Frantic Friday

Friday I was to head out to the mountains for the Tarheel Trailblazers camping/riding trip right after work.  I also wanted to pick up a few "add ons" to my camping gear before heading out so I found a little time to sneak out to hit up REI during my lunch.  This weekend was going to be my first opportunity for a real testing of my new Hennessy Hammock.  Unfortunately, they didn't have what I was looking for - some climbing rings to make up setting up even faster than it already it.

Friday was extremely busy and I was pushing to get out as fast as I could, but I had a few last minute things to tie up before I could hit the road.  I was passing The Hub on the way to the campsite and wasn't sure if I should stop there first as TheMutt had arranged a special after hours gathering there for us.  I decided to hit up the campground first, maybe get set up and meet up with everyone.  As I pulled into the site people were heading out... so I left my gear and went with the group.

What could be better than bikes and beers under the same roof?

Nothing.  Nothing could be better.

We enjoyed a couple beverage, and we even did a little shopping. I got myself a very nice and light sleeping pad in preparation for some Appalachian Trail hiking.  It will not only help insulate me in the hammock, but will provide comfort if I do sleep in any shelters along the way.

We got back to camp and darkness had fallen, so I got to set up in the dark.  It added a little challenge to the quick and easy set up, but I still managed to get everything in order before joining the group around the fire.  I was greater by a piece of birthday cake as one of our crew was celebrating, well, their birthday!

The weekend had just started but it was already looking really good - bikes, beers, and meeting new people.  At the end of the night I slipped into my hammock, pulled my sleeping bag around me and enjoyed a great night of sleep.

Where to get the beer?

After triumphing over the oppressive butterfly king I was thirsty.

A big thanks goes out to TheMutt for documenting my victory, now children will be told of my legend of ages to come!

But yes, the victor was thirsty... so where do you go when you are thirsty in Brevard?  Well, that is easy.  You go to the one place that has it all: The Pisgah Tavern, nestled right in the bosom of The Hub.  I'm now a card holding member... which means I can drink beers there.  I'm special.

As we were leaving I saw a sign, and it was GLORIOUS!

It was a sign... in an actual sign.... but there it was, calling out to me.  TheMutt put his foot down and decided there was more beer to be drunk in the area.  I reluctantly left my thrown, trusting that my minions would self rule with honor and dignity.

Next stop was the Oskar Blues Brewery right there in Brevard.  Our timing was impeccable and as we rolled in a tour was just starting, so we jumped in on that madness.  And madness it was, that brewery is a speed demon of an operation.  It's a pretty sweet facility, so if you are in the area check it out!  You can tell them Eastwood sent you... but I'm not sure what good that will really do for you.  Let me know how it goes for you anyway!

Truth be told, going into the brewery I wasn't a fan of Oskar Blues.  That is unfair, because I had only had Dale's Pale Ale before and was NOT a fan in the least bit.  I didn't know where to start once the tour was over so I did a little sampling.  TheMutt partook as well, although he went in reverse order (dark to light) - something about beer temperatures and other fancy sciency reasoning.  I wasn't really feeling Mama's Little Yella and the previously mentioned Dale's, but after that I was enjoying the selection.  So much that I knew I was getting myself a growler.

I won!

The decision on which to get was a difficult one.  Although I enjoyed the selection, which would be the lucky winner?  I eventually decided on going with Ten Fidy, their imperial stout (10.5 abv).  I mean, the growler alone was a thing of beauty... but it filled with Ten Fidy was magical.  WAS, cause it was empty by Monday.

I already know the growler can hold beer, like any good growler should.  But, the vacuum sealed lining of the container will keep the cold cold, and the hot hot... so I can bring soup, or such, to a cold winter race and bring cheer to those around me.... or I can fill it back up with Ten Fidy and drink the cold away... either way, WIN!