Sad news today. The first man to scale Everest (along with climbing partner Sherpa Tenzing Norgay) back in 1953 has passed away at the age of 88. His name is synonymous with adventure and he is most likely the most widely known mountaineer of all time. He was a humble beekeeper from New Zealand who never even admitted he was the first man to summit the highest peak in the world until Norgay passed away.

He’ll be greatly missed.
Image from Wikipedia
January 10th, 2008
We’re wrapping up the list of trailhead grub spots today with 5 places you can’t go wrong with. I’m getting HUNGRY!

5. Miguel’s - Red River Gorge, KY
Why? Endercore says “Best pizzia in the world, amazing topping selection, and run by a great family who are nothing but supportive to the climbing community, and the community in general. Miguel employees a staff of climbers who are always really nice. Miguels IS the outdoorzy spot in the red, so proximity is no issue, price is good, and he rarely runs out. Don’t forget to admire his woodcarvings while you’re there. Plus you can camp in the back for 2 bucks a night.”
4. The Pizza Factory - Lone Pine, CA
Why? Summiting Mt Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48, is no easy chore. But getting down a big greasy peperoni laden pie with a tall pitcher of whatever beer you like IS an easy chore. After the Whitney adventure, stop here for some great food and lots of pictures of all the old western movie stars that used to film in the area. It’s right at the end of Whitney Portal Road, can’t miss it.
3. Ocoee Dam Deli - Ocoee, TN
Why? According to Endercore “It is about 5 miles from the takeout for the middle ocoee river in TN. Its this little shack of a place with a gravel parking lot, a lovely porch, and a bunch of TV’s on the inside that are constantly playing boating videos. Its awesome because they have 2 or 3 diffrent videos playing at once, and one is almost always a rafting carnage video from the ocoee, so you can sit and reminisce on getting your ass kicked in the very same hole earlier that day, or freak your self out about getting caught in this keeper hole, getting run over by a raft, and being recirculated while some stoned raft guide misses you with his throw bag 10 times before finally rescuing you.”
2. K’s Dairy Delight - Buena Vista, CO
Why? Well it sits in the shadow of the Collegiate 14ers in Colorado, has a whitewater river at its back door and plenty of rock climbing all around. Then there’s the food. Burgers, fries, onion rings, and ice cream cap off your adventure. They also give you the name of a movie star when you show up and when they call out your name, say… “Robert Redford”, you go get your food. Feeling like crap, but treated like a star.
AND #1 (at least on this list…)
Calamity Jane’s - Mt Hood, OR
Why? After skiing all day at Timbeline Lodge, hiking the 45 mile Timbeline Trail, or summiting Mt Hood… a 1 lb burger as big as your head is the only thing you need. That and some neosporin… Serving giant burgers just a few miles down the road from Mt Hood and doing it all with a smile. This rustic building has the charm and the calories to get you back on your sore feet again.
And for all the detail Endercore went into, he wins the MSR Alpine Kitchen Set compliments of MSR! Just message me Endercore to claim your prize.

Thanks for the help of all the Outdoorzies that put their two cents in on the forum!
January 10th, 2008