Blue Ridge Nature Retreats
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Appalachian Wildflowers | Cloud Forests | Old Growth
Abundant Mushrooms | Fireflies and Foxfire
Join a small group of fellow nature-lovers -- led by a renowned local naturalist --
for a weekend exploring the magical summertime forests of the Blue Ridge.
Up in the headwaters of the east, outside of Asheville, NC, we will spend each day tromping through cloud forests, old growth, and rich coves of wildflowers.
The summer retreats are timed to coincide with the peak emergence of Appalachian mushrooms.
These are small events and registration will be handled over phone or email.
For more information:
Information
Location: Celo, NC - we'll be based at the "Heart of Celo", an historic getaway on the banks of the South Toe River near Burnsville, NC.
Timing:
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April 17-19 (Friday night - Sunday afternoon)
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May 17-19 (Monday night - Tuesday afternoon)
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August dates TBA
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 supper. Meals will be a delicious mix of locally raised garden veggies, foraged forest foods, and fresh-baked bread. Vegetarians will be accommodated; vegan, gluten-free, or other specialty diets are possible, but please ask first. David Rich of Sweet Potato Tooth is our chef.
The Guide: Tal Galton is a renowned Blue Ridge naturalist who knows every nook and cranny of the Black Mountains and has been called a "mountain master" by Outside Magazine. His writing on Appalachian botany and nature can be found in Asheville's Mountain Xpress. Check out client reviews on Tripadvisor.
Cost:
Chasing Spring retreats include 5 meals, 2 nights of lodging, and 2 days of naturalist-led hikes (and up to two night walks):
$650 for a twin bed in a 2-4 person bunk room, $1200 for a single room, $1800-2000 for a couple/double (price is room dependent). Inquire about group rates or bunk room options.
See below for *sample* retreat itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Friday
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7-8 p.m. arrive, meet your fellow-venturers.
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8:30 - 10 night walk in search of foxfire and fireflies
Saturday
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8-9 a.m. breakfast at the lodge
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9-3 orientation to Appalachian cove forests and fungi w/ picnic lunch
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3-6 time for relaxing/swimming/hot tub, etc.
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6-8 delicious farm dinner
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8-10 night walk in search of foxfire and other forest luminescence
Sunday
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8-9 a.m. breakfast at the lodge
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9-2 Checkout for 2-day retreat & go for a waterfall/swimming hole hike
Monday
(Long Weekends Only)
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8-9 a.m. breakfast at the lodge
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10-3 explore NC's own cloud forest and its rare and endemic plants (picnic on a pinnacle)
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3-5 depart or explore the Blue Ridge Parkway or Mt Mitchell on your own
