Blue Ridge Outdoors December 2021 - January 2022

DECEMBER 2021-JANUARY 2022

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Ski the South S WEETEST S LOPES IN TH E B LUE R ID GE

GET WILD THIS WINTER

Extreme Sledding, Survival Classes, and Snowshoeing

Senator Tim Kaine’s Big Adventure TAKE THE 108 RIVERS CHALLENGE

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER’S HOLIDAY SONGS

Practical Purposes of a Winter Beard + TO P G E A R F O R T H E N E W Y E A R + COLD -WE AT H E R B AC K PAC K IN G T IPS

Your Parks Your adventures

DOUTHAT STATE PARK 800-933-PARK (7275) |

www.virginiastateparks.gov | Know Before You Go — Recreate Responsibly

This winter, take to the scenic snow-covered hills and frosted trees of Daniels, West Virginia for the perfect vacation destination. With four restaurants, a spa, indoor pool, indoor laser tag, escape rooms, and more – The Resort at Glade Springs has something for everyone. Offering a free shuttle to the ski slopes at nearby Winterplace, exhilarating adventure awaits around every corner of this wintery retreat.

WVtourism.com/GladeSprings

ON THE COVER

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

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

7 | THE STUDIO

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

Two Georgia artists capture peaceful landscapes with stained glass and wood.

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

11 | PERSPECTIVE

After a summer bummer, a hiker realizes trails are much better in the winter.

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

C O N T R I B U TO R S

45 | GOODS

L AU R E N S T E P P M A R Y B E T H S KY L I S E R I C J. WA L L AC E

49 | OUT AND BACK

In defense of the performance beard.

ADVERTISING & BUSINESS S E N I O R AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

M A R T H A E VA N S

50 | TRAIL MIX

martha@blueridgeoutdoors.com

New tunes from Band of Horses and Jenny Lewis, plus a holiday track from Hiss Golden Messenger.

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 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 hannah@blueridgeoutdoors.com 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

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

GOT A STORY IDEA OR COMMENT? submit@blueridgeoutdoors.com B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S . C O M

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F S N O W S H O E M O U N TA I N R E S O R T

B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S . C O M

12 | WILD ABOUT WINTER

Here’s your guide to getting outside during the cold months, featuring wilderness survival classes, epic sledding hills, and snowshoeing spots.

Fingers crossed for big snow dumps this winter. When it falls, get ready to carve turns on these tops Blue Ridge ski runs.

PUBLISHING

©2021 Summit Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

F E AT U R E S

18 | SOUTHERN SLOPES GUIDE

C I R C U L AT I O N I N Q U I R I E S circulation@blueridgeoutdoors.com

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

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977 SEMINOLE TR PMB294 C H A R LOT T E S V I L L E , V I R G I N I A 2 2 9 0 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF POLYVER SWEDEN

Winter gear for cold-weather adventures in the new year.

C O P Y E D I TO R S JULIA GREEN, ROBERT MCGEE

SUMMIT

December 2021 - January 2022

D E PA R T M E N T S

P U B L I S H E R L E A H WO O DY leah@blueridgeoutdoors.com

DAV E S TA L L A R D G R A H A M AV E R I L L D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N

A SKIER GLIDES DOWN THE SLOPES OF BEECH M O U N TA I N R E S O R T I N T H E N O R T H C A R O L I N A H I G H C O U N T R Y. P H O T O B Y S A M D E A N

25 | BEAR SCARE

A pet owner learns a big lesson about bear awareness on Blue Ridge trails.

27 | 108 RIVERS CHALLENGE

In 2021, Tierra Curry swam in 108 rivers across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

33 | INTRODUCING THE VIRGINIA NATURE TRIATHLON Virginia Senator Tim Kaine shares the details behind his big, multi-year adventure.

37 | COLD-WEATHER BACKPACKING TIPS Enjoy the winter wild with this essential advice.

Western Territory

Atop Snowshoe Mountain, conditions are perfect for the experience of a lifetime. Here in this winter wonderland, you’ll find the kind of adventure you’ve been longing for. So, this winter, gear up and pursue all the snowy fun by skiing, boarding, carving and sliding your way around Snowshoe Mountain. Amidst snow-laden slopes and genuine fun, you’ll discover your own slice of Almost Heaven.

WVtourism.com/Snowshoe

THE STUDIO

COLLABORATIVE CREATIONS

NATURAL ELEMENTS Georgia artists capture peaceful landscapes with stained glass and wood.

BY ELLEN KANZINGER

ARTISTS JAROD CREWS AND AARON

Bernardi want to capture nature’s peaceful moments—sitting by the water’s edge or on top of a mountain— through their handmade stained glass and wood-carved sculptures. “I think the world is a hectic place, especially now, and the reason that we make landscapes is because it brings us that moment of escape, sort of a mental vacation,” Crews said. “That’s

something that we want to provide.”

The creators behind Cellar Door Trades are inspired by the places they have visited, like the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where they first met, and places they one day hope to see.

Crews and Bernardi create dazzling arrangements of color, light, and shadow. Whether it sits on a table or hangs as a wind chime, their dynamic displays work best in a spot that sees a lot of sunshine.

Partners inside and outside of the studio, the two artists complement each other as Crews crafts the stained glass scenes and Bernardi carves the wooden stands and assembles the chimes. “It works because he’s my best friend,” Bernardi said. “We have a unique relationship. We have literally spent every day with each other.”

Crews’ interest in glass started at a young age, a part of his childhood that

has turned into his passion. “I remember passing time as a kid during mass staring at these opulent, mega-colorful church windows,” he said. The memories of the light being refracted throughout the space, plus watching his mother work with glass, stuck with him through time in the military and a 14-year career as a stylist, until he decided it was time for a change. Likewise, art has always been a part of Bernardi’s life. His layered wind chimes reflect his fascination with landscapes, especially colorful cosmic skies.

In the last few months, Crews and Bernardi have especially noticed the impact art can have on society. Over the last two years, they’ve seen new artists pick up the medium and push the boundaries of how glass can be used. “[The pandemic] forced a lot of us to make a sanctuary of our homes, an oasis amidst the chaos,” they said. “We

J A R O D C R E W S , L E F T, F I T S A N D S O L D E R S T H E S TA I N E D G L A S S P I E C E S T O G E T H E R . P H O T O S COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS

surrounded ourselves with beautiful handmade things and tried to forget the ugly. Glass in particular has seen a big resurgence, which completely took us by surprise.”

The Technique

When it comes to crafting new pieces, Crews and Bernardi rely on their memories and emotions surrounding a place for inspiration. “Our process is very organic,” Crews said. “We don’t spend a lot of time thinking it out and coming up with the designs.” This lack of rigidity allows them the freedom to play with elements that feel right.

Spending so much time together has benefitted their work as they rely on each other to get through tough times and moments of creative stagnation.

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“I have a sounding board,” Crews said.

“If I’m stuck on a colorway trying to put something together, I can ask his opinion and I know that we’re just so like-minded that his opinion will be the right one.”

Unlike some other mediums, this kind of expression is not something you can pick up right away. “Stained glass is an art form that relies heavily on the materials needed to complete a piece,” Crews said.

From the glass itself and cutting tools to soldering equipment to put the individual pieces together, the specialized materials are important for safety and making sure everything fits together.

They’re conscious of where their raw materials are coming from, using handmade and reclaimed glass, and how they are being used. For instance, the glass in the wind chimes Bernardi creates are scraps from the cuts Crews has made. “We’re always trying to be conscious about reusing and upcycling,” Bernardi said.

What started as a small side gig selling art in local consignment shops has evolved into a full-time, seven days a week job as Crews and Bernardi work from their studio space in Savannah, AARON BERNARDI USES SCRAPS OF GLASS TO C R E AT E C O L O R F U L W I N D C H I M E S . P H O T O C O U R T E S Y OF THE ARTISTS

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

Ga. For now, they’re content to keep it a two-person operation, making work at their own pace with regular releases on their website. “We don’t want it to get that big,” Crews said. “It was never supposed to be something stressful and overdone.”

They are expanding, however, with the recent release of Crews’ contemporary stained glass design course on Domestika. “I’m really liking sharing my process with people who are just getting into glass, helping people along their art journey,” he said. Attendees can follow 14 lessons, covering everything from materials and workspace to choosing color palette.

As much as they love the creative outlet their work provides, there’s something special about sharing it with the people who bring it into their homes.

“We love seeing people’s expressions when they fall in love with a piece,” Bernardi said. “We get that from people, that they keep their glass or wood in a place they love to relax and collect themselves because the scene and colors make them smile or bring a sense of peace.”

You can find more of Crews and Bernardi’s work online at CellarDoorTrades.com or Instagram @cellardoortrades.

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Follow the snow to winter in Pocahontas County. Carve fresh corduroy at Snowshoe Greenbrier River Trail State Park, or Snowshoe along the Highland Scenic Highway. Our winter playground is calling.

PERSPECTIVE

SOLITUDE

GOING COLD

THE AUTHOR (RIGHT) AND HER WIFE ON A WINDSWEPT M O U N TA I N T O P. P H O T O COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR

Last summer I was reminded why winter hiking is so much better.

BY LAUREN STEPP

IT’S REALLY HARD TO STOP PEEING.

Even when you realize a timber rattler is slithering just inches from your bare buttocks, it takes some real restraint to pause the stream and pull up your muggy trousers. I know firsthand.

Last July, my wife and I had a random Saturday off. She's a chef, so we almost never get a free weekend together. When we do get time to explore, it’s usually a random weekday when most 9-to-5’ers are in the office. All this to say, we had yet to witness the pandemic-driven outdoor boom until we pulled up to find a historically overlooked trailhead in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest teeming with long-haired brahs and fetid summer campers. We let out a collective grunt.

Intent on squeezing all the life we could out of the day, we started hiking anyway. But as soon as we gained momentum, 20-somethings in sandals and couples with toddling kiddos would round the corner, forcing us to step off the trail. The hike continued like a UPS delivery route—stop and start, stop and start—and as the miles dragged on, I could feel my bladder squirm.

“I really have to pee,” I whispered to my wife as a gray-haired man smelling of dryer sheets squeezed by us, trampling a patch of jewelweed.

We had two choices: turn around and head back to the car, hoping I didn’t spontaneously combust on the 40-minute drive home, or find a spot where maybe, just maybe, droves of boy scouts wouldn’t catch a glimpse.

We opted for the latter.

But as we continued plodding down the path, people seemed to magically multiply. Each switchback gave way to a family of five or a solo adventurer with a soggy bloodhound. The hike was starting to feel like one of those nightmares where you need to wee but every bathroom stall is the chokey from “Matilda.”

At my wit’s end, I ran for an overgrown side trail used by hunters

each fall. After a few hundred yards, I unzipped my pants and squatted, too drunk on urea to care what or who was around. But just seconds into my blissful release, movement caught my attention. As the understory undulated in my direction, I hoped for a curious rabbit or a virile chipmunk.

But all hopes were squashed when my companion presented herself, first as a triangular head with narrow eyes and then as a brawny, tubular body as thick as my arm.

I watched as the snake glided through knotted brambles within spitting distance, its rattles shaking from the effort. The seconds slowed as I considered the misfortune of a bite to the buttcheek.

I watched as the snake glided through knotted brambles within spitting distance, its rattles shaking from the effort. The seconds slowed as I considered the misfortune of a bite to the buttcheek. There’s the possibility of muscle weakness, labored breathing, organ failure, and, of course, death.

But, if I did survive, there would also be the danger of footing an enormous hospital bill. For a cheapskate who wears the same bedraggled underwear for years because new ones are “too expensive,” this was a wake-up call.

Eyes fixed on the rattler, I stopped my stream, halfway pulled up my pants, and stumbled backward to the main trail, breathlessly explaining the mishap to my wife once we reconvened.

We left after that, but not because the rattlesnake encounter felt too untame. We often spot snakes— venomous and otherwise—on our hikes and love watching as they float across the forest floor. Rather, we left because our presence, along with that of seemingly hundreds of other people, disturbed the wildness of that space.

For better or worse, the pandemic has forced many of us to rethink our hobbies. People who previously spent weekends bar hopping and shopping are now mountain biking and hiking.

I love that. I love that the collective pause of quarantine underscored the merits of wilderness and solitude. But when we all flock to the same trailhead, there is no wilderness and there is no solitude.

That fortuitous Saturday reminded me of why I prefer to explore the footpaths of western North Carolina in the dead of winter. Sure, the likelihood of urinating near a highly venomous serpent nosedives when it’s 20 degrees outside. But colder weather also deters many folks from venturing past the couch, meaning there are fewer people to catch you

cowering like a doe-eyed Labrador, blubbering about failed romances, cursing the divisiveness of our country, or engaging in any other cathartic act.

Because, for me at least, that’s what hiking is about—release.

I didn’t start truly hiking until my early 20s. It was December and I had just graduated from college. I hated my job and aspired to get as far away from the dimly lit confines of my cubicle as possible. I found myself daydreaming about these long, circuitous walks my dad took me on as a kid. I would be drowning in one of his orange hunting jackets as he pointed out deer sign along the Big Hungry River. “That’s a big’un,” he would say, pointing at an oak sapling that had been gnarled by a buck’s antlers. I would nod halfheartedly, more interested in how free this softspoken world made me feel.

A decade later, I craved that feeling again. So I hiked, cautiously at first and then ravenously, disappearing for days at a time. I developed a fascination with the colder months when the leaves are rimed with snow and the soil heaves an icy sigh. In winter, it’s just you, the mountains, and this bone-deep feeling of solitude. The world seems bigger because you’re uninhibited. You can hike and cry and laugh and just exist.

But most importantly, you can pee.

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WILD ABOUT WINTER Five Ways to Explore the Outdoors During the Cold Season

BY ELLEN KANZINGER

WAT C H Y O U R S T E P O N T H E SNOW-COVERED TRAILS OF B L A C K WAT E R F A L L S S TAT E PA R K .

PHOTO BY ELLEN KANZINGER

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few years ago, Hannah Sanders was deep into the seasonal doldrums, trying to find ways to pass time during the long, dark days of winter. Then she learned about a wilderness survival class offered by Tennessee-based BigPig Outdoors, so she decided to step into the cold air and outside her comfort zone.

Soon after she was in the woods, shadowed by the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains, learning the basics of surviving emergency situations in the wilderness. “Immediately, I stepped in mud, and my shoes filled with cold liquid,” Sanders said. “I was like, this is going to be a hot, unpleasant mess.”

The following 36 hours tested her patience, as she learned how to start fires, build shelters, and treat injuries in extreme conditions, but ultimately Sanders came away with an experience that’s made her cherish time in the mountains more. “I don’t want to sound dramatic but I think about this class all the time.

Definitely every time I go into the woods,” Sanders said.

“If you want to be part of that beautiful environment, you should take a class to prepare yourself, build appreciation, and fully be there in that moment. My awareness is more open.”

Instead of hibernating through winter, take the opportunity to expand your horizons. Layer up and check out these cold-weather adventures that will help keep the blues away.

1. Learn Survival Skills Taking a survival course is more than just learning navigation and fire-starting techniques. It’s also about adjusting your mindset to always be prepared. “There are things I’m less fazed about now when I go out there,” Sanders said. “I’m more careful but also more willing to try things and know my limits.”

While survival courses are offered year-round, signing up for one during the winter gives you an opportunity to learn new skills under extreme conditions.

BigPig Outdoors, Tenn.

At BigPig Outdoors, instructor Andrew Herrington’s mantra is “Drill the Skill.” Repetitive exercises help build up muscle memory to be prepared for emergency scenarios. The top three items he recommends always carrying in your pack are a lighter wrapped in duct tape for starting a fire, a puffy jacket, and a 55-gallon trash bag that can be used as insulation.

Mountain Shepherd Adventure School, Va. Brush up on seven priorities of survival—positive mental attitude, wilderness first aid, shelter, fire craft, signaling, water, and food—with a weekend rundown on the basics. In addition to learning a variety of knots

and how to maintain a fire in the rain, this course will prepare you for the mental stressors that come with emergency situations.

True North Wilderness Survival School, Pa. If you want to dive deeper into wilderness survival skills, True North offers everything from introductory to advanced courses through hands-on training.

Pair it with additional classes on land navigation and wilderness medicine to expand your skill set and confidence.

2. Book a Cabin in the Woods

Sometimes beating the winter blues just takes a change of scenery. Throughout the Blue Ridge you can book cabins deep in the woods, ranging from primitive shelters to cozy getaways.

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Va., W.Va., Md., and Pa.

Hike all day and relax by a warm wood stove all night. The well-known trail club maintains dozens of primitive cabins along the A.T., including throughout Shenandoah National Park, and the Tuscarora Trail A N D R E W H E R R I N G T O N O F B I G P I G O U T D O O R S D E M O N S T R AT E S B A S I C WILDERNESS FIRST AID TECHNIQUES. PHOTO BY ELLEN KANZINGER

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www.bryceresort.com

As West Virginia’s most easily accessible ski resort, Winterplace is an ideal destination for a day spent on the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this ski resort has all that you need for an exciting winter adventure. Also, with the largest snow tubing park in the state, you’ll find there’s something for everyone.

WVtourism.com/Winterplace

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that are reached via easy to strenuous hikes of varying lengths. Be prepared for potential winter road closures that could extend your hike-in length.

oven before cozying up inside. In this north Georgia destination, you will have quick access to waterfalls and trails galore in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Kooser State Park, Pa.

3. Go Extreme Sledding

Nine rustic cabins are available throughout the year, sleeping four to eight people. You will have access to a refrigerator, stove, and sink with running water, and the fireplace will come in handy for keeping you warm through the night. The park’s high elevation makes it a prime destination for cross-country skiing.

Table Rock Tea Company, S.C.

Just minutes from Table Rock, Keowee Toxaway, and Caesars Head State Parks, this one-room cabin is a tiny getaway in the mountains on a working tea farm.

At 12 feet by 12 feet, the room sleeps four with bunk beds and a table, plus plenty of extra room to set up additional tents and vehicles outside. Make sure to fit in a free tea tour if you are staying Thursday through Sunday.

Bed+Bough Treehouse, Ga.

While you certainly won’t be roughing it in this private treehouse, you can still enjoy the solitude amongst the trees in this wonky, asymmetrical getaway. Sit by the fire pit in the evening and use the built-in pizza F R O M T H E S L E D D I N G H I L L T O T H E A E R I A L T R A M WAY, T H E R E A R E C O U N T L E S S WAY S T O E X P L O R E O B E R G AT L I N B U R G I N T H E W I N T E R .

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F O B E R G AT L I N B U R G

Sure, sledding down your neighborhood hill is fun, but sometimes you need to ramp up the thrill. Explore these options to satisfy the need for speed.

Blackwater Falls State Park, W.Va.

You are in for a treat as you zip down the sled run at Blackwater Falls. Measuring more than a quarter-mile, feel the winter breeze against your skin as you ride the longest sled run on the East Coast. The Magic Carpet conveyor belt makes it easy to do this one again and again. When you’ve had enough, watch the 57-foot cascades thunder into the river below from one of the overlooks.

Massanutten Tubing, Va.

In central Virginia, Massanutten Resort has a serious snow tubing hill, with 16 lanes that are 900 feet in length with a vertical drop of 120 feet. Ninety-minute sessions are available for a reasonable $35, but book them in advance (massresort.com) because they often sell out.

Smoky Mountains, Tenn.

Just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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HIKE THROUGH SHENANDOAH N AT I O N A L PA R K T O O N E O F T H E PAT C ' S P R I M I T I V E C A B I N S .

PHOTO BY ELLEN KANZINGER

variety of tubing opportunities. Hit the groomed slopes of Ober Gatlinburg, which also has an aerial tramway that provides sweet views of the area. Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park has tubing year-round, from snow-covered slopes in the winter to nighttime riding in the summer. Want to tube but don’t enjoy the cold?

Pigeon Forge Snow is an indoor park with snow 365 days a year with an inside temperature between 60 and 70 degrees.

License to Chill Snow Island, Ga.

At 575 feet long and eight stories high, the steep slide down Parrot Mountain at Lanier Islands is a thrilling ride. When you are done on the slopes, there’s more fun to be had with turns around the ice skating rink, snowball fights in the play area, s’mores by the fire pits, and a whirlwind of carnival rides. Also don’t miss a walk through the spectacular lakeside light display.

Beech Mountain Sledding Hill, N.C.

The town of Beech Mountain provides a sledding hill free and open for all kids 12 and under. With steep and gentle slope areas, kids of all ages will have a blast on this hill. If you don’t have your own sled, Beech Meadows Ski Shop has them available for rental.

4. Walk Through Winter

When snow falls in the South you have to act fast. Keep

an eye on the forecast for a good dump, then strap on a pair of snowshoes and head for the trails.

Deep Creek Lake, Md.

For reliable snowfall and plenty of space to explore, the Deep Creek Lake area of western Maryland offers a true winter wonderland. Book a guided excursion with All Earth Eco Tours to explore the backcountry of Swallow Falls State Park. If you’d rather go alone, rent snowshoes from High Mountain Sports or the Nordic Center at Wisp Resort.

Elk River Inn & Cabins, W.Va.

Not far from the base of Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Elk River Inn and Cabins in Slaty Fork has five kilometers of trails for exploring the deep woods of the surrounding Monongahela National Forest via crosscountry skis or snowshoes. If you’ve had your fill at the inn, another 25 kilometers of trails can be accessed from the nearby Highland Scenic Highway. Rentals and lessons are available.

Blue Ridge Parkway, N.C. and Va.

When the parkway is closed to cars due to weather conditions, it’s the perfect time to experience this iconic road on foot. Park outside the closed gates and hike in to an overlook of your choice. Popular spots with regular snowfall include Grandfather Mountain

and the Moses Cone Memorial Park in North Carolina.

Also, Elk Knob State Park offers unparalleled access to its trails during winter months for snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

5. Don’t Wait for Snow

When the snow just isn’t falling, you’ve got to improvise. Here are more ideas for winter fun.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, Va.

You don’t need snow to ski, snowboard, or tube down Liberty Mountain. The Snowflex Centre at Liberty University in Lynchburg uses synthetic materials to create snow-like runs, so these slopes are open all year long. Sign up for lessons, bounce around on the Olympic-grade trampoline, or relax in the lodge with views of the sunset.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Ky.

At 54 degrees year-round, the world’s longest known cave system will feel downright balmy in the winter.

Take in towering formations, like the famous Frozen Niagra, and be prepared to descend and ascend potentially hundreds of stairs as you make your way through the cave. Once you are done underground, the park provides miles of backcountry trails to dive deeper into the area’s history and geology.

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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Down the Mountain Top Ski Runs on the Southern Slopes B Y E R I C J . WA L L A C E

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s winter approaches, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for cold temperatures and big powder dumps. For those days when the conditions are just right, we’ve compiled a sampler of the South’s longest and most fantastic ski and snowboard runs.

Some are gnarly shredders. Others, easy-breezy like riding a snowy lazy river. All provide big fun when you’re ready to carve some turns across the Blue Ridge.

High Country Highs at Beech

Beech Mountain is home to both the highest town and ski run in the Eastern United States. And its location is convenient: About 100 miles west of Winston-Salem, 80 miles north of Asheville, and just 22 miles from Boone.

A base elevation of 4,700 feet and a state-of-the-art, full-mountain snowmaking system brings long seasons and great coverage on the resort’s 17 trails. Additional factors like average annual snowfalls of around 80 inches, peak elevations of 5,500-plus feet, and 830 feet of vertical drop make the resort in the North Carolina High Country a pinnacle of southern skiing.

The resort offers a quartet of black diamond trails for advanced riders. White Lightning and Southern Star are sure to thrill. Each is divided into an upper and lower segment. Combining Southern Star with Lower Powder Boat (a blue run) delivers a mile of shredtastic fun.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the summit’s slope-side Skybar.

Accessible only by lift and surrounded by windows, it’s a killer spot for adults to enjoy beverages and views galore. beechmountainresort.com

Steep and Sweet at Sugar

Sugar Mountain Resort is located in Banner Elk about 10 miles south of Beech Mountain. Its snowmaking system offers 100 percent coverage for 125 skiable acres across 21 trails. Excellent amenities, a wide variety of terrain, peak elevations of 5,300 feet, and 1,200 feet of vertical drop have helped it win a reputation as a hot spot for Southern skiing.

Three black-diamonds and the double-black Whoop-de-doo provide a sweet playground for advanced downhillers. The latter is famous among enthusiasts for its sustained 31.21-degree pitch—the steepest in North Carolina. The quartet is surrounded by a treasure trove of fun and fast blues.

Black diamonds like Tom Terrific and Boulder Dash can be combined with crossovers and intermediate-

T H E A E R I A L V I E W O F S N O W S H O E M O U N TA I N R E S O R T I N W E S T VIRGINIA. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RESORT

TH E M OST M E M O RA B L E

JOURNEYS TA K E N

A R E T HE O N E S

TOGETHER.

Groomed trails, crisp mountain air and breathtaking views make The Omni Homestead Resort the ideal place for your wintertime vacation. From skiing, snowboarding or ice skating to our world-class spa and culinary offerings, you’ll enjoy countless ways to make the most of your time this winter.

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level routes to build thrashing runs upward of 1.5 miles long. skisugar.com

Get Speedy at Snowshoe

West Virginia’s Snowshoe Resort boasts a whopping 57 trails and 245 acres of skiable terrain. With Colorado-style amenities, 180 inches of annual natural snowfall, and a recently upgraded snowmaking system, it’s widely regarded as the Mid-Atlantic’s top destination for snow sports.

The resort village rests atop a 4,800-foot mountain surrounded by Appalachian red spruce forests and huge swaths of the Monongahela National Forest. The downhill fun gets spread across three distinct ski areas, each catering to different skill sets.

The Western Slope is a mecca for experts. It offers a trio of lengthy black diamonds and a steep, plunging double-black peppered with moguls. Riders with a speed jones will delight in Shay’s Revenge and Cupp Run, both of which drop 1,500 vertical feet over the course of an epic 1.5 miles. snowshoemtn.com

Timberline Revival

Timberline got an $11 million facelift after being purchased by Indiana’s Perfect North Slopes two years ago. The resort located near Davis, W.Va., closed for the 2019-20 season so the company could focus on overhauling trails, adding high-speed lifts, updating snowmaking systems, and more.

Their mission? To put Timberline in the running for T O P L E F T: A S N O W B O A R D E R AT S N O W S H O E M O U N TA I N R E S O R T. T O P R I G H T: S K I E R S AT S U G A R M O U N TA I N R E S O R T. P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F T H E R E S O R T S B O T T O M R I G H T: A R I D E R AT T I M B E R L I N E R E S O R T, W H I C H R E C E N T L Y R E - O P E N E D U N D E R N E W O W N E R S H I P. P H O T O B Y B R I A N SARFINO

the best Mid-Atlantic ski destination.

The massively renovated resort gets about 150 inches of snow a year and now features 40 trails over 91 skiable acres. About 34 percent are black-diamond level or above.

While Salamander isn’t very tough, it does offer two miles of thigh-burning corduroy—making it the longest ski trail in the Blue Ridge region. The run starts at Timberline’s 4,268-foot summit and drops 1,000 vertical feet through red spruce and hemlock forests. Along the way you’ll catch numerous—and staggeringly beautiful—views of the Canaan Valley. timberlinemountain.com

Big Variety at Wintergreen

Wintergreen is located within an hour’s drive of Charlottesville, Va., near Shenandoah National Park— and just four miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 10,000-acre resort has a peak elevation of 3,500 feet and features 27 trails spread across two distinct areas with a total of 129 acres of skiable terrain.

It’s true Wintergreen doesn’t get much natural snow—just 34 inches annually. But recent big investments in state-of-the-art snowmaking technology ensure trails open early and stay open for most of the season.

For a resort of its size, Wintergreen is home to a surprising array of black diamonds: More than 40 percent of slopes cater to advanced skiers and boarders.

The Highlands area is like an exquisite playground for experts. A highspeed six-chair lift and skills-based accessibility make for short lines. The Outer Limits trail offers some of the most intense moguls this side DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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10 TRAILS, 36 SKIABLE ACRES; FULL SERVICE SKI AREA OBER GATLINBURG FREESTYLE TERRAIN TO HOST WEEKLY EVENTS FULL SERVICE SKI AND SNOWBOARD TUNING SHOP GEAR AND CLOTHING AT THE SHOPS AT OBER

of Vermont. And the Upper and Lower Cliffhanger can be combined for a mile-long run of steep black and double-black diamond terrain with 1,000 feet of vertical drop. wintergreenresort.com

Let It Snow at Seven Springs

Seven Springs pioneered the art of manufacturing snow in 1960—and subsequently launched HKD Snowmakers (currently North America’s largest snowmaking company). The Pennsylvania resort is located about an hour south of Pittsburgh. Its 285 acres of skiable terrain make it the keystone state’s largest ski area.

Thirty-three trails carve through Alleghany Mountain forests dropping 750 vertical feet from 3,000-foot summits in the Laurel Hill range. Annual snowfalls of 135 inches or more bring significant fresh powder. And they’re supplemented by one of the world’s most technologically advanced snowmaking systems.

Expert downhill skiers and boarders will delight in Seven Springs’ North Face area, which features a quartet of designated double-black-diamond glade areas and seven single-black trails. The resort’s longest run, Lost Boy, carries riders down a breezy, 1.5-mile slope from the Tahoe Lodge to the North Face base area. 7springs.com T O P L E F T: W I N T E R G R E E N R E S O R T H O L D S S T E E P R U N S O N I T S 1 2 9 S K I A B L E A C R E S , W I T H M O R E T H A N 4 0 P E R C E N T O F S L O P E S R AT E D F O R A D VA N C E D S K I E R S . P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F T H E R E S O R T

Go CrossCountry IF YOUR TASTE TRENDS MORE TOWARDS QUIET SCENIC GLIDES THAN DOWNHILL THRILLS, WE’VE GOT PLENTY OF OPTIONS. HERE ARE THREE OF THE REGION’S TOP CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING SPOTS.

Roan Mountain Highlands, Tenn.

It’s no secret the Roan Mountain Highlands offer fantastic cross-country skiing. In fact, local veterans have nicknamed the expansive ridgeline—which sits within the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests— Nordic Nirvana. Wait for a good storm to drop some fresh pow, then use the eponymous state park as a basecamp to explore 6,000-plus foot balds and sprawling alpine spruce forests that seem more Canadian than Southern.

Access to some of the best options is found at the Carver’s Gap parking area. Nordic skiers typically head south, using a gently sloping forest service road to climb Roan Mountain proper. The route is gated to protect the snow for cross-country touring.

A number of trails spur off the road—including a stretch of Appalachian Trail that brings a wild, switchback descent to the parking lot. Follow the road to the top and the Rhododendron Gardens trail, which leads to an observation deck and dazzling views. tnstateparks.com/parks/info/roan-mountain

Moses Cone Memorial Park, N.C.

This cross-country haven is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, less than 10 miles south of Boone at mile marker 294. In-the-know skiers call the 3,500-acre park

one of the Blue Ridge’s best—and most accessible— destinations for cross.

The park holds what was once the summer estate of a textiles baron; its manor dates to 1901. Twenty-five miles of idyllic old carriage trails have been retooled to help adventure-loving visitors take advantage of more than 100 inches of annual snowfall.

The wide, gently sloping routes are perfect for beginners and families. Visitors can ski around a lake, trek through dense forests, climb to the summit of Rich Mountain, and catch views from the Flat Top fire tower. blueridgeparkway.org/poi/moses-h-conememorial-park

Canaan Valley Resort State Park, W.Va. This one is a family-friendly twofer: The 6,015-acre state park combines awesome backcountry adventures and a lift-served ski area with 47 trails, 4,300-foot summits, and 850 feet of vertical drop. Better still, average snowfalls of around 160 inches bring loads of fresh powder.

Canaan Valley is crisscrossed by 21 miles of marked, ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing.

However, the area’s crown jewel can be found on the Allegheny Trail. The five-mile section connecting Canaan Valley to Blackwater Falls State Park via the Monongahela National Forest backcountry is legendary. Blackwater, in turn, boasts another 10 miles of purpose-built XC. canaanresort.com T O P R I G H T: A S K I E R O N C A B I N M O U N TA I N I N W E S T V I R G I N I A ' S C A N A A N VA L L E Y, J U S T A B O V E T H E B R E A K F A S T B O W L T R E E G L A D E S .

PHOTO BY BRIAN SARFINO

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24

BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

BEAR SCARE A dangerous encounter leaves a pet scarred and an owner with increased awareness.

B Y T AY L O R L E A L

Black Bear Safety Steer Clear – It’s best to avoid bear interaction if possible, so keep food contained and make some noise on the trails. When camping, keep food in a bear canister and ideally store about 100 yards from your campsite.

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y: G E T T Y I M A G E S

AS WE CROSSED THE FIRST CREEK

and entered the rhododendron-filled green tunnel, our pup’s boredom could no longer be contained. She wandered away for one of her usual quick runs ahead of us to indulge her nose in all the best smells. This part of the woods gets relatively minimal traffic and is often used by locals to let pets release some offleash energy. No more than 10 seconds later, I heard a piercing sound that still lingers in my head months later.

Lou Lou, our eight-year-old blue nose pitbull, has been on this particular trail countless times. It’s our local escape near home on the east side of Asheville, the spot where my wife and I often find quick relief in the woods after long work days. But admittedly the familiarity often makes us complacent, and since Lou Lou is well trained we occasionally let her cruise ahead, convinced by repetition that she’ll always be back in minutes.

But this time was different. Lou Lou, out of sight, alarmingly squealed.

I started screaming her name and ran towards the sound. This quickly took me off-trail, where I climbed an embankment through dense undergrowth. At the crest, I found myself looking down on a small creek, about 50 feet below, where I caught a glance of my pup scrambling. But then my attention was suddenly averted to a

more significant hazard—a large black bear running straight towards me.

I’ve had plenty of bear encounters at close distance, but this was the first time I’ve been charged. By knee-jerk reaction, I backed off the steep slope towards the trail and grunted “Bear” in the direction of my wife. But the retreat was a mistake. This was a mother bear, whose two cubs Lou Lou had engaged as would-be playmates, and she was being aggressively protective.

Coming to my senses, I turned to face her, still approaching, then raised my hands over my head and started yelling like a deranged lunatic. Fortunately, standing my ground while making noise worked. Momma bear stopped suddenly, then turned and lumbered away in the opposite direction.

At this point I feared the worst, assuming I would be retrieving Lou Lou’s remains. But then my wife spotted our pup, back on the trail just ahead of us. She had been attacked and was clearly traumatized, so we took her back to the car and assessed her wounds: a gash on her head that exposed her skull and a whole slew of puncture wounds around her neck.

Generously rushed to the front of the vet’s queue, Lou Lou spent eight hours receiving care and was able to come home at two in the morning with 20

stitches and a stent to assist drainage and prevent infection.

Months later, healed but scarred, she’s proven to be remarkably resilient, regularly back on the trails—but now always wearing a leash. I learned a valuable lesson about being a responsible pet owner in the wild, and I feel no ill will towards bears. If anything my respect for them has grown. The sow felt provoked when Lou Lou approached her cubs, and she was just trying to be a good parent.

As development and population growth continue in Southern Appalachia, bear encounters with humans are becoming more frequent. They occur regularly on neighborhood streets around my house in Asheville. And as our human footprint encroaches deeper into wildlife habitats, it’s becoming more important for outdoor enthusiasts who recreate with pets to use proper etiquette. Bears that are startled, threatened, or desensitized with human food can become dangerous—and ultimately might need to be euthanized.

I’ll never stop hiking with Lou Lou. I believe trail time with dogs has many benefits for both pets and owners. And while I know opinions vary about leash use in the backcountry, I’ve certainly learned the necessity of being cautious about interactions between domestic and wild animals in the woods.

Stay Calm – Statistically, confrontations between bears and humans are rare, so keep your cool, because it’s likely if a bear spots you, it will run in the other direction.

Stand Your Ground – If a bear approaches, raise your arms and make yourself look as large as possible. And don’t remove your backpack.

This helps you look larger and provides protection for your back in case of an attack.

Back Away Slowly and Sideways – If the bear isn’t moving, try to step away slowly in a sideways direction.

If the bear follows you, don’t run (remember, stand your ground). They are just as fast going uphill as they are going downhill and can move at speeds up to 35 mph.

Leave An Exit – Definitely don’t corner bears. Be sure to give them space, and if possible take a detour.

Fight Back – If a black bear attacks, do not play dead. If an escape is impossible, you’ll have to fight back, so center your kicks and punches on the bear’s nose and face. •

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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26

BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

We dare you to take the river swimming challenge in 2022. Can you beat Tierra Curry’s record of swimming in 108 rivers?

EACH SUMMER, TIERRA CURRY AND HER

IN IT TO WIN IT

BY WILL HARLAN

friends have a fun competition to see who can swim in the most rivers. This year, Tierra went all in to win. She swam in 108 rivers across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. From her home near the Cumberland River in Kentucky, she traveled from Pennsylvania to Georgia, west to the Mississippi River and east to the Shenandoah River, to swim in every river she could reach.

Curry didn’t wear a wetsuit—just a swimsuit and sandals. She was hoping to see a diversity of aquatic life.

Instead, what she found was a lot of mud, pollution, and plastic.

“Wild, beautiful rivers are still out there, but they are few and far between,” Curry wrote in a Washington Post op-ed in September. “Most of the rivers I swam in were varying degrees of disgusting.”

“Wild, beautiful rivers are still out there, but they are few and far between,” Curry wrote in a Washington Post op-ed in September. “Most of the rivers I swam in were varying degrees of disgusting.”

Curry’s river swimming challenge also revealed the realities of our changing climate. Some rivers were bone-dry; others were swollen from so much rainfall that they washed out roads.

Curry shared some of her most memorable moments from the swimming challenge and the 108 Southeastern rivers she visited.

Most beautiful river?

I’m in love with the Cranberry River in West Virginia. Summer or winter, it’s a beautiful place to sit on huge

CURRY IN THE BIG SOUTH FORK, ONE OF THE 108 RIVERS SHE VISITED IN 2021.

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rocks under hemlock trees and rhododendrons and stare into the water. Early in the spring there are frog eggs, phoebes, juncos—it’s a naturalist’s wonderland.

Most polluted river?

Singling out the most polluted river is a matter of pick your poison. The Obion was surrounded by endless fields of corn and soy that are doused in pesticides and fertilizers and run right up to the river’s edge with no forested buffers. In the Mississippi in western Kentucky I waded in through an oil sheen. When I swam in the Shenandoah there was an active no swim advisory due to E. coli and algae. I felt good about the rivers that were surprisingly clear until a Debbie Downer scientist pointed out that some rivers are clear because they are so toxic nothing can survive.

What was the craziest object you observed in the river?

I was actually happy to find a baby doll head in the Guyandotte River because malacologists are prone to flaunting their doll-parts loot in particular. At the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society meeting, they auction off this grotesque sculpture of scavenged baby dolls that the highest bidder gets to house for the year. I also found a My

Little Pony in the Cumberland, and most of a cow skeleton.

What were the biggest and smallest rivers you swam in?

I got in the Mississippi at the western edge of Kentucky, but the river there was narrower than the Ohio at the waterfront in Paducah where it meets the Tennessee.

I had to lay down in a puddle in the Lost River in West Virginia when it was living up to its name in a summer dry spell.

Your favorite river?

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is my favorite river ever. It’s the only place where the critically endangered littlewing pearly mussel survives and is also home to the endemic Big South Fork crayfish and dozens of other special species. The wildflowers are off the charts and the rock formations are magnificent.

Most endangered river?

The Rockcastle River in Kentucky still supports a pretty good assemblage of endangered mussels, but unmanaged off-road vehicle traffic on Forest Service land is dumping sediment into the river, which jeopardizes the survival of the endangered animals. Wading into the mainstem of the river you sink DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

29

into goo the silt load is so high. It’s tragic because it doesn’t have to be this way if people would stay on trails and the agency would enforce the boundaries.

Coldest river?

Dam-released water can be brutally cold and the Savage River in Maryland is no exception. But the naturally coldest river was the Little Pigeon in the Smokies. People on the trail were in disbelief that I jumped in.

What were the first and last rivers you swam in?

I started the season the week of summer solstice in the Green River in western Kentucky. It’s home to an amazing diversity of freshwater mussels. I had always read that empty mussel shells provide homes for other species, and sure enough I picked up an old shell and there was a tiny crawdad living inside. It feels so deeply good to explore the handful of places where endangered species are surviving and recovering as opposed to the larger landscape where most rivers have just been wrecked.

I ended the season in the Little River in Great Smoky Mountains

National Park, a clear, stunningly cold beautiful stream.

What species depend on these rivers?

Humans depend on the rivers for drinking water, fishing, and recreation.

Driving around swimming in rivers and then getting to come home and shower and drink reliably clean water is an experience of privilege. Some communities have polluted water and can’t just drive away, and the wildlife that depend on the rivers for their very survival can’t just up and move.

Coal mining ruined my family’s well water when I was in high school, and we couldn’t use it for drinking or even laundry.

The Southeast is a world hotspot for freshwater biodiversity including fish, salamanders, crayfish, mussels, river snails, turtles, and aquatic insects.

Our beautiful rivers and the amazing diversity of wildlife they support should be a source of pride and we should safeguard them.

What was the most dangerous or difficult moment during your river swim challenge?

Knowingly submerging myself in

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

How can we improve health of our rivers?

Everything flows downhill and ends up in a river. Individuals can choose not to use pesticides and can choose healthier versions of personal care and cleaning products. Dietary choices like choosing organic produce and plantbased proteins lessen the pollution burden. Towns can create greener parking lots and streets with vegetated stormwater buffers. Agencies can increase enforcement to keep offroad vehicle traffic on designated trails away from waterways. States

can improve water quality standards, protect headwater streams, and limit development approvals that would degrade water quality. We can stop building new dams, remove old dams, and better manage all dams to prevent the spread of invasive species and ensure adequate flows for wildlife.

I was bowled over by how much litter people leave on riverbanks. An old school Give a Hoot Don’t Pollute campaign would be helpful. At the macro level, we need to fight for policies to end human-caused extinction and to protect a livable climate.

What was the most inspiring moment from your summer of swims?

Growing up in southeastern Kentucky, surface coal mining was rampant, and creeks could run orange, blue, black, nothing was surprising. Returning to explore the area this summer after decades away, I was pleasantly surprised by how clear some of the rivers are now. I’m so stoked about the lovely Russell Fork River Blue Water Trail on the Kentucky-Virginia border.

I swam at an incredible public access beach in downtown Elkhorn City that rivals any swimming hole anywhere.

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polluted waters aside, I took some chances that weren’t the smartest decisions during the record floods in Tennessee when I should’ve just stayed out of the rushing water. I dedicated each summer weekend to heading out in a different direction from my home near the Cumberland River, and my weekend to drive across Tennessee coincided with the flooding. The rivers were overtopping roads and bridges and I couldn’t see under the water at all and I kept having to turn around and reroute because the roads were flooded. I got the points, but I didn’t get to experience the wildlife at all.

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IN 2020, KAINE BIKED THE ENTIRE VIRGINIA PORTION OF THE BLUE RIDGE PA R K WAY A N D S K Y L I N E D R I V E . P H O T O COURTESY OF TIM KAINE

WHY I CREATED THE VIRGINIA NATURE TRIATHLON A multi-year adventure reveals the common ground found in the outdoors.

BY TIM KAINE

I’M SURE THE SECURITY CREW AT THE

Newport News Shipyard wondered what the hell I was doing when I paddled by its carriers and subs in a two-person ocean kayak with my eldest son during a Small Craft Advisory on a windy Saturday morning in October. We were in the midst of a gnarly 12-mile stretch on the James River, where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay, heading to our take-out at Fort Monroe. When we landed after more than three hours of battling wind, waves, and tide, my land legs were so wobbly that all I could do upon exiting the kayak was fall backwards into the Bay. What the hell was I doing?

After my re-election to the Senate in 2018, I passed 25 years in public life in Virginia—dating back to my first race for Richmond City Council. I wanted to celebrate the milestone and recharge my battery for more public service ahead. So I hatched a plan.

Elected officials often tour their states during weekends and recess weeks, but these tours are usually quick visits by car or plane. Considering Virginia has so much stunning terrain— from the mountains to the ocean—I wanted to take the time to really explore.

So I created—and just completed—a multi-year endeavor that I’ve named the Virginia Nature Triathlon. In the past three years I’ve covered 1,230 miles

on three quintessential Virginia natural landmarks—hiking the Appalachian Trail, cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway and adjoining Skyline Drive, and paddling the James River.

In 2019, I started hiking south on the A.T. from the West Virginia border at Harpers Ferry and, during the spring, summer, and fall, completed the Virginia stretch to the Tennessee border south of Damascus. I was solo for two-thirds of the trip, with friends and family joining occasionally. I walked through record heat, confronted bears, pulled off ticks, and dodged slithering snakes.

I walked the length of Shenandoah National Park, soaked in the vast vista views of Three Ridges, and crossed the alpine-like grasslands of Grayson Highlands. I spent time talking to hikers, shuttle drivers, park rangers, and folks in towns along the way. Some recognized me, unshaven with a burly backpack

I spent time talking to hikers, shuttle drivers, park rangers, and folks in towns along the way. Some recognized me, unshaven with a burly backpack and dusty boots. Many didn’t. I lost 26 pounds but gained a great trail name: Dogbowl. and dusty boots. Many didn’t. I lost 26 pounds but gained a great trail name: Dogbowl.

The following year I recruited five friends to ride the entire Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. We started on a rainy August morning at the Virginia/North Carolina border and pedaled north to Front Royal.

Now all over age 60, we sweated up

long climbs, bombed massive downhill stretches, and saw the endless beauty of the Commonwealth from the heights of the Blue Ridge. In the heart of the pandemic, the time together outdoors felt like freedom.

And I recently finished canoeing the James River, from Iron Gate in Alleghany County to the Chesapeake Bay. I paddled during the spring, summer, and fall of 2021—joined by my wife, Anne, our children, and friends, as well as Virginia tribal leaders, research scientists, local officials, and advocates from the James River Association. Along the way, I shot through rapids, endured long slack sections, saw history on the banks, and mastered four modes of person-powered river transport (canoe, batteau, raft, kayak). I also suffered my only injury—a severe burn on my left foot due to inattention with a camp stove that took me off the river for weeks.

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( L E F T ) K A I N E O N T H E A P PA L A C H I A N TRAIL. (RIGHT) HIS CANOE ON THE BANKS OF THE LOWER JAMES RIVER. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM KAINE

I finished at Fort Monroe, where the first enslaved Africans entered the English colonies and later began an organized self-emancipation at the start of the Civil War, on the same day in October when John Brown led the 1859 revolt to strike slavery a mortal blow in Harpers Ferry. I helped persuade President Obama to make Fort Monroe a national monument precisely 10 years ago. My ending connected to my beginning.

I don’t know of anyone else who has completed all three of these adventures.

My hope is that it might become a bucket list quest for Virginians and visitors to tackle over the course of their lives.

I don’t know of anyone else who has completed all three of these adventures.

My hope is that it might become a bucket list quest for Virginians and visitors to tackle over the course of their lives. Other states have challenges like this. My brother and sister-in-law live in New York and tackled the Adirondack 46er challenge—their family climbing all 46 Adirondack peaks over 4,000 feet.

Others try to climb all of the summits exceeding 14,000 feet in Colorado.

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

Virginia deserves a quest like this (every state does), and I nominate my Virginia Nature Triathlon. I want people to complete it in small stretches at a time with an emphasis on seeing and learning, rather than rushing.

So what did I learn during my Virginia journey? First, that Virginians are abundantly blessed—with wildlife, plants and flowers, amazing viewsheds, places of deep solitude, streams and mountains, beaches and meadows, and woods and swamps. Overall we have a tremendous inventory of public land. These resources can transform us. I thought often of The Waking by American poet Theodore Roethke: “Great Nature has another thing to do to you and me.”

The natural beauty is intertwined with powerful human stories, still accessible despite efforts to erase them.

The haunting ruins of a small freedmen community viewed along Brown Mountain Creek in Amherst County.

The hillside cemeteries of families displaced by Shenandoah National Park still lovingly tended. The Monacan nation striving to save their ancient home Rassawek at the confluence of the James and Rivanna Rivers.

I also learned that today’s Virginians cherish our natural bounty. My conversations with people along the way weren’t stuffy or formal, and that made them more authentic. I could see that virtually everyone wants to preserve

the amazing resources at our doorstep.

In a seemingly hyper-partisan time, it is good to know that we have something to build on.

Our resources are fragile—pressured by climate change, pollution, and development. We need dedicated nature stewards, volunteers, advocates, and NGOs to battle for their protection.

We also need to support efforts to democratize the outdoors by making the experiences all around us more accessible to people—especially women, people of color, and youngsters—who have not always felt safe or welcome in the wild.

Smart public policy helps protect our natural bounty. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act in 2022. Major renewals in Richmond, Lynchburg, Front Royal, and other riverside communities are directly tied to this law. Wise regulations protecting the environment don’t hurt the American economy; they make it more resilient and sustainable.

So does investing in our natural resources. The Great American Outdoors Act passed by Congress in 2020 was a big bipartisan win for parks and other public lands. But as we now move forward with infrastructure investments, we shouldn’t limit ourselves to asphalt and steel. Better sewage treatment and stormwater management, rails-to-trail projects, agricultural buffers, trail maintenance,

acquisition of more public land—these are all worthy investments too.

A positive aspect of the pandemic is that it has encouraged more people to spend time outdoors. But that leads to overcrowding and other challenges. We need to protect more and shore up what we have.

My biggest takeaways from the journey are a collection of joy shocks at the pure majesty of nature. A bald eagle soaring from a dead tree. My ancient Old Town Camper (nicknamed Old Raggedy) beached on the undeveloped eastern end of Jamestown Island as I stopped to rest. An adult black bear standing tall 10 yards away on a trail hugging a cliff near Mary’s Rock.

Fiery orange mushrooms springing out of deep forest loam after a rain.

Cresting Apple Orchard Mountain on the Parkway and feeling the wind in my face on the 13-mile white-knuckle descent. Massive sturgeon leaping into the air and then smacking back into the river below Richmond. Rejoicing to find a spring flowing cool on a hot August day. Fireflies faintly flickering near a dwindling campfire.

I ventured into the faraway nearby. It restored and inspired me. It can do the same for everyone. Back to Roethke: “God bless the ground! I shall walk softly there.

And learn by going where I have to go.”

Tim Kaine is a United States senator from Virginia.

As the seasons change, take to the mountains of McDowell County for an adventure that’s like no other. Hit the ATV trails and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Almost Heaven. After a day full of adventuring, get a taste of West Virginia’s seasonal flavor at a locallyowned restaurant and later, rest up at a cozy cabin or B&B.

WVtourism.com/McDowell

28 .3 MILES | 1 DAY

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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COLD-WEATHER BACKPACKING TIPS Survive and thrive in the winter wild with this essential advice

BY MARY BETH SKYLIS

perks—mainly being able to enjoy your favorite backcountry spots crowd-free— but it also has plenty of challenges.

Being unprepared to explore wild terrain in frigid temps can put you in a situation that’s extremely uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous. From gear advice to warmth hacks, here are some key tips to prevent unfortunate mishaps in the chilly woods.

the most reliable options on the market when it comes to the cold. Butane, in comparison, stops vaporizing when the temperature dips below 31 degrees. If you’re looking for a liquid option, many mountaineers like the MSR Firefly.

Also, don’t just lean on energy bars.

Be sure to use that stove and make plenty of hot meals. Eating warm food or drinking warm liquid can help your body to handle the cold more effectively.

Wear Wool

Consume Extra Calories

BACKPACKING IN THE WINTER HAS ITS

Wool is often called a wonder fabric. It wicks moisture from your skin, insulates your body, and also breathes when it’s warm. But it’s also a must-have material because it can absorb up to 40 percent of its weight in moisture (which can cause big trouble when it’s extremely cold) and still insulate your body.

Comparatively, cotton can absorb up to 27 times its weight, but it won’t retain heat when it’s wet. By wearing wool, you can create an insulative barrier that can help stabilize your body temperature when the mountain air is frigid.

Upgrade Your Stove

A proper stove can completely transform your winter backpacking setup. Instead of waiting for 20 minutes to boil water, you can invest in a stove that’s extremely efficient even when the temps dip low. Liquid-fuel stoves are some of

Be sure to eat more. The human body has to work harder to operate in the cold. In fact, your body may burn up to 30-percent more calories while you’re in chilly weather. So double up on snacks, or find nutritionally dense foods for winter backpacking. Doing so will give your body the fuel it needs to maintain energy and regulate temperature.

Dial in Your Sleeping Kit If you’re facing moderate winter temperatures, you can probably get away with a three-season tent. But you’ll want to make sure that your sleeping kit is dialed in. For starters, be mindful of your sleeping bag’s comfort rating. If lows are in the 20s, you’ll want your bag to be rated to 10 degrees or less.

Although sleeping pads are overlooked by some backpackers as luxury items, they actually play a vital

role in maintaining comfortable sleeping temperatures for your body. Doubling up on sleeping pads or investing in a pad with a higher R-value will help to keep you insulated from the frozen ground.

The R-value spectrum ranges from 0 to about 7.5. The higher the value, the more insulated your pad will keep you from the ground.

Another consideration is moisture.

Some backpackers pack a wool blanket with their sleeping system because it can add warmth. But you can also protect the outside of your sleeping bag from moisture by placing the blanket on top of your bag.

Pee Before Crawling into Your Sleeping Bag

No one wants to get up in the middle of the night to pee in the backcountry.

But keeping urine in your bladder also forces your body to work to heat it. Since withstanding cold temperatures already requires extra energy, it’s best to reduce the probability that you’ll have to urinate at night.

Fill a Nalgene with Boiling Water

If you’re worried about keeping your toes warm while you sleep, consider filling a Nalgene water bottle with boiling water and stuffing it in your sleeping bag. This is a great way to add warmth

to your sleep system. These water bottles are built to withstand extreme temperatures, which makes them great for holding hot liquid. Depending on the external temperatures, a hot Nalgene bottle may retain heat all night long.

And, if you’re concerned about leakage, place your Nalgene in a wool sock for added protection.

Sleep with Your Batteries Extremely cold temperatures will drain your phone’s battery. But it’s possible to preserve your battery life by sleeping with your electronics, keeping them near body warmth. Some people prefer stuffing them in the toe box, while others keep them close to their chest in a pocket. Lithium batteries tend to be more reliable in the cold than other battery options.

Leave an Itinerary at Home

Any time you’re heading to the backcountry, it’s a good idea to leave an itinerary with someone back at home.

This can help them to initiate a rescue should something go terribly wrong.

Letting a loved one know when you’re expected to return from your journey may help them to act quickly if you end up lost, stranded, or hypothermic in the backcountry.

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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Escape to the Slopes of Bryce Resort, Va.

Sunrise at Bryce after a productive night of snowmaking. Photo by Andrew DeVier-Scott

With easy access from major metropolitan areas, Bryce Resort is the perfect place to get away and get in some slope time on the mountain. Set in the Shenandoah Valley just outside of George Washington National Forest, the whole family will love getting out this winter.

From beginner-friendly runs to an adventurous terrain park, plus two lifts, equipment rentals, a variety of dining experiences, and nearby lodging options all in one place, it’s easy to see why folks return year after year. Plus, the renowned Horst Locher Snowsports School offers lessons for all ages, whether you’re clipping into skis for the first time or looking to improve your skills and technique.

There’s always the thrill of snow tubing and skating around the outdoor rink to keep the fun going for everyone off the slopes. Kick back and relax with a meal from Carter’s Hütte, an outdoor bar and grill, or the Copper Kettle. On the weekends, enjoy the sounds of the South as local musicians serenade the crowds. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack up the car and head to Bryce Resort for a trip you won’t forget.

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Pa c k yo u r l ay e r s and h e ad o ut o n a tr i p fu e l e d b y f un , f o o d , and f r i e nd s . P l e a s e che c k w i t h l oc at i o ns p r i o r t o t r av e l f o r l o c a l g ui d e l i n e s or us e t h i s g ui d e f o r f ut u r e tr i p s !

Kids arching turns on a beautiful day at Bryce. Photo

by Andrew DeVier-Scott

Celebrate 50 Years at Massanutten Resort, Va. This winter, join in the fun as Massanutten Resort commemorates its 50th anniversary with special events and promotions all season long. Keep your eyes peeled for exclusive merch, live music, an epic anniversary giveaway, and a Snow Moon Festival Weekend sure to knock your socks off.

First-timers can book private lessons while seasoned riders will love the views as they make their way down Paradice, a 4,100foot long, black diamond-rated run. Recent upgrades mean Featuring 70 skiable acres, 14 runs and 7 lifts, Massanutten there’s more terrain and trails is a top destination in the Blue Ridge. to explore than ever before, plus easier lift access and new snowmaking machines to keep the powder fresh.

Keep the whole family entertained with snow tubing, escape rooms, ice skating, an indoor waterpark, spa, and more. When you have a minute to slow down, relax by the fire at Base Camp and enjoy a bite to eat. For a sit-down meal and fully stocked bar, the place to be is the Encounters Lounge. Make sure to save some room for s’mores from Campfire Grill as you listen to live music.

Travel to the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and celebrate all of the things that have made Massanutten Resort a top destination for 50 years. MassResort.com

When you have the right gear, you can enjoy the waters of Virginia Beach all year long.

A New Perspective of Virginia Beach, Va. Although it’s right there in the name, Virginia Beach is more than a sandy, summer destination.

Between the milder weather, smaller crowds, and variety of outdoor activities, you’ll see why there is no off-season here. This winter, head to the coast and discover Virginia Beach from a new perspective.

Miles of Trails

Walking, biking, horseback riding—no matter how you prefer to get around, there are miles of beach, forest, and boardwalk to explore.

At First Landing State Park, hike through seven distinct ecosystems, including 1.25 miles of beachfront where you can stop to take in the beauty of the dunes and tidal marsh.

An additional 19 miles of interpretive hiking trails snake through protected habitats, including the maritime forest community, one of the most endangered habitat types in the world. The fairly flat pathways are accessible for the whole family, including your four-legged friend. Keep the fun going overnight as you settle into one of 200 campsites just off the beach. Pitch a tent, hook up an RV, or reserve a rustic cabin with running water, electricity, and heat.

If you are up for a more adventurous stroll, discover one of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the East Coast at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. Winter is the perfect time for wildlife lovers to visit as a variety of wildfowl make their way to Virginia Beach to feed and rest. The refuge’s Winter Wildfowl Walks are a great way to get a firsthand view guided by an expert birder. Give your legs a rest and hop aboard a tram tour as you keep an eye out for bobcats, foxes, deer, coyotes, and other wildlife.

You don’t have to get wet to enjoy the sound of the crashing waves. Ride a horse or fat tire bike along the shore before heading to a local brewery for a drink.

Extend your miles as you make your way out to False Cape State Park. This mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean offers primitive beachfront camping.

During the winter months, False Cape can only be reached by hiking, biking, small boats, or the tram service through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, so be prepared to carry all of your supplies in. These all-natural campsites and pristine beaches provide a quiet and secluded getaway.

Without the humidity that summer brings, biking the many landscapes of Virginia Beach is one of the best ways to see the sights. The three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk was built with cyclists in mind with separate biking and walking paths. Break out the classic beach cruiser, take on a challenge with a tandem, or rent a four-wheeled surrey bike as the whole family works as a team to pedal full-steam ahead.

Take your wheels down to the water’s edge as you ride a fat tire bike across the crowd-less beaches. From the oceanfront to the Chesapeake Bay, you’ll find the wide tires of these bikes make traversing the wet sand as easy as pedaling on pavement. Rent your ride from Surf and Adventure Company or Ocean Rentals LTD for a day exploring in true local fashion.

Looking for a real thrill? There’s nothing quite like trotting down the beach on horseback as the wind ruffles your hair and the surf pounds on the shore. Head to the beaches of the Oceanfront District where Virginia Beach Horseback offers guided rides along the water’s edge.

By the Water

Located where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean converge, there is no shortage of things to do on the water. No matter what time of year it is, whether you prefer saltwater or freshwater, these waterways offer abundant fishing opportunities.

The Norfolk Canyon, just off the coast of Virginia Beach and 115 fathoms deep, is home to big fish like billfish, yellowfin tuna, cobia, wahoo, and more. The Chesapeake Bay is another hotspot for anglers as the largest natural estuary in the United States and home to 348 species of finfish. Between 70 to 90 percent of the world’s rockfish reside in the bay, making Virginia Beach the perfect place to host the Annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout every winter.

Hop aboard a charter out of Rudee Inlet and let the boat’s crew take you into the heart of the action. You can also launch a kayak or canoe from several points in the area, including at Dozier Bridge, Hutton Circle, Birdneck Launch, and Owl Creek Boat Ramp. A number of local outfitters, like River Outfitters and Ocean Rentals LTD, provide rentals for while you’re in the area. For even more options, consider dropping a line from the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier at the Oceanfront, the Little Island Pier in Sandbridge, or Seagull Pier on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

While it might not be for everyone, powerful Nor’Easters can push some sizeable swells down the coast for some epic winter waves. While the ocean and air temps don’t get as cold as up north, a thick wetsuit and neoprene armor help when it gets a bit brisk out on the surf.

Taste and Sip

When you’re done exploring the great outdoors, head inside to warm up, refuel with a bite to eat, and relax with a refreshing beer. Hot Tuna is a must-visit while you’re in town for the freshest seafood and live music. If you feel like treating yourself, head to Mermaid Winery for a delicious entrée and wine tasting.

From juicy IPAs bursting with hops to complex barrel-aged sours, there’s a beer for everyone who visits. Follow the Virginia Beach Beer Trail as you sip your way through the area, from the Chesapeake Bay District to the Oceanfront, at 12 local breweries. For something a little bit stronger, two distilleries in town offer one-of-a-kind experiences. From a 500-gallon hybrid pot still system with a 20-foot vodka column inside a hotel at Tarnished Truth Distilling Company to an old surf shop-turned craft spirit haven at Chesapeake Bay Distillery, you won’t want to miss a taste of these delights.

While everyone else is heading to the mountains, discover a different side of Virginia Beach this winter. VisitVirginiaBeach.com

Special Advertising Section

Ski Resort Happenings Mark your calendar for these special events happening in the Blue Ridge this winter!

Community Benefit Nights at Ober Gatlinburg College Nights: Dec 16th, 2021, Jan 13th, 2022, Feb 10th, 2022, Mar 3rd, 2022 Ladies Nights: Dec 14th, 2021, Jan 11th, 2022, Feb 8th, 2022, Mar 1st, 2022 Save money on lift tickets while donating to a great cause. Proceeds from College and Ladies Nights will assist Sevier County Food Ministries’ mission to feed the hungry. obergatlinburg.com/events

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Bryce Resort December 31, 2021 Fireworks + Live Music + Party!

Celebrate the New Year at Bryce with festivities for all including a fine meal, torchlight parade, fireworks display and a party in the Copper Kettle with a live DJ! bryceresort.com/events-and-activities/ events

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Beech Mountain December 31, 2021 Bring in the New Years at Beech Mountain Ski area. A free family

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

celebration runs from 7 a.m. midnight at The Lodge. Live Music from AppleButter Soul (Tickets are $15 in advance) beginning at 8 p.m at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Fireworks begin at midnight. beechmountainresort.com/events

College Days Special at Massanutten Every Wednesday and Friday from January 5 – March 4, 2022 College students ski or snowboard for $45 with a valid college ID. Show ID at ski ticket window to receive discount. Discount not available online. massresort.com/play/snow-sports/ hours-rates

College Nights Special at Massanutten Every Friday night (4 – 9 pm) from January 7 – March 4, 2022 College students ski or snowboard for $35 with a valid college ID. Show ID at ski ticket window to receive discount. Discount not available online. massresort.com/play/snow-sports/ hours-rates

Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend at The Homestead January 14-17, 2022 Enjoy a long weekend of winter fun including fascinating culinary experiences, artisan craft classes, ice skating, tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more. Warm up next to the fireplaces in the Great Hall or make s’mores around the firepit. omnihotels.com/hotels/homesteadvirginia/things-to-do/upcoming-events

MLK Weekend at Bryce Resort January 15, 2022 Fireworks + Live Music! Escape to Bryce for your three day weekend.

Enjoy a happy hour outside with live music followed by more live music in the Copper Kettle. Close out the night with a breathtaking fireworks display. bryceresort.com/events-and-activities/ events

Ober Rocks at Ober Gatlinburg January 22nd, 2022 Enjoy some late night skiing and a live concert! The local hotel partners

have discounts for those who want to rock, have fun on the slopes, and stay the night. obergatlinburg.com/events

Valentine’s Weekend at The Homestead February 11-14, 2022 Hit the slopes for a winter weekend you’ll love with snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice skating. For a special après ski treat, indulge in a relaxing spa service or enjoy a tasting in the Virginia Wine Experience. omnihotels.com/hotels/homesteadvirginia/things-to-do/upcoming-events

Presidents Weekend at The Homestead February 18-21, 2022 Experience a fun-filled getaway with family-friendly activities such as artisan craft classes, family games and more. Plus, enjoy an array of snow sports, The Homestead S’mores Express, sporting clays and other resort activities. omnihotels.com/hotels/homesteadvirginia/things-to-do/upcoming-events

Snow Moon Fest at Massanutten March 4-6, 2022 Join us for an epic Snow Moon Fest at Massanutten Resort! Planned events around the resort will include an arctic plunge, Sunday brunch, live music, tap takeovers & samples, fireworks, torchlight parade & more!

View the full event schedule at massresort.com/snowmoonfest

Winterfest at Bryce Resort March 12, 2022 Pond Skim + Live Music + End of Season Party! Close out the 2022 winter season at Bryce with a proper party like no other. Try your hand at pond skimming and enjoy live music in the base area or simply enjoy the forgiving spring skiing before it’s all gone! bryceresort.com/events-and-activities/ events

For more winter events and snowsports activities, stay tuned at blueridgeoutdoors.com

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Professionals of all ages who are able to work remotely are discovering the Alleghany Highlands. And, they love what they’re seeing. Settling down in the region is both idealistic and practical.

Instead of spending hours commuting in the traffic of big cities, it’s possible to go from conducting business online to mountain biking a scenic trail in a matter of minutes. More than 50% of Alleghany County is national forest, which means there

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Nestled within the vast mountain landscapes of West Virginia, Lost River Vacations provides the perfect retreat from the daily hustle and bustle. Only two miles from Lost River State Park, this vacation destination is the perfect access point for an abundance of outdoor recreation. This season, discover adventure, tranquility, and authentic family-time in Almost Heaven.

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

THE GOODS

WINTER GEAR LEKI SPITFIRE VARIO 3D POLES + COPPER 3D PRO GLOVES

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you. The secret is a wider tip and tail, which not only provide more stability, but also help you make longer strides, adding up to fast, efficient skating. $600; shop.atomic.com

Don’t let snow and low temperatures yuck your yum this winter.

As we like to say at BRO, go outside and play in it.

Nordica

B Y D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N

Atomic

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What do core trail runners and bike racers do to get their cardio fix in the snow? They hit the Nordic trails—because there’s no better full-body cardio workout than skate skiing. There are plenty of options out there for beginners, but if you are serious about competition, this is the ski for

Wild Belle 78 CA

Need one ski that can keep you happy when the Blue Ridge resorts get snow or you head up to Vermont? At 78mm underfoot, this agile ripper is the perfect choice for cruising groomers and navigating hard bump lines. It’s a ski that helps you stay stable and graceful on the slopes, ideal for intermediates and occasional skiers who want to keep upping their games. $600; nordica.com

TSL

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The problem with most snowshoes is you just feel like a big dork walking

in them. Not so here: The Symbol Adjust is designed to give you natural foot movement while also delivering grippy performance in the snow.

Credit a lot of that flexibility mixed with rigidity to carbon reinforcements in the snowshoe (similar to the tech used in skis and bikes).

The end result? Instead of feeling bulky it’s light, natural, and athletic. $300; tsloutdoor.com

out of the trees onto a sunny groomer. $300; bolle.com

Polyver

Classic Winter High

Newly available in the U.S., these rugged insulated boots from the north of Sweden are the ticket for anything from shoveling a driveway to long winter hikes. A combination of polyurethane, which breathes far better than the rubber in similar boots, and a cozy fleece lining means they keep your toes toasty down to -40 degrees but won’t sweat you out in warmer temps. $169; polyversweden.com

body. Better still, the insulation is a recycled synthetic down that compresses to carry easily, and then quickly pops back into shape. $180; columbia.com

Leki

Spitfire Vario 3D Poles + Copper 3D Pro Gloves

Taken in tandem, this pole/ glove combination makes use of Leki’s new 3D system—the mittens connect directly to the poles via a small loop between the thumb and forefinger. It provides more control than a Bollé standard strap and releases if Nevada Neo you run into trouble. The pole The magnetic lens lock on itself builds on Leki’s freeride these goggles makes it easy standby but adds the ability to swap lenses depending Columbia to adjust it between 110cm on weather conditions. That Labyrinth Loop and 140cm, ideal for shifting means you only need one With a stylish cut that looks fine from uphill to down. The cozy goggle no matter where anywhere from the grocery gloves, which feature generous you ski or ride. We love the store to the slopes, this puffy Primaloft insulation, loop right Phantom option, which will will keep you warm all winter into the poles, making for a in fact change as light shifts long. Credit that comfiness to system that’s warm, as well on the mountain—much Columbia’s OmniHeat liner, as efficient. $150 pole, $140 appreciated when you pop which reflects heat back to your gloves; leki.com DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 45

From shredding powder to chasing snowy waterfalls, the opportunities for winter adventure are endless in Tucker County. So, this winter, gear up for the experience of a lifetime on the slopes or amidst frosty trails —and also in lively mountain towns. After a day of adventuring is done, explore a plethora of cozy restaurants, eclectic café’s and unique shops and galleries. Escape to Tucker County this season and find your own slice of Almost Heaven.

WVtourism.com/TuckerCounty

THE GOODS

NEW YEAR GEAR PATAGONIA HEMP DENIM CHORE COAT

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HULTS BRUK AGDOR 20 SPLITTING AXE

SCARPA RUSH TRAIL GTX

GEAR TO GET GOING It’s a new year, filled with promise and a full plate of outdoor activities. Here are our picks for the best gear to get you revved up and ready to get out there after the holidays.

B Y D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N

Outdoor Research Exit Sensor Glove

These unisex warmers will keep your digits cozy—and thus keep you outside—all winter long. Made with a mix of OR’s Alpin-Wool (a blend of

wool, polyester, and nylon) and a synthetic palm, the gloves are ideal for Instagrammers and photographers who want to operate their devices no matter the conditions—the thumb and index fingertip feature touchscreen sensor material. $59; outdoorresearch.com

Schwinn Coston DX

The time of the e-bike is here, and Schwinn’s latest batch of commuter cruisers are both reliable and nicely priced. With both pedal-assist power and a throttle option, this ride (which comes in both standard and step-through options) gets you out there, hitting speeds up to 20 mph (legal on most bike paths) and running about 45 miles on a charge (depending on the terrain and power option you choose). It will replace your car for everything from trips to the store (so much less hassle

than a vehicle and faster than a manual bike) to close-to-home commutes to casual rides. $2,000; schwinnbikees.com

Patagonia

Hemp Denim Chore Coat

Patagonia has made a big commitment to industrial hemp (which contains less than .3% THC and can now be grown legally in the U.S.) in its workwear collection for good reasons. The fabric is incredibly tough and surprisingly comfy in light of its burliness. It’s also sustainable since it does not require lots of water and survives tough conditions.

This snazzy hemp denim coat proves ideal for the rigors of car camping, farm work, and even just hanging out at the cafe. $179; patagonia.com

Hults Bruk

Agdor 20 Splitting Axe There’s a Zen saying:

“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” While you ponder that koan, we suggest you chop that wood with this small, well-balanced axe from Sweden made just for the purpose of getting that wood down to size for your campfire or wood stove. $124; hultsbruk1697.se

Scarpa

Rush Trail GTX

This do-it-all shoe melds the DNA of a trail runner with a light hiker to create our favorite kick for adventure, no matter the season, pace, or terrain. It’s most in its element when you are scrambling up rowdy Blue Ridge summits at a fast pace, but just as comfortable on casual hikes. A sock fit keeps out debris and the sole sticks to rocky terrain and loose roots. $139; scarpa.com

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 |

SheFly

Hiking Pant

It’s no secret that women are at a disadvantage when it comes to peeing outdoors.

No longer. SheFly has busted through that barrier with these clever, good looking hiking pants that feature an extra zipper that makes it easy to relieve yourself without pulling down your pants. $168; sheflyapparel.com

LivBar

Ancient Grain

Straight out of Oregon, these energy bars put sustainability front and center. Produced in a solar-powered factory and featuring a compostable wrapper, the certified-organic vegan bars pack a nutritional punch and taste yummy.

Our favorite flavors are the lemongrass cherry and coffee maple cacao. $33 for 12 pack, livbar.com BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 47

#VirginiaMountains

#JacksonRiverScenicTrail

Enjoy #UniquelyAlleghany outdoor events all summer long.

Full event information at VisitAlleghanyHighlands.com/outdoor-events

MAY 7, 2022

JUNE 4, 2022

Alleghany Gran Fondo “Agony in the Alleghanies”

Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

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JacksonRiverMarathon.com

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Happy Yellow House Black Mountain, North Carolina

Lovely 1924 Arts & Crafts Bungalow located 1 block from picturesque downtown and great eateries, breweries & shops! Enjoy the home’s Awesome Outdoor Living Spaces and Year-Round Mountain Views and Hike and Bike right out the front door. | Airbnb Listing # - 46371618

15 mins from Asheville, Biltmore & the Blue Ridge Parkway!

48

BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

THE OUT AND BACK

PRACTICAL SCRUFF

IN DEFENSE OF THE PERFORMANCE BEARD Shaving is not an option when facial hair is this useful.

B Y G R A H A M AV E R I L L

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR

THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER

said to me? “You look like a skinny Kenny Rogers.”

I was running through the neighborhood and stumbled into an old friend who I hadn’t seen in a while. More specifically, he hadn’t seen my beard in a while. I’ve had a beard for the last 15 years and it’s always had a little gray in the mix, but within the last few years a “little gray” has turned into a full-on white pelt. Much like the beard Kenny Rogers sported. Long live The Gambler.

What I’m saying is my beard is white beyond my years. It’s so white that it seems to glow in photos, like it’s emanating its own source of light. It’s the beard of an old man. Biblical, almost, and it definitely adds a solid decade onto my perceived age, a fact that leads many people to wonder, “Why doesn’t he just shave that thing off? He’d look so much younger.”

My wife wonders this often, usually out loud. But shaving isn’t an option because my beard is the most useful piece of gear in my quiver. It is an unsung multi-tool.

Let me explain.

You’re probably familiar with the notion of growing a “winter beard.”

Plenty of men grow them. It’s like a seasonal accessory that pops up around the holidays. And that winter beard isn’t just fashionable, it’s practical.

Having a layer of fur is insulating during the winter. Thanks Mother Nature! It also looks cool with flannel shirts and performance fleece jackets. Like many men, I started out with a seasonal beard.

It was cute. Kind of thin. Definitely not the gray beast I have today. You might have called it “scrappy.”

But I didn’t understand the true value of the beard until I stopped shaving it off in the spring. What I discovered is that the same beard that keeps my face warm in the winter also helps keep me cool and comfortable in the summer by wicking

sweat away from my face on muggy, Southern days. That’s right, my beard is a performance wicking layer, operating like the finest layer of merino wool.

Beyond these practical attributes, the beard also comes equipped with certain benefits that are less tangible.

Specifically, the beard gives me instant street cred in a variety of situations, helping me look the part, whether I’m in a backwoods dive bar or a hipster cocktail lounge. It’s camouflage. I can look homeless or refined, depending largely on the shirt I’m wearing on any given day.

I can pass as a Civil War reenactor or a shipwreck survivor. If I put on a bolo?

Dead ringer for Kenny Rogers. More importantly, people assume I’m good at “mountainy” things like chopping wood or skiing powder, simply because I have the beard of a person who would probably be good at those kinds of things.

Let me be clear, I’ve done nothing

I am neither a backwoods lumberjack nor a hipster in the know, and if you spend more than 30 seconds talking to me you’ll realize pretty quickly that I’m just a stay-at-home dad with a beard. But for a few seconds when I walk into the bar? You might assume that I know what I’m talking about. to earn that street cred. I am neither a backwoods lumberjack nor a hipster in the know, and if you spend more than 30 seconds talking to me you’ll realize pretty quickly that I’m just a stay-at-home dad with a beard. But for a few seconds when I walk into the bar?

You might assume that I know what I’m talking about.

The fact that my beard is white beyond my years also gives me a certain credence that I don’t deserve.

People assume I know more than I

actually know because my beard looks wise. You might even seek out my advice on financial planning or handling nuanced relationship challenges. This would be a mistake because I have the maturity level and worldly wisdom of a 13-year-old going through puberty, but the beard suggests otherwise, and people unwittingly give me the benefit of the doubt.

I’ll admit that having this white pelt on my face isn’t all roses. Soup can be challenging. And I find myself having to wear sportscoats just so people don’t mistake me for a vagrant in certain social situations. And I’m not sure how I feel about little kids thinking I’m Santa.

But listen, no piece of gear is perfect.

This beard of mine is a Swiss Army Knife, a valuable multi-tool that I can’t imagine living without, no matter what my wife says about it.

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

49

TRAIL MIX

NEW SONGS

FRESH TRACKS FOR WINTER

BRENT COBB WILL RELEASE HIS FIRST GOSPEL A L B U M , “ A N D N O W, L E T ’ S T U R N T O PA G E … , ” O N JANUARY 28. PHOTO BY AUBREY DENNIS

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN

Tune in to Trail Mix, our monthly playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. This winter we’re highlighting fresh tunes from Band of Horses and Jenny Lewis, and a track from Brent Cobb’s first gospel album.

“Lyin’ Low”

Rustic and rootsy, Goodwin spins an authentic image of Appalachia in “Lyin’ Low,” and every bit of it rings true. From the raspy, wavering timbre of his voice to the memories of the hollers of his youth and his coal mining father, Godwin is West Virginia through and through, and he arrives on the scene when Americana fans just can’t get enough of Appalachian balladeers. Godwin looks to join Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, and Tyler Childers as preachers of the Appalachian musical gospel. – D.S.

B Y J E D D F E R R I S A N D D AV E S T A L L A R D

BAND OF HORSES

FUNERAL HOMES

“Crutch”

“Morro Bay”

It’s been six years since we’ve gotten new music from Band of Horses, but the roots-driven indie rock mainstays will release the new album “Things Are Great” on January 21. The effort’s lead single, “Crutch,” is an up-tempo cruiser that blends propulsive guitar crunch with melodic atmospherics, as frontman Ben Bridwell uses vivid memory fragments to ruminate on dependence. —J.F. CANED BY NOD

“Seeing Ghosts”

Fans of outlaw troubadour Cody Jinks might be surprised to learn that it wasn’t long ago that he pivoted from playing lead guitar and singing in thrash metal bands to the more traditional country sounds that have earned him fame. Caned By Nod, Jinks’ current metal project, is much more Metallica and Pantera than Cash and Jennings. “Seeing Ghosts” is heavy metal mayhem, with crushing bass riffs, frenzied guitar work, and growling vocals. It comes as no surprise that Jinks is a metalhead at heart; his spin on country music certainly reflects the rebellion of rock and roll. – D.S. JENNY LEWIS

“Puppy and a Truck” “My 40s are kicking my ass /And handing ‘em to me in a margarita glass,” Jenny Lewis sings in

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

her hilariously poignant country track, “Puppy and a Truck.” Although she’s known for her work in the indie world with bands like Rilo Kiley, Lewis teamed up with Americana ace producer Dave Cobb on this standalone single, which offers sardonically simple solutions, like the pair mentioned in the song title, for those feeling like they’re aging not so gracefully. And while the tune sounds ripe for a backroads honky tonk, Lewis has been playing it on arena stages during her recent stint opening for Harry Styles. – J.F. JEFF KENNEDY

“Where The Dope Is All That’s God”

When I was his math teacher, Jeff Kennedy once invited me to play some mandolin while he picked guitar. I was comically outmatched. Before graduating high school, Kennedy played with Jesse McReynolds and joined Ralph Stanley at the Grand Ole Opry. Back in Dickenson County, Va., after serving in the U.S. Army, Kennedy has released his first album in a decade. “Where The Dope Is All That’s God” is a haunting

tale of the plight of southwest Virginia, where much of the mining money is gone, good paying jobs are scarce, and the opioid crisis found its ground zero.

– D.S. BRENT COBB

“We Shall Rise”

Brent Cobb jubilantly testifies in the lead track from his first gospel album, “And Now, Let’s Turn to Page…,” which will be released on January 28. “We Shall Rise” is one of eight traditional tracks on the new project, which was recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, but Cobb reinvents it with his signature country-soul sound. In addition to a rousing vocal chorus, the track peaks with some greasy, bluesbased guitar squalls. With long-held ambitions of making a gospel record, Cobb had a seize-the-day moment in the summer of 2020 after surviving a violent car accident. To make the effort, the Georgia-based artist enlisted some friends, including Anderson East, Caylee Hammack, and members of Antioch, a gospel group led by Cobb’s father. – J.F.

Funeral Homes is the brainchild of Washington-based multi-instrumentalist Brad Heyne. Proving yet again that great art often evolves from the darkest of places, Heyne’s debut EP as Funeral Homes chronicles the drive south along the California coast following a difficult breakup. “Morro Bay” is emblematic of the rest of the EP, an ambient, synthdriven pop-rock deconstruction of a relationship gone wrong and the dots along the map that helped Heyne, the man and musician, recover. – D.S. HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER

“As Long as I Can See the Light”

“The intention was to make a seasonal record with vibe,” stated M.C Taylor, who performs as Hiss Golden Messenger, upon releasing his surprise holiday album, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” earlier this fall. Taylor brings his familiar soulful folk sound to traditional carols like the title track and “Joy to the World,” but he also includes some less-expected covers like this slow-burning take on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “As Long as I Can See the Light.” It’s a perfect track for fireside contemplation and relaxing the pace of holiday chaos.

– J.F. To hear these songs and more, follow the Blue Ridge Outdoors’ Trail Mix playlist on Spotify.