« July 2007 | Main | September 2007 »

August 31, 2007

Labor Day Sale at WISP

Don't forget the big sales over at Wisp this weekend, starting today - Rudy's Annual Labor Day Sale and the Wisp Outdoor Equipment sale. 

Garrett County History Club

A Garrett County History Club has been formed to provide a forum for those interested in documenting Garrett County history in digital video format.  Founding members Bud Railey, Raymond "Buck" Brant, Charles "Skeeter" Bowman, John Grant and Judy Day invite you to join them in this important project.

Judy will begin documenting Garrett County memories through a series of video taped interviews with interested persons in and from Garrett County.  All persons interested in sharing their memories of growing up in the area are invited to participate.  The Club will be collecting photos and historic films to include in a DVD featuring all of the different historical societies in the county. 

Garrett County History Club memberships are available and this money will be used to purchase equipment for the project.  A Club newsletter will keep members updated on the progress of this project.  Monthly Club meetings will be announced.  Individual Memberships are available for $25.00 and Business Memberships are $50.00.  Anyone interested should contact Judy Day at 301-616-1704. 

Savage River Whitewater Release

Thanks for Western Maryland Boating for pointing out the whitewater release scheduled for the Savage River on September 9, 2007. 

Planning an Event at Deep Creek Lake

If you've ever thought about planning an event at Deep Creek Lake, then you need to know about Deep Creek Connections, providing concierge, special event and wedding planning services.  I can tell you that owner Judy Day truly is "connected" and can probably answer any question that you have about Garrett County.  Check out the website and give her a call for more information.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

August 29, 2007

My Day at ASCI

8257_rafting_383 I've blogged several articles this summer about Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI).  This past weekend I had an opportunity to go down the man-made white water course with my husband, brother and sister-in-law in tow.  I've only been whitewater rafting twice before, and the last time was over ten years ago on the Cheat River.  My first experience was a trip down the Upper Yough, which I later came to find out was somewhat of a backward entry into this adventure sport.   At any rate, my fear factor has gone considerably up, or maybe it's down...whichever way you go as you get older. Knowing that the course was controlled or "adjustable" and that there would be spotters able to help us out if we got into trouble, I was still a bit apprehensive.

At the beginning of the tour we had a quick lesson, safety review and overview of the course.  The presentation provided a realistic description of what to expect.  I was glad to hear the whitewater opportunities available on the nearby rivers promoted by the ASCI staff in this introduction to the course. 

We had opted for the Deep Creek Rapids which put us into Class III-IV water.  We all ended up swimming, which was a bit startling the first time we got dunked, but was just what we needed on a hot sticky August afternoon.  The trip was a complete blast. I'd say we probably got in twice the amount of runs than the average of four advertised on ASCI's website.   

Here are some photos that my ace photographer took for us.  I tried to edit out all of the ones that show any of us wincing or cowering in the middle of the raft.  ASCI also has a great video on their home page that will give you a great look at the rapids.  Enjoy!

8257_rafting_153

   

8257_rafting_169

8257_rafting_172

8257_rafting_288

8257_rafting_297_2 

8257_rafting_322

8257_rafting_343 8257_rafting_374

8257_rafting_376

8257_rafting_378

8257_rafting_395

8257_rafting_415

8257_rafting_416_3

Corn Roast at Oakland Farmers Market

Customers visiting the Mt. Fresh Producers Association Farmers Market in Oakland on Saturday will be treated to fresh cooked corn-on-the-cob at the Annual Appreciation Day Corn Roast.  The roast happens from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.  In addition, a market basket filled with items donated by the vendors will be raffled off to one lucky customer.  Customers are encouraged to enter the raffle on Saturday morning to win the basket full of donated items such as vegetables, crafts and baked goods.  Winners need not be present, but a phone number must be given and the basket picked up by 1:00 pm.

  The fresh picked corn-on-the-cob, also donated by the vendors, will be cooked at the market and given to the customers to eat on the spot. 

August 28, 2007

Building a Green Home at Deep Creek Lake

I found this article about second home buyers joining the "green" trend and got to wondering how many home builders or owners are building green in Garrett County.   

A search for "building green at Deep Creek Lake" helped me to find Phil and Lisa Malone's web site - Our Cool House.    It looks like this couple has all the information that anyone would need to get green.  Here's an excerpt from their home page. 

Our Adventure: Rather than building a traditional Energy-Hog home, or even a non-traditional Energy-Efficient home, our new home is a unique fusion of energy efficient techniques, and environmental sanity. Our goal was to create a home that uses the sun, earth and water to create a pleasant living environment where we can enjoy the wildlife, and which also reduces our demands on non-sustainable resources.  I think we succeeded!

The site details the entire process that they went through to reach their goals. 

August 27, 2007

Apple Butter Boil at Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park will hold its annual "Apple Butter Boil and Corn Roast" on September 1st and 2nd from 9am until 3pm.  The event includes the making of apple butter, building bluebird boxes, pottery demonstrations and live music over the two day event.  Attendees can enjoy some hot dogs on the grill, warm apple butter and locally-grown sweet corn.  Apple butter will be sold both days and samples of apple butter on homemade bread can be purchased both as well.  Also, Smokey the Bear will be making some appearances during the two days.

Admission is $2 per person for Maryland residents and $3 per person for out of state visitors.  For further information please call Herrington Manor State Park at 301-334-9180.   

Music at Penn Alps

Music at Penn Alps continues on Saturday with the Oxford String Quartet at 7:30 pm in the Great Hall at Penn Alps.  Based at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, the quartet includes faculty members Harvey Thurmer, Mary E.M. Harris, Pansy Chang and Lydia Brown. 

The Remedy at Little Yough Music Festival

Come and hear local favorites, the Remedy, at the Little Yough Music Festival.  The program starts at 7:00 pm on Friday evening at the Mt. Fresh Pavilion in Oakland