The Great Shoe Hunt Part 1 of 3

As I mentioned in the Memphis Anniversary Trip article, my day hiking shoes have bit the dust. My first pair of hiking shoes were the Salomon Function and after two pairs of them, and having the soft tread worn off them, snagging the mesh outer layer on a tree stump, it became time to find something that would hold up longer. Garmont was my next company of choice, and I really liked the more aggressive look with the tread and full wrap around leather outer layer. The leather took a beating and continued to hold up until the seams started to tear around both sides of the toe box. I bought another pair and tried to pamper them but they died with the same outcome. My Garmonts are still somewhat alive not for the hiking trips, they are doomed to being used for only yard work now. This is where "The Great Shoe Hunt" begins.

Gear no matter what style, brand, or company that you love from time to time changes their ways of producing, selling, or may revamp a gear product to make it better or worse. For a person that loaves the outdoors it is our job, the consumer, to let those gear companies know what we like and prefer. This is what makes gear better and more specific for the activities that we enjoy.

Researching the different brands of shoes becomes really hard when local retailers limit their selection. I f you are either researching on the internet or by word of mouth you eventually need to head into a retailer to try on that specific type of shoe. If the retailer does not have a vast selection of shoes than you may be forced to settle for something that may or may not be exactly what you wanted or need. This is why when I am researching I check with both retailers, online, by word of mouth, and I go on trips to browse different retailers' inventories of shoes. I have learned by checking out retailers and outfitters that I have been able to try on shoes that may have not been sold near my home. I am a small, 6 foot 3, 250 pound gear junkie that likes to know what is out there to purchase that will fit my needs. I blaze through a trail and sweat mere buckets. This means when on the shoe hunt Gore-Tex is out. I can not afford the extra cost and have not had any good experiences with this product. Now, hold on a minute. I am not saying that it is not a good product but just trying to say from my years on the trail and out in the great outdoors it has not worked for me.

Here is a list of questions that helped to focus my researching efforts.

What type of shoe are you looking for? (approach, multi-sport, trail-running, day hiking)

Is there a particular brand or company that you like more than another?

What type of hiking or use are you going to use these shoes for?

Are there certain features that you need to have and can not live with out?

What shoes are you looking at?

Look for our The Great Shoe Hunt Part 2 of 3 were I will answer the above questions in detail.



Bentley - VentureTree Team

Nite Ize S Biner Review

Let's face it, it's not often that you find one of those doo dads that make it in your list of things you just gotta have... At least not nowadays when everything marketed is a doo dad craving for your attention. Sometimes its the simple things that really speak to us.

When I saw the Nite Ize "S" Biner I just had to grab a few. There's instant versatility crammed in each of these and it still maintains a simple design. Does that even make sense? Probably not, but get one or a handful of these and maybe you'll understand what I'm talking about.

I could give you a list of things you can use these for but I'd really rather let you create your own uses for these handy little guys. They come in different sizes and colors. There's even a plastic model available. You can find them at just about any outdoor shop or sporting goods store. More info at www.niteize.com

go stock up.

BTW. if you have some already, leave us a comment on what you think of these.

Pikka | Venture Tree Team

Memphis Anniversary Trip

Welcome to fall everyone,

My wife and I decided to escape from our jobs and our puppies to have a relaxing anniversary trip to Memphis, TN. Due to my wife being 10 weeks pregnant, she set a goal to keep food down and not have to bow to the porcelain god. We found a nice hotel located at exit 215 off of interstate 240. Exit 215 Popular Avenue, is where a majority of my exploring began. My wife was subjected to frequent naps and this providing those opportunities for me to go out to play and explore.

On my adventures of Popular Avenue, I found that on one end there were lots of steakhouses, ranging from Houston’s to Fleming’s. As I was heading out further past the steakhouses I ran into this great little bagel shop. The bagel shop was called The Bagel Company of Memphis.

The Bagel Company is like your favorite neighborhood diner. There were customers of all ages buying from their great selection of bagels or staying to dine in. My wife was in a better mood this morning after sleeping in and was able to enjoy the veggie omelet and I dug into my farmer’s skillet…….....mmm.......mmm..…Munch, Munch, Munch, and yum! Sorry folks the aroma of my breakfast got the best of me and I had to devour it because the customer next to me was eyeballing my food.

Graceland the home of Elvis was our big stop for the trip. We heard that you needed to purchase the platinum tour and I would recommend it as well. The platinum tour consists of a tour of Elvis’s house, His airplane, The Lisa Marie, Private Presley, Elvis car museum, and Sincerely Elvis. The tour was well worth it and I will give you a hint dig up that old college id to get $4.50 off. My wife and I appreciated the tour but the heat and lots of walking took a toll on her, naptime was soon to follow. After dropping my wife off at the hotel and triple checking everything to make sure she was set for a great nap, I decided to venture out the opposing direction on Popular Avenue. I encountered the infamous Corky’s barbeque and next door was this small unique camping gear store called Outdoors Inc.

Now, You all know that I am a gear junkie. It is in my blood and I love to travel and visit small business and mom and pop gear stores. There is nothing like a personable and comfortable atmosphere and Outdoors Inc. was the place to be. This gear store was like walking into a wonderland of gear from floor to ceiling and it seemed that it would never end. I had to step outside to see how they were able to place some much in what appeared to be such a limited space. I meet with Jay and another employee, sorry I did not get the other employees name. I started meandering through the store admiring the layout before I asked the employee about Lotus Design life jackets. I was interested in what would be a perfect style for my wife for the future. He replied that Lotus Designs had stop producing products and that Astral and Stohlquist would be brands to look for. I helped him sell another customer webbing to go along with a pair of hiking boots, socks, and gaiters. You maybe asking why sell webbing? I educated the customer that if he used three quarters inch tubular webbing to thread his gaiter straps, it would help extend the straps life. Another bonus would be he would not have to do a mid-trail repair if a sharp rock happened to bite that strap in half. I gave the customer another hint that if he tucked his hiking socks below the gaiter it would help to keep his feet dryer when he said that he would be mostly running in fields and tall grass. Both the employee and customer were very thankful for the advice. This is where I bumped into Jay, I had to further my research on my replacement hiking shoes. My Salomon’s got their souls worn off, and my Garmont's had some major blowouts on each side of the toe box. Jay helped lead me towards several different types of shoes from Garmont, Vasque, North Face, Montrail, and Salomon. He was able to relate his own road running and half marathon experience to help me narrow down my shoe choices. Outdoors Inc was great by having shoes that local gear stores here in Nashville do not carry. I have read reviews on them but was unable to put my hands on them until Memphis.

Bottom line: Outdoors Inc. rocks and is a place to visit if you’re in the Memphis area. If you would like to get more information about Outdoors Inc. check out there website at: http://www.outdoorsinc.com/

Oops! I almost forgot one of the best meals that I had in Memphis. Corky’s was my evening meal after spending a long evening at Outdoors Inc. The placement for Corky’s is great just about twenty paces from Outdoors Inc. I am sad to say that barbeque is my weakness when the smoke smacks you like a bad habit and pulls you towards the great menu that awaits. My wife had mentioned that she wanted to get the banana pudding and I finished out the order with a dry ribs and shrimp combo meal. The meal came with coleslaw and beans which increase that great flavoring of the Corky’s barbeque. Corky’s helped to finish out a great trip to the Memphis area. Here is Corky’s website information if your wanting to try the Memphis barbeque. http://corkysmemphis.com/

Bentley -VentureTree Team

Check out more about The Great Shoe Hunt in our next article coming soon.

Post update

Good day Everyone,

Post has been delayed a couple of days. My wife and I just got back from a great but short trip to Memphis. Keep an eye out for the post it will be posted soon. There are some new photos on our myspace page that were taken on the trip. I would have added more but did not want to enfringe on any copyright laws.

have a good one!


Bentley - VentureTree Team

Fall Hiking

It is that time of the year when the trees show their true colors and those darn pesky bugs decide to go on vacation. Yes, I am talking about Fall. It is a perfect time to go backpacking, day hiking, car camping and much much more.

I prefer to head to the mountains of North Carolina to tour the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the trees in all the magnificent colors. You have to plan ahead because old man winter tends to spread his ice hand across the parkway before you know it.

If you are interested in getting out to go backpacking or hiking one of our local gear stores here in Nashville is hosting Backpacking 201.

Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is hosting Backpacking 201.Oct 16, 2008 - Nov 06, 2008
Backpacking 201-focuses on the necessary skills to be prepared on a hike like Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, navigation, packing smarter & lighter, trip planning & navigation, and wilderness safety. Thursdays at 7pm in-store

Oct 16: Leave No Trace outdoor ethics
Oct 23: Packing Smarter & Lighter
Oct 30: Trip Planning & Navigation
Nov 6: Wilderness Safety

The store location is 108 Page Road Nashville, TN. If you would like to email the stoe for more information their email is: nsv@brms.com



Bentley VentureTree Team

Tennessee State Park Calendar of Events

Good Day Everyone,

Here is the new listing of fall activities that the Tennessee State Parks will be hosting in October.
Come out to play and support our local and state parks!!!

Calendar of Events for October

Natchez Trace September 15 - November 15 Fall Color Pontoon Trips
Pontoon rides are held on Pin Oak Lake where visitors can enjoy a meal at Pin Oak Lodge then head out on the lake to enjoy the fall colors. (This program has a required sign up a week in advance.) Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-8176.

Natchez Trace October Shriner’s Trail Ride
This is an annual trail ride hosted by the Shrinners. It will be held at the Wrangler Campground. The event will include a bar-b-que meal, auction and hayride for the family. Contact (731) 968-3742.

Natchez Trace October Run like a Deer Trail Run
This is an annual event, which is sponsored by the Friends of Natchez Trace State Park. There will be a 5k and 10k run which will begin at the Park Store and end at Cub Lake Swim Area. For more information on this event contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Sycamore Shoals October Guest Naturalist Tour & Lecture Series
Throughout the year, area naturalists will be joining us at varied times to share in their areas of expertise. Guided tours, hikes, talks, and field trips will explore the park and other areas of natural interest. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals Last Sunday of the month, October Sunday Jams at the Carter Mansion
Our open pickin’ and sharin’ session is open to musicians of all levels, dancers, listeners, and toe tappers! Join us for this home-style gathering. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals Month of October Mysterious Candlelight Tours of the Carter Mansion
Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Carter mansion after dark? A house that is over 200 years old is bound to have some mysterious stories. At select times during the month of October, you will have the rare opportunity to visit the oldest frame house in Tennessee and explore the mysterious side of this historic place. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals October - December Traditional Arts Workshops
Join us for these great workshops that offer a unique opportunity to learn traditional and primitive art forms from expert instructors! Pre-registration will be required in addition to an instructor and materials fee. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Big Ridge October Fridays and Saturdays Ghost House Hikes
Join us for a "haunting" experience as we hike Big Ridge State Park’s Ghost House Trail. Along the way we will take a stop at the Norton Cemetery and listen to some spine-tingling stories about the ghosts of Big Ridge. Please bring a flashlight and meet at the grist mill parking lot. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No children under 6 years of age. The hikes are free, but reservations are required. Limit 30 people per hike. Contact Sarah Nicley at 865-992-5523.

Natchez Trace October 1 - November 15 Fall Color Canoe Trips
Canoe trips are held on Browns Lake where visitors often enjoy seeing Great Blue Herons, Fall colors and beautiful sunsets. If you are interested in a Fall Color Canoe Trip contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742. Sycamore Shoals October 2-5 14th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show Thursday - Saturday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm This four-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters held in the park museum. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display. For more information, visit http://www.sycamoreshoals.org/ or call (423) 543-5808.

Bledsoe Creek October 4 Dulcimer Workshop & Jam Session
Friends of Bledsoe Creek State Park will host a dulcimer workshop and jam session. Bring your dulcimer and questions. Many clubs will be present. There will be an open stage and an evening jam session. Vendor space available. 11 am - 6 pm. For more information contact Sharon Armistead skarmistead@yahoo.com or (615) 347-3639.

Sycamore Shoals October 4 & 5 Fort Watauga Knap-In
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Help us celebrate Tennessee Archaeology Week at Fort Watauga with demonstrations of how pre-historic man made stone tools and weapons. Displays of replicated primitive artifacts and demonstrations with primitive weapons such as bow and arrow and atlatl fill the days. Come and make your own projectile points! For more information, visit http://www.sycamoreshoals.org/ or call (423) 543-5808.

Fort Loudoun October 4 & 5 Garrison Weekend
Visitors can interact with living historians as they demonstrate a variety of tasks common to a frontier English fortification such as cooking, laundering, blacksmithing, musket & artillery demonstrations, medical, daily life in the enlisted soldier’s barracks, an 18th century Cherokee camp, and much more. Jeff.Wells@state.tn.us or (423) 884-6217.

Sycamore Shoals October 4 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall October 10 & 11 Tennessee's History Festival
Tennessee Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will host it's 5th annual Tennessee History Festival featuring 200 years of living history. Hernando DeSoto, Native American, Frontiersmen, Civil War and World War ll will be a part of this years festival. Mock battles of the Civil War and WWll time periods will be featured at 12:00 noon each day. Event will take place from 10:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m. each day. For more information contact Michael.C.Cole@state.tn.us or 615-741-5280.

Natchez Trace October 10 Family Astronomy Day
This is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy the crisp autumn air and clear skies in Tennessee. Bring your family or group out for a night of viewing the stars. Equipment will be provided. For more information contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Port Royal October 11 Trail of Tears Commemorative Day
Come and learn about the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their homeland. Exhibits about the Trail of Tears and Port Royal, interpretive tours, 1830's domestic skills and medicine living history will be featured and at 10:00 am there will be re-creation of the Cherokees march through the town of Port Royal followed by a ceremony. David.Britton@state.tn.us or (931)-358-9696.


Chickasaw October 11 & 12 Craft Fair
Chickasaw's annual craft fair features hand crafted items from several vendors through out West Tennessee and beyond. The fair runs from 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. Ronald.Elder@state.tn.us or (731) 989-5141.

Standing Stone October 11 Annual Car Show
Come and enjoy antique cars/trucks and hot rods. The event is a fun filled day of music and food. Some 300 vehicles will be showed and judged. Show your own or just come and observe Contact: Patrick Randall, Patrick.Randall@state.tn.us or (931) 823-6347.

Sycamore Shoals October 11 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Tims Ford October 11 Shade Tree Pickin’ Festival
If you play an instrument or just enjoy listening to great music Tims Ford State Park is the place to be every other Saturday night. Please bring your instruments and join in. The music nights are held at the Recreation Building at Tims Ford State Park. 10 am - 10 pm. For more information sharon.reagan@state.tn.us or (931) 962-1183.

Natchez Trace October 17 Fall Color Pontoon Trips & Photography Day
This is the perfect time of the year to get out the camera and work on your photography. Visitors will not only have a chance to work on photography but we will also end the day with a Sunset Pontoon Ride. Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Fall Creek Falls October 18 & 19 Fall Colors Weekend
Join us on bicycle tours, guided hikes, and slideshows focusing on the autumn splendor of Fall Creek Falls. (423) 881-5708.

Fort Pillow October 18 Fall Festival
Join park staff for a day of programs and events including a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and a hayride. Greg.S.Taylor@state.tn.us or Robby.Tidwell@state.tn.us or (731) 738-5581.

Norris Dam October 18-30 Fall Color Cruises
Join us as we venture along beautiful Norris Lake in the park's pontoon boat and view nature's artistry of fall colors. Park Rangers will narrate your trip with tree and wildlife identification and park history. Must call the park office to sign up, after Labor Day (865-426-7461). There will be four trips per day departing from Norris Dam Marina and each trip lasts for approximately 1 hour. Trips limited to 10 people and organized groups taken through the week only. Trips will be canceled if inclement weather prevails. Trips cost $6.00 per adult and $5.00 for children under six. For more information email mike.scott@state.tn.us or call (865-426-7461).

Sycamore Shoals October 18 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Natchez Trace October 24 Backpacking Red Leaves Trail
This is an overnight backpacking trip on our newly renovated Red Leaves Hiking Trail. Hikers will head out into the forest and end at a picturesque view of the campsite on the banks of Maple Lake. This program is for both beginners and the experienced backpacker. (You must be over the age of 18 for this program.) For more information contact Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742.

Fall Creek Falls October 25 Wild Foods Day
Field trips identifying edible wild plants and workshops on preparing wild meats and breads are just part of the activities. The real treat comes in enjoying the wild feast. (423) 881-5708.

Sycamore Shoals October 25 Bird Walks w/ Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Meet these wonderful birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season. 8 am.For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals October 25 Mountain River Concert:
The Jonesborough Novelty Band Our continuing series of performances highlight the talents of
traditional musicians from our region. Join us at 7:00pm in the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center on the last Saturday of every month except July, September, November, and December. Admissions Charge. For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Tims Ford October 25 Saturday Night Pickins
If you play an instrument or just enjoy listening to great music Tims Ford State Park is the place to be every other Saturday night. Please bring your instruments and join in. The music nights are held at the Recreation Building at Tims Ford State Park. 5 - 10 pm. For more information sharon.reagan@state.tn.us or (931) 962-1183.

Sycamore Shoals October 30 Scary Stories at the Carter Mansion 7:30 pm
Strange things happen around the time of All Hallows Eve, especially in a graveyard. Join us for tales of woe and terror, the weird and macabre, with a touch of wit thrown in for good measure. Don’t be afraid, the graveyard at the Carter Mansion isn’t haunted, we don’t think! For more information, visit www.sycamoreshoals.org or call (423) 543-5808.

Davy Crockett October 31 Trick or Treat in the Haunted Forest Birthplace
Come out and bring the kids to trick or treat through our woods. There will be a lighted trail to lead the way so you don’t get lost, ghost and ghouls will hand out treats along the trail. Dress appropriately for cold weather and bring a flashlight. For more information please contact Dawn.Coleman@state.tn.us or call (423) 257-2167.

Natchez Trace October 31 Fall Festival on the Park
Spend the night of the 31st on the park enjoying hay rides, campfire programs and wildlife. Contact Pin Oak Lodge for rooming information. (Sign up is required in advance for this program) Alisha.Weber@state.tn.us or (731) 968-3742. Visit your state parks this fall. Enjoy Our Good Nature!
__________________________________________________
To find the location of a park or a state natural area, check our Web
page at www.tnstateparks.com
For a free Tennessee State Park brochure call 1-888-867-2757.
Specific park brochures can be downloaded from our Web site.



-Bentley - VentureTree Team