Source to Sea

Neuse River Photobook Preorder Information

John — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:45:51 +0000

The Neuse River photobook is now available for preorder through May 28 at discounted rates! I expect to ship out preorders around June 10, and I will email the link to download the Ebook at that same time. 10% of the proceeds from all sales will go to the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation.

Ebook PDF version (64 pages, full color): $5.95. Click here to preorder:

Paperback Book

(60 pages, full color): $9.95+shipping. Click here to preorder:

Adopt A Library

($12.95+free shipping).
Just add a note to your order form with the library location and any other pertinent info, and I’ll take care of the shipping. Click here to Adopt a Library:

After May 28, the retail price for the printed book will be $12.95, and the Ebook PDF version will retail for $8.95. I expect to ship out preorders around June 10, and I will email the link to download the Ebook at that same time.

Thanks again for everything. Feel free to with your Facebook friends!

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Neuse River book pre-orders end today

John — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:38:37 +0000

Neuse River Book preorders end tomorrow! Order now for discount rates. Visa/Mastercard/Amex or Paypal accepted! You can even Adopt your local Library!

http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-photobook-preorder-information/

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BP Oil Gusher still out of control

John — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:26:49 +0000

Watch CBS News Videos Online

I’m not going to pull any punches here. The utter devastation in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of BP Oil’s gross negligence is appalling. I’m hoping against hope that BP will be held responsible, be forced to pay the FULL amount of damages and cleanup costs, and the people responsible (including BP’s Board of Directors) serve serious jail time. Given that Exxon fought for more than two decades against the Valdez ruling and still paid pennies on the dollar for damages, the cynic in me says not to hold my breath.

Between’s BP’s bald-faced lies about the amount of the oil coming out, complete lack of disaster planning, and strong-arming of the final drilling procedures, heads should roll. Obama needs to get serious about bringing the hammer down. We’ll see…

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Charles Vaught to paddle the Missouri River

John — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:51:52 +0000

http://charitytravelers.com/

Our facebook buddy Charles Vaught is starting his paddle the Missouri River then down to New Orleans next week. He’s doing this to raise awareness for SAFE, a human trafficking shelter in Lee County, Florida. Last year he and other friend (Tommy Owen) paddled their tandem kayak over 1,600 miles down the Mississippi River from Winona, MN to New Orleans. Just 21 years old, this kid has his act together. I wish him nothing but the best in this endeavor.

His website is: http://charitytravelers.com/

He is also posting updates on his facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/wolfpack93?v=wall&story_fbid=103429496371756#!/charles.vaught?ref=ts

Good luck, and godspeed Charles!

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Neuse Book Pre-order ends this Friday

John — Tue, 25 May 2010 02:01:52 +0000

About 20 folks have pre-ordered the upcoming Neuse River photobook at the discounted rates. Have you?

You’ve got two options – the Ebook (PDF) or Paperback version. You can also Adopt-A-Library and I’ll send a signed copy to the library of your choice.

All the ordering information is located at http://sourcetosea.net/neuse-river-photobook-preorder-information/

Click on any of the “Add to Cart” buttons and it’ll take you straight to Paypal. You can pay with a VISA, Mastercard, or straight from your Paypal account. It’s easy. Try it!

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How many posts per week

John — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:48:40 +0000

Updating and adding content to the Source to Sea site has always been a hit-or-miss proposition with me. When we’re out on a trip, words flow out pretty easily, and now that I’ve gotten more into video and podcasting, there’s that much more stuff to play with. If I don’t get outside every once in awhile, the site tends to get stagnant. Overall, I’ve probably averaged 2-3 updates a month over the five years Source to Sea has been around. Till now…

I leave it to you, dear reader, to let me know how much you’d like to see out of this site. Are we posting enough? Too much? Vote here and let me know!

Online Surveys & Market Research

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Thru-hiking numbers down

John — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:26:32 +0000

Appalachian Trail

Well, it’s getting close to June and northbound thru-hikers still on the Appalachian Trail are probably somewhere in Virginia by now. I took a look at the Applachian Trail Conservancy’s 2000-miler data for the year, and they’re showing a slight dip in thru-hikers starting out this year. According to folks at Amicola State Park, 1,350 hikers started from Georgia heading north to Maine. This is a tad under last year’s number (1,425) by still well over the numbers in 2006 (1,150) and 2007 (1,125). You can be a numbers dork too by checking out the stats on their site!

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Five years ago on the Mississippi River

John — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:11:33 +0000

First strokes on the Mississippi River

I can’t believe five years have already passed since we first dipped our paddles into the Mississippi River on May 15, 2005. 73 days and 2,200 miles later, we finally reached the Gulf. Even after a year of planning, we really had no idea what exactly we were getting into. On something like that, I just don’t think you can know until you get out there and start DOING.

Fun fact: Jess and I had never paddled in the same canoe before that trip. Never. We realized that about 200 yards downstream from the start!

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Neuse River Book Cover Winners

John — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:23:10 +0000

Well, after 271 votes, it came down to the last day. By a mere 17 votes, the cover with most votes is:

Cover 1

I randomly chose 5 names from all entries, and the following folks will be receiving a free copy of the book. I expect to be shipping these out around June 10. Congratulations to:
Will Beaty
Chris Summerlin
Donna Petherbridge
Tom Williams
Deviled Legs (Carolina Rollergirls)

Preorder Information

The book is now available for preorder at discounted rates.

The Preorder price for the Ebook PDF version (64 pages, full color) will be $5.95. Click here to preorder:

The Preorder price for the paperbook book (60 pages, full color) will be $9.95+shipping. Click here to preorder:

You can also choose to Adopt A Library ($12.95+free shipping). Just add a note to your order form with the library location and any other pertinent info, and I’ll take care of the shipping. Click here to Adopt a Library:

Thanks again for everything. This has been a blast to put together and (finally) get out into the real world! Feel free to with your Facebook friends!

Take care,

-John Pugh

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Last Day to Vote for the Neuse River Book Cover

John — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:40:59 +0000

It’s come down to the last day, and with 247 votes there still isn’t a clear-cut leader in the Neuse River Book Cover Contest. Three covers are nearly tied, with one bringing up the rear. Vote Now

I’m randomly selecting one name for every 50 entries, and the winners for the free books will be announced on Wednesday. Pre-orders for both the paper version and ebook versions will be start later this week. Pre-order prices will be $9.95 for the paper version, and $6.95 for the ebook. The book will retail for $12.95 (full-color paper version) and $8.95 (ebook).

The book should be in area stores and on Amazon.com in mid-June. I’ll also be releasing a DVD on the trip later this summer. Vote Now and with your Facebook friends!

Thanks,

-John

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Neuse River Book Cover Contest

John — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:15:39 +0000

I’m releasing a photobook about last year’s expedition down the Neuse River and I’m letting Source to Sea readers pick the cover! I’ll be drawing names for a free copies of the book, and pre-orders for both the paper version and

Ebook will be start next week. Winners will be announced on May 10.

The book should be on Amazon around mid-June. I’ll also be releasing a DVD on the trip later this summer. Vote Now and Share with your Facebook Friends!

Here’s the rules:
* Only one entry per email address

*Contest will be open from April 28-May 10
*One entry per 100 will be chosen at random to receive a free book
*Email address is required in order to notify the winner(s)
That’s it!

10% of the net proceeds from this book will go to the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation.

Click on any of the images to be taken to the survey.

Cover 1

Cover 2

Cover 3

Cover 4

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Help Audubon in the Gulf of Mexico

John — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:01:21 +0000

Sweetwater Bay, Louisiana

I’m sure I’m not the only person glued to the internet watching the disaster unfold as a result of the BP Oil explosion. Fishing and shrimping has shut down, and prime habitat and wildlife areas are facing untold threats. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the workers killed in the accident and all others affected by this mess. The financial, human, and environmental cost of this are going to be enormous. I hope new regulations will be put in place AND enforced to reduce the likelihood of this happening again.

The Audubon Action Center has responded to this threat by coordinating volunteers, monitoring wetlands, and organizing cleanups. They need your help, and no matter where you’re located you have a chance to be involved in this effort. The Gulf of Mexico is a tremendous resource that affects all of us, and this is just the beginning of the long-term effort. Please visit their site and do what you can.

Track the Oil Spill Here.

Thanks,

-John

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Maildrops for the Appalachian Trail

John — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:35:37 +0000

Picking up a Maildrop on the Appalachian Trail

I wrote earlier on how to send a maildrop on the Appalachian Trail to any post office via General Delivery. Now that there are enough stores near the Appalachian Trail (and Pacific Crest Trail for that matter) to get buy food along the way, I typically just recommend that hikers largely dispense with maildrops for the most part unless they have specific dietary needs.

That said, there are a still a few towns you may want to consider sending a small maildrop to because of limited grocery store access. You’re likely going to have the home crew send maps and mail every once in awhile anyway, so these towns are as good as any.

Here’s the Post Offices (and their zip codes) I’d probably use if I were to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail again:

Fontana Dam, NC 28733
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Port Clinton, PA 19549
Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327
Glencliff, NH 03238
Monson, ME 04464

One strategy that works well is to send your maildrops directly to a hostel or motel instead of the post office. This way you avoid the need to rush into town to pick up a package before the Post Office closes. I always recommend that hikers send their packages Priority Mail, as they can be forwarded up the trail at no additional cost as long as the package has not been opened.

Speaking of resupply options, Baltimore Jack’s article on Resupplying on the Appalachian Trail is the best I’ve ever read. If you have any interest at all in thru-hiking, do yourself a favor and visit that link.

Take care,

-John

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North Carolina Paddling Clubs

John — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:49:33 +0000

Cape Fear River - Erwin Bridge

Are you interested in canoeing and kayaking and looking for a paddling club in North Carolina? Check out some of these folks. If your club isn’t on this list, contact me and I’ll add you pronto.

Black River Paddler

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blackriverpaddler/

Cape Fear Paddlers Association

http://www.capefearpaddlers.org/

Carolina Canoe Club

http://www.carolinacanoeclub.org/

Carolina Kayak Club

http://www.carolinakayakclub.org/

Central Carolina Paddlers Club

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ccpaddlers/

Central Carolina Seakayakers

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/centralcarolinaseakayakers/

Contentnea Creek Paddle Club

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Contentnea_Club/

Crystal Coast Canoe and Kayak Club

http://www.ccckc.org/

Lumber River Canoe Club

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lumberrivercanoeclub/

Mecklenburg Regional Paddlers Association

http://www.mrponline.org/

NC Kayak Fishing Association

http://nckfa.com/

NC Wildlife Federation Paddlers Club

http://ncwildlife.ning.com/group/ncwfpaddlersclub

Roanoke Paddler Club

http://www.roanokeriver.com/PaddleClub/default.asp

Smith River Valley Canoe Club

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/srvcc/

Tar Heel Paddlers Association

http://www.tarheelpaddlers.org/

Trail and River Rovers of East Carolina

http://www.meetup.com/TRREC1/

Twin Rivers Paddlers Club

http://www.twinriverspaddleclub.org/

Western Carolina Paddlers

http://boatingbeta.com/~wcp/

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Backpacking in Chaco Sandals

John — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:42:43 +0000

Backpacking in Chaco Sandals

I present several slideshows on both our Mississippi River Expedition and Appalachian Trail thru-hike every year. I love these presentations and especially enjoy the question and answer sessions. Each time I give the Appalachian Trail talk, I always know I’ll spend some time talking about footwear. Some folks hike in boots, some in trail runners, but I ended up hiking in Chaco sandals for the entire 2,170 miles.

Backpacking in Chaco Sandals

Before my Appalachian Trail thruhike, I scoured the Internet for any info I could get my hands on for information. One site I often visited was Michael McCormick’s Ultralight Backpacking page (now defunct). Michael was one of the first folks that turned me onto the idea that yes, it was possible to backpack in sandals as long as you kept your pack weight down. I had to try it out for myself to see what the fuss was about. At this time in my life, I only owned 3 pairs of shoes – my Chaco sandals, running shoes, and one pair of rarely used dress shoes. 95% of the time I wore my Chacos – not out of some misplaced sense of asceticism, but because I simply loved how they felt.

I was also working for Blue Ridge Mountain Sports at the time, and as luck would have it, I ran into the Chaco representative about a month before leaving. We talked a bit, and once he learned of my plans to hike in Chacos, he offered me the chance to prototype a new type of sole they were playing with. It was a win-win for everyone – Chaco got the data from a long hike, and I got 2 pairs of sandals for the trip. Excellent. Because we were starting in Maine and going south, I did bring a pair of ruining shoes with me in case I decided make a last minute change. Just before leaving the motel to head to Baxter State Park, I decided once and for all to go all the way in sandals, so my shoes were left behind. The first day was a little scary, but I made it up and down Katahdin without killing myself or twisting anything.

Chaco Sandals on right had 1,200 miles on them

I only needed two pairs of sandals over the course of six months, and the first pair made it over 1,200 miles. After that thru-hike, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to hiking with boots, with the rare exception of winter hiking. For what it’s worth, I never had a blister the entire time I was out. Everyone has to find what works for them, but I’m sold on my sandals.

Advantages

Highly breathable
Long lasting

Disadvantages

Less ankle support
Less protection against rocks, sticks, and thorns

More info:

www.chacousa.com

My personal favorite I’ve always had good luck with the Z/1 model.

www.keenfootwear.com

First came out in 2003, but have expanded rapidly. Lots of shoe/sandal hybrids available.

www.teva.com

One of the originals on the market. Thousands of feet are running around in Tevas.

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