My Brevard Backyard

With both Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest in our backyard, it is no wonder we are proud of it. Saturday I saw a new side of my backyard, and did an open house tour of Gaia Herbs. You could easily never realize this Organic Herb Farm and manufacturer is here in Brevard, but you will be glad once you discover it.

The fertile, 250 acre farm includes portions of Catheys Creek and the French Broad River, and is a virtual sanctuary of potent herbs like Echinacea, California Poppies, Hawthorn Trees and Ginkgo Trees. The farm and facility adhere to strict organic guidelines and certifications, and much of the plantings and pruning are done by hand.

It was fascinating to hear tidbits of the complex science behind why herbs work on specific functions of the body, and the tour certainly fueled my interest in natural, herbal preventions and treatments. Check out Gaia products locally at Poppies and keep an eye out for next year's Open House. It is a treat!



Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

Pisgah National Forest Hiking

Saturday was as good a day as any to head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore a new trail. I parked at the popular Looking Glass Overlook and headed across the road and right along the Mountains to Sea Trail, heading left when it intersected with Bridges Camp Gap. This trail eventually hits Big East Fork, where I headed right/ downstream of the East Fork of the Pigeon River.

The water was running enough to offer the dogs plenty of water and a few spots worth taking a dip. Plenty of shade added to intermittent thunder and a bit of rain kept the day relatively cool. Don't let the full parking lot deter you, most people head left at the start of the trail and head to a popular swimming hole.

I turned around after about an hour and a half, which was just in time to catch some real rain, but the trail is a lot of fun and quite uncrowded compared to nearby Graveyard Fields.

PNF Hiking Essential Gear List:

Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket
Prana Quinn Top
Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Shorts
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Darn Tough Socks
Daypack
Pisgah Ranger District Map

Happy Trails!

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
isgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

MondaysNMotion

We had a good crew last night for MondaysNMotion trailrunning in Pisgah National Forest. We did one of the many variations of the 'M.'

Black Mountain>Mountains to Sea> Sycamore Cove

It was about an hour run. Thank you to the bird lady who left some treats for Vinca by my car! See you next Monday for our next trailrunning adventure!

RSVP on Facebook or grab your trailrunners and come to the shop at 6:00.


Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

Hot Summer Gear List

Check out a few of our favorite gear items for the hot days of summer! Perfect for a swim in Dupont, a trailrun in Pisgah, and a quick sesh at Looking Glass.

Smith Outlaw
These classic polarized glasses never go out of style and keep you covered on the brightest of days.

Black Diamond Fuse Lumbar Pack
This pared down pack enables you to carry just the essentials on quick summit jaunts and trail runs.

The North Face Gentle Stretch Cami
This versatile piece truly goes anywhere in style at a great price. It has a flattering cut yet provides the support you need for summer fun.

Black Diamond Neutrino Pack
Shave some ounces on your rack and help make sure you don't grease off your stance searching for gear!

Thermarest Neoair Trekker
It's time to ditch the yoga mat and start sleeping comfortably through the night on your camping trips!

Mountain Masochist GTX
These cushy trailrunners eat up the trail and don't mind a rainy forecast. Available for men & women.



Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

New at LGO - The Petzl Grigri 2

Get em while you can! The new and improved Petzl Grigri has been a hot item this spring thanks to the devise boasting a 25% smaller size and 20% lighter weight than older versions. We are particularly excited that the Grigri is suggested by the manufacturer to work well with 8.9-11mm climbing ropes, as we have gotten very spoiled by skinny ropes these days. Fat ropes are for hang-dogging at the gym!

Here is a quick primer on the Grigri 2 straight from Petzl. Enjoy!



Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

Dupont Swimming

It is feeling like summer around Brevard-- the mountain laurels and rhododendron are blooming and the temperatures are getting pretty warm. As summer sets in, we find ourselves grabbing our swimsuits and headed for the first swimming hole we can think of nearby.

Dupont State Forest has several great places to swim or at least cool off. Many of the larger waterfalls like Triple Falls and Hooker Falls have pools at the bottom that are conducive to a quick dunk. Fawn Lake, accessed by the Reasonover parking area is a popular destination thanks to a short hike, a roomy dock and picnic area. Lake Julia is a gorgeous spot for a picnic and a swim, although it requires a longer hike or bike ride to access via Conservation Road or the Reasonover Creek Trail. Bridal Veil Falls also is a fun place to cool down. Keep an eye out for Copperheads sunning themselves among the rocks and be sure to leave each area as pristine as you found it.

Have fun staying cool!


Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com