated to attract more local flavor. You’ll find big names like Alexis Bittar, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Nanette Lepore, as well as smaller brands such as Akira and Roslyn alongside Chicago specialties like p.45 and shoe emporium Grace. Getting There: You can fly direct from Baltimore to Chicago on American, Continental, United or US Airways. From Charlottesville, hop a US Airways or United flight that connects in Charlotte. Where to Stay: The Elysian Hotel is Chicago’s grand dame, but rooms don’t come cheap. It’s a great choice if you have the extra funds or are celebrating a big occasion; otherwise, opt for a more economical choice like the Hotel Palomar or the Talbott.

Be a Culinary Critic in New Orleans What to Do: New Orleans has a lot to offer, from an evocative jazz scene to impressive French Colonial architecture and an all-night

What’s in Your Bag?

party on Bourbon Street. But it’s the foodie delights that have us licking our lips and ready to return for more. Throw your healthy habits out the window—at least for one quick weekend—and plan your trip around meal times, whether trying your first po’ boy at Mother’s, indulging your French side at Galatoire’s, noshing on jambalaya at Coop’s Place, sampling the muffaletta at Central Grocery, or having dessert for breakfast by way of the Bananas Foster French toast at Stanley on Jackson Square—all staple New Orleans delicacies. And, of course, no matter how full you are, don’t neglect a visit to Café du Monde for the strongest coffee you’ve ever tasted (with a side of crumbly beignets, of course). Getting There: Delta flies from Raleigh to New Orleans via Memphis; US Airways flies out of Greenville, with a stopover in Charlotte. Southwest flies nonstop from Balimore. Where to Stay: For a taste of the New Orleans of old, book a room at the elegant Hotel Monteleone, a classic Nawlins stay right in the middle of all the action. For a newer establishment, check into La Belle Maison, tucked away on a quiet street just off the French Quarter.

Soak Up Santa Fe’s Eclectic Energy What to Do: A mix of rejuvenating spas and curiosity shops, Santa Fe is a girl’s dream escape. You can spend days perusing the galleries of up-and-coming neighborhood ToCa (Top of Canyon), ripe in folk art, and meandering through its Sculpture Garden. Just remember to bring an extra bag—once you discover hidden gems like Curiosa, which stocks everything from handmade jewelry to decoupage dishware, you’ll be going home with a lot more than you carried on. Fuel up at local institution Johnnie’s Cash Store, a charming, family-owned grocery famous for its green chile tamales. For a vacation of a different kind, Sunrise Springs Resort Spa offers customizable packages of yoga, pottery classes,

One of the biggest challenges among wandering women is learning how not to overpack. In a day and age where checked bags can run $25 a pop, less is more. Implement these easy tips and see if you can steal away with just one carry-on for your trip. It’s easier than it sounds, promise! Dress in one color scheme Be it brown, black or navy, choose an overall neutral color to plan your outfits around, so you need only pack one corresponding pair of shoes, one set of jewelry and one purse that match every ensemble. WEar your bulkier items on the plane If you’re going to need a jacket for your jaunt, throw it on over your travel outfit to save valuable space in your luggage. Ditto for heavy shoes or boots. Skimp on toiletries Your makeup bag doesn’t need to look like you robbed a Sephora. Only take the bare necessities and leave the shampoo, conditioner, lotion and soap at home; this will allow you to bypass the “three-ounce rule” and travel with just a carry-on. After all, every hotel offers complimentary bath products these days. Roll your clothing Fold every item in half, then roll it into a neat, oblong ball. Line each item up in a row in your bag. This not only saves space, but it makes everything easier to find, too.

May - June 2011

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Where to Stay: If you have the means, splurge and book a room at the Encantado Resort (and a spa treatment while you’re at it); it’s one of the most highly acclaimed hotels in the Southwest. If you’re a bit more strapped for cash, the quaint Inn on the Alameda will serve your needs quite nicely. If you’re in Santa Fe to get in touch with your spiritual side, consider a peaceful retreat at Mandala Center.

For dates, locations and organizations, go to: onepercentfortheplanet.org/advocate

Get Groovy in Austin Fly High in Denver What to Do: Denver is perfect for the traveler who likes a side of action on her weekend away. For the best views surrounding the Mile High City, plan a hike in the Rockies up Mount Evans, where you can choose from three trails along the Scenic Byway and decide if you want to go all the way to the top (14,264 feet). Once you’ve had your fill of Mother Nature, join in on a Denver Microbrew Tour, a historical walking tour of the Lower Downtown (LoDo) area paired with some tastings of the city’s finest beers, and don’t feel a bit guilty. After all, you’ve earned that cold one. Just 30 miles north, head to heady Boulder for a fun-filled day trip. Peruse the shops on Pearl street, including Prana's flagship store, or hike the first or second Flatiron trail in Chautauqua Park. End your excursion on a Latin note with a late afternoon bite on the patio at Aji, where you can unwind over ceviche and mojitos. Getting There: AirTran, United, Frontier, Delta and US Airways all fly direct to Denver from Atlanta for $149 each way (or less if you scout out deals in advance). From Richmond, you can reach Denver via Continental Airlines with a stopover in Houston or on Delta connecting through Cincinnati. Where to Stay: One of the city’s top-rated hotels, the Magnolia, also offers incredible convenience. Occupying a century-old, 13-floor building in the heart of Denver, you can walk to all the big sites in town—and enjoy being a temporary resident of one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. For just $20 more than the basic room, you all can stay together in a 700-square-foot suite instead.

What to Do: Where better to kick up your heels (cowboy boots, of course), and let loose than this funky Texas capital? Stock up on Western apparel with a trip down South Congress Avenue, stopping at the Airstream trailer Hey Cupcake! for a sweet treat to hold you over till dinner. At Alamo Drafthouse, you can grab a glass of wine and a bite while catching a movie—sometimes new, other times a classic—or you can head to Guero’s Taco Bar for some Tex-Mex grub. For the literaryand culinary-minded, a trip out to neighbors BookPeople and the 80,000-square-foot Whole Foods flagship store (complete with 14 restaurants and cooking classes) isn’t to be missed. If you can’t coincide your trip with one of Austin’s famous festivals, check out who’s headlining Stubb’s, an iconic club at the heart of the city’s music scene. Getting There: American Airlines and United fly cheaply from Raleigh to Austin, with stops in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, respectively. US Airways flies from Atlanta to Austin, stopping over in Charlotte. Where to Stay: While the Driskill Hotel is a city landmark, a stay at the quirky boutique San Jose Hotel on South Congress Avenue with its stucco walls and cactus accoutrements will have you feeling more like you’re in Austin than just any ol’ town. With a central courtyard, pool and bar, it attracts a more contemporary clientele and those ready to mingle. Its equally trendy sister property, Hotel Saint Cecilia, is a suitable alternative. Kristin Luna is a San Francisco-based travel writer who blogs about her journeys at camelsandchocolate.com and has contributed to Newsweek, Real Simple, People and others.

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May - June 2011

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health

tea time

herbs & spic

herb appeal

Left to Rig ht: Elderflo wer. Lemon ve rbena, Pep permint, Lavender, Cinnamon . Top: Rose petals

There’s nothing like an iced tea on a hot day. But these brews won’t just cool you off—they’ll cure what ails you. By Colleen Oakley

If you live in the South, sweet tea is a warm weather staple. And while tea is good for you, the cups of sugar (or pounds, if you make it like my grandma) are not. So we went straight to the experts to find delicious tea recipes that have added health benefits. Just pour over ice, and enjoy!

6 things you should know about herbal teas: 1. The longer you steep an herb, the stronger it gets, both in flavor and medicinal value. 2. The vast majority of herbs used for teas are caffeine-free and safe for children.

directions

(FOR ALL): Place loose herbs and water into a pot (stainless steel, glass or enamel pots are best) and cover. Bring to a boil and then immediately turn off the fire. Steep for one to two hours. Using a metal strainer, remove the herbs from the tea and add remaining ingredients. Stir. Pour over ice.

ailment

solution

why it works

ingredients

summertime allergies

elderflower delight

Rose petals have a calming and cooling effect, perfect for a hot summer day, says Kami McBride, author of The Herbal Kitchen. And elderflowers provide the antihistamine properties to quell your allergy symptoms.

1 tsp elderflower 1 tsp rose petals 2 cups water 3 tbsp maple syrup ¼ cup lime juice

PMS

cinnamon tea

Cinnamon is an anti-spasmodic herb, which means it helps calm overactive muscles in the body caused by the over-stimulation of certain hormones. Translation: it lessens abdominal pain and cramps during PMS.

1 tsp cinnamon 2 cups water 1 tsp honey (to taste)

headache or migraine

peppermint lavender lemonade

Both peppermint and lavender are often used in aromatherapy to treat headaches and migraines, says McBride. Deeply inhale the scents as you sip to help relieve your symptoms.

1 tsp lavender 1 tsp peppermint 2 cups water ½ cup lemon juice ½ cup honey

stress

lemon verbena tea

Lemon verbena is an herb that’s known for relaxing the nervous system, which can help reduce stress, says McBride.

4 4 1 1

3. An herb tea will keep for up to three days in the fridge with the medicinal properties intact. 4. It’s best to use bulk dried herbs, also known as “tea cut” or “cut and sift”. Purchase your herbs from a reputable retailer and smell before you buy. If there’s no smell, forget it. It’s old and will have no medicinal value left. Cut and sift herbs (aerial parts) generally have a shelf life of about a year. 5. Never put an herb in the microwave! The radiation alters the molecular structure and renders it quite ineffective. 6. If you have any allergies or chronic health problems, check with your doctor to make certain they’re safe for you to use. Julie Brannon, owner and herbalist at Bailey’s Naturals Herbal Apothecary in Safety Harbor, FL, baileysnaturals.com

tsp lemon verbena cups water cup lemon juice cup honey

For more great recipes or to find out more about herbal teas, check out The Living Awareness Institute at livingawareness.com May - June 2011

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family

baby carriers

adventures in babywearing Carrier types to match your active lifestyle. By Lindsey Grossman

No matter your parenting method, a baby carrier is a must for every mom...or at least it should be. A carrier may not give you that extra set of hands you’ve been praying for, but at least it gives you back the two you’ve already got. Babywearing won’t always make more sense for your situation than a stroller (say, when you’re swimsuit shopping), but it offers a bevy of benefits for both you and your little one. Taryn Leary, babywearing educator and co-founder of the Triad Tot Toters in Greensboro, NC, gives us the lowdown on six of the most popular carrier styles. Pouches

Mei Tais

Taryn’s Take: The working woman’s carrier. Pouches fold up into the tiniest bag, go on in one quick swoop, and hold newborns to toddlers. They are very affordable, but sometimes come at a cost; pouches must fit the wearer perfectly or they will not hold baby comfortably, they can only offer a one-shoulder carry and they are not ideal for sharing between partners (unless you’re both the exact same size!).

Taryn’s Take: An excellent compromise between simplicity and efficacy. A Mei Tai (pronounced MAY-tie) has a body panel where baby sits and four straps; two that tie around the waist to create a seat, and two top straps to secure the carrier. It’s easy to learn to use, comfortable, and great for sharing.

We love: Dittany Organic Pouch Sling. Artwork created by Virginia designer Shannon Krieger is hand screen printed onto these slings, made of 100 percent U.S.-grown certified organic cotton. Cradle, tummy or hip carry your baby up to 35 pounds. $48 • dittanybaby.net

We love: BabyHawk Mei Tai. A great fit for your tiniest to your toddler. Choose from one of several options in stock or get creative and design your own! While the straps make it easy to adjust for sharing, some of our favorite prints might challenge dad’s manhood. If he’s not confident enough to pull it off, this can be the “just for mom” carrier. Starting at $80, babyhawk.com.

BabyWearing Benefits

Good for You Do the gardening, chores, socialize, even dance, while providing a stimulating learning environment for your baby. Breastfeed hands-free while on the phone or shopping. Keep your baby close and happy while playing with your toddler. Get some exercise (walking) while your baby sleeps. No need to lug around an awkward, heavy carseat, or battle getting a stroller into your car, onto a bus or up stairs. Source: TheBabyWearer.com

May - June 2011

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greatly in price. The drawback? There is a steep learning curve, especially for learning back carries. We love: Moby UV. The SPF-treated fabric is perfect for protecting baby from the summer sun and doesn’t feel any different than regular cotton. Moby also offers workouts on their website that you can do with your little one, from squats and lunges to yoga! $44.95, www.mobywrap.com BabyWearing Benefits

Good for Baby Soft Structured Carriers Taryn’s Take: A modified version of the Mei Tai—a body with straps, but these straps buckle! SSCs are ideal for women seeking quick and easy on-and-off. They do have to be adjusted between wearers, and sometimes aren’t a great fit for newborns or small babies (often require purchasing a separate infant insert). We love: ERGObaby Performance. With a fabric that’s breathable, durable and one-third lighter than their standard carrier, Ergo’s Performance model has the active parent in mind. And a moisture wicking cooling panel comes in handy in the humid South! $135 • ergobabycarriers.com

Babies cry less. Research has shown that babies who are carried cry (on average) 43 percent less overall and 54 percent less during the evening hours. (Also good for you!) Good for baby’s mental development. Babies spend more time in a “quiet, alert state” when carried the ideal state for learning. Good for baby’s emotional development. Babies are quickly able to develop a sense of security and trust when they are carried. They are more likely to be securely attached to their caregivers and often become independent at an earlier age. Good for baby’s physical development. By being so close to your body’s rhythms, your newborn “gets in rhythm” much more quickly. Research has shown how this helps newborns (especially premature babies) to adapt to life outside the womb. Source: TheBabyWearer.com

Backpack Carriers

Wraps Taryn’s Take: An excellent choice if your main concern is comfort. Wraps distribute your child’s weight across your shoulders and entire back evenly, and support baby’s legs most ergonomically. They are extremely versatile, perfect for newborns to big kids. They come in two forms—stretchy and woven—and vary

and your baby. Already a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, Kelty found ways to improve upon their top-of-the-line model in their 2010 design with more storage space, a lighter load, better child seat ventilation, and a torso length that easily adjusts from the hip rather than the shoulder (in case you decide to let dad take a turn). $249.95 • kelty.com

Taryn’s Take: The answer for very active parents. These frame packs are best for hardcore hiking, because they hold baby away from the wearer’s body, keeping everyone from getting sweaty and hot. They are also often built to hold baby or hiking equipment on the back or sides, combining your load into one tidy package. These are not “all the time” carriers, however, and would be very bulky while shopping or cooking dinner, and probably a little overkill for a walk around the block. We love: Kelty FC 3.0. This baby comes with all the bells and whistles for you

Ring Slings Taryn’s Take: Feminine, quick and simple. These are basically an adjustable version of the pouch. Ring Slings have a long sweep of fabric attached and threaded through a set of rings (think like a belt buckle) to create a little pouch for baby to sit in. These are also perfect for newborns through toddlers, but only offer the oneshoulder carry, so would not be my first choice for a trip to the zoo or hike up a mountain. We love: Sakura Bloom Essential Linen. Two layers of reversible Irish linen, these slings are beautiful and practical. While linen’s delicate on your baby’s skin, it actually gets stronger as it gets softer. Plus, they come in pretty (reusable) drawer-style boxes, making them great gifts! $160 • sakurabloom.com May - June 2011

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL. 2011 Deva 60

Response™ Auto Fit Suspension does. That’s because packs like the Baltoro and Deva in the Gregory Response AFS line have interchangeable harnesses and waistbelts – allowing you to customize and perfect your packs fit right there in the store – improving overall comfort and performance while out on the trail. Centaurs everywhere raise a hoof and rejoice. To see the full line of customizable fit packs visit gregorypacks.com.

EXPLORE. CLIMB. HIKE. BIKE. RELAX. BREATHE. SHOP. DINE. VIEW. LISTEN. ESCAPE.

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Eat,Pray, Run

PHOTO: Beall and Thomas Photography

Following your bliss doesn’t have to mean taking a year off to travel the world. by ALEIGH ACERNI

A simple change of scenery can unleash your sense of adventure, whether you plan to steal away for a long weekend—or even just sneak away for a day. Read on to explore some incredible ways to give your passions a boost through your own mini-journey to selfdiscovery, no passport necessary. May - June 2011

Eat stay

Nestled into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and a short drive from Knoxville, TN, 4,200-acre Blackberry Farm caters to adventurous foodies who seek a beautiful (and delicious) escape. Inspired by both haute cuisine and indigenous foods, the chefs at Blackberry Farm are celebrated for their culinary prowess. A culinary delight year round, the property offers many special weekend events throughout the year, many of which pair history lessons with delicious cuisine. Our curiosity was piqued for the weekend of July 24, when the farm will host Smoky Mountain Table, a culinary journey exploring the history of food culture in Appalachia led by Blackberry Farm Master Gardener John Coykendall, Garden Manager Jeff Ross, Chef Joseph Lenn, and Fred and Carol Schrader of

PHOTO: Beall and Thomas Photography

Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN

Schrader Cellars in Napa Valley. Who needs Italy when you have Appalachia in your backyard? blackberryfarm.com

play

Take your stomach on a culinary exploration through beautiful downtown Asheville, NC (named by Frommer’s Travel Guide as one of 12 must-see travel destinations in the world) with

Asheville Food Tours, where you’ll join a small group of fellow foodies on a journey to taste your way through seven to 10 specialty food shops, from artful ethnic appetizers to buttery filets. Along the way you’ll meet local chefs and storeowners, and get a chance to learn the recipes of a few of the dishes you sampled. We can’t think of a better way to get acquainted with a new place. ashevillefoodtours.com

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Pray stay

A unique destination for yoga-minded travelers (and those who would like to live the yoga lifestyle full-time), the Satchidananda Ashram in Yogaville is located on the banks of the James River, 40 miles from Charlottesville, VA. Encompassing more than 600 acres and five sacred sites, the ashram offers a variety of options for meditation, prayer and spiritual gatherings. Visitors can explore their inner—and outer—spirituality through daily meditation, delicious buffet-style vegetarian meals, Hatha yoga sessions, and a variety of special events, including spiritual study classes, uplifting movie nights, weekend yoga talks, and more. Newbies to the yogi scene can sign on for a “Welcome Weekend,” a program designed as an introduction to incorporating yoga into your life, with guided meditation,

Nama-Stay: Spiritual retreats in your own backyard at Yogaville in Buckingham, VA.

Hatha yoga, a tour of the ashram, hiking, and a service at their beautiful interfaith shrine, Lotus. yogaville.org

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Dahlonega Spa Resort, just north of Atlanta’s hustle and bustle in Conyers, GA, is a serene escape for city slickers—the perfect way to cure big-city stress. Get reacquainted with your sense of inner

peace by spending a few quiet hours in front of their gorgeous meditation pond, or use your whole body to “pray” with a challenging yoga class. For those who feel like being in nature is a type of prayer, take advantage of Dahlonega’s other amenities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, cycling and rafting. When you’re finished, relax with a soothing spa treatment—then head home with a renewed sense of purpose. rrresorts.com/dahlonega

WWW.OSPREYPACKS.COM LOCATION: LASSEN PEAK, CA PHOTO: ANNIE VRANIZAN

May - June 2011

Run

Passion Picks

EAT Learn how to exist “in the moment” with award-winning Chef Andrea Reusing’s new book, Cooking in the Moment: A Year of Seasonal Recipes. A journey in cookbook form, it will take you through a year in Reusing’s home kitchen, as she serves up delicious dishes like summer berry pudding with cold cream or cider-braised pork shoulder using ingredients grown nearby. $35 • CrownPublishing.com

PRAY

stay

Pair your love of running with your passion for wine at the inaugural Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon in Leesburg, VA, this June. Just 45 minutes from the nation’s capital, a weekend of events surrounds this scenic run that begins at Breaux Vineyards and features 13.1 miles of beautiful Virginia wine country, ending at Doukénie Winery. Brilliant to the finish, the race concludes with a Wine & Music Festival, where runners can join with family and friends to enjoy locally farmed food, entertainment and taste local wines.run4virginiawine.com

play

Created as a U.S. Olympic training site, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is just 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and offers a multitude of activities for runners. The property’s popular trail system has 14 miles of trails that extend along the Catawba River and around ponds and 22

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lakes. The trails are ranked by difficulty in a system that’s similar to ski slope rankings: green trails are easy and mostly flat; blue trails are intermediate and offer slight elevation changes; black trails are advanced, with steep changes in elevation. It’s a great way to get in a long run on a sunny Saturday, and you can even bring your favorite four-legged friend along (the Whitewater Center is dog-friendly, too). For runners who seek cross-training opportunities, the Whitewater Center is a great resource. In addition to water sports (whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, sit-on-top kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and whitewater kayaking), land-lovers can get in a workout with the other sports offered on-site, including rock climbing, mountain biking, an adventure course, eco-trekking, canopy tour and canyon crossing. usnwc.org Aleigh Acerni lives and writes in Charlotte, NC. More at www.aleighacerni.com.

Before you toss your mat in your car for a yoga road trip, clean and disinfect it—naturally— with Manduka’s Mat Renew Spray, an allpurpose cleaner packed with essential oils that will leave your mat smelling fresh. $10 • Manduka.com

RUN Hit the trails in the new Cascadia 6 trail running shoes from Brooks. They’re made with 50 percent recycled content—half of which is postconsumer recycled content—making it a green way to tackle unpredictable terrain. $110 • BrooksRunning.com

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beach chic Fedorable. A refreshing spin on the typical straw sunhat, you’ll look hipsterrific from coast to coast. $38 • prana.com

Retro fit. Green in more ways than one, these shades are made from recycled materials, and Modo plants a tree for every frame sold. Do your part by shipping back your used glasses in the provided box and envelope. $129 • modoshop.com

Go for the gold. No beach ensemble would be complete without the right shade for your toes. Plus, proceeds from PeaceKeeper’s non-toxic polish helps fight urgent human rights issues! $8 • iamapeacekeeper.com

Two-piece de resistance. Swimwear designed for women, by women…the way it should be. We love the reversibility of both the top and bottom for when you’re not feeling so matchy-matchy. Bondi Bottom, $42; Rodeo Top, $48 • carvedesigns.com

Infinite possibilities. Skirt it for a walk on the beach or dress it up with a twist and tie around your neck to go straight from the sand dunes to dinner. Made from 90 percent organic cotton, it’s soft on your sun-soaked skin no matter how you wear it. Infinity Skirt/Dress, $72 • earthcreations.net Rock the tote. This reusable shopper also makes a great beach bag! Fully lined and water resistant with two outer pockets and three inner, it’s big enough to fit just about everything except your umbrella. $65 • janemarvel.com May - June 2011

breathein

Beaut y

full bloom Here’s a roundup of beauty products with powerful plants from the garden that feed your skin—and a few recipes to try out using ingredients from your own backyard.

ROSE: A favorite for its antiseptic, antioxidant, astringent and hydrating qualities, roses are wonderful for mature, wrinkled, delicate and combination skin. Make it: Rose and Coconut Bath Mix. You need: One cup crushed rose petals mixed with ½ cup coconut milk. Add to a hot bath to soothe and hydrate tired skin. (Plus, it smells fantastic.) Buy it: Trilogy Intensive Lip Treatment, $20 • TrilogyProducts.com

CARROT: Carrots are naturally rich in betacarotene, and help protect skin from damaging free radicals while promoting softness and moisture. Make it: Carrot Facial Mask. You need: Two or three carrots, boiled and mashed. Mix with half an avocado and two or three tablespoons of honey. Apply to your face and let sit for 15 minutes; rinse. Buy it: Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crème, $90 • SpiritBeautyLounge.com

TOMATO: Full of lycopene, a potent antioxidant, tomatoes offer anti-inflammatory benefits along with encouraging a clearer complexion. Make it: Tomato Astringent. You need: A big, juicy tomato. Slice it up, or dice and mash it—apply directly to your face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse. Buy it: Yes To Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub, $9.99 • YestoCarrots.com

THYME: Refreshing and a great cleanser, thyme is best for blemished, oily or combination skin. Make it: Thyme & Fennel Facial Cleanser. You need: A small handful of thyme (leaves only) and a few teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds. Mix with half a cup of boiling water and the juice of half a lemon, let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and store in the fridge. To use: Dip in a cotton ball and swipe all over your face. Rinse. Buy it: Nigerian Ginger, Sweet Lavender and Thyme Facial Cream, $36 • pangeaorganics.com

MINT: A gentle cleanser, mint cools and refreshes—great for sensitive, tired skin. LAVENDER: Great for circulation, lavender is known for its relaxing scent—some think it even has the power to ease headaches and minor muscle aches. Make it: Lavender Body Scrub. You need: Two cups salt (we recommend sea salt or Epsom salt; either will work well); a cup of oatmeal; two tablespoons fresh or dried lavender. Blend salt and oatmeal in a food processor until it’s ground into small pieces, add lavender, pulse until mixed in. Keep this lovely concoction in an airtight container in your shower and scoop out a small handful to smooth and moisturize skin. Buy it: Saaf Organic Pure Face Cleanser, $54.95 • Beautorium.com 26

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Make it: Mint Toner. You need: three tablespoons fresh mint leaves, the peel of one orange, a cup of boiling water, and a tablespoon of witch hazel. Crush the mint leaves, add the orange peel, pour boiling water over to cover; let cool. Strain out the liquid; add witch hazel and pour into a spray bottle for an allover body toner. Buy it: Olive + Mint Facial Cleansing Crème, $14.99 • AcureOrganics.com

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GEAR

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You’ve never been as fast or as fluid as you’ll be with Pearl’s Izumi’s latest trail runner, the Peak II. An ultra light 8.6 ounces, this game-changing shoe maintains a minimalist design without compromising the cushion and protection required by the trail. $115 • pearlizumi.com

Find train ing partn ers, log your workouts a nd map run ning rou tes at MapMy Run.com

Shield your feet and ankles from mud, brush, and other trail debris with Mountain Hardwear’s new Seta Strapless Running Gaiter. Cut to fit trail running shoes, the low-profile gaiter will not interfere with your stride. $35 • mountainhardwear.com

Inspired by the trail, the Echo Duo Tee features UPF 15 sun protection and moisture-managing polyester. We appreciate Outdoor Research’s flatseam construction to keep chafing at bay, and their patented odor control fabric that stays fresh whether it’s your second or tenth day out. $35 • outdoorresearch.com

Patagonia’s Long Haulers blend form and function better than any new short this year. Made from featherweight quick drying polyester (50 percent recycled), the shorts sport sexy side slits and a three-inch inseam, along with three external loops for attaching gel packs, and a rear center envelope pocket for your key. $45 • patagonia.com

The Buff has been showing up in all of our favorite outdoor sports, used as everything from neck warmers to face masks to wrist bands. For trail running, it’s perfect as a lightweight, breathable hairband to keep sweaty strays out of your face. $22 • buyabuff.com May - June 2011

EUREKA! SLEEPING BAGS ARE AVAILABLE AT THESE DEALERS: Mast General Store www.mastgeneralstore.com Asheville, NC Boone, NC Hendersonville, NC Valle Crucis, NC Waynesville, NC Columbia, SC Greenville, SC Knoxville, TN

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Jennifer volunteering with students in Kiminini, Kenya— her dream destination.

Lost Found a traveler

and

Jennifer Baggett and her journey around the world. by Laura Purcell

It took eight hours to travel from Nairobi, Kenya, to the tiny village of Kiminini, on bumpy, rain-gutted roads, but Jennifer Baggett didn’t mind. She was fulfilling a childhood dream as part of a round-theworld trip that would change her life. A year earlier, the Bowie, MD, native had a successful career in television and lived in Manhattan, but her love life had stalled. While vacationing in Argentina with her college roommate, Amanda Pressner, and their friend, Holly Corbett, the three women confessed they all felt adrift following paths that seemed predestined. They started calling themselves “The Lost Girls,” and dreamed about taking a year off to travel. “Every few years, every decade, you go through these feelings,” Baggett said. “‘Am I living the life I want to live?’ I feel like if I’m asking these questions, I’m already poised to make a change. When I feel stuck I like to travel, and I feel like

there are more possibilities.” Quitting your job and traveling around the world for a year is a major undertaking, especially at age 28. On her own, Baggett may not have pursued such a big adventure. But together, the three women didn’t let the dream die. After a year of saving and planning, in 2006 they left NYC for South America. “We didn’t have [financial] help,” Baggett said. “We made modest salaries and had a huge rent. But we made it a priority, and didn’t spend money on clothes and shoes and expensive furniture. Don’t let money or fear stand in your way.” To afford to be on the road for a year, Baggett and her friends chose destinations that Americans don’t commonly visit. “We didn’t go to Europe because it was too expensive,” she said. But it also allowed for more spontaneous adventure. “You have the world at your feet,” Baggett said. “We arrived in May - June 2011

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Bangkok, and discovered we could take a bus to Cambodia for three dollars.” In their year of travel, Baggett and her friends hiked Peru’s Inca Trail, attended an ashram in India, explored Southeast Asia, and ended their journey visiting New Zealand and Australia. The three also spent a month working with Village Volunteers at a girls’ school in Kenya, a country Baggett had dreamed of visiting since watching the Haley Mills miniseries “The Flame Tree of Thika”. During their travels, the women started a blog to chronicle their journey and keep in touch with family and friends. Before

Top 5 Lost Girl Travel Lessons Learned Everything you need for a yearlong journey can fit into the same bag as you would need for a one-week vacation— seriously! With a few exceptions, anything that you’d buy in the U.S. (from granola bars to contact solution) can be purchased abroad—and often for less depending on where you’re traveling. The world is safer than you think—just make sure you stay aware, keep your wits about you and make an effort to be a conscientious and gracious traveler (learning “please” and “thank you” in the local language can go a long way!). You’d be amazed how many people across varying cultures and backgrounds are willing to offer friendly advice and open their homes to you—and we were fortunate enough to encounter many of them during our yearlong journey. Uprooting our lives to take an unconventional detour was one of the most challenging things we ever did, but the experience taught us that getting lost isn‘t something to avoid, but to embrace. And that the only leaps of faith you‘ll ever regret are the ones you don‘t take.

they knew it, other readers discovered the blog, leaving comments and asking questions. In 2007, they won a Travvie Award for “Best Group Written Travel Blog”, which led to writing a book, The Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents, One Unconventional Detour Around the World, published in 2010. The community that the LostGirlsWorld. com created came as a surprise to Baggett. What began as a simple blog has become a valuable resource. She likes that she can continue to inspire others to travel, support charities and give emerging writers an opportunity to publish. While the trip didn’t inspire any huge epiphanies, Baggett says all three women changed in subtle and significant ways. “We all slipped into our routines after coming home,” Baggett said. “And it seemed like everything was the way it was before. But as the months went by, we realized we had changed. We no longer allowed job commitments to overshadow real life, and made friends and family a greater priority.” Even a year on the road hasn’t dampened Baggett’s travel bug. She calls herself a “travel purist,” and prefers to get lost when she travels by unplugging and being completely undistracted by the drudgery of daily life. These kinds of preferences can make it difficult to travel with others. Traveling with friends, says Baggett, “is a constant compromise. You feel like you have to be more polite at first, but eventually you just have to say ‘I need some alone time,’ without worrying about other peoples’ feelings.” However, Baggett believes the hard work makes traveling with friends worth it. “We learned to go deeper than a normal friendship. You see the world through your friends’ passions. It can be a challenging and rewarding way to travel,” she says. Holly, Amanda and Jennifer have continued to travel together, vowing to take at least one trip each year. It can be a great leap of faith to travel outside of your comfort zone, to give up that precious week you’ve spent a year earning for an adventure that may not pan out. But Baggett offers some advice to those about to take the plunge. “Consider volunteering or attending a language school,” Baggett said. “Structured programs like these give you a schedule and resources, and there will be people looking out for you.” “Some people feel like, if you don’t see everything that the guidebook talks

Awaken Yo ur Wanderlust

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about, you didn’t have a successful vacation. Treat your trip more like a living experience. Don’t try to squeeze in as much as you can. You’re not enjoying the culture if you’re moving around all the time,” she said. Baggett had never participated in a volunteer vacation before her trip to Kenya, and the experience affected her deeply. She now volunteers at a weekend program for kids in New York, and has continued to support Village Volunteers, raising enough money through a silent auction to send two Kenyan women to nursing school. Through their website, Holly Corbett established the Lost Girls Races, which encourages women interested in running competitively to collect pledges to support Village Volunteers. Although Baggett still lives in NYC and works in television, travel remains a priority. She’s visited San Francisco and the Napa Valley with Amanda and Holly, journeyed to Argentina and Portugal, and dreams of returning to Kenya. “It is rare that volunteers return, so it would be really rewarding to see the girls and reconnect with the volunteer coordinators there,” Baggett said. Always a thrillseeker, she’d also like to visit South Africa, to explore Cape Town, go on safari and try cage shark diving. Baggett has come to realize that what began as a trip to find herself became more than a personal journey. “Teaching others to do what we did, and how the Lost Girls World has grown, has kept us from slipping back to a place where we’re miserable,” she said. “We know now we have the power to change our lives because we’ve done it before. We can leave a job, pursue a relationship, or chase our passions, keep moving ahead and keep growing. And we have each other.” • Laura Purcell is a freelance writer living with her family in Blacksburg, VA. More at purcellink.squarespace.com. May - June 2011

WHY PUMP? All photos: Jim Meyers

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green living

in the bin

organic gardening

going au naturale in the vegetable garden

You can compost:

Animal manure • Cardboard rolls • Clean paper • Coffee grounds & filters • Cotton rags• Dryer & vacuum cleaner lint • Eggshells • Fireplace ashes • Fruits & veggies • Grass clippings • Hair & fur • Hay & straw• Houseplants • Leaves • Nut shells • Sawdust • Shredded newspaper • Tea

This year, ditch the chemicals and grow some lettuce that’s really green.

bags • Wood chips • Wool rags • Yard trimmings

By Cristina Santiestevan

What? At its simplest, organic gardening means growing plants without chemical-based fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or fungicides. Many organic gardeners also save seeds, grow heirloom and native plants, encourage pollinators and beneficial insects by planting flowers, and strive for a sustainable garden that works with the local growing conditions. But all organic gardeners start at the same place: a promise to be chemical-free.

Why? Not sure it’s worth all the fuss? Here are a just a few of the many reasons to go organic: It’s cheaper! No more money spent on chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides. Healthier in practice. Some of the ingredients in common lawn and garden chemicals have been linked with cancer, asthma and birth defects, as well as other health and developmental issues. Don’t you and your family deserve better? Healthier produce. Recent studies suggest that chemically-supplemented plants are actually less nutritious than their organicallygrown counterparts. It attracts the locals. Organic gardens tend to draw more butterflies, ladybugs and toads, who appreciate the chemical-free environment.

How? Going natural in the garden is easy…just ditch the chemicals. Because organic gardens tend to be more in tune with their growing conditions, they can weather challenges— drought, disease, pests—better than their chemically-supported counterparts. But, this doesn’t mean organic gardens are

DIY Garlic Spray Ingredients

maintenance-free. Just like in any garden, there will be weeds to pull, aphids to fight and plants to fertilize. The difference is in how you respond. Weeds are controlled by hand-pulling or mulch. Aphids can be controlled with a homemade garlic spray. And slow-growing plants respond better to compost than to any chemical alternative.

When? No time like the present! Spring is the best time to start a vegetable garden. Select a spot that gets full sunlight and isn’t likely to be damaged by storm runoff or heavy foot traffic. If you’re already gardening, but just need to kick the chemical habit, why not do it today? But, be prepared. Some chemical-dependent gardens do experience a bit of withdrawal when being weaned off of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Keep the garden happy and healthy by watering regularly, weeding often and treating it to a fresh batch of compost. By next summer, your garden will be doing better than ever, and all without any chemicals!

For a complete guide to keeping the undesirables at bay, check out The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control.

6-8 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped • 4 cups hot water • 1 tbsp liquid dish soap (we recommend Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Liquid Soap) Directions

Add garlic and hot water to a heatproof container. Stir and let steep overnight, loosely covered. Using a cheesecloth, strain the mixture through a funnel into a clean spray bottle. Add the dish soap. Notes This mix should work on aphids and a bunch of other insect pests. It’s generally safe for all plants, but might damage young, tender growth. When in doubt, best to test on a single leaf first. Since this is all natural and preservative-free, it will rot if not used within a few days, but the excess can be frozen. And, of course, this can leave a mild garlic taste on vegetables, so, if sprayed on something edible, wash before eating! May - June 2011

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Fickle Creek up on

by JODI HELMER

“If the steers start charging towards you, take a low, wide stance and block their path.” My eyes dart from the three five-monthold steers in their corral to Farm Manager Brian Horton. “You want me to step into the path of a charging steer?” “Yep. They’ll put on the brakes, I promise.” I briefly wonder whether putting a trio of 500-pound steers out to pasture for the first time should be left to an actual farmhand instead of an inexperienced journalist in search of an agricultural education. With all of the false confidence I can muster, I stutter, “OK…let’s do it.” When I signed on for a weekend at Fickle Creek Farm, a 61-acre sustainable farm in rural Efland, NC, I imagined idyllic farm chores like bottle-feeding lambs and collecting eggs in a wicker basket; the possibility of being trampled by cattle never entered my mind. Once out of their dusty corral, the steers trot along the narrow path, stopping to munch on tufts of grass. In their apparent excitement, the frisky young boys kick up their heels, their bovine bodies dancing in the spring sunshine. And then it happens— halfway to the pasture, one of the steers turns around and starts racing towards us. “Get wide and low,” Brian calls to me. Against my better judgment, I plant my feet and spread my arms. The steer sees us blocking his path, stops in his tracks and turns back towards the pasture. “See? I told you he would put on the brakes.” Experiences like this are the reasons guests participate in stays at Fickle Creek

Farm. Academics-turned-farmers, Ben Bergmann and Noah Ranells opened the farm to overnight guests in 2004. “We wanted to offer people a way to really experience the farm,” Bergmann explains. Farm stays were first introduced in Europe in the 1980s as a means for farmers to supplement their incomes during tough economic times. In recent years, farmers in the U.S. have thrown open their pasture gates to welcome guests. The concept took off and farm stays have become a nationwide trend. I dream about owning a small farm in the mountains of North Carolina. But before I order a flock of hens or purchase a tribe of goats, I decided to get some hands-on experience. Brian, a chef-turned-farm manager at Fickle Creek Farm agrees to let me act as an apprentice farmhand. Our day starts not long after the sun comes up. We refill water dishes for newborn chicks, check feed levels in the hog pens, and uncover flats of veggie seedlings in the greenhouse. I follow Brian for most of the morning, climbing over fences to feed dogs and fill the troughs in the sheep and hog pens, but I freeze when he enters a pasture where dozens of Barred Plymouth Rock hens strut to and fro, scratching the ground in search of insects. Brian greets the hens, makes a few clucking noises as they flock around his feet, and starts to explain the egg collection process; without taking my eyes off of their bright yellow beaks, I interrupt to make a confession. “I’m terrified of birds.”

“Really? Well, these girls aren’t going to hurt you…” To demonstrate that I have nothing to fear, he reaches beneath one of the hens perched in her nesting box and pulls out an egg. The hen never clucks or ruffles a feather. Brian waits for me to follow his lead. His this-is-so-easy-little-kids-can-handleit attitude puts me at ease. I reach toward a nesting box and slowly slide my hand inside. “It’s OK, girl, I’m not going to hurt you,” I assure the chicken. “Just give me your eggs and I’ll leave you alone.” I feel an egg, grasp it between my fingers and pull it from the nesting box. I make the same move a second time and a third, adding the eggs to the basket hanging from the henhouse. Brian collects at least five eggs for each one I place in the basket, often pulling two or three at a time from the nesting boxes; I pick up the pace, determined to prove myself a worthy apprentice. “You’re getting the hang of it,” he remarks. Over the next few hours, we gather more eggs and I start to feel more at ease. By the time Brian announces his plan to put the steers out to pasture, I have plotted a career change; I imagine trading pecking away at the keyboard for raising chickens—though I never admit that I plan to collect eggs in a pretty wicker basket, wearing striped rubber boots. Jodi Helmer is the author of The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference. Since returning from Fickle Creek Farm, she has been researching chicken breeds and drawing coop designs. May - June 2011

e l t t i l Get a e h t n o mud tires.

Hey Ladies!

Take the back roads. And take the challenge. Tell us your favorite back road in Southwestern Virginia, share your photos and be in the running to be in our next ad campaign in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine! Get on Facebook and “Like” us to share your adventure.

www.blueridgehighlands.org

Your life together is going to be a journey, an adventure and an amazing story.

Let the celebration begin at

New River’s Edge.

Your family and friends will thank you for it as they ﬂoat, paddle, ﬁsh, and play the weekend away on the beautiful New River in Pembroke, VA.

All Inclusive Lodging • Canoeing • Tubing Kayaking • Rafting • Fishing

Giles

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COUNTY virginia

Grab your fly rod, hiking boots, kayak paddle,running shoes and mountain bike. You’re about to experience adventure “Giles Style”.

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breatheability

q&a: Katherine Kransteuber

The most important aspect of being on the team is the camaraderie and service that we can provide to the cycling community.

Endurance Cyclist, Environmentalist Greenville, SC

Whether she’s riding with the Greenville Women’s Cycling Team or organizing an urban farm tour as Program Coordinator for the Shi Center for Sustainability at Furman University, one thing is clear: Katherine’s all about her community. Tell us about your work with the Shi Center. I wear many hats, but my primary responsibilities are working with faculty members who are interested in incorporating sustainability into their courses, working with students on various sustainability projects, coordinating any volunteer/community events, and supervising two AmeriCorps members who coordinate Furman’s Community Conservation Corps, a weatherization program for low-income homeowners. In my work, it’s important to remember that sustainability isn’t only about the environment…it’s about making sound decisions that are at once environmentally sound, fiscally responsible and socially just. What’s your best advice for leading a sustainable life? Good question! At the heart of living sustainably is examining the broader impacts of personal decisions. For example, the car that you drive doesn’t only affect you, and the clothes that you buy are likely made by workers who don’t earn a livable wage. Certainly small environmental steps and changes in our individual lives are important—for example, eating more local food, driving less and recycling. But small steps are only part of the equation. I would advise instead to ask yourself, “What do I really need?” Making changes related to the answer to that question,

spend with my girlfriends on the bike!

to me, will lead to a sustainable life. Most people will find that they need far less stuff and far more community and peace than they have. Do you practice what you preach? In terms of environmental impact, my husband, Jake, and I have shared a car for the past four years. We eat a fair amount of local food, have a small garden at our house and can/freeze lots during the summer and fall to eat during the rest of the year. I make my own cleaning supplies, and our thermostat is set at 63 in the winter. As a distance runner and endurance cyclist, what is it about longer races that appeal to you? When I signed up to run my first marathon seven years ago, I realized that it was the first time I’d decided to do something that I wasn’t sure I could actually do. It was a wake-up call. My whole life, I generally had been participating in activities that I knew I could accomplish, be it school, work, athletic events, etc. I’ve since decided that I don’t want to be limited by that fear of failure. Endurance events are challenging, but I enjoy the training process, and of course enjoy crossing the finish line! I’m also an introvert, and generally run by myself, even if I’m marathon training. Cycling is a bit different—I love the time I

Do you bike to work? Yes, but not every day. That depends on the car situation and the weather! What’s your favorite local ride? I love to start at Furman (north of Greenville) and ride up the Saluda Watershed to Flat Rock, NC. The Flat Rock Bakery is one of my favorite places, and provides a yummy stop (the savory scones are wonderful!). And, the way home is mostly downhill! What gets you going in the morning? Getting to spend time outside, sunshine and the smell of coffee. How do you unwind at night? Every day after work, Jake and I take our dog Emma on a walk. We decompress, chat about the workday and just enjoy being with each other. For me, walks are a wonderful transition into the evening! What’s in your pannier? Polarized sunglasses, BodyGlide. For a long ride in the summer heat: CarboPro, a little Gatorade and a Nuun tablet in each bottle (and supplies for refilling). Congrats on your pregnancy! Is your growing belly changing how you stay in shape? Thank you! The baby (a boy!) is due on August 15. I’m hoping to ride some this spring before it gets too hot, but I’ll be too big for riding in the summer! May - June 2011

breatheout

Nearby nature

your big backyard

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.

By Jennifer Horton

-Marcel Proust

Although highways are now more common than flyways and the only jungle you may ever see is of the concrete variety, you can still catch glimpses of the great outdoors in your everyday life. Witness the tiny blade of grass pushing its head through the sidewalk or the family of robins nesting in the “o” of the neighborhood Kroger. The following tips offer up ways to welcome a bit of the wild into your daily life. Adventure a la Audubon To learn more about the natural world in your area, look no further than your local Audubon chapter. Offering guided bird walks, outings, educational programs and other events, Audubon connects people with nature in the most (seemingly) unlikely of places. Glimpse any number of wildlife species within minutes of the interstate on a field trip in metro Atlanta 38

readbreathe.com

or try your hand at “birding by Metro” in Washington, DC. With more than 500 groups scattered throughout the U.S., there’s bound to be a chapter near you. audubon.org

Path Finder For trail hounds, check out TrailLink.com. Rails to Trails Conservancy’s free service allows you to search by trail length, surface, activity or zip code to find multiple options for your day’s run, ride or treasure hunt! traillink.com

Bird Nerd Once you have a bird feeder at your kitchen window, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without one. It’s like a National Geographic documentary every time you sit down to eat. Turn your new favorite pastime into research for scientists by signing up for a citizenscience project sponsored by the Cornell Laboratory for Ornithology. Projects like Celebrate Urban Birds and Project Feeder Watch help scientists understand bird populations and patterns of behavior that would be nearly impossible to study without the help of dedicated bird watchers around the world. birds.cornell.edu/citsci/projects

Look, Listen and Learn Look (up). Wildlife isn’t hovering around your shoelaces. Hawks, falcons and other species often make their homes in urban areas. New York even has its own resident red-tail living on Fifth Avenue. Find out what’s been reported in your area at nwf.org/wildlifewatch.

Listen. Familiarize yourself with a few simple bird calls at enature.com/birding/ audio.asp. Turn off your iPod on your next run and play an intriguing game of “guess who?” instead.

Learn. Find your inner flower child. With the GSM Wildflowers app, you have your pick of more than 175 wildflower species in the Great Smoky Mountains right at your fingertips. Many of the varieties can be seen throughout the Southern Appalachian Range. $4.99, itunes.apple.com

No Earthly Idea Not sure what you’re looking for? Head over to “Nature Find” at the National Wildlife Federation’s website, where you can search by zip code, activity, site type, and voilà! No thinking required. nwf.org/naturefind

May - June 2011

Buy map. Throw dart.

The 2011 Outback. The adventurer’s vehicle of choice. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive grips whatever comes your way. An efficient transmission gives you an enviable 29 mpg.* Best of all, it’s built in a zero landfill plant, so you can indulge your urge to explore, responsibly. Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

Outback. Well-equipped at $23,195† ®

*EPA-estimated hwy mpg for 2.5i Continuously Variable Transmission models. Actual mileage will vary. †MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Dealer sets actual price. Outback 2.5i Premium pictured has an MSRP of $24,495. Vehicle shown with available equipment.