Virginia Outdoor Adventures Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

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“The James River runs 340 miles through the heart of Virginia, from the Blue Ridge all the way to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The river’s watershed is roughly 10,000 square miles and it supplies drinking water for 2.7 million people. It also provides opportunities to relax, adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors.” – Charles Johnson, James River Association
Rich in history and culture, the mighty James meanders over 340 miles through verdant forests, picturesque valleys, and rushing rapids from its headwaters in the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay. Flowing through the heart of Virginia, the James River offers abundant recreational activities, such as paddling, rafting, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. Charles Johnson from the James River Association helps us navigate the ins and outs of planning the perfect paddling and camping expedition and shares valuable tips for finding the best resources for your own river adventure. So get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythmic harmony of paddles gliding through water and the majesty of eagles soaring overhead on the river that played a pivotal role in shaping Virginia’s past and continues to inspire the present. Let’s Go!
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Charles Johnson: LinkedIn I Instagram
James River Association: Website I Facebook I Instagram
Ep 35. Whitewater Paddling with James River Women
Ep 27.  The Virginia Nature Triathlon with Senator Tim Kaine
Camping on the James
James River Batteau Festival, Scottsville
RVA Paddle Sports
Twin River Outfitters
James River State Park
Powhatan State Park
Riverside Outfitters
Help the James
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“I've taken a boogie board out in just the tiniest little waves breaking right on the shore and had a blast. I've taken a surfboard out in waves that were almost as tall as I was and had a blast. There’s such a variety of waves that anybody at most any skill level can have a good time in Virginia.”  - Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU


Get ready to ride the waves as we explore surfing, boogie boarding, and body surfing with ocean enthusiast, Drew White, from the Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University. Drew shares his insights on Virginia's best surfing locations, wave-riding safety, and why you don't need the biggest waves to have the biggest fun. But our adventure doesn't end there – we're also diving into the fascinating world of plant ecology and the importance of dunes in protecting the habitats of Virginia’s coastal ecosystem. So grab your board and score a wave. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
·       Breaks Interstate Park
·       Virginia Association for Parks
·       Virginia State Parks
 
Advertisers:
·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

·       Virginia State Parks Wandering Waters Paddle Quest


 
Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Drew White: aewhite@vcu.edu
Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University
Surfing vs Boogie Boarding
Movie: Come Hell or High Water
Surf Line App
National Weather Service
Windy.com
Tropical Tidbits
False Cape State Park
Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve

Episode Cover Photo by George Hernandez: Website I Facebook
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“Once those tires hit the dirt, it's a completely different experience. It's about getting out and having a great adventure, freeing your mind, freeing your soul, and reconnecting with nature.” - Shawn Van Der Poel, Terra Overland


Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a fully equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon designed to conquer any terrain, traversing the majestic George Washington National Forest, as you embark on an unforgettable expedition. Virginia has an extensive network of overlanding trails that cater to adventure seekers of all interests and skill levels. From navigating obstacles and mud holes, to reaching new heights at breathtaking summits, you'll experience a profound sense of accomplishment that only the wilderness can provide. Shawn Van der Poel and Dawn Creamer from Terra Overland, have made the freedom of vehicle-supported travel and self-reliant adventure accessible to everyone. Buckle in and discover a true spirit of exploration through overlanding. Let’s Go! 


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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
·       Breaks Interstate Park
·       Virginia Association for Parks
·       Virginia State Parks
 
Advertisers:
·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
 
Connect with Terra Overland: Website I Instagram I Facebook  
George Washington National Forest
Flagpole Knob
Massanutten Resort
Boar’s Head Resort
Wintergreen Resort
Blog: Navigation and Route for our MABDR Backcountry Hiking and Overlanding Jeep Trek 
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Following Episode 44, Beginner Backpacking with Alison Wata of Exploration Solo, I received a lot of requests for additional information about trail food and meal prep. So this week I decided to share a Bonus Episode from the past about how to pack food for outdoor adventures. Virginia Outdoor Adventures has quadrupled since last summer when this Bonus Episode first aired, so if you’re a new listener since then, you may have missed this information-packed conversation. 
I asked Aaron Owens Mayhew, registered dietician and founder of Backcountry Foodie, to give us a brief introduction to prepping for the backcountry, including considerations for nutrition, pack weight, ease, and expense. Aaron even shares one of her most popular recipes. 


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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
·       Breaks Interstate Park
·       Virginia Association for Parks
·       Virginia State Parks
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Aaron:
Instagram I Facebook I YouTube I Website
Email: aaron@backcountryfoodie.com


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Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
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“I love everything about waterfalls. I love their energy. I love the sound they make in the otherwise quiet woods. I love the mist that forms at the base of the falls. If sunlight hits it just right, you can see a rainbow in the air. They're just plain pretty and photogenic. It's not a living creature, and yet it's animated. I think of it as an animated force in nature that always has life-like qualities even though it's not alive. And I just love that about waterfalls.” - Ranger Kevin Moses, Shenandoah National Park

What is it about waterfalls that draw us in? Perhaps it’s the mesmerizing sight of free-falling cascades, or the sound of a soothing trickle or a powerful thundering roar. Maybe it’s the feeling of mist that dusts our skin or the fresh scent of moisture and earth mixing in the air. Shenandoah National Park is home to dozens of waterfalls that attract thousands of visitors every year. Ranger Kevin Moses, the park’s Search and Rescue Coordinator, highlights some of his favorite falls, interesting facts about the formation of the park’s natural features, and how to prepare for a hike so you can safely enjoy the power and beauty of Shenandoah’s waterfalls. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
·       Breaks Interstate Park
·       Virginia Association for Parks
·       Virginia State Parks
 
Advertisers:
·    Shenandoah National Park Trust
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Shenandoah National Park Homepage
SNP Geology
Hiking Basics
The 10 Essentials of Hiking
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
SNP Trail Maps
SNP Visitor Centers
SNP Hikes to Waterfalls
Episode 33, Hiking Old Rag Mountain with Gabby Dreyfus, Old Rag Mountain Stewards
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