Hi, Great Blue Outfitter friends. I hope everyone is well as the fall season makes itself felt. I wanted to touch base with a few “newsy” tidbits as well as tell you about some new items we are carrying in the store.

Appalachian Trail News
If you drove up RT 22 in Pawling near Native Landscaping last week you might have noticed a bit more activity than usual at the AT train stop. A group of ten Appalachian Trail Conservancy volunteers, joined by several local folks, began construction on a new, raised boardwalk. In three days of work (we got rained out one day) we got the first 100 feet or so built. That might not sound like a lot---especially considering the fact that the entire project, when completed, will run about 1500 feet and run all the way across the Swamp River! However, if you saw how labor intensive this project is, you’d understand why it is not the work of a moment. It involves drilling steel rods down 20 ­ 25 feet to serve as anchors for the wood piers which run every 10 feet. Then joists are built for the actual boardwalk to sit on. Of course, every bit of material (and let me tell you, those steel rods were HEAVY) had to be carried by hand across the tracks to the site. The plan is for a crew to return next spring for a longer period of time and really go to town on this. I think the end result will be fabulous. That is a lovely area, but the old boardwalk was in poor shape (see photo of the current walk, with the new walk beside it) and many folks couldn’t take advantage of this great natural resource. Thanks to grant money (our town is not paying for this), we will have a great place for bird watching or just enjoying the peace and quiet. I’ll be asking for volunteers when the job resumes---many hands won’t make the steel rods any lighter, but we can spread the load!

Go for a Paddle?
Not Too Late, and a Discount Too!
We had some kayakers out this past weekend on the Swamp from the Environmental Park to Rt 22. They said water levels are excellent; they floated over the beaver dams no problem, and they had a very nice trip. Yes, you need to dress appropriately­and we have spray skirts you can use if you want to make sure you don’t get wet. Don’t write off the paddling season quite yet! We’re throwing in a 10% discount to any hardy paddlers for the rest of the Fall.

Not to Rush Things, But…
How wild was that snow earlier this fall? Just a fluke, of course, but it did make us think about snowshoes. We have a nice selection of shoes for rental when the time comes. $15 will get you a pair of new snowshoes and poles (if desired). Snowshoes aren’t necessarily something many people use a lot, so before you drop big bucks to buy something you might only use a time or two, consider renting from GBO. We’ll be ready when the white stuff flies for real!

New In the Store
Okay, this is a sales pitch­but keep reading. We have some new stuff in the store! This week our shipment of wool Wigwam socks and Fairfield fleece and wool gloves came in and we have a nice selection of items to keep your tootsies warm. Within a week or two we will also be getting new Leatherman™ belts with some fun “outdoor” designs.

Even Cooler...
Chris has been hard at work making some unique wood clocks. We went up to a great lumber place in Massachusetts where I get my paddle wood and found some interesting wood “burls”. These are the warty looking things you sometimes see on the sides of trees. They are sliced about 1.5 inches thick. After cutting, putting in the clock mechanism, sanding, and varnishing, you end up with a fantastic looking piece that serves a real function. Personally, I think they would make a perfect wedding, housewarming, or other type of gift for the outdoor person you know. Come check them out. I also have a new batch of paddles in some new styles. Put one on your wall to remind you that next summer is just around the corner!

Please drop by when you’re in the area and check out our new offerings. We are here every day from Wednesday through Sunday, and are happy to meet you on Mondays or Tuesdays by advance appointment. See you soon!

Mac Rand
Great Blue Outfitters