Pole positions: Arden-based Diamond Brand Outdoors will offer a free beginner’s hiking course on Saturday, Nov. 17, departing at 9 a.m. from the Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery parking lot near Brevard. Attendees will have the chance to try their hand at using trekking poles and GPS units.
An intermediate-level course takes place the next day, Sunday, Nov. 18, beginning at 10 a.m., also departing from the hatchery parking lot. Instructors for the trips include Beaty Jackson of Dueter Packs and Diamond Brand’s own Gary Eblen.
To get more information about the programs, call the store at 684-6262.
Can’t stand still: Having just filled its sponsor roster for its annual Turkey Trot 5K in record time, Jus’ Running of Asheville is already looking for backers for its springtime Dupont 12K Trail Race. Call 484-9071 to see how you can help.
Fish like you mean it: The Pigeon Valley Bassmasters will hold its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 10, meeting place to be announced. For details, tune your computer to www.pvbm.net or call 884-2846 to talk to a human.
Beans, beans, the magical fruit: It’s a little off the mountain from us, but Spartanburg’s Little River Coffee Roasters is donating $1 from every pound of its Riverside Roast sold to the nonprofit advocacy, access and conservation group American Whitewater, based in Cullowhee (www.americanwhitewater.org). It’s a noble cause that harms nothing but your nerves.
The Riverside Roast is a blend of organically grown Cameroonian and Costa Rican beans, roasted fresh daily. Visit www.littleriverroasting.com to place an order for the brown stuff.
