IN A NUTSHELL: Esp. since our Georgia's National Forests are among the AOC's most popular destinations for hiking, backpacking, paddling, carside camping and other wilderness pursuits, we've arranged for up to 10 AOCers to attend this special indoor class at the REI "Atlanta Store." (See directions and more specifics about the class below.) Some of you may be doing an outdoor AOC event that is finished by midday or doesn't begin until evening, so hopefully you can find time to attend this informative Sunday afternoon class. You can conveniently sign up for one of our spots by entering your AOC password and clicking at the base of this article.
Many of our members may be unaware that our four Metro Atlanta REI stores regularly offer FREE classes & presentations such as this, on topics that include backpacking, camping, hiking, bicycling, paddling, skiing and climbing—also first-hand accounts of exotic adventures and favorite wilderness destinations. Each session is presented by an invited guest speaker who is an expert in their field or by an REI employee who is a specialist in the featured topic.
WHEN & WHERE TO MEET? Our AOC reserved subgroup will first gather at 1:40 PM just inside the store entrance where we'll introduce one another and discuss our various reasons for attending. Then a few minutes before 2:00 PM we'll find seating together in the designated presentation room where we'll meet the featured speaker(s) and other attendees. Classes are normally in the large "Gear Room" which adjoins the store's public restrooms behind the right wall after you enter. If you have to arrive a bit late, no problem - just ask an REI employee to direct you.
Here's some of REI's recent promo material for this class:
"DISCOVER THE CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST!" Discover more about Georgia's national forests - the "nature in your backyard." Within a short drive from the Atlanta area, the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests provide some of the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 118,000 acres of designated wilderness, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. Learn more about unique places to experience in the forest and ways you can help care for these special places we all value. Learn where to find interactive maps that take you to your national forest recreation destination, national forest travel maps, and a wealth of online information and resources. Discover a multitude of volunteer opportunities and events for all ages. Find out about opportunities to connect with other national forest trail users and collaborate with the Forest Service to create a sustainable and diverse trail system.
WHY an AOC "SUBGROUP" for this REI CLASS? Several good reasons:
- Members can conveniently register to attend by clicking, etc. at the base of this article and may not be aware that the class is available without seeing this online AOC event article.
- While in the store together our AOC group can discuss upcoming Club events and specialty gear that relate to the class topic and browse the store to discuss examples of the relevant gear.
BY THE WAY: If you'd like to make PERSONAL RESERVATIONS for yourself and your friends or family at OTHER UPCOMING REI CLASSES & PRESENTATIONS: You can check the offerings & availability at an REI store near you and reserve your spot(s) as follows:
1. Go to REI.com.
2. Click on "Store Locator" at the top of the home page and choose your Store of interest from the menu that appears.
3. Click on the free Class or Seminar of interest. (Note that various fee-based classes are also available.)
4. Fill in the online Reservation form and submit (may require your REI member number. A lifetime membership costs just $20).
5. If you aren't able to make a formal reservation, keep in mind that walk-ins at these events are usually acceptable, but only on a space-available or standing-room-only basis. |
| Event Directions: |  | THE REI "ATLANTA STORE" is at 1800 Northeast Expy, Atlanta, GA 30329 about 4 miles toward downtown from "Spaghetti Junction" (the I-85/ I-285 interchange in NE Atlanta). You GPS or Google.com/maps users may find its Lat/Lon coordinates handy as your entered destination: 33.8395,-84.3213
The store is on the southbound I-85 Access Road just south of the Clairmont Rd exit. Two approach options are detailed below. The store's phone number is 404-633-6508.
FROM SPAGHETTI JUNCTION ETC. via I-85 SOUTH:
1. Going southbound on I-85, take Exit #91 "Clairmont Rd" and continue straight ahead at the exit traffic light (crossing Clairmont).
2. After you cross Clairmont bear slightly right to stay in the rightmost lane of the I-85 southbound Access Road.
3. The store is on the right side of the Access Road, about 0.5 mile south of Clairmont and just beyond the Briarwood Road junction.
FROM MIDTOWN ATLANTA, ETC. via I-85 NORTH:
1. Going northbound on I-85 take Exit #91 "Clairmont Rd," and stay in the far left lane of the exit ramp as you near Clairmont. This will loop you counterclockwise onto the southbound I-85 Access Road without any traffic lights.
2. Bear quickly right to get into the rightmost lane of the Access Road without re-entering I-85.
3. The store is on the right side of the Access Road, about 0.5 mile south of Clairmont and just beyond the Briarwood Rd junction.
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