Firsts

Sometimes people ask us if it gets old living in a small, mountain town or if we enjoy the mountains less since they are in our backyard. That's an easy question, because the answer is a resounding 'no.' Although there are a lot of hikes and climbs we have done again and again, we are always excited to get outside in Brevard's backyard.

It is also a blast whenever something happens for the first time. The first year we lived in Brevard, I managed to encounter several black bears both in Pisgah and Dupont. Lately, I seem to be on a black bear dry spell. Last year, I saw my first Rattlesnake while hiking to Twin Falls. This year, I was delighted to see a Scarlet Tanager while hiking up to the Looking Glass Overlook Trail. This striking bird can be tough to spot, as it prefers the deepest parts of the forest.

So, as spring turns to summer, we are again enjoying all the forest has to offer, whether it is seeing something for the first time or the twenty-seventh. Stop in the shop on your way to the forest. We've got some great products that are new to us, like the Prana Quinn Dress and the canvas 5.10 Guide Tennie. Have fun out there!


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

This spring brought many changes to the wonderful mountains of Western North Carolina, some personal and some recreational.  One of the best things to happen here was a month long visit to the area from the Access Fund Conservation Team.  Jeff and Dave drove the Jeep Compass with tools trailer in tow from Boulder, CO straight to NC to sample some of our excellent rock and help the CCC with their never ending quest for stewardship to our climbing areas. These guys worked at Laurel Knob with local hardman Nathan Brown for three rainy days and then with the ASU outdoor programs group at Rumbling Bald for a huge revamping of the West Side, climber owned, boulder field.  Check out the recap video!  LGO's very own Phil Hoffmann makes a cameo.

http://www.opengate.org/access-fund-blog/2012/03/conservation-team-reports-from-rumbling-bald.html 

Man, are we pumped about Spring!  If you are planning a trip to the area CALL US and let us help you prepare.  We have all the goods you need for climbing, hiking, exploring and camping in Pisgah!  Why shop any where else?  We're the pros!

Here are a few events going on in our area.

Visit the brand new Brevard Brewery.  Now Open!

AMGA SPI Course with Appalachian Mountain Institute. March 21st
http://appalachianmountaininstitute.com/category/upcoming_climbing_courses/


La Sportiva Shoe Demos:
May 8th: Brevard Rock Gym
http://brevardrockgym.com/
May 10th; Climb @ Blueridge, Taylor SC

Looking forward to seeing you this Summer!

Thanks!
Looking Glass Outfitters





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

Spring 2012 in WNC

Where does the time go?? It definitely feels like Old Man Winter is on his way out around Brevard and in Pisgah National Forest. Daffodils are blooming and buds are stirring. It has been a pretty mild winter around here, much to the chagrin of ice climbers. But, the spring conditions have already been rewarding climbers in Looking Glass and boulderers at Rumbling Bald with crisp days full of friction.

Speaking of Rumbling Bald, check out the Carolina Climbers Coalition for information on this week's inaugural meeting of the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park. If you don't have time to attend, at least make sure you are a member of the CCC and a diligent climber when it comes to public access, climber impact and parking. These are sensitive issues around the country and particularly in North Carolina. Nobody wants to jeopardize access to some of the south's best climbing!

In the meantime, have fun getting outside in these spring conditions. Come check out what is new at Looking Glass Outfitters, and we hope to see you at the Banff Mountain Film Festival!


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

Celebrating Transylvania Accomplishments

As a responsible member of the outdoor community I feel compelled to brag about what a great place that we are fortunate to live in.  The hardworking cycling community has done it again in promoting our resources that we value so highly and love to share.  The month of October 2011 was Bike Magazine here in Transylvania county!  The highly respected Bike Magazine "The Bible of Bike Tests" was compiled and complete and just hit news stands nationally.   Click here to read it.

In celebration of this event...I did the impossible...for me anyway.  I rode the Green Machine in Dupont. Check out the photographic evidence and we applaud our bicycling brethren!

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

Adopt-a-Crag at Table Rock

We had a great crew come together Saturday for the Adopt-a-Crag at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina. It was great to see so many climbers, many of whom had never visited this crag, come together to steward our area climbing treasures.

If you have heard it is a long hike into Table Rock, you heard right. Anyone headed climbing at Table Rock should be prepared for a full-value day, and should prepare & pack accordingly. Despite its proximity to Brevard and Greenville, Table Rock is a rugged and gorgeous place! Be sure to acquaint yourself with seasonal closures before heading to this area, and bring some Carolina trad skills in order to tackle this pristine granite!

A big thank you to The Access Fund and the Carolina Climbers Coalition for making this event a success! See you at the crag....


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

Dear Santa...

Just a few Christmas Gift Ideas for you since I have been really good!

Under $200
Montbell Thermawrap Pro

LaSportiva FC Eco 3.0 Goretex Hiking Boot

Under $100
Petzl Grigri 2

The North Face Epic Jacket

Under $50
Black Diamond Access Glove

Sanuk Pick Pocket

$40 & Under
MSR Pocket Rocket Stove

Black Diamond ATC Guide


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

Happy Thanksgiving from LGO!

We hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving as much as we did! The balmy weather in Brevard and Pisgah National Forest was unbelievable and perfect for outdoor adventures. Hard to believe that December is nearly here!

LGO is well stocked for ice season and the upcoming holidays with ice axes from Black Diamond, fleece from Prana and Mountain Hardwear, and fabulous insulated jackets from Montbell. Come on in and we'll get that Christmas list taken care of!!


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