JULY 19 . 2003 • Q-NOTES
A group of our own
Greensboro N.C.'s Wilderness Network
of the Carolinas offers hiking trips
around the Carolipas and more.
by Paul Smyre
Thirteen years ago if you were gay or les
bian, living in the Carolinas and interested in
the outdoors, your opportunities were quite
limited. You could join one of the mainstream
organizations such as the Sierra Club or one of
the local groups working on the Appalachian
■■
WNC's previous hiking trips include
exploring Denali National Park and
Preserve in Alaska.
Trail and have a chance to experience the
wilderness that way, if you chose to.
Hiking with those groups, even the ones that
were gay friendly, often left you feeling as though
you didn’t quite fit in — especially if the conver
sation turned towards spouses and children.
In 1990 in Greensboro, N.C. a group of gay
men got together and organized a group that
would offer the LGBT community the oppor
tunity to enjoy the outdoors with individuals
that shared similar interests and backgrounds.
Over the last decade that group has
expanded to include both men and women
and reinvented itself as the Wilderness
Network of the Carolinas (WNC). In the
process the club has become a way for gays
and lesbians to participate in outdoor activities
outside the pressures of a bar.
For those who are adventurous and who
like to challenge themselves, WNC offers a
way to meet kindred spirits. Camping,
canoeing and hiking with other enthusiasts is
a wonderful bonding experience, even more
so in a gay environment.
After a decade plus of growth the club has
expanded the variety and range of trips avail
able. Starting with simple day hikes in the
local or state parks, the club has progressed
to offering canoe trips, whitewater rafting,
^ kayaking, skiing and backpacking, as well as
an expanded once-a-year outdoor adventure.
In cooperation with other clubs, WNC has
been able to sponsor activities that took mem
bers throughout North America. In the past there
have been backpacking expeditions to Canada,
Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Alaska.
Wilderness Network of Georgia in Atlanta, and
Chiltern in Boston are just two of several clubs
that have invited WNC to join them on trips or
been initiated by WNC to participate in a WNC
event. Some of these events are true group efforts
and involve people from all over the country.
While larger and more distant excursions
may sound like a challenge for some, WNC is not
goal is to help restore your cpjality of life by alleviating pain and stress through
f#the' proper application of therapeutic massage and related modalities.
These include:
Neuromuscular Deep tissue bodywork focused on dysfunctions of the
muscular system caused by improper body allignment, repetitive movement, overuse,
hyperextension and other factors.
Re{(exotogi^..Mea\\ng form focused on the zones of the hands and feet.
Acupressure...Heeling form focused on the qt points tlmoughout the body. (This form is
essentially acupuncture without the needles.)
Reiki... Healing form focused on the body's seven energy centers (chakras).
Gift certificates
available;
Half hour
$30
Hour
$55
Hour andh half
HaOid Stout,
LMBTtt220k
As a state licensed and
nationally certified massage
therapist, I understand the
importarice of good health and
am committed to helping
you enjoy life to the fullest. I
strive to provide the best
services that money can
buy at rates everyone
can afford.
4037 E. Independence Blvd.
^(The Varnadore Building)
Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone:704-566-0120
E-mail: intouch@carolina.rr.com
designed just for brave of heart. “We all enjoy the
opportunity to take off and go hike in Denali,
[Alaska], but not all of us have the time or the
funds to do so," says Brad Batch, past president
and current newsletter editor for WNC. “So
WNC makes a special effort to also include other
trips several times a season, including day hikes,
which anyone in normal condition can attend.
We try to be an inclusive club and offer those of
us who live in North Carolina some of the out
door opportunities that are found in larger gay
communities in other parts of the country."
info: hometown.aol.com/wildnefc/index.htm
email: wildnetc@aol.com . voice mail: 919-819-3570
A cleaning
service you
can trust!
9llxuJ/^rv01l«xi££e4i£u/t^
Celebrating Our 5th Year ^
Cleaning Homes & Offices
Judy Tooley
Owner
Office: 980-321-0630
Cell: 704-619-1570
Pager: 704-350-3987
Email: maidnmecklenburg@aol.com
www.maidinmeck.com
Bonded • Licensed • Insured • Free Estimates
spa esthia
total skin & body care services
for ladies & gentleman
THE ULTIAAATE SPA EXPERIENCE
PERSONALIZED PAMPERING
Facials • Massages • Hydrotherapy • Body Wraps & Exfoliations
Face & Full Body Waxing • Ear Candling
Gift Certificates • Bridal • Birthday • Anniversary Packages
704.370.6323 / 803.802.5229
Open Mon-Sat io am - 7 pm / Extended Hours by Special Request
State-of-the-art facility and equipment.
330 Springhill Farm Rd. Fort Mill, SC / I-77S to Exit 90, Left, then First Left
Give someone,you
love a vroom
with a view.
charlotte
Vespa Charlotte
128 West Worthington Avenue
704.373.7400
www.vespacharlotte.com
©PIAGGI0 2003 VESPA®AND
PAIGGIO® ARE US. AND WORLD
WIDE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF
PIAGGIO GROUP. OBEY LOCAL
TRAFFIC LAWS AND ALWAYS WEARA
HELMET, APPROPRIATE EYEWEAR
AND PROPER APPAREL