Outdoor Journal

Is there a doctor in the house?: Next month, Nantahala Outdoor Center will play host to a Wilderness First Responder course. The nationally recognized program trains participants to render aid when emergencies happen in remote settings.

The 80-hour curriculum includes savory things such as wound and infection management, realignment of fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting techniques, patient monitoring and long-term management problems as well as environmental emergencies and drug therapies.

According to NOC’s Web site, the course “is designed specifically to provide you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Half of your time will be spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge your decision-making abilities.” It runs Feb. 9 to 17 and costs $625.

Lodging is available for $12/night plus tax. Call NOC at 888-905-7238, ext. 550 for information regarding availability and options.

Hooked up: The Pigeon Valley Bassmasters will kick off their January 14 meeting with a flea market for members wishing to buy, sell or trade fishing tackle and other equipment. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Canton library. Members and any other interested parties are invited to come out for the occasion. For more information, call Pat Blanton at 884-2846.

Stop and smell the flowers: The North Carolina Arboretum would like to remind you of its Asheville Amblers 10K self-guided hike.  Information about the trail, which takes guests on a 6.2-mile tour of the site’s gardens and woodland areas, are available at the information desk. The N.C. Arboretum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Entrance fees apply. Visit www.ncarboretum.org for more information.

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