Raleigh North Carolina Based Rock Climbing Guiding, Climbing Trips, Climbing Classes and Instruction » Outside http://www.ascentadventure.com Website of North Carolina rock climbing guides and team building facilitators Ascent Adventure Consultants. We are the preferred guide service in the southeast United States, offering climbing trips (day and weekend trips) on the best routes and areas in NC, outdoor climbing instruction, and team building and leadership development programs. Make Ascent your guide service for 2009. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:17:40 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Simple Tips for Driving and Flying Green http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/04/simple-tips-for-driving-and-flying-green/ http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/04/simple-tips-for-driving-and-flying-green/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:10:22 +0000 brandon http://ascentadventure.wordpress.com/?p=180 I spend a ton of time driving to and from climbing spots, and flying to and from climbing spots. There are a few simple practices that I have adopted in my travels to help my traveling become a bit greener.

1. Keep my own coffee mug in the car. That way when I stop at Starbucks to get coffee, they can use my mug, and not use their paper cups.


2. Use Google Maps on my cell phone. Almost every cell phone has the ability to either download a Google Maps app or connect to Google Maps. Use your phone to get Google Maps directions to your destination rather that printing out all the directions and maps. It saves a ton of paper!

3. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to the airport. You can’t bring water through security, but you can bring an empty bottle! That way when you get into the terminal, you can fill your bottle up at the water fountain and save having to buy and use a plastic bottle of water at one of the airport stores!

Nothing fancy about it, but every little bit counts!

Happy Adventuring!

Brandon Hensinger

Ascent Adventure Consultants- Bringing Adventure to Life

]]> http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/04/simple-tips-for-driving-and-flying-green/feed/ 0 The Government….Becoming Greener? http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/03/the-governmentbecoming-greener/ http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/03/the-governmentbecoming-greener/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:12:57 +0000 brandon http://ascentadventure.wordpress.com/?p=170 Today, I posted my first of many blog postings on WholeTravel.com. Whole Travel is a GREAT resource that, per their website “is for researching and booking directly with the world’s best green hotels and resorts. We’ve searched the globe and put our findings into a streamlined site so that you can start and finish your travel planning in one place.”

A few months ago, I read an article about the state of North Carolina allowing mining and development that will greatly impact the state’s streams and wetlands. Many people and organizations protested, but to no avail. It looks like the permits will be granted. Read the info here.

Then, like a breath of fresh air, this morning I read an article on USA Today that was very encouraging. In West Virginia, the EPA has decided to hault all mountaintop coal mining permits so that they can evaluate the projects’ impact on streams and wetlands! They even denied permits that the Army Corps of Engineers was requested to fill streambeds and wetlands with mining waste!

It is great news to see that the wilderness and resources that we love are finally being protected by the government rather than being destroyed. West Virginia is one of the Eastern United States’ best resources for outdoor adventure and wilderness experiences, and it would be sad to see the mountain tops blasted and the streams filled with waste. I think that with the government becoming “greener”, and with the push of eco tourism in the travel industry, we will see our natural resources, and our outdoor adventure opportunities protected and increased over the next several years.

Anyone who is reading this blog should consider becoming part of an organization that lobbies and promotes sustainability and green-living. One of my favorite all around resources is WeCanSolveIt.org. Check it out.

]]> http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/03/the-governmentbecoming-greener/feed/ 1 The Importance Of Getting Outside and Climbing, Hiking, and Playing http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/03/the-importance-of-getting-outside-and-climbing-hiking-and-playing/ http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/03/the-importance-of-getting-outside-and-climbing-hiking-and-playing/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:49:50 +0000 brandon http://ascentadventure.wordpress.com/?p=167 Today I read an article on UsaToday.com about the importance of “playing” during these difficult and stressful financial times. The author, Janice Lloyd, spends time reviewing Stuart Brown’s new book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul. ( See the article here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-23-play-stress_N.htm)

Stuart Brown is a proponent of making sure that everyone, adults especially, take time to “play” and do things that are enjoyable and invigorating for them. Without doing this, it doesn’t just lead to boredom, but rather depression and discontentment.

Getting away from cell phones and computers and enjoying the outdoors is the best way to do this. Of course, leisure activities such as video game playing is still relaxing, but until you take action to get away from all things that can distract you, you won’t truly be refreshed.

I often find that when I get away from all the daily responsibilities and demands of running my company, I come back with a renewed vision and determination for Ascent Adventure Consultants success. Often, it can be easy to think, “There’s no way that I can get away….I will miss opportunities.” However, the opposite is true. If you don’t get away every once in a while, you will miss opportunities because you will get burnt out and discouraged.

This coincides with some of the postings we have done last year: Escaping the Normal Routine of Life

Visit our website today to: Take time to play and enjoy life! We only get one life…so make the most of it! Climb some cliffs, hike some mountains, or whatever else you may enjoy!

]]> http://www.ascentadventure.com/2009/03/the-importance-of-getting-outside-and-climbing-hiking-and-playing/feed/ 0 The Blog in 2009 http://www.ascentadventure.com/2008/12/the-blog-in-2009/ http://www.ascentadventure.com/2008/12/the-blog-in-2009/#comments Sat, 27 Dec 2008 22:03:00 +0000 brandon http://ascentadventure.wordpress.com/?p=83 Hey everybody! I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday!

Ascent Adventure Consultants has some REALLY exciting things planned for 2009. One of them is the plan for the blog. We will be following a weekly schedule, having each day be dedicated to a different topic. What are those topics, you ask? Here they are:

  1. Mondays- Trip Reports
  2. Tuesdays- Fitness and Training Tips
  3. Wednesdays- Business and Corporate Training Advice
  4. Thursday- Climbing Techniques and Tools
  5. Friday- Environmental Issues and Advice
  6. Saturdays- Miscellaneous Items that We Want to Write About!

So make sure to check back to read what interests you!

]]> http://www.ascentadventure.com/2008/12/the-blog-in-2009/feed/ 0 No Child Left Inside http://www.ascentadventure.com/2008/11/no-child-left-inside/ http://www.ascentadventure.com/2008/11/no-child-left-inside/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:50:49 +0000 brandon http://ascentadventure.wordpress.com/?p=10
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRR1feHqZPY&hl=en&fs=1]

The blog at LEAPware.com made us aware of this video online. The Association of Experiential Education has also been making the community aware of the necessity of outdoor education for children. Please take a moment to watch this video.

]]> http://www.ascentadventure.com/2008/11/no-child-left-inside/feed/ 0