Val in Real Life LLC

Tag: Reviews

  • Moto Gear: Crash Tested

    Moto Gear: Crash Tested

    My original intent with this gear review was to highlight what I chose, why, and how these pieces have performed for me. I still get to do that, but in the wake of January’s crash, I also get to be very real about how they performed in their primary duties… protecting me in a crash.

    val in real life
    My gear met an untimely demise but served me very well.

    Sadly, there’s really no gear that will protect your bones when a car slams directly into your body. But setting aside that issue, there is great gear out there that will protect your skin as well as provide some protection to body areas more prone to impact, particularly when your bike goes down. And since those type of injuries are the more common ones facing motorcyclists, investing in quality gear to defend yourself from them is a smart move.

    With all of these gear pieces, you can read more about the features and details on your favorite retailer’s sites. What I hope I provide with this post is some insight into my personal experience as well as a look at some of the inner workings of the technical design we wouldn’t have access to if not for the gear being dissected by EMTs.

    Helmet…

    Starting from the noggin’ down, obviously protecting your head is one of the biggest factors in motorcycling. For me, going with hi-viz was a not even a question, as was wanting a modular, full-face helmet. Those two considerations narrowed down the field of potential helmet candidates considerably. And once I factored in cost, that narrowed the field even more. I ended up with an HJC Symax 3, a solid offering that didn’t break the bank.

    I like the ventilation of the HJC well-enough but it certainly doesn’t qualify as a quiet helmet. I also like the modular feature for accommodating eyewear and being able to easily hydrate without removing the helmet. For a moderately-priced helmet, the Symax 3 has a lot of great features, including a pin-lock visor and an integrated quick-access sunshield.

    In the end though, the fact the I was thrown from my bike after being hit my a car, landed on the left side of my face, and ended up with only a minor concussion is the biggest testament to this helmet. With anything less than full-face protection, I wouldn’t have much of a face left and possibly not much of a brain.

    While the helmet only looks slightly worse for wear, as with children’s car seats and bicycle helmets, once in an accident, it’s done… game over. The structural integrity is suspect and unknown at that point and it’s time for a new one. So my Symax 3 will be retired as I replace gear and get back to the joy of motorcycling.

    While it can be tough to look at the price tag on a helmet and not have sticker shock, remember… it’s your head! It deserves respect and protection. Don’t skimp.

    val in real life -symax 3
    My HJC Symax 3. A few small scuffs belie the drama of being thrown from my bike by a careless driver.

    Jacket…

    Because it was winter and moderately chilly, I was wearing my hi-viz version of Olympia’s Ranger jacket for women that I’d only just added to my riding gear. Not kidding, I only had it a few weeks. I went with the Olympia after having already been very pleased with my summer-weather Switchback jacket.

    The Ranger is an all-weather jacket equipped with CE armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back with copious options for venting. It’s chock-full of well thought out features and I absolutely love this jacket. While I never got the opportunity to test the waterproof properties of it in inclement weather, I give it high marks from on keeping wind and cold at bay in fairly chilly scenarios of winter riding in Georgia.

    In my handful of rides out in it, the weather varied from 40s-60s and sunny to cloudy and windy. With my Patagonia base layer underneath and the inner soft-shell liner of the Ranger, I was quite comfortable. I made use of it completely sealed as well as with vents opened and I was impressed with it in both scenarios.

    And for the nitty-gritty, yes… it absolutely saved me from much greater injury both in terms of road rash as well as the impact my left shoulder took when I hit the ground. In fact, I had to search the Cordura fabric for evidence of the impact.

    val in real life - olympia moto sports
    My Olympia Ranger jacket at the left shoulder. Only a few scuffs in the Cordura to mark one of my major impact points.
    val in real life - olympia moto sports
    The shoulder armor that took the brunt of my impact. While my shoulder still has some issues as a result, without the protection this jacket afforded me, I’d be in much worse shape.
    val in real life - olympia moto sports
    The inner seams of the Ranger jacket, including the tape-sealed seams of the internal layer. I didn’t get to test the waterproof qualities but being a seasoned outdoors-woman and seeing the inner workings of this jacket, I have no doubt it would have performed admirably in inclement weather.
    val in real life - olympia moto sports
    The inner workings of the waterproof/insulating liner jacket of the Olympia Moto Sports Ranger.

    Pants…

    My riding pants are the Rev’It! Tornado. Another offering absolutely packed with features, I was able to use these in all types of weather, with and without the insulating, waterproof liner. They’re fabulous. Even in cold winter Georgia rain, I rode in comfort. I was also quite ventilated using them without the liner on warmer days. These are marketed as three-season pants, not really meant for winter riding. Fortunately for me, Georgia winters are not terribly harsh so they proved to be all-season here but I was pushing the limits of riding comfort with them.

    This piece is very smartly designed and has features that make them very usable and comfortable, including a very adjustable waist that is very appealing to a middle-aged, post-child-bearing chick with a thicker waist. And because I tend to be more on the short, thick side according to manufacturer specs, I had to go with a size that left too much length for my actual inseam measurement. But the adjustability at the ankle allowed me to snug the cuffs around my boots, keeping the fabric tucked away neatly.

    In terms of crash-testing, obviously the Cordura fabric is not designed to withstand such impacts that would crush bone but I escaped with zero road rash which means these pants did exactly what they were supposed to do.

    val in real life - rev'it tornado
    The outer layer of the Rev’It! Tornado pants are well-ventilated for warmer weather.
    val in real life - rev'it tornado
    The inner layer of the Rev’It! Tornado pants showing the ventilation as well as the velcro tabs you can use to adjust armor position.
    val in real life - rev'it tornado
    The inner workings of the Rev’it! Tornado pants waterproof/insulating liner. A thin inner membrane, an insulating buffer, and tape-sealed seams on the outer membrane.
    val in real life - rev'it tornado
    One of my favorite features of the Rev’It! Tornado pants is the padded accordion knee panels. Sure they provide some impact protection in unexpected circumstances but they’re also great when kneeling on hard asphalt to fill your tires.

    Boots…

    Finding women’s boots that didn’t leave a lot to be desired was a challenge. Gear designed for women is coming along in this industry but still has a long way to go. My searching showed me that women’s designs are still more about form than function, leaving us less-protected. I’m not ok with that.

    Without finding something that met my criteria in the women’s offerings, I went with men’s boots, specifically the Dianese Lince. Since I’m not a fair-weather rider, the breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane was very appealing to me. They also have built-in ankle protection, something I found largely lacking in women’s boots.

    I found the mid-calf height Lince’s to fit well and be very comfortable. In the more extreme temperatures I rode in, I did have some issues with my feet getting cold but that basically falls into the category of “Welcome to motorcycling.” My feet tend to run cold in the first place and without heated gear, it’s simply one of the issues riders face. I was actually surprised my little piggies weren’t more cold in some of the weather I ventured out in over the winter.

    val in real life - dianese lince
    The Dianese Lince boots, post-dissection.
    val in real life - dianese lince
    Close up of the ankle support and inner layers of the Dianese Lince boot where it was cut off of my left foot.

    Gloves…

    Another great offering from Dianese, again from the men’s department for many of the same reasons as the boots, the Scout EVO Gore-Tex winter gloves are beefy in terms of insulation and armor protection along the knuckles. But like the boots, beefy gear only gets you so far in colder temperatures. I definitely pushed the limits of how warm these would keep my hands. So without opting for heated gear, I was largely pleased with how far these got me.

    As for for the accident, the gloves came out almost unscathed. Even though my right hand was battered and bruised (I’ll spare you the image…), that glove looks almost entirely untouched. Oddly enough the left glove shows the slightest bit of scuffing even though I had no left hand injury.

    val in real life - dianese
    My Dianese Scout EVO winter gloves fared the best in the aftermath.

    Big picture…

    If you’ve looked at the price tag on these pieces, you’ll notice the cost is not insignificant. I will say it over-and-over… quality gear is essential. Not just in motorcycling but with any pursuit. And not skimping saved me. Literally.

    In my case, all of my gear did its job very well. As severe as my injuries were, the potential for greater was huge. And this gear prevented a lot of that. I had zero road rash, an injury that outwardly seems minor but is not to be taken lightly at all. It can be very serious and one of the hardest things to recover from.

    For all of the rhetoric in our risk-averse society, I hope you can see that we do have means to minimize risk factors and still lead full lives. All I can do is encourage you to research your options, study your craft, and get out there and live.

    Cheers friends. Live large and adventure on.

    And now for your moment of green remembrance…

    val in real life - triumph bonneville
    The last image I have of my beloved Marlo before she was hauled off for salvage.
  • Personal Safety on the Trail

    Personal Safety on the Trail

    So friends… let’s keep it real. You know that’s how I roll here.

    There are countless dangers in life. There’s no escaping the hazards of existing in this world. The risks of outdoor adventure may seem dramatic but climbing into your car to go to work everyday is far more dangerous. But just like putting on your seatbelt, there are certain precautions and measures we can take to shift the odds in our favor and still freely live our lives.

    Bee in your bonnet, Val?

    What has spurred on my mini-rant are news reports of recent attacks on local trails here in Atlanta.

    hiking
    Hiking with friends is fabulous… but that can’t always be arranged.

    I believe in the power words and how situations are framed with them. I will say that most news outlets are simply urging awareness and caution but I take great umbrage at the ones talking about “inviting trouble” and “making a target of yourself” if you “insist on being out alone.” Just wow… and some other words that aren’t exactly blog-friendly.

    This victim-blaming attitude is unconscionable. Even the brother-in-law of the woman severely beaten on the Silver Comet Trail said “Please don’t be scared to go down there. Be smart, but please don’t be scared.”

    Yes, real dangers exist and we are responsible for doing everything we reasonably can to protect ourselves but to think we can never leave the house without an entourage is absurd. A buddy system is great. I love heading to the trails with my friends but isn’t always a viable option. So I head out alone rather than sitting at home, my life held hostage by a few unsavory individuals. If I succumb to their actions, I become a prisoner. We all do.

    No. Just NO.

    Trail tactics…

    So having said that, there are obviously measures we can take to protect ourselves from hazards on the trail, human or otherwise. I am no expert on the matter but here are some of the things I find helpful:

    spot locator
    Trekking poles and a SPOT locator device are part of my trail safety strategy.
    • Know your course: I do some research in advance. Knowing the lay of the land is one of the best things tactics. Not only does it help prevent me from becoming lost, I have an idea of my options should I need to change course unexpectedly.
    • Buddy system: Sure… when I can, I go with friends. But I also like to go alone. As a homeschooling mom, that’s sometimes the only solitude I get.
    • Situational awareness: Regardless of whether I’m with others or alone, I pay attention to what is happening around me. This goes for any time and place: the trail, a parking lot, walking down the street, etc. I also make eye contact and smile at passing hikers… not only does just being friendly help elevate your trail experience, it helps me keep in mind how many other folks are in my proximity, and helps them notice me as well.
    • Listen: I do have headphones on when I’m on the trails for daily local outings but I keep the volume to background level, not shutting-out-the-world level. At the very least, it allows me to be courteous and aware of other trail users who may need to pass me. And in a worse-case scenario, having my ears tuned into potential hazards of any kind, human or wild critter, is clearly beneficial.
    • Trekking/Hiking Poles: I reluctantly started using trekking poles as my knees decided to rebel against the demands of hiking. It took some time to get used to not having my hands free but now I’m a true believer in carrying them for their many uses, one of which is having something to distance yourself from threats. And I have accidentally poked myself with the pointy of mine. Trust me, it hurts. That can be used to your advantage.
    • Whistle: Most packs these days have whistles built in to the chest strap buckle but a couple of mine don’t so I’ve just attached those inexpensive little REI whistles. I think whistles are far more effective than screaming in attracting attention to yourself when you need it. Their pitch carries well and isn’t as likely to be disregarded as someone just being boisterous.

    In addition to these measures, I also use a couple of apps as a broader safety net.

    Spot…

    I’m a recent convert to the SPOT Connect. I resisted for a long time because of poor reviews of the customer service as well as some complaints about the reliability of the GPS. I was wary of diving into the cost of the unit (about $125) plus the significant annual service fee (currently $150) under those circumstances.

    SPOT locator
    One of the in-phone app screens for SPOT.

    I’ve kept an eye on it over the last several years though. It seems they’ve improved and with the endorsement of some friends, I finally took the plunge knowing how much I would be out of cell-signal range on the Pacific Northwest Tour. So far I’ve found it very easy to use and the customer service to be just fine.

    There are few varieties of SPOT devices but I use the Connect that pairs with my cell phone to send texts even without a signal. It allows me to customize multiple contact groups and messages from my phone so I can tailor messages to the situation. I have a handful set up that run the gamut from letting my contacts know I’ve arrived ok to specifying a medical or mechanical emergency. The SPOT web interface also allows you to share your map with others so they can track your path if you like.

    I mainly got the SPOT Connect to help with out-of-signal travels but having it on the trails at home is a little piece of mind. Even with a strong cell signal here, it’s still useful to have pre-made messages and contact lists ready to go instead of having to put it together on the fly in an emergency. And in a hard-core emergency, the device itself is equipped with an SOS button that alerts rescue agencies of your location with one touch and no need to fumble with your phone.

    Bugle…

    Before I added SPOT to the mix, I was using an iPhone app called Bugle.

    bugle app
    The Bugle app gives you options for sending your itinerary as well as custom contacts lists for each activity.

    It’s a check-in app that lets contacts know your plans and sends out warnings if you don’t check in as planned. Obviously this requires a cell signal so while it has that limitation, it also doesn’t require you to physically send out a distress message; it simply notifies your contacts that you didn’t check in safely. Of course, that time has to pass before the message goes out.

    The app lets you reuse events so you don’t have to recreate commonly-used ones each time. It also lets you assign different contacts to those events so you can customize it based on your adventure.

    Even with SPOT I still use Bugle since it’s mechanism for sending notifications is different. My contacts are duplicated on both apps so in the case of an emergency, they have both tools to get me help.

    The big picture…

    Having started this post with the ugly specter of a human attack, the truth is I’m more likely to face an issue with a wild critter like a snake, and it’s even likelier that a situation will arise from my own klutziness. I’m always concerned that I’ll trip over a rock or root and knock myself silly far more than any other hazard.

    Even with all of these precautions put together, there are no guarantees against problems out there. Awareness will help minimize them, other tools help me help myself to some extent, and my electronic tools provide the prospect of getting outside help more quickly, which can obviously be crucial depending upon the situation.

    Hopefully between my wits and my gadgets, I’ll continue to adventure as safely as possible while still living life to its fullest. I hope you will too.

    Happy adventuring!

    And now for your moment of green…

    My favorite local trails need not be intimidating if I take reasonable precautions.
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  • Adventures in Leave No Trace Training

    Adventures in Leave No Trace Training

    Last week I set out to add another piece to my outdoor-chick toolbox. Having secured my Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification last year and renewed my Wilderness First Aid certification in January, I had nothing else on my radar. But when my dear, insane soul-sister, Karan of E-Corps, told me in no uncertain terms I needed to join her for a Leave No Trace Trainer course, I didn’t object.

    Homework

    If you’re not familiar with them, these are the guiding principles of Leave No Trace:

    LNT Seven Principles
    • Plan ahead and prepare
    • Travel and camp on durable surfaces
    • Dispose of waste properly
    • Leave what you find
    • Minimize campfire impacts
    • Respect wildlife
    • Be considerate of other visitors

    Before setting out to our training location at Neels Gap on the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia, we each picked one of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to research in-depth and present to the class. I chose Respect Wildlife and dove into how to present the topic in a new way. I struggled for a bit until I went to where I do my best thinking… the trails. It was there my idea hit me and gelled into a working plan. More on that in a bit.

    Adventures in preparation

    As excited as I was about the class, I hadn’t been on an overnight backpack in a very long time and resurrecting those packing skills from deep in my memory was a daunting task. These days, I can pack for a 10,000-mile camping road-trip in my sleep but it took a great amount of effort through no-longer-familiar decisions to get myself ready for a backpacking adventure.

    On top of hauling out long-unused gear, I checked the weather and realized we were in for a miserable time. The challenge of backpacking for the first time in ages was going to be compounded by dreary, wet, bone-chilling cold and the need to have everything completely waterproof. After a multitude of mini-crises about which pack to use, remembering how to pack, what food to bring, how to get my weight down, how to keep everything dry, and whether or not to haul my massive camera, I managed to get my act together and to class.

    Training Trainers

    Class began at a cabin near Neels Gap where we met the rest of our classmates and our leaders, Tom and Alex. Instructor Tom, got us started with some basics about the Leave No Trace Principles then moved on to some activities to get us thinking and discussing the basis for the principles and the overlap between them. Leave No Trace volunteer and AT uber-hiker, Alex, gave us some practical tips for practicing LNT ourselves as well as how to share the principles when we encounter others who clearly aren’t familiar with them.

    LNT leader Tom looking way more comfortable in the dreary cold than the rest of us…

    Under better meteorological circumstances, Tom would have led us out for a longer hike and more field study. That would have extended out miserable weather exposure though, so he cut us some slack and we lingered in the warmth and dryness of the cabin for most of the morning. So that’s where my buddies, Karan and Hollis, and I improvised to give our presentations.

    In an effort to avoid straight lecture and regurgitation, my lightbulb moment on the trail a few days earlier involved creating a role-playing scenario for my Respect Wildlife topic. This was a big gamble since I had no idea if my classmates would embrace becoming bears and chipmunks. Before we got started I handed everyone a card with their animal persona and scenario… everything from a team of chipmunk food-stealing con-artists to bears who liked to play bear-bag pinata.

    I knew Karan and Hollis would deliver so I had them start my “counseling” session for wayward forest critters who’ve had run-ins with humans. They set the tone beautifully and I had to stifle my laughter as Karan impersonated a chipmunk with a penchant for human food. With that, the rest of the class followed suit in putting themselves in wildlife’s shoes so-to-speak.

    Karan’s improvised LNT “Leave What You Find” puzzle game…
    Hollis conducting his durable surfaces activity at the cabin…

    In the field

    With half of our class presentations given in the cabin, we set out to the field for the remainder of our training. In the soaking rain, the wet trail provided the opportunity to consider best path choices in terms of traveling on durable surfaces. For the most part though, we simply trudged through the chilling fog and rain to our camp at Bull Gap.

    Once there, we set up camp with some guidance on best and worst places to pitch tents and how to set up camp so as not to be inconsiderate to other hikers. Fortunately the rain had stopped temporarily so we only had to contend with dripping from trees as we set up camp. And after some time to settle in, we got back to the business at hand of learning how to teach and practice Leave No Trace on the trail… albeit a foggy, sopping wet, miserably cold one.

    It was here that we covered the subjects of proper waste disposal, minimizing campfire impacts, the ins-and-outs of hanging bear bags, and how to be considerate of other visitors.

    Our AT camp at Bull Gap…
    Tom demonstrating bear bag hanging including tree selection, distance from camp, and rope tossing techniques…
    Karan’s bear bag rope toss…
    Dispersing liquids…
    Solid waste disposal… AKA Cathole class.
    Alex giving us the rundown on firewood selection and minimizing campfire impacts.
    Don’t let the smile fool you, Karan had a miserable night wrapped in a crinkly, emergency blanket after discovering her water bladder had leaked and soaked her sleeping bag.
    Alex, AKA The Reverend, was kind enough to volunteer his time and experience to help Tom with our LNT training.
    The boot tree in the mist at the Mountain Crossings Center at Neels Gap.

    In a nutshell…

    At a minimum, taking a Leave No Trace Awareness class is important for anyone who pursues outdoor wilderness activities. Newbies and experienced outdoor-folk alike can learn a lot. It benefits you, the people around you, and our outdoor playgrounds by minimizing our impact and making us more thoughtful about how we use and inhabit our natural areas.

    So now that I’ve added another notch in my outdoor-chick belt, the big question is would I recommend the Trainer course to others? Absolutely. I’m obviously no stranger to outdoor pursuits and I’ve always used the Leave No Trace ethic in my adventures, but I still learned a lot from taking the Trainer course and I’m looking forward to taking that information out to spread the word about Leave No Trace through Awareness classes.

    My soul-sister Karan was probably more happy about being dry and warm again than having earned her certification…
    High-five to Hollis for being our camp chef and official bear bag hanger for the trip.
    Officially certified…

    And now for your moment of green…

    Even in the misery of the bone-chilling cold, you can’t help but marvel at the beauty of a fog-enveloped winter forest.
  • Tremont’s Naturalist Certification Program: Discover the Great Smoky Mountains

    Tremont’s Naturalist Certification Program: Discover the Great Smoky Mountains

    You all know by now that I love the Great Smoky Mountains and that I’m obsessed with the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. In fact, I’m a Junkie. I’ve written about their fabulous photography workshops (Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C) and even highlighted why Tremont is so awesome for kids, but I’ve never taken you through the nuts and bolts of the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program that I completed back in May. So here you go…

    Look at me, the SANCP grad.

    Overview…

    In a nutshell, there are eight courses involved in earning this certification: Interpretation, Naturalist Skills, Birds, Plants, Reptiles & Amphibians, Aquatic Natural History, Southern Appalachian Ecology, and Mammals. The program is conducted in association with The University of Tennessee and upon completion, you receive non-credit Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification from the university. This coursework can also be applied to the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification thanks to the a hard work of the fabulous Mary Dresser at Tremont. (High five, Mary!)

    Each course is offered once per year so plan accordingly, especially if you’re hoping to complete it within a year. I managed to blast through in 15 months which was a lot of Val for the good folks of Tremont to take, trust me. Props to them for that. I still can’t believe they didn’t kick me out.

    No better classroom to be had anywhere.
    My soul-sister Karan getting very excited about dragonflies.

    What to expect…

    Half of the courses (Birds, Plants, Mammals, Ecology) begin on Friday evening and run through Sunday afternoon. Interpretation and Naturalist Skills operate on the same time frame but are put together in one weekend. Reptiles & Amphibians and Aquatic Natural History are the same length as well but are run back-to-back during one week in the summer. It makes for an intense, but fulfilling week.

    Usually you will have reading to do in advance which helps set the stage for what you’ll learn when you’re there. Each course is a mixture of classroom instruction and field work. You’ll need to be prepared to be outside in all kinds of weather… which shouldn’t be difficult for all you budding naturalists.

    In each course you’ll be asked to research a critter and give an oral profile to the rest of you classmates. Don’t let that intimidate you. It’s very low-key and you’re given the framework for what you should include. You’ll also have a short assessment at the end of each course just to make sure you were paying attention. Again, no worries here, this isn’t the Bar Exam so relax and enjoy the learning process.

    Mac Post showing us how easy it is to do a species profile.
    Rain or shine, field work awaits…
    Sue Charles and Sterling the Rock Pigeon having far too much fun in class.

    Instructors…

    I had the pleasure of soaking up the awesome of a great many Tremont naturalists during my time in the program and Tremont attracts some top-notch talent. Across the board, these knowledgable folks are extremely good at what they do, their passion is contagious, and they’re just a lot of fun. In addition to Tremont staffers, they bring in experts from the area to flesh out the material and expertise offered to the students. Let me tell you, hanging out with tracking expert Wanda Deward in the Mammals class was just about as groovy as it gets. They also have previous graduates return to assist which makes for a very nice instructor-to-student ratio and means you’re never lacking for someone to answer a question.

    Jeremy Lloyd showing us the way.
    Tiffany Beachy’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious.

    Facilities…

    The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a not-for-profit educational institute operating out of buildings constructed during the Johnson administration and who’s main clientele are school groups. Basically, the digs aren’t swanky but you’re a wannabe naturalist so roll with it.

    I’ve talked about dorm life before but yes, most of the students stay in the dorm… and it is a dorm. You’ll be in a community-living situation so bring ear plugs and whatever else you need to make your time here comfortable. The bunk mattresses are thin but if all the beds are not in use, you can borrow a mattress from another bunk and double them up. It helps. If you’re looking for a little more fresh air, you have the option of staying in Tremont’s tents. Same bunk/mattress style, just outside in a canvas tent instead of the dorm.

    Meals are served family-style in the dining hall but depending on field work, you may find yourself packing a sack lunch or dinner. The great kitchen staff always offers a vegetarian option for the non-carnivores in the crowd.

    The Tremont dorm and bunks.
    Dinner time at Tremont

    Advanced Studies…

    There’s no need to rest on your laurels after you complete your certification. Tremont offers advanced courses to help you hone your skills. And it’s a great excuse to keep coming back to Tremont which will feel like coming home by the time you’ve made it through the entire program.

    You’ll get to know your assigned species very well. I’ve become quite fond of the ones I’ve gotten to know more in-depth, even this stinky little guy.
    We even get treated to some impromptu entertainment on occasion.
    I took many of my classes with long-time director Ken Voorhis. An excellent teacher and naturalist, he’s now moved on to do great work in Yellowstone.

    Why it’s awesome…

    In all cases, the courses are whirlwind adventures in which you try to absorb a tremendous amount of information in a short time. Obviously in 120 hours of coursework you don’t know all there is to know. This certification process just lays the groundwork for you to get out into the Smokies and practice your newly discovered naturalist skills.

    I’ve got more pictures of from my time in this program than I can possibly share here so please hop on over to my Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Flickr set for the full monty.

    The fabulous Mary Dresser learning about fish species in the Little River.
    The Friendship Circle is certainly a great place to connect with fellow naturalists.

    For more info, head over to the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program page…

    And now for your moment of green…

    The beginning of a fabulous journey in the Smokies…

  • North America’s Best Campgrounds: Elkmont

    North America’s Best Campgrounds: Elkmont

    A roomy creekside site at Elkmont.

    This week my fellow outdoor enthusiasts and I are highlighting our favorite campgrounds in North America. While I have several favorites across the country, I wanted to bring the love down south into Camp Granola’s main stomping grounds.

    To highlight our home state, I’ve got Cloudland Canyon for you. But you know I can’t help but share some Great Smoky Mountains love as well…

    So many choices…

    The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to ten campgrounds within its 800+ square miles and they’re fairly uniform in their amenities in my experience. The campgrounds are equipped with toilets and sinks but no showers, electric hookups (except for ADA sites), or campsite water spigots. Water is available at the dishwashing sinks outside of the rest stations so it’s typically only a short haul to take water to your site. The sites have raised, gravel-bedded tent pads along with picnic tables and fire pits/grills.

    The groovy things about the Smokies is that the mountains are rife with streams and many of the campgrounds boast creekside campsites as a result. You really can’t go wrong with any of the campground offerings in the park, creekside or not, but we’re partial to Elkmont due to it’s location right smack in the middle of the north side of the park, between Gatlinburg and Townsend. It’s a great jumping off point to the trails at Elkmont, to the Cades Cove and Tremont areas, and to Sugarlands and Hwy 441 that runs back south towards Clingman’s Dome.

    And while Elkmont is the largest of the campgrounds in terms of number of campsites, the layout is such that it doesn’t feel crowded unlike other campgrounds in the park… especially compared to the chaos of the very popular Cades Cove campground or the tightly packed walk-in sites at Deep Creek. The campground also plays host to a variety of park programs throughout the year and you can stock up on basic supplies at the concessions stand without having to go into town.

    If you do find you need to go into town, you’ll see that Gatlinburg is more accessible from Elkmont but be aware that it’s extremely crowded and touristy. If that’s not the experience you want out of your visit, the town of Townsend lies to the west and is a much more low-key option for the likes of stocking up on supplies and doing laundry. It is a little further away than Gatlinburg but the drive is fantastic as the road winds along the banks of the Little River.

    An important reminder…

    As of last summer, the Emerald Ash Borer has been officially confirmed to have been sighted in the park. This presents a serious threat to the park’s ash tree population and there is a ban on firewood brought from quarantined areas. Firewood is readily available at the Elkmont concession booth so please do not bring your own from outlying areas. For more information, please visit Don’t Move Firewood.

    An Elkmont visual…

    To get a better sense of Elkmont, here are a few more images. Also click on over to my Great Smoky Mountains Flickr set for more on the park.

    Fred and George never fail to find humor in our adventures… even at a campground. They found this sign positioning at Elkmont particularly amusing.
    Our campsite backyard last fall at Elkmont.
    Closer view of site setup at Elkmont.
    The Elkmont area is ripe with the history of the Smokies.

    Other goodies…

    And just in case you’re wondering, my other non-southern favorite campgrounds are Great Sand Dunes (CO), Custer State Park (SD), and Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit (ND).

    Be sure to check out the favorites of these great outdoor bloggers as well:

    And now for your moment of green…

    Come unfurl your cares in the Smokies…
  • The Len Foote Hike Inn: Unplug in North Georgia

    The Len Foote Hike Inn: Unplug in North Georgia

    If you’re unfamiliar with the Len Foote Hike Inn, it’s time to get familiar! Georgia’s unique lodge getaway in the North Georgia Mountains is located five miles up the Appalachian Trail approach that leads to Springer Mountain, the official starting point of the AT.

    The Sunrise room, complete with eco-friendly features such as solar panels and stilts.

    Are you putting the puzzle together? That’s right, the only access for visitors is by hiking five miles to the lodge. So yes, you’ll have to haul yourself a long way in but once you’re there you’ll be treated to warm fires and hearty meals in a rustic lodge that’s perfect for unplugging from the modern world. The lodge provides your linens, meals, and even some basic toiletries… you just have to get there.

    The history…

    The lodge is named for noted naturalist, Len Foote, a conservation pioneer. The lodge itself is remarkably eco-friendly with the likes of solar panels, vermiculture, and composting toilets just for starters. Even in it’s construction there was minimal waste. Rather than fit lumber cuts  to the design, the design was made to fit standard lumber cuts, resulting in the maximun use of every inch of lumber. It’s stilts also provide maximum seepage area for precipitation, resulting in the bare minimum of runoff. As a former geomorphologist, that fact alone makes me giddy.

    All of these construction considerations were taken into account before the now-popular LEED certification process came along in 2000. And guess what? Even without LEED guidelines during construction, the lodge qualified for Gold certification in 2004.

    New friends are waiting to be made over games, puzzles, and music in the Sunrise Room.
    Unplug and reconnect at the Hike Inn.

    The setup…

    The lodge consists of four buildings: a bunkhouse, a bath-house, a dining hall, and the sunrise room that are connected by covered walkways. The lobby and bunkhouse are the first to greet you when you arrive. It’s there that you’ll check in and grab your linens before you head off to your two-bed bunkroom. Once you’re settled, you’re free to explore the Inn, grab a snack and a drink in the dining hall, and take in the lodge tour before dinner.

    Cozy bunk room.

    The bathhouse is where you’ll find the intriguing composting toilets. Most people automatically wrinkle their noses at the prospect but once you’ve learned how they work during the tour, you’ll change your tune. They’re so well designed, you’ll find that your fear of smell is unwarranted.

    The dining hall is your key to comfort at the Hike Inn. The dining hall is open 24 hours and lemonade and coffee are available well into the night. You’ll be asked to label your mug or glass for reuse during your stay… another eco-friendly, resource-saving measure in place at the Inn. As for dinner and breakfast, the food is served family style so you’ll get to know your lodge-mates as you pass around the always-yummy dishes. At the Hike Inn, minimal food waste is a high priority and in order to help us all be aware of it, they weigh the waste at the end of the meal… and everyone likes to have a happy face on the board for their stay!

    And then there’s the Sunrise Room. It’s an all-purpose place to chill. It’s filled with games, puzzles, and new friends. The view spans three sides of the building with lounge chairs all around the deck so you can relax and let your cares drift away. And just outside of the Sunrise Room you’ll find horseshoe pits, more chairs from where you can gaze over the mountains, and the uber-cool Star Center… but you’ll have to take the tour to find out more about that unique feature.

    On the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes, the Star Center reaches its full potential.

    And because the good folks at the Hike Inn don’t want you to miss anything amazing, they’ll gently play a drum around the bunkhouse if there will be a nice sunrise. Those of you motivated enough can get up to take it in and the rest can roll over and go back to sleep.

    Know before you go…

    So with that introduction to the Hike Inn, here’s some last tidbits you should know for your visit:

    • The Hike Inn is a place to unplug so you won’t find outlets in the bunkrooms. What you will find are friendly signs reminding you that the inn is a cell-phone fee zone.
    • Pay attention to the weather both on your way in and out. The weather along the trail can change quickly; you just want to be prepared.
    • Breakfast and dinner are both included in the price of your stay. You may also buy lunches for the trail though. I highly recommend the hummus sandwich… it’s far from ordinary and oh so yummy!
    • Remember, this is a rustic lodge, not a luxury resort. The beds are thin as are the room walls. Earplugs will be your friend.
    Your key to refreshment during your stay… coffee, tea, lemonade, and more.
    • Give your feet a break from your hot hiking boots by bringing a pair of sandals (or the like) to roam around the lodge in during your stay.
    • The showers are stocked with basic hair and skin cleansers so no need to pack those in if you’re not picky and don’t have special requirements.
    • The Hike Inn is a popular weekend getaway and is booked well in advance. If you can sneak away during the week, that may be your best bet for getting a reservation sooner.
    • Kids are very capable of doing this hike. I’ve seen all ages who were up to the task in my visits to the Inn. Just be sure to know your child’s abilities and be prepared to take a little longer for the journey if they’re particularly young or new hikers.
    • You must check in at the Amicalola Falls Visitor Center by 2 pm in order to proceed to the lodge.

    To book your reservation, call the Hike Inn reservation line at 1-800-581-8032.

    Also take note of the Georgia Conservancy’s service weekend at the Inn coming up in June… there’s still some spaces left. For a report on last year’s event, click here. You can also find photos of that event on the Georgia Conservancy’s Facebook page or more photos of the Hike Inn on my Flickr page.

    And now for your moment of green…

    Wishing you a brilliant sunrise when you visit the Len Foote Hike Inn.
  • Find Your Photography Bliss at Tremont

    Find Your Photography Bliss at Tremont

    As you know, I’ve become a bit of a Great Smoky Institute at Tremont junkie. It’s becoming a second home to me this year as I’m working toward my Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification. I simply love my time there and it’s time to catch you up a bit on why.

    Discovering a “floating” sycamore leaf in a spider web is all sorts of granola groovy.

    A little background…

    On my first visit to Tremont last October for the Fall Photography workshop with Will Clay, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’d taken a couple of day-long seminars but never a workshop. I’ve always been a do-it-yourselfer in that respect (i.e. stubborn), protesting that I could pick up what I needed without having to break away for workshops and seminars.

    After watching my progress stagnate, I finally attended a couple of seminars quickly that convinced me how wrong I was, or rather, that I was doing it the hard way. After hearing Will talk in Atlanta, I was rabid to soak up more of his awesome at the Tremont workshop. And it was a real eye-opener!

    Exploring the textures of Elkmont’s past.

    Musings on workshops…

    So why am I a convert to workshops? Well for one, it greatly speeds up the learning process. To have the opportunity to listen to knowledgable instructors, go out and put that knowledge into practice, then return to get constructive feedback – all in a focused setting – is invaluable.

    Essentially it’s the same experiential learning I promote as a roadschooler with Fred and George. So why in the world did I not allow myself the same rich experience before now?

    It was partly not knowing how to pick a good workshop and be certain it would be worth the time and money. There are plenty of horror stories out there about bad workshops. Vetting them can be real chore and, since not all great photographers are great teachers, having an instructor that takes nice shots isn’t enough to guarantee you’ll come away with greater photographic skills and understanding.

    Bill Lea is the wildlife photography guru…clearly I still have a lot to learn.

    So why Tremont?

    Will came to speak through our local nature photography club, the Georgia Nature Photographers Association, which is where I discovered he was doing the workshop through Tremont. Having loved his seminar, I knew I had a lot more to learn from him and that I liked his style. The unknown for me was the location, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, which I ended up loving instantly. So that’s how I discovered Tremont and the workshop but…

    What makes this workshop all that?

    Well, there’s the adage…location, location, location but it’s much more than that. Certainly being nestled in the Smoky Mountains is an advantage, but the atmosphere of the Institute itself, in combination with the assemblage of talent of both staff and instructors, is what elevates this workshop.

    In the workshop setting at Tremont, you get down to the meat of the creative process. You get to see others’ techniques from initial vision to finished image and it is very enlightening. It helps you re-evaluate your processes, techniques, and dedication, opening the path to being a better photographer.

    Many folks love the colors of Autumn in the Smokies, but Spring can be just as eye-catching.

    Going back for more…

    In spite of having an epic time at the Fall Photography Workshop, I was still uncertain about attending the Spring session because I wasn’t familiar with the lead instructor, Bill Lea. At this point you’d think I would know better than to doubt anything about Tremont’s programs yet I waffled about attending.

    I can’t tell you how happy I am that I went. I didn’t imagine that anyone could match the entertainment value of Will Clay but Bill Lea is just a much fun and just as talented a photographer and instructor. The beauty of attending both workshops is that Will and Bill have such different styles and experience to offer.

    Cades Cove is a main event at the Spring workshop.

    What you can expect…

    If you’re considering attending a Tremont photography workshop, here’s what you can expect:

    • Lots of field work, rain or shine, and very early in the morning,
    • Educational sessions in between field sessions,
    • Inspiration from instructors and fellow students,
    • Instructors who accommodate all levels of skill, from total newbies on up,
    • Constructive and supportive feedback on your work,
    • and fun! The atmosphere at Tremont is light-hearted and and the instructors are a hoot.

    Oh, and you can expect a lot of good-natured ribbing if you oversleep for a morning field session. Not that I know about that from personal experience or anything…

    Final thanks…

    So a big thank you to Will and Bill for just being awesome and genuine. And a big thank you to the other instructors who are all equally fabulous: Todd Moore for holding my hand through post-processing and not laughing too hard at my ineptitude, Ken Thompson for his macro inspiration, and Jeff Miller for asking me the questions I should have been asking myself in the field.

    A final special thanks to instructor and fellow GNPA-er Tom Vadnais. Mad photography skills aside, he’s the one who started all this for me by bringing Will to Atlanta for that fateful seminar…

    And sorry fellas, you’re not done with me yet…I’m a junkie after all. See you this October!

    And now for your moment of green…

    My favorite shot of the Spring workshop, a macro shot of a yellow trillium bloom in the rain.
  • Autumn Brilliance at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

    Autumn Brilliance at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

    So what seems like an eternity ago but what was really only a few months, I got a little uber-mommy time. That’s right, I got to spend a glorious long weekend at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont for the Autumn Brilliance Photography workshop. With the boys shipped off to Gma for safe keeping, I got four days away sans all demands of homeschooling and domestic duties to soak up the awesome that is Will Clay and the Smoky Mountains.

    Will’s first test for us…sunrise on Foothills Parkway

    First, The Workshop…

    As you know, I was already a fan of Will and his work. He’s a rare combination of great talent, teaching ability, personality, and passion. After meeting him in Atlanta for a seminar, I knew it would be worth the time and energy to venture off to Tremont for his workshop. And while Will was the reason I ventured to Tremont for the first time, it turns out he had way more up his considerable sleeve than I imagined, and that was his assemblage of additional instructors.

    Watching the sun rise over mountains and through trees is all kinds of granola goodness.

    Not only is Will all sorts of groovy, he handed to floor over to some other wonderful photographers to help us photographer wannabes become more “be” than “wanna.” So I have to give a shout out to his other instructors…Tom Vadnais, Steve Zigler, Ken Thompson, and Todd Moore. It’s safe to say I learned a lot from each of them and they were the chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherry on top of the Will Clay sundae. And while I realize that’s probably a really odd metaphor for photographers, you get the idea.

    At any rate, I won’t go photo-geek on you with all the minutia of the workshop, but I will say that it was very worthwhile. With visits to Foothills Parkway, Elkmont, and the Middle Prong River there was plenty of opportunity to put into practice all of the expertise they shared with us. They deftly handled all ability levels and we, as students, got to benefit from their extensive knowledge of the area. I thoroughly appreciated that Will kept maximizing our shooting opportunities as the top priority even if it meant breakfast in the field. As Will said…”We’re not here to eat.”

    Aside from the opportunity to expand my photographic abilities, just having time to hang out in the Smokies with my camera and a bunch of cool, talented people was enough to leave a silly grin on my face for days. Be sure to check it out if you’re looking for a great workshop in a stunning location…

    With countless cascades, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the Smokies.

    …which brings us to the location.

    Tremont is a cozy little retreat that hosts all sorts of events…family weekends, courses, school groups, etc. Of course, I was so wrapped up in shooting the natural landscapes that I didn’t get any shots of the facilities themselves for you. Never fear, I’ll be sure to grab some when I’m there next month, but more on that later.

    At any rate, the accommodations are simple and in keeping with the natural setting nestled on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. Obviously this isn’t a luxury resort but that’s ok. It’s what it needs to be and you know I’m not one for frills anyway so this is right up my alley. Having said that, as much as I like the simple life, I will say the that dorm rooms are not for the light sleeper…ahem, that would be me. (And I now know why many of the participants hoteled it in town!) In spite of the limited sleep, I still had a great time exploring Tremont and will be a repeat visitor.

    The Middle Prong River has infinite details to capture.

    Oh so full calendar…

    …but in a good way. So yes, I will be returning for the Spring Photography Workshop…and probably the autumn workshop again in October. And because I can’t seem to get enough, I’ll be pursuing the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification in addition to honing my photography skills. So I’ll certainly be posting lots of Tremont fodder this year and next time I’ll be sure to take a few more shots of the place itself.

    In the meantime, here are some of the shots I managed during the workshop, plus a few more over on my Flickr page for Tremont. Hopefully you’ll get a feel for the beauty of the Smokies if you’ve never had the opportunity to visit. Trust me, there’s a reason it’s the most visited park in the U.S.

    The Smokies are an idyllic place to get lost along dreamy streambanks.
    Foothills Parkway is a popular destination…and for good reason..
    A study of reflection and shade.

    And now for your moment of green…

    One of Will’s assignments…our zen word. This is my contribution to Intimacy.
  • Cumberland Gap: Wilderness Road Campground

    Cumberland Gap: Wilderness Road Campground

    With the bulk of the things-to-do-and-see items covered in this series of posts on Cumberland Gap NHP, I thought I’d switch gears into review mode. And so my granola-munching peeps, here are my thoughts on the Wilderness Road Campground at Cumberland Gap.

    Campground Geocache
    The obligatory sign photo…that also happened to hold a geocache treasure.

    Overview…

    This is a cozy little campground nestled amongst a wonderful landscape of tall trees and scenic mountains. It’s just off of Highway 58 in the far-west recesses of Virginia. The closest town is the microscopic-but-charming Cumberland Gap, TN. For stocking up on supplies however, you’re best bet is to visit nearby Middleboro, KY on the other side of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel.

    As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the highlights of this campground is the easy access to hiking trails as well as some nature trails that had yours truly all aflutter. One of the other features I loved was the ampitheater where Fred played happily for quite awhile, lost in his imagination. There weren’t any programs happening during our visit but I suspect that this is put to good use during heavier visitation times.

    Wilderness Road Campsite
    The back part of the campsite at Wilderness Road. Somehow I missed taking a shot of the front part with the slope of doom.

    The Sites…

    There are electric and non-electric sites but no water hookups. There are water sources you can use to fill up but be prepared to portage your containers a little ways, depending upon which site you choose.

    Geekhenge
    One of Fred and George’s highlights was making “geek-henge” out of the fire logs. Yeah, my boys let their geek flags fly.

    We opted for a non-electric site because we really don’t need electric to get by with our minimal tent-camping set up. (Except when all six of your camera batteries are dead and your car-adapter fails you. Can you say photographer/blogger minor cardiac event? I knew you could.) The other factor in choosing non-electric is that the electric sites all seemed to have paved parking pads for RVs and pop-ups. Great for them…not so great for us.

    So we pitched on a fairly level site that had a good bit of breathing room for the kids to romp without getting tangled in the abundant poison ivy. I say fairly level because we couldn’t find one perfectly level. Unlike our RV/Popup counterparts, tents aren’t equipped with nifty leveling feet to even things out artificially so we have to work with what we’ve got… and if you’ve ever slept in a tent on a slope, you’ll understand why that’s important. Let’s just say it’s not quite the right kind of cozy to have all five tent occupants piled up in heap at the foot of the tent in the middle of the night for three nights running. Yeah, not the most restful of our camping adventures.

    At any rate, we ended up pitching on the gravel pad meant for vehicles rather than the lumpy, muddy, poorly drained area in the middle of the site. With the amount of rain forecast for our visit, we were placing our bets on the best drainage…and that’s gravel, even if it’s very large, pointy gravel in this case.

    One Fred-A-Leaping
    Fred making use of the empty ampitheater.

    The sites were equipped with newer six-foot plastic (as opposed to concrete or wood) picnic tables which made for easy drying off in the inclement weather we were in initially. Now, I could probably write an entire post on the virtues of varying table construction at campgrounds, but I won’t belabor the issue lest you begin to think of me as a camping princess.

    Anyway…another nice little perk of our particular site was the bear box which is great when you’re camping out of a small car. Not all the sites had them though and it was indeed one of the reasons we picked this site as our home for a few nights.

    The facilities…

    I have to give the restroom facilities very high marks. They looked relatively new and were clean, standard issue campground lavatories. Where they excelled was in the shower arena though. Instead of shower stalls in the restrooms, they built them as individual stalls (actually mini-rooms) separate from the sinks & toilets. Faboo my friends!

    Why is this so revolutionary? Well, typically campgrounds with showers have a couple of stalls in each restroom i.e. the men’s and women’s. But by separating the showers from the potties, they’ve maximized the use those facilities will get since they’ve removed the gender-barrier. Now I don’t know if this is something that’s happening in other parks, but it’s certainly not something I’ve seen before and I hope Georgia State Parks take a few notes before they do any renovations.

    Around Camp
    Fred and George taking advantage of the lapse in rain to play a card game outside the big tent house.

    Plus, these mini-shower-rooms were floored with porous-pebble instead of tile. All sorts of wonderful in terms of drainage and general shower comfort. Throw in the large size (to accommodate the disabled) and it was downright luxurious…for camping that is.

    Other bonuses of this set up include being able to send all three of my boys for a shower at once. Also, without gender segregated showers, I could conceivably nag, nay…encourage, my kids to hurry up with out having to shout through the door of the men’s room. It’s been known to happen, trust me. I’ve ruffled a few male campers feathers in my day. Sorry fellas, it’s no picnic on this end either.

    In a nutshell…

    Overall, there were some highlights at this campground. Loved the shower setup, nature trails, and bear box. And no doubt, it’s a beautiful park.

    His Beagleness Atop his Camping Throne
    Dobby took advantage of the break in rain to enjoy his throne by the campfire.

    On the downside, this campground is definitely not geared towards tent camping. The sites were just horrendous for pitching. I’m guessing the RV/Popup crowd have a better time of it. Secondly, I have to say the road noise from nearby four-lane Highway 58 was surprisingly loud and not exactly the atmosphere we were hoping to find. Road noise at night may not an issue if you’re an RV camper but in a tent it was a serious bummer. Or maybe I’m just a ridiculously light sleeper.

    Ultimately the cons were bigger than the pros and that kept this campground from being a great place for us. And as you know from my report on our adventures at Cumberland Gap NHP, we cut our time short. Now you have a little more insight as to why. Camp Granola just could not get comfortable here and that takes the crunch out of our granola so we kept rolling.

    Why all my thoughts may not amount to a hill of beans…

    Well, the campground is slated to close and undergo renovations next month. Since I have no idea the extent of those plans, I can’t tell you how much of this will still be relevant. Given that it will be closed for more than six months, I’m guessing this could be fairly extensive. Hopefully some future visitor will give me an update but until then you’ll want to contact the park for more info.

    So out of curiosity, what’s the best campground shower you’ve found?

    And now for your moment of green…

    Dogwood Sunset
    While not very comfortable, the Wilderness Road campground definitely had lots of pretty to shoot.