Outdoor World

We traveled to North Carolina this past week and, on our way there, Michael saw an interesting structure peaking out from the trees that lined the freeway.  Up for an adventure, I agreed to detour to find this possible cultural expedition.  What we found doubling back about 2 miles was ...

O U T D O O R   W O R L D ! ! ! !

What I saw stirring about the boats and entrance looked just like regular white people, but there was something different about them compared to the Northern Virginia folk we were used to.  We were still in Virginia but there was an air of ruggedness to these patrons of Outdoor World.  Maybe I was influenced by the rustic lodge decor and thought anyone who entered had to match.  Regardless, I was intrigued and did not care that I, the lone person who looked  "not from around these parts" , was about to fulfill the stereotype of Asians who love to take pictures.

How could I not take a picture of the interesting sights to see.  Even their crosswalk was different here in Outdoor World.

That may look like any crosswalk, but look more closely to find the subliminal message!

Fish!

The entrance within was quite the event!

This was indeed a sportsman's paradise - on steroids!  Architectural steroids at that!  My first thought was that this place was the Disneyland for hunters.  But that didn't quite fit.  This contained building of enjoyment reminded me of the casinos in Las Vegas in which the environs within were transformed to give you the illusion that you had entered another planet, another world.   Because Disneyland is more of an outdoor experience, you always have a hint that you are on earth, or in LA or Orlando specifically.  You see the sky in Disneyworld and there's a reference to they world you come from.  Within Outdoor World and other casinos, you are enveloped by the architect's and interior designer's vision.  You have     t r a n s p o r t e d !!!!!!!  (I sound like a madwoman, don't I?)

I did feel a bit delirious exploring this new place with these interesting people who looked as if they belonged farther south of the country.

One might think that this is a store purely for adults.  Nay, it is inclusive of all ages.  They, in fact, get their younin's started early with the camouflage.

Simone and Max found many of the taxidermied animals interesting ... except for one.

"Hey, make sure you get my good side."

The selection of the store was as spectacular as their show pieces.  They had an entire aisle dedicated to cast iron cookware!  We bought little things like armguards for archery, cast iron conditioner, candy, and Michael-wear (read: flannel).  When it gets colder and we get more into archery or when I get better with camp cooking, we will most likely return and make a real dent in their inventory!