Springtime = Outside Time

My body has been aware of the coming warm weather for about a month now. It’s easier to get out of bed and take a morning run, I’ve already done a lot of spring cleaning, and it’s about time to break out the fly-rod.

This weekend will take me out in the Appalachian mountains for some camping, hiking, and fly-fishing with a couple of good friends, some whiskey, and a little lady.

My gear was all a little old, so there were a couple of items that I needed to update/replace. There is one place that I’ve always gone to get the best deals on camping gear: www.campmor.com. I just got a new sleeping bag, tent, and headlamp from campmor, and some flies (not from campmor). All of that set me back only $250, but will pay back itself with 5 camping trips, as it keeps me out of bars. Also, getting outside is good soul-building.

Here’s the agenda for the weekend: drive out of the city for 2 hours to the Chatooga River & set up camp for the night at the bottom of the river. The next morning, we will begin our 20 mile hike to the 4000 feet and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Reaching the top mid-day on Sunday. I will inflate the raft and float (mostly) 15 miles back down the river to the car. Can’t beat that!

Maybe I’ll catch some fish, and maybe I won’t? In the past dozen trips, I’ve caught two fish, but I’ve had a great time, each and every outing! Get out and enjoy the fresh air, warmer weather, and sunshine in the coming weeks!