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ADVENTURES IN ISOLATION
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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
JUNE
WIN . . . AND WHEN YOU’RE READY Visit Mountaineer Country, WV
Choose Your Four-Day Escape for Two
EXTREME SPORTS
SPA, GOLF AND FLIGHT
WINE, DINE AND ROMANCE
Feel the rush of class IV-V whitewater rafting followed by a private rock-climbing lesson and exhilarating zipline canopy tour. After some competitive ax throwing, you’ll be ready for the four-course wild game dinner for two! Includes three nights in a secluded mountain cabin.
You’ll need the luxury of four massage treatments after three full rounds on the links! Best of all, you’ll see Mountaineer Country from the sky with a scenic flight over the area, followed by a private wine tasting and fivecourse dinner for two. Includes three nights in a luxury suite.
Start your morning with a Champagne breakfast and basket of indulgent chocolates in your deluxe two-room suite, then off to a tranquil day on the lake; return to a custom wine pairing and cooking demo. You’ll also enjoy a spectacular winery tour and farm to table private dinner in the gardens.
Register to win at
visitmountaineercountry.com
800-458-7373
BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.com
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT BLAKE DEMASO b l a ke @ b l u e r i d g e o u t d o o r s . c o m E D I TO R I N C H I E F J E D D F E R R I S jedd@blueridgeoutdoors.com P U B L I S H E R L E A H WO O DY leah@blueridgeoutdoors.com
Versus Kayaks made in the Blue Ridge – Introducing the Carolina Climbers Conservation Corp – Responsibly recreating during the pandemic.
E D I TO R I A L & P R O D U C T I O N S E N I O R E D I TO R W I L L H A R L A N will@blueridgeoutdoors.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER AMELIA MCCONNELL amelia@blueridgeoutdoors.com T R AV E L E D I TO R E L L E N K A N Z I N G E R ellen@blueridgeoutdoors.com
39 | PERSPECTIVE
KIM DINAN
Refuge of Lowered Expectations: New appreciation for adventures near home.
C O N T R I B U TO R S D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N E R I C J. WA L L AC E R A N DY J O H N S O N N OA H P O U LO S
43 | THE GOODS
Paddling gear for waters both big and calm.
C O P Y E D I TO R S JULIA GREEN, ROBERT MCGEE
Mindful Music: Two new thought-provoking folk albums.
M A R T H A E VA N S
martha@blueridgeoutdoors.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E H A N N A H C O O P E R hcooper@blueridgeoutdoors.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E TAY LO R L E A L taylor@blueridgeoutdoors.com
F E AT U R E S
B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R M E L I S S A G E S S L E R melissa@blueridgeoutdoors.com
16 | SOUTHERN PADDLING GUIDE
D I G I TA L M E D I A
Cool down in the waters of the Blue Ridge. We’ve rounded up some of the region's best boating spots—from raging rivers to flatwater lakes.
O N L I N E D I R E C TO R C R A I G S N O D G R A S S webdir@blueridgeoutdoors.com D I G I TA L C O N T E N T S P E C I A L I S T
S H A N N O N M C G OWA N
shannon@blueridgeoutdoors.com C I R C U L AT I O N I N Q U I R I E S circulation@blueridgeoutdoors.com
24 | ADVENTURES IN ISOLATION
As the pandemic persists, area athletes and adventurers are finding creative ways to get outside.
PUBLISHING
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33 | RIVER SNORKELING
GOT A STORY IDEA OR COMMENT? B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S . C O M
PHOTO BY MOLLY WOLFF
©2020 Summit Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
submit@blueridgeoutdoors.com
43
44 | TRAIL MIX
ADVERTISING & BUSINESS S E N I O R AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E
SUMMIT
JUNE 2020
09 | QUICK HITS
A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R K AT I E H A R T W E L L katie@blueridgeoutdoors.com
J E S S DA D D I O A.K. CLEMMONS DA N I E L D E W I T T WA L LY S M I T H
A PA D D L E R , A D A M , A F T E R A R U N O N T H E G O S H E N PA S S O N THE MAURY RIVER OUTSIDE OF L E X I N G T O N , VA .
D E PA R T M E N T S
C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R L AU R E N WO R T H lauren@blueridgeoutdoors.com
O U T D O O R N E W S E D I TO R
ON THE COVER
24
A primer for an easy, accessible way for families to get on the water.
41 | UNDERDOGS
Red wolves make another comeback. JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
7
This #UniquelyAlleghany moment courtesy of the Alleghany Highlands Blueway. #OutdoorAdventure #AlleghanyOutdoors
Plan your Uniquely Alleghany getaway at VisitAlleghanyHighlands.com 540-962-2178 • 888-430-5786 • #UniquelyAlleghany
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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
QUICK HITS
OUTDOOR INDUSTRY
IN THE NEWS BY KIM DINAN
INSPIRED BY 30S-ERA CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORP, NONPROFIT FORMS THE CAROLINA CLIMBERS CONSERVATION CORP
As unemployment rates reach never-before-seen numbers, the Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC)—a 25-year-old nonprofit dedicated to preserving the natural environment, promoting safe climbing practices and preserving climbers' access to climbing areas in North and South Carolina—has announced the formation of the Carolina Climbing Conservation Corp (C4). C4 will be staffed by people whose employment was affected by the pandemic. The C4 crew will be responsible for building critical trail infrastructure in the Carolinas. “Sustainable trails are critical to strengthening access in the Carolinas,” said Mike Reardon, Executive Director of the CCC. “Many in the climbing community have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are thrilled to create a conservation corp crew to complement our extensive volunteer stewardship efforts, which have been a hallmark of the Coalition.” The first focus of the C4 crew will be to cut trail at the newly opened Pumpkintown wall located inside South Carolina’s Table Rock State Park. Additional work will be done at Big Rock and potentially Hickory Nut Gorge and other climbing
areas across the Carolinas, if funds last. The CCC has initially allocated $5,000 to the C4 with an immediate goal of raising $25,000 to sustain the initiative. “These are exceptionally difficult times,” said Tom Caldwell, President of the CCC. “This is when we need to stand even stronger to support our climbing community and access, as well as invest in the future of climbing through sustainable infrastructure. We need the support of companies and individuals alike.” Anyone interested in donating to the C4 initiative can do so online at www.carolinaclimbers.org/c4.
$10,000
Salary of Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle, who earlier in the spring drastically cut his own wage while the stalwart outdoor industry gear and apparel company continued to pay employees their regular salaries, including retail employees at shuttered stores.
OSPREY EMPLOYEES SEW MASKS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS To assist healthcare workers during the pandemic, Osprey, the long-standing backpacking company, shifted the production focus of its Cortez, Coloradobased warranty and repair team, who in early April started exclusively sewing fabric masks that are
A L E S H A R E A R D O N , C L I M B I N G AT B I G R O C K I N S O U T H C A R O L I N A , WHERE THE C4 CREW WILL BEGIN WORK. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAROLINA CLIMBERS COALITION.
being distributed to nearby Southwest Memorial Hospital and their local health department. Osprey’s team has the capacity to sew 100 fabric masks a day, and the masks can be worn over N95 medical-grade masks. “In this unprecedented time, I am inspired by our team’s response,” said Layne Rigney, President of Osprey Packs. “The repair team is giving our entire company something to be proud of.”
NEW PODCAST AIMS TO HELP OUTDOOR LOVERS DURING THE PANDEMIC
Outdoor Revival, a new podcast created by a group of outdoor industry professionals, aims to help anyone and everyone who loves the outdoors better understand how they can safely and responsibly recreate during the pandemic. “Even though we are a band of seasoned outdoor professionals, we could not make sense of all the information and misinformation we were getting from the mainstream media,” the podcast creators said on their website (theoutdoorrevival. com). “So we decided to take it upon ourselves to seek out the top figures in the outdoor industry and create resources for all who love the outdoors but want to keep themselves as well as everyone around them safe and healthy.” JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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CANOE KENTUCKY Canoe Kentucky is the Bluegrass State's premiere paddle sports destination. Providing canoe, kayak, raft and stand up paddle board sales and rentals on the Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River. Day trips for families and friends available, as well as overnight paddling experiences, guided themed paddling tours, like Bourbon History and Local Breweries, and much more. Selling the top names in canoes and kayaks, like Jackson, Native, Hurricane, Nucanoe, Wenonah and more. Free demo's and boat test drives seven days a week.
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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
THANK YOU for all your support! Let’s keep enjoying the GREAT OUTDOORS while social distancing! We are
OPEN! Curbside service available!
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Fish in the Chesapeake Bay in the Charter Boat Capital of Maryland. Plan your trip at www.ChooseCalvert.com/BRO JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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FREE FISHING DAYS
Whether it’s stripers on the coast, trout in the mountains, or anything in between, it is time to experience the fun of fishing in Virginia! Make plans to take advantage of Free Fishing Days June 5-7. Invite a family member or friend and come out and wet a line without having to purchase a fishing license. See more and find educational resources: http://dgif.virginia.gov/freefishingdays
THE VIRGINIA SPORTSMAN CELEBRATING THE SPORTING LIFE
SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!
THEVIRGINIASPORTSMAN.COM
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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
QUICK HITS
L O C A L LY M A D E
JOSH PECARIC DROPS WITH STYLE O F F W O N D E R FA L L S O N T H E L O W E R SECTION OF THE BIG SANDY RIVER. P H O T O B Y A N D R E W H AW K I N S
ONE BARN, THREE GUYS, AND A LOT OF BOATS MEET THE SMALL TEAM RUNNING A VIRGINIA-BASED GRASSROOTS KAYAKING COMPANY B Y S H A N N O N M C G O WA N
PAST THE OPEN TRAILS, THROUGH THE rushing rivers, and over the Blue Ridge Mountains, there is a barn—a barn filled with big dreams, high stoke, and a whole lot of kayaks. It’s the home of Verus Kayaks. Founded in 2017, Verus is the only Virginia-based grassroots kayaking company, run by three guys in Roanoke who have a serious passion for paddling. The owners design their specialized boats based on the waters they want to be paddling and pride themselves on creating kayaks by kayakers, for kayakers. “We mostly make small batch boats and more aggressive designs that other manufacturers aren't willing to take the risk on,” said Josh Pecaric, president of Verus Kayaks. Along with Pecaric, Andrew Hawkins and George Fiske are dreaming up and manufacturing two different kinds of high quality boats: composite fiberglass and high-density polyethylene (HDP) roto-molded. While the HDP roto-molding process is the standard of kayak making, composite boats are a rarity. “If you contact Verus Kayaks, you're talking to one of us, one of the three people that literally has a large hand in the whole operation,” said Hawkins, director of operations. “We can make changes on the fly.” The name of the company comes
from the Roman era of Verus, the last gladiator to have ever been recorded fighting in the Roman Coliseum. The Verus team is motivated by displays of strength and agility to create highquality kayaks meant for all levels of boaters. Pecaric, originally from Roanoke, started dreaming up the idea of Verus kayaks as he studied at Virginia Commonwealth University with Hawkins and guided canoe trips in Canada during the summer with Fiske. They all shared a love for paddling and hopes of making it the center of their lives. So when Pecaric started the company in 2017, he went to Fiske and Hawkins to form a team of paddlers who felt as connected to the Blue Ridge as he did. “This is our life,” Hawkins said. “We want to support people to carry this wonderful sport with them through life, not just get pushed too hard too fast and get scared out of it, like you see so often today. It’s so much more than the gunning for the big stuff.” While a small operation, the company is growing quickly, offering a variety of whitewater and fishing kayaks. Their newest creations, the Hellbender and the Gladiator 2.0, are new whitewater boats set to come out this summer. Pecaric, Hawkins, and Fiske dream up all of Verus’s boats and bring them to life with the help of
Adam Baggot, another passionate and experienced boater who helps design the boats as the company’s official CAD Engineer. “The Hellbender, our slicey kayak, will be a really aggressive downriver boat that'll be reminiscent of all the boats that came out in the early 2000s, when the sport was really exploding,” Pecaric said. “The Gladiator 2.0 is taking the original gladiator style and morphing it into a complete half slice boat, allowing you to actually play the eddy lines of the river a lot better. There is all new outfitting in all these boats.”
GIVING BACK TO THE BLUE RIDGE
Naming one of their newest boats the Hellbender was no accident. It was inspired by their home rivers in Virginia where the endangered species is found. “You find Hellbenders in local creek beds, but only in extremely freshwater streams around Virginia,“ said Fiske, creative director. “They are these cool, super big salamanders that are local to our roots and are in need of awareness. Hellbender is also such a cool name that has this sort of wizardry connotation to it. So that's also where the Wizard Lizard came from.” The Wizard Lizard is one of their mascots for promoting the fun and unique lifestyle of kayaking and the positive impact it can have on
mental health. They want to design merchandise to help raise money for mental health awareness. “Kayaking has a huge impact on us as people in terms of our mental health and how we feel after we get off the water,” Fiske said. “That's something we can bring to everyone else and push it to the masses. I think the more people that go kayaking, the happier the world is.” The Verus team is also currently working on a carbon inventory of their emissions as a company, which covers the carbon cost of production and shipping. From there, they plan to invest in local offset projects on a per-boat basis to cover the net carbon output for each kayak. Their future goal is to make carbon neutral kayaks and be able to invest in local river conservation. “We love it here,” Hawkins said. “You can travel all over the country and paddle everywhere but coming back to Virginia and your home rivers will always feel good. Virginia always feels like home.” SCAN THE CODE TO GO TO VERUS TV AND CHECK OUT ALL THEIR MANY ADVENTURES ON RIVERS OF THE BLUE RIDGE!
JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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Go Gaston. Get Online.
Themed Trail Sweepstakes Gaston County offers a wide range of outdoor experiences to meet many interests. Participate in our online sweepstakes to learn why you’ll want to include Gaston County in your future travel plans and to enter for a chance to win great recreational products.
JOIN THE FUN: GoGastonNC.org/sweepstakes FOLLOW THE FUN 704-825-4044 | GoGastonNC.org @GoGastonNC
BRINGING YOU HOME TO THE ADVENTURE
call for a free visitors guide heartofappalachia.com 14
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
•
276-762-0011
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info@heartofappalachia.com
JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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water ON THE
2020 SO UTHERN PADDLIN G G UIDE
BY ELLEN KANZINGER
ROCK RUN IN RALSTON, P E N N S Y L VA N I A . P H O T O BY SCOTT MARTIN
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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
AS SUMMER HEATS UP, THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO COOL DOWN THAN EXPLORING THE WATERS OF THE BLUE RIDGE. WITH INCREASED ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS HOPEFULLY ON THE HORIZON, WE’VE ROUNDED UP SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING AND UNIQUE PADDLING SPOTS IN THE MID-ATLANTIC AND SOUTHEAST. FROM EXTREME WHITEWATER RAPIDS TO CALM AND PEACEFUL LAKES, WE’VE PROVIDED PLENTY OF OPTIONS TO INSPIRE YOUR FUTURE WATER ADVENTURES.
RAGI N G R I V E R S Big Water on West Virginia’s Blackwater River
When kayakers first started paddling the Blackwater in the mid-80s, John Regan was one of the first down the river. “There were very few people paddling hard whitewater, let alone the Blackwater,” he said. “Back then it was a way different ballgame than it is nowadays. When I was first running the Blackwater, we were paddling boats we made out of fiberglass and composites.” In November 1985, huge rainstorms and major flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Juan swept through the Mid-Atlantic and changed the river forever. “Before the flood, the handful of folks that were on the river then were the only ones that ever paddled that river,” Regan said. “In that spring of 1986 when we went back, it was like exploring a whole new river again. It was in the same canyon and had the same gradient, but it definitely had different features.” The Upper Blackwater starts below the falls at Blackwater Falls State Park. This two-mile run is chock full of Class IV and V rapids as the river drops 250 feet per mile. The Lower Blackwater starts at the North Fork Confluence where the river widens up. You’ll still see some big drops and solid whitewater for the next seven miles until the river peters out to Class II. Paddlers who regularly run the Blackwater recommend doing all nine miles together to avoid the painful straight uphill climb out of the river at the confluence. BEST STRETCHES: Although there are a lot of memorable rapids on the Blackwater, Regan particularly enjoys My Nerves Are Shot And I Can’t Take It Anymore, a three-part Class V near the end of the Upper. “It’s where the river changes from a boulder, ledgy riverbed to bedrock,” he said. “It slides, it’s really fast, accelerates, and has a really good kicker launching into the second part of the slide. It’s super dynamic and a super pretty rapid up against the right wall.”
He also stressed boaters should be prepared before paddling the Blackwater. “It’s not a forgiving place,” Regan said. “There have been some deaths on the river, and the rescue squad has been called on multiple occasions. Respect the difficulty and the wilderness aspect of this run.” Beyond the challenging Class V whitewater, paddlers also experience the beauty of the high alpine forest of the Canaan Valley as the river drops into Blackwater Canyon, showing off the mountain laurel, rhododendron, and tannic water. Art Barket paddles the Blackwater every chance he gets. When it rains, he’s checking the levels, usually between 250-550 cfs, and putting his crew together. “It’s an epic experience every time we go,” Barket said. “Right off the bat, it starts out intense. Right away, you have to make a ferry into 100 Yard Dash, which is one of the harder rapids on the run. You have those butterflies when you put on. After you get through that rapid, you can kind of calm down. The river eases for a while before it ramps up in the heart of it.” Barket said first timers, even experienced paddlers, should always go with someone who knows the river. “Many of the rapids have different pathways that lead to undercuts and sieves if you go the wrong way,” he said. “You need a good knowledge of the river. There are a lot of dangerous obstacles, but there are also clean lines through all the rapids.” BEFORE YOU GO: All paddlers must register with the state park in case of emergency. Blackwater Falls is off limits and running the falls will jeopardize access for all paddlers.
Stunning Scenery and Whitewater Variety on Tennessee’s Caney Fork
Whether you’re looking to park and play, run some Class II-IV rapids, or go for a peaceful extended paddle, the Caney Fork River has something for everyone. Mack O’Rear, a self-described 19-year-old in a
T H E P L AY WAV E AT R O C K I S L A N D S TAT E PA R K . P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F MACK O'REAR
JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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M E AT G R I N D E R ( C L A S S I I I + ) ON THE LOWER RUSSELL FORK. PHOTO BY KENTUCKY W H I T E WAT E R , K Y L E K O E B E R L E I N - PHOTO LANDMARK
72-year-old’s body, didn’t start paddling until he was in his 50s. After getting involved with the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, he started making trips out to the Caney Fork at Rock Island State Park. “I was born in Tennessee, traveled through Tennessee, did a lot of outdoor stuff in Tennessee, and I’ve never seen anything quite like Rock Island,” he said. “It’s just phenomenal. It’s this beautiful river gorge, almost like the Grand Canyon through there. There’s this massive, unbelievable waterfall like something you’d see in Costa Rica and Hawaii.” BEST STRETCHES: Putting in at the Twin Falls Overlook, it’s less than a half-mile paddle to the play wave at the base of Twin Falls. “A lot of paddlers don’t appreciate it because they’re used to going on these four- or five-mile whitewater trips,” O’Rear said. “But there’s about a mile stretch of unbelievable waterfalls and gradients. Picture the most beautiful wave you’ve ever seen in Hawaii, and it never ends. It just runs constantly. Playboaters love it in their technical boats nowadays, doing spins, flips, tricks, and surfing that wave.” Rock Island attracts boaters of all abilities, including world champion kayaker Eric Jackson and his family of pro paddlers, who established their home base near Rock Island. Depending on the number of generators running upstream at the dam, paddlers will see a variety of levels at the wave. “A misconception of Rock Island is they think you’ve got to be Eric Jackson level, jump in at 3,500 cfs, and get your butt handed to you on a silver platter,” O’Rear said. “It’s sweet, gentle surf at 1,800, hardcore at 3,500, but it can go up to 50,000.” As the river flows northwest through Tennessee, there is some excellent flatwater paddling behind the Center Hill Dam. Andrea White, the Tennessee State Director for the American Canoe Association, said the Caney Fork is more than a playboater’s paradise. “There’s a new access [point] at Big Bottom [in White County],” she said. “Just some gorgeous paddling back there if you just want a really casual, flatwater paddle that doesn’t really take any kind of experience or skill.” And it tends to run at a consistent level. “The Caney is one of the only places in the summer that has a dam release river for casual paddlers,” White said. “When the other rivers dry up during the summer, it still has water.” BEFORE YOU GO: Watch the dam release schedule before you visit Rock Island. There’s a significant difference between 3,000 cfs and 12,000 cfs in how much water is processing past a single point. “They’ve had a number of swiftwater rescues there lately because there’s so much water,” White 18
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
said. “I really encourage people to wear their lifejackets, even if it’s just a casual summer day.”
The Yough: ‘A Creek Learner’s Paradise’
The Youghiogheny River snakes its way through West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, offering variety for paddlers of all levels in each of its sections. “The middle is laid-back, a lot more of a scenic tour out there,” said Andy Hiss, who’s been guiding on the river with Laurel Highlands since 1998. “The Lower Yough is a great step up. You get to start to run a lot of the moves you’re going to make on the Upper. Then the Upper Yough is everything whitewater.” Hiss prefers the Yough to better known whitewater rivers like the Gauley in West Virginia because of the range of options. The lower section offers some good holes and waves to park and play. When water levels get low, it’s a great spot to practice your attaining, a reason it became the site for the annual Upstream World Championships. “The Upper Yough, with its flowing waters, is just a creek learner’s paradise,” Hiss said. “When it gets higher, it gets a little sketchy and gets your heart running a little bit. If you’ve got the Upper Yough dialed in, you're good to go for a lot of creeks out there, like Big Sandy.” BEST STRETCHES: Paddlers hit the Yough for beloved rapids like National Falls, Dimple Rock, and Entrance Rapid. BEFORE YOU GO: “Mind the etiquette out there,” Hiss said. “If you know people are racing down through and you’re taking your time, give them a moment while they pass by. And vice versa. If you’re racing, slow up or run a different line to not mess with the newbie that’s already overwhelmed with all of the different moves they're expected to learn eventually.”
Raging Rapids on the Russell Fork
The rugged Russell Fork River, located in the primitive country on the southwest Virginia/eastern Kentucky border, is best known among paddlers for the Class V craziness that comes via dam releases every October, culminating with the annual Lord of the Fork race. But Jason Foley, who’s been paddling the Russell Fork for almost two decades, first as a kayaker and later as the owner of Kentucky Whitewater, says the river isn’t just for experts.
PA D D L E R S E X P L O R E T H E BONNEAU BEACH SECTION OF LAKE MOULTRIE. PHOTO BY DEB M I M S , B L U E WAY A D V E N T U R E S
“Even though the Russell Fork has this reputation where folks should really watch themselves, there’s really more options out there,” he said. “The Russell Fork has different personalities at different levels.” Winter and spring are the river’s high-level seasons for more experienced paddlers, but in the summer it caters to a broader range of skill levels, when water levels get significantly lower. The river’s different sections also have their own distinct features. The upper section starts in Virginia as a wild river with a dam on the other end. From there, the river runs through the Russell Fork Gorge and Breaks Canyon with some Class III and V sections. BEST STRETCHES: Foley is a big fan of El Horendo, a visibly impressive Class V rapid in the Gorge section. “It cascades into several drops over about 25 feet of verticality,” he said. “You have to make some moves in there. You have to actually maneuver and navigate through the rapid.” The river also passes by Breaks Interstate Park on the state border. “Breaks is probably one of the hidden gems as far as outdoor recreation and parks,” Foley said. “It’s out in the middle of nowhere and you have to really be making that your destination. It is such a beautiful place. I can’t even explain how great Breaks is.” The park includes hiking and biking trails, a zipline with views of the gorge, and rock climbing. If you’re looking for a calmer paddle, check out the pedal boat and canoe rentals on Lake Laurel. BEFORE YOU GO: Check the water levels before paddling the Russell Fork. “With the recent rains we’ve had, it’s running at 4,000 cfs, which is the upper end of what anybody has ever ran it,” said Foley. “It would be difficult to even get to a bank at this flow.”
F LATWAT E R FU N Low Country Splendor on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie
Bald Cypress swamps and island beaches characterize the scenery surrounding South Carolina’s Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. Bordered by national and state parks and forests, in addition to a few wildlife management areas, and connected by a canal, the lakes are surrounded by
bald eagles, white-tailed deer, dense forests, and fields of aquatic flowers. BEST STRETCHES: Ed Deal, owner and guide for Blueway Adventures, recommends Sparkleberry Swamp on the western end of Lake Marion. This 16,000-acre flooded forest is full of hidden creeks and wildlife in a remote wilderness. “The population here isn’t what the Charleston population is, so we don’t get the big crowds,” Deal said. “If you want some alone time, this is a good place to come.” The calm and shallow waters are perfect for beginner and casual paddlers looking for a new spot to explore. “Most of the places are four feet deep or less, which makes for a great paddling experience because you don’t have to deal with currents and waves,” Deal said. For further exploration of the area, try the watershed’s numerous other waterways, including the Congaree, Santee, and Cooper Rivers and Wadboo, Quinby, and Huger Creeks. Paddlers looking for a multi-day trip can try the Swamp Fox Canoe & Camping Trail, which runs 50 miles through both lakes. With five camping spots located on the route, you can get in a week of paddle-filled days and nights around the campfire. Longer paddling trails like this are becoming more popular across the Blue Ridge (see sidebar). BEFORE YOU GO: When planning a long-distance paddling trip, make sure to research weather and water conditions before you go. Plot your camping spots and places you might need to portage.
Relaxed Exploration on Philpott Lake
Having lived in Franklin County, Va., her entire life, Robin Davis has long considered Philpott Lake a local treasure. During the summer, her family would spend their days swimming in the lake and camping by the water. “We didn’t have fancy trips to the beach,” she said. “That was our go-to place on the weekend because we could be there within 45 minutes.” Davis fell in love with the lake all over again when she and her husband picked up paddling. “The beauty of it is you just get in your boat and start paddling,” she said. “It’s very relaxing. For a day trip, you can’t beat it.” Philpott Lake is a 2,880-acre reservoir controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and power generation. Without any residential houses on the shoreline, it’s a peaceful escape about an hour outside of Roanoke that can be accessed by one of several boat ramps around the JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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PA DD LI N G TRAIL S IN THE BLUE RIDG E A growing number of paddling trails, like the 50mile Swamp Fox Canoe & Camping Trail in South Carolina, are being developed in the Southeast. “Counties and cities are not just thinking of the greenways and trails like back in the day,” said Deidre Hewitt, a regional program manager for the National Parks Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, which is supporting communityled conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the country. “[They’re saying] ‘We have a river. Can we bring people to the river? We have this great marsh
system or creeks that have high water. Can we figure out if we can connect those?’” With efforts additionally assisted by state and local partners to create maps, add signage, and develop camping spots for the route, a number of new projects are being developed, including the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail, an 800-mile trail up the coast from Georgia to North Carolina through a series of connecting waterways; the Neuse River Blueway Plan, also an alternate route to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in North Carolina; and Tennessee RiverLine, a
lake. For overnight trips, many campgrounds dot the Philpott shoreline, while a more primitive option is Deer Island, a paddle-in only campsite. BEST STRETCHES: One of Davis’s favorite spots is Calico Rocks, a 200foot cliff you can view from an inlet where cellphones don’t work. “It’s just beautiful, all the little coves you can go in and be off of the main channel,” Davis said. “There’s not a lot of traffic on it because people can’t live there. It’s preserved. You can go for however long you want to and maybe not even see anybody.” Those looking for faster water can put in at the base of Philpott Dam and paddle the Smith River to Bassett or access more outdoor adventures at nearby Fairy Stone State Park. BEFORE YOU GO: This is a big lake with much to explore. Pack enough water and food to keep energy levels up while out in the sun, and also bring sunscreen to avoid a burn on the exposed sections.
Rare Landscapes at North Carolina’s Merchants Millpond State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park holds one of North Carolina’s rarest landscapes, where paddlers can glide among towering Cypress and Gum trees covered in Spanish Moss. “It’s a totally different environment,” said Kevin Fonda of Adventure Kayak Tours. “Instead of just being on a river traveling down, you kind of just wander around the forest. You can come around the corner and run into an alligator floating or whitetail deer out there in the middle of the millpond. All kinds of turtles, snakes, butterflies. It’s really pretty scenery, especially in the summer when it looks like a jungle or the fall when the leaves change over.”
652-mile continuous route along the Tennessee River for paddlers, hikers, and bikers. “It’s beginning to become a big trend because not everybody can get to a lake,” Hewitt said. “I think that’s a great idea to show people in urban areas that would not think to go out in the woods to experience that. It’s something fun, quick, and it’s not like you have to be out all day on the water. I think those opportunities have gotten a lot more interest in drawing people to see their resources.” •
Visitors shouldn’t let the idea of paddling with alligators scare them away from this gem. “Alligators are just like every other reptile,” Fonda said. “They don’t want anything to do with people. I’ve been there over 70 times and I’ve only seen an alligator twice. People have this misconception that it’s like south Florida.” BEST STRETCHES: Stick to the front by the visitor’s center or follow the water trail through the woods. Take advantage of the campsites, including some paddle-in only sites, for an extended trip. Canoe rentals are available on site if you don’t want to haul a boat with you. BEFORE YOU GO: Although it’s only a 750-acre millpond, it features a maze of forest, making it easy to get lost. Consider packing a GPS to help you navigate.
Paddle the Palisades on the Kentucky River
The Kentucky River—a wide and scenic 260-mile tributary of the Ohio— offers calm and serene paddling options with consistent water throughout the summer. The river winds into remote sections of the mountains and the Daniel Boone National Forest, but it also meanders past Kentucky’s capitol with a stretch through downtown Frankfort. BEST STRETCHES: Stunning scenery awaits in the Kentucky Palisades, a majestic 100-mile section of the Kentucky River that features a meandering stretch of steep cliffs, deep gorges, limestone ledges, and tucked-away caves. BEFORE YOU GO: Contact Canoe Kentucky (canoeky.com) for more information on put-ins, guided trips, and boat rentals.
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Across the Blue Ridge and around the world, people came together while apart. We saw outdoor enthusiasts going on teddy bear hunts around their neighborhoods, riding bikes, and running marathons in their backyards. In a time when we were asked to socially distance to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, we spoke to adventurers across the region about how they adapted to restrictions while creatively getting outside.
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ISOLATION STAYING ACTIVE OUTDOORS IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING BY ELLEN KANZINGER
With two young children at home, restrictions on gatherings and access to their usual hangout spots meant getting creative for Molly and David Wolff. Social distancing is difficult to explain to a two- and four-yearold. At first, the West Virginia-based Wolffs were still going to trails in their local area. But as trailheads became overcrowded, making it difficult to practice social distancing, they eventually restricted their outdoor time to around their neighborhood. “You can’t keep a two- and fouryear-old from touching picnic tables,” Molly Wolff said. Instead, they explored new places in their neighborhood, places they had always wanted to check out but put off for other things. The kids helped build foam boats to play with in the creek. Wolff said her oldest, Arthur, went from riding a strider bike to a pedal bike with no wheels. Now he goes on three bike rides a day with dad. The virus hit at the time of year when many families kick off their camping season. Since Grayson Highlands and other family favorites were inaccessible, the Wolffs decided to make their yard the campground.
T H E W O L F F FA M I LY G O E S F O R A B I K E R I D E . PHOTO BY MOLLY WOLFF
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“We almost blew it off,” Wolff said. “But as soon as we set up the tent in the front yard, the kids started losing their minds. It was the easiest camping trip we ever had. We threw out a tent and sleeping bags. The kids were ecstatic. And in the morning, we walked back inside and had a cup of coffee. But they loved it. That was a great way to break up some of the boredom.” Wolff, a photographer and paddler in the Mountain State’s New River Gorge area, cut out downriver kayaking almost immediately. “I have lupus, which is an autoimmune disease,” she said. “All through flu season, I’ve been kind of practicing social distancing anyways. It was not to this extreme. When this all went down, I was already fairly well prepared. We immediately stopped hanging out with other groups.” Wolff didn’t want to risk running a shuttle with other people. Instead, she transitioned to flatwater kayaking solo on a lake near her neighborhood. “For kayaking, I just tried to get in the mindset that now is a great time to work on flexibility, strength, and stabilizing so that when we get back to kayaking, I’m rested and stronger,” she said. With everything going on, Wolff said screen time has definitely increased in their household. But it’s also been eye opening for how much they can do outside on a budget, making do with what is around them. “While a lot of things are super depressing, scary, and uncertain, I’m definitely grateful to be ( L E F T ) T H E W O L F F S O N A FA M I LY H I K E . P H O T O B Y M O L LY W O L F F / ( R I G H T ) D E V I N C O W E N S B I K E D A R O U N D AT L A N TA T R Y I N G T O F I N D T H E BEST "BIKEDROPS" DURING HER RIDE. PHOTO BY COWENS
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stuck home with these guys,” Wolff said. “It really is a time where we’re making sacrifices for the greater good. If we just remind ourselves of that, we can keep our sanity and hang on a little longer.” Because she falls into the high-risk population, Wolff said she plans to take extra precautions when getting back into socializing. But she’s looking forward to getting back outside with New River Climbing School, a guiding business she and her husband own. First thing Wolff plans to do when things start to open back up: Go for a paddle on the New River with a group of friends.
Looking Forward to Friends
Although she’s still biking on her own, Devin Cowens said she misses riding with a large group of people and sharing a mutual passion for cycling. “That’s something I didn’t expect to really feel,” she said. “Bikes bring me a lot of joy, but so does the social aspect of biking.” As the events planner for East Coast Greenway, Cowens was already working from home on a semi-regular basis. But she also got to travel, taking her bike wherever she went. Now limited to biking around her home base in Atlanta, she’s finding new ways to explore the city. She’s been working on a scavenger hunt of sorts, finding cool backdrops around town to take photos of her bike. “I think that when this is over, nothing will be the same,” Cowens said. “There will be a new normal. I think I will ride a ton, but I think I’ll be a lot more
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present and more appreciative of that time.” Cowens recognizes that she’s not biking nearly as often without group rides or friends to go out with. Instead, she’s preparing for future trips as she plans new routes to take and places to visit. In order to preserve that community aspect, Cowens said she’s been connecting with other local cyclists through social media. She co-hosted an online bikepacking info session with WTF Bikexplorers ATL and Girls Gone Gravel. “I still want to get my backpacking fix, since I can’t really do that right now,” she said. “I think we’re all getting a lot of information right now and there’s an immediacy to learn something new. We wanted to do more of a low key, informal session. Engage with folks who are itching to get outside but can’t or folks looking to fill time.” When things start opening up and travel is safe, Cowens said she’s looking forward to exploring more of Georgia and its parks. “We’re going to be in this for a while, and that’s okay,” Cowens said. “I do want to be able to get back outside with other people but recognizing the necessity to be patient about that and take it slow. I’m really looking forward to a time when we can meet again but know that may not be right around the corner for the safety of everyone.”
TOP: CLIFORD MERVIL AFTER A BIKE RIDE WITH HIS DOG, LEAH. PHOTO BY MERVIL / BOTTOM: CARRIE ANN CHANDLER AS SHE F I N I S H E S H E R F I R S T M A R AT H O N . P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C H A N D L E R
As for her next marathon, Chandler said it definitely won’t be another virtual event. But she’s looking forward to the chance to compete in person with other runners, the excitement of the race, and the feeling of accomplishing something. First thing Chandler plans to do when things start to open back up: Head to 12 Bones Brewing for a beer and blueberry chipotle wings.
Brushing Up on Skills
First thing Cowens plans to do when things start to open back up: Although the destination isn’t set yet, a long weekend bikepacking trip with some friends.
A Virtual Marathon
The Asheville Marathon was supposed to be Carrie Ann Chandler’s first marathon. Since starting her training last fall, she overcame injuries, raised money for Girls on the Run, and wondered on numerous occasions why she was giving up her Saturdays for this. She found support from local running groups like Badass Lady Gang and Trail Sisters to keep going. “Running has been a whole journey, which it is for everyone,” Chandler said. “It’s this very personal thing.” A few weeks before the race date, the Asheville Marathon’s organizers canceled the event after North Carolina’s governor issued a state of emergency. Instead, they encouraged runners to participate in the event virtually, posting their runs to Strava and social media. When COVID-19 first hit, Chandler said she was consumed by all of the news and recommendations coming out. With the race now canceled, she made the decision not to participate in the virtual event. But on March 22nd, the day the race was supposed to happen, all the hard work and pain she put into training hit. “It was so emotional and awful,” Chandler said. “This has been my life for the last six months.” A few days later, she put on her shoes and started her marathon. Instead of running the hills of the Biltmore Estate, Chandler ran loops around her neighborhood in the pouring rain, determined to finish under the cutoff time of six and a half hours. “It was harrowing,” she said. “I had like four miles left to go and my sister, who lives in New York City,
calls me because she was watching me on Strava. She was like you’re not going fast enough. You’re not going to make it. The only reason I was able to beat the cutoff was because she talked to me for three miles.” With her wife set up as the only aid station, Chandler beat the cutoff time and completed her first marathon. “The follow through and the staying power is worth it,” she said. “I’m glad I did it. I wish it would have been different. I was sad and didn’t really acknowledge the grief that this thing has been taken away from me. But I think it’s worth it.”
You can usually find Cliford Mervil in the mountains of western North Carolina, checking out the peaks of the Blue Ridge with his dog, Leah, a camera, and some friends. With trail closures and social distancing guidelines, all of his connections with other hikers and photographers have moved online. Instead, Mervil’s been hitting the mountain biking trails early in the morning to keep out of contact with others and going for long walks with podcasts in the afternoon. Since Leah usually hikes with him, it’s a great way for both to get their energy out. Since he can’t use this time for camping or backpacking trips, Mervil has been preparing for future trips by brushing up on skills and knowledge. He’s excited to get into the world of alpine climbing when things start opening up. “The main thing is knowing the snow, knowing how avalanches work, and the safety of it,” Mervil said. “I’ve never really had the time to sit down and actually focus on it. I’ve been spending a lot more time doing research and training, seeing what it’s all about, sharpening my tools while resting a bit.” To keep up with his photography, Mervil has been taking online adventure photography workshops with Jimmy Chin and others to work on things like framing and composition. “One of the most important things as photographers is finding new compositions,” Mervil said. “You will see people who have done it before. So, it’s finding something to make yourself stand out, being different, and capturing the emotion in what you see.” But he’s also using this time to rest and recharge so that he’s ready to go when trails and campsites start opening up again. “I feel like it’ll make me spend a lot more time outside because you simply don’t know when something else might happen that limits whatever you were planning on doing,” Mervil said. “I’ll wait until tomorrow to do this or I’ll wait until next week to do this trip. Whatever you’re thinking, just do it now because you never know when something might happen.” Although we can’t be together now, there’s a lot to look forward to in the future. First thing Mervil plans to do when things start to open back up: Watch the sunrise from Tennent Mountain followed by a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Minnesota.
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NEW LENS
RIVER SNORKELING IS A GREAT WAY FOR FAMILIES TO GET OUTSIDE, STAY ACTIVE, AND EXPLORE NATURE. B Y E R I C J . WA L L A C E
W
hen my two kids were small, family canoe trips were easy. Then they got older and things like who sits in front, where to stop and swim, accidental paddle-splashes, or simply passing a bag of chips, led to near-constant bickering. Next came gripes about sitting still. My spouse soon refused to participate. What to do? Tubing trips brought their own problems. Kayaks required buying a tow vehicle and trailer. I started longing for the simple, infectious Zen of family snorkeling trips in Hawaii and the Caribbean. The activity bundled exercise, summer swimming, quiet, and immersive nature experiences like no other. Then it hit me: Could we make it work in nearby rivers? I quickly added quality masks and snorkels to our tubing rigs and we hit the water. The response was an enthusiasm that—to my astonishment— dethroned skiing and snowboarding as my kids’ favorite outdoor to-do. They delighted in exploring segments of rivers they’d complained relentlessly about having to paddle. Looking for fish and wildlife in underwater boulder fields, rocky crags, and gentle rapids brought endless amusement. They begged to stay despite fading sunlight and the need for dinner. At home, they consulted online freshwater guidebooks to discover what they’d seen. Good news aside, there was a substantial learning curve. We wasted outings on botched antifog treatments. Our first long trip nearly got us stranded by nightfall. Outings centered around isolated, densely forested sections brought nearzero visibility. The list goes on. But we learned quickly. And my kids have since become zealous advocates—urging friends and pretty much anyone we meet on the river to give the activity a try. I too wanna spread the message. Below is a guide to help you and your family get started.
FINDING SPOTS
The key to great family river snorkeling trips lies in finding good spots. That said, criteria for assessment will vary from group to group—depending on geography, kiddo swimming abilities, and so on. These tips and tricks will help attune your thinking and point you in the right direction. PHOTO COURTESY OF OXBOW RIVER SNORKELING & BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES, AN OUTFITTER OFFERING GUIDED TRIPS IN NORTH CAROLINA.
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD LOCATION?
Freshwater snorkeling comes in three main forms: Exploring swimming holes and still-water areas, skulking upstream, and floating for longer distances downstream. So, deciding where to go depends on what you want to do. But there are common ingredients. Above all, fun snorkeling experiences hinge on underwater eyecandy, so clear water, rocky bottoms, and interesting ecosystems are the ticket. Mountain rivers that feed major tributaries are typically a good place to start. Features like long, relatively slow-moving sections filled with big boulders are havens for fish. Riffles also offer interesting pockets of rocks and wildlife. In Virginia, for instance, the headwaters of the Maury River at Goshen Pass are exemplary. Another important factor: Light. Dense, bankhugging forests bring excess shade and occluded viewing opportunities.
LOCATE NEW AREAS
Unfamiliar with regional waterways? Try checking the website of your state’s department of game and inland fisheries (or equivalent agency). Virginia, for instance, lists rivers by region and offers canoeing and kayaking info for many sections— including fishing hotspots, which are often great for snorkeling. Another option is to call outfitters. They know the local rivers well and are typically happy to make suggestions. They also offer cheap shuttles for point-to-point trips. Some, like North Carolina’s Oxbow River Snorkeling & Backcountry Adventures, do guided experiences.
PLANNING
Calculating timing and mileages for downstream river snorkeling trips can be tricky. Some areas inspire lingering. Others, window-gazing as the current does its thing. Initially, it’s best to start with shorter distances— say, a mile or less. Pick spots where, should you finish too quickly, it’s easy to shuttle up for a repeat. Because, if the spot is good, second runs are desirable.
GET EQUIPPED
Proper equipment is the foundation of great river snorkeling experiences. Luckily, quality gear is remarkably affordable. Here’s a list of essentials, with tips for choosing.
MASKS
While bargain packages may work passably in swimming pools, they will leak and fail in rivers. Instead, invest in upper-midrange or high-end offerings from professional brands like Cressi or TUSA. A premium mask will slash learning curves and maximize good times. But picking takes consideration. First and foremost is fit—a hair too big and you’ll get constant leakage. Visiting dive shops makes fittings easy. When buying online, take facial measurements and use sizing charts.
Next comes lenses. Tempered glass is a necessity. For younger kids, consider a dual-lens setup: Frames make them sturdier, less likely to fog, and easier to adjust. Adults and conscientious teens will enjoy frameless, single lens models—which offer a wider field of sight and better peripheral vision. The award-winning Cressi F1 sells for around $35. Other considerations include skirts and buckles. The former should be high-grade silicone. For the latter, a frame-anchored quick-release system is best. Though slightly more expensive, they simplify adjustments considerably.
SNORKELS
Buying a quality snorkel brings confidence that helps kids and adults adjust to the peculiarities of breathing while swimming underwater. Matching with mask brands ensures compatible connection systems and minimal obtrusiveness. There are a few requisites for choosing. First is a reliable dry guard that bars water from entering the tube when you dive. Second is flexible construction—allowing for mobility that won’t compromise your mask’s seal. Next is a comfortable, properly sized, high-grade silicone mouthpiece. Lastly, a purge valve for blowing out saliva and water. The Cressi Alpha Ultra Dry is great and costs about $40.
FINS & GLOVES
Gloves and fins are nice, but nonessential. (Ditto for wetsuits in summer conditions.) That said, they do enhance experiences. So, a word. Fins increase mobility and swimming efficiency, helping you dive deeper, slice through currents, and better follow fish. They also protect your feet. Look for a pair with short fins, closed pockets, and rugged grippy soles. Head Volo Ones do the trick for about $30. Pair them with neoprene water socks to avoid blisters (under $20). Neoprene diving gloves protect water-softened fingers and hands from sharp rocks and debris. They’re great for grabbing boulders, pushing off rocks while swimming downstream, and more. Webbed gloves are like fins for your hands. Both options run around $30.
ANTIFOG SPRAY
Without it, lenses fog within seconds. Jaws brand Quick-Spit spray costs about $6 a bottle and should be applied on-site, each time you go out. Here’s how to do it right. First, clean your lenses. Start by rinsing off debris and grit in the sink. Then use a toothbrush and toothpaste to gently scrub away facial oils, fingerprints, and grime. Pat dry and buff with a soft towel. Store masks in individual plastic containers or bags to keep them clean and prevent scratches. Riverside, spray a few pumps of Quick-Spit onto your mask’s interior lenses. Tilt it from side to side, coating the glass totally. Then dip it into the water, washing away the solution completely. Repeat for the external lenses. TIP: If your face or fingers touch the glass, the point of contact will fog. So, bring along a cleaning kit just in case.
INNERTUBE AND COOLER RIG
Longer downstream swims bring considerations like portable hydration, snacks, and possible kiddie fatigue. Waterproof coolers and hydration packs can be lashed to sturdy innertubes with bottom-liners. The latter offer relief if someone needs a momentary break.
SAFETY & GETTING STARTED Like mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding, river snorkeling brings inherent dangers. Taking a few easy precautions minimizes risks.
START SLOW
Begin with a trial run in an area with clear water and easy conditions. A swimming hole with negligible current, rocky bottoms, and walkable shallow areas that give way to depths of about eight feet is ideal. Small kids can wear life vests and catch interesting sights from the surface while learning to stay partially submerged and breathe through their snorkel. Older children can get familiarized with diving by belly-crawling in chest-deep water. That way, if they panic or get scared, they can simply stand up. Once they’re confident, they can move on to progressively deeper waters. Use a similar approach for downstream trips. Begin with short journeys (.5 miles or so) in gentle currents with manageable depths and build from there.
Best Practices • Protective footwear. Unfortunately, irresponsible fishermen, litterers, and floods create dangerous hazards in rivers. Stepping on a fishing hook, shard of broken glass, or jagged rocks can ruin a trip and spell a visit to the emergency room. • Swim with buddies and stay close. Pay particular attention in areas with stronger currents and deeper waters. • Be careful when rivers are high. Luckily, poststorm turbidity makes for bad snorkeling. Still, there are occasions when receding waters turn clear, but leave dangerously powerful currents. Check river gauges ahead of visits for depths and never swim in conditions that exceed any member of your party’s abilities. • Floating Downstream. Navigating riffles and small rapids while snorkeling takes some getting used to. Start by assessing areas and picking lines ahead of time. Deeper spots are easy enough to swim. Tackle shallower areas by crawling along head first (in a superman position), picking your way from rock to rock. Drag your feet and grab boulders to control speed. Wearing gloves will boost confidence and protect your hands and fingers. • Pollution. Sections of waterways near former or current industrial sites, power plants, cities, and so on, can sometimes be unsafe to swim in. When visiting new areas, first check for closures with your state’s department of game and inland fisheries (or equivalent agency). JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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PADDLING
the Southeast
As we continue to social distance and stay safe this summer, here are five paddling experiences across the region to inspire your next adventure. Use this guide to plan for future trips in the Blue Ridge when we can all be together again. Please check with locations prior to travel to make sure river access is open.
Photo courtesy of Alleghany Highlands.
ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS, VIRGINIA Get lost in the mountains and enjoy the waters in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia. Grab your kayak or paddleboard and float the many lakes, rivers, and streams that make up the Alleghany Highlands Blueway. Explore the Jackson River as it flows through the two downtowns, Covington and Clifton Forge, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Follow the river on foot or bike as the Jackson River Scenic Trail runs for 14 miles along its banks. Paddle the Cowpasture River, with a few smaller rapids, as it converges with the Jackson River to form the headwaters of the James River. Visit Douthat Lake at one of Virginia’s oldest parks, Douthat State Park. Swim, boat, or fish on the 50-acre lake. Or explore more than 40 miles of top-notch biking and hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the mountains. At the other end of the Alleghany Highlands, you’ll find even more paddling opportunities at Lake Moomaw. Located at the base of the Gathright Dam, the 2,530-acre man-made lake is perfect for boating all year. Camp in the national forest and sleep among the stars. Head to Alleghany Outdoors, located beside the Jackson River
and Scenic Trail, for all of your gear needs while in town. They provide kayaks, rafts, tubes, and mountain bikes for a variety of adventures. They also operate a shuttle service, so you don’t have to worry about getting back. The Eastern National Children’s Forest is the perfect place to get your young one outside and exploring the natural world around them with easy hikes and towering trees. A trip to the Alleghany Highlands wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Falling Spring Falls. View the 80foot waterfall from the overlook on Route 220. While you’re in your car, head over to Humpback Bridge. Picnic beside Alleghany the bridge, listed Highlands on the National Register of Historic Places, as you listen to the sound of the stream flowing past. Spend the night in the area known for its deep railroad history. Stop into the Alleghany Arts and Crafts Center or the Clifton Forge School of the Arts to enjoy a number of classes or unique exhibits. See a show at the newly restored Historic Masonic Theater. Keep an eye out for several events in the area, including the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Alleghany Gran Fondo, and Lake Moomaw Open Water Swim. All of this, and more, is what makes this part of Virginia Uniquely Alleghany. VISITALLEGHANYHIGHLANDS.COM
NEW RIVER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES, VIRGINIA New River Outdoor Adventures in Galax, Va. is your one stop shop for all things fun on the New River. With their location right by the river and New River Trail State Park, you’ll have access to any number of adventures in Southwest Virginia. Rent a kayak, canoe, or tube to experience the cool and refreshing waters of the river. Choose from a variety of trips lengths, ranging from a two-mile scenic float to a 14.5-mile paddle with a Class II rapid. Pack a lunch and go for a swim while you’re out there. Experience the river from the 57-mile New River Trail with a half day or full day bike rental. With both boat and bike shuttles offered along the trail, you can soak up the sun for miles. While you’re there, don’t miss out on fishing for bass, musky, walleye, and more. This outfitter is stocked with all the necessities you’ll need for a day on the water, including river shoes, hats, and live bait. Take advantage of New River’s private riverfront camping options to extend your stay in the area. Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains with New River Outdoor Adventures. NEWRIVEROUTDOORADVENTURES.COM
Galax Photo courtesy of New River Outdoor Adventures.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES
Gilbert Run Park, Explore Charles County
CHARLES COUNTY, MARYLAND Bordered by the Potomac and Patuxent rivers, Charles County, Md. provides paddlers of all abilities the chance to discover the area’s history and natural wonders by boat. Just 30 miles from Washington, D.C., it is the perfect escape to the water and easily accessible. Explore more than 100 abandoned ships dating back to the Revolutionary War and World War I at Mallows Bay Park. You can also see bald eagles, river otters, turtles, and more when you paddle this national marine sanctuary on the Potomac River. Take a virtual tour of this “Ghost Fleet” online through the Chesapeake Conservancy. Hop on Nanjemoy Creek from Friendship Farm Park. You can customize your trip length as the creek flows into the Potomac four miles from the park. Paddle tributaries of the Potomac from two state parks in the county. Access the Port Tobacco River from the sandy soft launch during low tide at Chapel Point State Park. Explore Mattawoman Creek from the boat ramp at Smallwood State Park. Both parks provide easy access to more miles for paddling when you reach the tidal Potomac. Families will enjoy paddling Wheatly Lake at Gilbert
Run Park. Rent a pedal boat, rowboat, canoe, or kayak for the afternoon. If you need a boat for the day, check out Atlantic Kayak Company for single and double kayak rentals on Mattawoman Creek. They also offer guided trips, including a sunset or ship graveyard tour, if you want to dive deeper into the area’s history. When you are done on the water, check out the multi-use Indian Head Rail Trail. Discover 13.1 miles of paved trails through forests, natural wetlands, and farmland as well as other parks and wildlife along the way. Head to Bike Doctor for all your cycling needs and stop by Beacon Charles Surplus County to select your kayak, canoe, and water safety accessories. View the Port Tobacco River Park’s resident eagles, Chandler and Hope, from the wildlife observation decks. Take the time to check out the other museums, antique stores, and parks in the area, including Piscataway National Park. Refuel at one of the many unique restaurants in Charles County, from farm-to-table cuisine and local seafood to barbecue and homemade ice cream. Finish up with a drink at Blue Dyer Distilling Co. before settling in for a night at your bed & breakfast, campground, or hotel. Wake up ready to explore more of the adventures that await when you visit Charles County, Md. EXPLORECHARLESCOUNTY.COM
Whether it’s getting your pulse racing with a little whitewater on the New and Shenandoah rivers or enjoying a serene day on the flatwater of the Mathews County Blueways Water Trails, nothing quite matches a day on the water in Virginia with a paddle in your hand. Keep in mind that when you’re on the water, you’re safest while wearing a life jacket. If you’re going out alone, make sure to inform someone of your route. The Clinch River, the most biodiverse river in the Northern Hemisphere, flows 135 miles from its start in Tazewell, Va. to the Tennessee state line and is definitely worth a paddle. Daniel Boone once explored its shores and waters. Supporting a wide variety of rare and endangered freshwater fauna, the Clinch is home to almost 50 species of freshwater mussels, more than any other river in the world. Stop by the DGIF’s Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center in Marion, Va. to learn more about these freshwater mussels. If fishing is your thing, the Clinch offers largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and redbreast, bluegill, and longear sunfish. Rock bass, black crappie, and catfish can all also be caught in the Clinch. DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV/RIVERS
Photo by Meghan Marchetti/DGIF.
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BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA Whether you’re looking to paddle a challenging section of whitewater or a float down the river to admire the scenery, head to Boone, N.C. for a summer getaway. Spend a few hours, or a few days, exploring area rivers and paddle trails. Follow the New River between several access points from Boone to Todd to West Jefferson and beyond. Take on the Watauga River’s Class I-V rapids. Maps posted at river access parking areas will give you full details of the routes. Take a trip to Watauga Gorge Park, where you can embark on the beginning of a Class II-V section of the river, great for experienced paddlers. From here, check out the swimming hole at the
nearby Laurel Creek Falls above the creek’s confluence with the Watauga. There’s also a difficult Class V rapid through Watauga boulder gardens nicknamed the Clog (at swimming hole “The Snake Pit”) suited for more skilled paddlers. Located at the Guy Ford Road crossing on the Watauga River, Guy Ford Road Access is a popular swimming and tubing area just upstream of this junction. Immediately downstream of Guy Ford Road are the beginnings of five miles of Class IV-V rapids great for experienced kayakers who are bound for the nearby Tennessee state line and the Watson Island takeout beyond. Bring the whole family to Valle Crucis Community Park to walk the paved trail and enjoy the playground. The park borders the Class I-II section of the Watauga River, making it a great spot for beginners to practice paddling. Or, put in at the New River Heights Dr. ramp for a section of the South Fork of the New River adjacent to the greenway and ball fields at Brookshire Park. Take a five-and-aquarter-mile float down the South Fork of the New River through picturesque Todd, N.C. The section between the river access at Green Valley Community Park
Boone on Big Hill Road to the river access at Todd Island Park downstream on Railroad Grade Road is a leisurely and slow journey by canoe, kayak, or river tubes. Stop in at the Todd General Store for snacks and souvenirs, or at the RiverGirl Outfitters for fishing needs and bicycle rentals for the whole family. Check out the wide variety of outfitters and gear shops in the area for all of your outdoor recreation needs. Mast Store Annex stocks all of the gear you’ll need for your outing. The new Waypoint Outfitters are purveyors of equipment, paddle maps, and more. STAY AWHILE
Go for a ride at Tweetsie Railroad, a family fun park featuring train rides and entertainment. Plan a summer hike through the backcountry of Grandfather Mountain. Get a different perspective of the mountains from a zipline tour with Hawksnest Zip Line or a guided climbing trip with Rock Dimensions. When you’re done playing outside, explore the more than 30 restaurants in and around downtown. Hit up the Booneshine Brewing Company’s new brewery and tasting room just inside the town
Photos by Lynn Willis.
limits. Relax and unwind with a craft brew at Appalachian Mountain Brewery or Lost Province Brewing Company. Explore downtown shops in both Blowing Rock and Boone. Spend the night at one of several lodging options in the Boone area. The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Bar is a new boutique hotel in downtown Boone, featuring 15 unique guest rooms. Walk to the Courtyard by Marriott or Holiday Inn University from downtown or Appalachian State University. Check out more lodging in the area online, including tiny houses and cabins. Explore all of this, and more, when you visit Boone and the mountains of North Carolina. EXPLOREBOONE.COM
PERSPECTIVE
CLOSE TO HOME
ADVENTURES IN THE REFUGE OF LOWERED EXPECTATIONS BY MIKE BEZEMEK
THE FIRST TIME I HEARD A VISITOR calling for help, it came from the old ferry lake. Following the yells, I walked onto the aluminum fishing pier. Two bewildered college girls sat crosslegged on a floating platform, in the middle of this blackwater inlet of the Waccamaw River. The platform had come down the river with a flood after Hurricane Florence, and someone had tied it to the pier. Until twenty minutes before, when the girls untied the platform and drifted into the middle of the lake. No paddles. No plan. But they did have a smartphone, and they were engrossed in a video call with a boy. One girl was bragging about how they were, no joke, stuck on a platform in the center of a random lake. The sun was a diffuse glow behind gray clouds, and the whole scene felt pretty typical for the Refuge of Lowered Expectations. So, I pulled out my phone to document the encounter. “He’s taking photos of us,” said one girl proudly, and the other posed. “Not much happens here,” I shouted. “This is too good to pass up.” I came across these girls a year ago. Long before Coronavirus closures turned this tiny postage-stamp rec area, in South Carolina's Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, into the most happening spot in the county with So Few Sidewalks. Back then, maybe 20 people visited per day. It’s one of the few outdoor opportunities in the area, offering 300 acres of longleaf pine forest, blackwater creeks, cypress swamps, and fishing ponds. Some visitors walk laps along three miles of paths and boardwalk. Others jog or bike. An occasional birder wanders with binocs. The few fishermen never catch any fish. High school and college kids smoke weed or drink beers on alligator island. Or they do donuts in their parents’ sedans near the canoe launch. A young ranger darts from behind trees, trying to catch them. For the few regulars, it’s common to
pass the same people 10 times in two hours. Occasionally, first-time visitors ask how to find the hiking loop—after already completing the hiking loop. “You’re on the loop,” I say. They stare skeptically, like I’m hiding a longer and more exciting trail behind my back. Other questions include: “Where’s all the wildlife in this wildlife refuge?” “We must be lost, because I swear we were here ten minutes ago?” “Is this all there is? “It’s out there,” I answer. “No, you’re not lost. Yes, this is all there is.” I totally get their disappointment. Many of us—high school kids, regulars, the ranger—share a feeling. How did we end up here? For three years, I’ve visited the refuge four times per week, whenever I’m in town. We relocated when my wife started working at the nearby college. I’m a fulltime freelancer, with much of my work including adventuretravel projects. It’s a career I hoped would take me to unexpected and remote places. Sure enough, it has. I just never expected one of those places to be the refuge of lowered expectations. For hours, I walk or mountain bike laps on the gravel roads, the lone single-track trail, the paved entry road, the oft-flooded boardwalk, the sandy straightaway, the alligator island, the fishing pier. I once paddled the “paddling” lake, which is 18 inches deep. Now I brave the main channel with the speedboats and stay wary around corners. At first, I was disappointed by the limitations. Eventually, I came to appreciate the small things. The pair of great horned owls calling to each other, occasionally swooping through the forest. The red-cockaded woodpeckers. The copperheads and cottonmouths darting across paths like they’re late to startle newcomers. Occasionally, random dogs sprint through the swamps after escaping their owners. The juvenile alligator,
who grew up in the fishing lake, shares our boredom. Sometimes it swims toward people and just watches them. Another fascinating species is the 16- to 20-year-olds. Behaviors observed: Bizarre dancing between pines. Shitty hatchbacks dragracing the gravel roads. One girl photographing another girl wearing a bikini and top hat while rolling around yellow tallgrass in midwinter. A young jogger beating to death a rat snake with a log, claiming it attacked him. A pair of kids, wearing tee-shirts with pants around their ankles, having sex against a tree. Small clouds of marijuana smoke drifting through the air. I don’t know anything about these kids’ home lives, so who am I to judge. Given some of the adults who show up in the refuge, I have theories about what the kids are escaping. Ever since coronavirus shut down all hangouts, like outlet malls, gyms, beaches, and vacation spots, the refuge has been busier than ever. Now, 60 to 100 people visit every day. There are 20 additional regulars, many of whom are learning to appreciate there’s a refuge at all. I now have a doppelganger. He’s my age. Looks like me. Walks and jogs loops while talking on the phone. Paddles warily into the main channel. Newbies continue to ask, disappointed, What happened to the wildlife? How far is the parking lot? Where’s the hiking trail? We are part of the wildlife now, I think. The parking lot isn’t far in
A T R A I L S I G N I N S O U T H C A R O L I N A ' S WA C C A M AW N AT I O N A L W I L D L I F E R E F U G E . P H O T O B Y M I K E BEZEMEK.
any direction. This gravel road is the hiking trail. If one thing comes from coronavirus closures, how about a nudge toward appreciating the smaller outdoor spots closer to home? The places we often dismiss as boring. They’ve always been here. We just need to lower our expectations to find them. And about those college girls, floating on the refuge lake that one time, having the adventure of their lives? They paddled with hands. They broke branches from a swamp cypress to pole with. They gave up ten times, tried again. They made a big performance about possibly skinny dipping to shore. But I couldn’t reach my wife by phone to get permission, so I had to nix that plan. They were on a video call the entire time with that boy, who kept demanding when they’d be back. The girls still hadn’t reached the shore by dusk, though they were close when I left. The next day, the girls were gone. The floating platform had vanished. I searched for missing persons reports but never saw any. They probably reached shore, stepped carefully atop bald cypress root knobs. Afterward, the platform floated downriver. Or maybe they got comfortable paddling, took to the main channel for a few laps. And like the rest of us regulars, they’ve been at it ever since.
JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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TALKING TO THE BIRDS BY JULIA GREEN
he woodpeckers are as loud as jackhammers. A hawk nesting nearby sounds warning squawks all the day long. Then there are the cardinals, the bluebirds, the sparrows, a Greek chorus emitting a constant din of cheeps and trills and tralalalas as they pose on the feeders and preen in the birdbath. Around here, it’s an endless bird rock show. The last day of the Before was March 12. Since then my emotions and activity have been dramatically up and down, but the birds have remained constant. On bad days, when I feel I am slipping into delirium, I squint into the trees and wonder what they are saying. Theoretically I write fiction, though I haven’t done much of that lately. Instead I stuff imagined lines of dialogue into their beaks: It’s mating season—privacy please! Have you seen Tiger King? Baked amazing sourdough bug bread today. I listen to them while I walk through the neighborhood, when I sit in my house and Zoom the job I’m grateful to still have. While I cycle through despair and hope, while this universal undoing unfurls, they sing on. We grieve our losses, material and abstract, one long global funeral. Chirp chirp chirp. I miss a few things hysterically. Hugs. Sitting outside on a cool spring night eating a burger with friends. Swimming laps in the pool, my most treasured way to work my body and soothe my mind. Instead of swimming I ride my bike through the nearly carless streets of our little college town. Campus looks like a deserted movie set, needing only 40,000 extras to seem real. I zip down long, empty hills, the wind whipping against me. It’s scary to be alive. It’s overwhelming to be in the privileged minority, still employed and healthy. I think of all the planes we aren’t getting on, all the barrels of oil we aren’t burning, all the places we aren’t going. We are stuck, right here, right now. There’s something comforting in not making any decisions, in the surety that if there’s dinner tonight, it will come by my hands. I am lucky to live across the street from a park. Past the padlocked tennis courts and caution-taped playground equipment are trails that lead away
t
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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
from the world, toward soft earth and a burbling creek. The forest is deep, a place you can wander for hours if you need to, if, perhaps, you have nothing better to do. The woods are where I feel best these days. After an early rain, the freshly leafed trees glisten a technicolor, hallucinatory green. A heron in the creek, excruciating in its elegance and unbothered by human stares, raises and lowers its stick legs, walking through the water so slowly, so carelessly it seems to be mocking us with its beauty and calm. I was raised Jewish but it didn’t take. At Quaker school I learned the reverence and discomfort of silence. The woods seem holy now, a sacred vault of sanity. The pervasive deep silence feels like a prayer, or maybe it’s the homily—stillness is here for you. The silence is so sharp that thoughts evaporate from my skull, blown away on the breeze. It’s hard to stand in the cathedral of the woods and reconcile its perfection with the injustice unspooling the world over. Unemployment, hunger, mortality. As society disintegrated, wisteria bloomed, thrilled our nostrils, died away. Then the pollen explosion covered our undriven cars and clogged our throats, until it too faded. Now there’s the sweet smell of honeysuckle, climbing across fences and bushes. The trees, broad and leafy, throw shade in the original sense, the one Southerners are grateful for every summer. The earth, though throttled off her axis these last decades thanks to our idiocy, is still here, dying and birthing as it always has. On my lucid days, I know the birds have no message for me, for any of us, except maybe We were here long before you and we’ll be here long after. They are simply following their bird programming, living their best bird lives, regardless of us, in spite of us. Nature doesn’t need us or even heed us, just keeps on. Some days I think we are the dinosaurs. One day at least some of our daily rhythms will reprise. We will gas up our cars and pursue our pleasures, which will drown out the wind through the trees, the birdsong. The excellent soundtrack of this long, sad, scary movie will be out of earshot.
THE UNDERDOG ROOTING FOR THE RETURN OF THE RED WOLF BY WILL HARLAN
acing elimination in the 2011 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals—an underdog squad that had barely squeaked into the playoffs—were down to their final strike when David Freese hit a gametying triple—and then a game-winning home run in extra innings to win it. Down 3 games to 1 in the 2016 NBA finals against the reigning champs, LeBron rallied the Cavs to their first NBA title and Cleveland’s first sports championship in over 60 years. Trailing by three goals at half time in the 2005 Champions’ League final, Liverpool came back to tie the game against heavily favored AC Milan, and then won it in penalty kicks. Evander Holyfield was a 25-1 underdog squaring off against Mike Tyson, but he won by TKO in 12 rounds. For runners, there is perhaps nothing better than Billy Mills’ come-frombehind finish in the 10K at the 1964 Olympics. Mills, a Native American who barely qualified for the Olympics—set a 50-second personal record to stun the world’s greatest runners in the final homestretch. In my home state of North Carolina, there have been some dramatic underdog buzzer beaters, including NC State’s final-second win in the 1983 championship that’s included in every basketball highlight reel. But there is another Wolfpack comeback that’s even more dramatic, and it happened far from Reynolds Coliseum or the Dean Dome—but rather in the wildlands of eastern North Carolina. It is the tale of a true underdog: a diminutive wolf that exists nowhere else in the world. The return of the red wolf, a species that had nearly been hunted to extinction, is one of wildlife’s success stories—and also one of its untold tragedies. The red wolf was once common throughout the Eastern United States, but by the 1980s, it had nearly vanished from the wild. So biologists made a daring and desperate decision: they released some of the last captive-
PHOTOS COURTESY GETTY IMAGES
f
bred red wolves left in the world into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Would they survive in the wild? Chances were slim. Would they reproduce? Even slimmer odds. Remarkably, they did both. Red wolves flourished in eastern North Carolina, and their range expanded. Over 130 red wolves roamed 1.7 million acres and three wildlife refuges in eastern North Carolina by 2006. Leaders around the world celebrated the red wolf’s recovery as the most successful reintroduction to the wild ever achieved, and biologists began planning for additional red wolf reintroductions in other locations. Then the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission loosened restrictions on coyote hunting. Red wolves can be easily mistaken for coyotes, and, not surprisingly, their population plummeted. Biologists recorded a 375% increase in red wolf shooting deaths, and by 2015, fewer than 50 red wolves remained. Rather than attempt to curb the
shooting deaths, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service began to dismantle its red wolf recovery program. A handful of vocal hunters and landowners didn’t want any hunting restrictions or red wolves in the wild, and they convinced state and federal agencies to authorize them to shoot red wolves. The red wolf went from hero to nearly zero. Biologists estimate around 15 red wolves cling to survival in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. No new pups were born last year. The red wolf is now the world’s most endangered mammal. But the underdogs just won’t give up—and neither will the dedicated biologists and conservationists fighting for them. Southern Environmental Law Center successfully sued to prevent landowners from being authorized to
The red wolf is now the world’s most endangered mammal. But the underdogs just won’t give up— and neither will the dedicated biologists and conservationists fighting for them.
shoot red wolves and ordered the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to develop a new recovery plan. The dormant recovery program was given new life, and biologists went back to work protecting red wolves. And then this spring, for the first time in years, biologists successfully rereleased two pairs of red wolves back into the wild. The pairs were released in acclimation pens, where they spent a few weeks getting to know each other before being released. Love is in the air again in red wolf country. Red wolves mate in the late winter and early spring, and, after a 60-day gestation period, typically give birth to red wolf pups in April and May. Right now, critically endangered red wolf pups may be wobbling out of their dens for the first time. Due to COVID-19, monitoring of the red wolves has been limited, but biologists have been able to confirm that the red wolf pairs have remained alive and together. “It’s an exciting moment and hopefully the beginning of another incredible comeback,” said Heather Clarkson, outreach representative for Defenders of Wildlife. But it’s not nearly enough. Captive reintroduction of adult wolves to the wild rarely works this well. What’s urgently needed is to release captive newborn puppies into wild litters. Newborn pups reared in the wild have significantly higher rates of survival. The captive-born pups can also bolster the wild population’s numbers and gene pool. Supporting the U.S. Fish & Wildlife recovery program is also essential. Red wolf populations have fallen so low that coyote interbreeding threatens their survival; coyote sterilization can enable the red wolves to regain footing across their territory. Ground and aerial monitoring of the collared red wolves by Fish & Wildlife is also key to their survival. Fortunately, the agency’s renewed engagement gives red wolves a fighting chance. The red wolf’s comeback story will take years to unfold, but this spring’s return of mating red wolves is a lastsecond buzzer beater for the species. I never got to see Carolina parakeets, passenger pigeons, or golden toads before they were gone forever. I never walked beneath towering stands of chestnuts that previously filled the Eastern forests. But hopefully my children will live to hear the red wolf’s howl echoing through the wild once more.
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THE GOODS
PADDLING GEAR
Soak It Up
scaring up the fish. The hybrid design, which includes a plush seat and foot pegs, means it’s stable enough for casting and fighting fish and it turns and braces with ease. That makes it a fun boat just for a casual paddle, too. Rod holders and tackle storage seal the deal. $999; oldtowncanoe. johnsonoutdoors.com
YOU CAN ENJOY THE WATER THIS SUMMER WHILE RESPECTING SOCIAL DISTANCING REGULATIONS. IN FACT, PADDLING CAN HELP GET YOU OUT AND CLEAR SOME OF THOSE PFD QUARANTINE BLUES AWAY. Kokatat Hustle Comfort is key in a PFD, and the HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR open, easy fit on this Coast-Guard THE BEST GEAR FOR THE -approved life vest makes it easy SEASON. to paddle hard on a SUP or kayak B Y D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N
Kayak/SUP
Body Glove Porter Kayak This inflatable kayak is simple to store in your closet and easy to haul around in your trunk, packing down to and weighing 26 pounds. Once inflated, the 9-foot, 6-inch boat is almost as rigid as hard plastic, thanks to triple-banded sidewalls and carbon stringers that add stability without much of a weight penalty. Translation: It cuts through glass, stays stable in chop, and even surfs waves. Want to change it up a bit? Pull out the removable seat and the boat becomes a stand-up paddleboard that’s just as stable and maneuverable. $999; bodyglove.com
SUP
Hobie Adventure This do-it-all inflatable SUP is a sure ticket to—wait for it— adventure, both close to home and farther afield. Sure and stable, it can cruise flatwater lakes to explore remote shores or just provide the kids with some fun on a beach—but it’s also responsive enough to surf small ocean waves. The 10-foot-six-inch board weighs in at 28 pounds and deflated it rolls into an easy-to-haul roller bag. It comes ready for action with a paddle, pump, and repair kit included. $1,159; hobie.com
Canoe
Old Town Discovery 199 Solo Sportsman This stealthy angler’s best friend cuts though the water without
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOBIE
without cramping your style. Plus there's plenty of room in the front pocket to hold those essentials you want nearby when you are on the water. $139; kokatat.com
Water Shoes
Astral Loyak AC The ideal shoe for SUP thanks to plenty of grip in its siped, non-marking Flex-Grip soles, the 6.7-ounce (in men’s size 9) Loyak AC also provides enough protection for clambering around on the shore. And your feet will thank you for the comfort of the breathable mesh upper. $110; astraldesigns.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD TOWN
Board Shorts
Stio Women’s CFS Board Short Fast drying and sporty, these shorts prove their worth during long days out on the water. The stretch fabric offers up just enough performance without feeling too stiff, meaning you won’t be rushing to take them off. They also come in men’s. $89; stio.com
Sunglassesxe
Costa del Mar OREACH Switchfoot Adjustable to your unique face and head shape, these polarized shades provide that mandatory protection on the water and cut glare, but they also sport just enough style to wear off the water. Plus, proceeds from the sunglasses support OCEARCH, an at-sea lab engaged in critical shark research. 209-$269; costadelmar.com
JUNE 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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TRAIL MIX
NEW ALBUMS
Mindful Music TWO NEW RECORDS USE EXPANSIVE FOLK FOR DEEP INTROSPECTION BY JEDD FERRIS
SARAH SISKIND HAS A DEEP RESUME as a successful songwriter in Nashville, with tunes she’s penned cut by the likes of Randy Travis, Wynonna, and Alison Krauss. But as a recording artist, her own output, stylistically and lyrically, has always reflected a quest for something deeper than what’s formulaically stamped to sell on Music Row. Her 2003 debut, “Covered,” was spacious and vulnerable, a Joni Mitchell-esque atmospheric folk record produced by indie stalwart Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket) and colored by the vibrant notes of jazz-guitar master Bill Frisell. The mood of that early work is recalled and enhanced in Siskind’s new album, “Modern Appalachia,” which arrived via Yep Roc Records in April. While Siskind lived in Music City for a time, she’s a North Carolina native who now resides in the mountain town of Brevard. She made her new album nearby in Asheville at the increasingly popular Echo 44
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Mountain Recording Studio with help from some of the South’s best players, including guitarist Mike Seal and adventurous drummer Jeff Sipe, formerly of the Aquarium Rescue Unit. The musicians’ arrangements meander freely but efficiently, creating a fluid canvas of jangly fusion that leaves plenty of open space for Siskind’s ruminations on selfdiscovery to resonate. Throughout this 12-song set she ponders purpose as much as place, unearthing how both shape one’s physical and spiritual being. The heavy introspection unfolds in succinct revelations in “In the Mountains,” a gospel-hued empowerment anthem with the bones of an enduring, classic folk song. But she also admits the road to acceptance can be a rough journey. In “Carolina,” a transcendent roots-rocker featuring harmony vocals from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Siskind sings: “Who you are isn’t where you’re from/but where you’re from is always close/and when
you go digging in that dirt/get ready to find what you fear the most.” Siskind isn’t trying to define the sound of Appalachia; she’s channeling the region’s influence, past and present, to embrace her own perspective. Across the country, experimental tunesmith Jeffrey Silverstein recently released an album even more directly inspired by landscapes. Released on the small independent label Arrowhawk Records, which is based in Athens, Ga., “You Become the Mountain” is a meditative and imaginative effort with idyllic instrumental passages guided by pastoral pedal steel lines and minimalist electronic beats. Silverstein, who lives in Portland, Oregon, but first emerged in East Coast indie bands
PHOTOS: SARAH SISKIND BY R YA N N O L A N ; JEFFREY SILVERSTEIN COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
including Baltimore’s Secret Mountains, attempted to sonically invoke his pursuits as a long-distance runner in the Pacific Northwest, and accordingly the six-minute psychcountry journey “Cosmic Scene” has a patient cadence, creating a relaxing atmosphere for mindful introspection. When Silverstein sings, he gently laces his space-twang compositions with an idiosyncratic baritone reminiscent of Lambchop or the late, great David Berman, at times to just deliver short, uplifting phrases (“Turn your life into a passing cloud/Something of which you’re proud"). At a little over a halfhour, the album is a peaceful, thoughtprovoking pleasure.
DREAMING OF ADVENTURE? WE’LL SAVE YOU A SEAT. Plan Your Trip At noc.com
There are also less strenuous trails for the uninitiated. And lots of shops and galleries for people who like to walk around indoors. 800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com