Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Top 5 Gifts for a River Lover

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Thinking of the perfect gift can be a tough task. Here are a few foolproof items that anyone who enjoys the outdoors and the James River would love to have. These gifts will help your River Lover enjoy the outdoors even during the cooler months. What’s great is that you can find any of these for under $30!


1. Wool socks: These are a necessary item in keeping your feet warm, comfortable, and dry. Favorite brand? SmartWool

2. Vacuum drink bottle: Everyone needs something to carry their hot drink with them when they head outdoors during the cooler months. Make sure you find one that is stainless steel, leak proof, not too big, and will keep their drink warm for hours. Favorite brand? Thermos or Stanley

3. Dry bag: Perfect for boaters, hikers, and campers. These handy bags help keep your stuff dry in case of a rain storm or just in case you turn over your boat. There are lots of brands and sizes out there, so find the one that fits your needs. Favorite brand? SealLine

4. Hand warmers: Great for those who don’t let the cold weather keep them indoors. Whether they are out at the break of dawn hunting, going on a backpacking trip, or out fly fishing in the snow, these will keep their hands and feet toasty! Favorite brand? Lots of stores sell packs of single use warmers like HotHands or Grabber Warmers. You can also get reusable ones such as the Zippo Hand Warmer.

5. Book: The right book can get them out to places they have never been before, teach them something new, or give them photos to look through while they are stuck indoors. Some great books on the James River are: James River Reflections by Will Daniel and The River Where America Began: A Journey along the James by Bob Deans. The James River Guide: Fishing and Floating on Virginia’s Finest by Bruce Ingram is a good choice for those who like to get out on the water. For the hikers out there we’d recommend Hiking Virginia: A Guide to Virginia’s Greatest Hiking Adventures by Bill and Mary Burnham.

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