Time's running out on me here at Get Out! Get Fit! It's been a swell three years, a run that will end tomorrow.
So what's next? I'll talk about that tomorrow. Today, a quick plug for what should be an entertaining and informative Earth Day event actually being held on Earth Day (which is Wednesday, FYI). If you missed this weekend's various observances of this annual homage to Mother Nature, then you certainly won't want to miss Take It Outside! featuring four local outdoors authors who will share some of their favorite special places in the region and how you can explore them. Again, that's on the real Earth Day, Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. at Quail Ridge Books & Music. The lineup?
Paul Ferguson, author of "Paddling Eastern North Carolina," the guidebook to exploring more than 2,500 miles of creeks, streams and rivers in the Piedmont and coastal plain. Paul's been paddling forever (though rumors that he consulted on the Lewis & Clark trip are just that) and his guidebook is one of the best in the country when it comes to providing detailed, accurate and insightful information on canoe and kayak exploring.
John Manuel, author of "The Canoeist: A Memoir," and "The Natural Traveler Along North Carolina's Coast." Can't quite put a finger on what it is you love about being in a human-powered boat? John can, and has done so exquisitely in his memoir. He brings that same thoughtfulness to exploring the coast in his Natural Traveler.
Ida Phillips, "N.C. Parks: A Niche Guide" (co-written with Bill Pendergraft), "N.C. Afield: Guide to Nature Conservancy Projects." In addition to being an author, Ida is communications director for Audubon North Carolina and held a similar position 
with The Nature Conservancy. So in addition to sharing insights into the green spaces you think you know, she can tell you about places you aren't aware of.
Me, "100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina," "Take It Outside: Hiking in the Triangle." I'll be acting as host and filing in the blanks on assorted outdoor pursuits. And I'll share a little about what I've got planned for the future, the near future.
See you there.
