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July 31, 2008
La Sportiva supports Green Living Project, Document Sustainable Living in the Developing World
La Sportiva, manufacturer of rock climbing shoes, mountaineering and hiking boots and trail running shoes, announced last week the company's support for the Green Living Project (GLP). The Green Living Project is a film and lecture series project to document sustainability initiatives in developing areas of Africa. The North American leg of the series is currently out in California. If the series makes its way to the Southeast Rock/Creek will certainly let you know.
In addition to monetary support, La Sportiva has also donated footwear, such as the popular Fireblade trail runner, to the project.
Most news coverage about sustainability and global "greening" that American's receive centers around transportation (ethanol, biofuels), buildings (LEED, greenroofs), and federal policy (cap and trade) but there is a more subtle, yet equally powerful, movement spreading throughout the world. This movement attempts to help the developing world "leap-frog" the problems that have resulted from the rapid, environmentally unconscious developmental patterns that have plagued the west over the past 100 to 150 years. The goal of the Green Living Project is the documentation of small scale programs in the Third World. When combined these projects support wide-scale and drastic changes. Since I had never heard of the Green Living Project I took a moment to look into the project's website. I was impressed with the organization and the projects that they document - such as the creation of high efficiency home cooking briquettes from home waste materials. Like many of the other projects that the GLP features, this project creates local jobs and gives a sense of self-worth to the local community. This helps to build projects that move beyond the obvious environmental benefits and into the oft neglected social aspect of sustainability.
If you have a moment check out the Green Living Project website to learn about the little changes happening in Africa to help the world a become cleaner place.
La Sportiva Partners with Green Living Project
Boulder, Colo. July 21, 2008 - La Sportiva is partnering with Green Living Project, media production and marketing company that showcases sustainable initiatives around the globe. Green Living Project is documenting current examples of sustainability or 'green living' around the world. Green Living Project is currently traveling through Africa to pre-selected locations to take HD video, photographs, video podcasts, and stories of projects that illustrate the benefits of green living for all socio-economic classes.
Laura Fryer, La Sportiva's marketing manager said, "This relationship is completely in-line with our goals as a company. We established a corporate social responsibility platform that addressed workers rights, environmental impact, and philanthropy. It is only natural that part of our marketing efforts go towards sponsoring socially and environmentally responsible programs like Green Living Project."
To date, Green Living Project recently visited East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania) where they documented 16 different projects that embraced different aspects of sustainability. They worked with local governments, non-profit organizations, private companies, and international conservation organizations such as the African Wildlife Foundation and The Gorilla Organization. Overall, these projects included sustainability themes such as renewable energy, organic farming, wildlife conservation, water conservation, responsible tourism, eco-lodges, volunteerism, and community development.
"La Sportiva makes some of the best hiking shoes in the industry, so we wanted to make sure we had quality and durable products to get us around East Africa. Their hiking shoes performed beautifully during our recent expedition. We look forward to using them again as we return to Southern Africa in October 2008, said Rob Holmes, founder & president of Green Living Project.
"In addition, we have been very impressed with their energy and enthusiasm for making La Sportiva a more sustainable and environmentally responsible company. In this day and age, it is so important for all companies to analyze their total impact on the environment in order to see what steps can be made to be more responsible. La Sportiva is doing just that and we have been impressed," continued Holmes.
The Key Goals for each expedition include:
1. Sustainability: Increase awareness of successful sustainability projects around the world
2. Exposure: Increase exposure and awareness of unique Partner Projects embracing sustainability
3. Education: Educate individuals and communities on living a more sustainable lifestyle
4. Entertainment: Entertain & inspire individuals via professional and interactive multi-media content
Following this first African expedition, Green Living Project will use the video and imagery it captures in a multi-media tour. Green Living Project will visit multiple R.E.I., L.L. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports, and other public venues around the country.
ABOUT LA SPORTIVA
Celebrating their 80th anniversary, La Sportiva brings a strong alpine mountaineering and climbing heritage to their line of performance mountain footwear. This core experience enables La Sportiva to offer the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running and hiking shoes on the market. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.sportiva.com or see us on Facebook.
About Green Living Project
Green Living Project (GLP) is a media production, marketing and entertainment company that showcases sustainable initiatives around the globe. Through photojournalism and HD video, GLP aims to educate, inspire and entertain while encouraging individuals and communities to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. In 2008, Green Living Project™ highlights Africa, documenting projects administered by leading non-profits, eco-lodges, conservation organizations, travel companies and local tourism boards. GLP promotes thes projects on its website and through an international lecture series launched in partnership with National Geographic Adventure, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (R.E.I.), and other strategic partners. For more information, please visit www.greenlivingproject.com.
Posted by bradmcallister at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)
July 29, 2008
Treat Your Water! Filter, boil, or blind it with science!
There is one simple truth to the debate on whether or not to treat your water; if you don't you are risking spending your trip with intestinal distress. Whether you are drinking from a crystal clear stream or a brackish pond, it is important to safeguard yourself from micro-organisms and viruses. A variety of pathogens can live in even the most clean looking water. Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and a host of other diarrhea and nausea causing parasites have made some of our most pristine wild places home. The good news is that there are many ways to protect yourself against these:
Boiling
Boiling your drinking water used to be the standard. While it is true that boiling your water for three or more minutes will kill any organic contaminates that could make you sick, this will burn excess fuel. Boiling also will not do anything for other pollutants such as herbicides and pesticides. Bringing your water to a rapid boil and keeping it there for three to five minutes is a good backup to other methods, however, so it's worth mentioning here.
Filtering
Filtering your water is a good method of providing safe drinking water without the taste or potential hazards of chemicals. With our MSR micro-filters, the water is pumped through a ceramic and carbon cartridge removing bacteria, cysts, and protozoa. The carbon core
removes chemicals and pesticides. Ceramic filters offer several advantages. You can scrub off the outer surface of the ceramic. This exposes a new layer, providing essentially a new filter should it become clogged. The element would need to be replaced after several scrubbings as the ceramic eventually wears down. The downside of ceramic filters is that they clog quicker than other materials due to decreased surface area on the cartridge. They are also heavier than other materials, and when outside the filter housing they are fragile.
Katadyn utilizes a glass fiber and carbon cartridge which removes the same contaminants as ceramic while being lighter and not fragile at all. The material the water passes through with these filters is pleated, providing a filter that will not clog as quickly. However, once these pleats do become clogged from use, you must replace the filter element. These filters may be more suited towards shorter trips. One important note: the pores of these and most other micro-filters are too large for viruses; however this is of minimal concern within most developed countries. Making sure you have a backup either by boiling or other ways of purifying water is always a good idea, whether viruses are a threat or not.
Purifying
Purifying water is a sure way of having safe water. While filtering will remove most pathogens excluding viruses, purifying your water kills or inactivates all bacteria, cysts, and viruses. Unfortunately, the methods listed below will not remove sediment or chemicals, but depending on conditions this may not be a concern. Typically, most purifying methods fall into one of two categories- you're either using chemicals or exposing the water to ultraviolet light.
There are myriad options for chemical disinfection. Potable Aqua is a popular type of iodine treatment. These are tablets that you simply drop into your water. Wait thirty minutes, and enjoy your water. Simple. One important note on iodine is that it will not deactivate Cryptosporidium cysts. Iodine also has a strong taste, although that can be somewhat neutralized with the addition of P.A. Plus, an additional tablet that is available through the same company. Iodine has also been shown to pose a health risk to some groups of people, making this product more of an emergency item rather than a primary method of treating your water. These tablets are literally smaller than an aspirin, so you can always have a few in your pack.
Another popular and compact choice is Katadyn's Micropur tabs. These tablets are chlorine based, giving the user a more palatable bottle of water. Unlike Potable Aqua these do deactivate Cryptosporidium cysts. However, in extremely murky and cold water the wait time is increased up to four hours to inactivate these.
Available from MSR is the Miox purifying system. This instrument actually makes a mixed oxidant solution using salt and electrically charged water. By dumping this solution into your water you deactivate all bacteria, viruses and cysts with wait times comparable to Micropur tabs. This would be an ideal product for groups or extended outings, providing you don't mind chemical treatments.
If you aren't comfortable with chemical treatments, UV light poses no health risks, imparts no taste, and has almost no wait time. For those opposed to ingesting chemical laced water, this and boiling may be the only options for use in the backcountry. The SteriPen purifier uses UV light to disrupt the DNA of microbes, making them unable to reproduce and make you sick. Simply stick the wand into your water, push a button, stir for a short 
time, and you have safe drinking water. While this product does weigh considerably more than tablets, it is about half the weight of most filters. As with any device that relies on batteries and could malfunction, be sure to have a backup. Steripen has attempted to remove the chance that your batteries will fail with a solar panel charging system.
The method you choose may be dependent on the duration of a trip, your unique needs, or the size of your group. Any time you're unsure of water conditions, grab a filter. Going fast and light? Maybe tablets are the way to go. Leading a group trip? The Miox is a great choice. Is easy your style? The Steripen would be an excellent option. Whether you put a tablet in it, pump it, zap it, or boil it, treating your water in some way will keep you out of the privy and on the trail.
About the author: Will Cornett has been a Rock/Creek employee for years. He currently serves as a manager with a focus on staff training. His passions include backpacking, hiking and climbing. When he's not at our downtown Chattanooga location, you can find Will backpacking in the Smokies or bouldering at nearby hotspots like The Stone Fort. This photo shows Will hiking near a snow-covered Siler's Bald on the Appalachian Trail.
Posted by bradmcallister at 2:49 PM | Comments (3)
July 28, 2008
Antiquated Mining Laws Need Reform. Contact Sen. Corker Today.
A lot happens in 136 years. Since then Edison won the first patent on the light bulb, Ford set up his industry changing assembly line, World Wars have been fought, voting rights have been granted to women and minorities, and computers and cell phones have changed the way we do business. Certainly a lot has changed, but unfortunately, a lot hasn't.
In 1872, the government of an expanding nation was in search of ways to entice adventurous explorers and entrepreneurs to head west and cultivate dangerous lands on the other side of Mississippi. With grand visions for the future of a young nation and the storied abundance of natural resources that were embedded in untouched lands, congress enacted a law permitting miners equipped with pick and shovel to excavate hard rock minerals without paying royalties on the precious metals that they removed. It was a decision that laid the foundation for the future of the young nation.
A lot has changed in the mining industry in those 136 years. Individual miners have been overcome by multi-million dollar corporations. Picks and shovels have been replaced by fleets of heavy, highly efficient and productive machinery. Advanced technologies have granted the ability to dig quicker, deeper and in more areas than was ever imaged possible. Additionally, fueled by unprecedented demand, prices for the commodities have risen exponentially and pushed profits to levels surpassed by very few industries. All this has begun to strain our public lands - with blazing efficiency mining claims in some regions have grown 80% in recent years.
Unfortunately, a lot hasn't changed in the mining industry. The unbelievable truth is that the federal law enacted in 1872 is the very same law that governs the industry today! Much like in 1872, mining organizations are still not required to pay royalties on any of the precious metals and other valuable materials that they extract. Relative to the amount of realized profits, companies pay very little for the land they mine on. The price tag for each acre of land that mining companies privatize is a scant $5. The next time you are filling up your gas tank, think of what $5 gets you. Not quite the same purchasing power it had back in 1872. And here is the kicker! Think that companies are require to clean up the mess they make, well don't count on it, not according to the antiquated law passed in 1872.
It is irrational and irresponsible that the same laws that governed the nascent industry more than 130 years ago still govern today. Many in congress are finally coming to this realization. Late last year the House of Representatives voted to pass the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. This act institutes a requirement for companies to pay royalties, authorizes the denial of mining permits if undue environmental degradation is anticipated and requires land managers to balance other valuable land uses with mining. (Under the current law, mining is considered the land's highest value and thus trumps all other activities. Under the House's proposed law recreational activity, species protection, biodiversity preservation, water quality conservation and other uses would be put on par with mining).
Now that this important law has passed the house, it is onto the Senate where members will decide if the bill will ever reach to desk of the President. At this point it it unclear where the Senate's support will lie. Because of our participatory democratic government you can help. Support from Tennessee's two Senators is important to the future of the bill and the future of our lands. Sen. Corker's support is particularly important. He is a member of the Energy and Natural Resource Committee, and it is this committee who will first review the bill before it goes to the Senate floor. Please contact Sen. Corker and ask him to support modernization of the antiquated 1872 Mining Law.
Many Tennesseans remember the environmental disaster that occurred at Copper Basin because of irresponsible mining. Help protect our lands, and our tax payer dollars, by learning from the past and demanding that the 1872 Mining Law be updated.
Posted by bradmcallister at 4:59 PM | Comments (0)
July 25, 2008
Rock/Creek Manager Reviews Sweet Helments
Rock/Creek Down Under manager Chris Brigman reviews his favorite whitewater kayaking helmets.
Perhaps the most important piece of gear for the whitewater kayaker is the helmet. Finding the right fit is crucial when choosing a helmet.
Rock/Creek currently carries 5 brands of kayaking helmets, one of which is Sweet Protection based out of Norway. The company started out as the vision of a group of friends who enjoyed snow sports in the winter and whitewater kayaking in the summer. The obvious similarities in protective headgear between the sports prompted the beginning of Sweet. Many of today's helmet manufacturers use tried and true materials and designs to produce adequate and safe helmets, however, Sweet pushes the envelope with innovative materials, design, and outfitting.
Sweet offers a few varieties in the water sports arena.
The Strutter is their flagship design, and probably their most popular helmet. It is a baseball cap style helmet with a substantial bill, is extremely light and comfortable, and provides adequate protection for most boaters.
The Rocker series of helmets is designed for safety conscious boaters, as well as, those who tend to "step it up a notch."
There are three trim levels to the Rocker, they are the Halfcut, Fullcut, and Full Face.
The Halfcut Rocker is designed on the same frame as the Fullcut, with the exception that the Halfcut does not offer as much coverage around the ear.
The Full Face Rocker is the Mac Daddy of the Sweet whitewater product line. The Rocker's fullface offers the most coverage in the line, but retains the style and comfort of others in the series. The Full Face is built on the same frame as the other Rockers but includes an additional carbon fiber reinforced jaw protector bolted onto the front of the helmet. There is an aluminum mesh panel on the front of the chin guard that allows less restricted breathing and crystal clear communication.
All of the Rocker series helmets come with a fit kit and ear pads for cold weather boating ,as well as, a removable motocross style visor to keep the sun out of your eyes.
So what does all this mean?
Whether you are running the steeps or throwing Mcnastys, Sweet has a helmet for you.
They are available in sizes to fit most heads. And if style is part of your game, don't forget the new Legend Series. Helmets in the Legend series include graphics that will help you stand out at your local run or playspot.
Personally, I would probably go with the Flash Blue Strutter designed for Norwegian Legend Flemming Schmidt.
Whatever decision you make when choosing a helmet, remember that the fit is key and a $400 helmet is cheaper than a $4,000 dentist.
Good Lines
Chris Brigman
Chris is Manager of Rock/Creek Down Under and has been an avid whitewater paddler for many years. Would you like to know more about Chris? Sure you do, check out his staff profile at Rockcreek.com.
Posted by bradmcallister at 3:25 PM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2008
Vacation Local (Loco!)
Gas prices are up, atmospheric carbon is mounting, schedules are tight and budgets are tighter. Add in the fact that airport security is a pain and that now you have to pay to check your bags, its no wonder why many have decided to forgo the 2008 summer vacation season altogether. Vacations have become a strain. But they shouldn't be, nor do they have to be. The key is to look local.
Sure, there is a certain status associated with long distance travel. When you live east of the Mississippi, its all about heading west. Climb the Rockies, surf California, hike the Redwoods, mountain bike Utah. When you live out west its all about leaving the country. Now, don't get me wrong, I believe there is certain inherent value in experiencing every thing this country and the planet has to offer (I spent many years vagabonding on a soul search for that value) but to only have grand views of far distances is, paradoxically, near sighted.
Its amazing to me how many people who are so well traveled are limited in what they know about local opportunities for adventure and personal growth. This is especially true here in the southeast where opportunities for outdoor vacation and recreation are plenty. We live in the county's hotbed for natural diversity, a diversity that is only matched by the world's most tropical rain forests. Dedicated rock climbers come from all over the world to test their skills on southeastern rock. Miles of hiking trails, underground caverns and navigable rivers add to the lure of the region.
We've all seen a similar tend in the food market. People have been advocating eating local foods and buying local goods for years now. The products are healthier, they support the local economy, they have less of a environmental footprint and they reconnect people to their immediate surroundings. With four dollar a gallon gas prices and astronomical fees on airline tickets, its time to take the this local philosophy one step further, its time to start advocating local vacations.
Save some gas (and some carbon)
What hurts most about long distance road trips? Is it the $4.00 a gallon gas that empties your pocket faster than it fills up your tank, or is it the knowledge that each mile driven compounds a growing global problem. For me its a little of both. Air travel, though necessary in many cases, is particularly bad for global climate change. It has been estimated that nearly half a pound of carbon per passenger per mile is emitted during a flight. Doesn't sound like much but it does add up when you consider how many miles the average flight is and how many passengers are packed into each plane. Whatever your perspective, you benefit from driving less to your destination. I've crunched a few numbers and have come up with a few "one-tank" trips. These are valuable vacation opportunities that require only one tank of gas for a round trip drive. Since Rock/Creek is headquartered in Chattanooga, the city will be my origin for all of the listed trips. If you don't live in Chattanooga, no problem. There is plenty of fun to have right outside your back door. Get out a map and compass, do a little research and I guarantee you will find some enticing trips that will have you packing your bags in no time. Who knows, you may even find that the money you save on airfare might just be enough for that new play boat you've been eying.
On average cars and trucks in the sold in the United States get 300-350 miles per fill up. Since your going on vacation and weighing the car with gear, dogs and kids I'll go with the lower of the two estimates. So if you live in Chattanooga where does that 300 miles get you? All of these trip will get you there AND back on one tank of gas...if you decide to come back that is!
Chattanooga to Great Smokey Mountain National park (133-153 miles): Ah the smokies, no area in the United States has a more dense and diverse population of flora and fauna. Its a meca for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiast of all kinds. There are plenty of activities including bike touring, fishing, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and camping. The area will certainly keep you busy and, since it is so close you will have plenty of opportunity to return time and time again.
From Chattanooga the Gatlinburg Entrance, 153 miles. The Townsend entrance is 133 from Chattanooga. You'll want the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps' Great Smokey Mountain National Park map to plan your trip. Also, Hiking Trails of the Smokies is a comprehensive guide to the official trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering 149 trails with detailed narratives. Includes a full color, all-park trip planning map plus 165 trail profile charts.
South Cumberland State Park (70 miles): One of America's oldest state parks, the Cumberland State Park received its prized designation way back in 1938. Inside the park there are plenty of opportunities for both land and water activities. Camp and hike; canoe, fish or swim. Paddle boats and other equipment can be rented at the the park and there are excursions for both large families and solo travelers. Trails vary by degree of difficulty and duration, so you're sure to find something that will work for everyone in your group. Falcon Guide's Hiking Tennessee has a section dedicated to hiking in the state park. The area is also nationally known as one of the best rock climbing sites in the US. The Dixie Cragger's Atlas will help you plan if your heading into the park to climb. If you need a break from outdoor recreation, be sure to check out the Homestead Museum which documents the life of the 250 families that were the original homesteaders of the land.
Ocoee River (75-100 miles): When the summer Olympics came to the southeast in 1996, the Olympic committee had many choices when they were deciding where to hold the whitewater kayaking events. Ultimately the decision was made to hold the events on the Ocoee river. The river is a mecca for all levels of paddlers. For those who are not into the rush of bombing down rough rapids, there is the option of watching the excitement from the safety of the river bank. There are also plenty of hiking and camping options in the area. A quick google search turns up many cabin renting options as well.
Lost Sea, Sweetwater, Tenn (74 miles): Hey got a few young ones you need to keep safe and entertained. Only 74 miles from Chattanooga, The Lost Sea is America's largest underground lake. A glass bottom, naturalist led boat ride offers visitors a unique tour of the lake. Also available are guided caving tours. Kids can pan for gold and gemstones. Leave your Sunday best at home, you will get down and dirty in the caves. Quick drying warm clothing is your best bet. North Face has a great line of durable technical clothing for the whole family.
Those that need a little reprise from the wilderness after a long and active outdoor vacation can stop by any one of areas major southern cities. Visit cities such as Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Huntsville and Birmingham to get a jolt of southern big city life at its finest. Each City is unique but all offer good music, southern style food, and great night life.
And if your not from here (or even if you are), DON'T FORGET CHATTANOOGA. Disney rated the city one of the 50 best for family vacation fun. CBS featured Chattanooga as one of 4 top "Green vacations" (a list that included the Galapagos Islands) and in 2001 Outside Magazine named Chattanooga one of the 10 best outdoor cities in the country.
Recently more accolades have come Chattanooga's way. Outside again placed Chattanooga high on its list of best outdoor cities and Rock & Ice named the city the nation's number one for rock climbing.
Part of the outdoor allure of the city is the hundreds of miles of trail running possibilities throughout the area. Miles and miles of trails zig-zag and traverse the 3 mountains that surround the city. If you're a trail runner and thinking about heading to town, be sure to join one of the 9 races that make up the Rock/Creek trail series. In partnership with the Boonies Wilderness Trail Running Association and other local businesses, the trail series is dedicated to raising money for trail building, maintenance and other forms of low impact outdoor access. Whether your a beginning trail runner or a long-distance veteran there is a race in the series for you. Complete scheduling for the series can be found on RockCreek.com.
Next steps:
Regardless of where you plan to go the key to a good trip is education and preparation. Be sure to get yourself a guide book and maps for the region you are visiting. Need some more info? A great place to start is by contacting your local tourist information resource. Here in Chattanooga that's the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. If your vacation goals include outdoor fun and adventure we would love to recommend a few great places for you. Stop by one of our stores or visit us online at www.rockcreek.com. We will do what we can to prepare you for your epic vacation. Don't feel silly if you don't know of a particular gem in an area that you have lived your whole life. No one can possibly know all the opportunities that exist in any region, particular one as rich as ours.
Posted by bradmcallister at 4:01 PM | Comments (0)
July 23, 2008
Trail Running Article in Chattanooga's Times Free Press.
Is trail running catching on in Chattanooga? You betcha it is! Chattanooga's local paper, The Times Free Press, seems to agree. Last week the newspaper released a great article on the trail running scene in Chattanooga. The article has some superb tips for those just getting into the sport, including the importance of owning a good pair of trail running shoes. Below is a blurb from the article. If you are interested in the entire piece you can find it on the Times Free Press website.
From the Times Free Press, July 17th 2008.
With some of the world's best -- and most accessible -- running trails in Chattanooga, it's no surprise the city's trail running community is taking off.
"I think people are starting to get out and say, 'This is really great stuff,'" said Randy Whorton, president of Chattanooga's Wilderness Trail Running Association.
This year, Rock/Creek Outfitters and the Wilderness Trail Running Association are sponsoring more local trail races than ever.
Four new races were added, including a 50k event billed as "the most difficult trail race anywhere in the country."
"It is beyond challenging," Mr. Whorton said. "It's in the middle of nowhere on a section of the Cumberland Trail that hardly gets any traffic, with hard climbs, plenty of roots and rocks and stream crossings."
Nationally, trail races and long-distance "ultra running" races are the fastest-growing activities among runners, said Mr. Whorton, a 47-year-old vice president of Chattanooga-based Earthscapes.
Today, "the Boonies," as the local Wilderness Trail Running Association is known, has about 65 members. Ninety-eight people subscribe to its message board.
The Scenic City's advantage, and its challenge, is a wide range of trails literally out many residents' back doors.
Posted by bradmcallister at 2:23 PM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2008
Calling all Boulderers! Help Open Bouldering at Cloudland Canyon
This article was originally posted on SCC's discussion board. Reposted here with permission from Brad McCloud, SCC Board Member and Treasurer
There is an opportunity to possibly open climbing and bouldering at Cloudland Canyon near Lafayette, in northwest GA.
Cloudland has been closed to climbing for years due to lack of park management/supervision and supposedly lack of rescue capabilities.
The world famous climber/boulderer, John Gill, was photographed climbing in this area many years ago in his book "Master of Rock" by Pat Ament.
But there is a chance to possibly open this area if we have enough (positive) public comment and support. We really need to get the word out and do whatever we can to take a proactive and positive stance associated with this effort - and it will happen.
We need you to either go by the Cloudland Canyon park and fill out a comment card or fill out one online.
On the comment card state something to the effect that....
"We respectfully request that climbing be opened within Cloudland Canyon. This area is a great climbing and bouldering resource and should be open as it is a State Park. Other climbing areas around the state of Georgia are currently open (Tallulah Gorge, Rocktown, Zahnd Natural Area and Panola Mountain) as climbing is a recognized as a legitimate recreational by the State. We also understand that rescue may be a concern but we would like to point out that the Walker County Fire and Rescue is a well trained world class rescue group that is located only miles away. It is also our understanding that the Cloudland Canyon ranger staff has 5 DNR high angle rescue personnel on staff, and nearby Dade County GA rescue staff is also capable.
Please reconsider opening this great resource for climbers to enjoy."
You can change the text as needed - but please keep it upbeat and positive.
Fill out a comment card here online and submit via the internet (easy - takes 45 seconds)
You can use the text above (modify slightly if you can).
Fill out the online Comment Card.
More info on Cloudland Canyon can be found on the Georgia State Parks website.
About Cloudland Canyon:
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.) Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park's walk-in campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Outdoor lovers should not miss this park's spectacular scenery.
About the SCC:
The Southeastern Climbers Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving climbing access in the Southeast. We started in 1993 when a group of climbers banded together to help out with ongoing access issues at Sunset Rock, atop Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The group had positive results from the start and went on to sponsor cleanups and trail days of climbing areas, raise money to purchase land and to keep climbing areas open for future generations. SCC volunteers are climbers from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina and the Ozarks who have joined forces to resolve local climbing access issues. The Southeastern Climbers Coalition aims to provide an ongoing means for climbers throughout the area to come together and respond effectively to access threats to crags, as well as the impacts of increasing use.
Posted by bradmcallister at 11:15 AM | Comments (1)
July 18, 2008
Chaco and Rock/Creek Partner in Footwear Recycling Program. Donations to Support Developing Countries.
Take a step against poverty. Trade in your old but usable clean shoes for a 20% discount on a new pair of Chaco footwear. Your trade becomes a donation as Rock/Creek and Chaco will send the shoes to third-world communities in need. The shoes can be donated online or in any of Rock/Creek's Chattanooga, TN stores. Customers can donate any brand or model of shoe, as long as it is a clean, usable, and well constructed piece of footwear. Online instructions for donation can be found on Rock/Creek's Chaco Donation page. The program will begin on July 18th and continues until August 2nd.
This year marks the forth consecutive year of Chaco's recycling campaign. Since the start of the program in 2004, Chaco and the company's recycling program partners have distributed nearly 15,000 pairs of sandals to poverty stricken areas of the globe. Rock/Creek joined the recycling partnership in 2005 and since then the store's loyal customers have donated more than 320 pairs of old shoes. This support makes Rock/Creek one of Chaco's top donating partners.
"We're pleased that Rock/Creek will again apply their passion and commitment to our recycled shoe promotion. Our joint effort to provide shoes to those in need can and has made a difference to thousands of people." said Ann Ellinger, Sr. Marketing Coordinator for Chaco.
SHOES SAVE LIVES
Footwear donated from the 2008 campaign will support the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages. It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by Hookworm anemia. The hookworm, a soil-born parasite, enters through bare feet and resides in the small intestine of its host. If the parasitic condition is left untreated, severe anemia and malnutrition will result. The condition will slowly advance until a blood transfusion becomes necessary for the infective individual's survival. In developing nations the cost of transfusion is often prohibitive and risky. Prevention, through the use of protective footwear, has been proven to prevent hookworm anemia. Through the 2007 Chaco recycling program an entire village in Uganda was outfitted with shoes--a simple solution that completely eliminated hookworm anemia in the village.
In previous years the program has supported communities in India and Nepal. Chaco's program has also impacted communities closer to home. After Hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast region in September 2005, Chaco and participating retailers collected over 400 pairs of footwear and distributed them to displaced hurricane victims in affected areas of Louisiana.
"Sustainability typically is defined as the long term balance between the environment, the economy and the needs of society. By offering customers the ability to recycle old footwear through donations to developing countries, and purchase a new pair of shoes at a discounted price, the program touches on all three corners of sustainability. This is certainly a model program for all companies considering sustainability initiatives," said Brad McAllister, Sustainability Adviser for Rock/Creek.
Rock/Creek and Chaco have partnered several times in the past on business oriented sustainability initiatives. In April, Rock/Creek was approached by Chaco and the Arbor Day Foundation to run a special tree planting campaign. During National Arbor Day weekend, a tree was donated for every pair of Chaco sandals purchased at Rock/Creek. Over 300 trees were planted through the partnership. The promotion, dubbed "Buy One, Get One Tree," ultimately supported the planting of over 800 trees.
Additionally, Rock/Creek and Chaco are currently offering limited edition Chaco Z2 sandals. $20 from the purchase of each sandal supports low impact, responsible climbing access through donation to the Southeast Climbers Coalition (SCC). To date, the sandal purchase program has raised over $20,000 for climbing access, including a $10,000 donation to the SCC in 2007. The limited edition sandals can be purchased at any one of Rock/Creek's Chattanooga stores or online. More information on the limited edition Chaco sandals can be found online at Rock/Creek.com
About Rock/Creek:
Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.
Posted by bradmcallister at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2008
Running for Kate. Support the Katie Hammontree Whitlow Fund
Running for Kate is trail running team that has been racing to raise donations in the name of a friend lost to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. At the time of her death Kate was 4 months pregnant. Her grandfather, Georgia Senator Dr. Don Thomas set up the fund in her name. Rock/Creek is a corporate sponsor of the Katie Hammontree Whitlow fund. For more information about the fund and how you can donate please visit www.khwfund.org
Posted by bradmcallister at 4:22 PM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2008
Rock and Ice, Outside Magazines Give Chattanooga Top Honors
Psst...hey...can you keep a secret?
Two of the nation's top outdoor magazines rank Chattanooga high on their top ten city lists. How high? Very high. Outside ranks Chattanooga #2 on their Ten Top 21st Century Renaissance Towns, and Rock and Ice gives Chattanooga number one honors as America's top climbing town. The Outside article cites a revival that began more than 30 years ago when Chattanooga was embarrassed by Walter Cronkite's prime time label of the city as America's most polluted. Today that revival continues with the development of an comprehensive urban park system, a unique urban tree planting initiative and the development of hundreds of miles of mountain biking, running and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.
This is the second time Outside has honored Chattanooga as one of America's top cities. In 2001, the magazine included Chattanooga on its list of America's Top 10 Outdoor Towns.
Rock and Ice's top nod goes to Chattanooga and claims the city is a "kick-ass rockin' place to be a climber." The article cites "bullet-hard sandstone, plenty of new-route potential, and friendly and inviting folk everywhere," as the reasons that Chattanooga tops their list.
Great news, Right! But keep it quite, we don't want the masses to flock on the news that we have known all along. Both issue are on our shelves. Come in and check them out!
Rock and Ice's Top Climbing Towns.
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Boise, Idaho
- Ogden, Utah
- South Lake Tahoe, California
- Leavenworth, Washington
- New Paltz, New York
- Favetteville, West Virginia
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Boone, North Carolina
Outside Magazine's Best Towns, 2008
- Washington, D.C.
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Ogden, Utah
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Tacoma, Washington
- Ithaca, New York
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Eureka, California
- Crested Butte, Colorado
- Columbia, Missouri
Posted by bradmcallister at 5:04 PM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2008
Florida Native Completes 3-day Circuit at 2008 Stage Race, Participant Entry
Capt. Scott Griffith sent us this narrative after running all three stages of the 2008 Rock/Creek Mountains Stage Race. Enjoy and if you have a story that you would like to submit send it to media@rockcreek.com
Maybe I should have said no.
I received an e-mail from Lisa Purul eleven days before the race. That gave me just enough time to get in my one long run five days out and then start my taper. For those not familiar with this race, it's a three-day, staged trail race. Each day, runners traverse approximately twenty miles on the scenic trails just outside of Chattanooga, TN.
I should have read the description on the website more thoroughly before agreeing to the race. I still don't know how far we really ran, but it was long and more challenging than any of the hills we have around here. The trails were on Lookout Mountain, Raccoon Mountain, and Signal Mountain. From the recurring "mountain" theme, I should have been a little more leery.
I replied to Lisa's e-mail with a "yes," and Lisa, Paul Brannon, and I headed off to Chattanooga. While Lisa and I were planning to run the first two days of the race, Paul planned only to run one of the days.
For being a small race (probably not the largest budget), you could not have asked for more. Chad Wamack, one of the Rock Creek Racing Team members, arranged our heavily-discounted lodging at a very nice hotel in the middle of Chattanooga. Luckily for us, he also agreed to meet us after breakfast each morning so we could follow him to the race sites without getting lost. I've run the Marine Corps, Chicago, and Boston Marathons and never received such an accommodating reception.
After arriving at Lookout Mountain for the first day's race, we met Kris Whorton--inarguably an accomplished runner. She was the official cat-herder for the race, making sure everything went off smoothly. By the start of the race, she already knew everyone's name, proving a keen attention to detail. Her bio can be found at www.rockcreek.com/raceteam/#kris.
Off we went the first day, following a bicycle escort for the first bit of the course until we hit the trails. Chad told me the bike would drop me; so, naturally, I had to stay with it until it turned off. And I did. And I paid for it.
After we hit the trails, I had no idea where we were going. I figured I would just follow the guys in front of me. Bad plan. Apparently, the leaders didn't know the course that well, either, so we took the scenic route. The good news was that the back-tracking was downhill. For those who are wondering, getting lost two miles into a twenty-mile race is not a good start. After that, we were a little more careful and paranoid about following the trail. We continued past the aid station/gummy bear stop (they must have known I was coming) and ran out to Covenant College. When you drive into town, you can see the college perched on top of the mountain, a vantage point that affords it a great view of its surroundings.
Up the mountain, down the mountain, up the mountain, down the mountain.
With .6 miles to go, you hit the one water crossing. You could go around it, but that would be no fun--especially with the photographer sitting there yelling at you to go through it. So I went back and splashed in the water. It probably didn't help the race time, but I had fun.
On day two, Chad led us out to Raccoon Mountain, described as a flat and fast course. In fact, the course was supposed to be so flat that the official course description included no elevation profiles. Never trust a Tennessee designation of the word flat. The course was hilly enough and overgrown enough that the most mileage anyone recorded on their Garmin was 12.6. The trail was eighteen miles long, plus detours. It was, however, faster than the previous day. The highlight of my weekend came on this day, when I passed one of the mountain bikers on an uphill stretch. As day two came to a finish, I waited for Paul and Lisa. Despite his aforementioned plans to run only one of the race days, Paul crossed the finish line. Lisa followed in short order, and both formed a consensus to hang up their shoes for the rest of the race.
For our third day, Chad led us out to Signal Mountain.
Wait a minute...didn't we only plan to run two days?
Signal Mountain was, by far, the hardest of the trails. Fortunately, everyone was sufficiently well-rested after the flat course the day before. The times were slow, but you don't get to run trails like this in Florida. At one point, the trail dead-ended into a rock face where the trail simply went up. The pace varied from less than a crawl to running full-blast through sticker bushes and thorns where you couldn't see the rocks and roots you were tripping over. By the end of the day, only twenty-six of the thirty-four people that started the race at Signal Mountain finished. About sixty people raced at least one of the races. Paul ran all three races, beating Lisa in only one of the three. He did, however, finish just ahead of her in the overall standings, which made his day. Lisa was second overall woman. And I had fun.
The 2008 Stage Race benefited The Boonies (Wilderness Trail Running Association). Now part of the Rock/Creek Trail Series, this year's stage race was an incredible experience. It was presented by Rock/Creek and sponsored by Mountain Hardwear, SmartWool, and La Sportiva. Participants received a technical Wicked Tee from Mountain Hardwear. Prizes and raffles were provided as well. For more information on the Rock/Creek Trail series and for dates of future events visit. http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/default.asp
Posted by bradmcallister at 2:47 PM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2008
American Podiatric Medical Association Recommends Chaco
The staff at Rock/Creek have all been wearing Chaco sandals and Chaco flip-flops for years. We adore them. We're enamored by them. They're like Mama's mac and cheese; comfort food for our feet. There is no other universally worn brand of sandal or flip-flop at Rock/Creek than Chaco. Part of the reason is the comfort and style, another part is the knowledge that by wearing Chacos we are supporting a well-constructed product produced by a company with a deep environmental conscience. Then there is a third benefit that is literally felt deep within the core of us all - the health benefits associated with wearing a sturdy, supportive pair of Chacos. Recently the foremost association of foot professionals, the American Podiatric Medical Association, released their "Ten Tips to Foil a Flip-Flop Fiasco." In the article the association warned about the common problems associated with summertime flip-flip use. They also recommended ways to mitigate those problems and still live in summertime flip-flop comfort. One of their top flip-flop do's, "look for flip-flops that hold APMA's Seal of Acceptance, such as Chaco's Flip Collection." Yes, we've been validated! The entire article is listed below.
Also, keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement of Chaco and Rock/Creek's 2008 sandal recycling program. Bring in your old, but clean, shoes, boots or sandals from July 18th to August 2nd and your old pair will be donated to poverty stricken communities throughout the world. Did I mention that you will also get 20% off the purchase of a new pair of Chacos. The program has had great results in the past and we hope to better them this year.
TEN TIPS TO FOIL A 'FLIP-FLOP FIASCO' FROM THE AMERICAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Podiatrists give advice on shopping for and wearing flip-flops
Bethesda, MD -Summertime immediately evokes care-free images of backyard barbeques, relaxing poolside and sporting the ultimate "beach-bum" accessory - the flip-flop. But before jumping into any pair of stylish flip-flops, it's important to realize that wearing them can easily lead to a variety of serious foot injuries.
"There are many flip-flops on the market that offer little to nothing in terms of arch support, stability and shock absorption," said Dr. Ross Taubman, President of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "Foot-related injuries due to flip-flop wear have been on the rise. Opting to wear a pair of cheaply constructed flip-flops puts the wearer at risk for injuries such as arch pain, tendinitis and sprained ankles."
Pay attention to the following 10 flip-flop "do's" and "don'ts" to avoid falling victim to a "flip-flop fiasco:"
Flip-Flop Do's:
-Do look for a flip-flop that is made of high-quality, soft leather. This material, unlike plastic or foam, will minimize the potential for blisters and other kinds of irritation.
-Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA's Seal of Acceptance, such as Chaco's Flip Collection and Wolky's Serenity, part of their Zen Collection. Evaluated by a committee of APMA podiatric physicians, these products are shown to allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality foot health. For more foot-friendly choices, visit APMA's Seal page.
-Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring that it bends naturally at the ball of the foot. Shoes should never fold in half.
-Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar warts and athlete's foot.
-Do ensure that your foot doesn't hang off of the edge of the flip-flop.
Flip-Flop Don'ts:
-Don't re-wear flip-flops year after year. Thoroughly inspect older flip-flops for wear. If they show signs of severe wear in the soles, it's time to discard them.
-Don't ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits - this can lead to blisters and even worse irritation.
-Don't wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flop offers little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
-Don't do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects the foot when doing outside activities like mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
-Don't ever play sports in flip-flops. You can easily twist your foot or ankle, leading to sprains or breaks.
About the APMA
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association is the nation's leading professional society for foot and ankle specialists. The association has component societies in 53 locations in the U.S. and its territories and a membership of close to 11,500 doctors of podiatric medicine. For free foot health information, visit www.apma.org.
Posted by bradmcallister at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)
July 11, 2008
Limited Edition Marmot DriClime Windshirt Benefits Climbing Access
This year, Rock/Creek has expanded their Triple Crown program to include a Marmot jacket with proceeds benefiting the Triple Crown. The jacket, Marmot’s popular DriClime Windshirt, is embroidered on the sleeve with the Triple Crown Bouldering Series logo and is offered online at a special price. Like the special edition Chaco Z/2 sandals, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Climbers Coalition.
Only 65 of the jackets are available and in-stock at Rock/Creek’s Chattanooga stores. They can be purchased online at www.rockcreek.com/marmot/driclime-windshirt.asp The jacket are available in four colors; lead/flint or stellar blue/tempest for men and black or blue sky/celestial for women.
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| Women’s Triple Crown Edition Marmot Original Driclime Windshirt + Free Shipping $79.95 |
Men’s Triple Crown Edition Marmot Original Driclime Windshirt + Free Shipping $79.95 | |
Shop all Marmot at Rock/Creek >
“I’ve never worked with a retailer more focused on the conservation and preservation of natural space. Rather than talk about what needs to be done, Rock/Creek puts their money where their mouth is and accomplishes amazing things”
-Brian Scranton, Director of Marketing for Chaco Footwear
Posted by bradmcallister at 4:20 PM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2008
Mining Reform Desperately Needed to Repair Damaged Public Lands
By LANCE BROCK and DAWSON WHEELER Originally Printed in the Nashville Tennessean
The idea back then was to encourage pioneering prospectors to find and develop gold, silver and copper. The government wanted to settle the vast frontier and foster local economies from Appalachia to California, so mining was given top priority for use of public land, which miners could buy land for as little as $2.50 an acre. And they didn't pay a dime for the riches they removed. Not a bad deal ... in 1872.
More than a century later, the frontier has been tamed and populated, and picks and shovels have been exchanged for chemical processing, large-scale blasting and house-sized earthmovers. Communities have grown up alongside public lands and now look to those lands for watershed protection, wildlife habitat and recreation. Today, rock-climbing, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking are widely popular, making important economic contributions to many communities and promoting an ethic of protection for treasured routes, waterways and trails.
Many of these committed outdoor enthusiasts have been appalled to find that the lands they revere are still treated with century-old disregard, and that priorities set in the days of Ulysses S. Grant still rule the use of millions of acres of national forests and other public lands.
As the people of Tennessee know well, mining, without modern safeguards, can have catastrophic impacts. Millions have been spent to restore Polk County's Copper Basin mining district, which suffered devastating pollution from mining and sulfuric acid processing, until a solid partnership of state, federal and private efforts restored the area.
Sadly, the pre-restoration story of Copper Basin is repeated across much of our nation's public lands. Mining under 19th-century policies has left a legacy of more than a half-million abandoned mines, and hard-rock mining has polluted 40 percent of Western watersheds. The estimated cleanup costs of this toxic legacy are more than $50 billion, and American taxpayers may be on the hook for a good portion of this total. Even if funds were readily available, cleanup would require decades. Enough is enough.
Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed meaningful reform with the Hard-rock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, which protects special places like wild and scenic rivers, roadless national forests and areas of critical environmental concern. This bill institutes a reasonable royalty for extracting hard-rock minerals from public lands, as is required for coal, oil and natural gas. These funds would pay for long-overdue mine cleanup. The bill would also authorize denial of mine permits if operations would cause "undue degradation" of public lands and waters, and it improves enforcement of environmental laws and citizen participation.
But for these reforms to become law, the U.S. Senate must also act -- and it must do so soon. With the approaching summer breaks and fall election, time is running out. If the Senate doesn't act the House's hard work will be lost and our elected representatives will need to start over next year. New claims on public lands have jumped by 80 percent in recent years, so the Senate must get moving now, not only so existing pollution can be remedied but also to protect important recreation areas and prevent future contamination.
Tennessee Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker both know the value of recreation, so we look to them for leadership and initiative. Alexander has led presidential commissions on recreation and Corker, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has supported outdoor recreation since his days as Chattanooga mayor. They are both positioned to help usher mining reform through the Senate. Their efforts could protect both our public lands and American taxpayers.
About the authors.
Lance Brock is co-owner of Climb Nashville and has served on the Access Fund and Southeastern Climbers Coalition boards. Dawson Wheeler is co-owner of Rock/Creek Outfitters in Chattanooga and serves on several boards, including the retail advisory board for National Geographic Explorer and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.
Posted by bradmcallister at 2:23 PM | Comments (0)
July 9, 2008
Rock/Creek & Greenlife present a River Conservation Night at the IMAX Center, July 17th
Rock/Creek and Greenlife is proud to present a special private viewing of the IMAX film, Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, River at Risk. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 17th. Proceeds from the night will benefit the Tennessee Aquarium's conservation programs. In addition to full admission film, tickets include complementary Atlanta brewed Sweetwater Beer and hors d'oeuvres from local grocer Greenlife. The event begins at 6:30 with a welcome reception in the IMAX Theater's lobby . The theater is located at 201 Chestnut Street. The private showing of the 3D film will follow the reception. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Rock/Creek's North Shore location and at neighboring Greenlife Grocery. Both are located in the Two North Shore shopping plaza on Manufacturers Road.
The spectacular film, Grand Canyon Adventure 3D, is featured worldwide in select IMAX 3D Theaters and is produced by Macgillivray Freeman, the world's largest distributer of giant screen films. The film showcases the stunning aerials and unique action sequences that millions of Freeman followers have come to adore. Like other Freeman Films, Grand Canyon Adventure pulls the viewer into the heart of one of the world's richest and most awe inspiring ecosystems. For this particular film, the viewer is introduced to some of the perils that face the Earth's most fragile life support system, its great rivers.
Once one of the world's mightiest rivers, the Colorado is currently under threat of overdevelopment and unsustainable resource use. Today agriculture and development intercept the the river before its natural journey to the Gulf of California is complete. The once expansive Colorado River Delta is now only a trickle and supports but a fraction of the diverse plant and animal species it once did. Grand Canyon Adventure follows environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., anthropologist and author Wade Davis, and their two daughters as they navigate the waters of the Colorado River through the 277 mile long Grand Canyon. The goal: to bring awareness to the treats that the Colorado River, and many of the world's other rivers, face. In addition to the visual and auditory thrills that viewers have come to expect from IMAX films, audiences will learn how they can help threated rivers through conservation and restoration projects. With impassioned narration by Robert Redford and music by multi-Grammy Award winning Dave Mathews Band, the film promises to stimulate the environmental fervor within outdoor recreational users, conservationists and film fanatics of all types.
This special event is a unique opportunity for Chattanoogan residents to simultaneously support both the Tennessee and Colorado Rivers. Area residents are well familiar with the value of protecting the life sustaining capabilities of America's grandest rivers. News stories, such as Atlanta's drought and current water crisis, highlight this fact. In addition to its role as a major attraction for both Chattanoogan residents and visiting tourists, the Tennessee Aquarium serves as one of the region's most effective education and conservation based organizations. For more information on the efforts of the aquarium and how you can get involved locally, check out the Tennessee Aquarium online.
Rock/Creek and Greenlife's private event is scheduled for one night only; don't miss this chance to support the majestic rivers that make your life, and the life of all other species on this planet, possible. Tickets are limited, so be sure to stop by Rock/Creek or Greenlife to guarantee your entry into the film today.
Posted by bradmcallister at 4:25 PM | Comments (2)
July 7, 2008
Limited Edition Chaco Z2 Benefits Climbing Access
Limited Edition Chaco Z/2 Sandals Now Available!
$20 of each purchase goes to help secure access to climbing areas in the Southeast. To date, over $20,000 has
been raised, including $10,000 from last year’s program.
This year’s Chacos are available in two colors: Espresso for men and Blue Ridge for women. They have gone on sale and are currently in stock at Rock/Creek locations in Chattanooga and online.
| Shop Women’s > Chaco Sandals Z/2 Limited Edition Unaweep Performance Sandals + Free Shipping $84.95 |
Shop Men’s > Chaco Sandals Z/2 Limited Edition Unaweep Performance Sandals + Free Shipping $84.95 | |
See all Chacos at Rock/Creek >
“I’ve never worked with a retailer more focused on the conservation and preservation of natural space. Rather than talk about what needs to be done, Rock/Creek puts their money where their mouth is and accomplishes amazing things”
-Brian Scranton, Director of Marketing for Chaco Footwear
Posted by bradmcallister at 3:37 PM | Comments (0)
July 3, 2008
Find Your Natural Stride with Vibram Five Fingers
Rediscover what your toes are for. Named one of 2007's best inventions by Time Magazine, Vibram's Five Fingers are sweeping the footwear world. Vibram's Barefoot technology comes from the age old idea that walking or running barefoot puts you in touch with the natural movement of your feet, legs and entire body, creating a better posture and, for some people, a connection to the earth and energies within. These help to enhance your grip on surf boards, in yoga positions, Pose Method running, fitness training, boating, travel and many other activities.
The five fingers are available in three styles, specialized for your favorite activity, and in multiple colors. Dip your toes into the future at Rock/Creek's Vibram Five Fingers shop online.
Read what the online community is saying about Vibram Five Fingers
SNEWS article about the barefoot running revolution
Ultrarunner Tim Larson goes barefoot in his blog
Marathon and Beyond Magazine article about the benefits of going the barefoot route.
Posted by bradmcallister at 1:54 PM | Comments (0)
