I call it the hiker’s delight. This next travel deal is specifically designed for outdoor lovers who would rather spend the night in a tent than at a Hilton. Summer is an ideal time to set off on a hiking adventure and REI is giving you the chance to do so for a real bargain.
The outdoors adventure company is offering a deal, which includes two nights’ camping, rock climbing equipment, meals, and professional instruction, for $400 per person—-including taxes.
The available dates are: June 6, 20, Aug. 1, 30, Sept. 26, Oct. 17, 2008.
If you are a REI member the package price is just $355 per person. The is an incredible deal considering that you will only be spending $200 per night ($178 for members) and you will avoid having to spend precious time trying to coordinate the trip’s details (e.g. securing professional instruction, rock-climbing gear, the campsite, the tent, and meals) on your own.
REI’s “Basic Rock Climbing North Carolina package” includes the services of a professional instructor, certified by the American Mountain Guides Association, to teach you and your group how to rock climb in Pisgah National Forest (near Asheville).
On your first day, you’ll meet the other climbers (there will be four to 12 in your group) and pitch a tent and camp before you start your adventure. The next morning you will set off for Looking Glass Rock and begin basic training: climbing-site awareness, equipment use, and terminology. After lunch you will learn hiking techniques and practice your new moves on a granite monolith. When you are done you will head back to camp for dinner.
On the second day you will be doing much of the same, although your guide may take you to a new area on Looking Glass Rock, depending on the group’s skills and interest. This trip is geared towards beginner and moderate climbers and includes about 4 to 6 hours of hiking per day.
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