What if your camping gear could make your outdoor adventures not just bearable but downright enjoyable? Join us for a deep dive into days eight to eleven of our 30-day camping challenge at Lake Chatuge's Jack Rabbit Campground. From the picturesque beauty of Hiawassee, Georgia, and Hayesville, North Carolina, to reflecting on our journey thus far. We'll talk about how our initial overpacking mistakes turned into valuable lessons on packing light and the necessity of being flexible and prepared for the unpredictable nature of camping.

You'll hear about our serene kayaking experience on the expansive 13-mile-long lake, surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Picture this: navigating waves, encountering a curious dragonfly, and witnessing a seaplane's up-close landing on the lake. We also delve into the convenience and practicality of our essential camping gear, like how our solar system kept our phones and medical equipment powered, even on cloudy days. We'll even discuss the benefits of a solar rechargeable crank lantern and how our fitness preparations made a significant difference in our extended outdoor adventure.

But the adventure isn't all smooth sailing; we faced unexpected challenges and discovered the kindness of strangers when our car's ball joint broke down in a small town. Listen as we recount being stranded, the heartfelt assistance from locals, and the valuable lessons of patience and acceptance that nature taught us. Plus, hear about our exploration of local gems like "Festival on the Square", a Cherokee Homestead Exhibit and the Friends of the Hayesville Library bookstore. This episode is packed with practical camping tips, heartwarming human connections, and the serene beauty of nature's wonders. Don't miss out on these stories and much more as we continue our unforgettable camping saga.

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

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Ever wondered how a simple card game could add a twist to a camping adventure? Join us as we navigate through Part 2 of our 30-day camping challenge, recounting our second trip. From an intense game of Uno that kept our competitive spirits high to Michele's unforgettable reaction to receiving a kayak surprise from Matt, this episode is packed with heartfelt moments and unexpected surprises. Relive the joy of a surprise Natalie Merchant concert that Matt planned, adding a layer of harmony to our journey.

Our adventure unfolds further as we set up camp in the secluded beauty of Julian Price Park, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees and the gentle presence of a curious doe. Discover the practical and safety measures we took, including using SATCOM in areas with limited to no signal. Our maiden kayaking trip was not just an activity but a testament to our preparation and Michele's newfound freedom in solo paddling. Amid the fun and challenges, including forgotten medical supplies to an unending round of Uno, we reflect on how these natural escapades have significantly contributed to our health recovery and well-being.

The tranquility of high-elevation camping at Julian Price Park, near Boone, NC, offers a stark contrast to our previous experiences. Imagine the serenity of an entire campground loop to ourselves, only to be momentarily interrupted by a sneaky animal raiding our food supply. These moments, along with a repeated yet heartwarming encounter with a deer, underscore the magic of our stay. Adapting to life on the road, we share our day-to-day challenges and triumphs, from drying clothes to the simple joy of cooking hot dogs over an open fire. As we prepare for our next adventure, let the soothing sounds of night frogs be your closing lullaby.

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

What's it like to be stranded in the wilderness? Join us as we kick off our "30 Days Camping" series. As we reminisce under our pop tent, while being marooned by a serene lake in a National Forest, we share stories from our first adventure in the seroes at Bandits Roost on Kerr Scott Resevoir — Michelle's cherished childhood camping trips and Matt's off-grid canoeing excursions of yesteryears. Each episode in this new series will bring you along for three to four days of our journey, filled with recaps, heartwarming moments, mis-adventures and advice on destinations.

But that’s not all—get ready for some exciting updates on our 30-day camping challenge! From the thrill of nearly getting caught up in a rare mountain tornado to our transition from canoeing to kayaking, we've had our share of ups and downs. Between navigating mishaps at our campsite and discovering wonderful surprises, we learn valuable lessons like packing light and embracing spontaneity along the way. And of course, no adventure is complete without a competitive game of UNO, which serves as a backdrop to the series. Tune in to relive these intentionally unintentional escapades with us!

Mentioned in this episode:
Moffit Toolan Family Farm Store
Bandit's Roost Park & Campground
Fort Hamby Park
Warrior Creek Campground
Wilkesboro, NC

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Ever had a spontaneous purchase lead to a whirlwind of unexpected adventures? That's exactly what happened during our recent visit to Perdido Key, FL when an impulsive kayak buy clashed with unrelenting winds. We kick this episode off by sharing how this mishap ignited an unexpected new excitement for paddling, setting the stage for Michele's surprise gift from Matt — her very own Old Town kayak. Join us for a spirited chat about our meticulous preparations, from intense workout routines to essential safety measures, all in anticipation of our future kayaking escapades. Plus, we reflect on our unforgettable experiences at Jazz Fest 2024, where we reveled in the electrifying performances of John Baptiste and The Killers, while bemoaning missing out on Neil Young and Crazy Horse. (We also explain why we intentionally skipped out on The Rolling Stones performance.)

As we ventured north into the Carolina's, we take you on a virtual trip with us to Aunt Sue's, a quaint ensemble of connected cabins offering mouthwatering food, tantalizing treats, and live music that captures the heart. Relive the magic of our serene canoe trip at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina, where Michele was accompanied by a graceful yellow butterfly—nature's little surprise. We then head "up the mountains" to recount our semi-urban paddling adventure at Lake Julian in Asheville, North Carolina, a unique blend of scenic canals juxtaposed with the striking Blue Ridge Mountains and Duke Energy plant backdrop. From the tranquility of natural settings to the vibrancy of semi-urban landscapes, this episode encapsulates the excitement and serenity of our memorable paddling journeys and what our "intentionally unintentional travels" brought us.

Keep up with our adventures - and misadventures - by bookmarking our MMO WEBSITE. Thanks for listening and traveling with us!

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Have you ever had a road trip take unexpected twists and turns that led to unforgettable memories? Join us as we recount our annual journey to the New Orleans Jazz Fest, beginning with a last-minute car rental and the scenic beauty of the Emerald Coast. From our quirky road trip rituals to the rejuvenating power of travel, we explore how these adventures breathe new life into our routines, balancing between professional commitments and our love for exploration.

Our adventure took an interesting turn at the enormous Buckeyes gas station, where despite the great food and clean bathrooms, we decided one visit was enough. Perdido Key's fishing spots beckoned us, leading to a spontaneous kayak purchase through Facebook Marketplace. This kayak, rich with history and sentimental value, became a symbol of our love for the water, though transporting it home was no small feat. The anticipation of future kayaking escapades only added to the excitement of our journey.

And then, there's Jazz Fest. From the serendipitous help of a kind officer to our humorous misadventures with forgotten phones, the festival was packed with music, food, and camaraderie. We share our reflections on the evolving dynamics of the event, the resilience of New Orleans' culture, and the sense of community that makes each visit special. These shared journeys, filled with connection and joy, are what make our annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Coast an indelible part of our lives. Join us as we celebrate the unforgettable moments and the vibrant spirit of the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Keep up with our adventures - and misadventures - by bookmarking our MMO WEBSITE. Thanks for listening and traveling with us!

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Venture with us as we reel in the stories from the obscured waters of the Southern Appalachians with our guest, Joe Woody, the imaginative force behind Angler Magazine and the captivating TV series, Forgotten Streams of Appalachia. As Joe recounts the transformation of his dream into the spectacular premiere on the Pursuit Channel, you can almost hear the mountain streams gurgle in the background. His tales are more than just the fish that got away; they weave through lost towns and forgotten people, where nature has overgrown the footprints of the past, creating a tapestry rich with history and myth.

Prepare to be entranced by a journey that goes beyond the mere thrills of angling. Joe Woody brings the heart of Appalachia to life, guiding us through the mystique enshrouding lost villages and the echoes of societies long reclaimed by the wild. The conversation sails through the undercurrents of Appalachian lore, hinting at the profound connections between the storied land and the legends that have flourished under the canopy of these time-honored forests. Whether you're an avid angler or a connoisseur of untold stories, this expedition into the woods with Joe is an awakening to the sheer joy of discovery.

Visit https://pursuitchannel.com/ for more info and for great outdoor programming.

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Embarking on a journey with my heart on my sleeve, I invite you into an intimate window of our world, where the waves of the Emerald Coast comforted us amidst the trials of my mother-in-law's cancer battle. Experience the raw beauty and private moments as we tour hidden state park gems and step inside the governor's cabin in Alabama, all while I navigate the emotional return to my roots in medicine, serving those who've served at the VA. As our outdoor excursions take a back seat, join Michele and me as we rediscover wanderlust through spontaneous Sunday drives, where the destination is simply togetherness and a shared love for the untamed.

Laughter echoes through the mountainside as we recount the tales of our mischievous reddish raccoons and the witty standoffs with our bear neighbors over the fish pond. We weave these stories into the rich tapestry of life up here, where the wild's allure is just outside our doorstep. The upcoming 2024 season of MMO buzzes with excitement as we plan for the adventures that lie ahead, from April's fresh beginnings to October's golden nostalgia. So, whether you're here for the laughter, the tears, or simply the sound of two souls charting their course through life's unpredictable wilderness, you're part of our family now – and this episode is a testament to that bond.

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.

Are you ready to explore the hidden treasures of North Carolina's Foothills region? Join us as we recap our captivating journey to Happy Valley, where we enjoyed an immersive day of music, art, and local history. We'll share our impressions from the inaugural Coalesce Fest as well as delve into local bands, as we also take you behind the scenes of the Western North Carolina Sculpture Center and Park and historic Fort Defience - all right off of the Upper Yadkin Scenic Byway.

Hot links:
https://www.wncsculpture.org/
https://www.wncsculpture.org/wnc-sculpture-center
https://www.historicfortdefiancenc.org/about-the-fort
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094324192729
https://www.facebook.com/andrew.massey3

This program brought to you by:
The Angler Magazine
Sunrift Adventures

Thank you for listening to this program. Please visit BizRadio.US for hundreds of other great conversational shows and be sure to bookmark Matt & Michele Outdoors on your browser for all sorts of great content.