LINK INDEX
I don't advertise here, but i really do like
Campmor's hiking stuff. They
offer the name brands like Kelty, Eureka, North Face,
Jansport etc. along with all kinza gizmos and outdoorsy
stuff. I've bought from them consistently, waiting for the
products i want to become last years models and buying them
on sale. Tell 'em zen sent ya!
A great place to order stuff for me
for Christmas is The
Compleat Naturalist, a shop here in Asheville
and tasteful e-commerce site. Co-founder and webmistress
Laura does a great job of keeping their site clean and
simple, and the things you can buy! Perfect for the budding
naturalist or the seasoned wind-walker. From notepads for
writing in the rain to plant presses and bug display cases
to magnifying glasses, it's all here. Books and clothing
too. Don't forget to tell Hal & Laura that Zen sent
ya!
Rent-A-Naturalist. Actually, they
don't call it that, but that's what they do and it's sort of
an interesting concept. It's for people who don't just want
to get out in the heart of Vermont, but to be able to learn
to observe and soak in what's around them. Soft versions of
hiking, picknicing, canoeing and winter snow-shoeing with
naturalist Elizabeth Cooper. If you're in Vermont and want
to soak up Vermont nature, try them.
Tom Brown Jr. is one of my personal
heroes. He has an
approach to nature that is connected, forgiving of man, and
wise. He has a truly deep understanding that has helped me
in many ways. He offers classes in Tracking, nature
appreciation, survival and related things at his farm in
upstate NJ. Worth checking out if you're serious.
His
website keeps a schedule of what
classes are available and gives detailed course
descriptions. If you aren't up for a week-long immersion in
nature, then at the very least check out his Field Guides.
If you're a suburbanite, start with his Tom Brown's Field
Guide - The Forgotten Wilderness. If that doesn't get you
appreciating the nature of your own backyard, then you just
don't have it in ya.
More inspiration comes in the form of local naturalist and personality, Scott Dean. Born and raised in these mountains, this man of many backgrounds and talents has put it all together and has - closer than anyone i've evern known - become a working naturalist. His site, WNCnaturally is a great place to learn about plants, ecozones, birds, and yes... life. Scott recognizes as much as i do that the outdoors IS our church, and we're regular attendees, even in winter. He gives great lectures so if you see him listed in any of the local places and libraries go and be awed by what this man knows. He's also hirable for group walks!
